bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reevaluation and discovery of new species of the rare genus Watanabea and establishment of Massjukichlorella gen. nov. (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) using an integrative approach
Authors: Darienko Tatyana , Pröschold Thomas 
Published: December 2018

Chlorella–like coccoid green algae are widely distributed in almost all terrestrial habitats and belong to different lineages of the Chlorophyceae and Trebouxiophyceae. The Watanabea clade of the Trebouxiophyceae shows a high genetic biodiversity. Re‐investigation of the authentic strain of the rarely found W. reniformis showed several morphological differences compared to the original description. To clarify the taxonomic status of Watanabea, we compared several new isolates with similar morphology. Phylogenetic analyses of the SSU and SSU+ITS rDNA sequences revealed that all new isolates were distinct from W. reniformis. The ITS‐2/CBC approach clearly demonstrated that the strains belonging to Watanabea represented species. We emended the generic diagnosis of Watanabea, and proposed four new species. One strain, SAG 2552, represented a separate lineage that we propose as a new genus Massjukichlorella with one species M. epiphytica.
Insufficiency of urinary acid excretion of overweight or obese patients with chronic kidney disease and its involvement with renal tubular injury
Authors: Eguchi Koji , Izumi Yuichiro , Nakayama Yushi , Inoue Hideki , Marume Takahiro , Matsuo Naomi , Hiramatsu Akiko , Ono Makoto , Kakizoe Yutaka , Kuwabara Takashige , Nonoguchi Hiroshi , Mukoyama Masashi 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTAimMetabolic acidosis occurs due to insufficient urinary ammonium excretion as chronic kidney disease (CKD) advances. Because obese subjects tend to have excessive consumption of protein and sodium chloride, they are prone to chronic acid loading and may therefore be predisposed to acid‐induced kidney injury. We investigated the involvement of obesity in ammoniagenesis within damaged kidneys.MethodsIn the clinical study, urinary ammonium excretion was compared between 13 normal‐weight and 15 overweight/obese CKD outpatients whose creatinine clearance was higher than 25 mL/min. For animal experiments, NH4Cl was loaded to KKAy/TaJcl (KKAy), a metabolic syndrome model, and control BALB/c mice for 20 weeks. Kidney injury was evaluated through histological analysis and the expression of proinflammatory markers.ResultsUrinary ammonium excretion was lower in overweight/obese patients than in normal‐weight patients, while intakes of protein and sodium chloride were higher in overweight/obese patients, implying that subclinical metabolic acidosis occurs in overweight/obese patients. The increase in urinary ammonium excretion induced by NH4Cl loading was attenuated in KKAy mice after 16 weeks, whereas the increase was maintained in BALB/c mice throughout the study period. Histological study and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed proximal tubular injury and enhanced expression levels of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) protein and messenger RNA, respectively, in KKAy mice but not in BALB/c mice. Finally, urinary NGAL concentration was higher in overweight/obese patients than in normal‐weight patients in the early stage of CKD.ConclusionObesity could facilitate the induction of subclinical metabolic acidosis and acid accumulation in the kidney, which may potentially exacerbate kidney injury in CKD patients.
Diverse NLR immune receptors activate defence via the RPW8‐NLR NRG1
Authors: Castel Baptiste , Ngou Pok‐Man , Cevik Volkan , Redkar Amey , Kim Dae‐Sung , Yang Ying , Ding Pingtao , Jones Jonathan D. G. 
Published: December 2018

Summary

Most land plant genomes carry genes that encode RPW8‐NLR Resistance (R) proteins. Angiosperms carry two RPW8‐NLR subclasses: ADR1 and NRG1. ADR1s act as ‘helper’ NLRs for multiple TIR‐ and CC‐NLR R proteins in Arabidopsis. In angiosperm families, NRG1 co‐occurs with TIR‐NLR Resistance (R) genes. We tested whether NRG1 is required for signalling of multiple TIR‐NLRs.

Using CRISPR mutagenesis, we obtained an nrg1a‐nrg1b double mutant in two Arabidopsis accessions, and an nrg1 mutant in Nicotiana benthamiana.

These mutants are compromised in signalling of all TIR‐NLRs tested, including WRR4A, WRR4B, RPP1, RPP2, RPP4 and the pairs RRS1/RPS4, RRS1B/RPS4B, CHS1/SOC3 and CHS3/CSA1. In Arabidopsis, NRG1 is required for the hypersensitive cell death response (HR) and full oomycete resistance, but not for salicylic acid induction or bacterial resistance. By contrast, nrg1 loss of function does not compromise the CC‐NLR R proteins RPS5 and MLA. RPM1 and RPS2 (CC‐NLRs) function is slightly compromised in an nrg1 mutant. Thus, NRG1 is required for full TIR‐NLR function and contributes to the signalling of some CC‐NLRs.

Some NRG1‐dependent R proteins also signal partially via the NRG1 sister clade, ADR1. We propose that some NLRs signal via NRG1 only, some via ADR1 only and some via both or neither.
Deep‐water dunes on drowned isolated carbonate terraces (Mozambique Channel, south‐west Indian Ocean)
Authors: Miramontes Elda , Jorry Stephan J. , Jouet Gwenael , Counts John W. , Courgeon Simon , Le Roy Pascal , Guerin Charline , Hernández‐Molina F. Javier 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSubaqueous sand dunes are common bedforms on continental shelves dominated by tidal and geostrophic currents. However, much less is known about sand dunes in deep‐marine settings that are affected by strong bottom currents. In this study, dune fields were identified on drowned isolated carbonate platforms in the Mozambique Channel (south‐west Indian Ocean). The acquired data include multibeam bathymetry, multi‐channel high‐resolution seismic reflection data, sea floor imagery, a sediment sample and current measurements from a moored current meter and hull‐mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler. The dunes are located at water depths ranging from 200 to 600 m on the slope terraces of a modern atoll (Bassas da India Atoll) and within small depressions formed during tectonic deformation of drowned carbonate platforms (Sakalaves Seamount and Jaguar Bank). Dunes are composed of bioclastic medium size sand, and are large to very large, with wavelengths of 40 to 350 m and heights of 0·9 to 9·0 m. Dune migration seems to be unidirectional in each dune field, suggesting a continuous import and export of bioclastic sand, with little sand being recycled. Oceanic currents are very intense in the Mozambique Channel and may be able to erode submerged carbonates, generating carbonate sand at great depths. A mooring located at 463 m water depth on the Hall Bank (30 km west of the Jaguar Bank) showed vigorous bottom currents, with mean speeds of 14 cm sec−1 and maximum speeds of 57 cm sec−1, compatible with sand dune formation. The intensity of currents is highly variable and is related to tidal processes (high‐frequency variability) and to anticyclonic eddies near the seamounts (low‐frequency variability). This study contributes to a better understanding of the formation of dunes in deep‐marine settings and provides valuable information about carbonate preservation after drowning, and the impact of bottom currents on sediment distribution and sea floor morphology.
Soil tillage and cover crop on soil CO2 emissions from sugarcane fields
Authors: Farhate Camila V. V. , de Souza Zigomar M. , La Scala Newton , de Sousa Allan Charlles M. , Santos Ana Paula G. , Carvalho João Luis N. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSoil tillage is an agricultural practice that directly affects the global carbon cycle. Our study sought to assess the implications of adopting sunn hemp cover crops with different tillage practices on CO2 emissions for two soil types (clayey and sandy soil) cultivated with sugarcane in Brazil. The experimental design was a split‐plot with randomized blocks, with the main plots being with cover crop or fallow and sub‐plots being under conventional or minimum tillage. Our results indicate that during the first 50 days after soil tillage, the variation in soil CO2 emissions was stimulated by cover crop and soil tillage, while after that, it became dominated by the root respiration of sugarcane plants. We also found that over the first 97 days after the tillage, the clayey soil showed differences between minimum tillage with cover crop and fallow. Conversely, for sandy soil over the first 50 days following, there were differences between the tillage systems under cover cropping. Emissions from sugarcane rows were found to be greater than those from inter‐row positions. We concluded that soils under different textural classes had distinct patterns in terms of soil CO2 emissions. The correct quantification of CO2 emissions during the sugarcane renovation period should prioritize having a short assessment period (~50 days after soil tillage) as well as including measurements at row and inter‐row positions.
DETERMINATION OF STRUCTURAL, PHYSICAL, AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF BIOCOMPOSITE THIN FILM FROM WASTE BANANA PEEL
Authors: Nik Yusuf Nik Alnur Auli , Abdul Razab Mohammad Khairul Azhar , Abu Bakar Mohamad Bashree , Jia Yen Khor , Wing Tung Chee , Mohd Ghani Ros Syazmini , Nordin Mohd Nasha'ain 
Published: December 2018

This study summarizes the research on organic fillers, where eggshells were used as the reinforcement and banana peels as the matrix in the manufacturing of biocomposite thin film. Banana peel fibers exhibit a good characteristic of renewable material for the substitution of cement-based composites. However, biocomposite properties are limited by the poor adhesion between natural fiber interface and polymer matrix, which can be improved by chemical modification of fibers. In this research, banana peels were subjected to silane treatment. Biocomposite thin film manufacturing processes were carried out using blending and hand lay-up techniques with various concentrations of epoxy/waste banana peels/eggshell filler (EWE) ratios (EWE 0%, EWE 5%, and EWE 10%). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and thickness swelling test were conducted on silane-treated and untreated banana peel biocomposite samples. In XRD analysis, it was found that EWE 10% sample had the highest crystallinity compared to EWE 0% and EWE 5%, and silane-treated samples had higher crystallinity than untreated samples. For FTIR test, lignin component was removed in silane treatment based on the changes of IR peak characteristic where the new bonds (-Si-O-C-, -Si-O-Si-, and -Si-C-) were found in treated samples. Besides, TGA results showed that the thermal stability of silane-treated samples was improved significantly with the increase of eggshell filler percentage, which was proven by the decrease in the decomposition stage. In thickness swelling test, the samples achieved higher swelling percentage as the percentage of eggshell filler increased. However, the decrease of 5–6% in thickness swelling of treated samples was possibly offset by the enhancement in fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion.
Vinyasa Flow: Metabolic Cost and Validation of Hip- and Wrist-Worn Wearable Sensors
Authors: Huberty Jennifer L. , Matthews Jeni L. , Toledo Meynard , Smith Lindsay , Jarrett Catherine L. , Duncan Benjamin , Buman Matthew P. 
Published: December 2018

Purpose: To estimate the energy expenditure (EE) of Vinyasa Flow and validate the Actigraph (AG) and GENEActiv (GA) for measuring EE in Vinyasa Flow. Methods: Participants (N = 22) were fitted to a mask attached to the Oxycon. An AG was placed on the left hip and a GA was placed on the non-dominant wrist. Participants were randomized to an initial resting activity before completing a 30-minute Vinyasa Flow video. AG data was scored using the Freedson VM3 (2011) and the Freedson Adult (1998) algorithms in the Actilife software platform. EE from GA were derived using cut points from a previous study. Date and time filters were added corresponding to the time stamps recorded by the tablet video files of each yoga session. Kcals and METs expended by participants were calculated using bodyweight measured during their visit. Data was analyzed using SPSS. A dependent samples t-test, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and mean absolute difference were used to determine agreement between variables. Results: According to the Oxycon, participation in Vinyasa Flow required an average EE of 3.2 ± 0.4 METs. The absolute agreement between the Oxycon, AG, or GA was poor (ICC < .20). The mean difference in METs for the AG was −2.1 ± 0.6 and GA was −1.4 ± 0.6 (all p < .01). Conclusion: According to the Oxycon, participation in Vinyasa Flow met the criteria for moderate-intensity physical activity. The AG and GA consistently underestimated EE. More research is needed to determine an accurate measurement for EE during yoga using a wearable device appropriate for free-living environments.
Virulence Role of the GlcNAc Side Chain of the Lancefield Cell Wall Carbohydrate Antigen in Non-M1-Serotype Group AStreptococcus
Authors: Henningham Anna , Davies Mark R. , Uchiyama Satoshi , van Sorge Nina M. , Lund Sean , Chen Kelsey T. , Walker Mark J. , Cole Jason N. , Nizet Victor 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTClassification of streptococci is based upon expression of unique cell wall carbohydrate antigens. All serotypes of group AStreptococcus(GAS;Streptococcus pyogenes), a leading cause of infection-related mortality worldwide, express the group A carbohydrate (GAC). GAC, the classical Lancefield antigen, is comprised of a polyrhamnose backbone withN-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) side chains. The immunodominant GlcNAc epitope of GAC is the basis of all rapid diagnostic testing for GAS infection. We previously identified the 12-gene GAC biosynthesis gene cluster and determined that the glycosyltransferase GacI was required for addition of the GlcNAc side chain to the polyrhamnose core. Loss of the GAC GlcNAc epitope in serotype M1 GAS resulted in attenuated virulence in two animal infection models and increased GAS sensitivity to killing by whole human blood, serum, neutrophils, and antimicrobial peptides. Here, we report that the GAC biosynthesis gene cluster is ubiquitous among 520 GAS isolates from global sources, representing 105 GASemmserotypes. Isogenic ΔgacImutants were constructed in M2, M3, M4, M28, and M89 backgrounds and displayed an array of phenotypes in susceptibility to killing by whole human blood, baby rabbit serum, human platelet releasate, human neutrophils, and antimicrobial peptide LL-37. The contribution of the GlcNAc side chain to GAS survivalin vivoalso varied by strain, demonstrating that it is not a prerequisite for virulence in the murine infection model. Thus, the relative contribution of GAC to virulence in non-M1 serotypes appears to depend on the quorum of other virulence factors that each strain possesses.IMPORTANCEThe Lancefield group A carbohydrate (GAC) is the species-defining antigen for group AStreptococcus(GAS), comprising ~50% of the cell wall of this major human pathogen. We previously showed that the GlcNAc side chain of GAC contributes to the innate immune resistance and animal virulence phenotypes of the globally disseminated strain of serotype M1 GAS. Here, we use isogenic mutagenesis to examine the role of GAC GlcNAc in five additional medically relevant GAS serotypes. Overall, the GlcNAc side chain of GAC contributes to the innate immune resistance of GAS, but the relative contribution varies among individual strains. Moreover, the GAC GlcNAc side chain is not a universal prerequisite for GAS virulence in the animal model.
Impact of abolishing prescription fees in Scotland on hospital admissions and prescribed medicines: an interrupted time series evaluation
Authors: Williams Andrew James , Henley William , Frank John 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesTo identify whether the abolition of prescription fees in Scotland resulted in: (1) Increase in the number (cost to NHS) of medicines prescribed for which there had been a fee (inhaled corticosteroids). (2) Reduction in hospital admissions for conditions related to those medications for which there had been a fee (asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD))—when both are compared with prescribed medicines and admissions for a condition (diabetes mellitus) for which prescriptions were historically free.DesignNatural experimental retrospective general practice level interrupted time series (ITS) analysis using administrative data.SettingGeneral practices, Scotland, UK.Participants732 (73.6%) general practices across Scotland with valid dispensed medicines and hospital admissions data during the study period (July 2005–December 2013).InterventionReduction in fees per dispensed item from April 2008 leading to the abolition of the fee in April 2011, resulting in universal free prescriptions.Primary and secondary outcomesHospital admissions recorded in the Scottish Morbidity Record – 01 Inpatient (SMR01) and dispensed medicines recorded in the Prescribing Information System (PIS).ResultsThe ITS analysis identified marked step reductions in adult (19–59 years) admissions related to asthma or COPD (the intervention group), compared with older or young people with the same conditions or adults with diabetes mellitus (the counterfactual groups). The prescription findings were less coherent and subsequent sensitivity analyses found that both the admissions and prescriptions data were highly variable above the annual or seasonal level, limiting the ability to interpret the findings of the ITS analysis.ConclusionsThis study did not find sufficient evidence that universal free prescriptions was a demonstrably effective or ineffective policy, in terms of reducing hospital admissions or reducing socioeconomic inequality in hospital admissions, in the context of a universal, publicly administered medical care system, the National Health Service of Scotland.
Differences in the outcomes of adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer prescribed by physicians in different disciplines: a population-based study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Cheng-I , Kuo Raymond Nien-Chen , Liang Chun-Chieh , Tsai Hsin-Yun , Chung Kuo-Piao 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesOne feature unique to the Taiwanese healthcare system is the ability of physicians other than oncologists to prescribe systemic chemotherapy. This study investigated whether the care paths implemented by oncologists and non-oncologists differ with regard to patient outcomes.SettingData from the Taiwan Cancer Registry and National Health Insurance Database were linked to identify patients with colon cancer who underwent colectomy as first treatment within 3 months of diagnosis and adjuvant chemotherapy between 2005 and 2009.Participants and methodsPostoperative patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy were included in this study. The exclusion criteria included patients with stage IV disease, a positive surgical margin and early disease recurrence. Among the patients presenting with multiple primary cancers, we also excluded patients who were diagnosed with colon cancer but for whom this was not the first primary cancer. The variables included sex, age, comorbidities, disease stage, chemotherapy cycle and changes in treatment regimen as well as the specialty of treatment providers and their case volume. Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to examine differences in outcomes in the matched cohorts.ResultsWe examined 3534 patients who were prescribed adjuvant chemotherapy by physicians from different disciplines. In terms of 5-year disease-free survival, no significant difference was observed between the groups of oncologists or surgeons among patients with stage II (90.02%vs88.99%) or stage III (77.64%vs79.99%) diseases. Patients who were subjected to changes in their chemotherapy regimens presented recurrence rates higher than those who were not.ConclusionsThe discipline of practitioners is seldom taken into account in most series. This is the first study to provide empirical evidence demonstrating that the outcomes of patients with colon cancer do not depend on the treatment path, as long as the selection criteria for adjuvant chemotherapy is appropriate. Further study will be required before making any further conclusions.
Clinical, neurocognitive and demographic factors associated with functional impairment in the Australian Brain and Mind Youth Cohort Study (2008–2016)
Authors: Lee Rico S C , Hermens Daniel F , Naismith Sharon L , Kaur Manreena , Guastella Adam J , Glozier Nick , Scott Jan , Scott Elizabeth M , Hickie Ian B 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesWe sought to determine the unique and shared contributions of clinical, neurocognitive and demographic factors to functional impairment in a large, transdiagnostic, clinical cohort of adolescents and young adults.DesignCross-sectional baseline data from a prospective, cohort study.SettingHelp-seeking youth referred from outpatient services were recruited to theBrain and Mind Youth Cohort(2008–2016) in Sydney, Australia.ParticipantsIn total, 1003 outpatients were recruited, aged between 12 and 36 years (mean= 20.4 years, 54% female), with baseline diagnoses of affective, psychotic, developmental or behavioural disorders.InterventionsTreatment as usual.Primary outcome measuresSocial and occupational functioning was used to index level of functional impairment. Structural equation modelling was used to examine associations between neurocognition, core clinical symptoms and alcohol and substance use, and clinician-rated and researcher-rated functional impairment. Moderator analyses were conducted to determine the potential influence of demographic and clinical factors (eg, medication exposure).ResultsIndependent of diagnosis, we found that neurocognitive impairments, and depressive, anxiety and negative symptoms, were significantly associated with functioning. The association of neurocognition with social and occupational functioning remained significant even when constraining for age (15–25-year-olds only) or diagnosis (affective disorders only) in the final model.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that, in a clinically representative sample of youth, the key determinants of functioning may not be disorder specific. Further, evidence of neurocognitive dysfunction suggests that interventions that target cognition and functioning should not necessarily be reserved just for older adults with established illness.
Trends of socioeconomic equality in mortality amenable to healthcare and health policy in 1992–2013 in Finland: a population-based register study
Authors: Lumme Sonja , Manderbacka Kristiina , Karvonen Sakari , Keskimäki Ilmo 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveTo study trends in socioeconomic equality in mortality amenable to healthcare and health policy interventions.DesignA population-based register study.SettingNationwide data on mortality from the Causes of Death statistics for the years 1992–2013.ParticipantsAll deaths of Finnish inhabitants aged 25–74.Outcome measuresYearly age-standardised rates of mortality amenable to healthcare interventions, alcohol-related mortality, ischaemic heart disease mortality and mortality due to all the other causes by income. Concentration index (C) was used to evaluate the magnitude and changes in income group differences.ResultsSignificant socioeconomic inequalities favouring the better-off were observed in each mortality category among younger (25–64) and older (65–74) age groups. Inequality was highest in alcohol-related mortality, C was −0.58 (95% CI −0.62 to −0.54) among younger men in 2008 and −0.62 (−0.72 to −0.53) among younger women in 2013. Socioeconomic inequality increased significantly during the study period except for alcohol-related mortality among older women.ConclusionsThe increase in socioeconomic inequality in mortality amenable to healthcare and health policy interventions between 1992 and 2013 suggests that either the means or the implementation of the health policies have been inadequate.