bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic improvement of the shoot architecture and yield in soya bean plants via the manipulation of GmmiR156b
Authors: Sun Zhengxi , Su Chao , Yun Jinxia , Jiang Qiong , Wang Lixiang , Wang Youning , Cao Dong , Zhao Fang , Zhao Qingsong , Zhang Mengchen , Zhou Bin , Zhang Lei , Kong Fanjiang , Liu Baohui , Tong Yiping , Li Xia 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe optimization of plant architecture in order to breed high‐yielding soya bean cultivars is a goal of researchers. Tall plants bearing many long branches are desired, but only modest success in reaching these goals has been achieved. MicroRNA156 (miR156)‐SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN‐LIKE (SPL) gene modules play pivotal roles in controlling shoot architecture and other traits in crops like rice and wheat. However, the effects of miR156‐SPL modules on soya bean architecture and yield, and the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, remain largely unknown. In this study, we achieved substantial improvements in soya bean architecture and yield by overexpressing GmmiR156b. Transgenic plants produced significantly increased numbers of long branches, nodes and pods, and they exhibited an increased 100‐seed weight, resulting in a 46%–63% increase in yield per plant. Intriguingly, GmmiR156b overexpression had no significant impact on plant height in a growth room or under field conditions; however, it increased stem thickness significantly. Our data indicate that GmmiR156b modulates these traits mainly via the direct cleavage of SPL transcripts. Moreover, we found that GmSPL9d is expressed in the shoot apical meristem and axillary meristems (AMs) of soya bean, and that GmSPL9d may regulate axillary bud formation and branching by physically interacting with the homeobox gene WUSCHEL (WUS), a central regulator of AM formation. Together, our results identify GmmiR156b as a promising target for the improvement of soya bean plant architecture and yields, and they reveal a new and conserved regulatory cascade involving miR156‐SPL‐WUS that will help researchers decipher the genetic basis of plant architecture.
Pathological antibody‐mediated rejection in pediatric heart transplant recipients: Immunologic risk factors, hemodynamic significance, and outcomes
Authors: Hollander Seth A. , Peng David M. , Mills Marcos , Berry Gerald J. , Fedrigo Marny , McElhinney Doff B. , Almond Christopher S. , Rosenthal David N. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBiopsy‐diagnosed pAMR has been observed in over half of pediatric HT recipients within 6 years of transplantation. We report the incidence and outcomes of pAMR at our center. All endomyocardial biopsies for all HT recipients transplanted between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed and classified using contemporary ISHLT guidelines. Graft dysfunction was defined as a qualitative decrement in systolic function by echocardiogram or an increase of ≥3 mm Hg in atrial filling pressure by direct measurement. Among 96 patients, pAMR2 occurred in 7 (7%) over a median follow‐up period of 3.1 years, while no cases of pAMR3 occurred. A history of CHD, DSA at transplant, and elevated filling pressures were associated with pAMR2. Five‐sixths (83%) of patients developed new C1q+ DSA at the time of pAMR diagnosis. There was a trend toward reduced survival, with 43% of patients dying within 2.3 years of pAMR diagnosis.
A case series of perioperative variables in relation to short‐term outcomes in pediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Goh Celine Y. Y. , Hume‐Smith Helen , Kessaris Nicos , Marks Stephen D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMultiple perioperative variables have been shown in existing literature to influence long‐term outcomes of pediatric RTx, such as allograft survival. Their impact on short‐term outcomes is not as well‐documented. This case series aims to investigate the effects of nine perioperative variables on two short‐term outcomes in pRTR: 1‐week post‐operative eGFR and post‐operative LOS. A total of 73 pRTR transplanted over 3 years from 2012 to 2014 at a single center were studied retrospectively and statistical analyses were performed. There was higher 1‐week post‐operative eGFR in pRTR who received living donor transplants compared to those who received deceased donor transplants (P=.01), with mean eGFR of 135 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 82 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Aorta‐IVC anastomosis was associated with longer LOS compared to iliac vessel anastomosis (P=.03), with median LOS of 19 and 13 days, respectively. There were no significant effects on 1‐week eGFR or LOS of the seven other variables: pRTR age and gender, donor age, preoperative donor SBP, intraoperative mean CVP before graft perfusion, intraoperative median SBP z score after graft perfusion, and intraoperative fluid volume. Living donor transplants were associated with higher 1‐week post‐operative eGFR compared to deceased donor transplants. Aorta‐IVC anastomosis was significantly associated with longer LOS compared to iliac vessel anastomosis.
Photophysical and Photochemical Properties of 3‐methylpterin as a New and More Stable Pterin‐type Photosensitizer
Authors: Estébanez Sandra , Lorente Carolina , Kaufman Teodoro S. , Larghi Enrique L. , Thomas Andrés H. , Serrano Mariana P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPterin derivatives are heterocyclic compounds which are present in different biological systems. Neutral aqueous solutions of pterins present acid–base and keto–enol equilibria. These compounds, under UV‐A radiation fluoresce, undergo photooxidation, generate reactive oxygen species and photoinduce the oxidation of biological substrates. As photosensitizers, they may act through different mechanisms, mainly through an electron transfer‐initiated process (type‐I mechanism), but they also produce singlet molecular oxygen (1O2) upon irradiation (type‐II mechanism). In general, upon UV‐A excitation two triplet states, corresponding to the lactim and lactam tautomers, are formed, but only the last one is the responsible for the photosensitized reactions of biomolecules. We present a study of the photochemical properties of 3‐methylpterin (3‐Mep) which, in contrast to most pterin derivatives, exists only in the lactam form. Also an improvement in the synthesis of 3‐Mep is reported. The spectroscopic properties 3‐Mep in aqueous solution were similar to those of the unsubstituted pterin derivative (Ptr) in its acid form, such as absorption, fluorescent and phosphorescent emission spectra. Experiments using 2′‐deoxyguanosine 5′‐monophosphate (dGMP) as oxidizable target demonstrated that methylation at C‐3 position of the pterin moiety does not affect significantly the efficiency of photosensitization, but results in a more photostable sensitizer.
Wheat leaf resistance to Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis induced by silicon activation of phenylpropanoid metabolism
Authors: Dorneles K. R. , Pazdiora P. C. , Hoffmann J. F. , Chaves F. C. , Monte L. G. , Rodrigues F. A. , Dallagnol L. J. 
Published: May 2018

Tan spot caused by Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis is a disease present in all wheat‐producing countries and silicon (Si) treatment of wheat plants has been shown to increase plant resistance to tan spot. In this study, the effect of phenylpropanoid metabolism on resistance to tan spot was evaluated and some phenolic compounds that accumulated in response to P. tritici‐repentis attack were identified. Furthermore, the effect of Si on phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) activity and phenolic compound accumulation were determined in situ. Antifungal activity of differentially accumulated phenolic compounds was also evaluated in in vitro tests. Results showed that the increase in concentration of phenolic compounds was greatest at the onset of infection, and that some compounds showed fungitoxic effects including fungal tip swelling, granulation of germ tube and hyphae, and hyphal hyperbranching. Silicon‐induced reduction in both lesion size and tan spot disease progression were associated with activation of phenylpropanoid metabolism. PAL activity and accumulation of antifungal phenolic compounds were greater in pathogen‐inoculated plants supplied with Si. In these plants, fluorescence indicative of accumulation of phenolic compounds occurred early in epidermal cells and its intensity increased during the evaluation period, showing higher numbers of fluorescent cells around infected cells. Thus, the combined responses of cell fluorescence at sites of infection, increased PAL activity and accumulation of phenols indicate that Si strengthened wheat defence responses to infection by P. tritici‐repentis, reducing the severity of tan spot.
Alluvial stratification styles in a large, flash‐flood influenced dryland river: The Luni River, Thar Desert, north‐west India
Authors: Carling Paul A. , Leclair Suzanne F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDetailed descriptions of the architecture of dryland‐river deposits are few, which hinders the understanding of stratigraphic development in aggradational settings. The aim of this study was to obtain new insight into the depositional dynamics and resultant stratigraphy of steep, high‐energy dryland rivers in particular. The study site is within the Luni River, the largest river in the Thar Desert, India. A 700 m wide section, 5 m deep, was logged and the dated‐stratification related to the flow regimen. Seasonal discharges may reach 14 000 m3 sec−1 but the bed is usually dry. The deposits consist mainly of sandy upper‐stage plane bed lamination and low‐angle stratification deposited in supercritical flows with some strata showing gravel‐lense antidune signatures. Estimated hydraulic parameters indicate a dominance of the upper‐stage plane bed state. Less frequent dune trough cross‐sets occur at all depths, yet commonly as isolated sets with erosive upper boundaries. Localized deep scour causes slumping and soft‐sediment deformation. Scour holes adjacent to older bedded deposits are rapidly infilled, often by massive deposits. Repeated deep scour results in units of deposition of different ages (50 to 500 a bp) and different facies found at similar shallow depths (2 to 3 m). Older dates (1 to 2 ka bp) occur in lower strata (4 to 5 m depths) at which depths younger units also are preserved locally. The steep, high‐energy depositional environment promotes the unusual preservation and predominance of upper‐stage facies, in contrast to a relative paucity of lower‐stage facies. Frequent local deep‐scour during floods means that specific facies rarely can be traced across the river channel for more than a few metres, but are replaced by other facies in close proximity. These results should help interpretation of high‐energy sediment deposits widely and improve understanding of the stratigraphic development in modern dryland rivers, and in characterizing oil, gas and groundwater reservoirs in the dryland geological record more generally.
Rice RAD51 paralogs play essential roles in somatic homologous recombination for DNA repair
Authors: Xu Zhan , Zhang Jianxiang , Xu Meng , Ji Wen , Yu Meimei , Tao Yajun , Gong Zhiyun , Gu Minghong , Yu Hengxiu 
Published: May 2018

SummarySynthesis‐dependent strand annealing (SDSA) and single‐strand annealing (SSA) are the two main homologous recombination (HR) pathways in double‐strand break (DSB) repair. The involvement of rice RAD51 paralogs in HR is well known in meiosis, although the molecular mechanism in somatic HR remains obscure. Loss‐of‐function mutants of rad51 paralogs show increased sensitivity to the DSB‐inducer bleomycin, which results in greatly compromised somatic recombination efficiencies (xrcc3 in SDSA, rad51b and xrcc2 in SSA, rad51c and rad51d in both). Using immunostaining, we found that mutations in RAD51 paralogs (XRCC3, RAD51C, or RAD51D) lead to tremendous impairment in RAD51 focus formation at DSBs. Intriguingly, the RAD51C mutation has a strong effect on the protein loading of its partners (XRCC3 and RAD51B) at DSBs, which is similar to the phenomenon observed in the case of blocking PI3K‐like kinases in wild‐type plant. We conclude that the rice CDX3 complex acts in SDSA recombination while the BCDX2 complex acts in SSA recombination in somatic DSB repair. Importantly, RAD51C serves as a fulcrum for the local recruitment of its partners (XRCC3 for SDSA and RAD51B for SSA) and is positively modulated by PI3K‐like kinases to facilitate both the SDSA and SSA pathways in RAD51 paralog‐dependent somatic HR.
Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis Among Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Li Fenfen , Li Xiaotian , Du Ganqin 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) and subsequent pulmonary embolism (PE) are common complications of stroke. However, the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) for patients after stroke is uncertain.ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness and safety of IPC in reducing the risk of DVT, PE, and mortality in stroke patients.MethodsWe searched leading medical databases including Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, CNKI, and CBM, from inception to June 2, 2017. Studies comparing IPC with no IPC in stroke patients were included. Agreement was measured using simple agreement and kappa statistics. The rates of PE, DVT, and mortality were compared. The results were pooled using a fixed effects model to evaluate the differences between the IPC and control groups. If there was significant heterogeneity in the pooled result, a random effect model was used.ResultsWe identified seven randomized controlled trials that included 3,551 stroke patients. The average calculated κ for the various parameters was κ = 0.96 (0.70–1). Overall, IPC significantly reduced the incidence of DVT in stroke patients (risk ratio [RR] = 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI 0.27, 0.94]). At the same time, IPC increased IPC‐related adverse events (RR = 5.71; 95% CI [3.40, 9.58]). Though IPC was associated with a significant increase in survival by 4.5 days during 6 months of follow‐up (148–152 days; 95% CI [–0.2, 9.1]), there was a mean gain of only 0.9 days (26.7–27.6 days; 95% CI [2.1, 3.9]) in quality‐adjusted survival during the 6‐month follow‐up. Overall, sensitivity analyses did not alter these findings.Linking Evidence to ActionThis review provides an important basis for preventing DVT in stroke patients, especially in hemorrhagic stroke patients. IPC significantly reduces the risk of DVT and significantly improves survival in a wide variety of patients who are immobile after stroke. However, IPC does not significantly improve quality‐adjusted survival. Clinicians should take functional status and quality of life into consideration when making decisions for stroke patients.
Appropriately testing patients with intermediate risk for coronary artery disease: how well are we doing?
Authors: Alsaad Ali A , Shapiro Brian P 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundCardiovascular risk assessment and stratification of stable coronary artery disease represents a pivotal component of coronary artery disease management. The introduction of risk stratification tools has advanced the detection of patients with intermediate to high risk for coronary artery events. These patients will ultimately undergo non-invasive and invasive cardiovascular testing.ObjectiveTo synthesise evidence illustrating risk stratification tools and non-invasive testing for patients with intermediate risk for coronary artery disease and suggest a simple method for clinicians to follow prior to ordering non-invasive cardiovascular testing.Study selectionLiterature review of PubMed and MEDLINE Central on studies and evidence highlighting the appropriate use criteria for radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging.Findings and conclusionsOvertestingusing myocardial perfusion imaging is well documented in several studies in the literature. Few studies highlighted the importance of the appropriate use criteria for radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging, which can reduce unnecessary testing in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Herein, we propose ‘Simple Steps to Follow’ to be considered by clinicians prior to ordering radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging. The target audience of this article is internal and family medicine primary care physicians and other non-cardiologist physicians.
Role of sampling times and serum cortisol cut-off concentrations on the routine assessment of adrenal function using the standard cosyntropin test in an academic hospital from Spain: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Ortiz-Flores Andrés E , Santacruz Elisa , Jiménez-Mendiguchia Lucía , García-Cano Ana , Nattero-Chávez Lia , Escobar-Morreale Héctor F , Luque-Ramírez Manuel 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesAiming to validate the use of a single poststimulus sampling protocol for cosyntropin test short standard high-dose test (SST) in our institution, our primary objectives were (1) to determine the concordance between 30 and 60 min serum cortisol (SC) measurements during SST; and (2) to evaluate the diagnostic agreement between both sampling times when using classic or assay-specific and sex-specific SC cut-off values. The secondary objectives included (1) estimating the specificity and positive predictive value of 30 and 60 min sampling times while considering the suspected origin of adrenal insufficiency (AI); and (2) obtaining assay-specific cut-off values for SC after SST in a group of subjects with normal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis.Design and settingThis is a retrospective chart review study conducted at a Spanish academic hospital from 2011 to 2015.Participants and interventionsTwo groups were evaluated: (1) a main study group including 370 patients in whom SC was measured at 30 and 60 min during SST; and (2) a confirmative group that included 150 women presenting with a normal HPA axis in whom SST was conducted to rule out late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Diagnostic agreement between both sampling times was assessed by considering both classic (500 nmol/L) and assay-specific SC cut-off concentrations.ResultsDiagnostic agreement between both sampling times was greater when applying sex-specific and assay-specific cut-off values instead of the classic cut-off values. For suspected primary AI, 30 min SC determination was enough to establish a diagnosis in over 95% of cases, without missing any necessary treatment. When central AI is suspected, 60 min SC measurement was more specific, establishing a diagnosis in over 97% of cases.ConclusionsSex-specific and assay-specific SC cut-off values improve the diagnostic accuracy of SST. For primary disease, a subnormal SC response at 30 min is a reliable marker of adrenal dysfunction. On the contrary, when central AI is suspected, 60 min SC measurement improves the diagnostic accuracy of the test.
What is the effect of prolonged sitting and physical activity on thoracic spine mobility? An observational study of young adults in a UK university setting
Authors: Heneghan Nicola R , Baker Gemma , Thomas Kimberley , Falla Deborah , Rushton Alison 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveSedentary behaviour has long been associated with neck and low back pain, although relatively little is known about the thoracic spine. Contributing around 33% of functional neck movement, understanding the effect of sedentary behaviour and physical activity on thoracic spinal mobility may guide clinical practice and inform research of novel interventions.DesignAn assessor-blinded prospective observational study designed and reported in accordance with Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology.SettingUK university (June–September 2016).ParticipantsA convenience sample (18–30 years) was recruited and based on self-report behaviours, the participants were assigned to one of three groups: group 1, sitters—sitting >7 hours/day+physical activity<150 min/week; group 2, physically active—moderate exercise >150 min/week+sitting <4 hours/day and group 3, low activity—sitting 2–7 hours/day+physical activity <150 min/week.Outcome measuresThoracic spine mobility was assessed in the heel-sit position using Acumar digital goniometer; a validated measure. Descriptive and inferential analyses included analysis of variance and analysis of covariance for between group differences and Spearman’s rank correlation for post hoc analysis of associations.ResultsThe sample (n=92) comprised: sitters n=30, physically active n=32 and low activity n=30. Groups were comparable with respect to age and body mass index.Thoracic spine mobility (mean (SD)) was: group 1 sitters 64.75 (1.20), group 2 physically active 74.96 (1.18) and group 3 low activity 68.44 (1.22). Significant differences were detected between (1) sitters and low activity, (2) sitters and physically active (p<0.001). There was an overall effect size of 0.31. Correlations between thoracic rotation and exercise duration (r=0.67, p<0.001), sitting duration (r=−0.29, p<0.001) and days exercised (r=0.45, p<0.001) were observed.ConclusionsFindings evidence reduced thoracic mobility in individuals who spend >7 hours/day sitting and <150 min/week of physical activity. Further research is required to explore possible causal relationships between activity behaviours and spinal musculoskeletal health.
How a deliberative approach includes women in the decisions of screening mammography: a citizens' jury feasibility study in Andalusia, Spain
Authors: Baena-Cañada José M , Luque-Ribelles Violeta , Quílez-Cutillas Alicia , Rosado-Varela Petra , Benítez-Rodríguez Encarnación , Márquez-Calderón Soledad , Rivera-Bautista Juan Manuel 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo verify whether a citizens' jury study is feasible to the Andalusian population and to know if women, when better informed, are able to answer the research question of whether the Andalusian Public Health System must continue offering screening mammography to women aged 50–69. The reasons for the pertinent decision and recommendations to the political authorities will be stated.DesignQualitative research study with the methodology of citizens' jury.SettingBreast cancer screening programme in Andalusia (Spain).ParticipantsThirteen women aged 50–69 with secondary school or higher education accepted to participate as a jury. Two epidemiologists were the expert witnesses. The main researcher was the neutral moderator.InterventionsJury met on Monday, 15 February 2016. The moderator indicated to the jury that it had to assess the screening programme’s key benefits and main harm. On Tuesday, 16 February, the expert witnesses positioned for and against the programme. On Thursday, 18 February, the jury deliberated, reached final conclusions, submitted its vote and stated its recommendations to politicians. The deliberation session was transcribed and analysed with the support of ATLAS.ti.5.2 software.Primary and secondary outcome measuresFeasibility in the Andalusian population, women’s vote and opinion, reasons for votes and recommendations to political authorities.ResultsEleven participants voted yes and two voted no. There are three reasons to vote ‘yes’: health, the test nature, and individual freedom. Some women invoke the lack of efficacy and the cost to justify their negative vote, at least in universal terms. On completion, they made suggestions to be submitted to the pertinent authorities for the improvement of information, psychology services and research.ConclusionsThe deliberative strategy is feasible and causes a favourable positioning regarding screening mammography, although information changes the opinion of some women, who desire informed decision making and to keep or increase medicalisation in their lives.