bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The outer membrane Omp85‐like protein P39 influences metabolic homeostasis in mature Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hsueh Y.‐C. , Nicolaisen K. , Gross L. E. , Nöthen J. , Schauer N. , Vojta L. , Ertel F. , Koch I. , Ladig R. , Fulgosi H. , Fernie A. R. , Schleiff E. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

The Omp85 proteins form a large membrane protein family in bacteria and eukaryotes. Omp85 proteins are composed of a C‐terminal β‐barrel‐shaped membrane domain and one or more N‐terminal polypeptide transport‐associated (POTRA) domains. However, Arabidopsis thaliana contains two genes coding for Omp85 proteins without a POTRA domain. One gene is designated P39, according to the molecular weight of the encoded protein. The protein is targeted to plastids and it was established that p39 has electrophysiological properties similar to other Omp85 family members, particularly to that designated as Toc75V/Oep80.

We analysed expression of the gene and characterised two T‐DNA insertion mutants, focusing on alterations in photosynthetic activity, plastid ultrastructure, global expression profile and metabolome.

We observed pronounced expression of P39, especially in veins. Mutants of P39 show growth aberrations, reduced photosynthetic activity and changes in plastid ultrastructure, particularly in the leaf tip. Further, they display global alteration of gene expression and metabolite content in leaves of mature plants.

We conclude that the function of the plastid‐localised and vein‐specific Omp85 family protein p39 is important, but not essential, for maintenance of metabolic homeostasis of full‐grown A. thaliana plants. Further, the function of p39 in veins influences the functionality of other plant tissues. The link connecting p39 function with metabolic regulation in mature A. thaliana is discussed.
Explosive behaviour and long memory with an application to European bond yield spreads
Authors: Kruse Robinson , Wegener Christoph 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis article deals with the interplay of explosive behaviour and long memory. We conduct Monte Carlo simulations and study the finite‐sample properties of the popular unit root test by Phillips et al. (2011) against explosive alternatives. This test exhibits severe upward size distortions under the presence of strongly autocorrelated residuals. We propose the usage of a set of adjusted critical values which leads to a size‐controlled test with increased power. As a complement, we consider the Lagrange Multiplier test against long memory by Tanaka (1999). We study European government bond yield spreads during the financial crisis.
Strategi Kelangsungan Hidup Gelandangan di Pusat Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Muhamad Sham Muhammad Syafiq , Selvaratnam Doris Padmini 
Published: May 2018

The objective of this study is to identify the source of income for the homeless and the ways they continue living in Pusat Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (KL). The data used are collected through interviews with 25 homeless people who were brought by the Welfare Department authority to the Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN) Geo Kosmo camp, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor under the OPS Menyelamat and using the questionnaire on the 50 homeless people who came to Dapur Jalanan Kuala Lumpur (DJKL). Based on statistical result, 28 were self-employed, 3 were working in the private sector and 19 were unemployed while their total income (monthly) showed 11 people earning RM200 and below, RM201 to RM400 with 7 persons, RM401 to RM600 with 8 persons and RM601 or above only 5 people. Based on interviews conducted at the camp most of them did not have fixed income and jobs. The proposal based on the findings is to increase the role of the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and non-governmental organization (NGOs) in focusing on opening new job opportunities and improving skills to homeless people.
Cholinergic excitation complements glutamate in coding visual information in retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Sethuramanujam Santhosh , Awatramani Gautam B. , Slaughter Malcolm M. 
Published: May 2018

Key points
Starburst amacrine cells release GABA and ACh.
This study explores the coordinated function of starburst‐mediated cholinergic excitation and GABAergic inhibition to bistratified retinal ganglion cells, predominantly direction‐selective ganglion cells (DSGCs).
In rat retina, under our recording conditions, starbursts were found to provide the major excitatory drive to a sub‐population of ganglion cells whose dendrites co‐stratify with starburst dendrites (putative DSGCs).
In mouse retina, recordings from genetically identified DSGCs at physiological temperatures reveal that ACh inputs dominate the response to small spot‐high contrast light stimuli, with preferential addition of bipolar cell input shifting the balance towards glutamate for larger spot stimuli
In addition, starbursts also appear to gate glutamatergic excitation to DSGCs by postsynaptic and possibly presynaptic inhibitory processes
AbstractStarburst amacrine cells release both GABA and ACh, allowing them to simultaneously mediate inhibition and excitation. However, the precise pre‐ and postsynaptic targets for ACh and GABA remain under intense investigation. Most previous studies have focused on starburst‐mediated postsynaptic GABAergic inhibition and its role in the formation of directional selectivity in ganglion cells. However, the significance of postsynaptic cholinergic excitation is only beginning to be appreciated. Here, we found that light‐evoked responses measured in bi‐stratified rat ganglion cells with dendrites that co‐fasciculate with ON and OFF starburst dendrites (putative direction‐selective ganglion cells, DSGCs) were abolished by the application of nicotinic receptor antagonists, suggesting ACh could act as the primary source of excitation. Recording from genetically labelled DSGCs in mouse retina at physiological temperatures revealed that cholinergic synaptic inputs dominated the excitation for high contrast stimuli only when the size of the stimulus was small. Canonical glutamatergic inputs mediated by bipolar cells were prominent when GABA/glycine receptors were blocked or when larger spot stimuli were utilized. In mouse DSGCs, bipolar cell excitation could also be unmasked through the activation of mGluR2,3 receptors, which we show suppresses starburst output, suggesting that GABA from starbursts serves to inhibit bipolar cell signals in DSGCs. Taken together, these results suggest that starbursts amplify excitatory signals traversing the retina, endowing DSGCs with the ability to encode fine spatial information without compromising their ability to encode direction.
Prevalence of Indicators of Low Energy Availability in Elite Female Sprinters
Authors: Sygo Jennifer , Coates Alexandra M. , Sesbreno Erik , Mountjoy Margo L. , Burr Jamie F. 
Published: May 2018

Low energy availability (LEA), and subsequent relative energy deficiency in sport, has been observed in endurance, aesthetic, and team sport athletes, with limited data on prevalence in athletes in short-burst activities such as sprinting. We examined prevalence of signs and symptoms of LEA in elite female sprinters at the start of the training season (PRE), and at the end of a 5-month indoor training period (POST). Four of 13 female sprinters (31%) presented at PRE testing with at least one primary (amenorrhea, low bone mineral density, low follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or estradiol, resting metabolic rate ≤29 kcal/kg fat-free mass, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire score ≥8) and one secondary indicator of LEA (fasting blood glucose <4 mmol/L, free triiodothyronine <3.5 pmol/L, ferritin <25 μg/L, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >3.0 mmol/L, fasting insulin <20 pmol/L, low insulin-like growth factor-1, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, and/or diastolic blood pressure <60 mmHg). At POST, seven out of 13 athletes (54%) presented with at least one primary and one secondary indicator of LEA, three of whom had also presented with indicators of LEA at PRE. Five out of 13 (39%) athletes had previous stress fracture history, though this was not associated with current indicators of LEA (PRE: r = .52, p = .07; POST: r = −.07, p = .82). In conclusion, elite female sprinters may present with signs and symptoms of LEA, even after off-season rest. Medical and coaching staff should be aware of the signs and symptoms of LEA and relative energy deficiency in sport and should include appropriate screening and intervention strategies when working with sprinters.
Weight Regain, but not Weight Loss, Is Related to Competitive Success in Real-Life Mixed Martial Arts Competition
Authors: Coswig Victor Silveira , Miarka Bianca , Pires Daniel Alvarez , da Silva Levy Mendes , Bartel Charles , Del Vecchio Fabrício Boscolo 
Published: May 2018

We aimed to describe the nutritional and behavioral strategies for rapid weight loss (RWL), investigate the effects of RWL and weight regain in winners and losers, and verify mood state and technical–tactical/time–motion parameters in mixed martial arts. The sample consisted of mixed martial arts athletes after a single real match and was separated into two groups: winners (n = 8; age: 25.4 ± 6.1 years, height: 173.9 ± 0.2 cm, habitual body mass: 89.9 ± 17.3 kg) and losers (n = 7; age: 24.4 ± 6.8 years, height: 178.4 ± 0.9 cm, habitual body mass: 90.8 ± 19.5 kg). Both groups exhibited RWL and weight regain, verified their macronutrient intake, underwent weight and height assessments, and completed two questionnaires (Profile of Mood States and RWL) at (a) 24 hr before weigh-in, (b) weigh-in, (c) postbout, and (d) during a validated time–motion and technical–tactical analysis during the bout. Variance analysis, repeated measures, and a logistic regression analysis were used. The main results showed significant differences between the time points in terms of total caloric intake as well as carbohydrate, protein, and lipid ingestion. Statistical differences in combat analysis were observed between the winners and losers in terms of high-intensity relative time (58 [10–98] s and 32 [1–60] s, respectively), lower limb sequences (3.5 [1.0–7.5] sequences and 1.0 [0.0–1.0] sequences, respectively), and ground and pound actions (2.5 [0.0–4.5] actions and 0.0 [0.0–0.5] actions, respectively), and logistic regression confirmed the importance of high-intensity relative time and lower limb sequences on mixed martial arts performance. RWL and weight regain strategies were related to technical–tactical and time–motion patterns as well as match outcomes. Weight management should be carefully supervised by specialized professionals to reduce health risks and raise competitive performance.
Microscopic and Molecular Evidence of the First Elasmobranch Adomavirus, the Cause of Skin Disease in a Giant Guitarfish, Rhynchobatus djiddensis
Authors: Dill Jennifer A. , Camus Alvin C. , Leary John H. , Ng Terry Fei Fan 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Only eight families of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses are known to infect vertebrate animals. During an investigation of papillomatous skin disease in an elasmobranch species, the giant guitarfish (
Rhynchobatus djiddensis
), a novel virus, distinct from all known viral families in regard to particle size, morphology, genome organization, and helicase phylogeny was discovered. Large inclusion bodies containing 75-nm icosahedral viral particles were present within epithelial cell nuclei in the proliferative skin lesions. Deep metagenomic sequencing revealed a 22-kb circular dsDNA viral genome, tentatively named guitarfish “adomavirus” (GAdoV), with only distant homology to two other fish viruses, Japanese eel endothelial cell-infecting virus (JEECV) and a recently reported marbled eel virus. Phylogenetic analysis of the helicase domain places the guitarfish virus in a novel clade that is equidistant between members of the
Papillomaviridae
and
Polyomaviridae
families. Specific PCR, quantitative PCR, and
in situ
hybridization were used to detect, quantify, and confirm that GAdoV DNA was localized to affected epithelial cell nuclei. Changes in the viral titer, as well as the presence of a hybridization signal, coincided with the progression and then final resolution of gross and microscopic lesions. The results indicate that GAdoV is the causative agent of the proliferative skin lesions.

IMPORTANCE
Cartilaginous fish, including the sharks and rays, evolved from ancestral fish species at least 400 million years ago. Even though they are the descendants of one of the most ancient vertebrate lineages, reports of viral diseases in these species are rare and poorly documented. Deep sequencing revealed a highly divergent virus, tentatively named guitarfish adomavirus, that is distantly related to known papillomaviruses and polyomaviruses. Out of the eight predicted viral genes, only the helicase could be identified as viral by sequence homology searches (BLAST), exemplifying the difficulties of discovering novel viruses within seas of unidentifiable “dark matter” associated with deep sequencing data. The novel adomavirus represents the first viral genome shown to cause clinical disease in a cartilaginous fish species, the giant guitarfish. Our findings demonstrate that emerging fish viruses are fertile ground to expand our understanding of viral evolution in vertebrates.
RECON-Dependent Inflammation in Hepatocytes Enhances Listeria monocytogenes Cell-to-Cell Spread
Authors: McFarland Adelle P. , Burke Thomas P. , Carletti Alexie A. , Glover Rochelle C. , Tabakh Hannah , Welch Matthew D. , Woodward Joshua J. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTThe oxidoreductase RECON is a high-affinity cytosolic sensor of bacterium-derived cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs). CDN binding inhibits RECON’s enzymatic activity and subsequently promotes inflammation. In this study, we sought to characterize the effects of RECON on the infection cycle of the intracellular bacteriumListeria monocytogenes, which secretes cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) into the cytosol of infected host cells. Here, we report that during infection of RECON-deficient hepatocytes, which exhibit hyperinflammatory responses,L. monocytogenesexhibits significantly enhanced cell-to-cell spread. Enhanced bacterial spread could not be attributed to alterations in PrfA or ActA, two virulence factors critical for intracellular motility and intercellular spread. Detailed microscopic analyses revealed that in the absence of RECON,L. monocytogenesactin tail lengths were significantly longer and there was a larger number of faster-moving bacteria. Complementation experiments demonstrated that the effects of RECON onL. monocytogenesspread and actin tail lengths were linked to its enzymatic activity. RECON enzyme activity suppresses NF-κB activation and is inhibited by c-di-AMP. Consistent with these previous findings, we found that augmented NF-κB activation in the absence of RECON caused enhancedL. monocytogenescell-to-cell spread and thatL. monocytogenesspread correlated with c-di-AMP secretion. Finally, we discovered that, remarkably, increased NF-κB-dependent inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production were responsible for promotingL. monocytogenescell-to-cell spread. The work presented here supports a model wherebyL. monocytogenessecretion of c-di-AMP inhibits RECON’s enzymatic activity, drives augmented NF-κB activation and nitric oxide production, and ultimately enhances intercellular spread.IMPORTANCETo date, bacterial CDNs in eukaryotes are solely appreciated for their capacity to activate cytosolic sensing pathways in innate immunity. However, it remains unclear whether pathogens that actively secrete CDNs benefit from this process. Here, we provide evidence that secretion of CDNs leads to enhancement ofL. monocytogenescell-to-cell spread. This is a heretofore-unknown role of these molecules and suggestsL. monocytogenesmay benefit from their secretion in certain contexts. Molecular characterization revealed that, surprisingly, nitric oxide was responsible for the enhanced spread. Pathogens act to prevent nitric oxide production or, likeL. monocytogenes, they have evolved to resist its direct antimicrobial effects. This study provides evidence that intracellular bacterial pathogens not only tolerate nitric oxide, which is inevitably encountered during infection, but can also capitalize on the changes this pleiotropic molecule enacts on the host cell.
Home oximetry to screen for obstructive sleep apnoea in Down syndrome
Authors: Hill Catherine M , Elphick Heather E , Farquhar Michael , Gringras Paul , Pickering Ruth M , Kingshott Ruth N , Martin Jane , Reynolds Janine , Joyce Anna , Gavlak Johanna C , Evans Hazel J 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveChildren with Down syndrome are at high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and screening is recommended. Diagnosis of OSA should be confirmed with multichannel sleep studies. We aimed to determine whether home pulse oximetry (HPO) discriminates children at high risk of OSA, who need further diagnostic multichannel sleep studies.DesignCross-sectional prospective study in a training sample recruited through three UK centres. Validation sample used single-centre retrospective analysis of clinical data.PatientsChildren with Down syndrome aged 0.5–6 years.InterventionDiagnostic multichannel sleep study and HPO.Main outcome measuresSensitivity and specificity of HPO to predict moderate-to-severe OSA.Results161/202 children with Down syndrome met quality criteria for inclusion and 25 had OSA. In this training sample, the best HPO parameter predictors of OSA were the delta 12 s index >0.555 (sensitivity 92%, specificity 65%) and 3% oxyhaemoglobin (SpO2) desaturation index (3% ODI)>6.15 dips/hour (sensitivity 92%, specificity 63%). Combining variables (delta 12 s index, 3% ODI, mean and minimum SpO2) achieved sensitivity of 96% but reduced specificity to 52%. All predictors retained or improved sensitivity in a clinical validation sample of 50 children with variable loss of specificity, best overall was the delta 12 s index, a measure of baseline SpO2variability (sensitivity 92%; specificity 63%).ConclusionsHPO screening could halve the number of children with Down syndrome needing multichannel sleep studies and reduce the burden on children, families and health services alike. This approach offers a practical universal screening approach for OSA in Down syndrome that is accessible to the non-specialist paediatrician.
Do highly physically active workers die early? A systematic review with meta-analysis of data from 193 696 participants
Authors: Coenen Pieter , Huysmans Maaike A , Holtermann Andreas , Krause Niklas , van Mechelen Willem , Straker Leon M , van der Beek Allard J 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveRecent evidence suggests the existence of a physical activity paradox, with beneficial health outcomes associated with leisure time physical activity, but detrimental health outcomes for those engaging in high level occupational physical activity. This is the first quantitative systematic review of evidence regarding the association between occupational physical activity and all-cause mortality.DesignSystematic review with meta-analysis.Data sourceA literature search was performed in electronic databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesWe screened for peer reviewed articles from prospective studies assessing the association of occupational physical activity with all-cause mortality. A meta-analysis assessed the association of high (compared with low) level occupational physical activity with all-cause mortality, estimating pooled hazard ratios (HR) (with 95% CI).Results2490 unique articles were screened and 33 (from 26 studies) were included. Data from 17 studies (with 193 696 participants) were used in a meta-analysis, showing that men with high level occupational physical activity had an 18% increased risk of early mortality compared with those engaging in low level occupational physical activity (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.34). No such association was observed among women, for whom instead a tendency for an inverse association was found (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.01).ConclusionsThe results of this review indicate detrimental health consequences associated with high level occupational physical activity in men, even when adjusting for relevant factors (such as leisure time physical activity). These findings suggest that research and physical activity guidelines may differentiate between occupational and leisure time physical activity.
Persistent variations in national asthma mortality, hospital admissions and prevalence by socioeconomic status and region in England
Authors: Gupta Ramyani P , Mukherjee Mome , Sheikh Aziz , Strachan David P 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundThe UK-wide National Review of Asthma Deaths sought to identify avoidable factors from the high numbers of deaths, but did not examine variation by socioeconomic status (SES) or region.MethodsWe used asthma deaths in England over the period 2002–2015 obtained from national deaths registers, summarised by quintiles of Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and Government Office Region. Emergency asthma admissions were obtained from Hospital Episode Statistics for England 2001–2011. The prevalence of asthma was derived from the Health Survey for England 2010. Associations of mortality, admissions and prevalence with IMD quintile and region were estimated cross-sectionally using incidence rate ratios (IRRs) adjusted for age and sex and, where possible, smoking.ResultsAsthma mortality decreased among more deprived groups at younger ages. Among 5–44 year olds, those in the most deprived quintile, mortality was 19% lower than those in the least deprived quintile (IRR 0.81 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.96). In older adults, this pattern was reversed (45–74 years: IRR 1.37 (1.24–1.52), ≥75 years: IRR 1.30 (1.22–1.39)). In 5–44 year olds the inverse trend with asthma mortality contrasted with large positive associations for admissions (IRR 3.34 (3.30–3.38)) and prevalence of severe symptoms (IRR 2.38 (1.70–3.33)). Prevalence trends remained after adjustment for smoking. IRRs for asthma mortality, admissions and prevalence showed significant heterogeneity between English regions.ConclusionsDespite asthma mortality, emergency admissions and prevalence decreasing over recent decades, England still experiences significant SES and regional variations. The previously undocumented inverse relation between deprivation and mortality in the young requires further investigation.