bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of 5‐azacytidine and cadmium on global 5‐methylcytosine content and secondary metabolites in the freshwater microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Scenedesmus quadricauda
Authors: Bacova Romana , Klejdus Borivoj , Ryant Pavel , Cernei Natalia , Adam Vojtech , Huska Dalibor 
Published: December 2018

Epigenetic changes are important mechanisms in the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression. Cytosine methylation is one of the major epigenetic modifications, mediated by DNA methyltransferases, which transfer methyl groups from S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM) to the fifth carbon of cytosine. Various external environmental conditions can change the global hypo/hypermethylation pattern of DNA. These alterations may affect the organism's response to stress conditions. In this study, for the first time, we investigated the effects of 5‐azacytidine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, and cadmium, a toxic metal and environmental pollutant, on the growth, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids), SAM, S‐adenosylhomocysteine, 5′‐methylthioadenosine and global 5‐methylcytosine (5‐mC) in the green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Scenedesmus quadricauda. The studied species showed major differences in 5‐mC content, secondary metabolite content, and antioxidant activity. Cadmium increased GSH (glutathione) content in C. reinhardtii by 60% whereas 5‐azacytidine did not affect GSH. The biosynthesis of GSH in S. quadricauda in response to the stressors was the opposite. Global 5‐mC content of C. reinhardtii was 1%–1.5%, and the content in S. quadricauda was 3.5%. Amount of some investigated methionine cycle metabolites (SAM, S‐adenosyl homocysteine [SAH], methionine) in S. quadricauda distinctly exceeded C. reinhardtii as well. However, chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and, antioxidant activity were significantly higher in C. reinhardtii than S. quadricauda. Therefore, in further studies it would be advisable to verify whether methylation of cytosine affects the expression of genes encoding certain secondary metabolites.
Family‐level variation in early life‐cycle traits of kelp
Authors: Mabin Christopher J. T. , Johnson Craig R. , Wright Jeffrey T. 
Published: December 2018

Temperate kelp forests (Laminarians) are threatened by temperature stress due to ocean warming and photoinhibition due to increased light associated with canopy loss. However, the potential for evolutionary adaptation in kelp to rapid climate change is not well known. This study examined family‐level variation in physiological and photosynthetic traits in the early life‐cycle stages of the ecologically important Australasian kelp Ecklonia radiata and the response of E. radiata families to different temperature and light environments using a family × environment design. There was strong family‐level variation in traits relating to morphology (surface area measures, branch length, branch count) and photosynthetic performance (Fv/Fm) in both haploid (gametophyte) and diploid (sporophyte) stages of the life‐cycle. Additionally, the presence of family × environment interactions showed that offspring from different families respond differently to temperature and light in the branch length of male gametophytes and oogonia surface area of female gametophytes. Negative responses to high temperatures were stronger for females vs. males. Our findings suggest E. radiata may be able to respond adaptively to climate change but studies partitioning the narrow vs. broad sense components of heritable variation are needed to establish the evolutionary potential of E. radiata to adapt under climate change.
Incidence of hepatitis E virus infection among blood donors in a high endemic area of Central Italy
Authors: Marcantonio Cinzia , Pezzotti Patrizio , Bruni Roberto , Taliani Gloria , Chionne Paola , Madonna Elisabetta , Villano Umbertina , Pisani Giulio , Equestre Michele , Dell'Orso Luigi , Ragone Katia , Ciccaglione Anna Rita , Spada Enea 
Published: December 2018

SummaryIn Europe, autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is mainly a foodborne zoonosis, but it is also transmitted by blood transfusion. Despite the numerous prevalence surveys, only a few studies have investigated HEV incidence. We aimed to determine HEV incidence and risk factors among blood donors in a hyperendemic area in Central Italy. Of 296 blood donors who had tested HEV negative in two previous seroprevalence surveys in L'Aquila, 198 agreed to undergo at least another blood sampling for estimating HEV incidence nearly 2 years after the prevalence surveys. Ten newly acquired infections were detected, yielding an overall incidence of 2.1/100 person‐years (95%CI: 1.0‐3.9), with an estimated participant's cumulative probability of becoming HEV infected of 6.5% (95%CI: 3.5‐12.0) at 4 years after enrolment. Seven newly infected blood donors were IgG positive only, two were IgM positive (one also IgG positive) and one was HEV RNA positive only, harbouring subtype 3c. Incident infection was most strongly associated with eating game meat, raw‐dried pork liver sausage and raw‐dried wild boar sausage. None of these exposures was statistically significant, even if eating raw‐dried wild boar sausage approached significance (P = 0.06). The HEV incidence we found was considerable compared with other similar studies. The nearly significant association of incident infection with wild boar and other game meat consumption was in agreement with the 3c subtype isolation in the viremic donor. However, beyond eating habits, also other exposure sources are likely important in hyperendemic areas, where incidence and risk exposure studies need to be undertaken for effectively preventing HEV transmission.
Increased interleukin‐23 receptor (IL‐23R) expression is associated with disease severity in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Khanam Arshi , Trehanpati Nirupma , Sarin Shiv Kumar 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundTh17 cells mediated immune response is important in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and inflammation associated diseases; however, little is known about their immunopathogenic role in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF). Interleukin‐23 receptor (IL‐23R) is essential for the generation of pathogenic Th17 cells; therefore, we aimed to evaluate IL‐23R expression and its correlation with disease severity in ACLF.MethodsForty‐two patients with ACLF (HBV and alcohol‐related), thirty‐two with CHB and twenty healthy controls (HC) were studied. Circulating and intrahepatic profile of Th17 cells and IL‐23R was investigated. Association of IL‐23R with disease severity was determined.ResultsCirculating Th17 cells were significantly increased in both ACLF groups (P = 0.03, P = 0.006) than CHB and HC. Percentage of Th17 cells was higher in liver than peripheral blood of ACLF patients (P = 0.04). Expression of IL‐23R was immensely up‐regulated on Th17 cells of ACLF patients. Importantly, IL‐23R not only correlated with the increased percentage of Th17 cells but also had significant association with inflammation (P = 0.03) and clinical disease severity indices including Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (P = 0.001) and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (P = 0.002) scores. The ACLF non‐survivors showed higher IL‐23R expression (P = 0.01). Transcription factor retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan nuclear receptor gamma‐t (ROR‐γt) was also high in circulation and in liver of ACLF patients and it positively correlated with ALT levels (P = 0.03). Surface receptors, including CCR6, IL‐17R and pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐17A, IL‐22, CXCL8 and GM‐CSF were highly augmented in ACLF.ConclusionACLF patients express high IL‐23R on Th17 cells which induces inflammation and strongly correlates with liver disease severity.
Pushing the Speed of Assistive Technologies for Reading
Authors: Schneps Matthew H. , Chen Chen , Pomplun Marc , Wang Jiahui , Crosby Anne D. , Kent Kevin 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTPeople who are practiced in using text‐to‐speech can drive listening speeds to surprisingly high limits. Here, we investigate the extent to which people who are otherwise untrained, with and without dyslexia, can increase their reading speed when forcibly accelerated visual or auditory presentations are used in isolation or in tandem. The experiment examined the reading speed and comprehension of 43 college students using three methods enabled by software on a handheld device: forcibly accelerated visual augmentation, auditory text‐to‐speech, and a combination of the two. We found that both typical and impaired readers attained the highest reading speed using the combined method, controlling for comprehension. Importantly, those with dyslexia using the combined methods reached the equivalent reading speed of typical readers using paper, visual, or auditory methods, with no loss in comprehension. Findings here suggest that in future evolutions—using technologies available today—parallel neurological pathways for language processing can be exploited to optimize reading for those impaired.
Chromosomal fusion and life history‐associated genomic variation contribute to within‐river local adaptation of Atlantic salmon
Authors: Wellband Kyle , Mérot Claire , Linnansaari Tommi , Elliott J. A. K. , Curry R. Allen , Bernatchez Louis 
Published: December 2018

AbstractChromosomal inversions have been implicated in facilitating adaptation in the face of high levels of gene flow, but whether chromosomal fusions also have similar potential remains poorly understood. Atlantic salmon are usually characterized by population structure at multiple spatial scales; however, this is not the case for tributaries of the Miramichi River in North America. To resolve genetic relationships between populations in this system and the potential for known chromosomal fusions to contribute to adaptation, we genotyped 728 juvenile salmon using a 50 K SNP array. Consistent with previous work, we report extremely weak overall population structuring (GlobalFST = 0.004) and failed to support hierarchical structure between the river's two main branches. We provide the first genomic characterization of a previously described polymorphic fusion between chromosomes 8 and 29. Fusion genomic characteristics included high LD, reduced heterozygosity in the fused homokaryotes, and strong divergence between the fused and the unfused rearrangement. Population structure based on fusion karyotype was five times stronger than neutral variation (FST = 0.019), and the frequency of the fusion was associated with summer precipitation supporting a hypothesis that this rearrangement may contribute local adaptation despite weak neutral differentiation. Additionally, both outlier variation among populations and a polygenic framework for characterizing adaptive variation in relation to climate identified a 250‐Kb region of chromosome 9, including the genesix6that has previously been linked to age‐at‐maturity and run‐timing for this species. Overall, our results indicate that adaptive processes, independent of major river branching, are more important than neutral processes for structuring these populations.
Local injection of RANKL facilitates tooth movement and alveolar bone remodelling
Authors: Li Chengri , Chung Chooryung J. , Hwang Chung‐Ju , Lee Kee‐Joon 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the effect of local injection of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) on experimental tooth movement and subsequent alveolar bone remodelling in mice.Materials and MethodsSixty mice were randomised to receive daily local RANKL or phosphate‐buffered saline injections in the buccal premaxillary bone for 14 of 21 days of incisor movement, followed by a 21‐day retention period. Five mice from each group were euthanised on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 42, and specimens were prepared for haematoxylin and eosin, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase and immunohistochemical staining. Five mice from each group were subjected to serial microcomputed tomography until day 42 for tooth movement and bone volume quantification.ResultsThe experimental group showed significantly greater tooth movement and bone volume reduction on days 14 and 21; an increased osteoclast number on days 3, 7, 14 and 21; and no difference on day 42. Higher RANKL expression was observed on days 7 and 14, with remarkable alkaline phosphatase activity. No significant systemic changes were observed.ConclusionLocal RANKL injection leads to increased osteoclastic activity and facilitates tooth movement, followed by subsequent alveolar bone formation; this implies a reversible transitional acceleration of bone resorption.
Integration of partial resistance, plant density and use of fungicide for management of white mould in common bean
Authors: Lima R. C. , Teixeira P. H. , Sousa L. R. V. , Rodrigues L. B. , Carneiro J. E. S. , Lehner M. S. , Paula Júnior T. J. , Vieira R. F. 
Published: December 2018

In‐row plant densities have not been studied for common beans with type II growth habit and contrasting reactions to white mould. Advanced breeding lines with partial resistance or susceptibility to white mould were combined with 4, 7, 10 or 13 plants m−1 and with or without fungicide at a constant between‐row spacing of 0.5 m in five sprinkler‐irrigated field trials conducted during the autumn–winter season in Brazil. White mould pressures in the trials covered the whole range from zero to moderate/high (46–60% of white mould severity index). In all trials, means of white mould incidence, severity and yield did not vary significantly between 7 and 13 plants m−1 for the partially resistant line, regardless of the fungicide levels. For the susceptible line, 13 plants m−1 increased white mould incidence and severity under moderate disease, regardless of the fungicide levels, and decreased yield compared with 10 plants m−1 when fungicide was applied twice under moderate/high disease pressure. For the susceptible line, 7 or 10 plants m−1 maximized yield in all trials, with or without fungicide applications. The results suggest that the current recommendation of 11–13 plants m−1 could be used for type II beans with partial resistance to white mould in either a conventional or organic system. For susceptible genotypes, 7–10 plants m−1 seems to be the most appropriate in‐row plant density. This study may improve the recommendation of in‐row plant density for type II beans cultivated under white mould pressure.
A quantitative trait locus,qSE3, promotes seed germination and seedling establishment under salinity stress in rice
Authors: He Yongqi , Yang Bin , He Ying , Zhan Chengfang , Cheng Yanhao , Zhang Jiahui , Zhang Hongsheng , Cheng Jinping , Wang Zhoufei 
Published: December 2018

SummarySeed germination is a complex trait determined by both quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and environmental factors and also their interactions. In this study, we mapped one majorQTLqSE3for seed germination and seedling establishment under salinity stress in rice. To understand the molecular basis of thisQTL, we isolatedqSE3by map‐based cloning and found that it encodes a K+transporter gene,OsHAK21. The expression ofqSE3was significantly upregulated by salinity stress in germinating seeds. Physiological analysis suggested thatqSE3significantly increased K+and Na+uptake in germinating seeds under salinity stress, resulting in increased abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and activatedABAsignaling responses. Furthermore,qSE3significantly decreased the H2O2level in germinating seeds under salinity stress. All of these seed physiological changes modulated byqSE3might contribute to seed germination and seedling establishment under salinity stress. Based on analysis of single‐nucleotide polymorphism data of rice accessions, we identified aHAP3 haplotype ofqSE3that was positively correlated with seed germination under salinity stress. This study provides important insights into the roles ofqSE3in seed germination and seedling establishment under salinity stress and facilitates the practical use ofqSE3in rice breeding.
A dual strategy to optimize hematopoietic progenitor cell collections: validation of a simple prediction algorithm and use of collect flow rates guided by mononuclear cell count
Authors: Godbey Elizabeth A. , Dormesy Stephanie , Gowda Lohith , Nandi Vijay , Paradiso Sarai , Sachais Bruce S. , Shi Patricia A. 
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUNDPrevious prediction algorithms to achieve target CD34+ goals have not been widely adopted, with many centers still using a set volume to process for hematopoietic progenitor cell collections. This may be because previous algorithms are challenging to implement. Additionally, no study has yet examined the utility of adjusting the collect flow rate (CFR) based on the donor's preprocedure total mononuclear cell (MNC) count, which correlates with CD34+ yield.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSIn this retrospective analysis of mobilized allogeneic donors collected using MNC (COBE Spectra, Terumo BCT) or continuous mononuclear cell collection (CMNC) (Spectra Optia, Terumo BCT) procedures, we validated a one‐step prediction algorithm to achieve the target CD34+ product dose (Appendix S1, available as supporting information in the online version of this paper). The COBE Spectra MNC Collect Flow Tool (Appendix S2, available as supporting information in the online version of this paper) was used to select the collect flow rate for both MNC and CMNC procedures. Procedural collection efficiency (CE) was compared to that of historical procedures utilizing fixed CFRs (1.0–1.5 mL/min).RESULTSNinety‐three percent of collections achieved the target CD34+ goal using our algorithm‐calculated process volumes. The remaining 7% of cases had CEs lower than the algorithm CE (0.40), and thus were below goal. Second, an MNC‐based CFR improved MNC and CD34+ CEs in patients with higher MNC counts compared to our historical controls.CONCLUSIONWe validated that this simple, single‐step prediction algorithm achieves the target CD34+ goal in most HPC collections. Secondly, we showed that an MNC‐based CFR for hematopoietic progenitor cell collections improves CE at higher MNCs; this may be preferable to a WBC‐based CFR because of variability of MNC counts at a given WBC count.
Continued use of poliovirus after eradication: hyper‐attenuated strains as a safe alternative for release testing of human immunoglobulins
Authors: Farcet Maria R. , Modrof Jens , Rabel Philip O. , Schirmer Andreas , Macadam Andrew J. , Fox Helen , Minor Philip D. , Kreil Thomas R. 
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUNDWild‐type poliovirus may be eradicated soon and under WHO GAPIII guidance, laboratory use will be discontinued or subject to strict containment. Per US Code of Federal Regulations, however, immunoglobulin lot release testing will still require use of replicating poliovirus. The suitability of S19 hyper‐attenuated and apathogenic poliovirus strains as alternatives to the currently used wild‐type virus in such a release assay was investigated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSS19 poliovirus strains were propagated in a commercial setting using good virological practices and maintenance of the S19 hyper‐attenuated genotype was confirmed by massively parallel sequencing.RESULTSThe attenuated phenotype of the produced S19 stocks was confirmed in a highly sensitive mouse‐model. Equivalency in performance was seen in the lot release assay for the S19 and wild‐type polioviruses.CONCLUSIONThe deployment of such hyper‐attenuated and thoroughly characterized S19 stocks in these and other essential activities might reconcile final containment measures with continued safe use of poliovirus.
Biofilm‐associated accumulation‐associated protein (Aap): A contributing factor to the predominant growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis in platelet concentrates
Authors: Alabdullatif Meshari , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra 
Published: December 2018

Background and ObjectivesStaphylococcus epidermidis is a predominant contaminant of platelet concentrates (PCs), outcompeting other skin flora bacteria such as Staphylococcus capitis. The accumulation‐associated protein (Aap), encoded by the aap gene, is involved in formation of bacterial aggregates (biofilms) in S. epidermidis and is absent in S. capitis. In this study, the role of S. epidermidis aap in enhancing biofilm formation and conferring an advantageous growth in PCs was investigated.Materials and MethodsBiofilm formation assays of S. epidermidis 1457, S. epidermidis 1457∆aap, S. capitis 517 and S. capitis 517 carrying S. epidermidis aap (S. capitis 517/pRBaap) were performed in glucose‐supplemented trypticase soy broth (TSBg) and PCs. Additionally, competition assays with paired cultures (1:1 ratio) of S. epidermidis and S. capitis strains were seeded in PCs, followed by determination of viable counts of each organism at the end of PC storage.ResultsStaphylococcus epidermidis aap had no effect on biofilm formation in TSBg. By contrast in PCs, S. epidermidis 1457 showed higher biofilm formation than S. epidermidis 1457∆aap (P < 0·05). Biofilm formation was also enhanced in S. capitis 517/pRBaap compared to S. capitis 517 (P = 0·054). Competition assays showed that S. epidermidis 1457 outcompeted S. capitis 517, and importantly, S. capitis 517/pRBaap outcompeted S. capitis 517 and S. epidermidis 1457∆aap.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that S. epidermidis aap plays a role in biofilm formation in PCs conferring an advantageous proliferation to skin flora bacteria in this milieu. The molecular mechanisms of action of Aap merit further investigation.
Can mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) increase the prognostic accuracy of NEWS in predicting deterioration in patients admitted to hospital with mild to moderately severe illness? A prospective single-centre observational study
Authors: Graziadio Sara , O’Leary Rachel Amie , Stocken Deborah D , Power Michael , Allen A Joy , Simpson A John , Price David Ashley 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the value added to the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) by mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) blood level in predicting deterioration in mild to moderately ill people.DesignProspective observational study.SettingThe Medical Admissions Suite of the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle.Participants300 adults with NEWS between 2 and 5 on admission. Exclusion criteria included receiving palliative care, or admitted for social reasons or self-harming. Patients were enrolled between September and December 2015, and followed up for 30 days after discharge.Outcome measureThe primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients who, within 72 hours, had anacuity increase, defined as any combination of an increase of at least 2 in the NEWS; transfer to a higher-dependency bed or monitored area; death; or for those discharged from hospital, readmission for medical reasons.ResultsNEWS and MR-proADM together predictedacuity increasemore accurately than NEWS alone, increasing the area under the curve (AUC) to 0.61 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.69) from 0.55 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.62). When the confounding effects of presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure and interaction with MR-proADM were included, the prognostic accuracy further increased the AUC to 0.69 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.76).ConclusionsMR-proADM is potentially a clinically useful biomarker for deterioration in patients admitted to hospital with a mild to moderately severe acute illness, that is, with NEWS between 2 and 5. As a growing number of National Health Service hospitals are routinely recording the NEWS on their clinical information systems, further research should assess the practicality and use of developing a decision aid based on admission NEWS, MR-proADM level, and possibly other clinical data and other biomarkers that could further improve prognostic accuracy.