bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility of red fir and white fir to fir dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium abietinum) in California
Authors: Mathiasen Robert L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFir dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium abietinum, Viscaceae) is a damaging parasite of true firs (Abiesspp.) in California. In the Sierra Nevada Mountains, fir dwarf mistletoe consists of two special forms (formae speciales, f. sp.) which are morphologically similar, but exhibit a high degree of host specificity:A. abietinumf. sp. concoloris whose principal host is Sierra white fir (Abies lowiana) andA. abietinumf. sp. magnificae which only parasitizes red fir (Abies magnifica). Although field observations and cross‐inoculation studies have consistently supported the extreme host specialization demonstrated by these special forms of fir dwarf mistletoe, little quantitative data from mixed red fir/white fir stands infested with fir dwarf mistletoe have been available. Therefore, I sampled 20 mixed conifer stands dominated by red and white fir and infested with f. sp. concoloris (8 stands) or f. sp. magnificae (12 stands) from near Mount Shasta to the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains near Sherman Pass. Infection of red and white fir was evaluated using temporary circular plots (0.012 ha) established around large, severely infected trees and with rectangular transects placed within fir dwarf mistletoe‐infested stands. In each plot and transect, live trees >5 cm in diameter at breast height were assigned a dwarf mistletoe rating (6‐class system). A total of 55 plots and 51 transects were established in the 20 stands, and over 1,900 red firs and 1,700 white firs were sampled. Ninety‐nine per cent of the red firs and 98% of the white firs were infected in stands infested with f. sp. magnificae or f. sp. concoloris, respectively. In contrast, no infection of red fir was observed in stands infested with f. sp. concoloris and no infected white firs were observed in stands infested with f. sp. magnificae. These data provide further support that the special forms of fir dwarf mistletoe are extremely host specific in California.
Understanding the relations between soil organic matter fractions and N2O emissions in a long‐term integrated crop–livestock system
Authors: Sato Juliana Hiromi , de Figueiredo Cícero Célio , Marchão Robélio Leandro , de Oliveira Alexsandra Duarte , Vilela Lourival , Delvico Francisco Marcos , Alves Bruno José Rodrigues , de Carvalho Arminda Moreira 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in agricultural systems are influenced by edaphoclimatic conditions, and the availability of soil organic matter (SOM) is a key factor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of labile and stable SOM fractions and possible relations with N2O emissions using a multivariate approach in a 24‐year integrated crop–livestock experiment in the Cerrado region. The management systems consisted of: continuous cropping under no tillage (CC‐NT), continuous cropping under annual heavy disc harrow (CC‐CT), an integrated crop–livestock system under no tillage (CLS‐NT) and an adjacent area of native Cerrado as reference. The cumulative N2O emissions were quantified over a period of 146 days throughout the cultivation of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench). Labile and stable soil carbon (C) fractions and C contents in classes of aggregates (macroaggregates >0.250 mm and microaggregates <0.250 mm) were determined. The cumulative N2O emissions were larger in the CC‐CT system, intermediate in the CC‐NT and CLS‐NT systems, and smaller in the Cerrado. The decomposition of crop residues during the crop succession (first and second crop seasons) and the presence of a grass forage (with grazing and not grazed) in both systems (CLS‐NT and CC‐NT, respectively) explain the differences in N2O fluxes between the land uses. Smaller cumulative N2O emissions were observed in the integrated system (CLS‐NT), which could be attributed to the greatest increase in soil C in its most stable SOM fractions (fulvic acid) and occlusion in microaggregates. This confirms the hypothesis that the accumulation of C in the most stable SOM fractions of the soil, unavailable to the microbiota, results in smaller N2O emissions. Principal component analysis also revealed that aggregation is a key attribute that correlates with soil N2O emissions. Thus, conservation systems such as CLS‐NT had larger average diameter of aggregates and the smallest N2O emissions among the agroecosystems.Highlights

Relations between SOM fractions and N2O emissions were studied in integrated systems
The accumulation of stabilized C fractions reduces N2O emissions
Soil structure (aggregation) and SOM stability partially explain N2O fluxes
Integrated crop–livestock promotes better soil conditions, reducing N2O emissions
The Epilepsy Genetics Initiative: Systematic reanalysis of diagnostic exomes increases yield
Authors:   Epilepsy Genetics Initiative
Published: April 2019

SummaryObjectiveThe Epilepsy Genetics Initiative (EGI) was formed in 2014 to create a centrally managed database of clinically generated exome sequence data. EGI performs systematic research‐based reanalysis to identify new molecular diagnoses that were not possible at the time of initial sequencing and to aid in novel gene discovery. Herein we report on the efficacy of this approach 3 years after inception.MethodsOne hundred sixty‐six individuals with epilepsy who underwent diagnostic whole exome sequencing (WES) were enrolled, including 139 who had not received a genetic diagnosis. Sequence data were transferred to the EGI and periodically reevaluated on a research basis.ResultsEight new diagnoses were made as a result of updated annotations or the discovery of novel epilepsy genes after the initial diagnostic analysis was performed. In five additional cases, we provided new evidence to support or contradict the likelihood of variant pathogenicity reported by the laboratory. One novel epilepsy gene was discovered through dual interrogation of research and clinically generated WES.SignificanceEGI's diagnosis rate of 5.8% represents a considerable increase in diagnostic yield and demonstrates the value of periodic reinterrogation of whole exome data. The initiative's contributions to gene discovery underscore the importance of data sharing and the value of collaborative enterprises.
Felbamate produces antidepressant‐like actions in the chronic unpredictable mild stress and chronic social defeat stress models of depression
Authors: Li Xiuqin , Wang Hongze , Chen Qingnian , Li Zhiqin , Liu Chao , Yin Shengnan , You Zhengchen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFelbamate is an anticonvulsant used in the treatment of epilepsy. In this study, we investigated the antidepressant‐like actions of felbamate in mice. The effects of felbamate were first assessed using the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST), and then investigated in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) models of depression. The changes in the hippocampal brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling cascade after chronic stress and felbamate treatment were also examined. It was found that felbamate exhibited antidepressant‐like activities in the FST and TST without affecting the locomotor activity of mice. Felbamate was also effective in both the CUMS and CSDS models of depression. Moreover, felbamate administration fully restored the decreased hippocampal BDNF signaling pathway in both the CUMS‐stressed and CSDS‐stressed mice. Collectively, felbamate has antidepressant‐like actions in mice involving the hippocampal BDNF system.
Changes in trophic state and aquatic communities in high Arctic ponds in response to increasing goose populations
Authors: Jensen Thomas C. , Walseng Bjørn , Hessen Dag O. , Dimante‐Deimantovica Inta , Novichkova Anna A. , Chertoprud Elena S. , Chertoprud Mikhail V. , Sakharova Ekaterina G. , Krylov Aleksandr V. , Frisch Dagmar , Christoffersen Kirsten S. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

The high Arctic, including the Svalbard archipelago in the North Atlantic, has been exposed to direct and indirect drivers of climatic change such as rising temperatures and associated changes in hydrology and nutrient fluxes. In addition, the number of migrating birds, particularly geese, increased remarkably in the Svalbard archipelago during the second half of the last century. The higher number of breeding birds potentially affects water quality and the biota in ponds and lakes.

We aimed to investigate the potential influence of increasing goose abundance on trophic state, taxon richness, and species composition of freshwater communities in the high Arctic. We hypothesised that higher goose abundance affects the trophic state of shallow lakes and ponds and their taxon richness and species composition. We conducted a survey of selected ponds at Svalbard along a goose abundance gradient. We used the number of area‐specific goose droppings (range of 0–94 droppings m2) as a proxy of goose presence and measured proxies for productivity as well as taxon richness and composition of phytoplankton and invertebrate communities.

Presence and abundance of geese were associated with higher productivity of ponds. Invertebrate and phytoplankton taxon richness correlated (positively) with goose abundance. Both phytoplankton and invertebrate taxon richness increased with increasing nitrogen (N) concentrations. Goose abundance significantly affected phytoplankton species composition, while concentrations of total‐N and total phosphorus (P) did not. Species composition of aquatic invertebrates was most strongly affected by goose abundance, but the effect of total‐N concentration was also significant.

Increased goose abundance was associated with bird driven nutrient enrichment, increased phytoplankton and invertebrate taxon richness and changes of these biological communities. Thus, in addition to climate change, the higher abundances of large migratory water fowl in many polar areas may pose a major additional stress to arctic lakes and ponds. In fact, climate change and bird impact may interact, accelerating ongoing environmental change of arctic freshwater ecosystems.
Genome sequencing for rightward hemispheric language dominance
Authors: Carrion‐Castillo Amaia , Van der Haegen Lise , Tzourio‐Mazoyer Nathalie , Kavaklioglu Tulya , Badillo Solveig , Chavent Marie , Saracco Jérôme , Brysbaert Marc , Fisher Simon E. , Mazoyer Bernard , Francks Clyde 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMost people have left‐hemisphere dominance for various aspects of language processing, but only roughly 1% of the adult population has atypically reversed, rightward hemispheric language dominance (RHLD). The genetic‐developmental program that underlies leftward language laterality is unknown, as are the causes of atypical variation. We performed an exploratory whole‐genome‐sequencing study, with the hypothesis that strongly penetrant, rare genetic mutations might sometimes be involved in RHLD. This was by analogy with situs inversus of the visceral organs (left‐right mirror reversal of the heart, lungs and so on), which is sometimes due to monogenic mutations. The genomes of 33 subjects with RHLD were sequenced and analyzed with reference to large population‐genetic data sets, as well as 34 subjects (14 left‐handed) with typical language laterality. The sample was powered to detect rare, highly penetrant, monogenic effects if they would be present in at least 10 of the 33 RHLD cases and no controls, but no individual genes had mutations in more than five RHLD cases while being un‐mutated in controls. A hypothesis derived from invertebrate mechanisms of left‐right axis formation led to the detection of an increased mutation load, in RHLD subjects, within genes involved with the actin cytoskeleton. The latter finding offers a first, tentative insight into molecular genetic influences on hemispheric language dominance.
A functional variant in SLC1A3 influences ADHD risk by disrupting a hsa‐miR‐3171 binding site: A two‐stage association study
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhang Qi , Chen Xinzhen , Gu Xue , Wang Min , Wu Jing 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAttention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders in children and adolescents with high heritability. Evidence is accumulating that SLC1A3 may play a role in ADHD etiology. Therefore, a two‐stage case‐control study was conducted on 752 cases and 774 controls to explore the role of SLC1A3 in ADHD. Bioinformatic annotations and functional experiments were applied to reveal the potential biological mechanisms. Finally, SLC1A3 rs1049522 showed significant association with ADHD risk in two stages with CA genotype vs AA genotype, odds ratio (OR) = 0.694 (95% confidence interval, CI = 0.570‐0.844) and dominant model, OR = 0.749 (95% CI = 0.621‐0.904) in the combined stage. Besides, rs1049522 was found to be related to ADHD hyperactive/impulsive symptom, and rs1049522‐C showed increased SLC1A3 mRNA expression in the cerebellar cortex. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay further indicated that rs1049522‐C allele enhanced SLC1A3 expression by disrupting the hsa‐miR‐3171 binding site. In conclusion, SLC1A3 variant rs1049522 was implicated in ADHD susceptibility in a Chinese Han population probably by enhancing the SLC1A3 expression in a miRNA‐mediated manner.
Wildfire severity reduces richness and alters composition of soil fungal communities in boreal forests of western Canada
Authors: Day Nicola J. , Dunfield Kari E. , Johnstone Jill F. , Mack Michelle C. , Turetsky Merritt R. , Walker Xanthe J. , White Alison L. , Baltzer Jennifer L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWildfire is the dominant disturbance in boreal forests and fire activity is increasing in these regions. Soil fungal communities are important for plant growth and nutrient cycling postfire but there is little understanding of how fires impact fungal communities across landscapes, fire severity gradients, and stand types in boreal forests. Understanding relationships between fungal community composition, particularly mycorrhizas, and understory plant composition is therefore important in predicting how future fire regimes may affect vegetation. We used an extreme wildfire event in boreal forests of Canada's Northwest Territories to test drivers of fungal communities and assess relationships with plant communities. We sampled soils from 39 plots 1 year after fire and 8 unburned plots. High‐throughput sequencing (MiSeq, ITS) revealed 2,034 fungal operational taxonomic units. We found soil pH and fire severity (proportion soil organic layer combusted), and interactions between these drivers were important for fungal community structure (composition, richness, diversity, functional groups). Where fire severity was low, samples with low pH had higher total fungal, mycorrhizal, and saprotroph richness compared to where severity was high. Increased fire severity caused declines in richness of total fungi, mycorrhizas, and saprotrophs, and declines in diversity of total fungi and mycorrhizas. The importance of stand age (a surrogate for fire return interval) for fungal composition suggests we could detect long‐term successional patterns even after fire. Mycorrhizal and plant community composition, richness, and diversity were weakly but significantly correlated. These weak relationships and the distribution of fungi across plots suggest that the underlying driver of fungal community structure is pH, which is modified by fire severity. This study shows the importance of edaphic factors in determining fungal community structure at large scales, but suggests these patterns are mediated by interactions between fire and forest stand composition.
Rethinking false spring risk
Authors: Chamberlain Catherine J. , Cook Benjamin I. , García de Cortázar-Atauri Iñaki , Wolkovich Elizabeth M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTemperate plants are at risk of being exposed to late spring freezes. These freeze events—often called false springs—are one of the strongest factors determining temperate plants species range limits and can impose high ecological and economic damage. As climate change may alter the prevalence and severity of false springs, our ability to forecast such events has become more critical, and it has led to a growing body of research. Many false spring studies largely simplify the myriad complexities involved in assessing false spring risks and damage. While these studies have helped advance the field and may provide useful estimates at large scales, studies at the individual to community levels must integrate more complexity for accurate predictions of plant damage from late spring freezes. Here, we review current metrics of false spring, and how, when, and where plants are most at risk of freeze damage. We highlight how life stage, functional group, species differences in morphology and phenology, and regional climatic differences contribute to the damage potential of false springs. More studies aimed at understanding relationships among species tolerance and avoidance strategies, climatic regimes, and the environmental cues that underlie spring phenology would improve predictions at all biological levels. An integrated approach to assessing past and future spring freeze damage would provide novel insights into fundamental plant biology and offer more robust predictions as climate change progresses, which are essential for mitigating the adverse ecological and economic effects of false springs.
Medicine optimization strategy in an acute geriatric unit: The pharmacist in the geriatric team
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Valencia Marta , Izquierdo Mikel , Beobide‐Telleria Idoia , Ferro‐Uriguen Alexander , Alonso‐Renedo Javier , Casas‐Herrero Álvaro , Martínez‐Velilla Nicolás 
Published: April 2019

AimOlder patients admitted to acute geriatric units (AGU) frequently use many medications and are particularly vulnerable to adverse drug events, so specific interventions in this setting are required. In the present study, we describe a new medicine optimization strategy in an AGU, and explore its potential in reducing polypharmacy and improving medication appropriateness.MethodsThe present prospective study included patients aged ≥75 years who were admitted to an AGU in a tertiary hospital. An intervention based on a pharmacist clinical interview, medication history and a structured medication review within a comprehensive geriatric assessment was proposed. The differences regarding polypharmacy as the primary outcome (≥5 chronic drugs), hyperpolypharmacy (≥10), number of drugs, drug‐related problems and Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescription/Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment criteria between admission and discharge were evaluated.ResultsFrom October 2016 to April 2017, 234 patients were enrolled, aged 87.6 years (SD 4.6 years); 143 (61.1%) were women. The intervention resulted in a statistically significant improvement in polypharmacy (−10.2%, 95% CI −15.3, −5.2), hyperpolypharmacy (−16.6%, 95% CI −22.3 −11.0), number of medications (−1.4, 95% CI −1.8, −1.0), Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescription criteria (−19.2%, 95% CI −24.9, −13.6), Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment criteria (−6.8%, 95% CI −10.1, −3.5) and drug‐related problems (−2.7, 95% CI −2.9, −2.4; P ≤ 0.001 for all).ConclusionsA systematic pharmacist‐led intervention at hospital admission to an AGU within a comprehensive geriatric assessment was associated to a decrease in polypharmacy, drug‐related problems and potentially inappropriate prescribing. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 530–536.
Mutational analysis of the C‐terminal cytoplasmic domain of FlhB, a transmembrane component of the flagellar type III protein export apparatus in Salmonella
Authors: Inoue Yumi , Kinoshita Miki , Namba Keiichi , Minamino Tohru 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe flagellar protein export apparatus switches its substrate specificity when hook length has reached approximately 55 nm in Salmonella. The C‐terminal cytoplasmic domain of FlhB (FlhBC) is involved in this switching process. FlhBC consists of FlhBCN and FlhBCC polypeptides. FlhBCC has a flexible C‐terminal tail (FlhBCCT). FlhBCC is involved in substrate recognition, and conformational rearrangements of FlhBCN–FlhBCC boundary are postulated to be required for the export switching. However, it remains unknown how it occurs. To clarify this question, we carried out mutational analysis of highly conserved residues in FlhBC. The flhB(E230A) mutation reduced the FlhB function. The flhB(E11S) mutation restored the protein transport activity of the flhB(E230A) mutant to the wild‐type level, suggesting that the interaction of FlhBCN with the extreme N‐terminal region of FlhB is required for flagellar protein export. The flhB(R320A) mutation affected hydrophobic interaction networks in FlhBCC, thereby increasing insolubility of FlhBC. The R320A mutation also affected the export switching, thereby producing longer hooks with the filament attached. C‐terminal truncations of FlhBCCT induced a conformational change of FlhBCN–FlhBCC boundary, resulting in a loose hook length control. We propose that FlhBCCT may control conformational arrangements of FlhBCN–FlhBCC boundary through the hydrophobic interaction networks of FlhBCC.
Helicobacter pylori resistance to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones in a pediatric population in Turkey: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Güven Burcu , Gülerman Fulya , Kaçmaz Birgül 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori antimicrobial resistance is gradually increasing around the world. However, there are a limited number of studies reporting on this issue in the pediatric population. In this study, we aimed to determine H pylori resistance to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones in the pediatric patients living in Kırıkkale province that were detected with H pylori in gastric biopsies. Moreover, we also aimed to investigate the concordance between the histopathologic and molecular methods used in the diagnosis of H pylori infection.Materials and MethodsPatients aged 2‐18 years who had a history of epigastric pain and/or nausea persisting for longer than 1 month underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Biopsies were taken from the gastric antral mucosa. In the samples detected with H pylori in the histopathologic examination, the presence of H pylori and H pylori resistance to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones was investigated using the GenoType HelicoDR test which allows the detection of wild‐type and mutant genes. The strains detected with more than one mutant gene are defined as hetero‐resistant strains.ResultsThe 93 patients that underwent DNA extraction and amplification included 68 (73.1%) girls and 25 (26.9%) boys with a median age of 15 ± 2.62 (range 6‐17) years. The overall concordance for the diagnosis of H pylori infection between histopathology and PCR was 94%, and H pylori resistance to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones was 27% and 15%, respectively.ConclusionsThe high H pylori resistance to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones among the pediatric patients in our region implicates that the antibiotic sensitivity of strains should be studied prior to administration in accordance with the recommendations provided in the guidelines. Moreover, the presence of hetero‐resistant strains in our patients may be a reason for treatment failure.