bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scavenging organic nitrogen and remodelling lipid metabolism are key survival strategies adopted by the endophytic fungi, Serendipita vermifera and Serendipita bescii to alleviate nitrogen and phosphorous starvation in vitro
Authors: Ray Prasun , Abraham Paul E. , Guo Yingqing , Giannone Richard J. , Engle Nancy L. , Yang Zamin K. , Jacobson Daniel , Hettich Robert L. , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , Craven Kelly D. 
Published: April 2019

Summary
Serendipitaceae represents a diverse fungal group in the Basidiomycota that includes endophytes and lineages that repeatedly evolved ericoid, orchid and ectomycorrhizal lifestyle. Plants rely upon both nitrogen and phosphorous, for essential growth processes, and are often provided by mycorrhizal fungi. In this study, we investigated the cellular proteome of Serendipita vermifera MAFF305830 and closely related Serendipita vermifera subsp. bescii NFPB0129 grown in vitro under (N) ammonium and (P) phosphate starvation conditions. Mycelial growth pattern was documented under these conditions to correlate growth‐specific responses to nutrient starvation. We found that N‐starvation accelerated hyphal radial growth, whereas P‐starvation accelerated hyphal branching. Additionally, P‐starvation triggers an integrated starvation response leading to remodelling of lipid metabolism. Higher abundance of an ammonium transporter known to serve as both an ammonium sensor and stimulator of hyphal growth was detected under N‐starvation. Additionally, N‐starvation led to strong up‐regulation of nitrate, amino acid, peptide, and urea transporters, along with several proteins predicted to have peptidase activity. Taken together, our finding suggests S. bescii and S. vermifera have the metabolic capacity for nitrogen assimilation from organic forms of N compounds. We hypothesize that the nitrogen metabolite repression is a key regulator of such organic N assimilation.
Empowering conservation practice with efficient and economical genotyping from poor quality samples
Authors: Natesh Meghana , Taylor Ryan W. , Truelove Nathan K. , Hadly Elizabeth A. , Palumbi Stephen R. , Petrov Dmitri A. , Ramakrishnan Uma 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Moderate‐ to high‐density genotyping (100 + SNPs) is widely used to determine and measure individual identity, relatedness, fitness, population structure and migration in wild populations.

However, these important tools are difficult to apply when high‐quality genetic material is unavailable. Most genomic tools are developed for high‐quality DNA sources from laboratory or medical settings. As a result, most genetic data from market or field settings is limited to easily amplified mitochondrial DNA or a few microsatellites.

To enable genotyping in conservation contexts, we used next‐generation sequencing of multiplex PCR products from very low‐quality DNA extracted from faeces, hair and cooked samples. We demonstrated utility and wide‐ranging potential application in endangered wild tigers and tracking commercial trade in Caribbean queen conch.

We genotyped 100 SNPs from degraded tiger samples to identify individuals, discern close relatives and detect population differentiation. Co‐occurring carnivores do not amplify (e.g. Indian wild dog/dhole) or are monomorphic (e.g. leopard). Sixty‐two SNPs from conch fritters and field‐collected samples were used to test relatedness and detect population structure.

We provide proof of concept for a rapid, simple, cost‐effective and scalable method (for both samples and number of loci), a framework that can be applied to other conservation scenarios previously limited by low‐quality DNA samples. These approaches provide a critical advance for wildlife monitoring and forensics, open the door to field‐ready testing, and will strengthen the use of science in policy decisions and wildlife trade.
Dynamics of predatory and herbivorous insects at the farm scale: the role of cropped and noncropped habitats
Authors: Togni Pedro H. B. , Venzon Madelaine , Souza Lucas M. , Sousa Alex A. T. C. , Harterreiten‐Souza Érica S. , Pires Carmen S. S. , Sujii Edison R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNatural enemy conservation is known to be affected by ecological processes that range from local to landscape scales. At the farm scale, there are cropped and noncropped areas that differ in their management and plant diversity; these differences affect the spatiotemporal dynamics of natural enemies.
We investigated how different habitat types can affect the conservation and spatial dynamics of predatory and herbivore insects in organic vegetable crops in Brazil. Insects were simultaneously sampled in two cropped (focal and neighbourhood crops) and two noncropped habitats (fallow and native forests) during five consecutive focal crop cycles.
We found a higher species richness of predators and herbivores in noncropped habitats. All of the habitats shared species from both functional groups throughout the year, indicating that species could disperse among habitats. Fallow areas can serve as a source and sink for species migrating to/from cropped habitats where predators and herbivores can numerically increase their populations during the crop cycles.
The spatiotemporal dynamics of herbivores and predators depend on the management and maintenance of natural, seminatural and cropped habitats within the farm.
Explicit evidence for a missense mutation in exon 4 of SLC45A2 gene causing the pearl coat dilution in horses
Authors: Sevane N. , Sanz C. R. , Dunner S. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryFour loci seem responsible for the dilution of the basic coat colours in horse: Dun (D), Silver Dapple (Z), Champagne (CH) and Cream (C). Apart from the current phenotypes ascribed to these loci, pearl has been described as yet another diluted coat colour in this species. To date, this coat colour seems to segregate only in the Iberian breeds Purebred Spanish horse and Lusitano and has also been described in breeds of Iberian origin, such as Quarter Horses and Paint Horse, where it is referred to as the ‘Barlink Factor’. This phenotype segregates in an autosomal recessive manner and resembles some of the coat colours produced by the champagne CHCH and cream CCr alleles, sometimes being difficult to distinguish among them. The interaction between compound heterozygous for the pearl Cprl and cream CCr alleles makes SLC45A2 the most plausible candidate gene for the pearl phenotype in horses. Our results provide documented evidence for the missense variation in exon 4 [SLC45A2:c.985G>A; SLC45A2:p.(Ala329Thr)] as the causative mutation for the pearl coat colour. In addition, it is most likely involved as well in the cremello, perlino and smoky cream like phenotypes associated with the compound CCr and Cprl heterozygous genotypes (known as cream pearl in the Purebred Spanish horse breed). The characterization of the pearl mutation allows breeders to identify carriers of the Cprl allele and to select this specific coat colour according to personal preferences, market demands or studbook requirements as well as to verify segregation within particular pedigrees.
A new indirect immunofluorescence BIOCHIP method for the serological diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid: A review of literature
Authors: Yang Anes , Xuan Rachel , Murrell Dedee F 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe BIOCHIP (Dermatology Mosaic 7, EUROIMMUN, Lubeck, Germany) is a novel multiplex indirect immunofluorescence technique used in the serological diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid. The BIOCHIP method combines the screening of several autoantibodies and target antigen‐specific substrates in a single miniature incubation field to allow for simultaneous processing of the most common autoimmune bullous diseases autoantibodies using a single investigation. This manuscript reviews the literature on the validity of the BIOCHIP in the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid. A systematic search for journal articles comparing the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests for bullous pemphigoid patients was conducted in online databases via the Ovid SP search interfaces. The literature search generated 745 articles of which 189 were deemed relevant. Among the relevant articles, seven studies investigated the validity of the BIOCHIP indirect immunofluorescent test in the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid. The BIOCHIP has demonstrated itself to be a specific test for BP180 (96.5–100%) and BP230 (98.3–100%), with a high sensitivity for BP180 (83.3–100%) but poor sensitivity for BP230 (24.3–66.7%). The BIOCHIP mosaic‐based immunofluorescence test is potentially a simple, time‐ and effort‐saving test that can aid in the diagnosis and screening of bullous pemphigoid. Further studies should report on the inter‐rater reliability of the BIOCHIP to further validate the tool.
Keratinocyte carcinoma as a chronic disease in Australia and Spain: The importance of avoidance of perceived visible scars
Authors: Venning Victoria L , Thomas Charlotte L , Consuegra Romero Germana , Castro Gutiérrez Beatriz , St George Gayathri , Fernandez‐Peñas Pablo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesKeratinocyte cancer impacts health‐related quality of life (HRQL). Disease progression and treatment can lead to adverse physical and psychosocial consequences. The skin cancer index (SCI) is a validated tool with higher scores reflecting greater HRQL. Our objectives were to assess and compare the impact of keratinocyte cancer using the SCI in two diverse populations.MethodsA total of 120 patients were prospectively recruited from dermatology clinics in Sydney, Australia, and Santander, Spain, providing demographics and completing the SCI.ResultsAbout 61.1% of Australians reported ≥2 skin cancers (vs 20% P = <0.001), 44.4% resulting visible scars (vs 14.8% P = <0.001). Visible scars were associated with poorer HRQL, across total SCI (68.3 vs 81.5 P = <0.001), social (76.0 vs 86.7 P = 0.003) and emotional (54.2 vs 69.7 P = 0.003) domains. Interestingly, perceived visible scars were not associated with appearance scores. The Spanish population reported greater appearance (88.0 vs 75.6 P = 0.008) and emotional (70.7 vs 60.5 P = 0.034) HRQL. Surprisingly, incidence of cancer, recent disease, gender and education were not associated with HRQL impairment.ConclusionsAustralians with keratinocyte cancer experience poorer HRQL compared to a Spanish population. Offering non‐surgical means when amenable and consideration of psychosocial needs during clinical course is emphasised. While our study highlights the importance of HRQL tools, our results question the sensitivity of the SCI across populations. Further research is required to substantiate its ongoing use.
Combined nestorone–testosterone gel suppresses serum gonadotropins to concentrations associated with effective hormonal contraception in men
Authors: Anawalt B. D. , Roth M. Y. , Ceponis J. , Surampudi V. , Amory J. K. , Swerdloff R. S. , Liu P. Y. , Dart C. , Bremner W. J. , Sitruk‐Ware R. , Kumar N. , Blithe D. L. , Page S. T. , Wang C. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundNovel male‐based contraceptives are needed to broaden family planning choices. A progestin, Nestorone® (Nes) gel, plus a testosterone (T) gel suppresses sperm concentrations to levels associated with effective contraception in normal men. However, administration of two gels on different parts of the body daily is impractical.ObjectiveCompare the effectiveness of daily application of a single, combined 8.3 mg Nes‐62.5 mg T gel (Nes‐T) vs. 62.7 mg T gel to suppress serum FSH and LH concentrations to ≤1.0 IU/L (a threshold associated with suppression of sperm concentrations to ≤1 million and effective contraception) and to compare the pharmacokinetics of serum Nes and T concentrations between the gel groups.DesignWe conducted a 28‐day, double‐blind, controlled trial of 44 healthy men randomized to daily Nes‐T or T gel with measurement of hormones at baseline, treatment, and recovery and during 24‐h pharmacokinetic studies on days 1 and 28 of treatment.ResultsOf the subjects who met pre‐defined inclusion criteria, 84% of the Nes‐T group suppressed serum gonadotropin concentrations to ≤1.0 IU/L at days 21–28 vs. 16.7% in the T group (p < 0.001). On day 1, Nes concentrations rose significantly above baseline by 2 h and continued to rise up to 24 h after Nes‐T gel application. Nes concentrations were not detectable in the T group. Serum total T concentrations rose and were significantly higher in the T gel group compared to the Nes‐T group at 24 h on day 1 and days 11, 14, and 21 (p < 0.01). There were no serious adverse events in either group. About 80% of the subjects reported satisfaction with both gels.ConclusionDaily Nes‐T gel effectively and safely suppresses serum gonadotropins and is acceptable to most men. It should be studied further in efficacy trials of hormonal male contraception.
Epithelial tissue cut‐out following needle insertion into a joint: a potential complication during arthroscopy
Authors: Epstein Daniel J. , McCullough Keith 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundKnee arthroscopy is a common orthopaedic procedure and often involves insertion of a needle through skin into a joint. This needle insertion can create epithelial tissue cut‐outs possibly containing commensal bacteria that can be flushed into the joint, and potentially lead to post‐arthroscopy septic arthritis. This study aims to assess the frequency of epithelial tissue cut‐out creation on insertion of different needle sizes at different angles to the skin.MethodsUsing an ex‐vivo porcine limb tissue model, needles of various gauge (14–23G) were inserted at angles of 90, 60, 45 and 30° to the skin surface. Ten passes were undertaken at each angle. Needle lumen contents were then examined for solid tissue cut‐out.ResultsTwo hundred and eighty needle passes were performed resulting in 70 tissue cut‐outs (25%) containing solid material. This was more common amongst lower gauge needles. 8 of the 70 (11.4%) tissue cut‐outs contained macroscopic evidence of epithelium. The overall rate of epithelial tissue cut‐out was 2.9%. The 23G needle had the lowest rate of tissue cut‐out creation, occurring twice out of 40 passes (P = 0.002). Neither of these contained macroscopic epithelial tissue.ConclusionHypodermic needle insertion through skin into a joint can create epithelial tissue cut‐out. Epithelial tissue cut‐out occurs more frequently with use of lower gauge needles. This study suggests use of a 23G needle during arthroscopy, inserted either at 60 or 90° to the skin, to reduce epithelial tissue cut‐out and any potential contribution to post‐arthroscopy septic arthritis.
Prognostic factors for visual acuity in patients with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy after rAAV2‐ND4 gene therapy
Authors: Zhang Yong , Li Xin , Yuan Jiajia , Tian Zhen , Liu Hongli , Wang Dan , Li Bin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractImportanceFactors affecting visual acuity prognosis after gene therapy in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) patients with mutation at site 11 778 are unknown.BackgroundTo analyse correlations between visual acuity prognosis and baseline characteristics of LHON after rAAV2‐ND4 gene therapy.DesignRetrospective study.ParticipantsFifty‐three LHON patients with a mutation at site 11 778.MethodsSingle‐eye intravitreal injection of rAAV2‐ND4.Main Outcome MeasuresSex, onset age, duration of disease, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field index (VFI) and mean deviation (MD) were recorded for all patients at baseline. BCVA was recorded at 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐up visits after gene therapy. Correlations between BCVA prognosis and baseline characteristics were analysed by univariate analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed on independent factors affecting BCVA prognosis.ResultsUnivariate analysis showed significant differences in the VFI and MD of the injected eye between BCVA improvement and non‐improvement groups after 3 months of treatment, with greater VFI and smaller absolute MD in the BCVA improvement group. Logistic regression showed that VFI and baseline BCVA were independent prognostic factors for visual acuity. The correlation between VFI and MD was statistically significant.Conclusions and RelevanceVFI and baseline BCVA were correlated with the visual acuity prognosis of LHON patients receiving gene therapy, with greater baseline VFI and better baseline BCVA predicting better visual acuity prognosis. MD was strongly correlated with VFI and might be correlated with gene therapy prognosis. This finding may form a basis for predicting the efficacy of gene therapy in these patients and guiding subsequent treatment.
Sleep–behaviour relationship in children with autism spectrum disorder: methodological pitfalls and insights from cognition and sensory processing
Authors: Deliens Gaétane , Peigneux Philippe 
Published: April 2019

Sleep disturbances are frequent and varied in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Growing evidence suggests that sleep problems in children withASDare driven by their clinical characteristics and psychiatric comorbidities. Therefore, the wide range of reported sleep disturbances reflects the marked heterogeneity of clinical pictures inASD. Whether sleep disturbances and their various forms may, in turn, account for at least part of the phenotypical variability ofASDis a crucial question discussed in this review. We first outline studies both validating and challenging a bidirectional theoretical framework for sleep disorders in children withASD. We then propose to extend this model by including cognition and sensory processing as key factors in the vicious circle linking sleep disorders and autistic symptoms.What this paper addsThere is a bidirectional interplay between autism symptoms and sleep disturbances.Sleep influence on daytime cognitive and sensory skills should be further investigated.
Evaluation of left atrial volume and functions by real time three‐dimensional echocardiography in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism before and after levothyroxine therapy
Authors: Dereli Seçkin , Bayramoğlu Adil , Özer Nurtaç , Kaya Ahmet , Özbilen Muhammet 
Published: April 2019

Background/AimsThe cardiovascular system is one of the major targets of thyroid hormones. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common disease that can represent “early” thyroid failure. Our aim was to evaluate left atrial (LA) volume and functions in patients with SCH using real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) and also to investigate changes in LA parameters after the levothyroxine treatment.MethodsIn total, 44 patients with SCH and 40 age‐ and gender‐matched controls were studied. Assessments included history, physical examination and echocardiography. All patients with SCH were followed up with replacement therapy until the euthyroid status was achieved.ResultsIn patients with SCH, LA total emptying volume, passive emptying volume, and passive ejection fraction were significantly reduced while LA minimal volume, active emptying volume, and active emptying fraction were significantly increased than in control group. Following the levothyroxine treatment, LA volume and function parameters were observed to be significantly improved. A negative correlation between the change of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and change of LA active emptying volume and a positive correlation between the change of TSH level and change of LA passive emptying volume were found.ConclusionIt was shown that volume and functions of LA were impaired in patients with SCH. However, impaired parameters were improved after the levothyroxine treatment. These findings may be indicative of subclinical heart involvement that could lead to functional and structural changes in patients with SCH.
Beyond drug‐induced alteration of glutamate homeostasis, astrocytes may contribute to dopamine‐dependent intrastriatal functional shifts that underlie the development of drug addiction: A working hypothesis
Authors: Fouyssac Maxime , Belin David 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe transition from recreational drug use to compulsive drug‐seeking habits, the hallmark of addiction, has been shown to depend on a shift in the locus of control over behaviour from the ventral to the dorsolateral striatum. This process has hitherto been considered to depend on the aberrant engagement of dopamine‐dependent plasticity processes within neuronal networks. However, exposure to drugs of abuse also triggers cellular and molecular adaptations in astrocytes within the striatum which could potentially contribute to the intrastriatal transitions observed during the development of drug addiction. Pharmacological interventions aiming to restore the astrocytic mechanisms responsible for maintaining homeostatic glutamate concentrations in the nucleus accumbens, that are altered by chronic exposure to addictive drugs, abolish the propensity to relapse in both preclinical and, to a lesser extent, clinical studies. Exposure to drugs of abuse also alters the function of astrocytes in the dorsolateral striatum, wherein dopaminergic mechanisms control drug‐seeking habits, associated compulsivity and relapse. This suggests that drug‐induced alterations in the glutamatergic homeostasis maintained by astrocytes throughout the entire striatum may interact with dopaminergic mechanisms to promote aberrant plasticity processes that contribute to the maintenance of maladaptive drug‐seeking habits. Capitalising on growing evidence that astrocytes play a fundamental regulatory role in glutamate and dopamine transmission in the striatum, we present an innovative model of a quadripartite synaptic microenvironment within which astrocytes channel functional interactions between the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems that may represent the primary striatal functional unit that undergoes drug‐induced adaptations eventually leading to addiction.