bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
False‐positive Candida and Aspergillus antigen testing in recipients of allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation due to administration of parenteral nutrition and fixed combinations of piperacillin‐tazobactam
Authors: Walter Wencke , Bornhäuser Martin , Stölzel Friedrich , Knoth Holger 
Published: May 2019

SummaryFalse positivity of antigen immunoassays used as an early diagnostic tool to detect invasive fungal infections is known. Interpretation of the assay needs the identification of sources which could affect the specificity of the test. We focused on the influence of parenteral nutrition (PN) and piperacillin‐tazobactam (TZP) on fungal immunoassays. Measurable amounts of Candida antigen mannan were detected in several compounds of PN and TZP in a previous in vitro study. In the current study, 84 patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation receiving either TZP, PN or both were monitored with Aspergillus and Candida antigen assay. Six patients were analysed closer in a kinetic analysis with more frequent blood sampling to detect mannan. PN in diverse compositions as well as TZP did not increase significantly the amount of mannan and the Aspergillus antigen in serum. We could not confirm the positive results of the in vitro study. Physicians should be aware that mannan antigenemia due to drug infusion could be a transient issue and should be considered in the interpretation of fungal immunoassays, although we could not find clinically relevant effects on mannan levels.
Is There Pain in hell?
Authors: Manni Franco 
Published: May 2019

AbstractI present a short summary of the traditional pagan and Christian legacy claiming that hell is above all a place of pain and the objections that have been addressed to it. Then I proceed to my main point:tracing a philosophical thread from Plato to Aristotle and then from Augustine to Aquinas, and citing a psychological experience of everyday life, I maintain that: 1) either there is no pain in hell, or 2) hell is not the worst thing that can happen to a human being. Then I present four possible objections to my thesis and attempt to counter them. In the last section I point to some practical consequences on the pastoral level that could ensue from a different doctrine on the nature of hell.
A role for the auxin precursor anthranilic acid in root gravitropism via regulation of PIN‐FORMED protein polarity and relocalisation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Doyle Siamsa M. , Rigal Adeline , Grones Peter , Karady Michal , Barange Deepak K. , Majda Mateusz , Pařízková Barbora , Karampelias Michael , Zwiewka Marta , Pěnčík Aleš , Almqvist Fredrik , Ljung Karin , Novák Ondřej , Robert Stéphanie 
Published: May 2019

Summary

distribution of auxin within plant tissues is of great importance for developmental plasticity, including root gravitropic growth. Auxin flow is directed by the subcellular polar distribution and dynamic relocalisation of auxin transporters such as the PIN‐FORMED (PIN) efflux carriers, which can be influenced by the main natural plant auxin indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA). Anthranilic acid (AA) is an important early precursor of IAA and previously published studies with AA analogues have suggested that AA may also regulate PIN localisation.

Using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model species, we studied an AA‐deficient mutant displaying agravitropic root growth, treated seedlings with AA and AA analogues and transformed lines to over‐produce AA while inhibiting its conversion to downstream IAA precursors.

We showed that AA rescues root gravitropic growth in the AA‐deficient mutant at concentrations that do not rescue IAA levels. Overproduction of AA affects root gravitropism without affecting IAA levels. Treatments with, or deficiency in, AA result in defects in PIN polarity and gravistimulus‐induced PIN relocalisation in root cells.

Our results revealed a previously unknown role for AA in the regulation of PIN subcellular localisation and dynamics involved in root gravitropism, which is independent of its better known role in IAA biosynthesis.
Genetic diversity, population structure and key phenotypic traits driving variation within soyabean (Glycine max) collection in Ghana
Authors: Denwar Nicholas Ninju , Awuku Frederick J. , Diers Brian , Addae‐Frimpomaah Francisca , Chigeza Godfree , Oteng‐Frimpong Richard , Puozaa Doris K. , Barnor Michael T. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is an important oilseed crop worldwide and it has recently become the crop of interest in Ghana. In this study, 142 soybean accessions were genotyped with 34 SSR markers and concurrently evaluated for five quantitative and two qualitative phenotypic traits. Twenty‐nine of the SSR markers were polymorphic with mean allele number of 5.3, polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.51 and gene diversity of 0.55. Molecular analysis based on unweighted paired group arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) was similar in explaining the extent of diversity within the accessions. Structure analysis placed most of the accessions into two subpopulations with 18 (12.7%) as admixtures. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on phenotypic traits revealed two clusters. Both UPGMA clustering‐based SSR data and PCA from phenotypic data showed similar results. The assembled germplasm is genetically diverse with high variation in flowering and maturity period, and key yield components which could be exploited in developing superior varieties well adapted to Ghana and West Africa.
Genome‐wide association mapping and candidate gene analysis for saturated fatty acid content in soybean seed
Authors: Zhao Xue , Chang Hong , Feng Lei , Jing Yan , Teng Weili , Qiu Lijuan , Zheng Hongkun , Han Yingpeng , Li Wenbin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSaturated fatty acids (FA), an important component of soybean oil, plays a crucial role in the nutritional value of soybean oil through different concentration and relative proportions. In this study, an association population of 185 diverse soybean accessions was used to identify quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) and scan candidate genes via genome‐wide association analysis (GWAS), which was based on high throughout single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) developed via the Specific Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing (SLAF‐seq) approach. A total of 33,149 SNPs were identified with minor allele frequencies (MAF) >4%, which covered 97% of the soybean whole genome. For the two saturated FA concentration, including palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA), up to 65 SNPs were verified via GWAS. Among them, 35 and 16 SNPs loci were the novel loci for PA and SA, respectively. There were other six loci for PA and eight loci for SA overlapped or located in the linked genomic regions reported by the previous study. Furthermore, many loci were repeated in more than two environments, and four pair of pleiotropic loci (PA‐3‐2 and SA‐3‐2, PA‐11‐2 and SA‐11‐1, PA‐12‐2 and SA‐12‐1, and PA‐17‐1 and SA‐17‐2) had similar genomic regions, which might control both PA and SA simultaneously. A total of 49 genes, which could participate in lipid biosynthesis pathway or hormone metabolism, were identified as the potential candidate genes associated with saturated FA. The identified loci with beneficial alleles and the candidate genes would be valuable for studying the molecular mechanisms of saturated FA and further for improving nutritional value of soybean oil.
Potassium‐induced decrease in cytosolic Na+ alleviates deleterious effects of salt stress on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Gul M. , Wakeel A. , Steffens D. , Lindberg S. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Accumulation of NaCl in soil causes osmotic stress in plants, and sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl−) cause ion toxicity, but also reduce the potassium (K+) uptake by plant roots and stimulate the K+ efflux through the cell membrane. Thus, decreased K+/Na+ ratio in plant tissue lead us to hypothesise that elevated levels of K+ in nutrient medium enhance this ratio in plant tissue and cytosol to improve enzyme activation, osmoregulation and charge balance.

In this study, wheat was cultivated at different concentrations of K+ (2.2, 4.4 or 8.8 mm) with or without salinity (1, 60 or 120 mm NaCl) and the effects on growth, root and shoot Na+ and K+ distribution and grain yield were determined. Also, the cytosolic Na+ concentration was investigated, as well as photosynthesis rate and water potential.

Salinity reduced fresh weight of both shoots and roots and dry weight of roots. The grain yield was significantly reduced under Na+ stress and improved with elevated K+ fertilisation. Elevated K+ level during cultivation prevented the accumulation of Na+ into the cytosol of both shoot and root protoplasts. Wheat growth at vegetative stage was transiently reduced at the highest K+ concentration, perhaps due to plants' efforts to overcome a high solute concentration in the plant tissue, nevertheless grain yield was increased at both K+ levels.

In conclusion, a moderately elevated K+ application to wheat seedlings reduces tissue as well as cytosolic Na+ concentration and enhances wheat growth and grain yield by mitigating the deleterious effects of Na+ toxicity.
Nectar robbers influence the trait–fitness relationship of Primula secundiflora
Authors: Wu Y. , Zhang Z.‐Q. , Li Q.‐J. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

The trait–fitness relationship influences the strength and direction of floral evolution. To fully understand and predict the evolutionary trajectories of floral traits, it is critical to disentangle the direct and indirect effects of floral traits on plant fitness in natural populations.

We experimentally quantified phenotypic selection on floral traits through female fitness and estimated the casual effects of nectar robbing with different nectar robbing intensities on trait–fitness relationships in both the L‐ (long‐style and short‐anther phenotype) and S‐morph (short‐style and long‐anther phenotype) flowers among Primula secundiflora populations.

A larger number of flowers and wider corolla tubes had both direct and indirect positive effects on female fitness in the P. secundiflora populations. The indirect effects of these two traits on female fitness were mediated by nectar robbers. The indirect effect of the number of flowers on female fitness increased with increasing nectar robbing intensity. In most populations, the direct and/or indirect effects of floral traits on female fitness were stronger in the S‐morph flowers than in the L‐morph flowers. In addition, nectar robbers had a direct positive effect on female fitness, but this effect varied between the L‐ and S‐morph flowers.

These results show the potential role of nectar robbers in influencing the trait–fitness relationships in this primrose species.
The association between crowding within households and behavioural problems in children: Longitudinal data from the Southampton Women’s Survey
Authors: Marsh Rachael , Salika Theodosia , Crozier Sarah , Robinson Sian , Cooper Cyrus , Godfrey Keith , Inskip Hazel , Baird Janis ,   for the SWS Study Group
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn England, nearly one child in ten lives in overcrowded housing. Crowding is likely to worsen with increasing population size, urbanisation, and the ongoing concerns about housing shortages. Children with behavioural difficulties are at increased risk of mental and physical health problems and poorer employment prospects.ObjectiveTo test the association between the level of crowding in the home and behavioural problems in children, and to explore what factors might explain the relationship.MethodsMothers of 2576 children from the Southampton Women's Survey population‐based mother‐offspring cohort were interviewed. Crowding was measured at age 2 years by people per room (PPR) and behavioural problems assessed at age 3 years with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Both were analysed as continuous measures, and multivariable linear regression models were fitted, adjusting for confounding factors: gender, age, single‐parent family, maternal education, receipt of benefits, and social class. Potential mediators were assessed with formal mediation analysis.ResultsThe characteristics of the sample were broadly representative of the population in England. Median (IQR) SDQ score was 9 (6‐12) and PPR was 0.75 (0.6‐1). In households that were more crowded, children tended to have more behavioural problems (by 0.20 SDQ points (95% CI 0.08, 0.32) per additional 0.2 PPR, adjusting for confounding factors). This relationship was partially mediated by greater maternal stress, less sleep, and strained parent‐child interactions.ConclusionsLiving in a more crowded home was associated with a greater risk of behavioural problems, independent of confounding factors. The findings suggest that improved housing might reduce childhood behavioural problems and that families living in crowded circumstances might benefit from greater support.
Advanced polysomnographic analysis for OSA: A pathway to personalized management?
Authors: de Chazal Philip , Sutherland Kate , Cistulli Peter A. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly heterogeneous disorder, with diverse pathways to disease, expression of disease, susceptibility to co‐morbidities and response to therapy, and is ideally suited to precision medicine approaches. Clinically, the content of the information‐rich polysomnogram (PSG) is not currently fully utilized in determining patient management. Novel PSG parameters such as hypoxic burden, pulse transit time, cardiopulmonary coupling and the frequency representations of PSG sensor signals could predict a variety of cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurodegeneration co‐morbidities. The PSG can also be used to identify key pathophysiological parameters such as loop gain, arousal threshold and muscle compensation which can enhance understanding of the causes of OSA in an individual, and thereby guide choices on therapy. Machine learning methods performing their own parameter extraction coupled with large PSG data sets offer an exciting opportunity for discovering new links between the PSG variables and disease outcomes. By exploiting existing and emerging analytical methods, the PSG may offer a pathway to personalized management for OSA.
Disabled people say ‘Nothing about us without us’
Authors: Hogan Amy , Jain Neera R. , Peiris‐John Roshini , Ameratunga Shanthi 
Published: May 2019

SummaryBackgroundThis study explored disability community representatives’ perspectives on why and how health professional education could be strengthened to address the prevalent challenges in health care experienced by disabled people.MethodsA total of 14 people from the disability community (disabled people, caregivers and disability advocates) in Auckland, New Zealand, participated in three focus groups moderated by a disabled community researcher. Audiorecordings were transcribed and analysed thematically to characterise broad themes.FindingsParticipants described many barriers to health care experienced by disabled people, with service providers’ inadequate knowledge of disability issues being a key contributor. Participants viewed educational approaches incorporating disabled peoples’ diverse lived realities as critical to improving health system responses to these inequities. They recommended broadening concepts and teaching methods to shift common deficit framing of disability, engaging disabled people to develop and deliver curricula, improving communication, and promoting empathic provider–patient partnerships in care. Study participants strongly advocated inclusive participatory approaches across training pathways using assistive and multimedia technologies that optimise the engagement of disabled people and reduce respondent burden.DiscussionDisability community participants urged strengthening health professional training to address the prevalent inadequacies of health systems in responding to disabled people's needs. They viewed a greater awareness of the lived realities of disabled people and critical consciousness to overcome barriers to care as essential attributes of a competent workforce. These findings indicate the need to engage, empower and work in partnership with disabled people to develop reflexive health professional curricula. Core competencies should be considered mandatory given the increasing prevalence of disability globally.This study explored disability community representatives’ perspectives on why and how health professional education could … address … challenges in health care experienced by disabled people
Genetic, epigenetic and genomic effects on variation of gene expression among grape varieties
Authors: Magris Gabriele , Di Gaspero Gabriele , Marroni Fabio , Zenoni Sara , Tornielli Giovanni Battista , Celii Mirko , De Paoli Emanuele , Pezzotti Mario , Conte Federica , Paci Paola , Morgante Michele 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThe transcriptional regulatory structure of plant genomes is still relatively unexplored, and little is known about factors that influence expression variation in plants. We used a genetic system consisting of 10 heterozygous grape varieties with high consanguinity and high haplotypic diversity to: (i) identify regions of haplotype sharing through whole‐genome resequencing and single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping; (ii) analyse gene expression through RNA‐seq in four stages of berry development; and (iii) associate gene expression variation with genetic and epigenetic properties. We found that haplotype sharing in and around genes was positively correlated with similarity in expression and was negatively correlated with the fraction of differentially expressed genes. Genetic and epigenetic properties of the gene and the surrounding region showed significant effects on the extent of expression variation, with negative associations for the level of gene body methylation and mean expression level, and with positive associations for nucleotide diversity, structural diversity and ratio of non‐synonymous to synonymous nucleotide diversity. We also observed a spatial dependency of covariation of gene expression among varieties. These results highlight relevant roles for cis‐acting factors, selective constraints and epigenetic features of the gene, and the regional context in which the gene is located, in the determination of expression variation.Open Research BadgesThis article has earned an Open Data Badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA385116; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA392287; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA373967 (released upon publication); https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA490160 (released upon publication); https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA265039; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA265040.
Skin and ear health in a group of English bulldogs in Finland – a descriptive study with special reference to owner perceptions
Authors: Seppänen Riitta T.K. , Kaimio Mirja , Schildt Kirsti J.M. , Lilja‐Maula Liisa , Hyytiäinen Heli K. , Mölsä Sari , Morelius Mikael , Rajamäki Minna M. , Lappalainen Anu K. , Rantala Merja 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundDermatological conditions are common in English bulldogs (EBs).Hypothesis/ObjectivesThis cross‐sectional study describes the dermatological health status of a group of EBs and compares the results with owner perceptions and its possible impact on quality of life (QoL). Computed tomographic (CT) findings of the ear canals were compared between EBs and mesaticephalic dogs.AnimalsTwenty‐seven EBs participating in a health study in Finland.Methods and materialsA QoL questionnaire was completed for EBs with owner‐reported clinical signs referable to the skin or ear. Clinical evaluation included recording the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, the Otitis Index Score, false paw pad grading and the presence of interdigital furunculosis. These were summed to form a total clinical score (TCS). The cross‐sectional surface areas of the horizontal ear canals were measured from CT images and compared with respective images of 14 mesaticephalic dogs collected from a patient database.ResultsAll 27 EBs had abnormal findings on dermatological examination, but 37% of the owners had not recognized skin or ear signs. The median QoL score was 5.0 (range 0–12) and correlated with TCS (correlation coefficient = 0.507, P < 0.05). English bulldogs had narrower horizontal ear canals than mesaticephalic dogs (P < 0.001).Conclusions and clinical importanceAll EBs had abnormal dermatological findings that were unnoticed or considered to be of minor significance to the QoL by most owners. Narrow ear canals were common, possibly related to the brachycephalic conformation of the breed.
Congenital malformations of the lumbosacral vertebral column are common in neurologically normal French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs, with breed‐specific differences
Authors: Bertram Simon , ter Haar Gert , De Decker Steven 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCongenital vertebral malformations are common findings on diagnostic imaging of the vertebral column in “screw‐tailed” brachycephalic dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of lumbosacral congenital vertebral malformations in French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs presenting for problems unrelated to spinal disease, as well as possible associations with the degree of tail malformation, lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, or spondylosis deformans. In this retrospective cross‐sectional study, CT scans of vertebrae L6 to S3 and of the coccygeal vertebrae were reviewed for type of congenital vertebral malformations (hemivertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, and spina bifida), lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, lumbosacral spondylosis deformans, and degree of tail malformation. In 76 (51.0%) of the 149 included dogs (53 French Bulldogs, 37 English Bulldogs, and 59 Pugs) at least one type of congenital vertebral malformations was found, with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae being the most common (34.2%). There was a significantly higher prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (54.2%) and lower prevalence of hemivertebrae (1.7%) in Pugs compared to English (13.5% and 24.3%, respectively) and French Bulldogs (26.4% and 32.0%, respectively). Tail malformation was significantly more severe in dogs with evidence of hemivertebrae. Congenital vertebral malformations are a common finding in the lumbosacral vertebral column of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. These anatomical variances need to be considered when interpreting diagnostic studies and when planning for neurosurgical and neurodiagnostic procedures. Furthermore, this study suggests a possible association between the degree of tail malformation and lumbosacral hemivertebrae.
Over-the-counter natural products in cardiac surgery: a case of ginseng-related massive perioperative bleeding
Authors: Viviano Alessandro , Steele Duncan , Edsell Mark , Jahangiri Marjan 
Published: May 2019

We present a case of massive perioperative bleeding due to severe coagulopathy following urgent aortic and mitral valve replacement. Bleeding was persistent despite prolonged and meticulous surgical haemostasis and required high-volume blood products transfusions. No obvious cause was found to justify the severity of the coagulopathy, which was later attributed to high preoperative intake of ginseng.This case highlights the powerful activity of certain over-the-counter remedies on haemostasis, in this particular case on coagulation status. This also reminds us the paramount importance of a sound and comprehensive drug history for surgical patients.