bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heterologous expression of the apple hexose transporter MdHT2.2 altered sugar concentration with increasing cell wall invertase activity in tomato fruit
Authors: Wang Zhengyang , Wei Xiaoyu , Yang Jingjing , Li Huixia , Ma Baiquan , Zhang Kaikai , Zhang Yanfeng , Cheng Lailiang , Ma Fengwang , Li Mingjun 
Published: July 2019

SummarySugar transporters are necessary to transfer hexose from cell wall spaces into parenchyma cells to boost hexose accumulation to high concentrations in fruit. Here, we have identified an apple hexose transporter (HTs), MdHT2.2, located in the plasma membrane, which is highly expressed in mature fruit. In a yeast system, the MdHT2.2 protein exhibited high 14C‐fructose and 14C‐glucose transport activity. In transgenic tomato heterologously expressing MdHT2.2, the levels of both fructose and glucose increased significantly in mature fruit, with sugar being unloaded via the apoplastic pathway, but the level of sucrose decreased significantly. Analysis of enzyme activity and the expression of genes related to sugar metabolism and transport revealed greatly up‐regulated expression of SlLIN5, a key gene encoding cell wall invertase (CWINV), as well as increased CWINV activity in tomatoes transformed with MdHT2.2. Moreover, the levels of fructose, glucose and sucrose recovered nearly to those of the wild type in the sllin5‐edited mutant of the MdHT2.2‐expressing lines. However, the overexpression of MdHT2.2 decreased hexose levels and increased sucrose levels in mature leaves and young fruit, suggesting that the response pathway for the apoplastic hexose signal differs among tomato tissues. The present study identifies a new HTs in apple that is able to take up fructose and glucose into cells and confirms that the apoplastic hexose levels regulated by HT controls CWINV activity to alter carbohydrate partitioning and sugar content.
Aboveground phytochemical responses to belowground herbivory in poplar trees and the consequence for leaf herbivore preference
Authors: Lackner Sandra , Lackus Nathalie D. , Paetz Christian , Köllner Tobias G. , Unsicker Sybille B. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBelowground (BG) herbivory can influence aboveground (AG) herbivore performance and food preference via changes in plant chemistry. Most evidence for this phenomenon derives from studies in herbaceous plants but studies in woody plants are scarce. Here we investigated whether and how BG herbivory on black poplar (Populus nigra) trees by Melolontha melolontha larvae influences the feeding preference of Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth) caterpillars. In a food choice assay, caterpillars preferred to feed on leaves from trees that had experienced attack by BG herbivores. Therefore, we investigated the effect of BG herbivory on the phytochemical composition of P. nigra trees alone and in combination with AG feeding by L. dispar caterpillars. BG herbivory did not increase systemic AG tree defences like volatile organic compounds, protease inhibitors and salicinoids. Jasmonates and salicylic acid were also not induced by BG herbivory in leaves but abscisic acid concentrations drastically increased together with proline and few other amino acids. Leaf coating experiments with amino acids suggest that proline might be responsible for the caterpillar feeding preference via presumptive phagostimulatory properties. This study shows that BG herbivory in poplar can modify the feeding preference of AG herbivores via phytochemical changes as a consequence of root‐to‐shoot signaling.
Isoprene: New insights into the control of emission and mediation of stress tolerance by gene expression
Authors: Lantz Alexandra T. , Allman Joshua , Weraduwage Sarathi M. , Sharkey Thomas D. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIsoprene is a volatile compound produced in large amounts by some, but not all, plants by the enzyme isoprene synthase. Plants emit vast quantities of isoprene, with a net global output of 600 Tg per year, and typical emission rates from individual plants around 2% of net carbon assimilation. There is significant debate about whether global climate change resulting from increasing CO2 in the atmosphere will increase or decrease global isoprene emission in the future. We show evidence supporting predictions of increased isoprene emission in the future, but the effects could vary depending on the environment under consideration. For many years, isoprene was believed to have immediate, physical effects on plants such as changing membrane properties or quenching reactive oxygen species. Although observations sometimes supported these hypotheses, the effects were not always observed, and the reasons for the variability were not apparent. Although there may be some physical effects, recent studies show that isoprene has significant effects on gene expression, the proteome, and the metabolome of both emitting and nonemitting species. Consistent results are seen across species and specific treatment protocols. This review summarizes recent findings on the role and control of isoprene emission from plants.
Recent advances of nucleotide nutrition research in aquaculture: a review
Authors: Hossain Md. Sakhawat , Koshio Shunsuke , Kestemont Patrick 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAlthough nucleotides (NT) have long been implicated as feed attractants in both vertebrate and invertebrate species, research into potential growth and health benefits of dietary NT in aquaculture species has just been implemented in early 2000s. To date, research pertaining to NT supplementation in aquafeed as functional nutrients has shown rather consistent and encouraging, beneficial results in fish and shrimp health management. Dietary NT serve a marked role to enhance growth in early stages of development, improve reproductive performances of brood fish, enhance larval quality, increase stress and disease resistance, modulate immune functions and improve intestinal morphology and gut microbiota of fish and shrimp. NT have also been used as functional supplement in alternative protein based diet, where NT was found as an effective supplement to increase the efficiency of utilizing alternative proteins. However, still there are numerous gaps in existing knowledge about exogenous NT administration to fish and shrimp including various aspects of digestion, absorption, metabolism, administration duration and age/size‐related responses. Adoption of different molecular technologies, like proteome modification and study of several gene expression pattern related to growth, immunity, gut health and stress resistance in details are important for exploring the underlying mechanisms of NT functions in improved growth and health performances of fish and shrimp. Efforts are also needed on production technologies to reduce the NT cost. Moreover, extensive research information is also required regarding the use of NT in alternative protein and lipid based diet to develop cost‐effective, ecofriendly functional aquafeed in near future.
Adolescent Suicide Attempt Prevention: Predictors of Response to a Cognitive–Behavioral Family and Youth Centered Intervention
Authors: Babeva Kalina N. , Klomhaus Alexandra M. , Sugar Catherine A. , Fitzpatrick Olivia , Asarnow Joan R. 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveSuicide is a leading cause of adolescent death. Recent data support the efficacy of cognitive–behavioral treatments with strong family components for reducing suicide risk; however, not all youth benefit from current interventions. Identifying predictors of treatment response can inform treatment selection and optimize benefits.MethodThis study examines predictors of response to a DBT‐informed cognitive–behavioral family treatment (SAFETY), among 50 youth with recent suicide attempts/self‐harm. Youth and parents were assessed at baseline and post‐treatment.ResultsResults indicated medium‐to‐large effect sizes for SAFETY on youth suicidal behavior (SB; defined as suicide attempts, aborted attempts, and planning), depression, hopelessness, social adjustment, and parental depression. Classification tree analysis, with a correct classification rate of 93.3%, and follow‐up logistic analyses indicated that 35% of youths reporting active SB at baseline reported active SB at post‐treatment, whereas post‐treatment SB was rare among youths whose active suicidality had resolved by the baseline assessment (5%). Among youths reporting baseline SB, those endorsing sleep problems were more likely to report post‐treatment SB (53%) versus those without sleep problems (0%).ConclusionsThese findings highlight the potential value of personalized treatment approaches based on pretreatment characteristics and the significance of baseline SB and sleep problems for predicting treatment response.
A CRISPR/LbCas12a‐based method for highly efficient multiplex gene editing in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Pu Xiaojun , Liu Lina , Li Ping , Huo Heqiang , Dong Xiumei , Xie Kabin , Yang Hong , Liu Li 
Published: July 2019

SummaryDue to their high efficiency, specificity, and flexibility, programmable nucleases, such as those of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a (Cpf1) system, have greatly expanded the applicability of editing the genomes of various organisms. Genes from different gene families or genes with redundant functions in the same gene family can be examined by assembling multiple CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) in a single vector. However, the activity and efficiency of CRISPR/Cas12a in the non‐vascular plant Physcomitrella patens are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that LbCas12a together with its mature crRNA can target multiple loci simultaneously in P. patens with high efficiency via co‐delivery of LbCas12a and a crRNA expression cassette in vivo. The mutation frequencies induced by CRISPR/LbCas12a at a single locus ranged from 26.5 to 100%, with diverse deletions being the most common type of mutation. Our method expands the repertoire of genome editing tools available for P. patens and facilitates the creation of loss‐of‐function mutants of multiple genes from different gene families.
Craterostigma plantagineumcell wall composition is remodelled during desiccation and the glycine‐rich protein CpGRP1 interacts with pectins through clustered arginines
Authors: Jung Niklas U. , Giarola Valentino , Chen Peilei , Knox John Paul , Bartels Dorothea 
Published: July 2019

SummaryCraterostigma plantagineumbelongs to the desiccation‐tolerant angiosperm plants. Upon dehydration, leaves fold and the cells shrink which is reversed during rehydration. To understand this process changes in cell wall pectin composition, and the role of the apoplastic glycine‐rich protein 1 (CpGRP1) were analysed. Cellular microstructural changes in hydrated, desiccated and rehydrated leaf sections were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. Pectin composition in different cell wall fractions was analysed with monoclonal antibodies against homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan I, rhamnogalacturonan II and hemicellulose epitopes. Our data demonstrate changes in pectin composition during dehydration/rehydration which is suggested to affect cell wall properties. Homogalacturonan was less methylesterified upon desiccation and changes were also demonstrated in the detection of rhamnogalacturonan I, rhamnogalacturonan II and hemicelluloses. CpGRP1 seems to have a central role in cell adaptations to water deficit, as it interacts with pectin through a cluster of arginine residues and de‐methylesterified pectin presents more binding sites for the protein−pectin interaction than to pectin from hydrated leaves. CpGRP1 can also bind phosphatidic acid (PA) and cardiolipin. The binding of CpGRP1 to pectin appears to be dependent on the pectin methylesterification status and it has a higher affinity to pectin than its binding partner CpWAK1. It is hypothesised that changes in pectin composition are sensed by the CpGRP1−CpWAK1 complex therefore leading to the activation of dehydration‐related responses and leaf folding. PA might participate in the modulation of CpGRP1 activity.
Development and validation of a brachycephalic risk (BRisk) score to predict the risk of complications in dogs presenting for surgical treatment of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
Authors: Tarricone Jason , Hayes Galina M. , Singh Ameet , Davis Garrett 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and validate a preoperative brachycephalic risk (BRisk) score that objectively and accurately predicts the risk of major complications or death in dogs undergoing corrective surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).Study designRetrospective multicenter cohort study.Sample populationScore development n = 233 dogs, validation n = 50 dogs.MethodsData were collected on signalment, medical history, reason for presentation, physical examination, and preoperative diagnostic findings. The primary outcome measures included risk of major complications (requirement for postoperative oxygen support for >48 hours or postoperative temporary/permanent tracheostomy) or death within the hospitalization period. The score was developed by using data from two centers and was validated in a third center. The 10‐point BRisk score was modeled on breed, history of previous surgery, concurrent procedures, body condition score, airway status, and admission rectal temperature.ResultsThe score was associated with negative outcome (P < .0001) and discriminated well in both the construction (area under the receiver operator characteristic [AUROC] = 0.83) and validation groups (AUROC = 0.84). Dogs with scores >3 were 9.1 times more likely to have a negative outcome (95% CI = 3.9–21.2) compared with dogs with scores ≤3.ConclusionThe BRisk score developed from admission data in this study accurately rated the risk of negative outcome of dogs undergoing corrective surgery for BOAS.Clinical significancePreoperative determination of the BRisk score may assist triage, management of owner expectations, decision making regarding intervention selection, and characterization of populations in clinical research.
The beneficial effect of traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine, Hochu‐ekki‐to (Bu‐Zhong‐Yi‐Qi‐Tang), for patients with chronic wounds refractory to conventional therapies: A prospective, randomized trial
Authors: Akita Shinsuke , Namiki Takao , Kawasaki Yohei , Rikihisa Naoaki , Ogata Hideyuki , Tokumoto Hideki , Tezuka Takafumi , Kubota Yoshitaka , Kuriyama Motone , Nakamura Michimi , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTHochu‐ekki‐to (HET) is a traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine for the treatment of severe weakness, loss of appetite, and indigestion in elderly patients and for the prevention of opportunistic infections. The impact of HET on patients with chronic wounds refractory to conventional therapies was investigated in a prospective, randomized trial, including 18 patients divided into medication (7.5 g oral HET per day, n = 9) and control (n = 9) groups. Wound healing during the 12‐week study period was scored based on depth, exudate, size, inflammation/infection, granulation tissue, necrotic tissue, and pocket size. At 12 weeks, wound healing progressed in all nine patients in the medication group, whereas wound healing progressed in only three patients in the control group (significant difference, p < 0.01; relative risk: 3.00). In the medication group, the total score decreased significantly at 8 weeks and later. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to show that HET promoted the healing of chronic wounds resistant to conventional treatments. HET may be a choice as an adjunctive therapy for chronic wounds, particularly for patients with malnutrition. This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000031620).
Histotoxic Clostridial Infections
Authors: Nagahama Masahiro , Takehara Masaya , Rood Julian I. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT

The pathogenesis of clostridial myonecrosis or gas gangrene involves an interruption to the blood supply to the infected tissues, often via a traumatic wound, anaerobic growth of the infecting clostridial cells, the production of extracellular toxins, and toxin-mediated cell and tissue damage. This review focuses on host-pathogen interactions in
Clostridium perfringens
-mediated and
Clostridium septicum
-mediated myonecrosis. The major toxins involved are
C. perfringens
α-toxin, which has phospholipase C and sphingomyelinase activity, and
C. septicum
α-toxin, a β-pore-forming toxin that belongs to the aerolysin family. Although these toxins are cytotoxic, their effects on host cells are quite complex, with a range of intracellular cell signaling pathways induced by their action on host cell membranes.
Clinical and epidemiological indicators and spatial analysis of leprosy cases in patients under 15 years old in an endemic area of Northeast Brazil: an ecological and time series study
Authors: Santos Márcio Bezerra , Santos Allan Dantas dos , Barreto Aline Silva , Souza Mariana do Rosário , Goes Marco Aurélio de Oliveira , Barreto Alves José Antônio , Barreto Ikaro Daniel Carvalho , Silva José-Rodrigo S , Oliveira Daniela Teles de , Araújo Karina C G Machado de , Duthie Malcolm S , Jesus Amélia Ribeiro de 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyse the clinical and epidemiological indicators, temporal trends and the spatial distribution of leprosy in patients under 15 years old in an endemic area of Northeast Brazil.DesignRegional surveillance study of all reported cases.SettingState of Sergipe, endemic area of Northeast Brazil.MethodsAn ecological and time series study was conducted, based on secondary data reported by the Brazilian Information System on Notifiable Diseases for leprosy cases diagnosed in Sergipe state (2002–2015). The analysis of temporal trends was performed using the Joinpoint Regression Programme through Poisson regression. We performed spatial analysis by Kernel estimator and Moran index.ResultsThe incidence rate was reduced from 6.29 to 3.78 cases per 100 000 inhabitants in 2002 and 2015, respectively. However, Sergipe was still classified as highly endemicity in 2015. The mean number of household contacts (HHC) examined was significantly lower than those registered. Clinical data indicated that 21.4% of the patients developed leprosy reactions, and 31.3% presented with some physical disability in the multibacillary groups. Patients diagnosed by examination within the HHC presented better indicators, such as lower percentage of leprosy reaction and physical disability. Spatial analysis showed the most risk areas distributed on the northeast and cities around the capital, Aracaju.ConclusionThe data indicate that there is a persistence of activeMyobacterium lepraetransmission and a delay in disease detection, following a pattern of high endemicity in many municipalities. The early detection by HHC examination is important to stop transmission and also to detect the cases in a less severe state.
Kerala Atrial Fibrillation Registry: a prospective observational study on clinical characteristics, treatment pattern and outcome of atrial fibrillation in Kerala, India, cohort profile
Authors: Charantharayil Gopalan Bahuleyan , Namboodiri Narayanan , Abdullakutty Jabir , Lip Gregory YH , Koshy Allumootil George , Krishnan Nair Venugopal , Babu Shifas , Muhammed Shaffi , Azariah Jinbert Lordson , George Raju , Nambiar Ashokan , Govindan Unni , Zachariah Geevar , Kumaraswamy Natarajan , Chakanalil Govindan Sajeev , Natesan Syam , Roby Anil , Velayudhan Nair Krishnakumar , Pillai Anand M , Daniel Rachel 
Published: July 2019

PurposeLimited published data exist on the clinical epidemiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) in South Asia including India. Most of the published data are from the Western countries and the Far East. The Kerala AF registry was initiated to collect systematic, prospective data on clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment pattern and outcomes of consecutive AF patients who consulted cardiologists across the state of Kerala, India.ParticipantsAll newly diagnosed and previously reported patients aged ≥18 years with documented evidence of AF on ECG were included. Patients with transient AF due to infection, acute myocardial infarction, alcohol intoxication, metabolic abnormalities and AF seen in postoperative cases and critically ill patients with life expectancy less than 30 days were excluded.Findings to dateA total of 3421 patients were recruited from 53 hospitals across Kerala from April 2016 to April 2017. There were 51% (n=1744) women. The median age of the cohort was 65 (IQR 56–74) years. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia were present in 53.8%, 34.5% and 42.2% patients, respectively. Chronic kidney disease was observed in 46.6%, coronary artery disease in 34.8% and heart failure (HF) in 26.5% of patients. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score of the cohort was 2.9, and HAS-BLED score was 1.7. Detailed information of antithrombotic and antiarrhythmic drugs was collected at baseline and on follow-up. During 1-year follow-up, 443 deaths (12.9%) occurred of which 332 (9.7%) were cardiac death and 63 (1.8%) were due to stroke. There were 578 (16.8%) hospitalisations mainly due to acute coronary syndrome, arrythmias and HF.Future plansCurrently, this is the largest prospective study on AF patients from India, and the cohort will be followed for 5 years to observe the treatment patterns and clinical outcomes. The investigators encourage collaborations with national and international AF researchers.Trial registration numberCTRI/2017/10/010097.
Developing and validating an instrument to assess non-hospital health centers’ preparedness to provide initial emergency care: a study protocol
Authors: Amir Behghadami Mehrdad , Janati Ali , Sadeghi-Bazargani Homayoun , Gholizadeh Masoumeh , Rahmani Farzad , Arab-Zozani Morteza 
Published: July 2019

IntroductionBasic emergency management in urban and rural areas is a critical challenge. This paper presents the protocol for developing, validating and piloting an instrument to assess the preparedness of non-hospital health centres which deliver initial emergency care.Methods and analysisThis study will be designed based on a sequential exploratory mixed method in two phases, in each of which there are three steps. In the first step of phase I, an extensive systematic review will be conducted. In the second step, through focus group discussions (FGDs), the experts’ views on the definition of domains and items of the instrument will be compiled. In addition, semistructured interviews with the target group will be performed. Then, qualitative framework analysis will be performed. In the last step of phase I, the results of both steps will be triangulated by a panel of experts to define the domains and items to be included in the instrument. Phase II will include content validity, feasibility and reliability of the instrument. Content validity of the instrument will be assessed using modified Kappa coefficient based on clarity and relevance criteria. Feasibility of the instrument will be assessed through its implementation in 10 non-hospital health centres in Tabriz, which will be selected randomly. Reliability will be assessed in a pilot on 30 non-hospital health centres through using stratified random sampling method. Reliability of the instrument will be assessed through measuring internal consistency, test-retest reliability and inter-rater agreement. The main statistical methods for assessing reliability will include Cronbach’s alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient and Kendall’s tau-b. All the statistical analyses will be performed using Stata V.14.Ethics and disseminationThis study is approved by Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (IR.TBZMED.REC.1397.145). The results of the study will be presented at national scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.