bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of music‐supported therapy on motor, cognitive, and psychosocial functions in chronic stroke
Authors: Fujioka Takako , Dawson Deirdre R. , Wright Rebecca , Honjo Kie , Chen Joyce L. , Chen J. Jean , Black Sandra E. , Stuss Donald T. , Ross Bernhard 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNeuroplasticity accompanying learning is a key mediator of stroke rehabilitation. Training in playing music in healthy populations and patients with movement disorders requires resources within motor, sensory, cognitive, and affective systems, and coordination among these systems. We investigated effects of music‐supported therapy (MST) in chronic stroke on motor, cognitive, and psychosocial functions compared to conventional physical training (GRASP). Twenty‐eight adults with unilateral arm and hand impairment were randomly assigned to MST (n = 14) and GRASP (n = 14) and received 30 h of training over a 10‐week period. The assessment was conducted at four time points: before intervention, after 5 weeks, after 10 weeks, and 3 months after training completion. As for two of our three primary outcome measures concerning motor function, all patients slightly improved in Chedoke–McMaster Stroke Assessment hand score, while the time to complete Action Research Arm Test became shorter in the MST group. The third primary outcome measure for well‐being, Stroke Impact Scale, was improved for emotion and social communication earlier in MST and coincided with the improved executive function for task switching and music rhythm perception. The results confirmed previous findings and expanded the potential usage of MST for enhancing quality of life in community‐dwelling chronic‐stage survivors.
Milling‐Induced Synthesis of BiOCl1‐xBrx Solid Solution and Their Adsorptive and Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Jia Xuemei , Han Qiaofeng , Wang Xin , Zhu Junwu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCH3COO(BiO) (denoted as BiOAc) is one of the most easily obtained bismuth compounds and was for the first time proposed by our group as an effective UV light photocatalyst. Herein, BiOCl1‐xBrx (x refers to the feeding atomic ratio) were obtained using a facile solid state milling and subsequent water washing. More importantly, all of the as‐prepared BiOCl1‐xBrx possessed better visible light photocatalytic activity to the corresponding ones obtained by previously reported solution route. Especially at an optimal x value of 0.5, the solid solution showed the highest photodegradation efficiency (~100%) for rhodamine B (RhB) with a concentration of 30 mg L−1, whereas the degradation efficiency was only 63% over that obtained by solution route. Furthermore, the as‐prepared BiOCl0.5Br0.5 also exhibited excellent photodegradation activity for malachite green (MG). The superior photocatalytic performance of the as‐prepared BiOCl0.5Br0.5 could be attributed to its thinner sheetlike structures and highly exposed (001) facets, which enable effective separation of the photogenerated electrons and holes along the [001] direction. In addition, the as‐prepared BiOCl0.5Br0.5 revealed dramatic adsorption capacity for cationic dyes like MG, RhB and methylene violet (MV), as well as anion (Cr2O7)2− owing to electrostatic interaction between cationic dyes and negatively charged surface of BiOCl0.5Br0.5, and positively charged surface in K2Cr2O7 solution (pH ≈ 3).
Low genetic diversity of Rhynchosporium commune in Iran, a secondary centre of barley origin
Authors: Seifollahi E. , Sharifnabi B. , Javan‐Nikkhah M. , Linde C. C. 
Published: May 2018

Rhynchosporium commune is a destructive pathogen of barley, causing leaf scald. Previous microsatellite studies used Syria as a representative of cultivated barley's centre of origin, the Fertile Crescent. These suggested that R. commune and Hordeum vulgare (cultivated barley) did not co‐evolve in the host's centre of origin. The present study compares R. commune populations from Syria with those from Iran, which represents a secondary centre of origin for barley at the eastern edge of the Iranian Plateau. Results from this study also suggest that R. commune and barley did not co‐evolve in the centre of origin of cultivated barley. This was evidenced by the low pathogen genetic diversity in Iran, which was even lower than in Syria, indicating that the pathogen may have been introduced recently into Iran, perhaps through infected barley seed. Hierarchical analyses of molecular variance revealed that most genetic diversity in Iran and Syria is distributed within populations, with only 14% among populations. Analyses of multilocus association, genotype diversity and mating type frequency suggest that Iranian populations reproduce predominantly asexually. The presence of both mating types on barley and uncultivated grasses suggest a potential for sexual reproduction. Rhynchosporium commune was also found on Hordeum murinum subsp. glaucum, H. vulgare subsp. spontaneum, Lolium multiflorum and, for the first time, on Avena sativa. The variety of wild grasses that can be infected with R. commune in Iran raises concerns of these grasses acting as evolutionary breeding grounds and sources of inoculum.
Origin of facies zonation in microbial carbonate platform slopes: Clues from trace element and stable isotope geochemistry (Middle Triassic, Dolomites, Italy)
Authors: Preto Nereo , Klügel Andreas , Himmler Tobias , Franceschi Marco 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLimestones containing radiaxial fibrous cements were sampled along the southern slope of the late Anisian (Middle Triassic) Latemar carbonate platform in the Dolomites, northern Italy. The Latemar upper slopes comprise massive microbial boundstone, whereas lower slopes are made of clinostratified grainstone, rudstone and breccia. Samples are representative of a seawater column from near sea‐level to an aphotic zone at about 500 m water depth. Radiaxial fibrous cements were analyzed for carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) stable isotopic composition, as well as major and trace element content, to shed light on the origin of the slope facies zonation. The δ13C vary between 1·7‰ and 2·3‰ (Vienna Pee‐Dee Belemnite), with lowest values at palaeo‐water depths between 70 m and 300 m. Radiaxial fibrous cements yielded seawater‐like rare earth element patterns with light rare earth element depletion (NdSN/YbSN ≈ 0·4), superchondritic yttrium/holmium ratios (≈55) and negative cerium anomalies. Cadmium reaches maximum values of ca 0·5 to 0·7 μg/g at palaeo‐water depths between 70 m and 300 m; barium contents (0·8 to 1·8 μg/g) increase linearly with depth. The downslope patterns of δ13C and cadmium suggest increased nutrient and organic matter contents at depths between ca 70 m and 300 m and point to an active biological pump. The peak in cadmium and the minimum of δ13C mark a zone of maximum organic matter respiration and high nutrient and organic matter availability. The base of this zone at ca 300 m depth corresponds with the transition from massive microbial boundstone to clinostratified grainstone, rudstone and breccia. The microbial boundstone facies apparently formed only in seawater enriched in organic matter, possibly because this organic matter sustained benthic microbial communities at Latemar. The base of slope microbialites on high‐relief microbial carbonate platforms may be a proxy for the depth to maximum respiration zones of Palaeozoic and Mesozoic periplatform basins.
Comparison of intravenous or intravesical cidofovir in the treatment of BK polyomavirus‐associated hemorrhagic cystitis following adult allogeneic stem cell transplantation—A systematic review
Authors: Schneidewind Laila , Neumann Thomas , Schmidt Christian Andreas , Krüger William 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionBK polyomavirus can lead to hemorrhagic cystitis (BKPyV‐HC) in allogeneic stem cell transplantation and therefore to increased morbidity. No causal therapy has been established yet. Cidofovir (CDV) is a nucleotide analog of cytosine that is active against various DNA viruses and it has been described for therapy of BKPyV‐HC using 2 admission routes: intravenous and intravesical.MethodsWe performed a systematic review regarding the comparison of intravenous or intravesical cidofovir in the treatment of BKPyV‐HC following adult allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Since there is a lack of randomized controlled trials, we considered all kinds of studies for this review. Due to heterogeneity of the data, we were not able to perform a meta‐analysis, so the results are shown descriptively.ResultsThe literature search for primary studies yielded 232 results. Finally, 9 studies where considered which included a total of 189 adult patients with BKPyV‐HC after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. We could only identify retrospective studies for this review. A total of 172 patients received intravenous CDV, 17 patients received intravesical CDV, and 2 patients received CDV in both admission routes. In 68.0% of the cases, a complete response for intravenous CDV was documented and in 88.2% for intravesical CDV. Interestingly, no kidney toxicity was mentioned in intravesical CDV. 9.3% of the intravenously treated patients had renal failure.ConclusionThere is only weak evidence for the use of CDV. The intravesical admission route should be further investigated because of a good toxicity profile.
The burden of sinus disease in cystic fibrosis lung transplant recipients
Authors: Morlacchi Letizia Corinna , Greer Mark , Tudorache Igor , Blasi Francesco , Welte Tobias , Haverich Axel , Mainz Jochen G. , Gottlieb Jens 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionSinus disease (SD) in cystic fibrosis (CF) is a known risk factor for disease progression, the upper airways (UAW) being a site of primary colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. UAW may function as reservoir for graft colonization after lung transplantation (LuTx), increasing risk of rejection. Aims of this study were to assess the burden of sinus disease in CF LuTx recipients, considering patient‐reported symptoms, endoscopically documented signs and microbiological isolates, comparing colonization between upper and lower airways.MethodsA prospective, observational study was performed on consecutive CF LuTx recipients, recording history, symptoms, and management of SD. Nasal lavage (NL) was evaluated for UAW colonization, with nasal inspection during bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) used to assess lower airways if clinically indicated.ResultsHundred and fifty‐four patients were included. Symptoms of SD were reported in 96 (62%) individuals; 87 (56%) had prior sinus surgery. Only 8 (13%) of 60 individuals undergoing bronchoscopy presented completely normal findings of the nasal cavity. Thirty‐six (60%) patients presented the same isolates on both NL and BAL. Polyps and mucosal alterations were significantly less frequently seen endoscopically in patients with normal flora in NL microbiology (respectively, 26% vs 70%, P = .003, and 35% vs 68%, P = .013).ConclusionsSymptoms of SD affected more than 60% of CF LuTx recipients. Nasal endoscopic inspection identified alterations in 55%. The majority of patients presented the same isolates both on NL and BAL performed on the same visit. These results strongly support a role of paranasal sinuses as “reservoir” for descending re‐colonization of the lung graft.
A novel tomato F‐box protein, SlEBF3, is involved in tuning ethylene signaling during plant development and climacteric fruit ripening
Authors: Deng Heng , Pirrello Julien , Chen Yao , Li Nan , Zhu Sihua , Chirinos Ximena , Bouzayen Mondher , Liu Yongsheng , Liu Mingchun 
Published: May 2018

SummaryEthylene is instrumental to climacteric fruit ripening and EIN3 BINDING F‐BOX (EBF) proteins have been assigned a central role in mediating ethylene responses by regulating EIN3/EIL degradation in Arabidopsis. However, the role and mode of action of tomato EBFs in ethylene‐dependent processes like fruit ripening remains unclear. Two novel EBF genes, SlEBF3 and SlEBF4, were identified in the tomato genome, and SlEBF3 displayed a ripening‐associated expression pattern suggesting its potential involvement in controlling ethylene response during fruit ripening. SlEBF3 downregulated tomato lines failed to show obvious ripening‐related phenotypes likely due to functional redundancy among SlEBF family members. By contrast, SlEBF3 overexpression lines exhibited pleiotropic ethylene‐related alterations, including inhibition of fruit ripening, attenuated triple‐response and delayed petal abscission. Yeast‐two‐hybrid system and bimolecular fluorescence complementation approaches indicated that SlEBF3 interacts with all known tomato SlEIL proteins and, consistently, total SlEIL protein levels were decreased in SlEBF3 overexpression fruits, supporting the idea that the reduced ethylene sensitivity and defects in fruit ripening are due to the SlEBF3‐mediated degradation of EIL proteins. Moreover, SlEBF3 expression is regulated by EIL1 via a feedback loop, which supposes its role in tuning ethylene signaling and responses. Overall, the study reveals the role of a novel EBF tomato gene in climacteric ripening, thus providing a new target for modulating fleshy fruit ripening.
Nucleotide‐binding resistance gene signatures in sugar beet, insights from a new reference genome
Authors: Funk Andrew , Galewski Paul , McGrath J. Mitchell 
Published: May 2018

SummaryNucleotide‐binding (NB‐ARC), leucine‐rich‐repeat genes (NLRs) account for 60.8% of resistance (R) genes molecularly characterized from plants. NLRs exist as large gene families prone to tandem duplication and transposition, with high sequence diversity among crops and their wild relatives. This diversity can be a source of new disease resistance, but difficulty in distinguishing specific sequences from homologous gene family members hinders characterization of resistance for improving crop varieties. Current genome sequencing and assembly technologies, especially those using long‐read sequencing, are improving resolution of repeat‐rich genomic regions and clarifying locations of duplicated genes, such as NLRs. Using the conserved NB‐ARC domain as a model, 231 tentative NB‐ARC loci were identified in a highly contiguous genome assembly of sugar beet, revealing diverged and truncated NB‐ARC signatures as well as full‐length sequences. The NB‐ARC‐associated proteins contained NLR resistance gene domains, including TIR, CC and LRR, as well as other integrated domains. Phylogenetic relationships of partial and complete domains were determined, and patterns of physical clustering in the genome were evaluated. Comparison of sugar beet NB‐ARC domains to validated R‐genes from monocots and eudicots suggested extensive Beta vulgaris‐specific subfamily expansions. The NLR landscape in the rhizomania resistance conferring Rz region of Chromosome 3 was characterized, identifying 26 NLR‐like sequences spanning 20 MB. This work presents the first detailed view of NLR family composition in a member of the Caryophyllales, builds a foundation for additional disease resistance work in B. vulgaris, and demonstrates an additional nucleic‐acid‐based method for NLR prediction in non‐model plant species.
Histone lysine methyltransferases BnaSDG8.A and BnaSDG8.C are involved in the floral transition in Brassica napus
Authors: Jiang Ling , Li Donghao , Jin Lu , Ruan Ying , Shen Wen‐Hui , Liu Chunlin 
Published: May 2018

SummaryAlthough increasing experimental evidence demonstrates that histone methylations play important roles in Arabidopsis plant growth and development, little information is available regarding Brassica napus. In this study, we characterized two genes encoding homologues of the Arabidopsis histone 3 lysine 36 (H3K36) methyltransferase SDG8, namely, BnaSDG8.A and BnaSDG8.C. Although no duplication of SDG8 homologous genes had been previously reported to occur during the evolution of any sequenced species, a domain‐duplication was uncovered in BnaSDG8.C. This duplication led to the identification of a previously unknown NNH domain in the SDG8 homologues, providing a useful reference for future studies and revealing the finer mechanism of SDG8 function. One NNH domain is present in BnaSDG8.A, while two adjacent NNH domains are present in BnaSDG8.C. Reverse transcriptase‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed similar patterns but with varied levels of expression of BnaSDG8.A/C in different plant organs/tissues. To directly investigate their function, BnaSDG8.A/C cDNA was ectopically expressed to complement the Arabidopsis mutant. We observed that the expression of either BnaSDG8.A or BnaSDG8.C could rescue the Arabidopsis sdg8 mutant to the wild‐type phenotype. Using RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing, we obtained BnaSDG8.A/C knockdown and knockout mutants with the early flowering phenotype as compared with the control. Further analysis of two types of the mutants revealed that BnaSDG8.A/C are required for H3K36 m2/3 deposition and prevent the floral transition of B. napus by directly enhancing the H3K36 m2/3 levels at the BnaFLC chromatin loci. This observation on the floral transition by epigenetic modification in B. napus provides useful information for breeding early‐flowering varieties.
Radiography and ultrasonography of pneumatosis intestinalis in a cat
Authors: Walczak Raelyn , Paek Matthew , Suran Jantra , Amory Joseph T. , Specchi Swan , Sanchez Melissa 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAn adult cat was presented for acute history of vomiting and collapse. Radiographs showed the presence of air within small intestinal walls and arborizing gas patterns within the liver, compatible with pneumatosis intestinalis and presumed portal venous gas, respectively. An abdominal ultrasound the following day was suggestive of gas within the intestinal wall, however, gas within the hepatic vasculature, parenchyma, or biliary tree was not evident. Due to progressive clinical deterioration of the patient, the owners elected humane euthanasia. Necropsy revealed severe necrotizing hemorrhagic enterotyphlocolitis secondary to Clostridium difficile toxin.
Fragments of the Nonlytic Proline-Rich Antimicrobial Peptide Bac5 Kill Escherichia coli Cells by Inhibiting Protein Synthesis
Authors: Mardirossian Mario , Barrière Quentin , Timchenko Tatiana , Müller Claudia , Pacor Sabrina , Mergaert Peter , Scocchi Marco , Wilson Daniel N. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Unlike most antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), the main mode of action of the subclass of proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs) is not based on disruption of the bacterial membrane. Instead, PrAMPs exploit the inner membrane transporters SbmA and YjiL/MdtM to pass through the bacterial membrane and enter the cytosol of specific Gram-negative bacteria, where they exert an inhibitory effect on protein synthesis. Despite sharing a high proline and arginine content with other characterized PrAMPs, the PrAMP Bac5 has a low sequence identity with them. Here we investigated the mode of action of three N-terminal Bac5 fragments, Bac5(1-15), Bac5(1-25), and Bac5(1-31). We show that Bac5(1-25) and Bac5(1-31) retained excellent antimicrobial activity toward
Escherichia coli
and low toxicity toward eukaryotic cells, whereas Bac5(1-15) was inactive. Bac5(1-25) and Bac5(1-31) inhibited bacterial protein synthesis
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Competition assays suggested that the binding site of Bac5 is within the ribosomal tunnel, where it prevents the transition from the initiation to the elongation phase of translation, as reported for other PrAMPs, such as the bovine PrAMP Bac7. Surprisingly, unlike Bac7, Bac5(1-25) exhibited species-specific inhibition, being an excellent inhibitor of protein synthesis on
E. coli
ribosomes but a poor inhibitor on
Thermus thermophilus
ribosomes. This indicates that while Bac5 most likely has an overlapping binding site with Bac7, the mode of interaction is distinct, suggesting that Bac5 fragments may be interesting alternative lead compounds for the development of new antimicrobial agents.
Airway clearance physiotherapy improves ventilatory dynamics during exercise in patients with cystic fibrosis: a pilot study
Authors: Vendrusculo Fernanda Maria , Johnstone Zoe , Dhouieb Elaine , Donadio Márcio V F , Cunningham Steven , Urquhart Donald S 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundAirflow limitation and dynamic hyperinflation may limit exercise capacity in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim was to investigate whether the undertaking of airway clearance physiotherapy (ACT) prior to cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) results in improvements in exercise capacity.MethodsA prospective randomised, cross-over pilot study was performed in children aged >9 years. Spirometry, plethysmography and CPET were performed on two separate occasions—one test with ACT prior to CPET and the other without.Results12 patients with CF were included in the study with a mean (SD) age of 12.83 (1.85) years. No significant difference in peak oxygen uptake (VO2) was found between the tests. However, lower minute ventilation (VE) and ventilatory equivalents (VEVO2 and VEVCO2) at ventilatory threshold (VT) were noted when ACT was undertaken prior to CPET. The mean(SD) VE (L/min) at VT was 26.67 (5.49) vs 28.92 (6.3) (p=0.05), VEVO2 (L/min) at VT was 24.5 (1.75) vs 26.05 (2.5) (p=0.03) and VEVCO2 (L/min) at VT was 26.58 (2.41) vs 27.98 (2.11) (p=0.03).ConclusionsThese pilot data suggest that ACT prior to exercise may lead to improved ventilatory dynamics during exercise in individuals with CF.
Cardiovascular screening of Olympic athletes reported by chief medical officers of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Authors: Toresdahl Brett G , Asif Irfan M , Rodeo Scott A , Ling Daphne I , Chang Cindy J 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveThe IOC recommends periodic cardiovascular screening of athletes, but the adoption of these recommendations is unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate and compare cardiovascular screening practices of countries participating in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.MethodsA list of chief medical officers (CMOs) was compiled by the IOC during the 2016 Olympic Games. CMOs were requested to complete an online survey about cardiovascular screening of their countries’ Olympic athletes. Comparisons of screening practices were made by categorising countries by continent, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and size of athlete delegation.ResultsCMOs for 117/207 (56.5%) countries participating in the 2016 Olympic Games were identified. 94/117 countries (80.3%) completed the survey, representing 45.4% of all countries and 8805/11 358 (77.5%) of all 2016 Olympic athletes. Most of the countries surveyed (70.2%) perform annual cardiovascular screening. Among the survey respondents, all or most athletes from each country were screened at least once with the following components: personal history (86.2% of countries), family history (85.1%), physical examination (87.2%), resting ECG (74.5%), echocardiogram (31.9%) and stress test (30.8%). Athletes were more likely to be screened with ECG in countries with relatively larger athlete delegation (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.80, p=0.023) and with higher GDP per capita (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.57, p=0.014).ConclusionMost of the responding countries perform annual cardiovascular screening of Olympic athletes, but there are differences in the components used. Athletes from countries with larger athlete delegations and higher GDP per capita were more likely to be screened with ECG.