bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fungal keratitis due to Schizophyllum commune: an emerging pathogenic fungus
Authors: Reddy Ashok Kumar , Ashok Rangaiahgari , Majety Madhavi , Chitta Megharaj , Narayen Nitesh 
Published: July 2016

SummaryFungal keratitis due to Schizophyllum commune is very rare. In this study, we report the clinical and microbiological profile of five patients with fungal keratitis due to S. commune. Direct microscopic examination of corneal scrapings from all five patients showed septate branching hyaline fungal filaments. Similarly, in all five patients Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) plates inoculated with corneal scrapings showed white, cottony colonies on the second day of incubation. Lactophenol cotton blue stained wet preparation of 7‐day‐old colonies on SDA revealed clamp connections and no spores. The fungus was identified by its characteristic clamp connections, fan‐shaped bracket fruiting body with pinkish‐grey longitudinally split‐radiating gills. The phenotypic identification of one of the five isolates further conformed by ITS sequencing. Treatment outcome was available for two of the five patients; in these two patients, the keratitis resolved with topical natamycin.
Frequency, type and treatment of fungal pathogens in toenail onychomycosis in the central Alpine region of South Tyrol, northern Italy – a 10‐year retrospective study from 2004 to 2013
Authors: Gasser Julia , Pagani Elisabetta , Vittadello Fabio , Nobile Carla , Zampieri Pierfrancesco , Eisendle Klaus 
Published: July 2016

SummaryOnychomycosis is one of the most common dermatological diseases, primarily caused by dermatophytes, and sometimes, also by yeast and moulds. This study aims to clarify the frequency of isolated pathogens from mycotic toenails in the reference centre of the central Alpine mountain region of South Tyrol, northern Italy. Age and gender differences, types of pathogens and initial therapy used were also investigated. This is a retrospective study from 2004 to 2013 on the files of all patients with suspected onychomycosis in whom a cultural pathogen detection was performed. A total of 1565 patients were studied (943 women; 622 men), with a median age of 55 years. Fungal pathogens could be detected by culture in 49.5%. Significantly more pathogens could be grown in men (63.8%) than in women (39.9%, P < 0.0001). The most common pathogens grown were dermatophytes (53.3%), especially T. rubrum and T. interdigitale, followed by moulds (24.7%) and yeast (22%). Therapies prescribed were topical in 64.2% and systemic in 35.8% of the cases. Topical treatment was more frequent in older patients (P < 0.05). In northern Italy, dermatophytes are the most common causative agents for onychomycosis. Fungal pathogens were more commonly found in men than in women and topical treatment was more frequent in older patients.
Current trends in candidemia and species distribution among adults: Candida glabrata surpasses C. albicans in diabetic patients and abdominal sources
Authors: Khatib Riad , Johnson Leonard B. , Fakih Mohamad G. , Riederer Kathleen , Briski Laurence 
Published: July 2016

SummaryCandidemia rate and species distribution vary according to the type of patients, country of origin and antifungal prophylaxis use. To present current candidemia epidemiological trends. A retrospective examination of candidemia in adults (≥18 years‐old) hospitalised from 2007 to 2015. Cases were identified through the microbiology laboratory. Candida species were distinguished based on colony morphology and VITEK‐2 YBC cards, (bioMerieux, Durham, NC, USA). Patient characteristics, species distribution, source and outcome were assessed. We encountered 275 patients (294 episodes) with candidemia. The rate of candidemia dropped in 2010 (P = 0.003) without further decline. Nearly all cases (97.5%) were healthcare‐associated. C. albicans (n = 118) and C. glabrata (n = 77) proportions varied without a discernable trend. C. glabrata was more common in diabetics [52.9% vs. 32.0% (non‐diabetics); P = 0.004] and abdominal sources [53.3% vs. 35.5% (other sources); P = 0.03], especially gastric/duodenal foci [88.9% vs. 44.1% (other abdominal foci); P = 0.02]. All‐cause 30‐day mortality rate was 43.3% without changes over time or differences between C. albicans and C. glabrata. In conclusion, the candidemia rate remains stable after a decline in 2010. C. albicans remains the most common species but C. glabrata predominates in diabetics and abdominal sources. These findings suggest possible species‐related differences in colonisation dynamics or pathogenicity.
Fatigue: a distressing symptom for patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Frändemark Å. , Jakobsson Ung E. , Törnblom H. , Simrén M. , Jakobsson S. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundFatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and is associated with poor quality of life. However, few studies have evaluated its impact on daily life or the perceived distress it can cause. Using a multi‐methods approach, this study describes the impact and manifestations of fatigue in patients with IBS and investigates the relationship between fatigue severity and illness‐related and health‐promoting factors.MethodsA total of 160 patients with IBS completed self‐reported questionnaires assessing fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, psychological distress, and sense of coherence. Fatigue was assessed with the Fatigue Impact Scale, which also includes structured and open‐ended questions which were analyzed with a deductive qualitative analysis. Patients were classified as having severe, moderate, or mild fatigue based on frequency, distress and impact on daily life.Key ResultsThe open‐ended questions revealed a multidimensional impact on life. Fatigue mainly interfered with the ability to perform physical activities, work, and domestic work, and the ability to interact socially. Decreased stamina was evident, along with strategies to limit the bodily consequences of tiredness. Severe fatigue was accompanied by more severe IBS symptoms, anxiety and depression and lower sense of coherence.Conclusions & InferencesFatigue is a distressing symptom which occurs in a sizeable proportion of patients with IBS. It affects life in a multidimensional way, with poor bodily stamina being the most prominent feature. Fatigue, along with sense of coherence, depression and anxiety, needs to be assessed, confirmed and targeted for interventions.
The growth of vegetative and reproductive structures (leaves and silks) respond similarly to hydraulic cues in maize
Authors: Turc Olivier , Bouteillé Marie , Fuad‐Hassan Avan , Welcker Claude , Tardieu François 
Published: July 2016

Summary

The elongation of styles and stigma (silks) of maize (Zea mays) flowers is rapid (1–3 mm h−1), occurs over a short period and plays a pivotal role in reproductive success in adverse environments.

Silk elongation rate was measured using displacement transducers in 350 plants of eight genotypes during eight experiments with varying evaporative demand and soil water status.

Measured time courses revealed that silk elongation rate closely followed changes in soil water status and evaporative demand, with day–night alternations similar to those in leaves. Day–night alternations were steeper with high than with low plant transpiration rate, manipulated via evaporative demand or by covering part of the leaf area. Half times of changes in silk elongation rate upon changes in evaporative demand or soil water status were 10–30 min, similar to those in leaves. The sensitivity of silk elongation rate to xylem water potential was genetically linked to that of leaf elongation rate. Lines greatly differed for these sensitivities.

These results are consistent with a common hydraulic control of expansive growth in vegetative and reproductive structures upon changes in environmental conditions via a close connection with the xylem water potential. They have important implications for breeding, modelling and phenotyping.
Status of and problems concerning neonatal resuscitation in Japan in 2015
Authors: Kunikata Tetsuya , Morita Kayo , Sakurai Hayato , Kakei Hiroko , Honda Masakazu , Wada Masaki , Kawasaki Hidenori , Tamura Masanori 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) published Consensus 2015 in October 2015. Thereafter, the Japanese version of neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation programs was revised. Prior to the revision, we re‐conducted questionnaire surveys in three types of medical facilities in January 2015.MethodsTargeted groups included (i) 277 training hospitals authorized by the Japanese Society of Perinatal/Neonatal Medicine for training of physicians specialized in perinatal care (neonatology) in January 2015 (training hospitals; response rate, 70.8%); (ii) 459 obstetric hospitals/clinics (response rate, 63.6%); and (iii) 453 midwife clinics (response rate, 60.9%). The survey included systems of neonatal resuscitation, medical equipment and practices, and education systems. The results were compared with that of similar surveys conducted in 2005, 2010 and 2013.ResultsAlmost all results were generally improved compared with past surveys. In training hospitals, however, the use of oxygen blenders or manometers was not widespread. Only 35% of institutions used continuous positive airway pressure systems frequently, and expert neonatal resuscitation doctors attended all deliveries in only 6% of training centers. In addition, only 71% of training hospitals had brain therapeutic hypothermia facilities. Not all obstetric hospitals/clinics prepared pulse oximeters, and only a few used manometers frequently. Some midwife clinics did not keep warming equipment, and few midwife clinics were equipped with pulse oximeters. In addition, some midwife clinics did not prepare ventilation bags (masks).ConclusionsThe equipment in Japanese delivery rooms is variable. Further efforts need to be made in the distribution of neonatal resuscitation devices and the dissemination of techniques.
Examining habituation of the startle reflex with the reinforcement sensitivity theory of personality
Authors: Blanch Angel , Aluja Anton , Blanco Eduardo , Balada Ferran 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe habituation of the acoustic startle reflex (ASR) was examined concerning individual differences in sensitivity to punishment (PUN) and sensitivity to reward (REW), within the general framework of the reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) of personality. Two hypotheses derived from the RST were evaluated: the separable subsystems hypothesis and the joint subsystems hypothesis. In addition, we examined the direction of the relationship of PUN and REW with the habituation of the ASR. A habituation segment of electromyography recordings of the orbicularis oculi was assessed with an unconditional latent curve model. In accordance with the RST hypotheses, the relationship of PUN and REW on the habituation process was assessed with two conditional latent curve models. There was higher support for the separable subsystems hypothesis. In addition, PUN and REW related with the habituation trajectory of the ASR in the expected directions. Higher levels of PUN and lower levels of REW related with a slower habituation of the ASR, whereas lower levels of PUN and higher levels of REW related with a faster habituation of the ASR.
Temporal adverbs in thekiezdeutschleft periphery: Combining late merge with deaccentuation for v3
Authors: te Velde John R. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis investigation of verb‐third (V3) constructions inKiezdeutsch, consisting of a temporal adverb (TA) and a subject left of the finite verb, aims to shed light on the syntax and prosody of the West Germanic left periphery. I show that two pieces of evidence from V3‐structures support the hypothesis that this left periphery has two syntactic properties: i) aTPthat is the final projection when a temporal adverb is merged late and does not induce verb raising out ofTP, creating the V3‐structure, and ii) deaccentuation: the lack of pitch accent on any of the pre‐finite verb elements. This analysis requires two terminal finite verb positions in the left periphery. If we includeKiezdeutschin the family of West Germanic languages – for which there is ample independent evidence – we must conclude, as supported also by the presence of other V3‐structures elsewhere in this family, as well as by the prosody requirements of these V3‐structures, that all members of this family have the same options in the left periphery asKiezdeutsch. The only difference betweenKiezdeutschand the others – which also allow V3‐structures but always with at least one pitch accent – is the V3‐structure with temporal adverbs inKiezdeutschin which two constituents are allowed left of the finite verb, but no pitch accent. In this way a single prosodic phrase can be created consisting of theTA, pronominal subject and the finite verb.
The H3 chaperone function of NASP is conserved in Arabidopsis
Authors: Maksimov Vladimir , Nakamura Miyuki , Wildhaber Thomas , Nanni Paolo , Ramström Margareta , Bergquist Jonas , Hennig Lars 
Published: July 2016

SummaryHistones are abundant cellular proteins but, if not incorporated into chromatin, they are usually bound by histone chaperones. Here, we identify Arabidopsis NASP as a chaperone for histones H3.1 and H3.3. NASP interacts in vitro with monomeric H3.1 and H3.3 as well as with histone H3.1–H4 and H3.3–H4 dimers. However, NASP does not bind to monomeric H4. NASP shifts the equilibrium between histone dimers and tetramers towards tetramers but does not interact with tetramers in vitro. Arabidopsis NASP promotes [H3–H4]2 tetrasome formation, possibly by providing preassembled histone tetramers. However, NASP does not promote disassembly of in vitro preassembled tetrasomes. In contrast to its mammalian homolog, Arabidopsis NASP is a predominantly nuclear protein. In vivo, NASP binds mainly monomeric H3.1 and H3.3. Pulldown experiments indicated that NASP may also interact with the histone chaperone MSI1 and a HSC70 heat shock protein.
Altered expression of the bZIP transcription factor DRINK ME affects growth and reproductive development in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lozano‐Sotomayor Paulina , Chávez Montes Ricardo A. , Silvestre‐Vañó Marina , Herrera‐Ubaldo Humberto , Greco Raffaella , Pablo‐Villa Jeanneth , Galliani Bianca M. , Diaz‐Ramirez David , Weemen Mieke , Boutilier Kim , Pereira Andy , Colombo Lucia , Madueño Francisco , Marsch‐Martínez Nayelli , de Folter Stefan 
Published: July 2016

SummaryHere we describe an uncharacterized gene that negatively influences Arabidopsis growth and reproductive development. DRINK ME (DKM; bZIP30) is a member of the bZIP transcription factor family, and is expressed in meristematic tissues such as the inflorescence meristem (IM), floral meristem (FM), and carpel margin meristem (CMM). Altered DKM expression affects meristematic tissues and reproductive organ development, including the gynoecium, which is the female reproductive structure and is determinant for fertility and sexual reproduction. A microarray analysis indicates that DKM overexpression affects the expression of cell cycle, cell wall, organ initiation, cell elongation, hormone homeostasis, and meristem activity genes. Furthermore, DKM can interact in yeast and in planta with proteins involved in shoot apical meristem maintenance such as WUSCHEL, KNAT1/BP, KNAT2 and JAIBA, and with proteins involved in medial tissue development in the gynoecium such as HECATE, BELL1 and NGATHA1. Taken together, our results highlight the relevance of DKM as a negative modulator of Arabidopsis growth and reproductive development.
EXA1, a GYF domain protein, is responsible for loss‐of‐susceptibility to plantago asiatica mosaic virus in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hashimoto Masayoshi , Neriya Yutaro , Keima Takuya , Iwabuchi Nozomu , Koinuma Hiroaki , Hagiwara‐Komoda Yuka , Ishikawa Kazuya , Himeno Misako , Maejima Kensaku , Yamaji Yasuyuki , Namba Shigetou 
Published: July 2016

SummaryOne of the plant host resistance machineries to viruses is attributed to recessive alleles of genes encoding critical host factors for virus infection. This type of resistance, also referred to as recessive resistance, is useful for revealing plant–virus interactions and for breeding antivirus resistance in crop plants. Therefore, it is important to identify a novel host factor responsible for robust recessive resistance to plant viruses. Here, we identified a mutant from an ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS)‐mutagenized Arabidopsis population which confers resistance to plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV, genus Potexvirus). Based on map‐based cloning and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, we identified a premature termination codon in a functionally unknown gene containing a GYF domain, which binds to proline‐rich sequences in eukaryotes. Complementation analyses and robust resistance to PlAMV in a T‐DNA mutant demonstrated that this gene, named Essential for poteXvirus Accumulation 1 (EXA1), is indispensable for PlAMV infection. EXA1 contains a GYF domain and a conserved motif for interaction with eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), and is highly conserved among monocot and dicot species. Analysis using qRT‐PCR and immunoblotting revealed that EXA1 was expressed in all tissues, and was not transcriptionally responsive to PlAMV infection in Arabidopsis plants. Moreover, accumulation of PlAMV and a PlAMV‐derived replicon was drastically diminished in the initially infected cells by the EXA1 deficiency. Accumulation of two other potexviruses also decreased in exa1‐1 mutant plants. Our results provided a functional annotation to GYF domain‐containing proteins by revealing the function of the highly conserved EXA1 gene in plant–virus interactions.
The role of the store‐operated calcium entry channel Orai1 in cultured rat hippocampal synapse formation and plasticity
Authors: Korkotian Eduard , Oni‐Biton Efrat , Segal Menahem 
Published: July 2016

Key pointsThe role of non‐synaptic calcium entry in the formation and functions of dendritic spines was studied in dissociated cultured rat hippocampal neurons.Orai1, a store‐operated calcium channel, is found in dendritic spines.Orai1 co‐localizes in dendritic spines with STIM2 under conditions of lower [Ca2+]o.Orai1 channels are associated with the formation of new dendritic spines in response to elevated [Ca2+]o.Lack of Orai1, either by transfection with a dominant negative construct or with small interfering RNA to Orai1, results in retarded dendritic spines, an increase in density of filopodia, lower synaptic connectivity and the ability to undergo plastic changes.These results highlight a novel role for Orai1 in synapse formation, maturation and plasticity.AbstractThe possible role of store operated calcium entry (SOCE) through the Orai1 channel in the formation and functions of dendritic spines was studied in cultured hippocampal neurons. In calcium store‐depleted neurons, a transient elevation of extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]o) caused a rise in [Ca2+]ithat was mediated by activation of the SOCE. The store depletion resulted in an increase in stromal interacting molecule 2 (an endoplasmic calcium sensor) association with Orai1 in dendritic spines. The response to the rise in [Ca2+]owas larger in spines endowed with a cluster of Orai1 molecules than in spines devoid of Orai1. Transfection of neurons with a dominant negative Orai1 resulted in retarded maturation of dendritic spines, a reduction in synaptic connectivity with afferent neurons and a reduction in the ability to undergo morphological changes following induction of chemical long‐term potentiation. Similarly, small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐treated neurons had fewer mature dendritic spines, and lower rates of mEPSCs compared to scrambled control siRNA‐treated neurons. Thus, influx of calcium through Orai1 channels facilitates the maturation of dendritic spines and the formation of functional synapses in central neurons.
Administration of Zinc Chelators Improves Survival of Mice Infected with Aspergillus fumigatus both in Monotherapy and in Combination with Caspofungin
Authors: Laskaris Paris , Atrouni Ahmad , Calera José Antonio , d'Enfert Christophe , Munier-Lehmann Hélène , Cavaillon Jean-Marc , Latgé Jean-Paul , Ibrahim-Granet Oumaïma 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

Aspergillus fumigatus
can infect immunocompromised patients, leading to high mortality rates due to the lack of reliable treatment options. This pathogen requires uptake of zinc from host tissues in order to successfully grow and cause virulence. Reducing the availability of that micronutrient could help treat
A. fumigatus
infections. In this study, we examined the
in vitro
effects of seven chelators using a bioluminescent strain of
A. fumigatus
. 1,10-Phenanthroline and
N
,
N
,
N
′,
N
′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (TPEN) proved to be the chelators most effective at inhibiting fungal growth. Intraperitoneal administration of either phenanthroline or TPEN resulted in a significant improvement in survival and decrease of weight loss and fungal burden for immunosuppressed mice intranasally infected with
A. fumigatus
.
In vitro
both chelators had an indifferent effect when employed in combination with caspofungin. The use of TPEN in combination with caspofungin also significantly increased survival compared to that when using these drugs individually. Our results suggest that zinc chelation may be a valid strategy for dealing with
A. fumigatus
infections and that both phenanthroline and TPEN could potentially be used either independently or in combination with caspofungin, indicating that their use in combination with other antifungal treatments might also be applicable.
Screening a Commercial Library of Pharmacologically Active Small Molecules against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms
Authors: Torres Nelson S. , Abercrombie Johnathan J. , Srinivasan Anand , Lopez-Ribot Jose L. , Ramasubramanian Anand K. , Leung Kai P. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

It is now well established that bacterial infections are often associated with biofilm phenotypes that demonstrate increased resistance to common antimicrobials. Further, due to the collective attrition of new antibiotic development programs by the pharmaceutical industries, drug repurposing is an attractive alternative. In this work, we screened 1,280 existing commercially available drugs in the Prestwick Chemical Library, some with previously unknown antimicrobial activity, against
Staphylococcus aureus
, one of the commonly encountered causative pathogens of burn and wound infections. From the primary screen of the entire Prestwick Chemical Library at a fixed concentration of 10 μM, 104 drugs were found to be effective against planktonic
S. aureus
strains, and not surprisingly, these were mostly antimicrobials and antiseptics. The activity of 18 selected repurposing candidates, that is, drugs that show antimicrobial activity that are not already considered antimicrobials, observed in the primary screen was confirmed in dose-response experiments. Finally, a subset of nine of these drug candidates was tested against preformed biofilms of
S. aureus
. We found that three of these drugs, niclosamide, carmofur, and auranofin, possessed antimicrobial activity against preformed biofilms, making them attractive candidates for repurposing as novel antibiofilm therapies.