bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of pollution and climate with atopic eczema in US children
Authors: Kathuria P. , Silverberg J. I. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundWe sought to determine the relationship between childhood eczema, climate, and environmental pollutants.MethodsWe analyzed data from the 2007–2008 National Survey of Children's Health including a representative sample of 91,642 children age 0–17 years and the 2006–2007 Environmental Protection Agency measurements of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrate (NO3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), organic carbon (OC), sulfate (SO3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM‐2.5) and <10 μm (PM‐10), and tropospheric ozone levels, and the National Climate Data Center measurements of relative humidity (%), issued UV index, outdoor air temperature, and precipitation levels.ResultsIn multivariate survey logistic regression models controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, household income, US birthplace, and history of moving to a new location, eczema was associated with higher mean annual NO2 (p = 0.008), SO2 (p = 0.006), SO3 (p = 0.0002), arsenic (p = 0.0007), nickel (p = 0.0002), lead (p = 0.03), vanadium (p < 0.0001), and zinc (p = 0.003), but lower NO3 (p = 0.002), OC (p = 0.03), PM‐2.5 (p = 0.006), cadmium (p < 0.0001), copper (p = 0.004), and potassium (p < 0.0001). In contrast, moderate–severe eczema was associated with higher NO3 (p = 0.03), OC (p = 0.008) and PM‐2.5 (p = 0.01), copper (p = 0.04), lead (p = 0.008), and zinc (p = 0.01), but lower CO (p = 0.03). Principal component analysis was used and identified 4 combinations of pollutants and climate factors occurring in the USA, of which 1 was associated with higher prevalence and two were associated with lower prevalences of eczema (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPollutants in conjunction with climate factors may differentially impact eczema prevalence and severity, some with apparent harmful effects.
Metabolic engineering of terpene biosynthesis in plants using a trichome‐specific transcription factor MsYABBY5 from spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Authors: Wang Qian , Reddy Vaishnavi Amarr , Panicker Deepa , Mao Hui‐Zhu , Kumar Nadimuthu , Rajan Chakravarthy , Venkatesh Prasanna Nori , Chua Nam‐Hai , Sarojam Rajani 
Published: February 2016

SummaryIn many aromatic plants including spearmint (Mentha spicata), the sites of secondary metabolite production are tiny specialized structures called peltate glandular trichomes (PGT). Having high commercial values, these secondary metabolites are exploited largely as flavours, fragrances and pharmaceuticals. But, knowledge about transcription factors (TFs) that regulate secondary metabolism in PGT remains elusive. Understanding the role of TFs in secondary metabolism pathway will aid in metabolic engineering for increased yield of secondary metabolites and also the development of new production techniques for valuable metabolites. Here, we isolated and functionally characterized a novel MsYABBY5 gene that is preferentially expressed in PGT of spearmint. We generated transgenic plants in which MsYABBY5 was either overexpressed or silenced using RNA interference (RNAi). Analysis of the transgenic lines showed that the reduced expression of MsYABBY5 led to increased levels of terpenes and that overexpression decreased terpene levels. Additionally, ectopic expression of MsYABBY5 in Ocimum basilicum and Nicotiana sylvestris decreased secondary metabolite production in them, suggesting that the encoded transcription factor is probably a repressor of secondary metabolism.
Transient seizure‐related MRI abnormalities in a child with primary Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Kamakura Tae , Hiraki Akiyoshi , Kikuchi Masahiro 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe describe the case of a 6‐year‐old girl with typical infectious mononucleosis syndrome complicated by clustered right hemiconvulsions and disturbed consciousness. Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging on admission demonstrated reduced diffusion in the left temporo‐posterior cortex and pulvinar of the ipsilateral thalamus. Her neurological symptoms resolved completely by the next day, with complete disappearance of abnormal signal intensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Elevated cerebrospinal fluid interleukin (IL)‐6 with normal IL‐10 might indicate a neuroprotective role of IL‐6 rather than injury. We concluded that the MRI abnormalities could have been due to the seizure activity itself rather than Epstein–Barr virus‐associated encephalitis. The recognition of transient seizure‐related MRI abnormalities may help in the diagnostic approach to MRI changes in suspected encephalopathy.
Histopathology of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infection and oxalic acid function in susceptible and resistant soybean
Authors: Davidson A. L. , Blahut‐Beatty L. , Itaya A. , Zhang Y. , Zheng S. , Simmonds D. 
Published: February 2016

The success of the necrotrophic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is largely dependent on its major virulence factor, oxalic acid (OA). Virulence is lost in transgenic plants that express OA degrading enzymes, e.g. oxalate oxidase (OxO). The histopathology of S. sclerotiorum infection and OA accumulation was examined in a transgenic soybean line over‐expressing OxO (OxO‐OE) and its isogenic parent (WT). In situ flower inoculation showed that the OxO‐OE plants were highly resistant to the pathogen while the WT parents were susceptible. This difference in resistance was not apparent in the floral tissues, as aggressive hyphal activity was similar on both hosts, showing that high OxO activity and low OA accumulation in OxO‐OE was not a deterrent. However, the process of fungal infection on excised leaf tissue differed on the two hosts. Primary lesions developed and showed similar severe ultrastructural damage on both hosts but rapid lesion expansion (colonization) proceeded only on the WT, concomitant with OA accumulation. Oxalic acid rose in OxO‐OE 1 day post‐inoculation and did not change over the following 3 days, showing that colonization can be blocked by maintaining low levels of OA. However, OxO degradation of OA did not deter initial host penetration and primary lesion formation. This shows that OA, the major virulence factor of S. sclerotiorum, is critical for host colonization but may not be required during primary lesion formation, suggesting that other factors are contributing to the establishment of the primary lesion.
Characterization of resistance against the olive‐defoliating Verticillium dahliae pathotype in selected clones of wild olive
Authors: Jiménez‐Fernández D. , Trapero‐Casas J. L. , Landa B. B. , Navas‐Cortés J. A. , Bubici G. , Cirulli M. , Jiménez‐Díaz R. M. 
Published: February 2016

Verticillium wilt of olive is best managed by resistant cultivars, but those currently available show incomplete resistance to the defoliating (D) Verticillium dahliae pathotype. Moreover, these cultivars do not satisfy consumers' demand for high yields and oil quality. Highly resistant rootstocks would be of paramount importance for production of agronomically adapted and commercially desirable olive cultivars in D V. dahliae‐infested soils. In this work, resistance to D V. dahliae in wild olive clones Ac‐13, Ac‐18, OutVert and StopVert was assessed by quantifying the fungal DNA along the stem using a highly sensitive real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) protocol and a stem colonization index (SCI) based on isolation of V. dahliae following artificial inoculations under conditions highly conducive for verticillium wilt. Ac‐13, Ac‐18, OutVert and StopVert showed a symptomless reaction to D V. dahliae. The mean amount of D V. dahliaeDNA quantified in stems of the four clones ranged from 3.64 to 28.89 pg/100 ng olive DNA, which was 249 to 1537 times lower than that in susceptible Picual olive. The reduction in the quantitative stem colonization of wild olive clones by D V. dahliae was also indicated by a sharp decrease in the SCI. Overall, there was a pattern of decreasing SCI in acropetal progression along the plant axis, as well as correlation between positive reisolation and quantification of pathogen DNA. The results of this research show that wild olive clones Ac‐13, Ac‐18, OutVert and StopVert have a valuable potential as rootstocks for the management of verticillium wilt in olive.
Differences in predictors of 5‐year survival over a 10‐year period in two cohorts of elderly nursing home residents in Sweden
Authors: Sund Levander Märta , Milberg Anna , Rodhe Nils , Tingström Pia , Grodzinsky Ewa 
Published: February 2016

AimThe aim was to compare 5‐year survival in two included cohorts (from year 2000 and year 2007) of 249 nursing home residents (NHR) in this retrospective, comparative study.MethodsThe cohorts were compared regarding chronic diseases, medication, physical/cognitive/nutritional status, body mass index, body temperature and 5‐year mortality. Factors correlated with 5‐year survival were determined using Cox regression analysis.ResultsIn average, cohort 2007 survived 31 ± 16 months and cohort 2000, 38 ± 13 months, p < 0.001. Dementia, ageing and circulatory failure were more common as cause of death 2007, while stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia were less common, compared with 2000. NHR belonging to cohort 2007 were significantly older when admitted to nursing homes (NH), more dependent in activities of daily living (ADL), had dementia, stroke, autoimmune disease and treatment with antidepressants, while malnutrition and treatment with paracetamol were more common 2000. In 2000, medication with antidepressants, the presence of stroke and diabetes, irrespective of gender, and in women cardiovascular disease, two to threefold significantly increased survival, while autoimmune disease, influenza vaccination and dependency in ADL decreased survival. In 2007, maintaining BMI, irrespective of gender, and autoimmune disease and COPD in women significantly increased survival, while malnutrition, influenza vaccination, dependency in ADL and medication with sedatives/tranquillisers or paracetamol severely reduced survival.ConclusionsThe present results indicate a trend that individuals are older and frailer when admitted to NH and that survival time after admission has been shortened. Hence, the need of daily support and care has increased, irrespective of housing. Also, predictors of survival, possible to influence, have changed.
Standardisation of minimal erythematous dose reading and assessment: a new system
Authors: Bertin C. , Nollent V. , Nkengne A. , Oun E. , Tokgoz‐Engrand S. , Mojon A. 
Published: February 2016

Background/PurposeSunscreen efficacy is usually expressed by the sun protection factor (SPF) which is calculated by establishing the minimum erythematous dose (MED), i.e. the smallest amount of energy required to trigger erythema. Efforts have been made to harmonise SPF testing but in vivo SPF methodology could still be improved to reduce its variability. This article proposes a means of standardising MED evaluations through the development and validation of an MED assessment system based on image analysis.MethodsThe MED assessment system comprises a camera combined with a black tube for acquiring pictures of the skin surface. Specific software was then developed to analyse these pictures to determine the MED based on the shape, size and colour of the exposed zones. The MED assessment system was validated through two studies. The first study was designed to assess the correlation between three expert graders who visually determined the MEDs in five subjects on whom three different suncare products (SPF 6, SPF 30 and SPF 50+) were tested. The second study correlated results obtained from one expert grader with those from a grader assisted by the new MED assessment system.ResultsResults of the first study showed substantial variation between graders, with kappa agreement as low as 0.59 (percentage error 19.7%). Results of the study assessing correlation between the expert grader and the grader facilitated by the new MED assessment device showed better correlation, with a kappa value of 0.75 and percentage error of 9.61%.ConclusionA high degree of inter‐grader variability was seen when MED was assessed by expert graders. The new MED assessment system provides background colour correction and standardisation to enable accurate MED determination. A high level of correlation was seen between the expert grader and the new MED assessment system, thus demonstrating its potential utility in more accurate and homogenous MED evaluations. Future multicentre studies are required to improve and validate the standardised MED determination for suncare products and to further evaluate the role of this new MED assessment system. However, these preliminary results are encouraging and may set the scene for this new MED assessment system to become the standard of the future.
Immune regulation of canine tumour and macrophage PD‐L1 expression
Authors: Hartley G. , Faulhaber E. , Caldwell A. , Coy J. , Kurihara J. , Guth A. , Regan D. , Dow S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractExpression of programmed cell death receptor ligand 1 (PD‐L1) on tumor cells has been associated with immune escape in human and murine cancers, but little is known regarding the immune regulation of PD‐L1 expression by tumor cells and tumor‐infiltrating macrophages in dogs. Therefore, 14 canine tumor cell lines, as well as primary cultures of canine monocytes and macrophages, were evaluated for constitutive PD‐L1 expression and for responsiveness to immune stimuli. We found that PD‐L1 was expressed constitutively on all canine tumor cell lines evaluated, although the levels of basal expression were very variable. Significant upregulation of PD‐L1 expression by all tumor cell lines was observed following IFN‐γ exposure and by exposure to a TLR3 ligand. Canine monocytes and monocyte‐derived macrophages did not express PD‐L1 constitutively, but did significantly upregulate expression following treatment with IFN‐γ. These findings suggest that most canine tumors express PD‐L1 constitutively and that both innate and adaptive immune stimuli can further upregulate PD‐L1 expression. Therefore the upregulation of PD‐L1 expression by tumor cells and by tumor‐infiltrating macrophages in response to cytokines such as IFN‐γ may represent an important mechanism of tumor‐mediated T‐cell suppression in dogs as well as in humans.
Unlocking neural complexity with a robotic key
Authors: Stratton Peter , Hasselmo Michael , Milford Michael 
Published: February 2016

AbstractComplex brains evolved in order to comprehend and interact with complex environments in the real world. Despite significant progress in our understanding of perceptual representations in the brain, our understanding of how the brain carries out higher level processing remains largely superficial. This disconnect is understandable, since the direct mapping of sensory inputs to perceptual states is readily observed, while mappings between (unknown) stages of processing and intermediate neural states is not. We argue that testing theories of higher level neural processing on robots in the real world offers a clear path forward, since (1) the complexity of the neural robotic controllers can be staged as necessary, avoiding the almost intractable complexity apparent in even the simplest current living nervous systems; (2) robotic controller states are fully observable, avoiding the enormous technical challenge of recording from complete intact brains; and (3) unlike computational modelling, the real world can stand for itself when using robots, avoiding the computational intractability of simulating the world at an arbitrary level of detail. We suggest that embracing the complex and often unpredictable closed‐loop interactions between robotic neuro‐controllers and the physical world will bring about deeper understanding of the role of complex brain function in the high‐level processing of information and the control of behaviour.
image
Primary visual cortex shows laminar‐specific and balanced circuit organization of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connectivity
Authors: Xu Xiangmin , Olivas Nicholas D. , Ikrar Taruna , Peng Tao , Holmes Todd C. , Nie Qing , Shi Yulin 
Published: February 2016

Key points
Using functional mapping assays, we conducted a quantitative assessment of both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic laminar connections to excitatory neurons in layers 2/3–6 of the mouse visual cortex (V1).
Laminar‐specific synaptic wiring diagrams of excitatory neurons were constructed on the basis of circuit mapping.
The present study reveals that that excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connectivity is spatially balanced across excitatory neuronal networks in V1.
AbstractIn the mammalian neocortex, excitatory neurons provide excitation in both columnar and laminar dimensions, which is modulated further by inhibitory neurons. However, our understanding of intracortical excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs in relation to principal excitatory neurons remains incomplete, and it is unclear how local excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections to excitatory neurons are spatially organized on a layer‐by‐layer basis. In the present study, we combined whole cell recordings with laser scanning photostimulation via glutamate uncaging to map excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs to single excitatory neurons throughout cortical layers 2/3–6 in the mouse primary visual cortex (V1). We find that synaptic input sources of excitatory neurons span the radial columns of laminar microcircuits, and excitatory neurons in different V1 laminae exhibit distinct patterns of layer‐specific organization of excitatory inputs. Remarkably, the spatial extent of inhibitory inputs of excitatory neurons for a given layer closely mirrors that of their excitatory input sources, indicating that excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connectivity is spatially balanced across excitatory neuronal networks. Strong interlaminar inhibitory inputs are found, particularly for excitatory neurons in layers 2/3 and 5. This differs from earlier studies reporting that inhibitory cortical connections to excitatory neurons are generally localized within the same cortical layer. On the basis of the functional mapping assays, we conducted a quantitative assessment of both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic laminar connections to excitatory cells at single cell resolution, establishing precise layer‐by‐layer synaptic wiring diagrams of excitatory neurons in the visual cortex.
Draft Genome Sequence of Oceanobacillus picturae Heshi-B3, Isolated from Fermented Rice Bran in a Traditional Japanese Seafood Dish
Authors: Akuzawa Sayuri , Nagaoka Junko , Kanekatsu Motoki , Kanesaki Yu , Suzuki Tomonori 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Oceanobacillus picturae
strain Heshi-B3 was isolated from rice bran in a traditional fermented seafood dish named Heshiko, which was produced in Fukui Prefecture in Japan. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
O. picturae
strain Heshi B-3.
Evaluation of Performance Characteristics of the Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx Assay for Detection and Quantitation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 in Plasma and Cervicovaginal Lavage Samples
Authors: Sam Soya S. , Kurpewski Jaclynn R. , Cu-Uvin Susan , Caliendo Angela M. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Quantification of HIV-1 RNA has become the standard of care in the clinical management of HIV-1-infected individuals. The objective of this study was to evaluate performance characteristics and relative workflow of the Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx assay in comparison with the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 assay using plasma and cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) specimens. Assay performance was evaluated by using an AcroMetrix HIV-1 panel, AcroMetrix positive controls, Qnostics and SeraCare HIV-1 evaluation panels, 208 clinical plasma samples, and 205 matched CVL specimens on the Panther and m2000 platforms. The Aptima assay demonstrated good linearity over the quantification range tested (2 to 5 log
10
copies/ml), and there was strong linear correlation between the assays (
R
2
= 0.99), with a comparable coefficient of variance of <5.5%. For the plasma samples, Deming regression analyses and Bland-Altman plots showed excellent agreement between the assays, with an interassay concordance of 91.35% (kappa = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65 to 0.85), and on average, the viral loads determined by the Aptima assay were 0.21 log
10
copies/ml higher than those determined by the RealTime assay. The assays differed in their sensitivity for quantifying HIV-1 RNA loads in CVL samples, with the Aptima and RealTime assays detecting 30% and 20%, respectively. Aptima had fewer invalid results, and on average, the viral loads in CVL samples quantified by the Aptima assay were 0.072 log
10
copies/ml higher than those of the RealTime assay. Our results demonstrate that the Aptima assay is sensitive and accurate in quantifying viral loads in both plasma and CVL specimens and that the fully automated Panther system has all the necessary features suitable for clinical laboratories demanding high-throughput sample processing.
Replication of Human Herpesviruses Is Associated with Higher HIV DNA Levels during Antiretroviral Therapy Started at Early Phases of HIV Infection
Authors: Gianella Sara , Anderson Christy M. , Var Susanna R. , Oliveira Michelli F. , Lada Steven M. , Vargas Milenka V. , Massanella Marta , Little Susan J. , Richman Douglas D. , Strain Matthew C. , Pérez-Santiago Josué , Smith Davey M. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Asymptomatic replication of human herpesviruses (HHV) is frequent in HIV-infected men and is associated with increased T-cell activation and HIV disease progression. We hypothesized that the presence of replication of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (the most frequently detected HHV) might influence HIV DNA decay during antiretroviral therapy (ART). We investigated 607 peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from 107 CMV-seropositive, HIV-infected men who have sex with men, who started ART within a median of 3 months from their estimated date of infection (EDI) and were monitored for a median of 19 months thereafter. Levels of HIV, CMV, and EBV DNA and cellular HIV RNA were measured by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for each time point. Using a general linear mixed-effect regression model, we evaluated associations between the presence of detectable CMV DNA and EBV DNA levels and HIV DNA decay and cellular HIV RNA levels, while adjusting for peak HIV RNA, nadir CD4
+
count, CD4/CD8 ratio, CMV IgG levels, time from EDI to ART initiation, time from ART initiation to virologic suppression, detectable CMV DNA pre-ART, and age. The presence of intermittent CMV DNA in PBMC during ART was significantly associated with slower decay of HIV DNA (
P
= 0.011) but not with increased cellular HIV RNA transcription or more detectable 2-long terminal repeat circles. Higher levels of EBV DNA were also associated with higher levels of HIV DNA (
P
< 0.001) and increased unspliced cellular HIV RNA transcription (
P
= 0.010). These observations suggest that replication of HHV may help maintain a larger HIV DNA reservoir, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

IMPORTANCE
Over three-fourths of HIV-infected men have at least one actively replicating human herpesvirus (HHV) in their mucosal secretions at any one time. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are the most common, and although it is often asymptomatic, such CMV and EBV replication is associated with higher levels of immune activation and HIV disease progression. We hypothesized that HHV-associated activation of HIV-infected CD4
+
T cells might lead to increased HIV DNA. This study found that detectable CMV in blood cells of HIV-infected men was associated with slower decay of HIV DNA even during antiretroviral therapy (ART) that was started during early HIV infection. Similarly, levels of EBV DNA were associated with higher levels of HIV DNA during ART. If this observation points to a causal pathway, interventions that control CMV and EBV replication may be able to reduce the HIV reservoir, which might be relevant to current HIV cure efforts.