bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studying avian encephalization with geometric morphometrics
Authors: Marugán‐Lobón Jesús , Watanabe Akinobu , Kawabe Soichiro 
Published: April 2016

AbstractEncephalization is a core concept in comparative neurobiology, aiming to quantify the neurological capacity of organisms. For measuring encephalization, many studies have employed relative brain sizes corrected for expected allometric scaling to body size. Here we highlight the utility of a multivariate geometric morphometric (GM) approach for visualizing and analyzing neuroanatomical shape variation associated with encephalization. GM readily allows the statistical evaluation of covariates, such as size, and many software tools exist for visualizing their effects on shape. Thus far, however, studies using GM have not attempted to translate the meaning of encephalization to shape data. As such, we tested the statistical relationship between size and encephalization quotients (EQs) to brain shape utilizing a broad interspecific sample of avian endocranial data. Although statistically significant, the analyses indicate that allometry accounts for <10% of total neuroanatomical shape variation. Notably, we find that EQs, despite being corrected for allometric scaling based on size, contain size‐related neuroanatomical shape changes. In addition, much of what is traditionally considered encephalization comprises clade‐specific trends in relative forebrain expansion, particularly driven by landbirds. EQs, therefore, fail to capture 90% of the total neuroanatomical variation after correcting for allometry and shared phylogenetic history. Moving forward, GM techniques provide crucial tools for investigating key drivers of this vast, largely unexplored aspect of avian brain morphology.
Distribution of proteins within different compartments of tendon varies according to tendon type
Authors: Thorpe Chavaunne T. , Karunaseelan Kabelan J. , Ng Chieng Hin Jade , Riley Graham P. , Birch Helen L. , Clegg Peter D. , Screen Hazel R. C. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAlthough the predominant function of all tendons is to transfer force from muscle to bone and position the limbs, some tendons additionally function as energy stores, reducing the energetic cost of locomotion. To maximise energy storage and return, energy‐storing tendons need to be more extensible and elastic than tendons with a purely positional function. These properties are conferred in part by a specialisation of a specific compartment of the tendon, the interfascicular matrix, which enables sliding and recoil between adjacent fascicles. However, the composition of the interfascicular matrix is poorly characterised and we therefore tested the hypothesis that the distribution of elastin and proteoglycans differs between energy‐storing and positional tendons, and that protein distribution varies between the fascicular matrix and the interfascicular matrix, with localisation of elastin and lubricin to the interfascicular matrix. Protein distribution in the energy‐storing equine superficial digital flexor tendon and positional common digital extensor tendon was assessed using histology and immunohistochemistry. The results support the hypothesis, demonstrating enrichment of lubricin in the interfascicular matrix in both tendon types, where it is likely to facilitate interfascicular sliding. Elastin was also localised to the interfascicular matrix, specifically in the energy‐storing superficial digital flexor tendon, which may account for the greater elasticity of the interfascicular matrix in this tendon. A differential distribution of proteoglycans was identified between tendon types and regions, which may indicate a distinct role for each of these proteins in tendon. These data provide important advances into fully characterising structure–function relationships within tendon.
Principles of operation, accuracy and precision of an Eye Surface Profiler
Authors: Iskander D. Robert , Wachel Pawel , Simpson Patrick N. D. , Consejo Alejandra , Jesus Danilo A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeTo introduce a newly developed instrument for measuring the topography of the anterior eye, provide principles of its operation and to assess its accuracy and precision.MethodsThe Eye Surface Profiler is a new technology based on Fourier transform profilometry for measuring the anterior eye surface encompassing the corneo‐scleral area. Details of technical principles of operation are provided for the particular case of sequential double fringe projection. Technical limits of accuracy have been assessed for several key parameters such as the carrier frequency, image quantisation level, sensor size, carrier frequency inaccuracy, and level and type of noise. Further, results from both artificial test surfaces as well as real eyes are used to assess precision and accuracy of the device (here benchmarked against one of popular Placido disk videokeratoscopes).ResultsTechnically, the Eye Surface Profiler accuracy can reach levels below 1 μm for a range of considered key parameters. For the unit tested and using calibrated artificial surfaces, the accuracy of measurement (in terms of RMS error) was below 10 μm for a central measurement area of 8 mm diameter and below 40 μm for an extended measurement area of 16 mm. In some cases, the error reached levels of up to 200 μm at the very periphery of the measured surface (up to 20 mm). The SimK estimates of the test surfaces from the Eye Surface Profiler were in close agreement with those from a Placido disk videokeratoscope with differences no greater than ±0.1 D. For real eyes, the benchmarked accuracy was within ±0.5D for both the spherical and cylindrical SimK components.ConclusionsThe Eye Surface Profiler can successfully measure the topography of the entire anterior eye including the cornea, limbus and sclera. It has a great potential to become an optometry clinical tool that could substitute the currently used videokeratoscopes and provide a high quality corneo‐scleral topography.
Hd3a,RFT1andEhd1integrate photoperiodic and drought stress signals to delay the floral transition in rice
Authors: Galbiati Francesca , Chiozzotto Remo , Locatelli Franca , Spada Alberto , Genga Annamaria , Fornara Fabio 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPlants show a high degree of developmental plasticity in response to external cues, including day length and environmental stress. Water scarcity in particular can interfere with photoperiodic flowering, resulting in the acceleration of the switch to reproductive growth in several species, a process called drought escape. However, other strategies are possible and drought stress can also delay flowering, albeit the underlying mechanisms have never been addressed at the molecular level. We investigated these interactions in rice, a short day species in which drought stress delays flowering. A protocol that allows the synchronization of drought with the floral transition was set up to profile the transcriptome of leaves subjected to stress under distinct photoperiods. We identified clusters of genes that responded to drought differently depending on day length. Exposure to drought stress under floral‐inductive photoperiods strongly reduced transcription ofEARLY HEADING DATE 1(Ehd1),HEADING DATE 3a(Hd3a) andRICE FLOWERING LOCUS T 1(RFT1), primary integrators of day length signals, providing a molecular connection between stress and the photoperiodic pathway. However, phenotypic and transcriptional analyses suggested thatOsGIGANTEA(OsGI) does not integrate drought and photoperiodic signals as in Arabidopsis, highlighting molecular differences between long and short day model species.
Sudden unexpected infant death in Jordan and the home environment
Authors: Hamadneh Shereen , Kassab Manal , Hamadneh Jehan , Amarin Zouhair 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate maternal common practice for infant sleep care and the home environment, in order to explore the major risk factors associated with sudden unexpected infant death in Jordan.MethodsData were collected via semi‐structured questionnaire interview to investigate the sociodemographic features, infant sleep practices and home environments. The sample included 604 mothers with infants <1 year old. Descriptive statistics were generated.ResultsSleep practices were identified as leading factors in unexpected infant death. They included infant head covering (84%), heavy bedding with multiple quilts (81%) or blankets (67%), and co‐bedding (66%). Environmental risk factors included high incidence of smoking, exposure to toxic solid fuel heaters during winter and inadequate room ventilation.ConclusionFactors leading to unexpected infant death were high in Jordan. Unsafe infant sleeping practices and poor environmental factors put infants at high risk of sudden death. Lack of awareness of risk factors increases the risk.
Children's values: Universality, conflict, and sources of influence
Authors: Killen Melanie 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAn important question for psychological science is what types of psychological values guide individuals throughout life, and what factors increase or decrease the importance of these values. This Quartet in Social Development focuses on research that explicitly investigates values as defined by the universal content and structure of values. A central goal of the articles in this special quartet was to investigate basic human values in children, and to chart age‐related changes as well as test developmental hypotheses. In this commentary, I reflect on what we have learned in light of other research on children's values, and specifically how future research on values could benefit by a more explicit focus on three central themes in social development: universality, conflict, and sources of influence.
Limited Polymorphism of the Kelch Propeller Domain in Plasmodium malariae and P. ovale Isolates from Thailand
Authors: Nakeesathit Supatchara , Saralamba Naowarat , Pukrittayakamee Sasithon , Dondorp Arjen , Nosten Francois , White Nicholas J. , Imwong Mallika 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Artemisinin resistance in
Plasmodium falciparum
, the agent of severe malaria, is currently a major obstacle to malaria control in Southeast Asia. A gene named “
kelch13
” has been associated with artemisinin resistance in
P. falciparum
. The orthologue of the
kelch
gene in
P. vivax
was identified and a small number of mutations were found in previous studies. The
kelch
orthologues in the other two human malaria parasites,
P. malariae
and
P. ovale
, have not yet been studied. Therefore, in this study, the orthologous
kelch
genes of
P. malariae
,
P. ovale wallikeri
, and
P. ovale curtisi
were isolated and analyzed for the first time. The homologies of the
kelch
genes of
P. malariae
and
P. ovale
were 84.8% and 82.7%, respectively, compared to the gene in
P. falciparum
.
kelch
polymorphisms were studied in 13
P. malariae
and 5
P. ovale
isolates from Thailand. There were 2 nonsynonymous mutations found in these samples. One mutation was P533L, which was found in 1 of 13
P. malariae
isolates, and the other was K137R, found in 1 isolate of
P. ovale wallikeri
(
n
= 4). This result needs to be considered in the context of widespread artemisinin used within the region; their functional consequences for artemisinin sensitivity in
P. malariae
and
P. ovale
will need to be elucidated.
Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Topoisomerase I as Novel Antituberculosis Agents
Authors: Sandhaus Shayna , Annamalai Thirunavukkarasu , Welmaker Greg , Houghten Richard A. , Paz Carlos , Garcia Pamela K. , Andres Angelo , Narula Gagandeep , Rodrigues Felix Carolina , Geden Sandra , Netherton Mandy , Gupta Rashmi , Rohde Kyle H. , Giulianotti Marc A. , Tse-Dinh Yuk-Ching 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Bacterial topoisomerase functions are required for regulation of DNA supercoiling and overcoming the DNA topological barriers that are encountered during many vital cellular processes. DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV of the type IIA bacterial topoisomerase family are important clinical targets for antibacterial therapy. Topoisomerase I, belonging to the type IA topoisomerase family, has recently been validated as a potential antitubercular target. The topoisomerase I activity has been shown to be essential for bacterial viability and infection in a murine model of tuberculosis. Mixture-based combinatorial libraries were screened in this study to identify novel bacterial topoisomerase I inhibitors. Using positional-scanning deconvolution, selective small-molecule inhibitors of bacterial topoisomerase I were identified starting from a polyamine scaffold. Antibacterial assays demonstrated that four of these small-molecule inhibitors of bacterial topoisomerase I are bactericidal against
Mycobacterium smegmatis
and
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. The MICs for growth inhibition of
M. smegmatis
increased with overexpression of recombinant
M. tuberculosis
topoisomerase I, consistent with inhibition of intracellular topoisomerase I activity being involved in the antimycobacterial mode of action.
Antimicrobial Activities of Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Comparator Agents against Gram-Negative Organisms Isolated from Patients with Urinary Tract Infections in U.S. Medical Centers, 2012 to 2014
Authors: Sader Helio S. , Castanheira Mariana , Flamm Robert K. , Jones Ronald N. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

A total of 7,272 unique patient clinical isolates were collected from 71 U.S. medical centers from patients with urinary tract infections in 2012 to 2014 and tested for susceptibility to ceftazidime-avibactam and comparators by broth microdilution methods. Ceftazidime-avibactam inhibited >99.9% of all
Enterobacteriaceae
at the susceptible breakpoint of ≤8 μg/ml (there were only three nonsusceptible strains). Ceftazidime-avibactam was also active against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates (MIC
50
, 2 μg/ml; MIC
90
, 4 μg/ml; 97.7% susceptible), including many isolates not susceptible to meropenem, ceftazidime, and/or piperacillin-tazobactam.
Genomic Appraisal of the Multifactorial Basis forIn VitroAcquisition of Miltefosine Resistance in Leishmania donovani
Authors: Vacchina P. , Norris-Mullins B. , Abengózar M. A. , Viamontes C. G. , Sarro J. , Stephens M. T. , Pfrender M. E. , Rivas L. , Morales M. A. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTProtozoan parasites of theLeishmania donovanicomplex are the causative agents of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the most severe form of leishmaniasis, with high rates of mortality if left untreated.Leishmaniaparasites are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female sandflies (Diptera:Phlebotominae), and approximately 500,000 new cases of VL are reported each year. In the absence of a safe human vaccine, chemotherapy, along with vector control, is the sole tool with which to fight the disease. Miltefosine (hexadecylphosphatidylcholine [HePC]), an antitumoral drug, is the only successful oral treatment for VL. In the current study, we describe the phenotypic traits ofL. donovaniclonal lines that have acquired resistance to HePC. We performed whole-genome and RNA sequencing of these resistant lines to provide an inclusive overview of the multifactorial acquisition of experimental HePC resistance, circumventing the challenge of identifying changes in membrane-bound proteins faced by proteomics. This analysis was complemented by assessment of thein vitroinfectivity of HePC-resistant parasites. Our work underscores the importance of complementary “omics” to acquire the most comprehensive insight for multifaceted processes, such as HePC resistance.
Bactericidal Effect of a Photoresponsive Carbon Monoxide-Releasing Nonwoven against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms
Authors: Klinger-Strobel Mareike , Gläser Steve , Makarewicz Oliwia , Wyrwa Ralf , Weisser Jürgen , Pletz Mathias W. , Schiller Alexander 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is a leading pathogen in skin and skin structure infections, including surgical and traumatic infections that are associated with biofilm formation. Because biofilm formation is accompanied by high phenotypic resistance of the embedded bacteria, they are almost impossible to eradicate by conventional antibiotics. Therefore, alternative therapeutic strategies are of high interest. We generated nanostructured hybrid nonwovens via the electrospinning of a photoresponsive carbon monoxide (CO)-releasing molecule [CORM-1, Mn
2
(CO)
10
] and the polymer polylactide. This nonwoven showed a CO-induced antimicrobial activity that was sufficient to reduce the biofilm-embedded bacteria by 70% after photostimulation at 405 nm. The released CO increased the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the biofilms, suggesting that in addition to inhibiting the electron transport chain, ROS might play a role in the antimicrobial activity of CORMs on
S. aureus
. The nonwoven showed increased cytotoxicity on eukaryotic cells after longer exposure, most probably due to the released lactic acid, that might be acceptable for local and short-time treatments. Therefore, CO-releasing nonwovens might be a promising local antimicrobial therapy against biofilm-associated skin wound infections.
Widespread Dissemination of Carbapenem-Resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 167 Strains Harboring
bla
NDM-5
in Clinical Settings in China
Authors: Huang Yonglu , Yu Xiaonan , Xie Miaomiao , Wang Xuan , Liao Kang , Xue Wencheng , Chan Edward Wai-Chi , Zhang Rong , Chen Sheng 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

This study reports the increasing prevalence of clinical
Escherichia coli
of sequence type 167 (ST167) carrying both
bla
NDM-1
and
bla
NDM-5
on the conjugative IncX3 plasmid in various parts of China. Close surveillance is needed to monitor the future dissemination of ST167 strains that harbor
bla
NDM-5
or other
bla
NDM
-like genes.
Adaptation of the [
3
H]Hypoxanthine Uptake Assay for
In Vitro
-Cultured Plasmodium knowlesi Malaria Parasites
Authors: Arnold Megan S. J. , Engel Jessica A. , Chua Ming Jang , Fisher Gillian M. , Skinner-Adams Tina S. , Andrews Katherine T. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

The zoonotic malaria parasite
Plasmodium knowlesi
has recently been established in continuous
in vitro
culture. Here, the
Plasmodium falciparum
[
3
H]hypoxanthine uptake assay was adapted for
P. knowlesi
and used to determine the sensitivity of this parasite to chloroquine, cycloguanil, and clindamycin. The data demonstrate that
P. knowlesi
is sensitive to all drugs, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) consistent with those obtained with
P. falciparum
. This assay provides a platform to use
P. knowlesi in vitro
for drug discovery.
Streptococcus oralis Induces Lysosomal Impairment of Macrophages via Bacterial Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Okahashi Nobuo , Nakata Masanobu , Kuwata Hirotaka , Kawabata Shigetada 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus oralis
, an oral commensal, belongs to the mitis group of streptococci and occasionally causes opportunistic infections, such as bacterial endocarditis and bacteremia. Recently, we found that the hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
) produced by
S. oralis
is sufficient to kill human monocytes and epithelial cells, implying that streptococcal H
2
O
2
is a cytotoxin. In the present study, we investigated whether streptococcal H
2
O
2
impacts lysosomes, organelles of the intracellular digestive system, in relation to cell death.
S. oralis
infection induced the death of RAW 264 macrophages in an H
2
O
2
-dependent manner, which was exemplified by the fact that exogenous H
2
O
2
also induced cell death. Infection with either a mutant lacking
spxB
, which encodes pyruvate oxidase responsible for H
2
O
2
production, or
Streptococcus mutans
, which does not produce H
2
O
2
, showed less cytotoxicity. Visualization of lysosomes with LysoTracker revealed lysosome deacidification after infection with
S. oralis
or exposure to H
2
O
2
, which was corroborated by acridine orange staining. Similarly, fluorescent labeling of lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 gradually disappeared during infection with
S. oralis
or exposure to H
2
O
2
. The deacidification and the following induction of cell death were inhibited by chelating iron in lysosomes. Moreover, fluorescent staining of cathepsin B indicated lysosomal destruction. However, treatment of infected cells with a specific inhibitor of cathepsin B had negligible effects on cell death; instead, it suppressed the detachment of dead cells from the culture plates. These results suggest that streptococcal H
2
O
2
induces cell death with lysosomal destruction and then the released lysosomal cathepsins contribute to the detachment of the dead cells.
Protection against Streptococcus suis Serotype 2 Infection Using a Capsular Polysaccharide Glycoconjugate Vaccine
Authors: Goyette-Desjardins Guillaume , Calzas Cynthia , Shiao Tze Chieh , Neubauer Axel , Kempker Jennifer , Roy René , Gottschalk Marcelo , Segura Mariela 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTStreptococcus suisserotype 2 is an encapsulated bacterium and one of the most important bacterial pathogens in the porcine industry. Despite decades of research for an efficient vaccine, none is currently available. Based on the success achieved with other encapsulated pathogens, a glycoconjugate vaccine strategy was selected to elicit opsonizing anti-capsular polysaccharide (anti-CPS) IgG antibodies. In this work, glycoconjugate prototypes were prepared by couplingS. suistype 2 CPS to tetanus toxoid, and the immunological features of the postconjugation preparations were evaluatedin vivo. In mice, experiments evaluating three different adjuvants showed that CpG oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) induces very low levels of anti-CPS IgM antibodies, while the emulsifying adjuvants Stimune and TiterMax Gold both induced high levels of IgGs and IgM. Dose-response trials comparing free CPS with the conjugate vaccine showed that free CPS is nonimmunogenic independently of the dose used, while 25 μg of the conjugate preparation was optimal in inducing high levels of anti-CPS IgGs postboost. With an opsonophagocytosis assay using murine whole blood, sera from immunized mice showed functional activity. Finally, the conjugate vaccine showed immunogenicity and induced protection in a swine challenge model. When conjugated and administered with emulsifying adjuvants,S. suistype 2 CPS is able to induce potent IgM and isotype-switched IgGs in mice and pigs, yielding functional activityin vitroand protection against a lethal challengein vivo, all features of a T cell-dependent response. This study represents a proof of concept for the potential of glycoconjugate vaccines in veterinary medicine applications against invasive bacterial infections.