bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The stripe rust fungal effector PEC6 suppresses pattern‐triggered immunity in a host species‐independent manner and interacts with adenosine kinases
Authors: Liu Changhai , Pedersen Carsten , Schultz‐Larsen Torsten , Aguilar Geziel B. , Madriz‐Ordeñana Kenneth , Hovmøller Mogens S. , Thordal‐Christensen Hans 
Published: June 2016

Summary

We identified a wheat stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis) effector candidate (PEC6) with pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) suppression function and its corresponding host target.

PEC6 compromised PTI host species‐independently. In Nicotiana benthamiana, it hampers reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and callose deposition induced by Pseudomonas fluorescens. In Arabidopsis, plants expressing PEC6 were more susceptible to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) DC3000 ΔAvrPto/ΔAvrPtoB. In wheat, PEC6‐suppression of P. fluorescens‐elicited PTI was revealed by the fact that it allowed activation of effector‐triggered immunity by Pto DC3000. Knocking down of PEC6 expression by virus‐mediated host‐induced gene silencing decreased the number of rust pustules, uncovering PEC6 as an important pathogenicity factor.

PEC6, overexpressed in plant cells without its signal peptide, was localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm. A yeast two‐hybrid assay showed that PEC6 interacts with both wheat and Arabidopsis adenosine kinases (ADKs). Knocking down wheat ADK expression by virus‐induced gene silencing reduced leaf growth and enhanced the number of rust pustules, indicating that ADK is important in plant development and defence.

ADK plays essential roles in regulating metabolism, cytokinin interconversion and methyl transfer reactions, and our data propose a model where PEC6 may affect one of these processes by targeting ADK to favour fungal growth.
A novel glucuronosyltransferase has an unprecedented ability to catalyse continuous two‐step glucuronosylation of glycyrrhetinic acid to yield glycyrrhizin
Authors: Xu Guojie , Cai Wei , Gao Wei , Liu Chunsheng 
Published: June 2016

Summary

Glycyrrhizin is an important bioactive compound that is used clinically to treat chronic hepatitis and is also used as a sweetener world‐wide. However, the key UDP‐dependent glucuronosyltransferases (UGATs) involved in the biosynthesis of glycyrrhizin remain unknown.

To discover unknown UGATs, we fully annotated potential UGATs from Glycyrrhiza uralensis using deep transcriptome sequencing. The catalytic functions of candidate UGATs were determined by an in vitro enzyme assay.

Systematically screening 434 potential UGATs, we unexpectedly found one unique GuUGAT that was able to catalyse the glucuronosylation of glycyrrhetinic acid to directly yield glycyrrhizin via continuous two‐step glucuronosylation. Expression analysis further confirmed the key role of GuUGAT in the biosynthesis of glycyrrhizin. Site‐directed mutagenesis revealed that Gln‐352 may be important for the initial step of glucuronosylation, and His‐22, Trp‐370, Glu‐375 and Gln‐392 may be important residues for the second step of glucuronosylation. Notably, the ability of GuUGAT to catalyse a continuous two‐step glucuronosylation reaction was determined to be unprecedented among known glycosyltransferases of bioactive plant natural products.

Our findings increase the understanding of traditional glycosyltransferases and pave the way for the complete biosynthesis of glycyrrhizin.
Nutrition and bone health
Authors: Weaver CM 
Published: June 2016

Low bone mass leads to fracture risk. Osteoporosis affects over 10% of the population and one of every two women over the age of 50 years. Genetics predicts more than half of bone mass. Diet and weight bearing exercise are two lifestyle choices that can influence the risk of fracture. Nutrients are the structural constituents of bone. As bone is a living tissue and turns over, albeit more slowly than other tissues, there is an obligatory loss of minerals daily that must be replaced through diet. Three servings of dairy products daily are recommended to replace those losses. Alternative sources of nutrients can come from calcium fortified orange juice, plant‐based beverages, or tofu to provide many nutrients needed for bone health. Supplements can provide nutrients at risk for being inadequate such as calcium or vitamin D.
Mapping of Lr56 translocation recombinants in wheat
Authors: Somo Mohamed , Pirseyedi Seyed Mostafa , Cai Xiwen , Sharma Poudel Roshan , Chao Shiaoman , Marais Francois 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn an attempt to transfer the Lr56/Yr38 resistance loci from Aegilops sharonensis to wheat, a 6A‐6Ssh chromosome translocation was produced. It involves essentially the entire chromosome 6Ssh with a small terminal segment of 6AL. Induced homoeologous recombination of the translocated chromosome with 6A produced numerous recombinants including three recombined chromosomes carrying Lr56 that could not be precisely mapped for lack of suitable markers. This study aimed to determine the chromosomal locations of the translocation breakpoints in these three recombinants using various DNA markers as well as physical and genetic mapping. The three recombinants Lr56‐39, ‐157 and ‐175 carry small segments of Ae. sharonensis chromatin distally to the Xgpw4329 and IWA5416 loci near the 6AS telomere. The Ae. sharonensis chromatin that remains in each line includes a homoeolocus of the wheat marker locus Xdupw217 (on 6BS) and its characteristic amplification product can be used as a dominant marker for the presence of Lr56. Of the three recombined chromosomes, Lr56‐157 retained the least alien chromatin and appears to be the best candidate for use in wheat breeding.
Unique infection structures produced by Pseudocercosporella capsellae on oilseed crops Brassica carinata, B. juncea and B. napus in Western Australia
Authors: Gunasinghe N. , You M. P. , Clode P. , Cawthray G. R. , Barbetti M. J. 
Published: June 2016

White leaf spot disease (Pseudocercosporella capsellae) is widespread across oilseed, vegetable and forage brassicas. Light (LM) and scanning electron (SEM) microscope studies were undertaken to investigate host–pathogen interactions on cotyledons of resistant and susceptible Brassica carinata, B. juncea and B. napus. Under LM, unique brown structures were present, particularly on susceptible genotypes, in two morphologically distinct forms: first, as thread‐like structures within cortical tissue by 24 h post‐inoculation (hpi) and secondly, as brown ropy strand structures either within cortical tissues (internal ropy strands), or extruded out through stomatal pores (ropy strand extrusions). Under LM, these brown structures were most prevalent in highly susceptible B. juncea ‘Vardan’ that had both a high incidence within cortical tissue (70%) and of ropy strand extrusions (73%), as did susceptible B. napus ‘Trilogy’ within cortical tissue (60%). Under SEM, both these genotypes showed thread‐like structures smaller than hyphae forming highly branched networks and ropy strand‐like structures. While there were fewer brown structures in susceptible B. carinata UWA #012 (35%), fine, thread‐like structures forming networks were again prominent (SEM). In contrast, for resistant genotypes, brown structures (LM) were of very low frequency or absent; only 5% in resistant B. juncea ‘Dune’ and none in resistant B. napus ‘Hyola 42’ or highly resistant B. carinata ATC94129P. Under SEM, fine, thread‐like structures were present in the resistant B. juncea ‘Dune’ and B. napus ‘Hyola 42’. Liquid chromatographic analyses of brown structures revealed that both internal ropy strands within cortical tissues and ropy strand extrusions contained the mycotoxin cercosporin.
Diagnostic utility of additional conventional techniques after endobronchial ultrasonography guidance during transbronchial biopsy
Authors: Kunimasa Kei , Tachihara Motoko , Tamura Daisuke , Tokunaga Shuntaro , Nakata Kyosuke , Hazeki Nobuko , Kamiryo Hiroshi , Kobayashi Kazuyuki , Sakai Yasuhiro , Nishimura Yoshihiro 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackground and objectiveEndobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath transbronchial biopsy (EBUS‐GS TBB) has been used to diagnose peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic utility of conventional TBB after EBUS‐GS TBB.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients who underwent conventional TBB after EBUS‐GS TBB for PPL between August 1, 2012 and December 31, 2014. We performed multivariate analysis to examine the association of various clinical factors, including EBUS probe distance and sample size area, with diagnostic yield.ResultsOf 88 eligible patients, 57 (65%) were successfully diagnosed by EBUS‐GS TBB. In 31 patients not diagnosed by EBUS‐GS TBB, 15 (48%) were successfully diagnosed by additional conventional TBB. Ground glass opacity (GGO) was a significant factor associated with the diagnostic yield of additional conventional TBB following EBUS‐GS TBB. Multivariate analysis and receiver operator curves revealed that distance between the PPL and the EBUS probe of less than 2.55 mm favored the utility of conventional TBB.ConclusionAdditional conventional TBB after EBUS‐GS TBB could be a useful procedure for the diagnosis of ground glass opacity PPLs and in cases of a distance of less than 2.55 mm between the EBUS probe and the lesion.
Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on diaphragmatic kinetics and breathing pattern in healthy individuals
Authors: Soilemezi Eleni , Koco Entela , Tsimpos Christos , Tsagourias Matthew , Savvidou Savvoula , Matamis Dimitris 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackground and objectiveIn this study, we investigate the changes in diaphragmatic kinetics, breathing pattern and work of breathing induced by 10 cmH2O of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).MethodsWe used sonography to study diaphragmatic kinetics and measured energy expenditure using indirect calorimetry in 50 healthy volunteers at 0 cmH2O positive end expiratory pressure (ZEEP) and after application of 10 cmH2O CPAP. In a subgroup of 14 subjects, the changes in thoracic and abdominal volumes and thoraco‐abdominal asynchrony were recorded with inductive plethysmography, while accessory respiratory muscle activity was recorded with electromyography.ResultsContinuous positive airway pressure breathing induced acute lung hyperinflation of 600 mL above passive functional residual capacity. This hyperinflation induced changes in diaphragmatic kinetics and breathing pattern; diaphragmatic excursion, thickness and thickness ratio, tidal volume (Vt) and oxygen consumption (VO2) increased while respiratory rate decreased. The increase in Vt with CPAP was mainly due to rib cage contribution. Activation of the accessory inspiratory (scalene) and expiratory (transversus abdominis) muscles was recorded. The raised respiratory muscles workload induced an increase in VO2.ConclusionIn healthy volunteers, CPAP therapy leads to lung overdistention and recruitment of respiratory muscles. These mechanisms operate at a high energy cost.
Beyond Individualised Approaches to Diabetes Type 2
Authors: Williams Claire R. , Buttfield Barbara 
Published: June 2016

AbstractExplanations for type 2 diabetes are broadened beyond the individual body and ‘bad lifestyles’ to include major institutions, the social and material contexts of food and eating, and employment. Precarious employment, a social determinant of health, encourages changes to food practices, lowers working conditions, worsens health, can bring poverty and increases shift work, a causal risk factor for diabetes. Scientists have played a part in revolutionising foods and technologies which minimise labour and movement. There are excess additives in processed food. Genetic explanations for the higher rates of diabetes in First Nations peoples give way to social explanations: colonial history, British/Euro‐American cuisine, food insecurity, trauma and social conditions resulting in chronic stress. Self‐management education takes a ‘nutritionist’ approach towards food and eating and tends to minimise the social context and skills of those with the condition particularly women workers in poorer social groups who have higher rates of diabetes (T2DM).
Defining Women's Global Political Empowerment: Theories and Evidence
Authors: Alexander Amy C. , Bolzendahl Catherine , Jalalzai Farida 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAlthough women's access to political power has increased tremendously, nowhere are women equal to men in their influence over and exercise of political authority. Scholarship on women's political empowerment is uneven and incomplete. This article interrogates ‘women's political empowerment’, considering its definition, measurement, and application. First, we establish that academics and practitioners have not articulated a clear definition of women's political empowerment. To fill this gap, we put forward a new definition that conceptualizes women's political empowerment as a transformative process. We then review existing social science literature on women's political empowerment. We argue that scholars must expand research to develop a broader vision of women's political empowerment and develop measures that capture this breadth.
Biology and phylogenetic placement of a new species of Lasiokapala Ashmead from Argentina (Hymenoptera: Eucharitidae)
Authors: TORRÉNS JAVIER , HERATY JOHN M. , MURRAY ELIZABETH , FIDALGO PATRICIO 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWithin the ant‐parasitic wasp family Eucharitidae (Hymenoptera), the Kapala clade is a monophyletic group attacking Ectatomminae and Ponerinae. Members often express extreme phenotypic features, especially in the morphology of the paired frenal spines. Although the means of attack and developmental history of the eucharitid wasps within the ant nest are very similar, the means by which they oviposit and optimize encounters of their active first‐instar larvae with ants is highly variable. The relationships and life‐history strategies of Lasiokapala Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eucharitidae) and related taxa within the Kapala clade are discussed based on phylogenetic analyses of morphological and molecular data. Descriptions are provided for the adults (both sexes), eggs and planidia of Lasiokapala spiralicornis sp.n. from Santiago del Estero (Argentina). Females deposit their eggs on the underside of leaves of Sida cordifolia L. (Malvaceae) and the likely host is postulated to be the genus Ectatomma (Formicidae: Ectatomminae). Even within a closely related group of genera, there is extreme independent divergence in morphology of scutellar spines, antennae and other features, but the larvae and larval biology are highly conserved across a much larger group of Eucharitidae.This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3536985B‐D193‐4771‐BFA3‐25A59EFF6AB5.
Out of the Neotropics: newly discovered relictual species sheds light on the biogeographical history of spider ants (Leptomyrmex, Dolichoderinae, Formicidae)
Authors: BOUDINOT BRENDON E. , PROBST RODOLFO S. , BRANDÃO CARLOS ROBERTO F. , FEITOSA RODRIGO M. , WARD PHILIP S. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSpider ants of the genus Leptomyrmex Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dolichoderinae) are conspicuous species of Australasian rainforests, with putative fossil relatives in the Neotropics and Europe. There is longstanding debate over the biogeographical history of the genus, with the Palaearctic and Neotropical regions proposed as alternate centres of origin. We propose a resolution of this debate with the recent discovery and analysis of an extant species from central Brazil, L. relictus sp.n., which we describe from workers, males and brood. We sequence ten nuclear genes in the new species and in several Australian Leptomyrmex species, and append these data to a 54‐taxon, 10‐gene data matrix previously generated for the subfamily Dolichoderinae. We conduct phylogenetic and divergence dating analyses, and re‐evaluate the fossil record of the group. We recover Leptomyrmex relictus sp.n. as a member of the Leptomyrmex clade with high support. It is sister to the Australasian species, and the genus Leptomyrmex is, in turn, sister to a pair of Neotropical genera, Forelius and Dorymyrmex. We infer a Neotropical origin for the genus and estimate a mid‐Eocene (46 Ma, 95% CI 56 to 36 Ma) origin for the crown genus and an Oligocene origin for the Australasian clade (29 Ma, 95% CI 40 to 19 Ma). We confirm placement of the Dominican amber species †L. neotropicus Baroni Urbani in the genus but reject a close relationship with the Palaearctic fossil taxa †Leptomyrmula Emery and †Usomyrma Dlussky, Radchenko & Dubovikoff, considering them incertae sedis in the subfamily (Dolichoderinae). In contrast to the mesophilic preferences of the Australasian species of Leptomyrmex, the new Brazilian species inhabits cerrado (dry savannah). Our results support a Neotropical origin for spider ants with dispersal to Australia. Rafting on west‐bound currents and/or a historical diversity imbalance between Australia and South America are proposed as alternate hypotheses to explain a pattern of biased E–W mid‐Tertiary dispersal for ants with austral distributions. This pattern is suggested by our results in conjunction with observations of other ant clades. Overall, our findings highlight the value of integrated taxonomy, critical interpretation of morphology, and a comparative phylogenetic framework when conducting palaeontological and biogeographical studies of insect species.This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6E9E6617‐6E53‐40B8‐82C7‐67F89A83C553.
Hemostatic properties and protein expression profile of therapeutic apheresis plasma treated with amotosalen and ultraviolet A for pathogen inactivation
Authors: Ohlmann Philippe , Hechler Béatrice , Chafey Philippe , Ravanat Catherine , Isola Hervé , Wiesel Marie‐Louise , Cazenave Jean‐Pierre , Gachet Christian 
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUNDThe INTERCEPT Blood System (IBS) using amotosalen‐HCl and ultraviolet (UV)A inactivates a large spectrum of microbial pathogens and white blood cells in therapeutic plasma. Our aim was to evaluate to what extent IBS modifies the capacity of plasma to generate thrombin and induces qualitative or quantitative modifications of plasma proteins.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSPlasma units from four donors were collected by apheresis. Samples were taken before (control [CTRL]) and after IBS treatment and stored at −80°C until use. The activities of plasma coagulation factors and inhibitors and the thrombin generation potential were determined using assays measuring clotting times and the calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT), respectively. The proteomic profile of plasma proteins was examined using a two‐dimensional differential in‐gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE) method.RESULTSNearly all of the procoagulant and antithrombotic factors tested retained at least 78% of their initial pre‐IBS activity. Only FVII and FVIII displayed a lower level of conservation (67%), which nevertheless remained within the reference range for conventional plasma coagulation factors. The thrombin generation profile of plasma was conserved after IBS treatment. Among the 1331 protein spots revealed by 2D‐DIGE analysis, only four were differentially expressed in IBS plasma compared to CTRL plasma and two were identified by mass spectrometric analysis as transthyretin and apolipoprotein A1.CONCLUSIONThe IBS technique for plasma moderately decreases the activities of plasma coagulation factors and antithrombotic proteins, with no impact on the thrombin generation potential of plasma and very limited modifications of the proteomic profile.
Height-Adjustable Desks: Energy Expenditure, Liking, and Preference of Sitting and Standing
Authors: Roemmich James N. 
Published: June 2016

Background:Breaking periods of sitting with standing may prevent chronic diseases and increase energy expenditure (EE). Sit-to-stand height adjustable desks may promote workplace standing, but workers have to be willing to stand for portions of the workday. Methods:For studies 1 and 2, EE was measured during word processing while sitting in a chair and while standing. Subjects scored their liking of each posture and time they would be willing to work in each posture during an 8-hour workday. Study 2 included an intervention of replacing subjects’ sitting desks with a height adjustable desk. Liking of and willingness to work in each posture were measured before and after the 12-month intervention.Results:EE was 7.5 kcal/h greater when standing than when sitting. Subjects liked sitting more than standing in study 1. In study 2, liking of postures did not differ or change across 12 months use of height adjustable desks. Perceived willingness to stand decreased from 4.5 h/d at baseline to 3.4 h/d after 12 months.Conclusions:Standing rather than sitting increased EE by 7.5 kcal/h. Use of a height adjustable desk for 12 months did not alter the hedonic value of standing or sitting, which is promising for long-term increases in standing.
The Stress-Metabolic Syndrome Relationship in Adolescents: An Examination of the Moderating Potential of Physical Activity
Authors: Holmes Megan E. , Pivarnik Jim , Pfeiffer Karin , Maier Kimberly S. , Eisenmann Joey C. , Ewing Martha 
Published: June 2016

Background:The role of psychosocial stress in the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome is receiving increased attention and has led to examination of whether physical activity may moderate the stress-metabolic syndrome relationship. The current study examined relationships among physical activity, stress, and metabolic syndrome in adolescents.Methods:Participants (N = 126; 57 girls, 69 boys) were assessed for anthropometry, psychosocial stress, physical activity, and metabolic syndrome variables; t tests were used to examine sex differences, and regression analysis was used to assess relationships among variables controlling for sex and maturity status.Results:Mean body mass index approached the 75th percentile for both sexes. Typical sex differences were observed for systolic blood pressure, time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity, and perceived stress. Although stress was not associated with MetS (β = –.001, P = .82), a modest, positive relationship was observed with BMI (β = .20, P = .04).Conclusions:Strong relationships between physical activity and stress with MetS or BMI were not found in this sample. Results may be partially explained by overall good physical health status of the participants. Additional research in groups exhibiting varying degrees of health is needed.
QuantiFERON-TB Gold Assay on Plasma for Confirmation of Presumed Tuberculosis-Related Uveitis
Authors: Zanetti Stefania , Bua Alessandra , Molicotti Paola , Maiore Irene , Pinna Antonio 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTThe QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay was used to measure interferon gamma levels in plasma from 4 patients with presumed tuberculosis-related uveitis before, during, and after antitubercular therapy. After treatment, all patients showed clinical improvement. The concentrations showed a reversion to an absence of interferon gamma in one case, decreased in two cases, and remained stable in one case. These results suggest that the QuantiFERON assay may be useful for tuberculosis-related uveitis diagnosis and follow-up.
Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Profile of Candida guilliermondii and Candida fermentati from a Multicenter Study in China
Authors: Cheng Jing-Wei , Yu Shu-Ying , Xiao Meng , Wang He , Kudinha Timothy , Kong Fanrong , Xu Ying-Chun 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

With molecular sequencing as a gold standard, the Vitek MS, Bruker Biotyper MS, and Vitek-2 Compact systems correctly identified 92.7%, 97.0%, and 15.2% of 164
Candida guillermondii
isolates, respectively, and none of 8
C. fermentati
isolates. All of the isolates showed high susceptibility to echinocandins, but some
C. guilliermondii
isolates showed low azole susceptibility.