bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐resolution mapping of the recombination landscape of the phytopathogen Fusarium graminearum suggests two‐speed genome evolution
Authors: Laurent Benoit , Palaiokostas Christos , Spataro Cathy , Moinard Magalie , Zehraoui Enric , Houston Ross D. , Foulongne‐Oriol Marie 
Published: December 2016

SummaryRecombination is a major evolutionary force, increasing genetic diversity and permitting efficient coevolution of fungal pathogen(s) with their host(s). The ascomycete Fusarium graminearum is a devastating pathogen of cereal crops, and can contaminate food and feed with harmful mycotoxins. Previous studies have suggested a high adaptive potential of this pathogen, illustrated by an increase in pathogenicity and resistance to fungicides. In this study, we provide the first detailed picture of the crossover events occurring during meiosis and discuss the role of recombination in pathogen evolution. An experimental recombinant population (n = 88) was created and genotyped using 1306 polymorphic markers obtained from restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) and aligned to the reference genome. The construction of a high‐density linkage map, anchoring 99% of the total length of the reference genome, allowed the identification of 1451 putative crossovers, positioned at a median resolution of 24 kb. The majority of crossovers (87.2%) occurred in a relatively small portion of the genome (30%). All chromosomes demonstrated recombination‐active sections, which had a near 15‐fold higher crossover rate than non‐active recombinant sections. The recombination rate showed a strong positive correlation with nucleotide diversity, and recombination‐active regions were enriched for genes with a putative role in host–pathogen interaction, as well as putative diversifying genes. Our results confirm the preliminary analysis observed in other F. graminearum strains and suggest a conserved ‘two‐speed’ recombination landscape. The consequences with regard to the evolutionary potential of this major fungal pathogen are also discussed.
Down‐regulation of cladofulvin biosynthesis is required for biotrophic growth of Cladosporium fulvum on tomato
Authors: Griffiths Scott , Mesarich Carl H. , Overdijk Elysa J. R. , Saccomanno Benedetta , de Wit Pierre J. G. M. , Collemare Jérôme 
Published: December 2016

SummaryFungal biotrophy is associated with a reduced capacity to produce potentially toxic secondary metabolites (SMs). Yet, the genome of the biotrophic plant pathogen Cladosporium fulvum contains many SM biosynthetic gene clusters, with several related to toxin production. These gene clusters are, however, poorly expressed during the colonization of tomato. The sole detectable SM produced by C. fulvum during in vitro growth is the anthraquinone cladofulvin. Although this pigment is not detected in infected leaves, cladofulvin biosynthetic genes are expressed throughout the pre‐penetration phase and during conidiation at the end of the infection cycle, but are repressed during the biotrophic phase of tomato colonization. It has been suggested that the tight regulation of SM gene clusters is required for C. fulvum to behave as a biotrophic pathogen, whilst retaining potential fitness determinants for growth and survival outside its host. To address this hypothesis, we analysed the disease symptoms caused by mutant C. fulvum strains that do not produce or over‐produce cladofulvin during the biotrophic growth phase. Non‐producers infected tomato in a similar manner to the wild‐type, suggesting that cladofulvin is not a virulence factor. In contrast, the cladofulvin over‐producers caused strong necrosis and desiccation of tomato leaves, which, in turn, arrested conidiation. Consistent with the role of pigments in survival against abiotic stresses, cladofulvin protects conidia against UV light and low‐temperature stress. Overall, this study demonstrates that the repression of cladofulvin production is required for C. fulvum to sustain its biotrophic lifestyle in tomato, whereas its production is important for survival outside its host.
Changes in turnover rather than production regulate biomass of ectomycorrhizal fungal mycelium across a Pinus sylvestris chronosequence
Authors: Hagenbo Andreas , Clemmensen Karina E. , Finlay Roger D. , Kyaschenko Julia , Lindahl Björn D. , Fransson Petra , Ekblad Alf 
Published: December 2016

Summary

In boreal forest soils, ectomycorrhizal fungi are fundamentally important for carbon (C) dynamics and nutrient cycling. Although their extraradical mycelium (ERM) is pivotal for processes such as soil organic matter build‐up and nitrogen cycling, very little is known about its dynamics and regulation.

In this study, we quantified ERM production and turnover, and examined how these two processes together regulated standing ERM biomass in seven sites forming a chronosequence of 12‐ to 100‐yr‐old managed Pinus sylvestris forests. This was done by determining ERM biomass, using ergosterol as a proxy, in sequentially harvested in‐growth mesh bags and by applying mathematical models.

Although ERM production declined with increasing forest age from 1.2 to 0.5 kg ha−1 d−1, the standing biomass increased from 50 to 112 kg ha−1. This was explained by a drastic decline in mycelial turnover from seven times to one time per year with increasing forest age, corresponding to mean residence times from 25 d up to 1 yr.

Our results demonstrate that ERM turnover is the main factor regulating biomass across differently aged forest stands. Explicit inclusion of ERM parameters in forest ecosystem C models may significantly improve their capacity to predict responses of mycorrhiza‐mediated processes to management and environmental changes.
Fetuin‐A, serum amyloid A and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels in periodontal health and disease
Authors: Türer ÇC , Ballı U , Güven B 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesThis study is evaluating fetuin‐A, serum amyloid A (SAA) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum samples in periodontal health and disease.Material and MethodsSixty patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 periodontal health (n = 20), Group 2 gingivitis (n = 20) and Group 3 chronic periodontitis (CP) (n = 20). GCF and serum samples were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.ResultsSAA and TNF‐α levels in GCF and serum were significantly higher in patients with gingivitis and CP compared with controls (P < 0.016). Contrarily, fetuin‐A levels in GCF and serum were significantly higher in controls than in patients with gingivitis and CP (P < 0.016). In CP group, a significant correlation was observed between GCF‐SAA amount and the number of sites with 4 ≤ PPD ≤ 5 mm (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between GCF‐fetuin‐A levels and the number of sites with PPD ≥ 6 mm (P < 0.05). GCF‐TNF‐α was found to have a significant relationship with the number of sites with 4 ≤ PPD ≤ 5 mm and PPD ≥ 6 mm (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn conclusion, serum and total levels of SAA significantly increased, whereas fetuin‐A levels significantly decreased, with increasing severity of PD.
Prevention of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections: Single Operator Technique with Use of Povidone‐Iodine, Double Gloving, Meticulous Aseptic/Antiseptic Measures and Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Authors: MANOLIS ANTONIS S. , MELITA HELEN 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundCardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation is complicated by infection still at a worrisome rate of 2–5%. Since early on during device implantation procedures, we have adopted an infection‐preventive technique which has hitherto resulted in effective prevention of infections. Herein we present our results of applying this technique by a single operator in a prospective series of 762 consecutive patients undergoing device implantation.MethodsA meticulous search for and treatment of active, occult, or smoldering infection was undertaken preoperatively. An aseptic/antiseptic technique was used for implantation of each device. Skin preparation is thorough with initial cleansing performed with alcohol followed by povidone‐iodine 10% solution, which is also used in the wound and inside the pocket. In addition, we routinely use double gloving, and IV antibiotic prophylaxis 1 hour before and for 48 hours afterwards followed by oral antibiotic for 2–3 days after discharge. The skin is closed with absorbable sutures. The study includes 382 patients having a new pacemaker (n = 333) or battery change, system upgrade or lead revision (n = 49), and 380 patients having a new implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) (n = 296) or device replacement/upgrade/lead revision (n = 84).ResultsThe pacemaker group, aged 70.2 ± 16.5 years, includes 18% VVI, 49% DDD, 29% VDD, and 4% cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. The ICD group, aged 61.3 ± 13.0 years, with a mean ejection fraction of 36 ± 13%, includes 325 ICD and 55 CRT implants. Over 26.6 ± 33.4 months for the pacemaker group and 36.6 ± 38.3 months for the ICD group, infection occurred in one patient in each group (0.26%) having a device replacement.ConclusionA consistent and strict approach of aseptic/antiseptic technique with the use of double gloving and povidone‐iodine solution within the pocket plus a 4‐day regimen of antibiotic prophylaxis minimizes infections in CIED implants.
The Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts All‐Cause Mortality in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: HASHIMOTO NAOAKI , ARIMOTO TAKANORI , NARUMI TARO , IWAYAMA TADATERU , KUTSUZAWA DAISUKE , ISHIGAKI DAISUKE , KUMAGAI YU , TAMURA HARUTOSHI , NISHIYAMA SATOSHI , TAKAHASHI HIROKI , SHISHIDO TETSURO , MIYAMOTO TAKUYA , WATANABE TETSU , KUBOTA ISAO 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThe relationship between the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and outcome in patients with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) is unclear.Methods and ResultsConsecutive patients with cardiomyopathy who had received an ICD (n = 120, mean age 64 ± 11 years) were prospectively enrolled. Blood samples were obtained on the morning of the day of implantation. Patients were followed for a median period of 61.2 months, to an endpoint of all‐cause mortality or appropriate ICD shock, which occurred in 35 (29%) and 28 (23%) patients, respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that secondary prevention was only associated with appropriate ICD shocks. The NLR, brain natriuretic peptide level, and estimated glomerular filtration rate were independent predictors of all‐cause mortality but not of appropriate ICD shocks. Subgroup analysis revealed that a high NLR (≥2.1) was valuable for anticipating all‐cause mortality among patients who had received ICDs for primary or secondary prevention. A high NLR was also associated with death prior to appropriate ICD shock.ConclusionEvaluating the NLR may be useful for predicting outcomes in patients with cardiomyopathy who have received ICDs.
Maternal prenatal stress and child atopic dermatitis up to age 2 years: The Ulm SPATZ health study
Authors: Braig Stefanie , Weiss Johannes M. , Stalder Tobias , Kirschbaum Clemens , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Genuneit Jon 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundEvidence linking maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy to subsequent child atopic dermatitis (AD) is growing, but the definition of AD is diverse and results are inconsistent. We aimed to analyze the relationship between stress and AD using alternative measurements of stress and AD.MethodsIn the Ulm SPATZ Health Study, chronic stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed by standardized self‐reported questionnaires in 934 mothers of singletons following delivery in Ulm, Germany, from 04/2012‐05/2013. Maternal hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs, n = 626) at childbirth and the cumulative incidences of parent‐reported child AD symptoms, parent‐, and pediatrician‐reported AD diagnoses were assessed until age 2 years (n = 787). Overall, 205 dermatologic examinations were performed in 167 children showing AD symptoms. Crude and adjusted risk ratios (RR, aRR) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated.ResultsMaternal stress and anxiety were associated with child AD symptoms by trend (RR and aRR: 1.5 (1.0,2.3) for the highest vs. the lowest quarter of chronic stress; aRR: 1.4 (1.0,2.0) for possible anxiety symptoms vs. no symptoms). No relationship was found between stress or related constructs and AD diagnoses nor could we show consistent associations between maternal HCC and child AD. However, a higher RR of child AD was evident in families not yet affected by AD in siblings given maternal depressive symptoms, examined in the crude model.ConclusionsStress measurements or related constructs are linked to AD symptoms, but association with AD diagnoses is limited. The reason for this divergence still needs further research.
Validation of the Greek Version of the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool
Authors: Zis Panagiotis , Brozou Vassiliki , Stavropoulou Evmorfia , Argyra Erifilli , Siafaka Ioanna , Kararizou Evangelia , Bouhassira Didier , Perrot Serge , Zis Vassileios , Vadalouca Athina 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackground and AimThe Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST) is a brief, simple, and straightforward self‐administered questionnaire that was developed by Perrot et al. for the detection of fibromyalgia syndrome in patients with diffuse chronic pain. The aim of our study was to develop and validate the Greek version of FiRST.MethodsThe study was set up as a prospective observational study. The original French version of FiRST was adapted into Greek using forward and backward translation. Patients with chronic diffuse pain with a clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis based on the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology were invited to participate to the study.ResultsOf the 101 patients who met our inclusion criteria, 42 were diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 59 with osteoarthritis. The 2 groups did not differ significantly regarding gender and pain characteristics (duration, intensity). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.79. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under the curve of 89% (95% confidence interval = 83 to 95%; SE: 0.032, P < 0.001). At a cutoff score of ≥ 5, FiRST showed a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 83%, a positive predictive value of 78%, and a negative predictive value of 89%. The intraclass coefficient for the test–retest reliability was 0.96.ConclusionThe Greek version of FiRST is a valid screening tool for fibromyalgia in daily practice.
Postoperative Pain Control Following Craniotomy: A Systematic Review of Recent Clinical Literature
Authors: Tsaousi Georgia G. , Logan Simon W. , Bilotta Federico 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundPain intensity after craniotomy is considered to be moderate to severe during the first 2 postoperative days. The ideal pain treatment to facilitate a rapid postoperative recovery and optimize outcome is unknown.ObjectivesThis systematic review aims to report current clinical evidence related to pharmacological and adjuvant analgesic modalities for postcraniotomy pain control.DesignSystematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Data SourcesPubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (January 2011 to April 2016).Eligibility CriteriaOriginal research involving the use of any analgesic drug, analgesic method, or nonpharmacological intervention for postcraniotomy pain relief, as assessed by pain scores up to 48 hours postoperatively, supplemental analgesic requirements, or occurence of adverse events.ResultsNineteen RCTs enrolling a total of 1,805 patients were included. Most of the retrieved studies were of moderate‐to‐good methodological quality. Systemic pharmacological intervention was assessed in 14 RCTs. Opioids (5 RCTs) provided superior pain relief to other analgesics with no significant side effects, but the quality of studies was low. Diclofenac (3 RCTs) presented adequate craniotomy pain control without any adverse effects, while the use of parecoxib is not supported. Dexmedetomidine (3 RCTs) provided adequate transitional analgesia, but further research is needed. Data on the analgesic efficacy of gabapentin, pregabalin, and intravenous lidocaine are very limited (1 RCT for each). Scalp infiltration/block (3 RCTs) provided adequate analgesia in the early postoperative period, while more studies are needed to verify the analgesic benefit obtained from nonpharmacological interventions, such as multipoint electro‐acupuncture, in craniotomy surgery (2 RCTs).ConclusionsNo definite recommendations can be made based on this systematic review of pharamacological interventions following craniotomy due to significant divergence in the methodology of available studies. Limited evidence on scalp infiltration/block suggests an adequate analgesic effect in the early postoperative period. Analgesic efficacy of dexmedetomidine and multipoint electro‐acupuncture needs further evaluation.
Altering carbon allocation in hybrid poplar (Populus alba × grandidentata) impacts cell wall growth and development
Authors: Unda Faride , Kim Hoon , Hefer Charles , Ralph John , Mansfield Shawn D. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractGalactinol synthase is a pivotal enzyme involved in the synthesis of the raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs) that function as transport carbohydrates in the phloem, as storage compounds in sink tissues and as soluble metabolites that combat both abiotic and biotic stress in several plant species. Hybrid poplar (Populus alba × grandidentata) overexpressing the Arabidopsis thaliana GolS3 (AtGolS3) gene showed clear effects on development; the extreme overexpressing lines were stunted and had cell wall traits characteristic of tension wood, whereas lines with only moderate up‐regulation grew normally and had moderately altered secondary cell wall composition and ultrastructure. Stem cross‐sections of the developing xylem revealed a significant increase in the number of vessels, as well as the clear presence of a G‐layer in the fibres. Furthermore, AtGolS3‐OE lines possessed higher cellulose and lower lignin contents, an increase in cellulose crystallinity, and significantly altered hemicellulose‐derived carbohydrates, notably manifested by their mannose and xylose contents. In addition, the transgenic plants displayed elevated xylem starch content. Transcriptome interrogation of the transgenic plants showed a significant up‐regulation of genes involved in the synthesis of myo‐inositol, along with genes involved in sucrose degradation. The results suggest that the overexpression of GolS and its product galactinol may serve as a molecular signal that initiates metabolic changes, culminating in a change in cell wall development and potentially the formation of tension wood.
Correlates of sun protection behaviors among Hispanic children residing in a high UVR environment
Authors: Miller Kimberly A. , Huh Jimi , Unger Jennifer B. , Richardson Jean L. , Allen Martin W. , Peng David H. , Cockburn Myles G. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryBackground/PurposeRates of melanoma are rising in Hispanics in the United States. Excessive sun exposure in childhood increases the risk of melanoma in adulthood, and little is known about the factors motivating sun protection behaviors among Hispanic youth.MethodsCorrelates of sun protection were examined among Hispanic children residing in Los Angeles, California (N = 1891). Associations between multiple constructs (psychosocial, familial, and cultural) and sun protection outcomes (use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade seeking/sun avoidance) were examined.ResultsFamily variables were associated with more frequent sun protection among Hispanic children across outcomes, as were perceived peer norms, perceived self‐efficacy, and fewer sun protection barriers. Skin cancer risk factors such as lighter skin and sunburn experience, and level of acculturation were not associated with greater sun protection.ConclusionFamily sun protection habits are instrumental to Hispanic children's sun safe behaviors, and interventions that engage the family may be most effective. Increasing risk communication to high‐risk subgroups of Hispanic children (those with lighter, more sun reactive skin) is important when developing intervention strategies. However, there is overlap between Hispanic children's sun protection correlates and those observed among non‐Hispanic white children, suggesting that interventions to improve sun protection may generalize across cultural contexts.
Characterization and silencing of the fatty acid‐ and retinol‐binding Pp‐far‐1 gene in Pratylenchus penetrans
Authors: Vieira P. , Kamo K. , Eisenback J. D. 
Published: December 2016

Fatty acid‐ and retinol‐binding proteins (FARs) are unique to nematodes, and are implicated in a wide range of metabolic and parasitic related functions. Along with the in silico analyses performed in this study, three different FAR members of this family were identified in Pratylenchus penetrans. The cDNA corresponding to the fatty acid‐ and retinol‐binding Pp‐far‐1 gene was cloned and herein characterized at the molecular level for the first time for this genus. The translated 185 amino acid sequence of P. penetrans FAR‐1 sequence, with a predicted molecular weight of 20.82 kDa and a pI of 5.49, shares highest sequence identity to FARs of other migratory nematodes of the Pratylenchidae family (90% to P. vulnus and 80% to Radopholus similis). In situ hybridization localizes Pp‐far‐1 transcripts in the hypodermis of the nematode. RT‐qPCR detected Pp‐far‐1 transcripts for all nematode developmental stages, with highest expression levels found in juveniles, adult females and adult males, respectively. Pp‐far‐1 is also highly expressed during infection and establishment of P. penetrans in roots of different host plants, such as corn, lily and soybean. The importance of Pp‐far‐1 was studied by in planta RNA interference (RNAi) assays using stable soybean hairy root lines. Targeting Pp‐far‐1 decreased expression of the nematode Pp‐far‐1 and significantly reduced the reproduction of nematodes, with a total of between 44% and 70% fewer nematodes in comparison to the average number of nematodes counted for control lines. The results indicate that suppressing the expression levels of Pp‐far‐1 can act as an effective target gene to control P. penetrans.