bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between ABCB1 Polymorphisms and Cold Pain Sensitivity Among Healthy Opioid‐naive Malay Males
Authors: Zahari Zalina , Lee Chee Siong , Ibrahim Muslih Abdulkarim , Musa Nurfadhlina , Mohd Yasin Mohd Azhar , Lee Yeong Yeh , Tan Soo Choon , Mohamad Nasir , Ismail Rusli 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundEndogenous and exogenous opioids are substrates of the permeability glycoprotein (P‐gp) efflux transporter, which is encoded by the ABCB1 (MDR1) gene. Genetic polymorphisms of ABCB1 may contribute to interindividual differences in pain modulation and analgesic responses. We investigated the relationship between ABCB1 polymorphisms and cold pain sensitivity among healthy males.MethodsCold pain responses, including pain threshold and pain tolerance, were measured using the cold‐pressor test (CPT). DNA was extracted from whole blood and genotyped for ABCB1 polymorphisms, including c.1236C>T (rs1128503), c.2677G>T/A (rs2032582), and c.3435C>T (rs1045642), using the allelic discrimination real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsA total of 152 participants were recruited in this observational study. Frequencies of mutated allele for c.1236C>T, c.2677G>T/A, and c.3435C>T polymorphisms were 56.6%, 49.7%, and 43.4%, respectively. Our results revealed an association of the CGC/CGC diplotype (c.1236C>T, c.2677G>T/A, and c.3435C>T) with cold pain sensitivity. Participants with the CGC/CGC diplotype had 90% and 72% higher cold pain thresholds (87.62 seconds vs. 46.19 seconds, P = 0.010) and cold pain tolerances (97.24 seconds vs. 56.54 seconds, P = 0.021), respectively, when compared with those without the diplotype.ConclusionThe CGC/CGC diplotype of ABCB1 polymorphisms was associated with variability in cold pain threshold and pain tolerance in healthy males.
Chronic Postsurgical Pain Outcomes in Breast Reconstruction Patients Receiving Perioperative Transversus Abdominis Plane Catheters at the Donor Site: A Prospective Cohort Follow‐up Study
Authors: Oh Justin , Pagé M. Gabrielle , Zhong Toni , McCluskey Stuart , Srinivas Coimbatore , O'Neill Anne C. , Kahn James , Katz Joel , Hofer Stefan O.P. , Clarke Hance 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundChronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a debilitating and costly condition. Risk factors for CPSP after autologous breast reconstruction have not been clearly established. Previously, we demonstrated that transversus abdominis plane (TAP) catheters delivering intermittent local anesthetic reduced postoperative morphine consumption. This prospective follow‐up study aimed to (1) compare the incidence of CPSP after autologous breast reconstruction between patients who received postoperative intermittent TAP catheters with bupivacaine or saline boluses and (2) assess the factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of CPSP in this study cohort.MethodsNinety‐three patients who underwent deep inferior epigastric artery perforator or muscle‐sparing transverse rectus abdominis breast reconstruction were randomized to receive TAP catheters with bupivacaine or saline postoperatively. Subsequently, patients were followed for a year to assess persistent pain, pain severity, quality of life scores, and functional disability at 6 and 12 months after surgery.ResultsTwenty‐four percent and 23% of patients reported CPSP at 6 and 12 months, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups (bupivacaine vs. placebo) on pain‐related variables, including incidence of CPSP. Patients who reported greater variability in pain scores at rest over the first 48 hours postoperatively were more likely to have CPSP 6 months, but not 12 months, later.ConclusionsAcute postoperative pain variability may contribute to the development of CPSP up to 6 months after autologous breast reconstruction surgery. Neither postoperative use of bupivacaine vs. saline in the TAP catheters nor acute pain severity influenced the 6‐ or 12‐month incidence of CPSP.
Ectopic expression of specific GA2 oxidase mutants promotes yield and stress tolerance in rice
Authors: Lo Shuen‐Fang , Ho Tuan‐Hua David , Liu Yi‐Lun , Jiang Mirng‐Jier , Hsieh Kun‐Ting , Chen Ku‐Ting , Yu Lin‐Chih , Lee Miin‐Huey , Chen Chi‐yu , Huang Tzu‐Pi , Kojima Mikiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Chen Liang‐Jwu , Yu Su‐May 
Published: December 2016

SummaryA major challenge of modern agricultural biotechnology is the optimization of plant architecture for enhanced productivity, stress tolerance and water use efficiency (WUE). To optimize plant height and tillering that directly link to grain yield in cereals and are known to be tightly regulated by gibberellins (GAs), we attenuated the endogenous levels of GAs in rice via its degradation. GA 2‐oxidase (GA2ox) is a key enzyme that inactivates endogenous GAs and their precursors. We identified three conserved domains in a unique class of C20 GA2ox, GA2ox6, which is known to regulate the architecture and function of rice plants. We mutated nine specific amino acids in these conserved domains and observed a gradient of effects on plant height. Ectopic expression of some of these GA2ox6 mutants moderately lowered GA levels and reprogrammed transcriptional networks, leading to reduced plant height, more productive tillers, expanded root system, higher WUE and photosynthesis rate, and elevated abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in transgenic rice. Combinations of these beneficial traits conferred not only drought and disease tolerance but also increased grain yield by 10–30% in field trials. Our studies hold the promise of manipulating GA levels to substantially improve plant architecture, stress tolerance and grain yield in rice and possibly in other major crops.
A diagnostic tool for improved detection of Xanthomonas fragariae using a rapid and highly specific LAMP assay designed with comparative genomics
Authors: Gétaz M. , Bühlmann A. , Schneeberger P. H. H. , Van Malderghem C. , Duffy B. , Maes M. , Pothier J. F. , Cottyn B. 
Published: December 2016

Molecular diagnostics of plant pathogens are crucial to prevent disease spread and to enhance food quality and security. A comparative genomics approach using genomes of different Xanthomonas species and pathovars was applied to identify highly specific targets in the genome of Xanthomonas fragariae, the causal agent of angular leaf spot of strawberry, listed under quarantine regulations in Europe. A reliable and sensitive loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was designed using a unique marker, providing a highly specific and rapid detection technique, convenient for on‐site detection. Specificity of the designed assay was tested on 37 strains from a culture collection of X. fragariae, 82 strains of other Xanthomonas species and pathovars and 11 strains of other bacterial genera isolated from strawberry leaves. A detection limit of 102 fg was achieved, approximating to 20 genome copies per reaction. When performing analyses with crude plant material, a consistent lower detection efficiency of 102 CFU mL−1 was achieved. The LAMP assay designed in this study was adapted to work on crude plant material without any prior extensive extraction steps or incubation period; moreover, it does not require advanced analytical knowledge or a fully equipped laboratory. Results were produced within 7–20 min, depending on the pathogen concentration, thus providing a high‐throughput and user‐friendly method for detection and screening of plant material in support of quarantine regulations.
Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Wildfire Exposure in Mediterranean Areas
Authors: Lozano Olga M. , Salis Michele , Ager Alan A. , Arca Bachisio , Alcasena Fermin J. , Monteiro Antonio T. , Finney Mark A. , Del Giudice Liliana , Scoccimarro Enrico , Spano Donatella 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe used simulation modeling to assess potential climate change impacts on wildfire exposure in Italy and Corsica (France). Weather data were obtained from a regional climate model for the period 1981–2070 using the IPCC A1B emissions scenario. Wildfire simulations were performed with the minimum travel time fire spread algorithm using predicted fuel moisture, wind speed, and wind direction to simulate expected changes in weather for three climatic periods (1981–2010, 2011–2040, and 2041–2070). Overall, the wildfire simulations showed very slight changes in flame length, while other outputs such as burn probability and fire size increased significantly in the second future period (2041–2070), especially in the southern portion of the study area. The projected changes fuel moisture could result in a lengthening of the fire season for the entire study area. This work represents the first application in Europe of a methodology based on high resolution (250 m) landscape wildfire modeling to assess potential impacts of climate changes on wildfire exposure at a national scale. The findings can provide information and support in wildfire management planning and fire risk mitigation activities.
Mechanical and biological approaches to alleviate soil compaction in tropical soils: assessed by root growth and activity (Rb uptake) of soybean and maize grown in rotation with cover crops
Authors: Rosolem C. A. , Pivetta L. A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractChiselling has been used to alleviate soil compaction but cover crops with deep, vigorous roots can improve root growth and activity of the cash crop for a longer time. The determination of root activity in addition to root mass or length may improve the understanding of plant response to compaction. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate root growth and activity as affected by the alleviation of soil compaction using mechanical and biological methods. The experiment was conducted in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, from 2009 to 2011, on a clay, Typic Rhodudalf soil. Crop rotations including pear millet (Pennisetum glaucum), soybean (Glycine max), grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), maize (Zea mays), ruzi grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) and castor bean (Ricinus communis) in plots, either chiselled or not. Root growth was assessed by core sampling and root activity was determined indirectly using rubidium injected at several depths as a marker. Root activity was instrumental in interpreting the effects of tillage and crop rotations on soil amelioration. Compared with the initial compacted condition, chiselling increased root growth and activity just for the first 18 months of the experiment, but crop rotations, mainly including ruzi grass and castor bean, increased root growth and activity in the soil profile from the second year on. Generally, root mass was poorly correlated with root activity, except in the case of ruzi grass. Introduction of ruzi grass plus castor bean into the cropping system improves not only root growth and activity in the soil profile but also soybean yield.
The tomato I gene for Fusarium wilt resistance encodes an atypical leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like protein whose function is nevertheless dependent on SOBIR1 and SERK3/BAK1
Authors: Catanzariti Ann‐Maree , Do Huong T. T. , Bru Pierrick , de Sain Mara , Thatcher Louise F. , Rep Martijn , Jones David A. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryWe have identified the tomato I gene for resistance to the Fusarium wilt fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) and show that it encodes a membrane‐anchored leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like protein (LRR‐RLP). Unlike most other LRR‐RLP genes involved in plant defence, the I gene is not a member of a gene cluster and contains introns in its coding sequence. The I gene encodes a loopout domain larger than those in most other LRR‐RLPs, with a distinct composition rich in serine and threonine residues. The I protein also lacks a basic cytosolic domain. Instead, this domain is rich in aromatic residues that could form a second transmembrane domain. The I protein recognises the Fol Avr1 effector protein, but, unlike many other LRR‐RLPs, recognition specificity is determined in the C‐terminal half of the protein by polymorphic amino acid residues in the LRRs just preceding the loopout domain and in the loopout domain itself. Despite these differences, we show that I/Avr1‐dependent necrosis in Nicotiana benthamiana depends on the LRR receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) SERK3/BAK1 and SOBIR1. Sequence comparisons revealed that the I protein and other LRR‐RLPs involved in plant defence all carry residues in their last LRR and C‐terminal LRR capping domain that are conserved with SERK3/BAK1‐interacting residues in the same relative positions in the LRR‐RLKs BRI1 and PSKR1. Tyrosine mutations of two of these conserved residues, Q922 and T925, abolished I/Avr1‐dependent necrosis in N. benthamiana, consistent with similar mutations in BRI1 and PSKR1 preventing their interaction with SERK3/BAK1.
TaADF4, an actin‐depolymerizing factor from wheat, is required for resistance to the stripe rust pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Zhang Bing , Hua Yuan , Wang Juan , Huo Yan , Shimono Masaki , Day Brad , Ma Qing 
Published: December 2016

SummaryActin filament assembly in plants is a dynamic process, requiring the activity of more than 75 actin‐binding proteins. Central to the regulation of filament assembly and stability is the activity of a conserved family of actin‐depolymerizing factors (ADFs), whose primarily function is to regulate the severing and depolymerization of actin filaments. In recent years, the activity of ADF proteins has been linked to a variety of cellular processes, including those associated with response to stress. Herein, a wheat ADF gene, TaADF4, was identified and characterized. TaADF4 encodes a 139‐amino‐acid protein containing five F‐actin‐binding sites and two G‐actin‐binding sites, and interacts with wheat (Triticum aestivum) Actin1 (TaACT1), in planta. Following treatment of wheat, separately, with jasmonic acid, abscisic acid or with the avirulent race, CYR23, of the stripe rust pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, we observed a rapid induction in accumulation of TaADF4 mRNA. Interestingly, accumulation of TaADF4 mRNA was diminished in response to inoculation with a virulent race, CYR31. Silencing of TaADF4 resulted in enhanced susceptibility to CYR23, demonstrating a role for TaADF4 in defense signaling. Using a pharmacological‐based approach, coupled with an analysis of host response to pathogen infection, we observed that treatment of plants with the actin‐modifying agent latrunculin B enhanced resistance to CYR23, including increased production of reactive oxygen species and enhancement of localized hypersensitive cell death. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that TaADF4 positively modulates plant immunity in wheat via the modulation of actin cytoskeletal organization.
Analysis of plant hormone profiles in response to moderate dehydration stress
Authors: Urano Kaoru , Maruyama Kyonoshin , Jikumaru Yusuke , Kamiya Yuji , Yamaguchi‐Shinozaki Kazuko , Shinozaki Kazuo 
Published: December 2016

SummaryPlant responses to dehydration stress are mediated by highly complex molecular systems involving hormone signaling and metabolism, particularly the major stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) and ABA‐dependent gene expression. To understand the roles of plant hormones and their interactions during dehydration, we analyzed the plant hormone profiles with respect to dehydration responses in Arabidopsis thaliana wild‐type (WT) plants and ABA biosynthesis mutants (nced3‐2). We developed a procedure for moderate dehydration stress, and then investigated temporal changes in the profiles of ABA, jasmonic acid isoleucine (JA‐Ile), salicylic acid (SA), cytokinin (trans‐zeatin, tZ), auxin (indole‐acetic acid, IAA), and gibberellin (GA4), along with temporal changes in the expression of key genes involved in hormone biosynthesis. ABA levels increased in a bi‐phasic pattern (at the early and late phases) in response to moderate dehydration stress. JA‐Ile levels increased slightly in WT plants and strongly increased in nced3‐2 mutant plants at 72 h after the onset of dehydration. The expression profiles of dehydration‐inducible genes displayed temporal responses in an ABA‐dependent manner. The early phase of ABA accumulation correlated with the expression of touch‐inducible genes and was independent of factors involved in the major ABA regulatory pathway, including the ABA‐responsive element‐binding (AREB/ABF) transcription factor. JA‐Ile, SA, and tZ were negatively regulated during the late dehydration response phase. Transcriptome analysis revealed important roles for hormone‐related genes in metabolism and signaling during dehydration‐induced plant responses.
A comparative outcomes analysis evaluating clinical effectiveness in two different human placental membrane products for wound management
Authors: Johnson Eric L. , Marshall James T. , Michael Georgina M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAdvances in tissue preservation have led to the commercialization of human placental membranes for the purposes of wound management with each product being characterized by different compositions and properties. The a priori specification of the research question in this investigator‐initiated study focused on the clinical outcomes in two nonrandomized, however statistically equal and homogenous patient cohorts receiving either a viable intact cryopreserved human placental membrane (vCPM) or a dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (dHACM), for the management of wounds at a single center. A total of 79 patients with 101 wounds were analyzed: 40 patients with 46 wounds received vCPM and 39 patients with 55 wounds received dHACM. The proportion of wounds achieving complete wound closure was 63.0% (29/46) for vCPM and 18.2% (10/55) for dHACM (p < 0.0001) for all treated wounds combined. This is the first comparative effectiveness study to report on the clinical outcomes associated with the use of different placental wound care products once broadly implemented in the clinical setting.
Risk factors for extubation failure at a level I trauma center: does the specialty of the intensivist matter?
Authors: Weinberg Jordan A , Stevens Lily R , Goslar Pamela W , Thompson Terrell M , Sanford Jessica L , Petersen Scott R 
Published: December 2016

IntroductionExtubation failure in critically ill patients is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Although predictors of failed extubation have been previously determined in intensive care unit (ICU) cohorts, relatively less attention has been directed toward this issue in patients with trauma. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of extubation failure among patients with trauma in a multidisciplinary ICU setting.MethodsA prospective observational study of extubation failures (EF) was conducted at an American College of Surgeons level I trauma center over 3 years (2011–2013). Case–control patients (CC) were then compared with the study group (EF) with respect to demographic/clinical characteristics and outcomes. Failure of extubation was defined as reintubation within 72 hours following planned extubation.Results7830 patients were admitted to the trauma service and 1098 (14%) underwent mechanical ventilation. 63 patients met inclusion criteria for the EF group and 63 comprised the CC group. The overall rate of extubation failure was 5.7% and mean time to reintubation was 13.0 hours. Groups (EF vs CC) were similar for Injury Severity Score (21 vs 21), Glasgow Coma Scale at extubation (11 vs 10), number of comorbidities (1.5 vs 1.7), injury mechanism (blunt 79% vs 74%), and body mass index (27.9 vs 27.2). In addition, groups were similar with respect to weaning protocol compliance (84% vs 89%, p=0.57). EF group had significantly increased ICU length of stay (LOS) (15.7 vs 7.4 days, p<0.001), ventilator days (13.3 vs 4.8, p<0.001), and mortality (9.5% vs 0%, p=0.03). Multiple regression analysis identified that EF was associated with increased odds of: (1) temperature >38°C at time of extubation (OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.7 to 20.8), and (2) non-surgeon intensivist consultation (OR 24.2, 95% CI 5.5 to 105.9).ConclusionsExtubation failure is associated with increased LOS, ventilator days, and mortality in patients with trauma. Fever at time of extubation is associated with extubation failure, and the presence of such should give pause in the decision to extubate. Non-surgeon intensivist involvement increases risk of extubation failure, and a surgical critical care service may be most appropriate for the management of ventilated patients with trauma.Level of evidenceIII, Prognostic and epidemiological.
Object-based analysis of UAS imagery to map emergent and submerged invasive aquatic vegetation: a case study
Authors: Chabot Dominique , Dillon Christopher , Ahmed Oumer , Shemrock Adam 
Published: December 2016

Small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) combined with automated image analysis may provide an efficient alternative or complement to labour-intensive boat-based monitoring of invasive aquatic vegetation. A small mapping drone was assessed for collecting high-resolution (≤5 cm/pixel) true-colour and near-infrared imagery revealing the distribution of invasive water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) in the Trent–Severn Waterway, Ontario (Canada). We further evaluated the capacity of an object-based image analysis approach based on the Random Forests classification algorithm to map features in the imagery, chiefly emergent and submerged water soldier colonies. The imagery contained flaws and inconsistencies resulting from data collection in suboptimal weather conditions that likely negatively impacted classification performance. Nevertheless, our best-performing classification had a producer’s and user’s accuracy for water soldier of 81% and 74%, respectively, an overall accuracy of 78%, and a kappa value of 61%, indicating “substantial” accuracy. This trial provides an instructive case study on results achieved in a “real-world” application of a UAS for environmental monitoring, notably characterized by time constraints for data collection and analysis. Beyond avoiding data collection in unfavourable weather conditions, adaptations of the image segmentation process and use of a true discrete-band multispectral camera may help to improve classification accuracy, particularly of submerged vegetation.