bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular basis for the differential expression of the global regulator VieA in Vibrio cholerae biotypes directed by H‐NS, LeuO and quorum sensing
Authors: Ayala Julio C. , Wang Hongxia , Benitez Jorge A. , Silva Anisia J. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryVieA is a cyclic diguanylate phosphodiesterase that modulates biofilm development and motility in Vibrio cholerae O1 of the classical biotype. vieA is part of an operon encoding the VieSAB signal transduction pathway that is nearly silent in V. cholerae of the El Tor biotype. A DNA pull‐down assay for proteins interacting with the vieSAB promoter identified the LysR‐type regulator LeuO. We show that in classical biotype V. cholerae, LeuO cooperates with the nucleoid‐associated protein H‐NS to repress vieSAB transcription. LeuO and H‐NS interacted with the vieSAB promoter of both biotypes with similar affinities and protected overlapping DNA sequences. H‐NS was expressed at similar levels in both cholera biotypes. In contrast, El Tor biotype strains expressed negligible LeuO under identical conditions. In El Tor biotype vibrios, transcription of vieSAB is repressed by the quorum sensing regulator HapR, which is absent in classical biotype strains. Restoring HapR expression in classical biotype V. cholerae repressed vieSAB transcription by binding to its promoter. We propose that double locking of the vieSAB promoter by H‐NS and HapR in the El Tor biotype prior to the cessation of exponential growth results in a more pronounced decline in VieA specific activity compared to the classical biotype.
Addressing the burden of dialysis around the world: A summary of the roundtable discussion on dialysis economics at the First International Congress of Chinese Nephrologists 2015
Authors: Li Philip Kam‐Tao , Lui Sing Leung , Ng Jack Kit‐Chung , Cai Guan Yan , Chan Christopher T , Chen Hung Chun , Cheung Alfred K , Choi Koon Shing , Choong Hui Lin , Fan Stanley L , Ong Loke Meng , Yu Linda Wai Ling , Yu Xue Qing 
Published: November 2017

Summary at a GlanceThe First International Congress of Chinese Nephrologists was held in Hong Kong in 2015. This review summarizes the results of a roundtable discussion among international experts in order to cope with the ever‐increasing prevalence of end stage renal disease and the resulting heavy dialysis burden.
Maternal pre‐pregnancy obesity and child neurodevelopmental outcomes: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Sanchez C. E. , Barry C. , Sabhlok A. , Russell K. , Majors A. , Kollins S. H. , Fuemmeler B. F. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThis review examined evidence of the association between maternal pre‐pregnancy overweight/obesity status and child neurodevelopmental outcomes. PubMed and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched for empirical studies published before April 2017 using keywords related to prenatal obesity and children's neurodevelopment. Of 1483 identified papers, 41 were included in the systematic review, and 32 articles representing 36 cohorts were included in the meta‐analysis. Findings indicated that compared with children of normal weight mothers, children whose mothers were overweight or obese prior to pregnancy were at increased risk for compromised neurodevelopmental outcomes (overweight: OR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.11, 1.24], I2 = 65.51; obese: OR = 1.51; 95% CI [1.35, 1.69], I2 = 79.63). Pre‐pregnancy obesity increased the risk of attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder (OR = 1.62; 95% CI [1.23, 2.14], I2 = 70.15), autism spectrum disorder (OR = 1.36; 95% CI [1.08, 1.70], I2 = 60.52), developmental delay (OR = 1.58; 95% CI [1.39, 1.79], I2 = 75.77) and emotional/behavioural problems (OR = 1.42; 95% CI [1.26, 1.59], I2 = 87.74). Given the current obesity prevalence among young adults and women of childbearing age, this association between maternal obesity during pregnancy and atypical child neurodevelopment represents a potentially high public health burden.
Association between oropharyngeal dysphagia, oral functionality, and oral sensorimotor alteration
Authors: Rech RS , Baumgarten A , Colvara BC , Brochier CW , de Goulart BNG , Hugo FN , Hilgert JB 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether the oral functionality and the oral sensorimotor alterations are associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia in community‐dwelling older persons and long‐term care older residents.MethodsAn exploratory study with 265 independent older persons of the southern state of Brazil. The diagnosis of dysphagia, as well as the condition of the oral sensorimotor system, was assessed by a speech‐language therapist and the oral health status by a dentist. Poisson Regression with robust variance was used to calculate the crude and adjusted Prevalence Ratios (PR) and their respective confidence intervals of 95%.ResultsThe mean age was 73.5 (±8.9) years, women represented 59.2% of the sample. The frequency of dysphagia in the studied population was 45.3% (n = 120), being more frequent in the long‐term care older residents (62.5%; n = 75) than in the community‐dwelling older persons (37.5%; n = 45). Individuals with four or more oral sensorimotor alterations (PR = 2.01; 95% CI 1.27–3.18), as well as those who presented a non‐functional oral status (PR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.02–2.54) presented a higher frequency of dysphagia. Subgroup analysis indicates the same trend of results, when stratified by community‐dwelling older persons and long‐term older residents.ConclusionA non‐functional oral health status and oral sensorimotor alterations are associated with a higher prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia.
Juvenile xanthogranuloma with angiomatous appearance and a peculiar immunophenotype
Authors: López‐Robles Joaquín , Núñez Lucía , Macias‐del‐Toro Elena , Ramírez‐Bellver José Luis , Díaz José Luis , Requena Luis 
Published: November 2017

AbstractJuvenile xanthogranuloma is the most common form of non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis in childhood. The clinical differential diagnosis of a solitary juvenile xanthogranuloma includes molluscum contagiosum, Spitz nevus, and melanoma. Lesions larger than 2 cm in diameter may be misdiagnosed as hemangiomas, but this is not typical of smaller juvenile xanthogranuloma. We report a case of solitary juvenile xanthogranuloma in a 10‐year‐old boy with angiomatous appearance and peculiar immunophenotype.
Urticarial vasculitis after meningococcal serogroup B vaccine in a 6‐year‐old girl
Authors: Velasco‐Tamariz Virginia , Prieto‐Barrios Marta , Tous‐Romero Fátima , Palencia‐Pérez Sara Isabel , Postigo‐Llorente Concepción 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe first vaccine that shows significant potential in providing broad coverage against serogroup B meningococcal disease has recently been approved. Because of its newness, potential adverse events need to be reported. Here we report a case of urticarial vasculitis, a rare disease in children, in probable relationship with the novel vaccine.
A role for fruit structure in seed survival and germination of Swartzia langsdorffii Raddi beyond dispersal
Authors: Vaz T. A. A. , Rodrigues‐Junior A. G. , Davide A. C. , Nakamura A. T. , Toorop P. E. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Diaspore structure has been hypothesised to play a role in seed viability and/or germination of recalcitrant seeds, especially for Swartzia langsdorffii. Thus, this work aims to (i) investigate the in situ contribution of pericarp and aril on seed viability and germination, and (ii) identify morphoanatomical traits of S. langsdorffii diaspores that allow its desiccation‐sensitive seeds to remain viable.

The role of the pericarp and aril in seed survival and germination was investigated by placing the whole fruit, whole seeds (arillate seed) and bare seeds (without aril) in soil in the forest understorey, assessing germination, emergence, dead, firm and predated seeds, and water content of pericarps, arils and seeds. Correlation analysis was performed between environmental variables and physiological parameters. Histochemical features of diaspores were also investigated.

Pericarp water content fell after several months, while the aril maintained its water content. Seeds did not lose water even without the presence of the pericarp and aril. However, presence of the pericarp promoted seed water content, viability and germination long after dispersal. The embryo had a thickened outer periclinal cell wall.

Pericarp and aril are not essential to prevent water loss in seeds, but do help to retain seed moisture, favouring viability maintenance and promoting germination during the rainy season. Morphoanatomical features of seeds are suggested as main factors that reduce water loss. Survival of these desiccation‐sensitive seeds upon dispersal during the dry season appears to be facilitated by multiple diaspore features that prevent viability loss.
Volatile organic compound emissions from Microcystis aeruginosa under different phosphorus sources and concentrations
Authors: Ye Chaolin , Yang Youyou , Xu Qinghuan , Ying Binbin , Zhang Minqian , Gao Bo , Ni Binbin , Yakefu Zumulati , Bai Yan , Zuo Zhaojiang 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARYIn eutrophicated water, cyanobacteria massively grow and release an abundance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to the water odor. To uncover the effects of different phosphorus (P) nutrients on the formation of cyanobacteria VOCs and water odor, the cell growth and VOC emissions of Microcystis aeruginosa were investigated under different P nutrient conditions. Among K2HPO4, Na4P2O7, and (NaPO3)6, K2HPO4 showed the largest increase in cell density, while a reduction in P concentration decreased the cell density. There were 26, 23 and 22 compounds in M. aeruginosa VOCs with K2HPO4, Na4P2O7 and (NaPO3)6 as the sole P source, respectively, including sulfocompounds, terpenoids, benzenes, hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, and esters. Non‐P markedly promoted the VOC emission, and six additional compounds were observed: α‐pinene, 1‐phenyl‐1‐butanone, 1H‐1‐ethylidene‐indene, 2,6,10‐trimethyl‐tetradecane, 2‐ethyl‐hexanal, and acetic acid 2‐ethylhexyl ester. It can be deduced that cyanobacteria release different VOC blends using various P forms in eutrophicated waters, and the reduction of P amount promotes VOC emission and increases the water odor.
Canine prostate specific esterase (CPSE) as an useful biomarker in preventive screening programme of canine prostate: CPSE threshold value assessment and its correlation with ultrasonographic prostatic abnormalities in asymptomatic dogs
Authors: Alonge S , Melandri M , Leoci R , Lacalandra GM , Aiudi G 
Published: November 2017

ContentsDue to the increased attention that pet‐owners devote to their animals and to the improved veterinary care, investigations regarding methods to early detect prostatic disorders that might affect canine life quality have been performed. Canine prostate specific esterase (CPSE) concentration was reported to be higher in dogs suffering from prostatic diseases. This study aimed to estimate the CPSE threshold as a biomarker to early identify prostatic diseases in asymptomatic dogs. The ultrasonographic examination of the prostate was performed in 19 dogs (6–40 kg; 1–5 years) with no symptoms of prostatic diseases. Dogs were grouped according to the presence (Group A) or absence (Group B) of prostatic disorders at the ultrasound (altered appearance, the presence of cysts or irregular borders). For each dog, a venous blood sample was collected to measure serum CPSE and the ratio between calculated and normal expected prostatic volume was assessed for each dog. The CPSE data were statistically analysed (t test, p < .05), and the CPSE threshold in blood serum between groups was calculated by ROC. In 11 dogs, ultrasonography showed signs of prostatic abnormalities (Group A, 2–5 years), while no signs were detected in eight dogs (Group B, 1–3 years). The calculated/estimated volume ratio resulted greater than 1.5 in Group A dogs. The CPSE was statistically different between groups (p < .0001): higher in Group A (mean = 184.9, SD = 126 ng/ml) than in Group B (38.9 ± 22.1 ng/ml). The cut‐off CPSE threshold was 52.3 ng/ml (ROC, AUC = 0.974, SE 95.6%, SP 89.2%). This study suggests that CPSE serum concentration higher than 50 ng/ml in asymptomatic dogs is associated with ultrasonographic alterations and increased the prostatic size (volume by 1.5 times greater than the normal size). As the onset of prostatic disorders often remains asymptomatic, the rapid assessment of CPSE could be suitable for selecting preventively those animals that would require further accurate evaluation.
Importance of oil overlay for production of porcine embryos in vitro
Authors: Martinez CA , Martinez EA , Gil MA 
Published: November 2017

ContentsTechnologies to edit the zygote genome have revolutionized biomedical research not only for the creation of animal models for the study of human disease but also for the generation of functional human cells and tissues through interspecies blastocyst complementation technology. The pig is the ideal species for these purposes due to its great similarity in anatomy and physiology to humans. Emerging biotechnologies require the use of oocytes and/or embryos of good quality, which might be obtained using in vitro production (IVP) techniques. However, the current porcine embryo IVP systems are still suboptimal and result in low monospermic fertilization and blastocyst formation rates and poor embryo quality. During recent years, intensive investigations have been performed to evaluate the influence of specific compounds on gametes and embryos and to avoid the use of undefined supplements (serum and serum derivate) in the incubation media. However, little consideration has been given to the use of the mineral oil (MO) to overlay incubation droplets, which, albeit being a routine component of the IVP systems, is a totally undefined and thus problematic product for the safety of gametes and embryos. In this review, we provide an overview on the advantages and disadvantages of using MO to cover the incubation media. We also review one important concern in IVP laboratories: the use of oils containing undetected contamination. Finally, we discuss the effects of different types of oils on the in vitro embryo production outcomes and the transfer of compounds from oil into the culture media.
Associations between sleep consolidation in infancy and peer relationships in middle childhood
Authors: Larose‐Grégoire Élodie , Bernier Annie , Dirks Melanie , Perrier Rachel 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSleep plays an important role in many aspects of children's development. Research on children's sleep and their peer relationships has begun to emerge in the last years. However, these studies are mostly cross‐sectional. The current study aimed to investigate the associations between infant sleep and peer relationships in middle childhood. The sample comprised 72 children. Sleep was measured at 1 year using a sleep diary completed by mothers. In the second and third grades of elementary school (7 and 8 years of age), mothers and fathers reported on their children's functioning with peers. When they were in third grade, children were interviewed regarding their friendship quality with a best friend. Results revealed negative associations between children's sleep consolidation (i.e., ratio of nighttime sleep) and parent‐reported peer problems, and positive associations between sleep consolidation and perceived friendship quality. These findings suggest that well‐regulated sleep in infancy may help children develop the skills necessary for later appropriate social functioning in peer contexts.
Populist Mobilization Across Time and Space: An Introduction
Authors: Bornschier Simon 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPopulism has become pervasive in political language and in the diagnosis of the malaise of contemporary politics. At the same time, more narrow definitions of populism have become shared in scholarship on the subject, nourishing more analytical approaches that put populism in historical and cross‐regional perspective. The purpose of this introduction is to use the evidence assembled in this special issue to ask some fundamental questions concerning the study of populist mobilization. Most importantly, what do we gain and what do we lose from sight by focusing on the commonalities between parties based on their populist appeals, when populist parties differ dramatically in terms of the substantive ideologies they adhere to? Are there distinctive features in terms of voter attitudes that underlie populist mobilization? And if failures of political representation and populism are intimately related, can we expect populists to render party systems more responsive to voters’ substantive policy preferences?
Impact of low‐level BK polyomavirus viremia on intermediate‐term renal allograft function
Authors: Korth Johannes , Widera Marek , Dolff Sebastian , Guberina Hana , Bienholz Anja , Brinkhoff Alexandra , Anastasiou Olympia Evdoxia , Kribben Andreas , Dittmer Ulf , Verheyen Jens , Wilde Benjamin , Witzke Oliver 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundBK polyomavirus (BKPyV)‐associated nephropathy (PyVAN) is a significant cause of premature renal transplant failure. High‐level BKPyV viremia is predictive for PyVAN; however, low‐level BKPyV viremia does not necessarily exclude the presence of PyVAN. As data are limited regarding whether or not low‐level BKPyV viremia has an effect on intermediate‐term graft outcome, this study analyzes the impact of low‐level BKPyV viremia on intermediate‐term graft function and outcome compared with high‐level viremia and non‐viremic patients.MethodsAll renal transplant patients received follow‐up examinations at the Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen. Patients were screened for BKPyV viremia and stratified into three groups according to their maximum BKPyV load in serum (low‐level viremia, high‐level viremia, and no viremia).ResultsIn 142 of 213 (67%) patients, BKPyV was never detected in serum; 42 of 213 (20%) patients were found positive for low‐level viremia (≤104 copies/mL); and 29 of 213 (13%) patients showed high‐level viremia (>104 copies/mL). No significant differences regarding transplant function and graft failure were observed between patients without BKPyV viremia (delta estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] +0.1 mL/min [month 1 vs last visit at month 44]) and patients with low‐level BKPyV viremia (delta eGFR −1.7 mL/min). In patients with high‐level viremia, transplant function was significantly restricted (delta eGFR −6.5 mL/min) compared with low‐level viremia until the last visit at 44 ± 9.7 months after transplantation. Although the graft function and graft loss were worse in the high‐level viremia group compared with no viremia (eGFR 37 vs 45 mL/min), the difference was not significant.ConclusionsHigh‐level viremia was associated with impaired graft function. In contrast, low‐level BKPyV viremia had no significant impact on intermediate‐term graft function.
High Levels of Cyclic Di-GMP in Klebsiella pneumoniae Attenuate Virulence in the Lung
Authors: Rosen David A. , Twentyman Joy , Hunstad David A. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

The bacterial second messenger bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP) has been shown to influence the expression of virulence factors in certain pathogenic bacteria, but little is known about its activity in the increasingly antibiotic-resistant pathogen
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. Here, the expression in
K. pneumoniae
of a heterologous diguanylate cyclase increased the bacterial c-di-GMP concentration and attenuated pathogenesis in murine pneumonia. This attenuation remained evident in mice lacking the c-di-GMP sensor STING, indicating that the high c-di-GMP concentration exerted its influence not on host responses but on bacterial physiology. While serum resistance and capsule expression were unaffected by the increased c-di-GMP concentration, both type 3 and type 1 pili were strongly upregulated. Importantly, attenuation of
K. pneumoniae
virulence by high c-di-GMP levels was abrogated when type 1 pilus expression was silenced. We conclude that increased type 1 piliation may hamper
K. pneumoniae
virulence in the respiratory tract and that c-di-GMP signaling represents a potential therapeutic target for antibiotic-resistant
K. pneumoniae
in this niche.
β-
d
-
N
4
-Hydroxycytidine Is a Potent Anti-alphavirus Compound That Induces a High Level of Mutations in the Viral Genome
Authors: Urakova Nadya , Kuznetsova Valeriya , Crossman David K. , Sokratian Arpine , Guthrie David B. , Kolykhalov Alexander A. , Lockwood Mark A. , Natchus Michael G. , Crowley Michael R. , Painter George R. , Frolova Elena I. , Frolov Ilya 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a representative member of the New World alphaviruses. It is transmitted by mosquito vectors and causes highly debilitating disease in humans, equids, and other vertebrate hosts. Despite a continuous public health threat, very few compounds with anti-VEEV activity in cell culture and in mouse models have been identified to date, and rapid development of virus resistance to some of them has been recorded. In this study, we investigated the possibility of using a modified nucleoside analog, β-
d
-
N
4
-hydroxycytidine (NHC), as an anti-VEEV agent and defined the mechanism of its anti-VEEV activity. The results demonstrate that NHC is a very potent antiviral agent. It affects both the release of genome RNA-containing VEE virions and their infectivity. Both of these antiviral activities are determined by the NHC-induced accumulation of mutations in virus-specific RNAs. The antiviral effect is most prominent when NHC is applied early in the infectious process, during the amplification of negative- and positive-strand RNAs in infected cells. Most importantly, only a low-level resistance of VEEV to NHC can be developed, and it requires acquisition and cooperative function of more than one mutation in nsP4. These adaptive mutations are closely located in the same segment of nsP4. Our data suggest that NHC is more potent than ribavirin as an anti-VEEV agent and likely can be used to treat other alphavirus infections.

IMPORTANCE
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) can cause widespread epidemics among humans and domestic animals. VEEV infections result in severe meningoencephalitis and long-term sequelae. No approved therapeutics exist for treatment of VEEV infections. Our study demonstrates that β-
d
-
N
4
-hydroxycytidine (NHC) is a very potent anti-VEEV compound, with the 50% effective concentration being below 1 μM. The mechanism of NHC antiviral activity is based on induction of high mutation rates in the viral genome. Accordingly, NHC treatment affects both the rates of particle release and the particle infectivity. Most importantly, in contrast to most of the anti-alphavirus drugs that are under development, resistance of VEEV to NHC develops very inefficiently. Even low levels of resistance require acquisition of multiple mutations in the gene of the VEEV-specific RNA-dependent RNA polymerase nsP4.