bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Legacy effects of drought on plant–soil feedbacks and plant–plant interactions
Authors: Kaisermann Aurore , de Vries Franciska T. , Griffiths Robert I. , Bardgett Richard D. 
Published: June 2017

Summary

Interactions between aboveground and belowground biota have the potential to modify ecosystem responses to climate change, yet little is known about how drought influences plant–soil feedbacks with respect to microbial mediation of plant community dynamics.

We tested the hypothesis that drought modifies plant–soil feedback with consequences for plant competition. We measured net pairwise plant–soil feedbacks for two grassland plant species grown in monoculture and competition in soils that had or had not been subjected to a previous drought; these were then exposed to a subsequent drought. To investigate the mechanisms involved, we assessed treatment responses of soil microbial communities and nutrient availability.

We found that previous drought had a legacy effect on bacterial and fungal community composition that decreased plant growth in conspecific soils and had knock‐on effects for plant competitive interactions. Moreover, plant and microbial responses to subsequent drought were dependent on a legacy effect of the previous drought on plant–soil interactions.

We show that drought has lasting effects on belowground communities with consequences for plant–soil feedbacks and plant–plant interactions. This suggests that drought, which is predicted to increase in frequency with climate change, may change soil functioning and plant community composition via the modification of plant–soil feedbacks.
A method to assess the protective efficacy of sunscreens against visible light‐induced pigmentation
Authors: Duteil Luc , Esdaile Jane , Maubert Yves , Cathelineau Anne‐Claire , Bouloc Anne , Queille‐Roussel Catherine , Passeron Thierry 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackgroundUntil now, photoprotection of human skin has involved the development of sunscreens effective in the ultraviolet (UV) domain. During the last ten years, several studies have shown that besides the well‐known damaging effects of UV, visible (400‐700 nm) and even infrared light (> 700 nm) can induce damage which contributes to photoaging. Furthermore, many photodermatoses are also known to be triggered by visible light (VL).Objective/MethodAn in vivo method is proposed to assess the protective efficacy of sunscreens in the VL domain. This method is based on the intensity of pigmentation induced by four repeated daily doses of VL, each equivalent to about one hour of midday sun. Exposures are performed using a solar simulator (xenon lamp) equipped with appropriate filters, and pigmentation is measured both clinically and by chromametry. Three commercially available sunscreens designed to protect in the visible range were evaluated.ResultsThe results indicate that the VL‐induced pigmentation was already significantly detectable visually and by chromametry 24 hours after the first exposure on the unprotected zone. Two products with moderate protective activity could be differentiated from the untreated zone from Day 3 to Day 5 and were also significantly less effective than a third tested product within the same study period.ConclusionThe method is simple, based on a clinical end point of VL‐induced skin pigmentation, and can be performed within a 5‐day period. It allows discrimination between products of different protective capacities. VL protection factor is also discussed.
Swiss Politicians' Ties: A Comprehensive Dataset
Authors: Péclat Martin , Puddu Stefano 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFocusing on the of 49th Swiss legislature, we build a dataset about the politicians' links with lobbying groups. We approximate political ties considering three dimensions: (1) politicians' mandates in legal entities; (2) their professions, and (3) the enterprises, associations and other organizations related to the recipients of access rights provided by politicians. This research note proposes an objective and integrated way to classify the links coming from different sources by using codes of the General Classification of Economic Activities (NOGA2008). We find that the three dimensions used to approximate politicians' links are complementary, each of them containing additional information. Our results also show that politicians' interests distribution across economic categories depends on political group, gender and geographical origin.
WIDE AND THICK GRAIN 1, which encodes an otubain‐like protease with deubiquitination activity, influences grain size and shape in rice
Authors: Huang Ke , Wang Dekai , Duan Penggen , Zhang Baolan , Xu Ran , Li Na , Li Yunhai 
Published: June 2017

SummaryGrain size and shape are two crucial traits that influence grain yield and grain appearance in rice. Although several factors that affect grain size have been described in rice, the molecular mechanisms underlying the determination of grain size and shape are still elusive. In this study we report that WIDE AND THICK GRAIN 1 (WTG1) functions as an important factor determining grain size and shape in rice. The wtg1‐1 mutant exhibits wide, thick, short and heavy grains and also shows an increased number of grains per panicle. WTG1 determines grain size and shape mainly by influencing cell expansion. WTG1 encodes an otubain‐like protease, which shares similarity with human OTUB1. Biochemical analyses indicate that WTG1 is a functional deubiquitinating enzyme, and the mutant protein (wtg1‐1) loses this deubiquitinating activity. WTG1 is expressed in developing grains and panicles, and the GFP–WTG1 fusion protein is present in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Overexpression of WTG1 results in narrow, thin, long grains due to narrow and long cells, further supporting the role of WTG1 in determining grain size and shape. Thus, our findings identify the otubain‐like protease WTG1 to be an important factor that determines grain size and shape, suggesting that WTG1 has the potential to improve grain size and shape in rice.
The estimation of bioavailable phosphorus in particulate forms by ultrasonic treatment
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Minh , Yokota Kuriko , James Mbabazi , Inoue Takanobu 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe concentration of bioavailable phosphorus (BAP), which is readily available to algae, has been reported to be important to the severity of eutrophication. Because time‐consuming conventional methods have constrained sample processing, a rapid method of estimating BAP is required. We investigated an extraction method using 0.1 M NaOH in combination with ultrasonic treatment to estimate BAP in agricultural soils and suspended sediments. The extraction process was less time‐consuming than conventional methods. The relevance of the extraction methodology to the growth of P‐starved Microcystis aeruginosa was confirmed by observing the growth of this alga in cultures amended with extracted samples of soil or sediment as the sole P source. Cell growth in media containing samples extracted with ultrasonic treatment was similar to growth in media containing samples extracted with conventional methods. The results suggest that ultrasonic extraction is a promising method for rapidly obtaining BAP from agricultural soils and suspended sediments.
EEA1 restores homeostatic synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons from Rett syndrome mice
Authors: Xu Xin , Pozzo‐Miller Lucas 
Published: June 2017

Key points
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in MECP2, the gene encoding the transcriptional regulator methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Mecp2 deletion in mice results in an imbalance of excitation and inhibition in hippocampal neurons, which affects ‘Hebbian’ synaptic plasticity.
We show that Mecp2‐deficient neurons also lack homeostatic synaptic plasticity, likely due to reduced levels of EEA1, a protein involved in AMPA receptor endocytosis.
Expression of EEA1 restored homeostatic synaptic plasticity in Mecp2‐deficient neurons, providing novel targets of intervention in Rett syndrome.
AbstractRett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in MECP2, the gene encoding the transcriptional regulator methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Deletion of Mecp2 in mice results in an imbalance of synaptic excitation and inhibition in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, which affects ‘Hebbian’ long‐term synaptic plasticity. Since the excitatory–inhibitory balance is maintained by homeostatic mechanisms, we examined the role of MeCP2 in homeostatic synaptic plasticity (HSP) at excitatory synapses. Negative feedback HSP, also known as synaptic scaling, maintains the global synaptic strength of individual neurons in response to sustained alterations in neuronal activity. Hippocampal neurons from Mecp2 knockout (KO) mice do not show the characteristic homeostatic scaling up of the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) and of synaptic levels of the GluA1 subunit of AMPA‐type glutamate receptors after 48 h silencing with the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin. This deficit in HSP is bidirectional because Mecp2 KO neurons also failed to scale down mEPSC amplitudes and GluA1 synaptic levels after 48 h blockade of type A GABA receptor (GABAAR)‐mediated inhibition with bicuculline. Consistent with the role of synaptic trafficking of AMPA‐type of glutamate receptors in HSP, Mecp2 KO neurons have lower levels of early endosome antigen 1 (EEA1), a protein involved in AMPA‐type glutamate receptor endocytosis. In addition, expression of EEA1 in Mecp2 KO neurons reduced mEPSC amplitudes to wild‐type levels, and restored synaptic scaling down of mEPSC amplitudes after 48 h blockade of GABAAR‐mediated inhibition with bicuculline. The identification of a molecular deficit in HSP in Mecp2 KO neurons provides potentially novel targets of intervention for improving hippocampal function in Rett syndrome individuals.
Whole-Genome Sequence of High Salt and Heavy Metal-Tolerant Bacillus stratosphericus Strain 5Co, Isolated from Lichen
Usnea florida
in Central Florida, United States
Authors: Lata Pushpa , Govindarajan Subramaniam S. , Qi Feng , Li Jian-Liang , Maurya Santosh K. , Sahoo Malaya K. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Bacillus stratosphericus
strain 5Co was isolated from lichen
Usnea florida
in central Florida, United States. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of this strain, which consists of 159 contigs spanning 3,628,496 bp, with a G+C content of 41.3% and comprises 3,729 predicted coding sequences.
Genome Sequence of Leuconostoc citreum DmW_111, Isolated from Wild
Drosophila
Authors: Wright Sage M. , Carroll Courtney , Walters Amber , Newell Peter D. , Chaston John M. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Isolates of the lactic acid bacterium
Leuconostoc citreum
are a major part of fermentation processes, especially in Korean kimchi. Here, we present the genome of
L. citreum
DmW_111, isolated from wild
Drosophila melanogaster
; analysis of this genome will expand the diversity of genome sequences for non-
Lactobacillus
spp. isolated from
D. melanogaster
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Geobacter pelophilus Strain Dfr2, a Ferric Iron–Reducing Bacterium
Authors: Aoyagi Tomo , Koike Hideaki , Morita Tomotake , Sato Yuya , Habe Hiroshi , Hori Tomoyuki 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Here, we report a draft genome sequence of
Geobacter pelophilus
strain Dfr2, a ferric iron–reducing bacterium. This genome information will further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying electron transfer from microorganisms to ferric iron oxides.
Full-Genome Sequence of Listeria monocytogenes Strain H34, Isolated from a Newborn with Sepsis in Uruguay
Authors: Muchaamba Francis , Guldimann Claudia , Tasara Taurai , Mota María Inés , Braga Valeria , Varela Gustavo , Algorta Gabriela , Klumpp Jochen , Jermini Marco , Stephan Roger 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

The foodborne pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
causes severe disease mainly in the vulnerable populations of the young, old, pregnant, and immunocompromised. Here, we present the genome sequence of
L. monocytogenes
H34, a serotype 1/2b, lineage I, sequence type 489 (ST489) strain, isolated from a neonatal sepsis case in Uruguay.
Is the South African Triage Scale valid for use in Afghanistan, Haiti and Sierra Leone?
Authors: Dalwai Mohammed , Valles Pola , Twomey Michele , Nzomukunda Yvonne , Jonjo Prince , Sasikumar Manoj , Nasim Masood , Razaaq Abdul , Gayraud Olivia , Jecrois Pierre Ronald , Wallis Lee , Tayler-Smith Katie 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the validity of the South African Triage Scale (SATS) in four Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)-supported emergency departments (ED, two trauma-only sites, one mixed site (both medical and trauma cases) and one paediatric-only site) in Afghanistan, Haiti and Sierra Leone.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study conducted between June 2013 and June 2014. Validity was assessed by comparing patients’ SATS ratings with their final ED outcome (ie, hospital admission, death or discharge).ResultsIn the two trauma settings, the SATS demonstrated good validity: it accurately predicted an increase in the likelihood of mortality and hospitalisation across incremental acuity levels (p<0.001) and ED outcomes for ‘green’ and ‘red’ patients matched the predicted ED outcomes in 84%–99% of cases. In the mixed ED, the SATS was able to predict an incremental increase in hospitalisation (p<0.001) across both trauma and non-trauma cases. In the paediatric-only settings, SATS was able to predict an incremental increase in hospitalisation in the non-trauma cases only (p<0.001). However, 87% (non-trauma) and 94% (trauma) of ‘red’ patients in the mixed-medical setting were overtriaged and 76% (non-trauma) and 100% (trauma) of ‘green’ patients in the paediatric settings were undertriaged.ConclusionThe SATS is a valid tool for trauma-only settings in low-resource countries. Its use in mixed settings seems justified, but context-specific assessments would seem prudent. Finally, in paediatric settings with endemic malaria, adding haemoglobin level to the SATS discriminator list may help to improve the undertriage of patients with malaria.
Causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in students in schools for the blind in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Asferaw Mulusew , Woodruff Geoffrey , Gilbert Clare 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesTo determine the causes of severe visual impairment and blindness (SVI/BL) among students in schools for the blind in Northwest Ethiopia and to identify preventable and treatable causes.MethodStudents attending nine schools for the blind in Northwest Ethiopia were examined and causes assigned using the standard WHO record form for children with blindness and low vision in May and June 2015.Results383 students were examined, 357 (93%) of whom were severely visually impaired or blind (<6/60 in their better eye). 253 (70.9%) were aged 16 years or above and 228 (63.9%) were males. 100 students aged <16 years were blind and four were SVI, total 104. The major anatomical site of visual loss among those 0-15 years was cornea/phthisis (47.1%), usually due to measles and vitamin A deficiency, followed by whole globe (22.1%), lens (9.6%) and uvea (8.7%). Among students aged 16 years and above, corneal/phthisis (76.3%) was the major anatomical cause, followed by lens (6.3%), whole globe (4.7%), uvea (3.6%) and optic nerve (3.2%). The leading underlying aetiology among students aged <16 years was childhood factors (39.4%) (13.5% measles, 10.6% vitamin A deficiency), followed by unknown aetiology (54.8%), perinatal (2.9%) and hereditary factors (2.9%). In the older group, childhood factors (72.3%) (25% measles, 15% vitamin A deficiency) were major causes, followed by unknown aetiology (24.1%), perinatal (2.4%) and hereditary factors (0.8%). Over 80% of the causes were avoidable with majority being potentially preventable (65%).ConclusionCorneal blindness, mainly as the result of measles and vitamin A deficiency, is still a public health problem in Northwest Ethiopia, and this has not changed as observed in other low-income countries. More than three-fourth of causes of SVI/BL in students in schools for the blind are potentially avoidable, with measles/vitamin A deficiency and cataract being the leading causes.
Associations between self-rated health and health behaviour among older adults in Estonia: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Abuladze Liili , Kunder Nele , Lang Katrin , Vaask Sirje 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesThe population of Estonia has one of the lowest life expectancies and health statuses in Europe. This is reflected in a lower perception of health among older adults. This study focuses on the role of health behaviour (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and nutrition) in self-rated health, accounting for sociodemographic characteristics, activity limitations and long-term illnesses as well as satisfaction with life of older Estonian men and women.DesignWe use representative cross-sectional data from Wave 4 of the Estonian Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, conducted mainly in 2011.ParticipantsFrequencies, χ2tests and logistic regression models include respondents aged 50 years and older, with no upper age limit (n=6660).ResultsMen have 20% higher odds (CI 1.02 to 1.43) of poor self-rated health. Being of foreign origin (OR 1.48; CI 1.24 to 1.77), having a basic (2.50; CI 2.06 to 3.00) or secondary (1.71; CI 1.43 to 2.04) education, being retired (2.00; CI 1.65 to 2.44) or staying at home (1.49; CI 1.16 to 1.93) and having activity limitations (3.25; CI 2.77 to 3.80) or long-term illnesses (4.78; CI 4.08 to 5.60) are related to poor self-rated health. Never being involved in vigorous (2.30; CI 1.90 to 2.79) or moderate physical activity (1.41; CI 1.02 to 1.94), and consuming legumes and eggs less frequently (1.25; CI 1.08 to 1.45) is associated with poorer self-rated health. Lower satisfaction with life accounts for some of the variation (2.28; CI 1.92 to 2.71).ConclusionsThere is a strong cumulative effect of one’s previous life course on the self-rated health of older adults in Estonia, suggesting that public health policies have long-term consequences rather than immediate consequences. Health services supporting health behaviours and targeting vulnerable population groups with specific sociodemographic characteristics and health problems may influence self-rated health for some. Public health services emphasising social activities or psychological aspects may be most successful in improving self-rated health of older Estonians through satisfaction with life.
The organisational value of diagnostic strategies using high-sensitivity troponin for patients with possible acute coronary syndromes: a trial-based cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Jülicher Paul , Greenslade Jaimi H , Parsonage William A , Cullen Louise 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate hospital-specific health economic implications of different protocols using high-sensitivity troponin I for the assessment of patients with chest pain.DesignA cost prediction model and an economic microsimulation were developed using a cohort from a single centre recruited as part of the (ADAPT) trial, a prospective observational trial conducted from 2008 to 2011. The model was populated with 40 000 bootstrapped samples in five high-sensitivity troponin I-enabled algorithms versus standard care.SettingAdult emergency department (ED) of a tertiary referral hospital.ParticipantsData were available for 938 patients who presented to the ED with at least 5 min of symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome. The analyses included 719 patients with complete data.Main outcome(s)/measure(s)This study examined direct hospital costs, number of false-negative and false-positive cases in the assessment of acute coronary syndrome.ResultsHigh-sensitivity troponin I-supported algorithms increased diagnostic accuracy from 90.0% to 94.0% with an average cost reduction per patient compared with standard care of $490. The inclusion of additional criteria for accelerated rule-out (limit of detection and the modified 2-hour ADAPT trial rules) avoided 7.5% of short-stay unit admissions or 25% of admissions to a cardiac ward. Protocols using high-sensitivity troponin I alone or high-sensitivity troponin I within accelerated diagnostic algorithms reduced length of stay by 6.2 and 13.6 hours, respectively. Overnight stays decreased up to 43%. Results were seen for patients with non-acute coronary syndrome; no difference was found for patients with acute coronary syndrome.ConclusionsHigh-sensitivity troponin I algorithms are likely to be cost-effective on a hospital level compared with sensitive troponin protocols. The positive effect is conferred by patients not diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome. Implementation could improve referral accuracy or facilitate safe discharge. It would decrease costs and provide significant hospital benefits.Trial registrationThe original ADAPT trial was registered with the Australia-New Zealand Clinical trials Registry, ACTRN12611001069943.
Prevalence characteristics of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in the Taizhou area, China: a cross-sectional study of 37 967 women from the general population
Authors: Xu Hui hui , Lin Aifen , Chen Ya hong , Dong Shan shan , Shi Wei wu , Yu Jia zheng , Yan Wei hua 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesHigh-risk human papillomaviruses (hrHPVs) are highly prevalent worldwide, and HPV genotypes differ between geographical regions; however, sexually transmitted HPV may lead to cervical carcinogenesis. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence characteristics of cervical HPV genotypes in Taizhou, Southeast China.Setting and participantsA population-based sample of 37 967 eligible women (median age: 41.6; range: 15–90 years) visiting the Taizhou ENZE Medical Center in Taizhou (2012–2016) was analysed. HPV genotyping was performed on the collected specimens using a GP5+/bioGP6+-PCR/MPG assay by Luminex 200, which simultaneously identifies 27 different HPV genotypes and the β-globin gene (internal control).ResultsThe overall HPV infection rate was 22.8% in the Taizhou-based population, and the prevalence of high-risk HPV, low-risk HPV and mixed high-risk and low-risk HPV infection was 14.2%, 5.7% and 3.0%, respectively. The most prevalent genotypes were HPV52 (19.7%), 16 (11.9%), 58 (11.5%), 39 (7.2%), 18 (6.6%) and 56 (5.6%). The rate of multiple-type HPV infection was 5.7% in the whole population, and the HPV52+58, HPV16+52 and HPV16+18 mixed genotypes were most common in women with multiple infections. The age-specific HPV prevalence showed a bimodal curve, with a first peak below the age of 21 years (41.6%), followed by a second peak in the age group of 56–60 years (28.5%). Moreover, the HPV infection rate differed significantly between the outpatient and physical examination groups (24.0% vs 19.5%, p<0.0001). Further data comparisons showed that the distribution of HPV genotypes varied markedly between the two groups.ConclusionsData from this study could be valuable for HPV-based cervical cancer screening efforts in certain areas, support the local vaccination programme in the Taizhou region and facilitate future diagnosis and treatment of HPV diseases.