bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of XopAG effector AvrGf2 from Xanthomonas fuscans ssp. aurantifolii in grapefruit
Authors: Gochez Alberto M. , Shantharaj Deepak , Potnis Neha , Zhou Xiaofeng , Minsavage Gerald V. , White Frank F. , Wang Nian , Hurlbert Jason C. , Jones Jeffrey B. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryXanthomonas fuscans ssp. aurantifolii group C strains exhibit host specificity on different citrus species. The strains possess a type III effector, AvrGf2, belonging to the XopAG effector gene family, which restricts host range on citrus. We dissected the modular nature and mode of action of AvrGf2 in grapefruit resistance. XopAG effectors possess characteristic features, such as a chloroplast localization signal, a cyclophilin‐binding domain characteristic amino acid sequence motif (GPLL) and a C‐terminal domain‐containing CLNAxYD. Mutation of GPLL to AASL in AvrGf2 abolished the elicitation of the hypersensitive response (HR), whereas mutation of only the first amino acid to SPLL delayed the HR in grapefruit. Yeast two‐hybrid experiments showed strong interaction of AvrGf2 with grapefruit cyclophilin (GfCyp), whereas AvrGf2‐SPLL and AvrGf2‐AASL mutants showed weak and no interaction, respectively. Molecular modelling and in silico docking studies for the cyclophilin–AvrGf2 interaction predicted the binding of citrus cyclophilins (CsCyp, GfCyp) to hexameric peptides spanning the cyclophilin‐binding domain of AvrGf2 and AvrGf2 mutants (VAGPLL, VASPLL and VAAASL) with affinities equivalent to or better than a positive control peptide (YSPSA) previously demonstrated to bind CsCyp. In addition, the C‐terminal domain of XopAG family effectors contains a highly conserved motif, CLNAxYD, which was identified to be crucial for the induction of HR based on site‐directed mutagenesis (CLNAxYD to CASAxYD). Our results suggest a model in which grapefruit cyclophilin promotes a conformational change in AvrGf2, thereby triggering the resistance response.
miR‐21 contributes to renal protection by targeting prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 in delayed ischaemic preconditioning
Authors: Jiao Xiaoyan , Xu Xialian , Fang Yi , Zhang Hui , Liang Mingyu , Teng Jie , Ding Xiaoqiang 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimUpregulation of miR‐21 in renal ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) was associated with increased hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‐1α expression. Hypoxic induction of HIF‐1α is mediated by inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 (PHD2) .We hypothesized that miR‐21 regulated HIF‐1α by targeting PHD2 in the renal IPC.MethodsLuciferase reporter assay examined if miR‐21 target the 3'‐untranslated region of PHD2. In vitro, human proximal tubular cell line (HK‐2) was incubated in hypoxia or hypoxia/ reoxygenation condition. Kidneys of Mice were respectively subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) and IPC. Locked nucleic acid (LNA) modified anti‐miR‐21 was used to knockdown miR‐21. Serum creatinine and histological changes estimated the renal injury. Levels of HIF‐1α, PHD2, VEGF and miR‐21 were examined by western blot or real‐time PCR.ResultmiR‐21 targeting of PHD2 was confirmed by 3'‐untranslated region reporter assay. miR‐21 was significantly upregulated by hypoxia/reoxygenation in HK‐2 cell, while PHD2 protein level decreased significantly. LNA anti‐miR‐21 significantly repressed miR‐21 levels and increased the abundance of PHD2. In vivo, IPC upregulated miR‐21 expression 24 h after the second ischaemia, while PHD2 expression decreased significantly with upregulation of HIF‐1α protein and VEGF mRNA. MiR‐21 induced by delayed IPC was effectively inhibited by the LNA anti‐miR‐21. With downregulation of miR‐21, the protection of delayed IPC was attenuated and PHD2 protein was increased. Furthermore, upregulation of HIF‐1α and VEGF were abolished after the LNA anti‐miR‐21 treatment.ConclusionmiR‐21 could protect kidney against IRI via HIF‐1α by inhibiting its target PHD2.The study suggested a new relationship between miR‐21 and HIF‐1α.
External validity of Concealed Information Test experiment: Comparison of respiration, skin conductance, and heart rate between experimental and field card tests
Authors: Zaitsu Wataru 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe Concealed Information Test (CIT) is a memory detection method based on an examinee's physiological responses to crime‐relevant items (critical items) in comparison with crime‐irrelevant items (noncritical items). I examined the external validity of CIT laboratory experiments by comparing respiratory speed (RS), skin conductance response (SCR), and heart rate (HR) between a laboratory experiment (n = 30) and a field test (n = 30) in a card test. A linear mixed models analysis showed that the critical items in both CIT contexts elicited CIT effects: RS repression, SCR increase, and HR deceleration. Additionally, the critical items in the field elicited a larger RS suppression than those in the laboratory; however, SCR and HR on the critical items showed no statistical differences between the laboratory and field CITs. Moreover, the tonic HRs in the field tests were higher than in the CIT experiments, but there were no significant correlations between the tonic HR and each CIT effect in RS, SCR, and HR. These results suggested that CIT detection efficiency was not affected by arousal levels and may imply that the CIT effects observed with RS, SCR, and HR in the CIT laboratory experiments has adequate external validity and can be generalized to the CIT field.
Effects of short‐rotationEucalyptusplantations on soil quality attributes in highly acidic soils of the central highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Temesgen D. , Gonzálo J. , Turrión M.B. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn recent decades, conversion of agricultural land to short‐rotation (5–10 years)Eucalyptusplantations has become a common practice in the highlands of Ethiopia. Yet, we have a poor understanding of the effect of these land conversions on soil quality attributes under acidic soil conditions. Previous studies along the same line but based merely on physico‐chemical properties of soils were inconsistent and contradictory. We compared soil physical, chemical and biological properties under 5‐ and 10‐year‐oldEucalyptusplantations with adjacent grassland soils. Results revealed that soil bulk density of adjacent grassland was significantly smaller than in the twoEucalyptusplantations. Although land‐use change from grassland to short‐rotationEucalyptusdid not affect soil texture significantly, values of soilpH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, calcium and cation exchange capacity (CEC) values in adjacent grassland were greater at both 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm depths compared with 5‐ and 10‐year‐oldEucalyptusplantations. Available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium and magnesium were not significantly affected under the three land‐use systems. Generally, no differences were observed in available phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium concentrations or inCECbetween the two sampling depths (0–10 cm and 10–20 cm). The microbial biomass carbon and microbial biomass nitrogen recorded in 5‐ and 10‐year‐oldEucalyptusplantations were comparable but significantly smaller than in adjacent grasslands. Kinetics parameters calculated using a first‐order equation (Ct = Co(1−e−kt)) showed potentially mineralizable carbon (Co) was significantly larger (P < 0.001) under grassland compared with 5‐ and 10‐year‐oldEucalyptusplantations. Conversion of grassland to 5‐year‐old and 10‐year‐oldEucalyptusreduced the values ofCoby 21 and 43%, respectively. However, soil physical and chemical properties were not adversely affected by age ofEucalyptusover a 5‐year period. It is concluded thatEucalyptusplantations degrade soil ecosystem functioning and environmental sustainability compared with grassland.
A protocol for management of blood loss in surgical treatment of peritoneal malignancy by cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Sargant N. , Roy A. , Simpson S. , Chandrakumaran K. , Alves S. , Coakes J. , Bell J. , Knight J. , Wilson P. , Mohamed F. , Cecil T. , Moran B. 
Published: March 2016

SUMMARYBackground and aimsThe treatment of peritoneal malignancies with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been shown to be associated with massive surgical blood loss. Maintaining high fibrinogen levels throughout surgery may reduce blood loss in these patients. The primary aim of the study was to see if Tranexamic Acid (TXA) and cryoprecipitate reduced surgical blood loss and hence red cell transfusions. A comparison was made with a cohort of patients treated with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) alone. The secondary aim was to measure the effect of both protocols on coagulation parameters and the incidence of arterial or venous thrombosis.MethodWe used prospectively collected data from 201 patients who had complete CRS with HIPEC for peritoneal malignancy using different protocols during two discrete 12‐month time periods.ResultsThe new transfusion protocol led to a higher average fibrinogen level intra‐operatively and post‐operatively, with a significant reduction in average RBC, FFP and platelet transfusion intra‐operatively per patient from 4·2 to 1·8 units, 6·2 to 0·2 units and 0·1 to 0 units, respectively.No significant difference in PT or APTT was seen between patients treated with the standard and new protocols. Venous thrombosis occurred in seven patients treated with the standard protocol and five with the new protocol. A single case of arterial thrombosis was seen in both groups.ConclusionPatients treated with upfront TXA and cryoprecipitate during CRS required less RBC transfusion than those treated with the standard protocol of early FFP.
A proportional assist ventilator to unload respiratory muscles experimentally during exercise in humans
Authors: Dominelli Paolo B. , Henderson William R. , Sheel A. William 
Published: March 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Can a modern proportional assist ventilator (PAV) function sufficiently well to unload the respiratory muscles during exercise?

What is the main finding and its importance?
A PAV can be constructed with contemporary hardware and software and be used at all exercise intensities to unload the respiratory muscles by up to 70%. Previously, PAVs have allowed researchers to address many fundamental physiological problems in clinical and healthy populations, but those versions are no longer functional or available. We describe the creation of a PAV that permits researchers to use it as an experimental tool.

Manipulation of the normally occurring work of breathing (WOB) during exercise can provide insights into whole‐body regulatory mechanisms in clinical patients and healthy subjects. One method to reduce the WOB uses a proportional assist ventilator (PAV). Suitable commercially available units are not capable of being used during heavy exercise. This investigation was undertaken in order to create a PAV and assess the degree to which the WOB could be reduced during exercise. A PAV works by creating a positive mouth pressure (Pm) during inspiration, which consequently reduces the WOB. Spontaneous breathing patterns can be maintained, and the amplitude of Pm is calculated using the equation of motion and predetermined proportionality constants. We generated positive Pm using a breathing apparatus consisting of rigid tubing, solenoid valves to control the airflow direction and a proportional valve connected to compressed gas. Healthy male and female subjects were able to use the PAV successfully while performing cycling exercise over a range of intensities (50–100% of maximal workload) for different durations (from 30 s to 20 min) and different protocols (constant versus progressive workload). Inspiratory WOB was reduced up to 90%, while total WOB was reduced by 70%. The greatest reduction in WOB (50–75%) occurred during submaximal exercise, but at maximal ventilations (>180 l min−1) a 50% reduction was still possible. The calculated change in WOB and subsequent reduction in respiratory muscle oxygen consumption resulted in equivalent reductions in whole‐body oxygen consumption. With adequate familiarization and practice, our PAV can consistently reduce the WOB across a range of exercise intensities.
Physiological adaptations to chronic stress in healthy humans – why might the sexes have evolved different energy utilisation strategies?
Authors: Jones Alexander , Pruessner Jens C. , McMillan Merlin R. , Jones Russell W. , Kowalik Grzegorz T. , Steeden Jennifer A. , Williams Bryan , Taylor Andrew M. , Muthurangu Vivek 
Published: March 2016

Key points
The human stress response activates the autonomic nervous system and endocrine systems to increase performance during environmental challenges.
This response is usually beneficial, improving the chance of overcoming environmental challenges, but costs resources such as energy.
Humans and other animals are known to adapt their responses to acute stress when they are stimulated chronically, presumably to optimise resource utilisation. Characterisation of these adaptations has been limited.
Using advanced imaging techniques, we show that cardiovascular and endocrine physiology, reflective of energy utilisation during acute stress, and energy storage (fat) differ between the sexes when they are exposed to chronic stress.
We examine possible evolutionary explanations for these differences, related to energy use, and point out how these physiological differences could underpin known disparities between the sexes in their risk of important cardiometabolic disorders such as obesity and cardiovascular disease.
AbstractObesity and associated diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, are the dominant human health problems in the modern era. Humans develop these conditions partly because they consume excess energy and exercise too little. Stress might be one of the factors contributing to these disease‐promoting behaviours. We postulate that sex‐specific primordial energy optimisation strategies exist, which developed to help cope with chronic stress but have become maladaptive in modern societies, worsening health. To demonstrate the existence of these energy optimisation strategies, we recruited 88 healthy adults with varying adiposity and chronic stress exposure. Cardiovascular physiology at rest and during acute stress (Montreal Imaging Stress Task), and body fat distribution were measured using advanced magnetic resonance imaging methods, together with endocrine function, cardiovascular energy use and cognitive performance. Potential confounders such as lifestyle, social class and employment were accounted for. We found that women exposed to chronic stress had lower adiposity, greater acute stress cardiovascular responses and better cognitive performance. Conversely, chronic stress‐exposed men had greater adiposity and lower cardiovascular responses to acute stress. These results provide initial support for our hypothesis that differing sex‐specific energy conservation strategies exist. We propose that these strategies have initially evolved to benefit humans but are now maladaptive and increase the risk of disorders such as obesity, especially in men exposed to chronic stress.
Helium ions for radiotherapy? Physical and biological verifications of a novel treatment modality
Authors: Krämer Michael , Scifoni Emanuele , Schuy Christoph , Rovituso Marta , Tinganelli Walter , Maier Andreas , Kaderka Robert , Kraft‐Weyrather Wilma , Brons Stephan , Tessonnier Thomas , Parodi Katia , Durante Marco 
Published: March 2016

Purpose:Modern facilities for actively scanned ion beam radiotherapy allow in principle the use of helium beams, which could present specific advantages, especially for pediatric tumors. In order to assess the potential use of these beams for radiotherapy, i.e., to create realistic treatment plans, the authors set up a dedicated 4He beam model, providing base data for their treatment planning system TRiP98, and they have reported that in this work together with its physical and biological validations.Methods:A semiempirical beam model for the physical depth dose deposition and the production of nuclear fragments was developed and introduced in TRiP98. For the biological effect calculations the last version of the local effect model was used. The model predictions were experimentally verified at the HIT facility. The primary beam attenuation and the characteristics of secondary charged particles at various depth in water were investigated using 4He ion beams of 200 MeV/u. The nuclear charge of secondary fragments was identified using a ΔE/E telescope. 3D absorbed dose distributions were measured with pin point ionization chambers and the biological dosimetry experiments were realized irradiating a Chinese hamster ovary cells stack arranged in an extended target.Results:The few experimental data available on basic physical processes are reproduced by their beam model. The experimental verification of absorbed dose distributions in extended target volumes yields an overall agreement, with a slight underestimation of the lateral spread. Cell survival along a 4 cm extended target is reproduced with remarkable accuracy.Conclusions:The authors presented a simple simulation model for therapeutical 4He beams which they introduced in TRiP98, and which is validated experimentally by means of physical and biological dosimetries. Thus, it is now possible to perform detailed treatment planning studies with 4He beams, either exclusively or in combination with other ion modalities.
A Pan-Dengue Virus Reverse Transcription-Insulated Isothermal PCR Assay Intended for Point-of-Need Diagnosis of Dengue Virus Infection by Use of the POCKIT Nucleic Acid Analyzer
Authors: Go Yun Young , Rajapakse R. P. V. Jayanthe , Kularatne Senanayake A. M. , Lee Pei-Yu Alison , Ku Keun Bon , Nam Sangwoo , Chou Pin-Hsing , Tsai Yun-Long , Liu Yu-Lun , Chang Hsiao-Fen Grace , Wang Hwa-Tang Thomas , Balasuriya Udeni B. R. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Dengue virus (DENV) infection is considered a major public health problem in developing tropical countries where the virus is endemic and continues to cause major disease outbreaks every year. Here, we describe the development of a novel, inexpensive, and user-friendly diagnostic assay based on a reverse transcription-insulated isothermal PCR (RT-iiPCR) method for the detection of all four serotypes of DENV in clinical samples. The diagnostic performance of the newly established pan-DENV RT-iiPCR assay targeting a conserved 3′ untranslated region of the viral genome was evaluated. The limit of detection with a 95% confidence was estimated to be 10 copies of
in vitro
-transcribed (IVT) RNA. Sensitivity analysis using RNA prepared from 10-fold serial dilutions of tissue culture fluid containing DENVs suggested that the RT-iiPCR assay was comparable to the multiplex real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay for DENV-1, -3, and -4 detection but 10-fold less sensitive for DENV-2 detection. Subsequently, plasma collected from patients suspected of dengue virus infection (
n
= 220) and individuals not suspected of dengue virus infection (
n
= 45) were tested by the RT-iiPCR and compared to original test results using a DENV NS1 antigen rapid test and the qRT-PCR. The diagnostic agreement of the pan-DENV RT-iiPCR, NS1 antigen rapid test, and qRT-PCR tests was 93.9%, 84.5%, and 97.4%, respectively, compared to the composite reference results. This new RT-iiPCR assay along with the portable POCKIT nucleic acid analyzer could provide a highly reliable, sensitive, and specific point-of-need diagnostic assay for the diagnosis of DENV in clinics and hospitals in developing countries.
Emancipating Chlamydia: Advances in the Genetic Manipulation of a Recalcitrant Intracellular Pathogen
Authors: Bastidas Robert J. , Valdivia Raphael H. 
Published: March 2016

SUMMARY

Chlamydia
species infect millions of individuals worldwide and are important etiological agents of sexually transmitted disease, infertility, and blinding trachoma. Historically, the genetic intractability of this intracellular pathogen has hindered the molecular dissection of virulence factors contributing to its pathogenesis. The obligate intracellular life cycle of
Chlamydia
and restrictions on the use of antibiotics as selectable markers have impeded the development of molecular tools to genetically manipulate these pathogens. However, recent developments in the field have resulted in significant gains in our ability to alter the genome of
Chlamydia
, which will expedite the elucidation of virulence mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the challenges affecting the development of molecular genetic tools for
Chlamydia
and the work that laid the foundation for recent advancements in the genetic analysis of this recalcitrant pathogen.
Structural Constraints on Human Norovirus Binding to Histo-Blood Group Antigens
Authors: Singh Bishal K. , Leuthold Mila M. , Hansman Grant S. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT
Human norovirus interacts with the polymorphic human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs), and this interaction is thought to be important for infection. The genogroup II genotype 4 (GII.4) noroviruses are the dominant cluster, evolve every other year, and are thought to modify their binding interactions with different HBGA types. Most human noroviruses bind HBGAs, while some strains were found to have minimal or no HBGA interactions. Here, we explain some possible structural constraints for several noroviruses that were found to bind poorly to HBGAs by using X-ray crystallography. We showed that one aspartic acid was flexible or positioned away from the fucose moiety of the HBGAs and this likely hindered binding, although other fucose-interacting residues were perfectly oriented. Interestingly, a neighboring loop also appeared to influence the loop hosting the aspartic acid. These new findings might explain why some human noroviruses bound HBGAs poorly, although further studies are required.
Visor use among National Hockey League players and its relationship to on-ice performance
Authors: Micieli Robert , Micieli Jonathan A 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo assess the use of half and three-quarter visors among National Hockey League (NHL) players and investigate the relationship between skill level and on-ice statistics such as points, penalty minutes and ice time and visor use.DesignAll players who played at least one game during the 2014–2015 NHL season were included in the study. Visor usage including three-quarter visor use was determined using official in-game images and video. Player information and statistics were obtained from a statistical hockey database. A multiple logistic regression model was used to study how the different player statistics influenced the probability of a player wearing a visor.ResultsVisor use was 87.1% among all NHL players (N=881) and 81.7% among all non-rookie players (N=612). Players who wore a visor were on average younger, played more games during the season, had more points, goals, assists and received more playing time. Players who did not wear a visor had 3 times more penalty minutes for every 100 min played. Only 11 (1.2%) players wore a three-quarter visor and these players were much older and contributed more to their team's offence when compared with the players who wore a one-half visor.ConclusionsVisor usage in the NHL continues to increase independent of new legislation making it mandatory for rookie players to wear a visor. Based on the results and the logistic regression model built in the study, those players who have the highest risk for not wearing a visor can be identified to help establish targeted interventions.