bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple mutualist effects on genomewide expression in the tripartite association between Medicago truncatula, nitrogen‐fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Afkhami Michelle E. , Stinchcombe John R. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWhile all species interact with multiple mutualists, the fitness consequences and molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions remain largely unknown. We combined factorial ecological experiments with genomewide expression analyses to examine the phenotypic and transcriptomic responses of model legume Medicago truncatula to rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi. We found synergistic effects of these mutualists on plant performance and examined unique features of plant gene expression responses to multiple mutualists. There were genomewide signatures of mutualists and multiple mutualists on expression, with partners often affecting unique sets of genes. Mycorrhizal fungi had stronger effects on plant expression than rhizobia, with 70% of differentially expressed genes affected by fungi. Fungal and bacterial mutualists had joint effects on 10% of differentially expressed genes, including unexpected, nonadditive effects on some genes with important functions such as nutrient metabolism. For a subset of genes, interacting with multiple mutualists even led to reversals in the direction of expression (shifts from up to downregulation) compared to interacting with single mutualists. Rhizobia also affected the expression of several mycorrhizal genes, including those involved in nutrient transfer to host plants, indicating that partner species can also impact each other's molecular phenotypes. Collectively, these data illustrate the diverse molecular mechanisms and transcriptional responses associated with the synergistic benefits of multiple mutualists.
UAP56 is a conserved crucial component of a divergent mRNA export pathway in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Serpeloni Mariana , Jiménez‐Ruiz Elena , Vidal Newton Medeiros , Kroeber Constanze , Andenmatten Nicole , Lemgruber Leandro , Mörking Patricia , Pall Gurman S. , Meissner Markus , Ávila Andréa R. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryNucleo‐cytoplasmic RNA export is an essential post‐transcriptional step to control gene expression in eukaryotic cells and is poorly understood in apicomplexan parasites. With the exception of UAP56, a component of TREX (Transcription Export) complex, other components of mRNA export machinery are not well conserved in divergent supergroups. Here, we use Toxoplasma gondii as a model system to functionally characterize TgUAP56 and its potential interaction factors. We demonstrate that TgUAP56 is crucial for mRNA export and that functional interference leads to significant accumulation of mRNA in the nucleus. It was necessary to employ bioinformatics and phylogenetic analysis to identify orthologs related to mRNA export, which show a remarkable low level of conservation in T. gondii. We adapted a conditional Cas9/CRISPR system to carry out a genetic screen to verify if these factors were involved in mRNA export in T. gondii. Only the disruption of TgRRM_1330 caused accumulation of mRNA in the nucleus as found with TgUAP56. This protein is potentially a divergent partner of TgUAP56, and provides insight into a divergent mRNA export pathway in apicomplexans.
Brain iron accumulation in Wilson disease: a post mortem 7 Tesla MRI – histopathological study
Authors: Dusek P. , Bahn E. , Litwin T. , Jabłonka‐Salach K. , Łuciuk A. , Huelnhagen T. , Madai V. I. , Dieringer M. A. , Bulska E. , Knauth M. , Niendorf T. , Sobesky J. , Paul F. , Schneider S. A. , Czlonkowska A. , Brück W. , Wegner C. , Wuerfel J. 
Published: August 2016

AimsIn Wilson disease (WD), T2/T2*‐weighted (T2*w) MRI frequently shows hypointensity in the basal ganglia that is suggestive of paramagnetic deposits. It is currently unknown whether this hypointensity is related to copper or iron deposition. We examined the neuropathological correlates of this MRI pattern, particularly in relation to iron and copper concentrations.MethodsBrain slices from nine WD and six control cases were investigated using a 7T‐MRI system. High‐resolution T2*w images were acquired and R2* parametric maps were reconstructed using a multigradient recalled echo sequence. R2* was measured in the globus pallidus (GP) and the putamen. Corresponding histopathological sections containing the lentiform nucleus were examined using Turnbull iron staining, and double staining combining Turnbull with immunohistochemistry for macrophages or astrocytes. Quantitative densitometry of the iron staining as well as copper and iron concentrations were measured in the GP and putamen and correlated with R2* values.ResultsT2*w hypointensity in the GP and/or putamen was apparent in WD cases and R2* values correlated with quantitative densitometry of iron staining. In WD, iron and copper concentrations were increased in the putamen compared to controls. R2* was correlated with the iron concentration in the GP and putamen, whereas no correlation was observed for the copper concentration. Patients with more pronounced pathological severity in the putamen displayed increased iron concentration, which correlated with an elevated number of iron‐containing macrophages.ConclusionsT2/T2*w hypointensity observed in vivo in the basal ganglia of WD patients is related to iron rather than copper deposits.
Ancient animal migration: a case study of eyeless, dimorphic Devonian trilobites from Poland
Authors: Błażejowski Błażej , Brett Carlton E. , Kin Adrian , Radwański Andrzej , Gruszczyński Michał 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe report evidence of one of the oldest known animal migratory episodes in the form of queues of the eyeless trilobite Trimerocephalus chopini Kin & Błażejowski, from the Late Devonian (Famennian) of central Poland. In addition, there is evidence for two morphs in this population, one with nine segments and the other with ten. We infer that these queues represent mass migratory chains coordinated by chemotaxis, comparable to those observed in modern crustaceans such as spiny lobsters, and further suggest that the two forms, which occur in an approximately 1:1 ratio, may be dimorphs. These ancient arthropods may have migrated periodically to shallow marine areas for mass mating and spawning. The sudden death of the trilobites in the queues may have been caused by excess carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide introduced into the bottom water by distal storm disturbance of anoxic sediments. This study demonstrates the potential for further research on the evolution and ecology of aggregative behaviour in marine arthropods.
Prediction of the midtracheal level based on external anatomical landmarks: implication of the optimal insertion depth of endotracheal tubes in pediatric patients
Authors: Song In‐Kyung , Kim Soo‐Hyun , Ryu Jaehui , Lee Eunju , Oh Hyung‐Min , Kim Eun‐Hee , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Kim Hee‐Soo , Kim Jin‐Tae 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBackgroundOptimal positioning of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) decreases the risk of accidental extubation or endobronchial intubation. This study evaluated the usefulness of external anatomical landmarks as practical references for determining an insertion depth of an ETT in pediatric patients.MethodsComputed tomography images of the necks of 183 pediatric patients (≤16 years of age) were reviewed. Levels corresponding to the vocal cords, cricoid cartilage, suprasternal notch, manubriosternal junction, and carina were identified on sagittal reconstructed images. The surface measurements from the cricoid cartilage to the suprasternal notch and that from the suprasternal notch to the manubriosternal junction were determined. Bland–Altman analysis was used to interpret the relationship between the midtracheal level and the surface measurements.ResultsThe difference between the midtracheal level and the surface distance from the cricoid cartilage to the suprasternal notch was 3.5 ± 7.0 mm, which was closer to zero than that between the midtracheal level and the surface distance from the suprasternal notch to the manubriosternal junction of 15.1 ± 6.1 mm.ConclusionThe midtracheal level, helpful in planning the insertion depth of an ETT, can be predicted by measuring the surface distance from the cricoid cartilage to suprasternal notch in pediatric patients.
Antibacterial resistance patterns of pediatric community‐acquired urinary infection: Overview
Authors: Konca Capan , Tekin Mehmet , Uckardes Fatih , Akgun Sadik , Almis Habip , Bucak Ibrahim Hakan , Genc Yeliz , Turgut Mehmet 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundUrinary tract infection (UTI) is common in children. The aim of this study was therefor to construct a guide for the empirical antibiotic treatment of community‐acquired UTI by investigating the etiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns of uropathogens and analyzing the epidemiological and clinical patient characteristics.MethodsA total of 158 children with positive urine culture were included in the study. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed with Vitek 2 Compact for 28 commonly used antimicrobials.ResultsMean age was 3.36 ± 3.38 years (range, 45 days–15 years). Escherichia coli (60.1%), and Klebsiella spp. (16.5%) were the most common uropathogens. For all Gram‐negative isolates, a high level of resistance was found against ampicillin/sulbactam (60.1%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (44.2%), cefazolin (36.2%), cefuroxime sodium (33.5%), and amoxicillin/clavulanate (31.5%). A low level of resistance was noted against cefepime (8.7%), ertapenem (4.6%), norfloxacin (1.3%), and meropenem (0.7%). There was no resistance against amikacin.ConclusionsThere is high antibiotic resistance in children with UTI. The patterns of uropathogen antimicrobial resistance vary in susceptibility to antimicrobials depending on region and time. Thus, the trends of antibiotic susceptibility patterns should be analyzed periodically to select the appropriate regimen for UTI treatment.
Renal outcome and risk factors for end‐stage renal disease in pediatric rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
Authors: Piyaphanee Nuntawan , Ananboontarick Chompoonut , Supavekin Suroj , Sumboonnanonda Achra 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundRapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), defined as acute nephritic syndrome with dramatic loss of renal function within a few months, is associated with crescentic glomerulonephritis (CresGN), which requires ≥50% crescents on pathology. The disease characteristics and renal outcome in children with RPGN, however, will differ according to the percentage of crescents.MethodsTo evaluate the renal outcomes and factors associated with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), this retrospective cohort study assessed children aged ≤15 years with RPGN at a tertiary medical center.ResultsOf 67 patients with RPGN, 32 (47.8%) were male; mean age was 10.6 ± 3.0 years; median follow up was 1.1 years (range, 0.02–9.17 years) and 24 (35.8%) progressed to ESRD. Post‐infectious glomerulonephritis was the most frequent cause of RPGN (50.7%). The incidence of ESRD was significantly higher in patients with ≥50% than <50% crescents (57.9% vs 28.6%, P = 0.029). On Cox regression analysis, disease etiology, serum creatinine >3 mg/dL, need for acute dialysis, ≥80% crescents and ≥20% tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis (TA/IF) were associated with ESRD. On multivariate analysis, need for acute dialysis (HR, 2.8; 95% CI: 1.1–7.3, P = 0.041) and ≥20% TA/IF (HR, 4.8; 95% CI: 1.4–16.1, P = 0.011) were independent risk factors for the development of ESRD.ConclusionsApproximately one‐third of children with RPGN developed ESRD; and need for acute dialysis and TA/IF ≥20% were independent risk factors for ESRD.
Signalling pathways associated with IL‐6 production and epithelial–mesenchymal transition induction in prostate epithelial cells stimulated with Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Han I. H. , Kim J. H. , Kim S. S. , Ahn M. H. , Ryu J. S. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryTrichomonas vaginalis (Tv) has been found in patient tissue of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and suggested to cause chronic prostatitis. IL‐6 is known as one of the important factors of chronic inflammation in prostate cancer. Patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) had higher levels of IL‐6 in seminal plasma. Furthermore, inflammatory conditions induced by pathogen infections have been shown to promote epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we investigated the signals involved in IL‐6 production by human prostate epithelial cells (PECs) stimulated with Tv and examined whether Tv induces EMT in PECs. We found that PECs stimulated with Tv increased the production of IL‐6, as well as the expression of TLR2, TLR4, MAPKs (p38, JNK, ERK), NF‐κB and JAK2/STAT3, and levels of ROS. Inhibition of TLR2 or TLR4 reduced IL‐6 production as well as expression of these other factors, and agents inhibiting ROS, MAPKs, NF‐κB and JAK reduced IL‐6 production. However, when PECs were stimulated with Tv, transcripts of mesenchymal cell markers increased, and epithelial cell markers decreased. In addition, the induction of EMT was suppressed by inhibitors of JAK or NF‐κB. These findings are the first evidence that Tv infection of prostate epithelial cells may induce EMT.
How detrimental are seed galls to their hosts? Plant performance, germination, developmental instability and tolerance to herbivory in Inga laurina, a leguminous tree
Authors: Santos J. C. , de Araujo N. A. V. , Venâncio H. , Andrade J. F. , Alves‐Silva E. , Almeida W. R. , Carmo‐Oliveira R. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Gall inducers use these structures as shelters and sources of nutrition. Consequently, they cause multiple physiological changes in host plants.

We studied the impact caused by seed coat galls of a braconid wasp on the performance of fruits, seeds and seedlings of tree Inga laurina. We tested whether these seed galls are ‘nutrient sinks’ with respect to the fruit/seed of host plant, and so constrain the reproductive ability and reduce seedling longevity. We measured the influence of such galls on the secondary compounds, fruit and seed parameters, seed viability and germination and seedling performance.

Inga laurina has indehiscent legumes with polyembryonic seeds surrounded by a fleshy sarcotesta rich in sugars. The galls formed inside the seed coat and galled tissues presented higher phenol concentrations, around 7‐fold that of ungalled tissues. Galls caused a significant reduction in parameters such as fruit and seed size, seed weight and the number of embryos. Fluctuating asymmetry (a stress indicator) was 31% higher in leaves of galled seed plants in comparison to ungalled seed plants. However, the negative effects on fruit and seed parameters were not sufficient to reduce seed germination (except the synchronization index) or seedling performance (except leaf area and chlorophyll content).

We attributed these results to the ability of I. laurina to tolerate gall attack on seeds without a marked influence on seedling performance. Moreover, because of the intensity of seed galling on host plant, we suggest that polyembryony may play a role in I. laurina reproduction increasing tolerance to seed damage.
Mechanistic target of rapamycin is activated in bovine granulosa cells after LH surge but is not essential for ovulation
Authors: da Rosa PRA , Dau AMP , De Cesaro MP , dos Santos JT , Gasperin BG , Duggavathi R , Bordignon V , Gonçalves PBD 
Published: August 2016

ContentsThe LH surge induces functional and morphological changes in granulosa cells. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an integrator of signalling pathways in multiple cell types. We hypothesized that mTOR kinase activity integrates and modulates molecular pathways induced by LH in granulosa cells during the preovulatory period. Cows were ovariectomized and granulosa cells collected at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hr after GnRH injection. While RHEB mRNA levels increased at 3 and 6 hr, returning to basal levels by 12 hr after GnRH treatment, RHOA mRNA levels increased at 6 hr and remained high thereafter. Western blot analyses revealed increased S6K phosphorylation at 3 and 6 hr after GnRH injection. Similarly, mRNA levels of ERK1/2, STAR and EGR‐1 were higher 3 hr after GnRH treatment. Rapamycin treatment inhibited mTOR activity and increased AKT activity, but did not alter ERK1/2 phosphorylation and EGR1 protein levels in cultured bovine granulosa cells. Rapamycin also inhibited LH‐induced increase in EREG mRNA abundance in granulosa cells in vitro. However, intrafollicular injection of rapamycin did not suppress ovulation. These findings suggest that mTOR is involved in the control of EREG expression in cattle, which may be triggered by LH surge stimulating RHEB and S6K activity.
Minimising invasiveness in diagnostics: developing a rapid urine‐based monoclonal antibody dipstick test for malaria
Authors: Markakpo Uri S. , Bosompem Kwabena M. , Dzodzomenyo Mawuli , Danso‐Appiah Anthony , Essuman Edward E. , Anyan William K. , Suzuki Mitsuko , Stephens Judith K. , Anim‐Baidoo Isaac , Asmah Richard H. , Ofori Michael F. , Madjitey Parnor , Danquah Jonas B. , Frempong Naa Adjeley , Kwofie Kofi D. , Amoa‐Bosompem Michael , Sullivan David , Fobil Julius N. , Quakyi Isabella A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo generate monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for developing a rapid malaria diagnostic urine‐based assay (RUBDA), using Plasmodium‐infected human urinary antigens.MethodsPlasmodium‐infected human urinary (PAgHU) and cultured parasite (CPfAg) antigens were used to generate mouse MAbs. The reactivity and accuracy of the MAbs produced were then evaluated using microplate ELISA, SDS‐PAGE, Western blotting assay, microscopy and immunochromatographic tests.ResultsNinety‐six MAb clones were generated, of which 68.8% reacted to both PAgHU and CPfAg, 31.3% reacted to PAgHU only, and none reacted to CPfAg only. One promising MAb (UCP4W7) reacted in WBA, to both PAgHU and CPfAg, but not to Plasmodium‐negative human urine and blood, Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni antigens nor measles and poliomyelitis vaccines.ConclusionMAb UCP4W7 seems promising for diagnosing Plasmodium infection. Urine is a reliable biomarker source for developing non‐invasive malaria diagnostic tests. SDS‐PAGE and MAb‐based WBA appear explorable in assays for detecting different levels of Plasmodium parasitaemia.
Local Environmental Factors Drive Divergent Grassland Soil Bacterial Communities in the Western Swiss Alps
Authors: Yashiro Erika , Pinto-Figueroa Eric , Buri Aline , Spangenberg Jorge E. , Adatte Thierry , Niculita-Hirzel Hélène , Guisan Antoine , van der Meer Jan Roelof 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTMountain ecosystems are characterized by a diverse range of climatic and topographic conditions over short distances and are known to shelter a high biodiversity. Despite important progress, still little is known on bacterial diversity in mountain areas. Here, we investigated soil bacterial biogeography at more than 100 sampling sites randomly stratified across a 700-km2area with 2,200-m elevation gradient in the western Swiss Alps. Bacterial grassland communities were highly diverse, with 12,741 total operational taxonomic units (OTUs) across 100 sites and an average of 2,918 OTUs per site. Bacterial community structure was correlated with local climatic, topographic, and soil physicochemical parameters with high statistical significance. We found pH (correlated with % CaO and % mineral carbon), hydrogen index (correlated with bulk gravimetric water content), and annual average number of frost days during the growing season to be among the groups of the most important environmental drivers of bacterial community structure. In contrast, bacterial community structure was only weakly stratified as a function of elevation. Contrasting patterns were discovered for individual bacterial taxa.Acidobacteriaresponded both positively and negatively to pH extremes. Various families within theBacteroidetesresponded to available phosphorus levels. Different verrucomicrobial groups responded to electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, water content, and mineral carbon contents. Alpine grassland bacterial communities are thus highly diverse, which is likely due to the large variety of different environmental conditions. These results shed new light on the biodiversity of mountain ecosystems, which were already identified as potentially fragile to anthropogenic influences and climate change.IMPORTANCEThis article addresses the question of how microbial communities in alpine regions are dependent on local climatic and soil physicochemical variables. We benefit from a unique 700-km2study region in the western Swiss Alps region, which has been exhaustively studied for macro-organismal and fungal ecology, and for topoclimatic modeling of future ecological trends, but without taking into account soil bacterial diversity. Here, we present an in-depth biogeographical characterization of the bacterial community diversity in this alpine region across 100 randomly stratified sites, using 56 environmental variables. Our exhaustive sampling ensured the detection of ecological trends with high statistical robustness. Our data both confirm previously observed general trends and show many new detailed trends for a wide range of bacterial taxonomic groups and environmental parameters.