bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Additional information on the primitive contour and wing feathering of paravian dinosaurs
Authors: Saitta Evan T. , Gelernter Rebecca , Vinther Jakob 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIdentifying feather morphology in extinct dinosaurs is challenging due to dense overlapping of filaments within fossilized plumage and the fact that some extinct feather morphologies are unlike those of extant birds or those predicted from an ‘evo‐devo’ model of feather evolution. Here, we compare a range of dinosaur taxa with preserved integumentary appendages using high‐resolution photographs to better understand fossil feather morphology and gain insight into their function and evolution. A specimen of the basal paravian Anchiornis possesses contour feathers disarticulated from the plumage, revealing a novel feather type: a ‘shaggy’, open‐vaned, bifurcated feather with long barbs attached to a short rachis, which is much simpler than the contour feathers of most extant birds. In contrast, it is likely that the contour feathers of Sinosauropteryx were simpler than those seen in Anchiornis; a ‘tuft’ morphology of multiple barbs connected at their bases (e.g. via a shared follicle), but lacking a rachis, is tentatively inferred. However, conclusive morphological descriptions await the discovery of isolated Sinosauropteryx contour feathers. Paravian wing feathers also show potentially plesiomorphic traits. Comparison with Confuciusornis suggests that Anchiornis wing feathers were at least partially open‐vaned. Combined with the interpretation of Anchiornis contour feathers, this suggests that differentiated barbicels are relatively derived compared to pennaceous feathers and the appearance of wings. ‘Shaggy’ contour feathers probably influenced thermoregulatory and water repellence abilities, and, in combination with open‐vaned wing feathers, would have decreased aerodynamic efficiency. Simplified, open‐vaned wing feathers were also observed on the oviraptorosaur Caudipteryx, consistent with, but not necessarily diagnostic of, its suggested flightlessness. Taken together, these observations have broad implications for how we depict a wide variety of dinosaurs and how we view the function and evolution of feathers.
The C2H2 zinc‐finger protein SlZF3 regulates AsA synthesis and salt tolerance by interacting with CSN5B
Authors: Li Ying , Chu Zhuannan , Luo Jinying , Zhou Yuhong , Cai Yujing , Lu Yongen , Xia Junhui , Kuang Hanhui , Ye Zhibiao , Ouyang Bo 
Published: November 2017

SummaryAbiotic stresses are a major cause of crop loss. Ascorbic acid (AsA) promotes stress tolerance by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), which accumulate when plants experience abiotic stress. Although the biosynthesis and metabolism of AsA are well established, the genes that regulate these pathways remain largely unexplored. Here, we report on a novel regulatory gene from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) named SlZF3 that encodes a Cys2/His2‐type zinc‐finger protein with an EAR repression domain. The expression of SlZF3 was rapidly induced by NaCl treatments. The overexpression of SlZF3 significantly increased the levels of AsA in tomato and Arabidopsis. Consequently, the AsA‐mediated ROS‐scavenging capacity of the SlZF3‐overexpressing plants was increased, which enhanced the salt tolerance of these plants. Protein–protein interaction assays demonstrated that SlZF3 directly binds CSN5B, a key component of the COP9 signalosome. This interaction inhibited the binding of CSN5B to VTC1, a GDP‐mannose pyrophosphorylase that contributes to AsA biosynthesis. We found that the EAR domain promoted the stability of SlZF3 but was not required for the interaction between SlZF3 and CSN5B. Our findings indicate that SlZF3 simultaneously promotes the accumulation of AsA and enhances plant salt‐stress tolerance.
Breeding for insect resistance in oilseed rape: Challenges, current knowledge and perspectives
Authors: Hervé Maxime R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDealing with insect pests is one of the biggest challenges facing the cultivation of oilseed rape (Brassica napus, OSR). Insect pests are usually controlled using insecticides, but the increasing occurrence of insecticide‐resistant populations and the socio‐economic context argue against the sole use of these substances. Plant resistance is a classical and proven alternative crop protection strategy that is the basic tool of integrated pest management. However, no insect‐resistant OSR cultivar is currently available on the market. Here, I review some of the constraints that make phenotyping for insect resistance particularly challenging with OSR and give perspectives to develop this resistance. Some studies have proved that breeding OSR for insect resistance could be achieved, and three strategies have been considered: introducing resistance transgenes into the OSR genome, exploiting natural variation in resistance already present in B. napus and introgressing resistance from other brassicaceous species. The white mustard, Sinapis alba, seems a particularly promising source of resistance against most of the OSR insect pests.
Cucumis metuliferus is resistant to root‐knot nematode Mi1.2 gene (a)virulent isolates and a promising melon rootstock
Authors: Expósito A. , Munera M. , Giné A. , López‐Gómez M. , Cáceres A. , Picó B. , Gisbert C. , Medina V. , Sorribas F. J. 
Published: November 2017

Pot experiments were carried out to characterize the response of two Cucumis metuliferus accessions (BGV11135 and BGV10762) against Mi1.2 gene (a)virulent Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica isolates and to determine the compatibility and the effect on physicochemical properties of fruit melons. In addition, histopathological studies were conducted. One week after transplanting, plants were inoculated with one J2 cm−3 of sterilized sand (200 cm3 pots) and maintained in a growth chamber at 25 °C for 40 days. The susceptible cucumber cv. Dasher II or melon cv. Paloma were included for comparison. The number of egg masses and number of eggs per plant were assessed, and the reproduction index (RI) was calculated as the percentage of eggs produced on the C. metuliferus accessions compared to those produced on the susceptible cultivars. The compatibility and fruit quality were assessed by grafting three scions, two of Charentais type and one of type piel de sapo, under commercial greenhouse conditions. The resistance level of both C. metuliferus accessions ranged from highly resistant (RI < 1%) to resistant (1% ≤ RI ≤ 10%) irrespective of Meloidogyne isolates. Melon plants grafted onto C. metuliferus accession BGV11135 grew as self‐grafted plants without negatively impacting fruit quality traits. Giant cells induced by Meloidogyne spp. on C. metuliferus were in general poorly developed compared to those on cucumber. Furthermore, necrotic areas surrounding the nematode were observed. Cucumis metuliferus accession BGV11135 could be a promising melon rootstock to manage Meloidogyne spp., irrespective of their Mi1.2 (a)virulence, without melon fruit quality reduction.
Effects of wobble board training on single‐leg landing neuromechanics
Authors: Silva P. B. , Oliveira A. S. , Mrachacz‐Kersting N. , Kersting U. G. 
Published: November 2017

Balance training programs have been shown to reduce ankle sprain injuries in sports, but little is known about the transfer from this training modality to motor coordination and ankle joint biomechanics in sport‐specific movements. This study aimed to investigate the effects of wobble board training on motor coordination and ankle mechanics during early single‐leg landing from a lateral jump. Twenty‐two healthy men were randomly assigned to either a control or a training group, who engaged in 4 weeks of wobble board training. Full‐body kinematics, ground reaction force, and surface electromyography (EMG) from 12 lower limb muscles were recorded during landing. Ankle joint work in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane was calculated from 0 to 100 ms after landing. Non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF) was applied on the concatenated EMG Pre‐ and Post‐intervention. Wobble board training increased the ankle joint eccentric work 1.2 times in the frontal (P < .01) and 4.4 times in the transverse plane (P < .01) for trained participants. Wobble board training modified the modular organization of muscle recruitment in the early landing phase by separating the activation of plantar flexors and mediolateral ankle stabilizers. Furthermore, the activation of secondary muscles across motor modules was reduced after training, refocusing the activation on the main muscles involved in the mechanical main subfunctions for each module. These results suggest that wobble board training may modify motor coordination when landing from a lateral jump, focusing on the recruitment of specific muscles/muscle groups that optimize ankle joint stability during early ground contact in single‐leg landing.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender families and health
Authors: Thomeer Mieke Beth , Paine Emily Allen , Bryant Chénoia 
Published: November 2017

AbstractResearch consistently demonstrates that family relationships are key determinants of health, but most research on health and families focuses on a heterosexual and cisgender context. Sexual and gender identities often are overlooked or erased in family and health research. We present an overview of the current state of research on LGBT families and health, using a life course approach and pointing to the ways that LGBT people's experiences of families occur within a broader social structural context, with implications for their health and the health of their family members. We focus on parenthood, parent–child ties, intimate relationships, and caregiving. We also identify two theoretical obstacles for studies of LGBT families and health as well as important research areas for moving forward, such as the inclusion of non‐binary and queer identities in our studies of family and health. Incorporation of LGBT and other queer families and family forms into our health research interrogates assumptions within family and health research and offers insight into how to move the field forward.
Phenotypic and genotypic comparison of salmonellae from diarrhoeic and healthy humans and cattle, Nigeria
Authors: Fashae K. , Leekitcharoenphon P. , Hendriksen R. S. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThe sources and modes of transmission of non‐typhoidal Salmonella particularly zoonotic transmission are poorly understood in Africa. This study compared phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Salmonellae isolated from cattle and humans. Faecal samples of diarrhoeic patients (n = 234), and a healthy population (n = 160), beef cattle at slaughter (n = 250), farms (n = 72) and market (n = 100) were cultured for salmonellae and serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility were determined. Whole‐genome sequence typing (WGST) of selected isolates and bioinformatic analysis were used to identify the multilocus sequence type (MLST), plasmid replicons, antimicrobial resistance genes and genetic relatedness by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. The Salmonella isolates, diarrhoeic patients (n = 17), healthy population (n = 13), cattle (abattoir, n = 67; farms, n = 10; market n = 5), revealed 49 serovars; some serovars were common to humans and cattle. Rare serovars were prevalent: Colindale (cattle and humans); Rubislaw and Bredeney (humans); and Dublin, Give, Eastbourne, Hadar, Marseille, Sundsvall, Bergen, Ekotedo, Carno and Ealing (cattle). The sequence types (ST) include ST 584, ST 198, ST 562 and ST 512 for S. Colindale, S. Kentucky S. Rubislaw and S. Urbana, respectively. Clonal cluster shared by cattle and human WGST isolates was not found. Antimicrobial resistance rates were generally low and towards only chloramphenicol, ampicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and streptomycin, range 2.7% (chloramphenicol) to 8.9% (streptomycin). Multiply resistant isolates included serovars Kentucky, 4,5,12:i:‐ and Typhimurium. The study presents a baseline description of the prevalence, serotypes, antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genetic relatedness of Salmonella isolated from healthy and diarrhoeic humans, and cattle at harvest, on farm and at market. Cattle are a reservoir of diverse salmonellae with shared serovars with humans, but WGST does not support zoonotic transmission. Further study with larger samples is recommended to determine whether epidemiological link exists between cattle and humans.
A Real Pain: Diagnostic Quandaries and Septic Arthritis
Authors: Costales Cristina , Butler-Wu Susan M. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
Rapid diagnosis and treatment of an infected joint are paramount in preserving orthopedic function. Here, we present a brief review of the many challenges associated with the diagnosis of both septic arthritis and prosthetic joint infections. We also discuss the many laboratory tests currently available to aid in the accurate diagnosis of joint infection, as well as emerging diagnostics that may have future utility in the diagnosis of these challenging clinical entities.
Genetically Intact but Functionally Impaired HIV-1 Env Glycoproteins in the T-Cell Reservoir
Authors: de Verneuil Anne , Migraine Julie , Mammano Fabrizio , Molina Jean-Michel , Gallien Sébastien , Mouquet Hugo , Hance Allan J. , Clavel François , Dutrieux Jacques 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

HIV-infected subjects under antiretroviral treatment (ART) harbor a persistent viral reservoir in resting CD4
+
T cells, which accounts for the resurgence of HIV replication after ART interruption. A large majority of HIV reservoir genomes are genetically defective, but even among intact proviruses few seem able to generate infectious virus. To understand this phenomenon, we examined the function and expression of HIV envelope glycoproteins reactivated from the reservoir of four HIV-infected subjects under suppressive ART. We studied full-length genetically intact
env
sequences from both replicative viruses and cell-associated mRNAs. We found that these Env proteins varied extensively in fusogenicity and infectivity, with strongest functional defects found in Envs from cell-associated mRNAs. Env functional impairments were essentially explained by defects in Env protein expression. Our results support the idea that defects in HIV Env expression, preventing cytopathic or immune HIV clearance, contribute to the persistence of the HIV T-cell reservoir
in vivo
.

IMPORTANCE
In most individuals, evolution of HIV infection is efficiently controlled on the long-term by combination antiviral therapies. These treatments, however, fail to eradicate HIV from the infected subjects, a failure that results both in resurgence of virus replication and in resumption of HIV pathogenicity when the treatment is stopped. HIV resurgence, in these instances, is widely assumed to emerge from a reservoir of silent virus integrated in the genomes of a small number of T lymphocytes. The silent HIV reservoir is mostly composed of heavily deleted or mutated HIV DNA. Moreover, among the seemingly intact remaining HIV, only very few are actually able to efficiently propagate in tissue culture. In this study, we find that intact HIV in the reservoir often carry strong defects in their capacity to promote fusion to neighboring cells and infection of target cells, a defect related to the function and expression of the HIV envelope glycoprotein. Impaired envelope glycoprotein expression and function could explain why cells harboring these viruses tend to remain undetected and unharmed in the reservoir.
Interventions on Metabolism: Making Antibiotic-Susceptible Bacteria
Authors: Baquero Fernando , Martínez José-Luis 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Antibiotics act on bacterial metabolism, and antibiotic resistance involves changes in this metabolism. Interventions on metabolism with drugs might therefore modify drug susceptibility and drug resistance. In their recent article, Martin Vestergaard et al. (mBio 8:e01114-17, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01114-17
) illustrate the possibility of converting intrinsically resistant bacteria into susceptible ones. They reported that inhibition of a central metabolic enzyme, ATP synthase, allows otherwise ineffective polymyxin antibiotics to act on
Staphylococcus aureus
. The study of the intrinsic resistome of bacterial pathogens has shown that several metabolic genes, including multigene transcriptional regulators, contribute to antibiotic resistance. In some cases, these genes only marginally increase antibiotic resistance, but reduced levels of susceptibility might be critical in the evolution or resistance under low antibiotic concentrations or in the clinical response of highly resistant bacteria. Drug interventions on bacterial metabolism might constitute a critical adjuvant therapy in combination with antibiotics to ensure susceptibility of pathogens with intrinsic or acquired antimicrobial resistance.
Amyloid-Like β-Aggregates as Force-Sensitive Switches in Fungal Biofilms and Infections
Authors: Lipke Peter N. , Klotz Stephen A. , Dufrene Yves F. , Jackson Desmond N. , Garcia-Sherman Melissa C. 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARY

Cellular aggregation is an essential step in the formation of biofilms, which promote fungal survival and persistence in hosts. In many of the known yeast cell adhesion proteins, there are amino acid sequences predicted to form amyloid-like β-aggregates. These sequences mediate amyloid formation
in vitro. In vivo
, these sequences mediate a phase transition from a disordered state to a partially ordered state to create patches of adhesins on the cell surface. These β-aggregated protein patches are called adhesin nanodomains, and their presence greatly increases and strengthens cell-cell interactions in fungal cell aggregation. Nanodomain formation is slow (with molecular response in minutes and the consequences being evident for hours), and strong interactions lead to enhanced biofilm formation. Unique among functional amyloids, fungal adhesin β-aggregation can be triggered by the application of physical shear force, leading to cellular responses to flow-induced stress and the formation of robust biofilms that persist under flow. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that this phenomenon may be widespread. Analysis of fungal abscesses shows the presence of surface amyloids
in situ
, a finding which supports the idea that phase changes to an amyloid-like state occur
in vivo
. The amyloid-coated fungi bind the damage-associated molecular pattern receptor serum amyloid P component, and there may be a consequential modulation of innate immune responses to the fungi. Structural data now suggest mechanisms for the force-mediated induction of the phase change. We summarize and discuss evidence that the sequences function as triggers for protein aggregation and subsequent cellular aggregation, both
in vitro
and
in vivo
.
Adverse effects of exposure to armed conflict on pregnancy: a systematic review
Authors: Keasley James , Blickwedel Jessica , Quenby Siobhan 
Published: November 2017

IntroductionExposure to armed conflict has manifold implications for both military and civilian populations. Prenatal stress has detrimental effects on both obstetric outcomes, fetal development and the development of an individual later in life. As well as causing stress to the mother, armed conflicts can decimate local infrastructures making it increasingly difficult to access antenatal and general healthcare. The present review is particularly salient in light of the many ongoing current conflicts. It examines the impacts of exposure to armed conflicts on the pregnancy outcomes.MethodsA thorough literature search was carried out on three databases using MeSH and truncation terms. 13 studies were included in the final analysis relating to mothers exposed to armed conflicts since 1990.ResultsThe studies include data from 1 172 151 patients: mothers from Libya, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Israel, Palestine, Kosovo, Yugoslavia, Nepal, Somalia, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. There is evidence of an increased risk of mothers giving birth to babies of low birth weight as reported in nine included studies. All have a degree of bias, with four at lower and five at higher risk of bias, either not adjusting for confounders or not employing robust measures of exposure to conflict. Further evidence suggested an increase in the incidence of miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, congenital abnormalities, miscarriage and premature rupture of membranes among mothers exposed to armed conflict.ConclusionDespite the varying degrees of bias which must be considered for the available evidence, the data with the lowest risk of bias suggest a relationship between exposure to armed conflict and low birth weight. In light of the current level of displacement experienced by such populations, the identification of pregnancies at risk could improve the efficacy of antenatal care. Clinicians should consider additional ultrasound scanning where appropriate to monitor for restricted growth in such pregnancies.
Challenges to discussing palliative care with people experiencing homelessness: a qualitative study
Authors: Hudson Briony F , Shulman Caroline , Low Joseph , Hewett Nigel , Daley Julian , Davis Sarah , Brophy Nimah , Howard Diana , Vivat Bella , Kennedy Peter , Stone Patrick 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo explore the views and experiences of people who are homeless and those supporting them regarding conversations and approaches to palliative careSettingData were collected between October 2015 and October 2016 in homeless hostels and day centres and with staff from primary and secondary healthcare providers and social care services from three London boroughs.ParticipantsPeople experiencing homelessness (n=28), formerly homeless people (n=10), health and social care providers (n=48), hostel staff (n=30) and outreach staff (n=10).MethodsIn this qualitative descriptive study, participants were recruited to interviews and focus groups across three London boroughs. Views and experiences of end-of-life care were explored with people with personal experience of homelessness, health and social care professionals and hostel and outreach staff. Saturation was reached when no new themes emerged from discussions.Results28 focus groups and 10 individual interviews were conducted. Participants highlighted that conversations exploring future care preferences and palliative care with people experiencing homelessness are rare. Themes identified as challenges to such conversations included attitudes to death; the recovery focused nature of services for people experiencing homelessness; uncertainty regarding prognosis and place of care; and fear of negative impact.ConclusionsThis research highlights the need for a different approach to supporting people who are homeless and are experiencing advanced ill health, one that incorporates uncertainty and promotes well-being, dignity and choice. We propose parallel planning and mapping as a way of working with uncertainty. We acknowledge that these approaches will not always be straightforward, nor will they be suitable for everyone, yet moving the focus of conversations about the future away from death and dying, towards the present and the future may facilitate conversations and enable the wishes of people who are homeless to be known and explored.