bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potassium channel FaTPK1 plays a critical role in fruit quality formation in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)
Authors: Wang Shufang , Song Miaoyu , Guo Jiaxuan , Huang Yun , Zhang Fangfang , Xu Cheng , Xiao Yinghui , Zhang Lusheng 
Published: August 2017

SummaryPotassium (K+), an abundant cation in plant cells, is important in fruit development and plant resistance. However, how cellular K+ is directed by potassium channels in fruit development and quality formation of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is not yet fully clear. Here, a two‐pore K+ (TPK) channel gene in strawberry, FaTPK1, was cloned using reverse transcription–PCR. A green fluorescent protein subcellular localization analysis showed that FaTPK1 localized in the vacuole membrane. A transcription analysis indicated that the mRNA expression level of FaTPK1 increased rapidly and was maintained at a high level in ripened fruit, which was coupled with the fruit's red colour development, suggesting that FaTPK1 is related to fruit quality formation. The down‐ and up‐regulation of the FaTPK1 mRNA expression levels using RNA interference and overexpression, respectively, inhibited and promoted fruit ripening, respectively, as demonstrated by consistent changes in firmness and the contents of soluble sugars, anthocyanin and abscisic acid, as well as the transcript levels of ripening‐regulated genes PG1 (polygalacturonase), GAL6 (beta‐galactosidase), XYL2 (D‐xylulose reductase), SUT1 (sucrose transporter), CHS (chalcone synthase) and CHI (chalcone flavanone isomerase). Additionally, the regulatory changes influenced fruit resistance to Botrytis cinerea. An isothermal calorimetry analysis showed that the Escherichia coli‐expressed FaTPK1 recombinant protein could bind K+ with a binding constant of 2.1 × 10–3 m−1 and a dissociation constant of 476 μm. Thus, the strawberry TPK1 is a ubiquitously expressed, tonoplast‐localized two‐pore potassium channel that plays important roles in fruit ripening and quality formation.
Association of zinc and copper with clinical parameters in the preterm newborn
Authors: Kojima Chiharu , Shoji Hiromichi , Ikeda Naho , Kitamura Tomohiro , Hisata Ken , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundGiven that preterm infants are born at a time of rapid fetal growth, they are at risk of deficiency of essential nutrients for brain development, including zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). This study evaluate the relationship between serum Cu or Zn, gestational age (GA) and anthropometric parameters at birth in preterm infants.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of infants <35 weeks’ GA from January 2010 to August 2012. We collected the data from medical records of 59 preterm infants at birth with regard to GA, anthropometric parameters, and serum Cu and Zn levels. Correlation of Cu, Zn, and GA with anthropometric parameters at birth was then done.ResultsZn was inversely correlated with GA, bodyweight (BW), body length (BL), and head circumference (HC), and Cu was inversely correlated with the standard deviation (SD) score for BW, BL, and HC. On stepwise multiple regression analysis, GA was a significant independent predictor of Zn level, and HC SD score was a significant independent predictor of Cu level.ConclusionsPrematurity influences Zn, and intrauterine head growth restriction influences Cu at birth in preterm infants. Further research is needed to evaluate the relationship between intrauterine growth restriction and brain Cu metabolism.
The experience of being envied at work: How being envied shapes employee feelings and motivation
Authors: Lee KiYoung , Duffy Michelle K. , Scott Kristin L. , Schippers Michaéla C. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe develop and test a theoretical framework delineating the dual affective and motivational experiences arising from perceptions of being envied in the workplace. We theorize that being envied can be pleasantly or unpleasantly experienced with opposite downstream effects on motivation and job performance. We test our model in two field studies using a sample of government employees (Study 1) and a sample of employees in the financial industry (Study 2). Our results indicate that being envied can elicit unpleasant mood and anxiety that influence work engagement and job performance in negative ways. In addition, we found that positive emotional experiences from being envied bolster work engagement and performance through positive mood but not pride. Implications of our findings are discussed.
‘Now she has become my daughter’: parents’ early experiences of skin‐to‐skin contact with extremely preterm infants
Authors: Maastrup Ragnhild , Weis Janne , Engsig Anne B. , Johannsen Kirsten L. , Zoffmann Vibeke 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundBased on the Family‐Centred Care philosophy, skin‐to‐skin contact is a key activity in neonatal care, and use of this practice is increasing also with extremely preterm infants. Little is known about parents’ immediate experiences of and readiness for skin‐to‐skin contact, while their fragile infant may still not be ‘on safe ground’. Knowledge about parents’ experiences might reduce doubt and reluctance among healthcare professionals to use skin‐to‐skin contact with extremely preterm infants and thus increase its dissemination in practice.Aims and objectivesTo explore parents’ immediate experiences of skin‐to‐skin contact with extremely preterm infants <28‐week postmenstrual age.Methodological designA qualitative study using thematic analysis.Research methodsThirteen semi‐structured interviews conducted in 2008 with 16 parents after skin‐to‐skin contact with their extremely preterm infants analysed using inductive thematic analysis.FindingsParents’ experiences were related to the process before, during and after skin‐to‐skin contact and moved from ambivalence to appreciating skin‐to‐skin contact as beneficial for both parents and infant. The process comprised three stages: (i) overcoming ambivalence through professional support and personal experience; (ii) proximity creating parental feelings and an inner need to provide care; (iii) feeling useful as a parent and realising the importance of skin‐to‐skin contact. Having repeatedly gone through stages 2 and 3, parents developed an overall confidence in the value of bonding, independent of the infant's survival.ConclusionsParents progressed from ambivalence to a feeling of fundamental mutual needs for skin‐to‐skin contact. Parents found the bonding facilitated by skin‐to‐skin contact to be valuable, regardless of the infant's survival.
Graded isavuconazole introduction in a patient with voriconazole allergy
Authors: Morales Megan K. , Harris Ché , Shoham Shmuel 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTriazole antifungal drugs may rarely cause serious allergic reactions including angioedema. No standardized tests are available to predict cross‐reactivity within the azole class and little guiding information exists on whether to change therapy within the class or to another class after a serious allergic reaction. Herein we report the first successful use, to our knowledge, of graded isavuconazole introduction for treatment of aspergillosis in a liver transplant recipient with severe voriconazole allergy.
High-resolution ultrasonography in assessing temporomandibular joint disc position
Authors: Talmaceanu Daniel , Lenghel Lavinia Manuela , Bolog Nicolae , Popa Stanila Roxana , Buduru Smaranda , Leucuta Daniel Corneliu , Rotar Horatiu , Baciut Mihaela , Baciut Grigore 
Published: August 2017

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography (US) in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacements.Materials and methods: A number of 74 patients (148 TMJs) with signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders, according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, were included in this study. All patients received US and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both TMJs 1 to 5 days after the clinical examination. MRI examinations were performed using 1.5 T MRI equipment (Siemens Avanto, Siemens, Erlangen). Ultrasonographic examination was performed on a Hitachi EUB 8500 (Hitachi Medical Corp., Tokyo, Japan) scanner with L 54 M6.5-13 MHz linear transducer.Results: MRI depicted 68 (45.95%) normal joints, 47 (31.76%) with disc displacement with reduction, 33 (22.3%) with disc displacement without reduction and 34 (22.97%) with degenerative changes. US detected 78 (52.7%) normal joints, 37 (25%) with disc displacement with reduction, 33 (22.3%) with disc displacement without reduction and 21 (14.19%) with degenerative changes. Compared to MRI, US showed a sensitivity of 93.1%, specificity of 87.88%, accuracy of 90.32%, a positive predictive value of 87.1% and a negative predictive value of 93.55% for overall diagnosis of disc displacement. The Youden index was 0.81.Conclusions: Based on our results, high-resolution ultrasonography showed high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of TMJ disc displacement. It could be a valuable imaging technique in assessing TMJ disc position. The diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasonography depends strictly on the examiner’s skills and on the equipment used.
The value of ultrasound diagnosis in the multidisciplinary approach of cutaneous tumours. Case report
Authors: Manea Avram , Crisan Diana , Badea Alexandru Florin , Dumitrascu Iuliu Dinu , Baciut Mihaela Felicia , Bran Simion , Mitre Ileana , Crisan Maria , Baciut Grigore 
Published: August 2017

We report the case of a senior patient, presenting with two cutaneous tumours in which the clinical and dermoscopic examination pointed towards a basal cell carcinoma. Ultrasound revealed highly vascularised tumours and elastography showed increased rigidity. Histological examination of both lesions following complete resection was consistent with squamous cell carcinomas. The distinctive feature of this case consists of the complex non-invasive diagnostic imaging of the tumour morphology, performed in real time, revealing aspects compatible with highly proliferative malignant tumours. This case emphasises the importance of ultrasound diagnosis in a multi-disciplinary approach for better and more predictable results.
Testicular volume and elasticity changes in young children with undescended testes
Authors: Shin Hyun Joo , Lee Yong Seung , Yoon Haesung , Kim Myung-Joon , Han Sang Won , Kim Ha Yan , Lee Jinae , Lee Mi-Jung 
Published: August 2017

Aims: To evaluate the differences and changes of testicular volume and elasticity in normal (NL) testes and undescended testes (UDTs) of children using shear wave elastography (SWE).Materials and methods: Testicular ultrasound images from children younger than 60 months old were retrospectively reviewed. Testicular volumes and elasticities were compared between the UDT group and NL group. In patients with unilateral UDT (uUDT), we also compared the values between uUDT and contralateral grossly normal (CGN) testis groups.Results: There were 25 UDTs including 4 bilateral in the UDT groupand 54 normal testes in the NL group. While testicular volume was significantly smaller in UDT (vs. NL) and uUDT (vs. CGN) groups, the elasticity was not different. Testicular volume was positively correlated with age in both NL (r=0.474) and CGN (r=0.729) groups (p<0.001), while there was no correlation in the UDT group. Testicular stiffness showed negative correlation with age in the NL group (r=-0.390, p=0.004) and positive correlation in the UDT group (r=0.426, p=0.034).Conclusions: Instead of increasing volume and decreasing stiffness of normal testes during development of the early 60 months, UDTsexhibited smaller volume and increasing stiffness. The CGN testes of uUDT patients showed increasing volume without stiffness change.
Potentiation of Tobramycin by Silver Nanoparticles against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms
Authors: Habash Marc B. , Goodyear Mara C. , Park Amber J. , Surette Matthew D. , Vis Emily C. , Harris Robert J. , Khursigara Cezar M. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Increasing antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacterial species is a serious public health problem and has prompted research examining the antibacterial effects of alternative compounds and novel treatment strategies. Compounding this problem is the ability of many pathogenic bacteria to form biofilms during chronic infections. Importantly, these communities are often recalcitrant to antibiotic treatments that show effectiveness against acute infection. The antimicrobial properties of silver have been known for decades, but recently silver and silver-containing compounds have seen renewed interest as antimicrobial agents for treating bacterial infections. The goal of this study was to assess the ability of citrate-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of various sizes, alone and in combination with the aminoglycoside antibiotic tobramycin, to inhibit established
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms. Our results demonstrate that smaller 10-nm and 20-nm AgNPs were more effective at synergistically potentiating the activity of tobramycin. Visualization of biofilms treated with combinations of 10-nm AgNPs and tobramycin reveals that the synergistic bactericidal effect may be caused by disrupting cellular membranes. Minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) assays using clinical
P. aeruginosa
isolates shows that small AgNPs are more effective than larger AgNPs at inhibiting biofilms, but that the synergy effect is likely a strain-dependent phenomenon. These data suggest that small AgNPs synergistically potentiate the activity of tobramycin against
P. aeruginosa
in vitro
and may reveal a potential role for AgNP/antibiotic combinations in treating patients with chronic infections in a strain-specific manner.
Development of Methionyl-tRNA Synthetase Inhibitors as Antibiotics for Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections
Authors: Faghih Omeed , Zhang Zhongsheng , Ranade Ranae M. , Gillespie J. Robert , Creason Sharon A. , Huang Wenlin , Shibata Sayaka , Barros-Álvarez Ximena , Verlinde Christophe L. M. J. , Hol Wim G. J. , Fan Erkang , Buckner Frederick S. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are widespread and pose a growing threat to human health. New antibiotics acting by novel mechanisms of action are needed to address this challenge. The bacterial methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MetRS) enzyme is essential for protein synthesis, and the type found in Gram-positive bacteria is substantially different from its counterpart found in the mammalian cytoplasm. Both previously published and new selective inhibitors were shown to be highly active against Gram-positive bacteria with MICs of ≤1.3 μg/ml against
Staphylococcus
,
Enterococcus
, and
Streptococcus
strains. Incorporation of radioactive precursors demonstrated that the mechanism of activity was due to the inhibition of protein synthesis. Little activity against Gram-negative bacteria was observed, consistent with the fact that Gram-negative bacterial species contain a different type of MetRS enzyme. The ratio of the MIC to the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was consistent with a bacteriostatic mechanism. The level of protein binding of the compounds was high (>95%), and this translated to a substantial increase in MICs when the compounds were tested in the presence of serum. Despite this, the compounds were very active when they were tested in a
Staphylococcus aureus
murine thigh infection model. Compounds 1717 and 2144, given by oral gavage, resulted in 3- to 4-log decreases in the bacterial load compared to that in vehicle-treated mice, which was comparable to the results observed with the comparator drugs, vancomycin and linezolid. In summary, the research describes MetRS inhibitors with oral bioavailability that represent a class of compounds acting by a novel mechanism with excellent potential for clinical development.
Chromosome-Mediated
mcr-3
Variants in Aeromonas veronii from Chicken Meat
Authors: Ling Zhuoren , Yin Wenjuan , Li Hui , Zhang Qidi , Wang Xiaoming , Wang Zheng , Ke Yuebin , Wang Yang , Shen Jianzhong 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Two adjacent colistin resistance gene variants, termed
mcr-3.3
and
mcr-3
-like, were identified in the chromosome of an
Aeromonas veronii
isolate obtained from retail chicken meat. The variants showed 95.20% and 84.19% nucleotide sequence identity, respectively, to
mcr-3
from porcine
Escherichia coli
. Functional cloning indicated that only
mcr-3.3
conferred polymyxin resistance in both
E. coli
and
Aeromonas salmonicida
. The
mcr-3.3-mcr-3
-like segment was also observed in other
Aeromonas
species, including
A. media
,
A. caviae
, and
A. hydrophila
.
Amino Acid Substitution in the Major Multidrug Efflux Transporter Protein AcrB Contributes to Low Susceptibility to Azithromycin in Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Seyama Shoji , Wajima Takeaki , Nakaminami Hidemasa , Noguchi Norihisa 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Clarithromycin-resistant
Haemophilus influenzae
strains with a nonsense mutation in
acrR
generally exhibited susceptibility to azithromycin, although one strain was found to be nonsusceptible; we aimed to clarify the differences. This strain had an amino acid substitution, Arg327Ser, in AcrB. Introduction of this substitution into
H. influenzae
Rd caused an increase in the MIC of azithromycin, suggesting that this substitution contributed to nonsusceptibility. These findings indicate that azithromycin-nonsusceptible isolates could occur through stepwise mutation in the
acr
region.
The Arsenic Resistance-Associated Listeria Genomic Island LGI2 Exhibits Sequence and Integration Site Diversity and a Propensity for Three Listeria monocytogenes Clones with Enhanced Virulence
Authors: Lee Sangmi , Ward Todd J. , Jima Dereje D. , Parsons Cameron , Kathariou Sophia 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

In the foodborne pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
, arsenic resistance is encountered primarily in serotype 4b clones considered to have enhanced virulence and is associated with an arsenic resistance gene cluster within a 35-kb chromosomal region,
Listeria
genomic island 2 (LGI2). LGI2 was first identified in strain Scott A and includes genes putatively involved in arsenic and cadmium resistance, DNA integration, conjugation, and pathogenicity. However, the genomic localization and sequence content of LGI2 remain poorly characterized. Here we investigated 85 arsenic-resistant
L. monocytogenes
strains, mostly of serotype 4b. All but one of the 70 serotype 4b strains belonged to clonal complex 1 (CC1), CC2, and CC4, three major clones associated with enhanced virulence. PCR analysis suggested that 53 strains (62.4%) harbored an island highly similar to LGI2 of Scott A, frequently (42/53) in the same location as Scott A (
LMOf2365_2257
homolog). Random-primed PCR and whole-genome sequencing revealed seven novel insertion sites, mostly internal to chromosomal coding sequences, among strains harboring LGI2 outside the
LMOf2365_2257
homolog. Interestingly, many CC1 strains harbored a noticeably diversified LGI2 (LGI2-1) in a unique location (
LMOf2365_0902
homolog) and with a novel additional gene. With few exceptions, the tested LGI2 genes were not detected in arsenic-resistant strains of serogroup 1/2, which instead often harbored a Tn
554
-associated arsenic resistance determinant not encountered in serotype 4b. These findings indicate that in
L. monocytogenes
, LGI2 has a propensity for certain serotype 4b clones, exhibits content diversity, and is highly promiscuous, suggesting an ability to mobilize various accessory genes into diverse chromosomal loci.

IMPORTANCE
Listeria monocytogenes
is widely distributed in the environment and causes listeriosis, a foodborne disease with high mortality and morbidity. Arsenic and other heavy metals can powerfully shape the populations of human pathogens with pronounced environmental lifestyles such as
L. monocytogenes
. Arsenic resistance is encountered primarily in certain serotype 4b clones considered to have enhanced virulence and is associated with a large chromosomal island,
Listeria
genomic island 2 (LGI2). LGI2 also harbors a cadmium resistance cassette and genes putatively involved in DNA integration, conjugation, and pathogenicity. Our findings indicate that LGI2 exhibits pronounced content plasticity and is capable of transferring various accessory genes into diverse chromosomal locations. LGI2 may serve as a paradigm on how exposure to a potent environmental toxicant such as arsenic may have dynamically selected for arsenic-resistant subpopulations in certain clones of
L. monocytogenes
which also contribute significantly to disease.
The Limnohabitans Genus Harbors Generalistic and Opportunistic Subtypes: Evidence from Spatiotemporal Succession in a Canyon-Shaped Reservoir
Authors: Jezberová Jitka , Jezbera Jan , Znachor Petr , Nedoma Jiří , Kasalický Vojtěch , Šimek Karel 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

We studied the diversity of
Limnohabitans
using reverse line blot hybridization with
Limnohabitans
lineage-specific probes in the freshwater canyon-shaped Římov reservoir (Czech Republic). To examine the succession of distinct lineages, we performed (i) a study of an intensive spring sampling program at the lacustrine part of the Římov reservoir (from ice melt through a phytoplankton peak to the clear-water phase), and (ii) a seasonal study (April to November) when the occurrence of distinct
Limnohabitans
lineages was related to the inherent longitudinal heterogeneity of the reservoir. Significant spatiotemporal changes in the compositions of distinct
Limnohabitans
lineages allowed for the identification of “generalists” that were always present throughout the whole season as well as “specialists” that appeared in the reservoir only for limited periods of time or irregularly. Our results indicate that some phytoplankton groups, such as cryptophytes or cyanobacteria, and zooplankton composition were the major factors modulating the distribution and dynamics of distinct
Limnohabitans
lineages. The highest
Limnohabitans
diversity was observed during the spring algal bloom, whereas the lowest was during the summer cyanobacterial bloom. The microdiversity also markedly increased upstream in the reservoir, being highest at the inflow, and thus likely reflecting strong influences of the watershed.

IMPORTANCE
The genus
Limnohabitans
is a typical freshwater bacterioplankton and is believed to play a significant role in inland freshwater habitats. This work is unique in detecting and tracing different closely related lineages of this bacterial genus in its natural conditions using the semiquantitative reverse line blot hybridization method and in discovering the factors influencing the microdiversity, subtype alternations, and seasonality.