bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ProQ/FinO‐domain proteins: another ubiquitous family of RNA matchmakers?
Authors: Olejniczak Mikolaj , Storz Gisela 
Published: March 2017

SummarySmall RNAs (sRNAs), particularly those that act by limited base pairing with mRNAs, are part of most regulatory networks in bacteria. In many cases, the base‐pairing interaction is facilitated by the RNA chaperone Hfq. However, not all bacteria encode Hfq and some base‐pairing sRNAs do not require Hfq raising the possibility of other RNA chaperones. Candidates are proteins with homology to FinO, a factor that promotes base pairing between the FinP antisense sRNA and the traJ mRNA to control F plasmid transfer. Recent papers have shown that the Salmonella enterica FinO‐domain protein ProQ binds a large suite of sRNAs, including the RaiZ sRNA, which represses translation of the hupA mRNA, and the Legionella pneumophila protein RocC binds the RocR sRNA, which blocks expression of competence genes. Here we discuss what is known about FinO‐domain structures, including the recently solved Escherichia coli ProQ structure, as well as the RNA binding properties of this family of proteins and evidence they act as chaperones. We compare these properties with those of Hfq. We further summarize what is known about the physiological roles of FinO‐domain proteins and enumerate outstanding questions whose answers will establish whether they constitute a second major class of RNA chaperones.
Global regulatory roles of the cAMP/PKA pathway revealed by phenotypic, transcriptomic and phosphoproteomic analyses in a null mutant of the PKA catalytic subunit in Candida albicans
Authors: Cao Chengjun , Wu Mei , Bing Jian , Tao Li , Ding Xuefen , Liu Xiaoyun , Huang Guanghua 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe conserved cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) plays critical roles in the regulation of morphological transitions and virulence in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. It has long been thought that the PKA catalytic subunit is essential for cell viability in this fungus. Paradoxically, the single adenylyl cyclase‐encoding gene, CYR1, which is required for the production of cAMP in C. albicans, is not essential for cell growth. Here, a double mutant of TPK1 and TPK2 (tpk2/tpk2 tpk1/tpk1, t2t1), which encode two isoforms of the PKA catalytic subunit was successfully generated, suggesting that this subunit is not essential for cell viability. Inactivation of the PKA catalytic subunit blocked filamentation and dramatically attenuated white‐to‐opaque switching, but promoted sexual mating. Comparative transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that the t2t1 and cyr1/cyr1 mutants exhibited similar global gene expression profiles. Compared with the WT strain, the general transcriptional activity and metabolism were significantly decreased in both the t2t1 and cyr1/cyr1 mutants. Using combined phosphoproteomic and bioinformatic analyses, we identified 181 potential PKA phosphorylation targets, which represent 148 unique proteins involved in a wide spectrum of biological processes. The study sheds new insights into the global regulatory features of the cAMP/PKA pathway in C. albicans.
Animal models of maternal high fat diet exposure and effects on metabolism in offspring: a meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Ribaroff G. A. , Wastnedge E. , Drake A. J. , Sharpe R. M. , Chambers T. J. G. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryAnimal models of maternal high fat diet (HFD) demonstrate perturbed offspring metabolism although the effects differ markedly between models. We assessed studies investigating metabolic parameters in the offspring of HFD fed mothers to identify factors explaining these inter‐study differences. A total of 171 papers were identified, which provided data from 6047 offspring. Data were extracted regarding body weight, adiposity, glucose homeostasis and lipidaemia. Information regarding the macronutrient content of diet, species, time point of exposure and gestational weight gain were collected and utilized in meta‐regression models to explore predictive factors. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression test.Maternal HFD exposure did not affect offspring birthweight but increased weaning weight, final bodyweight, adiposity, triglyceridaemia, cholesterolaemia and insulinaemia in both female and male offspring. Hyperglycaemia was found in female offspring only. Meta‐regression analysis identified lactational HFD exposure as a key moderator. The fat content of the diet did not correlate with any outcomes. There was evidence of significant publication bias for all outcomes except birthweight.Maternal HFD exposure was associated with perturbed metabolism in offspring but between studies was not accounted for by dietary constituents, species, strain or maternal gestational weight gain. Specific weaknesses in experimental design predispose many of the results to bias.
Comparison of Posteromedial Versus Posterolateral Approach for Posterior Malleolus Fixation in Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures
Authors: Zhong Sheng , Shen Lin , Zhao Jia‐guo , Chen Jie , Xie Jin‐feng , Shi Qi , Wu Ying‐hua , Zeng Xian‐tie 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of posterior malleolar fractures (PMF) treated with lag screws from anterior to posterior versus posterior to anterior approach.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 48 patients with trimalleolar fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with either posteromedial (PM) or posterolateral (PL) approaches between January 2012 and December 2014. Fixation of the posterior malleolus was made with anteroposterior screws in 20 patients using the PM approach and posteroanterior screws in 28 patients using the PL approach. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and range of motion (ROM) of the ankle were used as the main outcome measurements, and results were evaluated at the 6‐month, 12‐month and final follow‐up. Postoperative radiographs and computed tomography scans were used to evaluate the residual gap/step‐off. The degree of arthritis was evaluated on final follow‐up using Bargon criteria. Other complications were also recorded to compare the clinical outcomes of the two approaches.ResultThe mean duration of follow‐up regardless of the approaches was 21.1 months (range, 15–54 months). None of the patients developed delayed union or nonunion. Functional bone healing was obtained in all patients at 10.7 weeks (range, 8–16 weeks). The mean AOFAS scores of the PM group at the postoperative 6‐mouth, 12‐month, and final follow‐up were 91.4 (range, 82–100), 92.5 (range, 84–100), and 92.9 (range, 86–100), respectively. In the PL group, the mean AOFAS scores were 89.9 (range, 72–100), 91.4 (range, 77–100), and 91.9 (range, 77–100), respectively. At the final follow‐up, the median loss of range of motion (ROM) for dorsiflexion and plantaflexion were 0°(0°, 5°) and 0°(0°, 0°), respectively, in both groups. There were no significant differences between the two approaches in AOFAS scores and ROM of the ankle in each period postoperatively (P > 0.05). Two patients in the PL group and 1 in the PM group developed Bargon grade 2 or 3 arthritis. We detected a 2‐mm and 3‐mm step‐off in 1 patient in the PM and PL groups, respectively.ConclusionSatisfactory results were obtained by using the two approaches for fixation of posterior malleolus, and the approaches have similar clinical and radiographic outcomes. Surgeons should choose the appropriate approach based on their experience.
Effect of Femoral Component Flexion Implantation on the Mediolateral Bone‐prosthetic Fit in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Chen Shi‐chang , Zeng Yi‐ming , Yan Meng‐ning , Yue Bing , Zhang Jun , Wang You 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveFemoral component overhang in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been reported in previous studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of femoral component flexion implantation on mediolateral bone‐prosthetic fit in TKA.MethodsVirtual prosthesis implantations were performed on computed tomographic models of 10 Chinese knees with femoral prostheses of the Advance Medial‐Pivot knee system (MicroPort Orthopedics, Arlington, TN, USA), with the femoral component positioned at 0°, 3°, or 6° of flexion in the sagittal plane. For each degree of flexion implantation, the differences between the knee and femoral component models on the lateral and medial sides at trochlea (zone 1), anterior‐distal condyle (zone 2), posterior‐distal condyle (zone 3), and posterior condyle (zone 4) were measured. Positive difference values indicate component overhang, and negative difference values indicate component underhang. The values of component overhang (underhang) in each zone were statistically analyzed across the 3° of flexion implantation.ResultsWith a greater degree of flexion implantation, overhang was reduced and even changed to underhang. With 0° of flexion implantation, an overhang exceeding 3 mm existed mainly on the medial side of zone 1 (5.81 mm) and the lateral side of zone 2 (3.39 mm). With 3° of flexion, overhang exceeding 3 mm was observed only on the medial side of zone 1 (3.10 mm), and underhang was observed only on the medial side of zone 4 (−0.32 mm). No overhang exceeding 3 mm was observed for 6° of flexion, while underhang was observed except on the lateral sides of zone 2 (1.32 mm) and zone 4 (1.10 mm) and on the medial side of zone 1 (1.54 mm). A significant difference in overhang values on the lateral and medial sides of zone 1 was observed between 0 and 6° of flexion (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that femoral component flexion implantation by 3° can reduce excessive overhang, although 3.10 mm of overhang remained at the medial side of zone 1. Conversely, 6° of flexion implantation can avoid 3 mm of overhang for any zone, but increases the risk of underhang. Slight flexion implantation may be an effective alternative technique to prevent excessive component overhang, especially in the trochlea and anterior region of the distal condyle, in Chinese patients with standard TKA prostheses.
Heat shock factor C2a serves as a proactive mechanism for heat protection in developing grains in wheat via an ABA‐mediated regulatory pathway
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Jun , Chen Dandan , Lynne Mclntyre C. , Fernanda Dreccer M. , Zhang Zheng‐Bin , Drenth Janneke , Kalaipandian Sundaravelpandian , Chang Hongping , Xue Gang‐Ping 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHigh temperature at grain filling can severely reduce wheat yield. Heat shock factors (Hsfs) are central regulators in heat acclimation. This study investigated the role of TaHsfC2a, a member of the monocot‐specific HsfC2 subclass, in the regulation of heat protection genes in Triticum aestivum. Three TaHsfC2a homoeologous genes were highly expressed in wheat grains during grain filling and showed only transient up‐regulation in the leaves by heat stress but were markedly up‐regulated by drought and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. Overexpression of TaHsfC2a‐B in transgenic wheat resulted in up‐regulation of a suite of heat protection genes (e.g. TaHSP70d and TaGalSyn). Most TaHsfC2a‐B target genes were heat, drought and ABA inducible. Transactivation analysis of two representative targets (TaHSP70d and TaGalSyn) showed that TaHsfC2a‐B activated expression of reporters driven by these target promoters. Promoter mutagenesis analyses revealed that heat shock element is responsible for transactivation by TaHsfC2a‐B and heat/drought induction. TaHsfC2a‐B‐overexpressing wheat showed improved thermotolerance but not dehydration tolerance. Most TaHsfC2a‐B target genes were co‐up‐regulated in developing grains with TaHsfC2a genes. These data suggest that TaHsfC2a‐B is a transcriptional activator of heat protection genes and serves as a proactive mechanism for heat protection in developing wheat grains via the ABA‐mediated regulatory pathway.
Genetic differences in oestrous signs and oestrogen metabolism‐related genes between Chinese Mi and European Landrace‐Large White pigs
Authors: Chu Q , Liang T , Zhou B 
Published: March 2017

ContentsOestrous signs affect timely mating and reproductive efficiency in swine breeding herds. To study the genetic difference of oestrous signs between Chinese and European pigs, 100 Landrace‐Large White (LLW) cross gilts and 50 Chinese Mi gilts were assessed for oestrous signs and the concentrations of serum estradiol‐17β and progesterone were determined. The genotype of 39 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 11 oestrogen metabolism and function‐related genes was determined by Sequenom iPLEX platform. Compared with LLW gilts, Mi gilts had longer time of standing reflex (p < .001), higher scores of vulva reddening (p = .001) and greater serum estradiol‐17β concentration (p < .01). Gilts with greater serum estradiol‐17β concentrations also had greater (p < .05) scores for oestrous signs. Genetic polymorphisms of nine genes in oestrogen metabolism pathways had significant differences (p < .05) between LLW and Mi gilts. There were three and six haploblocks of SNPs in LLW and Mi, respectively. Compared with LLW, the distribution of haplotypes was more centralized in Mi pigs. Genetic polymorphisms of oestrogen metabolism‐related genes have considerable differences between Chinese Mi and European LLW pigs. Because of the important roles of oestrogen during the oestrus, some genes of oestrogen metabolism pathway could be considered as candidate genes for oestrous signs.
Lower‐limb muscle function is a determinant of exercise tolerance after lung resection surgery in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Burtin Chris , Franssen Frits M.E. , Vanfleteren Lowie E.G.W. , Groenen Miriam T.J. , Wouters Emiel F.M. , Spruit Martijn A. 
Published: March 2017

Background and objectiveThis study aims to investigate the association between exercise tolerance, pulmonary function and lower‐limb muscle function in patients with lung cancer who underwent lung resection surgery in the previous year.MethodsSixty‐four patients (age: 67 ± 11 years, 66% males) performed a symptom‐limited incremental cycle test to define peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and peak workload (Wpeak). The best of two 6‐min walking distance (6MWD) tests was also included. Isometric quadriceps strength and isokinetic quadriceps endurance were measured. Post‐bronchodilator spirometry, lung volumes and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO
) measurements were assessed. Univariate correlation analysis and multiple regression analyses were performed.Results
VO2 peak, W peak and 6MWD showed moderate to strong correlations with quadriceps strength/endurance and DLCO
while weak to moderate correlations were found with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1

), functional residual capacity (FRC) and body weight. Multiple regression showed that peak isometric quadriceps strength (P < 0.001) and DLCO
(P < 0.001) were significant predictors of VO2
peak (explained variance R2
= 0.67), while quadriceps endurance (P = 0.0015) and DLCO
(P < 0.0001) were significant predictors of W peak (R2
= 0.61). Quadriceps endurance capacity (P = 0.013), but not DLCO
, significantly contributed to the 6MWD model (R2
= 0.29).ConclusionWe identified a strong significant relationship between peak aerobic capacity and quadriceps muscle function and lung diffusing capacity. 6MWD was significantly related to quadriceps muscle function but not to pulmonary function. These findings suggest that accurate assessment of lower‐limb muscle strength has a role in the accurate interpretation of exercise tests and in selecting optimal candidates for resistance training interventions targeting the lower‐limb muscles after resection surgery.
Exploring Human Antimicrobial Antibody Responses on a Single B Cell Level
Authors: Hofmann Daniel , Lai Jonathan R. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT
Analysis of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) derived from single B cell cloning has been highly beneficial for antimicrobial immunotherapy, vaccine design, and advancing our understanding of pathogen-triggered effects on the human immunoglobulin repertoire. Sequencing of variable domains of single B cells, and characterization of binding and functional activities of MAbs derived from those sequences, provides in-depth insight not only into sites of susceptibility for antibody-mediated neutralization or opsonization of the pathogen but also into the dynamics of protective antibody evolution during infection. This information can be utilized to rapidly develop novel immunotherapies of completely human origin and provides a roadmap for structure-based vaccine design that aims to elicit similar protective antibody responses. Here, we summarize recent aspects of the single B cell cloning approach.
ORF7 of Varicella-Zoster Virus Is Required for Viral Cytoplasmic Envelopment in Differentiated Neuronal Cells
Authors: Jiang Hai-Fei , Wang Wei , Jiang Xuan , Zeng Wen-Bo , Shen Zhang-Zhou , Song Yi-Ge , Yang Hong , Liu Xi-Juan , Dong Xiao , Zhou Jing , Sun Jin-Yan , Yu Fei-Long , Guo Lin , Cheng Tong , Rayner Simon , Zhao Fei , Zhu Hua , Luo Min-Hua 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Although a varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine has been used for many years, the neuropathy caused by VZV infection is still a major health concern. Open reading frame 7 (ORF7) of VZV has been recognized as a neurotropic gene
in vivo
, but its neurovirulent role remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ORF7 deletion on VZV replication cycle at virus entry, genome replication, gene expression, capsid assembly and cytoplasmic envelopment, and transcellular transmission in differentiated neural progenitor cells (dNPCs) and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y (dSY5Y) cells. Our results demonstrate that the ORF7 protein is a component of the tegument layer of VZV virions. Deleting ORF7 did not affect viral entry, viral genome replication, or the expression of typical viral genes but clearly impacted cytoplasmic envelopment of VZV capsids, resulting in a dramatic increase of envelope-defective particles and a decrease in intact virions. The defect was more severe in differentiated neuronal cells of dNPCs and dSY5Y. ORF7 deletion also impaired transmission of ORF7-deficient virus among the neuronal cells. These results indicate that ORF7 is required for cytoplasmic envelopment of VZV capsids, virus transmission among neuronal cells, and probably the neuropathy induced by VZV infection.

IMPORTANCE
The neurological damage caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation is commonly manifested as clinical problems. Thus, identifying viral neurovirulent genes and characterizing their functions are important for relieving VZV related neurological complications. ORF7 has been previously identified as a potential neurotropic gene, but its involvement in VZV replication is unclear. In this study, we found that ORF7 is required for VZV cytoplasmic envelopment in differentiated neuronal cells, and the envelopment deficiency caused by ORF7 deletion results in poor dissemination of VZV among neuronal cells. These findings imply that ORF7 plays a role in neuropathy, highlighting a potential strategy to develop a neurovirulence-attenuated vaccine against chickenpox and herpes zoster and providing a new target for intervention of neuropathy induced by VZV.
Lower glycemic load meals reduce diurnal glycemic oscillations in women with risk factors for gestational diabetes
Authors: Kizirian Nathalie V , Goletzke Janina , Brodie Shannon , Atkinson Fiona S , Markovic Tania P , Ross Glynis P , Buyken Anette , Brand-Miller Jennie C 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveMaternal glycemia plays a key role in fetal growth. We hypothesized that lower glycemic load (GL) meals (lower glycemic index, modestly lower carbohydrate) would substantially reduce day-long glucose variability in women at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Research design and methodsA crossover study of 17 women (mean±SD age 34.8±4 years; gestational weeks 29.3±1.3; body mass index 23.8±4.7 kg/m2) who consumed a low GL or a high GL diet in random order, 1-day each, over 2 consecutive days. Diets were energy-matched and fiber-matched with 5 meals per 24 hours. All food was provided. Continuous glucose monitoring was used to assess diurnal glycemia.ResultsMaternal glucose levels were 51% lower on the low GL day with lower incremental area under the curve (iAUC±SEM 549±109 vs 1120±198 mmol/L min, p=0.015). Glycemic variability was significantly lower on the low GL day, as demonstrated by a lower average SD (0.7±0.1 vs 0.9±0.1, p<0.001) and lower mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (2.1±0.2 vs 2.7±0.2 mmol/L, p<0.001).ConclusionsA lower GL meal plan in pregnancy acutely halves day-long maternal glucose levels and reduces glucose variability, providing further evidence to support the utility of a low GL diet in pregnancy.
Getting the terminology right in sexual health research: the importance of accurately classifying fuck buddies among men who have sex with men
Authors: Bellhouse Clare , Walker Sandra , Fairley Christopher K , Chow Eric PF , Bilardi Jade E 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveThe aim of this report was to raise the issue of the definition and classification of partner terminology in men who have sex with men (MSM) research, particularly in regards to ‘fuck buddies’. If definitions in research differ from general consensus in the MSM population, it is possible that public health strategies will be ineffective as the target population may be inaccurate.MethodsThirty semistructured interviews with MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre were conducted, focusing on the willingness to change sexual practices to reduce the risk of pharyngeal gonorrhoea. As part of these interviews, men were also asked their views on the terminology they used to describe their relationships and sexual partners.ResultsThe degree of emotional attachment often defined the type or classification of relationships. There was a consensus among men that partners they engaged with for ‘sex only’ were classified as casual partners and partners with whom there was an emotional attachment or formalisation of the relationship were classified as ‘regular partners’. However, the classification of ‘fuck buddy’ as a regular or casual partner was less clear.ConclusionsFurther research is needed to ascertain the ways in which men conceptualise sexual relationships and define or classify partner types, particularly ‘fuck buddy’ relationships. A third category for sexual relationships should be considered to encapsulate fuck buddy relationships.