bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis MAP65‐4 plays a role in phragmoplast microtubule organization and marks the cortical cell division site
Authors: Li Haoge , Sun Baojuan , Sasabe Michiko , Deng Xingguang , Machida Yasunori , Lin Honghui , Julie Lee Y‐R. , Liu Bo 
Published: March 2017

Summary

The evolutionarily conserved MAP65 family proteins bundle anti‐parallel microtubules (MTs). In Arabidopsis thaliana, mutations in the MAP65‐3 gene lead to serious defects in MT organization in the phragmoplast and cause failures in cytokinesis. However, the functions of other ArabidopsisMAP65 isoforms are largely unknown.

MAP65 functions were analyzed based on genetic interactions among different map65 mutations. Live‐cell imaging and immunolocalization experiments revealed dynamic activities of two closely related MAP65 proteins in dividing cells.

The map65‐4 mutation caused synthetic lethality with map65‐3 although map65‐4 alone did not cause a noticeable phenotype. Furthermore, the introduction of an extra copy of the MAP65‐4 gene significantly suppressed defects in cytokinesis and seedling growth caused by map65‐3 because of restoring MT engagement in the spindle midzone. During mitosis, MAP65‐4 first appeared at the preprophase band and persisted at the cortical division site afterwards. It was also concentrated on MTs in the spindle midzone and the phragmoplast. In the absence of MAP65‐3, MAP65‐4 exhibited greatly enhanced localization in the midzone of developing phragmoplast.

Therefore, we have uncovered redundant but differential contributions of MAP65‐3 and MAP65‐4 to engaging and bundling anti‐parallel MTs in the phragmoplast and disclosed a novel action of MAP65‐4 at the cortical cell division site.
Regulation of low temperature stress in plants by microRNAs
Authors: Megha Swati , Basu Urmila , Kav Nat N.V. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLow temperature is one of the most common environmental stresses that seriously affect the growth and development of plants. However, plants have the plasticity in their defence mechanisms enabling them to tolerate and, sometimes, even survive adverse environmental conditions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs, approximately 18–24 nucleotides in length, and are being increasingly recognized as regulators of gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level and have the ability to influence a broad range of biological processes. There is growing evidence in the literature that reprogramming of gene expression mediated through miRNAs is a major defence mechanism in plants enabling them to respond to stresses. To date, numerous studies have established the importance of miRNA‐based regulation of gene expression under low temperature stress. Individual miRNAs can modulate the expression of multiple mRNA targets, and, therefore, the manipulation of a single miRNA has the potential to affect multiple biological processes. Numerous functional studies have attempted to identify the miRNA–target interactions and have elaborated the role of several miRNAs in cold‐stress regulation. This review summarizes the current understanding of miRNA‐mediated modulation of the expression of key genes as well as genetic and regulatory pathways, involved in low temperature stress responses in plants.
Viral infection‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and a membrane‐associated transcription factor NbNAC089 are involved in resistance to virus in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Li F. F. , Sun H. J. , Jiao Y. B. , Wang F. L. , Yang J. G. , Shen L. L. 
Published: March 2017

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress may induce two cell defence pathways, the unfolded protein response (UPR) or programmed cell death (PCD) upon unmitigated stress. This study confirmed that viral infection could induce ER stress through changing ER morphology and up‐regulating ER stress‐related genes, including NbNAC089. AtNAC089 serves as an ER stress sensor to regulate PCD in Arabidopsis. In this study, Nicotiana benthamiana NbNAC089 was identified. The gene encoded a 409 amino acid protein with a putative transmembrane domain near the C‐terminus and a NAC domain at the N‐terminus. NbNAC089 was localized to the ER membranes, and a truncated form of NbNAC089, lacking the transmembrane domain, was localized to the nucleus. Meanwhile, the full length of NbNAC089 was activated and cleaved in response to viral infection. The results suggest that the native protein may be translocated to the nucleus by release from the membrane during viral infection. Knock‐down of NbNAC089 in N. benthamiana increased susceptibility to Tobacco mosaic virus or Cucumber mosaic virus, and, in addition, promoted up‐regulation of UPR genes but impaired up‐regulation of PCD genes. These results show that NbNAC089 is a negative regulator of UPR and a positive regulator of PCD, and plays a role in the process of viral infection.
Adaptive Deconvolution on the Non‐negative Real Line
Authors: Mabon Gwennaëlle 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the problem of adaptive density or survival function estimation in an additive model defined by Z=X+Y with X independent of Y, when both random variables are non‐negative. This model is relevant, for instance, in reliability fields where we are interested in the failure time of a certain material that cannot be isolated from the system it belongs. Our goal is to recover the distribution of X (density or survival function) through n observations of Z, assuming that the distribution of Y is known. This issue can be seen as the classical statistical problem of deconvolution that has been tackled in many cases using Fourier‐type approaches. Nonetheless, in the present case, the random variables have the particularity to be
supported. Knowing that, we propose a new angle of attack by building a projection estimator with an appropriate Laguerre basis. We present upper bounds on the mean squared integrated risk of our density and survival function estimators. We then describe a non‐parametric data‐driven strategy for selecting a relevant projection space. The procedures are illustrated with simulated data and compared with the performances of a more classical deconvolution setting using a Fourier approach. Our procedure achieves faster convergence rates than Fourier methods for estimating these functions.
A method to determine the shear and compressive stress–strain curves from torsion and bending tests of thin wires
Authors: Connesson Nathanael , Antherieu Gabriel , Favier Denis 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSome materials are provided as wire or other slender geometries and are commonly used as mechanical parts, especially in medical applications. If slender geometries are well adapted to quasistatic tensile tests, such geometries cannot be properly tested under shear and compressive loads. The shear and compressive stress–strain curves nevertheless remain of major interest to engineers and designers. This paper proves and illustrates that material shear and compressive stress–strain curves can efficiently be extracted from torsion and bending tests on thin wires, even in noisy situations. The method is first presented to analyze torsion tests. This method is then developed and adapted to extract the material compressive stress–strain curve from both pure bending and uniaxial tensile tests.
Effect of a Health Care System Respiratory Fluoroquinolone Restriction Program To Alter Utilization and Impact Rates of Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Shea Katherine M. , Hobbs Athena L. V. , Jaso Theresa C. , Bissett Jack D. , Cruz Christopher M. , Douglass Elizabeth T. , Garey Kevin W. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Fluoroquinolones are one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotic classes in the United States despite their association with adverse consequences, including
Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI). We sought to evaluate the impact of a health care system antimicrobial stewardship-initiated respiratory fluoroquinolone restriction program on utilization, appropriateness of quinolone-based therapy based on institutional guidelines, and CDI rates. After implementation, respiratory fluoroquinolone utilization decreased from a monthly mean and standard deviation (SD) of 41.0 (SD = 4.4) days of therapy (DOT) per 1,000 patient days (PD) preintervention to 21.5 (SD = 6.4) DOT/1,000 PD and 4.8 (SD = 3.6) DOT/1,000 PD posteducation and postrestriction, respectively. Using segmented regression analysis, both education (14.5 DOT/1,000 PD per month decrease;
P
= 0.023) and restriction (24.5 DOT/1,000 PD per month decrease;
P
< 0.0001) were associated with decreased utilization. In addition, the CDI rates decreased significantly (
P
= 0.044) from preintervention using education (3.43 cases/10,000 PD) and restriction (2.2 cases/10,000 PD). Mean monthly CDI cases/10,000 PD decreased from 4.0 (SD = 2.1) preintervention to 2.2 (SD = 1.35) postrestriction. A significant increase in appropriate respiratory fluoroquinolone use occurred postrestriction versus preintervention in patients administered at least one dose (74/130 [57%] versus 74/232 [32%];
P
< 0.001), as well as in those receiving two or more doses (47/65 [72%] versus 67/191 [35%];
P
< 0.001). A significant reduction in the annual acquisition cost of moxifloxacin, the formulary respiratory fluoroquinolone, was observed postrestriction compared to preintervention within the health care system ($123,882 versus $12,273;
P
= 0.002). Implementation of a stewardship-initiated respiratory fluoroquinolone restriction program can increase appropriate use while reducing overall utilization, acquisition cost, and CDI rates within a health care system.
Pharmacokinetics and Placental Transfer of Elvitegravir, Dolutegravir, and Other Antiretrovirals during Pregnancy
Authors: Rimawi Bassam H. , Johnson Erica , Rajakumar Augustine , Tao Sijia , Jiang Yong , Gillespie Scott , Schinazi Raymond F. , Mirochnick Mark , Badell Martina L. , Chakraborty Rana 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

The integrase inhibitors elvitegravir (EVG) and dolutegravir (DTG) rapidly decrease the plasma HIV-1 viral load, a key factor in the prevention of maternal-to-fetal transmission of HIV-1. No data have been reported on the concentrations of these drugs in cord blood, maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), or placental tissue in pregnant women. We present
in vivo
pharmacokinetic data on antiretrovirals (ARV) within maternal and cord blood and within placentae from HIV-1-infected pregnant women. Maternal blood and cord blood were obtained from women receiving EVG, cobicistat, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and emtricitabine as a single fixed-dose combination formulation or DTG as part of a combination regimen. Plasma and PBMCs from maternal and cord blood were obtained along with villous placental samples. Drug concentrations were simultaneously determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Utilizing medians and ranges to interpret our data, we compared the drug concentration ratios between different matrices (maternal and cord blood plasma, PBMCs, and placenta). All five agents transferred from maternal into fetal circulation via the placenta. Concentration ratios for EVG, cobicistat, tenofovir, and emtricitabine (
n
= 10) and DTG (
n
= 3) were determined between cord plasma and placenta, cord and maternal plasma, and cord PBMCs and maternal PBMCs. TFV moves from maternal plasma through the placenta to the cord blood and then into cord PBMCs, where it is phosphorylated into its active forms (TFV diphosphate). These five ARVs were detected in each of the compartments, highlighting transfer of these agents from the maternal into the fetal circulation.
Association between socioeconomic position and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Ghanaians in different geographic locations: the RODAM study
Authors: Addo Juliet , Agyemang Charles , de-Graft Aikins Ama , Beune Erik , Schulze Matthias B , Danquah Ina , Galbete Cecilia , Nicolaou Mary , Meeks Karlijn , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Bahendaka Silver , Mockenhaupt Frank P , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Kunst Anton , Stronks Karien , Smeeth Liam 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes has been shown to be socially patterned but the direction of the association in low-income countries and among migrant populations in Europe has varied in the literature. This study examined the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and diabetes in Ghanaians in Europe and in Ghana.MethodsData were derived from the multicentre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study of Ghanaian adults aged 25–70 years residing in Europe (Amsterdam, Berlin and London) and in urban and rural Ghana. Educational attainment (elementary, secondary or higher) and occupational class (low or high) were used as indicators of SEP. Age-standardised prevalence of diabetes and prevalence ratios were evaluated separately for men and women of different SEP in Ghana and Europe.ResultsA total of 5290 participants were included in the analyses. The prevalence of diabetes decreased with increasing level of education in Ghanaian men and women in Europe and in men in urban Ghana, whereas diabetes prevalence increased with increasing level of education in men and women in rural Ghana. The association between occupational class and the prevalence of diabetes followed a less consistent pattern in men and women in the different locations.ConclusionsThe association of diabetes and SEP differed in rural Ghana compared with urban settings in Ghana and Europe and comparing men and women, highlighting the complex interaction of SEP and the development of diabetes. These findings have important implications for diabetes prevention strategies in Ghanaians in different locations.
Taxonomy should be more photography based-eliminate need of physical specimen to study morphology
Authors: CHALADZE GIORGI 
Published: March 2017

Recently, a new species of Diptera was described without preserving a type specimen (Evenhuis & Masrshall 2015). This publication caused controversy among taxonomists, of which many urged to restrict image-based descriptions to exceptional cases and insisted on the need to preserve specimens for future reproducibility of observations (Ceríaco et al. 2016; Krell 2016). I agree that type material is important in taxonomy for studying features that could not be captured on images. However, in the modern digital era, the need for actual specimen to study morphology can be circumvented.
Patients With Mitochondrial Disease Have an Inadequate Nutritional Intake
Authors: Zweers Heidi , Janssen Mirian C. H. , Leij Susanne , Wanten Geert 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground: Mitochondrial disease (MD) is a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell. Malnutrition in patients with MD may lead to increased mitochondrial dysfunction, which may enhance already existing symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with MD have an insufficient or unbalanced food intake and to establish which nutrients and product groups are particularly compromised in this patient group. Methods: In this observational, cross‐sectional, retrospective study, sixty 3‐day nutrition diaries of adult patients with MD were analyzed and compared with the Dutch recommended daily allowance and the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (DNFCS). Results: The intake of all macronutrients and micronutrients of patients with MD was significantly different from Dutch recommended daily allowance values with the exception of fat and iron. In particular, protein and calcium intake in patients with MD was significantly lower when compared with the DNFCS. Interindividual differences were high. Also, intake of fiber, sugars, saturated fat, and vitamin D differed from recommendations for the overall population. In comparison with DNFCS, the intake of dairy products and drinks was significant lower in patients. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that many patients with MD have an inadequate diet. Specifically, intake of protein, calcium, dairy products, and fluids were low. Overall, eating a healthy diet seems as difficult for patients with MD as for the general population. Since interindividual differences are high, individual diet counseling is recommended for all adult patients with MD.
Fibroblasts in Hypoxic Conditions Mimic Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Authors: Yin Linda X. , Motz Kevin M. , Samad Idris , Duvvuri Madhavi , Murphy Michael , Ding Dacheng , Hillel Alexander T. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo elucidate the role of hypoxia and inflammatory pathways in the pathogenesis of iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis (iLTS).Study Design(1) Examination of mucosal surface gene expression in human iLTS. (2) In vitro comparison of normal and scar laryngotracheal fibroblasts under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.SettingTertiary care hospital in a research university (2012‐2016).Subjects and MethodsBrush biopsies were obtained from normal laryngotracheal tissue and scar in iLTS patients; gene expression was compared. Fibroblasts were isolated from normal and scarred trachea and grown in vitro in either a 1% O2 or normoxic environment. Cell growth and gene and protein expression were compared. Statistical analysis utilized a multilevel mixed effects model.ResultsExpression of IL‐6 (fold change = 2.8, P <. 01), myofibroblast marker αSMA (fold change = 3.0, P =. 01), and MMP13 (fold change = 5.4, P =. 02) was significantly increased in scar biopsy samples as compared to normal. Under hypoxic conditions in vitro, normal laryngotracheal fibroblasts proliferated significantly faster (n = 8, P <. 01 each day). Expression of IL‐6 (n = 8, fold change = 2.6, P <. 01) increased significantly after 12 hours under hypoxia. Expression of αSMA (n = 8, fold change= 2.0, P =. 03), COL1 (n = 8, fold change = 1.1, P =. 03), and MMP13 (n = 8, fold change = 1.6, P =. 01) increased significantly after 48 hours under hypoxia. Scar fibroblasts also proliferated significantly faster under hypoxic conditions but did not display the same expression profile.ConclusionHuman iLTS scar has a myofibroblast phenotype. Under hypoxic conditions in vitro, normal laryngotracheal fibroblasts can transdifferentiate into a similar phenotype. These changes may be mediated by IL‐6, a fibrosis‐related cytokine.
The Role of Tonsillectomy in Adults with Tonsillar Hypertrophy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Smith Matthew M. , Peterson Ed , Yaremchuk Kathleen L. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo determine if tonsillectomy alone is an effective treatment in improving obstructive sleep apnea in adult subjects with tonsillar hypertrophy and to evaluate the effect of tonsillectomy on patient‐reported quality‐of‐life indices.Study DesignCase series with planned data collection.SettingAcademic hospital.Subjects and MethodsThirty‐four subjects completed enrollment and intervention from January 2011 to January 2016. Subjects completed pre‐ and postoperative quality‐of‐life questionnaires, including the Insomnia Severity Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire–10. Surgical response to treatment was defined by a >50% decrease in the Apnea‐Hypopnea Index and a decrease in the overall Apnea‐Hypopnea Index to <20. Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank tests were used to test each variable to assess for a change from pre‐ to postintervention. Subjects were then split into 3 BMI subgroups, with results also evaluated by Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank tests.ResultsThere was a significant difference discovered between the mean preoperative Apnea‐Hypopnea Index of 31.57 and the mean postoperative value of 8.12 (P <. 001). All patient‐reported outcomes improved significantly following tonsillectomy. After stratifying all outcome variables (Apnea‐Hypopnea Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire–10) by sex, race, and tonsil size, no statistically significant difference was noted among any of these subgroups. There was a 78% surgical response to treatment.ConclusionTonsillectomy appears to be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in a select population of adults with tonsillar hypertrophy.
Comparative effectiveness of botulinum toxin versus non-surgical treatments for treating lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Yu-Ching , Wu Wei-Ting , Hsu Yu-Chun , Han Der-Sheng , Chang Ke-Vin 
Published: March 2017

Objectives: To explore the effectiveness of botulinum toxin compared with non-surgical treatments in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Methods: Data sources including PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Airity Library from the earliest record to February 2017 were searched. Study design, patients’ characteristics, dosage/brand of botulinum toxin, injection techniques, and measurements of pain and hand grip strength were retrieved. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) in pain relief and grip strength reduction were calculated at the following time points: 2-4, 8-12, and 16 weeks or more after injection. Results: Six randomized controlled trials (321 participants) comparing botulinum toxin with placebo or corticosteroid injections were included. Compared with placebo, botulinum toxin injection significantly reduced pain at all three time points (SMD, -0.729, 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.286 to -0.171; SMD, -0.446, 95% CI, -0.740 to -0.152; SMD, -0.543, 95% CI, -0.978 to -0.107, respectively). Botulinum toxin was less effective than corticosteroid at 2-4 weeks (SMD, 1.153; 95% CI, 0.568-1.737) and both treatments appeared similar in efficacy after 8 weeks. Different injection sites and dosage/brand did not affect effectiveness. Botulinum toxin decreased grip strength 2-4 weeks after injection, and high equivalent dose could extend its paralytic effects to 8-12 weeks. Conclusions: When treating lateral epicondylitis, botulinum toxin was superior to placebo and could last for 16 weeks. Corticosteroid and botulinum toxin injections were largely equivalent, except the corticosteroid injections were better at pain relief in the early stages and were associated with less weakness in grip in the first 12 weeks.