bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains exhibit diverse mechanisms to repress Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae‐induced hypersensitive response and non‐host resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Li Wen , Cao Jia‐Yi , Xu You‐Ping , Cai Xin‐Zhong 
Published: April 2016

SummaryXanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) rapidly triggers a hypersensitive response (HR) and non‐host resistance in its non‐host plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Here, we report that Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 blocks Xoo‐induced HR in N. benthamiana when pre‐infiltrated or co‐infiltrated, but not when post‐infiltrated at 4 h after Xoo inoculation. This suppression by A. tumefaciens is local and highly efficient to Xoo. The HR‐inhibiting efficiency of A. tumefaciens is strain dependent. Strain C58C1 has almost no effect on Xoo‐induced HR, whereas strains GV3101, EHA105 and LBA4404 nearly completely block HR formation. Intriguingly, these three HR‐inhibiting strains employ different strategies to repress HR. Strain GV3101 displays strong antibiotic activity and thus suppresses Xoo growth. Comparison of the genotype and Xoo antibiosis activity of wild‐type A. tumefaciens strain C58 and a set of C58‐derived strains reveals that this Xoo antibiosis activity of A. tumefaciens is negatively, but not solely, regulated by the transferred‐DNA (T‐DNA) of the Ti plasmid pTiC58. Unlike GV3101, strains LBA4404 and EHA105 exhibit no significant antibiotic effect on Xoo, but rather abolish hydrogen peroxide accumulation. In addition, expression assays indicate that strains LBA4404 and EHA105 may inhibit Xoo‐induced HR by suppression of the expression of Xoo type III secretion system (T3SS) effector genes hpa1 and hrpD6. Collectively, our results unveil the multiple levels of effects of A. tumefaciens on Xoo in N. benthamiana and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the bacterial antibiosis of A. tumefaciens and the non‐host resistance induced by Xoo.
Evaluation of five conventional and molecular approaches for diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis in non‐HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Chen Min , Zhou Jie , Li Juan , Li Meng , Sun Jun , Fang Wen J. , Al‐Hatmi Abdullah M. S. , Xu Jianping , Boekhout Teun , Liao Wan Q. , Pan Wei H. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryCryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a life‐threatening mycosis primarily occurring in HIV‐infected individuals. Recently, non‐HIV‐infected hosts were increasingly reported to form a considerable proportion. However, the majority of the reported studies on the diagnosis of CM patients were performed on HIV‐infected patients. For evaluation of various diagnostic approaches for CM in non‐HIV‐infected patients, a range of conventional and molecular assays used for diagnosis of CM were verified on 85 clinical CSFs from non‐HIV‐infected CM patients, including India ink staining, culture, a newly developed loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), the lateral flow assay (LFA) of cryptococcal antigen detection and a qPCR assay. The LFA had the highest positive detection rate (97.6%; 95% CI, 91.8–99.7%) in non‐HIV‐infected CM patients, followed by the LAMP (87.1%; 95% CI, 78.0–93.4%), the qPCR (80.0%; 95% CI, 69.9–87.9%), India ink staining (70.6%; 95% CI, 59.7–80.0%) and culture (35.3%; 95% CI, 25.2–46.4%). All culture positive specimens were correctly identified by the LFA.
Interplay between bile acid metabolism and microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Dior M. , Delagrèverie H. , Duboc H. , Jouet P. , Coffin B. , Brot L. , Humbert L. , Trugnan G. , Seksik P. , Sokol H. , Rainteau D. , Sabate J.‐M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) physiopathology is multifactorial and roles for both microbiota and bile acid (BA) modifications have been proposed. We investigated role of dysbiosis, transit pattern and BA metabolism in IBS.MethodsClinical data, serum, and stool samples were collected in 15 healthy subjects (HS), 16 diarrhea‐predominant (IBS‐D) and 15 constipation‐predominant IBS (IBS‐C). Fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by real‐time PCR. Sera and fecal BA profiles, 7α‐C4 levels, and in vitro BA transformation activity by fecal microbiota were measured by mass spectrometry. Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19) was assayed by ELISA.Keys ResultsDysbiosis was present in IBS patients with an increase in Escherichia coli in IBS‐D patients (p = 0.03), and an increase in Bacteroides (p = 0.01) and Bifidobacterium (p = 0.04) in IBS‐C patients. Sera primary and amino‐conjugated BA were increased in IBS‐D (63.5 ± 5.5%, p = 0.01 and 78.9 ± 6.3%, p = 0.03) and IBS‐C patients (55.9 ± 5.5%, p = 0.04 and 65.3 ± 6.5%, p = 0.005) compared to HS (37.0 ± 5.8% and 56.7 ± 8.1%). Serum 7α‐C4 and FGF19 levels were not different among all three groups. Fecal primary BA were increased in IBS‐D patients compared to HS, including chenodeoxycholic acid which has laxative properties (25.6 ± 8.5% vs 3.5 ± 0.6%, p = 0.005). Bile acid deconjugation activity was decreased in IBS‐D (p = 0.0001) and IBS‐C (p = 0.003) feces. Abdominal pain was positively correlated with serum (R = 0.635, p < 0.001) and fecal (R = 0.391, p = 0.024) primary BA.Conclusions & InferencesDifferent sera and fecal BA profiles in IBS patients could be secondary to dysbiosis and further differences between IBS‐C and IBS‐D could explain stool patterns. This study opens new fields in IBS physiopathology and suggests that modification of BA profiles could have therapeutic potential.
The evolutionary dynamics of ancient and recent polyploidy in the African semiaquatic species of the legume genus Aeschynomene
Authors: Chaintreuil Clémence , Gully Djamel , Hervouet Catherine , Tittabutr Panlada , Randriambanona Herizo , Brown Spencer C. , Lewis Gwilym P. , Bourge Mickaël , Cartieaux Fabienne , Boursot Marc , Ramanankierana Heriniaina , D'Hont Angélique , Teaumroong Neung , Giraud Eric , Arrighi Jean‐François 
Published: April 2016

Summary

The legume genus Aeschynomene is notable in the ability of certain semiaquatic species to develop nitrogen‐fixing stem nodules. These species are distributed in two clades. In the first clade, all the species are characterized by the use of a unique Nod‐independent symbiotic process. In the second clade, the species use a Nod‐dependent symbiotic process and some of them display a profuse stem nodulation as exemplified in the African Aeschynomene afraspera.

To facilitate the molecular analysis of the symbiotic characteristics of such legumes, we took an integrated molecular and cytogenetic approach to track occurrences of polyploidy events and to analyze their impact on the evolution of the African species of Aeschynomene.

Our results revealed two rounds of polyploidy: a paleopolyploid event predating the African group and two neopolyploid speciations, along with significant chromosomal variations. Hence, we found that A. afraspera (8x) has inherited the contrasted genomic properties and the stem‐nodulation habit of its parental lineages (4x).

This study reveals a comprehensive picture of African Aeschynomene diversification. It notably evidences a history that is distinct from the diploid Nod‐independent clade, providing clues for the identification of the specific determinants of the Nod‐dependent and Nod‐independent symbiotic processes, and for comparative analysis of stem nodulation.
Impact of low‐carbohydrate diet on body composition: meta‐analysis of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Hashimoto Y. , Fukuda T. , Oyabu C. , Tanaka M. , Asano M. , Yamazaki M. , Fukui M. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe effect of low‐carbohydrate diet (LCD) on body composition, especially fat mass, in obese individuals remains to be elucidated.We performed a meta‐analysis to provide quantitative summary estimates of the mean change of body weight (kg) and fat mass (kg) in LCD comparing to those in control diet. Literature searches were performed using EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library until Dec 2014.Fourteen randomized controlled studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Eight studies including very LCD (50 g carbohydrate or 10% calorie from carbohydrate) and seven studies including mild LCD (about 40% calorie from carbohydrate). Meta‐analysis carried out on data of 1416 obese individuals, showed that LCD was associated with decrease in body weight (−0.70 kg [95% CI −1.07/−0.33]) or fat mass (−0.77 kg [−1.55/−0.32]). Subgroup meta‐analysis of studies in over 12 months suggested that LCD was not associated with decrease in body weight (−0.44 kg [−0.94/0.07]), but LCD was associated with decrease in fat mass (−0.57 kg [−1.05/−0.09]). In addition, very LCD was associated with decrease in fat mass (−0.97 kg [−1.50/−0.44]), but mild LCD was not associated with decrease in fat mass (−0.43 kg [−1.15/0.33]).LCD, especially very LCD, might be effective for decrease in fat mass in obese individuals. © 2016 World Obesity
BRONJ in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a multicenter case series
Authors: Di Fede O , Bedogni A , Giancola F , Saia G , Bettini G , Toia F , D'Alessandro N , Firenze A , Matranga D , Fedele S , Campisi G 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveOsteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a potentially severe adverse effect of various medications (bisphosphonates, anti‐resorptive, and anti‐angiogenic drugs). ONJ pathogenesis is still unclear although some risk factors have been recognized. Of these, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been hypothesized as a potential risk factor for developing ONJ. This observational study will describe a multicenter case series of patients affected with RA and ONJ, and it will attempt to evaluate the association between features of ONJ and pharmacological, systemic, and site variables.MethodsDemographic, pharmacological, and clinical data from 18 RA patients with ONJ were collected and registered from three Italian centers (i.e., Palermo, Verona, and Padua) from 2004 to 2013.ResultsSixteen (88.9%) patients were in therapy for RA: 9 of 18 (50.0%) with systemic steroids, 3 of 18 (16.7%) with methotrexate, and 4 of 18 (22.2%) with both medications. Two patients were not receiving treatment for RA. All patients took NBPs for secondary osteoporosis (average NBP duration of 69 months, range: 20–130): Fifteen (83.3%) patients were treated with single NBPs, while three (16.7%) with different molecules; one patient was also treated with denosumab. Mandible was affected more frequently (66.7%) than maxilla (33.3%); one patient presented multiple ONJ events.ConclusionsThis is the first multicenter case series in the international literature regarding our topic. Focusing on our data, it could be hypothesized that patients with RA may be more susceptible to ONJ than the majority of osteometabolic patients. In our opinion, it could be important to monitor also denosumab or other biological drug side effects.
Periostin as a biomarker for the diagnosis of pediatric asthma
Authors: Inoue Takashi , Akashi Kenichi , Watanabe Masako , Ikeda Yuichi , Ashizuka Shuichi , Motoki Takanori , Suzuki Ryohei , Sagara Nagatoshi , Yanagida Noriyuki , Sato Sakura , Ebisawa Motohiro , Ohta Shoichiro , Ono Jyunya , Izuhara Kenji , Katsunuma Toshio 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundThere are some biomarkers for asthma diagnosis but they are often difficult in clinical use, particularly in pediatric cases. Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein, upregulated in response to IL‐4 or IL‐13. Serum periostin is expected to be used as a non‐invasive biomarker for asthma diagnosis and management.MethodsTwenty‐eight children with asthma (BA) and 27 children without asthma (patients with pectus excavatum, etc. as control group) aged 6–16 years were included. Bronchial asthma was diagnosed according to International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), lung function, blood eosinophil counts, total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and serum periostin levels were assessed. Results were compared between BA and controls. Asthma diagnostic accuracies were calculated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses.ResultsSerum periostin levels in the BA group were significantly higher than those in the control group [medians (with interquartile ranges), 134.0 (116.3–166.3) vs. 112.0 (97.0–132.0) ng/ml; p = 0.012]. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for periostin, FeNO, and eosinophil counts were 0.70, 0.72, and 0.84, respectively. After the exclusion of controls with pectus excavatum, AUC for periostin, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and maximum mid‐expiratory flow rate (MMF) were 0.75, 0.74, and 0.80, respectively.ConclusionSerum periostin levels were significantly higher in children with asthma. ROC AUC values for periostin were equivalent to conventional biomarkers, including FeNO levels and lung function testing, indicating the utility of serum periostin levels in diagnosing asthma in children.
Breastfeeding and asthma outcomes at the age of 6 years: The Generation R Study
Authors: den Dekker Herman T. , Sonnenschein‐van der Voort Agnes M. M. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Reiss Irwin K. , de Jongste Johan C. , Duijts Liesbeth 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundBreastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of asthma symptoms in early childhood, but its effect at older ages remains unclear. We examined the associations of duration and exclusiveness of breastfeeding with asthma outcomes in children aged 6 years, and whether these associations were explained by atopic or infectious mechanisms.MethodsWe performed a population‐based prospective cohort study among 5675 children. Information about breastfeeding was collected by questionnaires. At age 6 years, we measured interrupter resistance (Rint) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Information about wheezing patterns (early (≤3 years only), late (>3 years only), persistent (≤3 and >3 years)), and current asthma at 6 years was derived from repeated questionnaires.ResultsCompared to children who were ever breastfed, those who were never breastfed had lower FeNO levels (sympercent (95% CI): ‐16.0 (‐24.5, ‐7.5)) and increased risks of late and persistent wheezing (OR(95% CI): 1.69 (1.06, 2.69) and 1.44 (1.00, 2.07), respectively). Shorter duration of breastfeeding was associated with early wheezing and current asthma (1.40 (1.14, 1.73) and 2.19 (1.29, 3.71), respectively). Less exclusive breastfeeding was associated with early wheezing (1.28 (1.08, 1.53)). Breastfeeding duration and exclusiveness were not associated with FeNO or Rint. The associations were not explained by inhalant allergies, partly by lower respiratory tract infections in early life, and to a lesser extent by lower respiratory tract infections in later life.ConclusionsBreastfeeding patterns may influence wheezing and asthma in childhood, which seems to be partly explained by infectious mechanisms.
Pharmacokinetics of levobupivacaine following infant spinal anesthesia
Authors: Frawley Geoff , Hallett Ben , Velkov Tony , Bjorksten Andrew 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundInfant spinal anesthesia with levobupivacaine has been promoted as a technique to reduce both the risk of postoperative apnea and exposure to volatile anesthesia. There is, however, no pharmacokinetic data to support the currently recommended doses.AimsOur aim was to determine whether infant levobupivacaine spinal anesthesia is associated with plasma concentrations consistent with a low risk of local anesthetic systemic toxicity.MethodsThis was an open‐label pharmacokinetic safety and tolerability study of levobupivacaine spinal anesthesia in infants <55 weeks Post Menstrual Age undergoing lower abdominal surgery. Infants received a spinal anesthetic with levobupivacaine 1 mg·kg−1 in the left lateral position.ResultsSpinal anesthesia was successful in 25 (86.2%) of 29 infants (postmenstrual age 36–52 weeks; weight 2.2–4.7 kg). The median (IQR) total venous levobupivacaine plasma concentrations was 0.33 (0.25–0.42) μg·ml−1 and unbound venous levobupivacaine was 19.5 (14.5–38) ng·ml−1. Median protein binding was 93.5 (91.4–96%). Alpha‐1 acid glycoprotein concentrations were 0.25 (0.17–0.37) g·l−1 and albumin concentrations were 29 (24–32) g·l−1.ConclusionTotal plasma concentrations and unbound (free) concentration of levobupivacaine were consistently lower than concentrations reported in cases of pediatric local anesthetic toxicity. In a small number of infants requiring a repeat spinal of 1 mg·kg−1 was also associated with acceptable total and free concentrations. We conclude that levobupivacaine at 1 mg·kg−1 is associated with no systemic side effects in infants receiving awake spinal anesthesia.
Proton spectroscopy study of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in youth with familial depression
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Ru , Langevin Lisa Marie , Jaworska Natalia , Kirton Adam , Lebel R. Marc , Harris Ashley D. , Jasaui Yamile , Wilkes T. Christopher , Sembo Mariko , Swansburg Rose , MacMaster Frank P. 
Published: April 2016

AimStructural, functional, and metabolic changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) are implicated in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1
H‐MRS) to examine the metabolite choline (glycerophosphocholine plus phosphocholine), which is used as an index of membrane integrity in the left DLPFC, in adolescents and young adults with MDD who were treatment‐resistant and had a positive family history compared to healthy controls. Differences in the choline resonance indicate an imbalance between synthesis and degradation activity of neuronal and glia membrane phospholipids.MethodsSeventeen adolescents with MDD and 11 healthy controls underwent 1
H‐MRS. A short echo point‐resolved spectroscopy (echo time = 30 ms, repetition time = 2000 ms) protocol was used with a voxel (4.5cm3, 128 averages) placed within the left DLPFC.ResultsThere were significantly increased choline (P = 0.04) and creatine concentrations (P = 0.005) in the left DLPFC of the MDD group compared to controls. In MDD participants, choline concentration correlated with scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (r = 0.41, P = 0.03).ConclusionIncreased left DLPFC choline and creatine levels in depressed adolescents may be biomarkers for the disorder. The increased choline levels may indicate abnormalities in neuronal membrane integrity, and the increased creatine could be reflective of altered energy demands and metabolism.
An institutional experience of pre‐emptive liver transplantation for pediatric primary hyperoxaluria type 1
Authors: Khorsandi Shirin Elizabeth , Samyn Marianne , Hassan Akhila , Vilca‐Melendez Hector , Waller Simon , Shroff Rukshana , Koffman Geoff , Van't Hoff William , Baker Alastair , Dhawan Anil , Heaton Nigel 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPrimary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is an inherited metabolic disease that culminates in ESRF. Pre‐emptive liver transplantation (pLTx) treats the metabolic defect and avoids the need for kidney transplantation (KTx). An institutional experience of pediatric PH1 LTx is reported and compared to the literature. Between 2004 and 2015, eight children underwent pLTx for PH1. Three underwent pLTx with a median GFR of 40 (30–46) mL/min/1.73 m2 and five underwent sequential combined liver‐kidney transplantation (cLKTx); all were on RRT at the time of cLKTx. In one case of pLTx, KTx was required eight and a half yr later. pLTx was performed in older (median 8 vs. 2 yr) and larger children (median 27 vs. 7.75 kg) that had a milder PH1 phenotype. In pediatric PH1, pLTx, ideally, should be performed before renal and extrarenal systemic oxalosis complications have occurred, and pLTx can be used “early” or “late.” Early is when renal function is preserved with the aim to avoid renal replacement. However, in late (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2), the aim is to stabilize renal function and delay the need for KTx. Ultimately, transplant strategy depends on PH1 phenotype, disease stage, child size, and organ availability.
Human Dignity
Authors: Zylberman Ariel 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis article focuses on human dignity as a moral idea and, in particular, on a single but fundamental question: what conception of human dignity, if any, can generate an egalitarian duty to respect all persons? After surveying two mainstream and two alternative conceptions, the article suggests that explaining how human dignity generates an egalitarian duty of respect may be more difficult than has been appreciated.
Ash dieback due toHymenoscyphus fraxineus: what can be learnt from evolutionary ecology?
Authors: Landolt J. , Gross A. , Holdenrieder O. , Pautasso M. 
Published: April 2016

The future existence of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), an important tree species throughout temperate Europe, is threatened. An invasive fungal disease (ash dieback) has spread through much of the distribution area of common ash. The causal agent of the disease isHymenoscyphus fraxineus, a necrotrophic ascomycete, most probably introduced from Asia in the early 1990s.Hymenoscyphus fraxineusinfects ash trees and saplings through their leaves, from which it grows into the stem. The fungus was studied intensively in recent years but there is still a need to address the topic from an evolutionary perspective. In this overview, some key evolutionary aspects of ash dieback are discussed, from the Red Queen dynamics of host–pathogen interactions to the probable consequences for virulence evolution of multiple infections. The progression of ash dieback in Europe does not show spatial differences, but studies show variation in susceptibility within host populations, a probable consequence of genetic differences, thus providing material for evolution of disease resistance or tolerance. Breeding programmes need to maintain the genetic diversity ofFraxinus, to enable it to withstand further threats such as climate change and the emerald ash borer. BecauseH. fraxineusreproduces exclusively sexually, the pathogen is likely to overcome a narrow genetic resistance. The introduction of further strains ofH. fraxineusto Europe and the movement of infected plant material should be avoided. This case study shows that the integration of evolutionary ecology considerations would benefit plant disease management and biosecurity in general.
Suspected pulmonary embolism in patients with pulmonary fibrosis: Discordance between ventilation/perfusion SPECT and CT pulmonary angiography
Authors: Leuschner Gabriela , Wenter Vera , Milger Katrin , Zimmermann Gregor S. , Matthes Sandhya , Meinel Felix G. , Lehner Sebastian , Neurohr Claus , Behr Jürgen , Kneidinger Nikolaus 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackground and ObjectivePulmonary embolism (PE) is a common differential diagnosis in patients with pulmonary fibrosis presenting with a clinical deterioration. Both ventilation/perfusion (V/Q)‐single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) are routinely used to detect PE. However, the value of V/Q‐SPECT and CTPA in this scenario has not been studied so far. We aimed to investigate the concordance of V/Q‐SPECT and CTPA in patients with pulmonary fibrosis and suspicion of pulmonary embolism.MethodsA total of 22 consecutive patients with pulmonary fibrosis and clinical deterioration who underwent both V/Q‐SPECT and CTPA were included in the study and analyzed for the presence of pulmonary embolism.ResultsNine of 22 patients (41%) had evidence for pulmonary embolism in V/Q‐SPECT, and two of these patients had matching evidence for pulmonary embolism in CTPA. In the other seven patients with positive findings in V/Q‐SPECT, no evidence of pulmonary embolism was found in CTPA. None of the 13 patients with a negative V/Q‐SPECT had evidence for pulmonary embolism in CTPA.ConclusionIn patients with pulmonary fibrosis and suspected pulmonary embolism, pulmonary embolism is detected more frequently by V/Q‐SPECT than by CTPA. Thromboembolic disease is identified on CTPA only in a minority of patients with positive findings on V/Q‐SPECT. When making treatment decisions, clinicians should be aware of the high rate of discordant findings in V/Q‐SPECT and CTPA in this specific patient population.