bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Absence of the KhpA and KhpB (JAG/EloR) RNA‐binding proteins suppresses the requirement for PBP2b by overproduction of FtsA in Streptococcus pneumoniae D39
Authors: Zheng Jiaqi J. , Perez Amilcar J. , Tsui Ho‐Ching Tiffany , Massidda Orietta , Winkler Malcolm E. 
Published: September 2017

SummarySuppressor mutations were isolated that obviate the requirement for essential PBP2b in peripheral elongation of peptidoglycan from the midcells of dividing Streptococcus pneumoniae D39 background cells. One suppressor was in a gene encoding a single KH‐domain protein (KhpA). ΔkhpA suppresses deletions in most, but not all (mltG), genes involved in peripheral PG synthesis and in the gpsB regulatory gene. ΔkhpA mutations reduce growth rate, decrease cell size, minimally affect shape and induce expression of the WalRK cell‐wall stress regulon. Reciprocal co‐immunoprecipitations show that KhpA forms a complex in cells with another KH‐domain protein (KhpB/JAG/EloR). ΔkhpA and ΔkhpB mutants phenocopy each other exactly, consistent with a direct interaction. RNA‐immunoprecipitation showed that KhpA/KhpB bind an overlapping set of RNAs in cells. Phosphorylation of KhpB reported previously does not affect KhpB function in the D39 progenitor background. A chromosome duplication implicated FtsA overproduction in Δpbp2b suppression. We show that cellular FtsA concentration is negatively regulated by KhpA/B at the post‐transcriptional level and that FtsA overproduction is necessary and sufficient for suppression of Δpbp2b. However, increased FtsA only partially accounts for the phenotypes of ΔkhpA mutants. Together, these results suggest that multimeric KhpA/B may function as a pleiotropic RNA chaperone controlling pneumococcal cell division.
Successful Control of Pain from Malignant Psoas Syndrome by Spinal Opioid with Local Anesthetic Agents
Authors: Yamaguchi Takashi , Katayama Katsuyuki , Matsumoto Mina , Sato Yoshifumi , Nakayama Noriko , Hisahara Ko 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundMalignant psoas syndrome (MPS) is a rare but distressing pain syndrome observed in advanced cancer patients. Pain due to MPS is often refractory to multimodal analgesic treatment, including opioid analgesics. As only 1 case demonstrating the efficacy of neuraxial analgesia in managing pain due to MPS has been reported, its role in MPS remains uncertain.CasesWe present 3 cases demonstrating the successful management of pain due to MPS using spinal opioids with local anesthetic agents. All patients were under the care of the palliative care consultation service in an acute care hospital and refractory to multimodal analgesic treatment, including opioid, non‐opioid, and adjuvant analgesics. Switching opioid administration to the epidural or intrathecal route with a local anesthetic agent provided good pain control in all 3 patients. Moreover, all patients showed improvements in both Palliative Performance Scale and Functional Independence Measure scores after starting a spinal opioid with a local anesthetic agent.ConclusionsThe findings in the present cases indicate neuraxial analgesia may be of benefit, in terms of managing pain and improving functional status, in MPS patients with insufficient pain control by multimodal analgesic treatment. Physicians should consider the use of neuraxial analgesia in cases of MPS where pain is uncontrolled with multimodal analgesic treatment to provide the best possible quality of life for patients with MPS.
Host‐induced silencing of essential genes in Puccinia triticina through transgenic expression of RNAi sequences reduces severity of leaf rust infection in wheat
Authors: Panwar Vinay , Jordan Mark , McCallum Brent , Bakkeren Guus 
Published: September 2017

SummaryLeaf rust, caused by the pathogenic fungus Puccinia triticina (Pt), is one of the most serious biotic threats to sustainable wheat production worldwide. This obligate biotrophic pathogen is prevalent worldwide and is known for rapid adaptive evolution to overcome resistant wheat varieties. Novel disease control approaches are therefore required to minimize the yield losses caused by Pt. Having shown previously the potential of host‐delivered RNA interference (HD‐RNAi) in functional screening of Pt genes involved in pathogenesis, we here evaluated the use of this technology in transgenic wheat plants as a method to achieve protection against wheat leaf rust (WLR) infection. Stable expression of hairpin RNAi constructs with sequence homology to Pt MAP‐kinase (PtMAPK1) or a cyclophilin (PtCYC1) encoding gene in susceptible wheat plants showed efficient silencing of the corresponding genes in the interacting fungus resulting in disease resistance throughout the T2 generation. Inhibition of Pt proliferation in transgenic lines by in planta‐induced RNAi was associated with significant reduction in target fungal transcript abundance and reduced fungal biomass accumulation in highly resistant plants. Disease protection was correlated with the presence of siRNA molecules specific to targeted fungal genes in the transgenic lines harbouring the complementary HD‐RNAi construct. This work demonstrates that generating transgenic wheat plants expressing RNAi‐inducing transgenes to silence essential genes in rust fungi can provide effective disease resistance, thus opening an alternative way for developing rust‐resistant crops.
Effect of parental RNA interference of a transformer‐2 homologue on female reproduction and offspring sex determination in Asian citrus psyllid
Authors: Yu Xiudao , Killiny Nabil 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAsian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is the vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the causal agent of citrus huanglongbing (HLB). A comprehensive understanding of molecular components that govern key physiological traits in D. citri would promote the development of novel genetic control strategies to fight this pest. In the present study, a transformer 2 homologue (Dctra‐2) implicated in embryonic sex differentiation in dipteran insects is targeted to interfere with the offspring sex ratio of D. citri. The results of the present study show that Dctra‐2 is constitutively expressed at all developmental stages and in both females and males during the adult stage. Quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis confirms the double‐stranded RNA‐mediated RNA interference (RNAi) of the Dctra‐2. RNAi effects in D. citri female adults can be transferred in a trans‐generational manner to their eggs and progeny, which are commonly referred as parental RNAi. RNAi females lay fewer eggs, with a mean of 12.44, and the hatching rate of laid eggs is reduced approximately by 29.86% compared with the control. However, parental RNAi of Dctra‐2 do not produce male‐biased progeny. The results suggest that Dctra‐2 is an effective RNAi target for use in the management of D. citri. In addition, the parental RNAi would provide an effective tool for studying the function of early embryonic genes in D. citri.
Ontogeny of protein concentration, haemocyte concentration and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli in haemolymph of the invasive harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Řeřicha Michal , Dobeš Pavel , Hyršl Pavel , Knapp Michal 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe harlequin ladybird is considered to be one of the most successful invasive insect species. Among other traits, its invasive success is considered to be caused by a powerful immune system. In the present study, we investigate the ontogenetic profile of protein concentration, concentration of circulating haemocytes and constitutive antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli in Harmonia axyridis haemolymph during late larval development and early adult life. Protein concentration increases during the first 32 days of adult life from 45 to 100 mg per mL of haemolymph and reaches intermediate values during larval stages. The concentration of circulating haemocytes is very low (5000 haemocytes per μL of haemolymph) in late larval stages and increases strongly during first 8 days of adult life to values of approximately 30 000 haemocytes per μL of haemolymph. The killing efficiency of haemolymph against E. coli is lowest in larval stages, rapidly increases in the prepupal stage and then steadily grows during the whole period of adult life. There are no significant effects of sex on any of the investigated physiological or immune parameters. In general, the patterns observed for H. axyridis contrast with many results that are reported for other insects (e.g. bees, fruit flies, crickets or mosquitoes). One possible explanation is the contrasting life history of H. axyridis, with a fast preimaginal development and a long adult lifespan being linked to a long reproductive period. Substantial variation in physiological and immune parameters during ontogeny also has important methodological implications because individuals of exactly the same stage/age have to be employed for comparative studies.
Non‐invasive ventilation during cycle exercise training in patients with chronic respiratory failure on long‐term ventilatory support: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vitacca Michele , Kaymaz Dicle , Lanini Barbara , Vagheggini Guido , Ergün Pınar , Gigliotti Francesco , Ambrosino Nicolino , Paneroni Mara 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveThe role of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) during exercise training (ET) in patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to test whether NIV during ET had an additional effect in increasing the 6‐min walking distance (6MWD) and cycle endurance time compared with ET alone.MethodsAll patients underwent 20 sessions of cycle training over 3 weeks and were randomly assigned to ET with NIV or ET alone. Outcome measures were 6MWD (primary outcome), incremental and endurance cycle ergometer exercise time, respiratory muscle function, quality of life by the Maugeri Respiratory Failure questionnaire (MRF‐28), dyspnoea (Medical Research Council scale) and leg fatigue at rest.ResultsForty‐two patients completed the study. Following training, no significant difference in 6MWD changes were found between groups. Improvement in endurance time was significantly greater in the NIV group compared with the non‐NIV training group (754 ± 973 vs 51 ± 406 s, P = 0.0271); dyspnoea improved in both groups, while respiratory muscle function and leg fatigue improved only in the NIV ET group. MRF‐28 improved only in the group training without NIV.ConclusionIn CRF patients on long‐term NIV and long‐term oxygen therapy (LTOT), the addition of NIV to ET sessions resulted in an improvement in endurance time, but not in 6MWD.
Sparse Graphs Using Exchangeable Random Measures
Authors: Caron François , Fox Emily B. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryStatistical network modelling has focused on representing the graph as a discrete structure, namely the adjacency matrix. When assuming exchangeability of this array—which can aid in modelling, computations and theoretical analysis—the Aldous–Hoover theorem informs us that the graph is necessarily either dense or empty. We instead consider representing the graph as an exchangeable random measure and appeal to the Kallenberg representation theorem for this object. We explore using completely random measures (CRMs) to define the exchangeable random measure, and we show how our CRM construction enables us to achieve sparse graphs while maintaining the attractive properties of exchangeability. We relate the sparsity of the graph to the Lévy measure defining the CRM. For a specific choice of CRM, our graphs can be tuned from dense to sparse on the basis of a single parameter. We present a scalable Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm for posterior inference, which we use to analyse network properties in a range of real data sets, including networks with hundreds of thousands of nodes and millions of edges.
Dysregulation of Circulating Tfr/Tfh Ratio in Primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Zheng J. , Wang T. , Zhang L. , Cui L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFollicular helper T (Tfh) cells and follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells are critical for the development and maintenance of germinal centre (GC) and humoral immune responses. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the dysregulation of either Tfh cells or Tfr cells contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. We aim to investigate the roles of circulating Tfh cells and circulating Tfr cells in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). A total of 34 patients with PBC and 27 health individuals were enrolled in this study. Flow cytometry revealed that circulating Tfh (CD4+CXCR5+CD127hiCD25lo) cells were increased, but Tfr (CD4+CXCR5+CD127loCD25hi) cells and ratio of Tfr/Tfh were dramatically decreased in PBC patients compared with healthy controls. The Tfr/Tfh ratio was negatively correlated with level of serum IgM. Meanwhile, we also observed effector memory (CCR7loPD‐1hi) Tfh cells and Tfr cells were dramatically increased, but central memory (CCR7hiPD‐1lo) Tfh cells and Tfr cells were decreased in PBC patients compared with healthy controls. Effector memory Tfr cells were positively correlated with level of serum ALP. These results indicate that an imbalance of circulating Tfr cells and Tfh cells may be involved in the immunopathogenesis of PBC and may provide novel insight for the development of PBC therapies.
NbEXPA1, an α‐expansin, is plasmodesmata‐specific and a novel host factor for potyviral infection
Authors: Park Sang‐Ho , Li Fangfang , Renaud Justin , Shen Wentao , Li Yinzi , Guo Lihua , Cui Hongguang , Sumarah Mark , Wang Aiming 
Published: September 2017

SummaryPlasmodesmata (PD), unique to the plant kingdom, are structurally complex microchannels that cross the cell wall to establish symplastic communication between neighbouring cells. Viral intercellular movement occurs through PD. To better understand the involvement of PD in viral infection, we conducted a quantitative proteomic study on the PD‐enriched fraction from Nicotiana benthamiana leaves in response to infection by Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV). We report the identification of a total of 1070 PD protein candidates, of which 100 (≥2‐fold increase) and 48 (≥2‐fold reduction) are significantly differentially accumulated in the PD‐enriched fraction, when compared with protein levels in the corresponding healthy control. Among the differentially accumulated PD protein candidates, we show that an α‐expansin designated NbEXPA1, a cell wall loosening protein, is PD‐specific. TuMV infection downregulates NbEXPA1 mRNA expression and protein accumulation. We further demonstrate that NbEXPA1 is recruited to the viral replication complex via the interaction with NIb, the only RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase of TuMV. Silencing of NbEXPA1 inhibits plant growth and TuMV infection, whereas overexpression of NbEXPA1 promotes viral replication and intercellular movement. These data suggest that NbEXPA1 is a host factor for potyviral infection. This study not only generates a PD‐proteome dataset that is useful in future studies to expound PD biology and PD‐mediated virus–host interactions but also characterizes NbEXPA1 as the first PD‐specific cell wall loosening protein and its essential role in potyviral infection.
N‐glycolylneuraminic acid knockout reduces erythrocyte sequestration and thromboxane elaboration in an ex vivo pig‐to‐human xenoperfusion model
Authors: Cimeno Arielle , Hassanein Wessam , French Beth M. , Powell Jessica M. , Burdorf Lars , Goloubeva Olga , Cheng Xiangfei , Parsell Dawn M. , Ramsoondar Jagdeece , Kuravi Kasinath , Vaught Todd , Uluer Mehmet C. , Redding Emily , O'Neill Natalie , Laird Christopher , Hershfeld Alena , Tatarov Ivan , Thomas Kathryn , Ayares David , Azimzadeh Agnes M. , Pierson Richard N. , Barth Rolf N. , LaMattina John C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundWild‐type pigs express several carbohydrate moieties on their cell surfaces that differ from those expressed by humans. This difference in profile leads to pig tissue cell recognition of human blood cells causing sequestration, in addition to antibody‐mediated xenograft injury. One such carbohydrate is N‐glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), a sialic acid molecule synthesized in pigs but not in humans. Here, we evaluate livers with and without Neu5Gc in an ex vivo liver xeno perfusion model.MethodsLivers from pigs with an α1,3‐galactosyl transferase gene knockout (GalTKO) and transgenic for human membrane cofactor (hCD46) with (n = 5) or without (n = 7) an additional Neu5Gc gene knock out (Neu5GcKO) were perfused ex vivo with heparinized whole human blood. A drug regimen consisting of a histamine inhibitor, thromboxane synthase inhibitor, and a murine anti‐human GPIb‐blocking antibody fragment was given to half of the experiments in each group.ResultsLiver function tests (AST and ALT) were not significantly different between livers with and without the Neu5GcKO. GalTKO.hCD46.Neu5GcKO livers had less erythrocyte sequestration as evidenced by a higher mean hematocrit over time compared to GalTKO.hCD46 livers (P = .0003). The addition of Neu5GcKO did not ameliorate profound thrombocytopenia seen within the first 15 minutes of perfusion. TXB2 was significantly less with the added drug regimen (P = .006) or the presence of Neu5GcKO (P = .017).ConclusionsThe lack of Neu5Gc expression attenuated erythrocyte loss but did not prevent profound early onset thrombocytopenia or platelet activation, although TXB2 levels were decreased in the presence of Neu5GcKO.
Congenital aortic valve repair using CorMatrix®: A histologic evaluation
Authors: Hofmann Michael , Schmiady Martin O. , Burkhardt Barbara E. , Dave Hitendu H. , Hübler Michael , Kretschmar Oliver , Bode Peter K. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe reconstruction of heart valves provides substantial benefits, particularly in the pediatric population. We present our experience using decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM, CorMatrix®) for aortic valve procedures.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the case histories of 6 patients (aged from 2 months ‐ 14 years) who underwent surgery for severe aortic valve stenosis (n = 4) or regurgitation (n = 2). Aortic valve repair was performed on all patients using dECM as a leaflet replacement or leaflet extension. Follow‐ups were performed using echocardiography. Reoperation was necessary in 4 cases, and the dECM was explanted and examined histologically and immunohistochemically.ResultsThe early post‐operative period was uneventful, and the scaffold fulfilled the mechanical requirements. Significant valve insufficiency developed in 5 patients during the post‐operative period (119‐441 days postoperatively). In all specimens, only a migration of inflammatory cells was identified, which induced structural and functional changes caused by the chronic inflammatory response.ConclusionsOur results suggest a mixed immunological response of remodeling and inflammation following the implantation. The expected process of seeding/migration and remodeling of the bioscaffold into the typical 3‐layered architecture were not observed in our explanted specimens.
Cycling Through Cancer: Exploring Childhood Cancer Survivors’ Experiences of Well- and Ill-Being
Authors: Burke Shaunna M. , Brunet Jennifer , Wurz Amanda , Butler Christina , Utley Andrea 
Published: September 2017

The benefits of informal physical activity during recovery from childhood cancer have rarely been investigated. This study adopted a multiple case study approach to explore the impact of recreational cycling on childhood cancer survivors’ experiences of well- and ill-being. Three semistructured interviews were conducted over a 3-month period with four survivors to explore their experiences of physical, psychological, and social well- and ill-being. Within-case analysis followed by cross-case analysis identified three themes that captured their well- and ill-being experiences with recreational cycling and cancer: (a) cultivating feelings and emotions, (b) experiencing physical changes, and (c) encountering positive and negative social interactions. The results from this study show that recreational cycling may be a useful adjunct to conventional treatments for the self-management of multiple domains of well- and ill-being during recovery from childhood cancer.
A Novel Aerobic Degradation Pathway for Thiobencarb Is Initiated by the TmoAB Two-Component Flavin Mononucleotide-Dependent Monooxygenase System in Acidovorax sp. Strain T1
Authors: Chu Cui-Wei , Liu Bin , Li Na , Yao Shi-Gang , Cheng Dan , Zhao Jia-Dong , Qiu Ji-Guo , Yan Xin , He Qin , He Jian 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Thiobencarb is a thiocarbamate herbicide used in rice paddies worldwide. Microbial degradation plays a crucial role in the dissipation of thiobencarb in the environment. However, the physiological and genetic mechanisms underlying thiobencarb degradation remain unknown. In this study, a novel thiobencarb degradation pathway was proposed in
Acidovorax
sp. strain T1. Thiobencarb was oxidized and cleaved at the C—S bond, generating diethylcarbamothioic
S
-acid and 4-chlorobenzaldehyde (4CDA). 4CDA was then oxidized to 4-chlorobenzoic acid (4CBA) and hydrolytically dechlorinated to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4HBA). The identification of catabolic genes suggested further hydroxylation to protocatechuic acid (PCA) and finally degradation through the protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase pathway. A novel two-component monooxygenase system identified in the strain, TmoAB, was responsible for the initial catabolic reaction. TmoA shared 28 to 32% identity with the oxygenase components of pyrimidine monooxygenase from
Agrobacterium fabrum
, alkanesulfonate monooxygenase from
Pseudomonas savastanoi
, and dibenzothiophene monooxygenase from
Rhodococcus
sp. TmoB shared 25 to 37% identity with reported flavin reductases and oxidized NADH but not NADPH. TmoAB is a flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-dependent monooxygenase and catalyzed the C—S bond cleavage of thiobencarb. Introduction of
tmoAB
into cells of the thiobencarb degradation-deficient mutant T1m restored its ability to degrade and utilize thiobencarb. A dehydrogenase gene,
tmoC
, was located 7,129 bp downstream of
tmoAB
, and its transcription was clearly induced by thiobencarb. The purified TmoC catalyzed the dehydrogenation of 4CDA to 4CBA using NAD
+
as a cofactor. A gene cluster responsible for the complete 4CBA metabolic pathway was also cloned, and its involvement in thiobencarb degradation was preliminarily verified by transcriptional analysis.

IMPORTANCE
Microbial degradation is the main factor in thiobencarb dissipation in soil. In previous studies, thiobencarb was degraded initially via
N
-deethylation, sulfoxidation, hydroxylation, and dechlorination. However, enzymes and genes involved in the microbial degradation of thiobencarb have not been studied. This study revealed a new thiobencarb degradation pathway in
Acidovorax
sp. strain T1 and identified a novel two-component FMN-dependent monooxygenase system, TmoAB. Under TmoAB-mediated catalysis, thiobencarb was cleaved at the C—S bond, producing diethylcarbamothioic
S
-acid and 4CDA. Furthermore, the downstream degradation pathway of thiobencarb was proposed. Our study provides the physiological, biochemical, and genetic foundation of thiobencarb degradation in this microorganism.