bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rhamnose synthase activity is required for pathogenicity of the vascular wilt fungus Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Santhanam Parthasarathy , Boshoven Jordi C. , Salas Omar , Bowler Kyle , Islam Md Tohidul , Saber Mojtaba Keykha , van den Berg Grardy C. M. , Bar‐Peled Maor , Thomma Bart P. H. J. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe initial interaction of a pathogenic fungus with its host is complex and involves numerous metabolic pathways and regulatory proteins. Considerable attention has been devoted to proteins that play a crucial role in these interactions, with an emphasis on so‐called effector molecules that are secreted by the invading microbe to establish the symbiosis. However, the contribution of other types of molecules, such as glycans, is less well appreciated. Here, we present a random genetic screen that enabled us to identify 58 novel candidate genes that are involved in the pathogenic potential of the fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae, which causes vascular wilt diseases in over 200 dicotyledonous plant species, including economically important crops. One of the candidate genes that was identified concerns a putative biosynthetic gene involved in nucleotide sugar precursor formation, as it encodes a putative nucleotide‐rhamnose synthase/epimerase‐reductase (NRS/ER). This enzyme has homology to bacterial enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the nucleotide sugar deoxy‐thymidine diphosphate (dTDP)‐rhamnose, a precursor of L‐rhamnose, which has been shown to be required for virulence in several human pathogenic bacteria. Rhamnose is known to be a minor cell wall glycan in fungi and has therefore not been suspected as a crucial molecule in fungal–host interactions. Nevertheless, our study shows that deletion of the VdNRS/ER gene from the V. dahliae genome results in complete loss of pathogenicity on tomato and Nicotiana benthamiana plants, whereas vegetative growth and sporulation are not affected. We demonstrate that VdNRS/ER is a functional enzyme in the biosynthesis of uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐rhamnose, and further analysis has revealed that VdNRS/ER deletion strains are impaired in the colonization of tomato roots. Collectively, our results demonstrate that rhamnose, although only a minor cell wall component, is essential for the pathogenicity of V. dahliae.
Plasticity in plant functional traits is shaped by variability in neighbourhood species composition
Authors: Abakumova Maria , Zobel Kristjan , Lepik Anu , Semchenko Marina 
Published: March 2016

Summary

Plant functional traits can vary widely as a result of phenotypic plasticity to abiotic conditions. Trait variation may also reflect responses to the identity of neighbours, although not all species are equally responsive to their biotic surroundings. We hypothesized that responses to neighbours are shaped by spatial community patterns and resulting variability in neighbour composition. More precisely, we tested the theoretical prediction that plasticity is most likely to evolve if alternative environments (in this case, different neighbour species) are common and encountered at similar frequencies.

We estimated the frequencies of encountering different neighbour species in the field for 27 grassland species and measured the aboveground morphological responses of each species to conspecific vs heterospecific neighbours in a common garden.

Responses to neighbour identity were dependent on how frequently the experimental neighbours were encountered by the focal species in their home community, with the greatest plasticity observed in species that encountered both neighbours (conspecific and heterospecific) with high and even frequency.

Biotic interactions with neighbouring species can impose selection on plasticity in functional traits, which may feed back through trait divergence and niche differentiation to influence species coexistence and community structure.
Phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for metabolic disorders
Authors: Wu C. , Rajagopalan S. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryPhosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4) hydrolyses cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a crucial secondary messenger for cellular adaptation to diverse external stimuli. The activity of PDE4 is tightly controlled by post‐translational regulation, structure‐based auto‐regulation and locus specific ‘compartmentalization’ of PDE4 with its interactive proteins (signalsomes). Through these mechanisms, PDE4 regulates cAMP levels and shapes the cAMP signalling, directing signals from the diverse external stimuli to distinct microenvironments exquisitely. Derangement of the PDE4‐cAMP signalling represents a pathophysiologically relevant pathway in metabolic disorders as demonstrated through a critical role in the processes including inflammation, disordered glucose and lipid metabolism, hepatic steatosis, abnormal lipolysis, suppressed thermogenic function and deranged neuroendocrine functions. A limited number of PDE4 inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical evaluation for treating disorders such as type 2 diabetes and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. The discovery of novel PDE4 allosteric inhibitors and signalsome‐based strategies targeting individual PDE4 variants may allow PDE4 isoform selective inhibition, which may offer safer strategies for chronic treatment of metabolic disorders. © 2016 World Obesity
Sustainability of protocolized handover of pediatric cardiac surgery patients to the intensive care unit
Authors: Chenault Kristin , Moga Michael‐Alice , Shin Minah , Petersen Emily , Backer Carl , De Oliveira Gildasio S. , Suresh Santhanam 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBackgroundTransfer of patient care among clinicians (handovers) is a common source of medical errors. While the immediate efficacy of these initiatives is well documented, sustainability of practice changes that results in better processes of care is largely understudied.AimsThe objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the sustainability of a protocolized handover process in pediatric patients from the operating room after cardiac surgery to the intensive care unit.MethodsThis was a prospective study with direct observation assessment of handover performance conducted in the cardiac ICU (CICU) of a free‐standing, tertiary care children's hospital in the United States. Patient transitions from the operating room to the CICU, including the verbal handoff, were directly observed by a single independent observer in all phases of the study. A checklist of key elements identified errors classified as: 1) technical, 2) information omissions, and 3) realized errors. Total number of errors was compared across the different times of the study (preintervention, postintervention, and the current sustainability phase).ResultsA total of 119 handovers were studied: 41 preintervention, 38 postintervention, and 40 in the current sustainability phase. The median [Interquartile range (IQR)] number of technical errors was significantly reduced in the sustainability phase compared to the preintervention and postintervention phase, 2 (1–3), 6 (5–7), and 2.5 (2–4), respectively P = 0.0001. Similarly, the median (IQR) number of verbal information omissions was also significantly reduced in the sustainability phase compared to the preintervention and postintervention phases, 1 (1–1), 4 (3–5) and 2 (1–3), respectively.ConclusionsWe demonstrate sustainability of an improved handover process using a checklist in children being transferred to the intensive care unit after cardiac surgery. Standardized handover processes can be a sustainable strategy to improve patient safety after pediatric cardiac surgery.
Audit of anesthetic trainees’ ‘hands‐on’ operating room experience in an Australian tertiary children's hospital
Authors: Hogan Bridget , Keating Matthew , Chambers Neil A. , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBackgroundThere are no internationally accepted guidelines about what constitutes adequate clinical exposure during pediatric anesthetic training. In Australia, no data have been published on the level of experience obtained by anesthetic trainees in pediatric anesthesia. There is, however, a new ANZCA (Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists) curriculum that quantifies new training requirements.AimTo quantify our trainees’ exposure to clinical work in order to assess compliance with new curriculum and to provide other institutions with a benchmark for pediatric anesthetic training.MethodsWe performed a prospective audit to estimate and quantify our anesthetic registrars’ exposure to pediatric anesthesia during their 6‐month rotation at our institution, a tertiary pediatric hospital in Perth, Western Australia.ResultsOur data suggest that trainees at our institution will achieve the new ANZCA training standards comfortably, in terms of the required volume and breadth of exposure. Experience, however, of some advanced pediatric anesthetic procedures appears limited.ConclusionsExperience gained at our hospital easily meets the new College requirements. Experience of fiber‐optic intubation and regional blocks would appear insufficient to develop sufficient skills or confidence. The study provides other institutions with information to benchmark against their own trainee experience.
Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for paediatric high‐risk T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Xu Zheng‐Li , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Liu Kai‐Yan , Chen Huan , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Han Wei , Chen Yu‐Hong , Wang Feng‐Rong , Wang Jing‐Zhi , Wang Yu , Chen Yao , Yan Chen‐Hua , Xu Lan‐Ping 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPaediatric HR T‐cell ALL demonstrates dismal prognosis with chemotherapy, and poor outcomes could be improved with allo‐SCT. HID‐SCT is an almost immediately available choice; however, few studies have focused on the outcomes of HID‐SCT for paediatric HR T‐ALL. Forty‐eight consecutive HR T‐ALL children who underwent HID‐SCT were included. Survival outcomes and factors predictive of outcomes were retrospectively analysed. Of the 48 patients, 35 were in CR1, 10 in CR2, and three in relapse. The cumulative incidence of grade 3/4 aGVHD was 10.4% and that of extensive cGVHD was 28.4%. The CIR at three yr was 30.8% and that of NRM at three yr was 14.7%. At a median follow‐up of 20.0 (range 2.5–124.2) months, the three‐yr LFS was 54.4%. Children who received transplants during CR1 had a better LFS (65.7% vs. 26.0%, p = 0.008) and a lower relapse rate (19.8% vs. 56.7%, p = 0.014) compared to those during non‐CR1. HID‐SCT is feasible for HR T‐ALL children, and survival outcomes are better when performed in CR1 compared to non‐CR1. Prospective clinical trials would be needed to confirm that.
Severe bleeding complications other than intracranial hemorrhage in neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Winkelhorst Dian , Kamphuis Marije M. , de Kloet Liselotte C. , Zwaginga Jaap Jan , Oepkes Dick , Lopriore Enrico 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUNDThe most feared bleeding complication in fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). However, FNAIT may also lead to other severe bleeding problems. The aim was to analyze this spectrum and evaluate the occurrence of severe hemorrhages other than ICH in fetuses or neonates with FNAIT.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA retrospective chart analysis of cases of FNAIT presenting with severe bleeding complications other than ICH at our institution from 1990 to 2015 was conducted. Additionally, a review of the literature was performed to identify case reports and case series on FNAIT presenting with extracranial hemorrhage.RESULTSOf 25 fetuses or neonates with severe bleeding due to FNAIT, three had isolated severe internal organ hemorrhage other than ICH, two pulmonary hemorrhages and one gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Two of these three neonates died due to this bleeding. Eighteen cases of extracranial bleeding complications as a first presentation of FNAIT were found in the literature, including ocular, gastrointestinal, spinal cord, pulmonary, renal, subgaleal, and genitourinary hemorrhages.CONCLUSIONBleeding complications other than ICH may be more extensive, and the presentation of FNAIT may have a greater spectrum than previously described. A high index of suspicion on the possible diagnosis of FNAIT with any bleeding complication in a fetus or neonate may enable adequate diagnostics, adequate treatment, and appropriate follow‐up in future pregnancies, as is especially relevant for FNAIT.
Effectiveness of red blood cell exchange, partial manual exchange, and simple transfusion concurrently with iron chelation therapy in reducing iron overload in chronically transfused sickle cell anemia patients
Authors: Fasano Ross M. , Leong Traci , Kaushal Megha , Sagiv Eyal , Luban Naomi L.C. , Meier Emily Riehm 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUNDChronic transfusion therapy (CTT) is indicated for stroke prevention in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and is complicated by iron overload and alloimmunization. CTT is performed by simple transfusion (ST), partial manual exchange (PME), or erythrocytapheresis (RCE). Although small case series have demonstrated RCE in combination with iron chelation therapy stabilizes and/or decreases ferritin, there are no reports comparing the effect of ST, PME, and RCE on liver iron concentration (LIC). CTT modality effect on serum ferritin and LIC were compared in SCA patients on iron chelation, with hemoglobin (Hb)S goal of 30%.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSMedical records of SCA patients on CTT and deferasirox (≥25 mg/kg/day) were retrospectively reviewed. Mean HbS%, change in ferritin and LIC, and alloimmunization rate were determined for each CTT group.RESULTSTwenty‐eight patients were included; six crossed over (one from ST to PME, one from ST to PME then to RCE, three from ST to RCE, and one from PME to RCE) to include 36 transfusion modality intervals. Median pretransfusion HbS% levels were 32.7% (ST), 36.2% (PME), and 34.7% (RCE; p = 0.732). Median ferritin changes were +15 (−17 to +45), +38 (+24 to +105), and −91 (−141 to −48) ng/mL/month (p = 0.003), and median LIC changes (available in 22 patient transfusion modality intervals) were +1.3 (−1.6 to +4.3), +2.3 (−6.5 to +8.9), and −5.7 (−10.7 to −0.5) mg/g/year (p = 0.024) in ST, PME, and RCE, respectively. There was no significant difference in alloimmunization rate between ST/PME and RCE groups.CONCLUSIONWe recommend RCE plus chelation as an effective method for reducing iron overload, while maintaining HbS at 30% to 35%.
Effect of Repeated Active Recovery During a High-Intensity Interval-Training Shock Microcycle on Markers of Fatigue
Authors: Wiewelhove Thimo , Raeder Christian , Meyer Tim , Kellmann Michael , Pfeiffer Mark , Ferrauti Alexander 
Published: March 2016

Purpose:To investigate the effect of repeated use of active recovery during a 4-d shock microcycle with 7 high-intensity interval-training (HIT) sessions on markers of fatigue.
Methods:Eight elite male junior tennis players (age 15.1 ± 1.4 y) with an international ranking between 59 and 907 (International Tennis Federation) participated in this study. After each training session, they completed 15 min of either moderate jogging (active recovery [ACT]) or passive recovery (PAS) with a crossover design, which was interrupted by a 4-mo washout period. Countermovement-jump (CMJ) height, serum concentration of creatine kinase (CK), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and perceived recovery and stress (Short Recovery and Stress Scale) were measured 24 h before and 24 h after the training program.
Results:The HIT shock microcycle induced a large decrease in CMJ performance (ACT: effect size [ES] = –1.39, P < .05; PAS: ES = –1.42, P < .05) and perceived recovery (ACT: ES = –1.79, P < .05; PAS: ES = –2.39, P < .05), as well as a moderate to large increase in CK levels (ACT: ES = 0.76, P > .05; PAS: ES = 0.81, P >.05), DOMS (ACT: ES = 2.02, P < .05; PAS: ES = 2.17, P < .05), and perceived stress (ACT: ES = 1.98, P < .05; PAS: ES = 3.06, P < .05), compared with the values before the intervention. However, no significant recovery intervention × time interactions or meaningful differences in changes were noted in any of the markers between ACT and PAS.
Conclusions:Repeated use of individualized ACT, consisting of 15 min of moderate jogging, after finishing each training session during an HIT shock microcycle did not affect exercise-induced fatigue.
Physiological and Cognitive Responses to an Antarctic Expedition: A Case Report
Authors: Anton-Solanas Ana , O’Neill Barry V. , Morris Tessa E. , Dunbar Joe 
Published: March 2016

Purpose:To assess changes in body composition and monitor cognitive function, subjective well-being, and physiological stress, as measured by salivary hormones and markers of mucosal immunity, during an Antarctic expedition.
Methods:A 36-y-old man (188.2 cm height, 94.5 kg body mass) took part in a world-record attempt. A total-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan and measurement of 8 skinfolds and 5 girths were performed before and after the expedition. In addition, daily subjective data were recorded (sleep quality, total hours of sleep, energy levels, perceived exertion, mood, muscle soreness, and muscle/joint pain) along with distance covered and hours of physical activity per day. As a measure of cognitive function, the athlete completed a computerized battery of tasks (Axon Sports Cognitive Priming Application) every third morning. Saliva samples were collected before, during, and after the expedition to determine salivary cortisol (sCort), testosterone (sT), alpha amylase (sAA), and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA).
Results:The athlete lost 5.3 kg body mass and sum of 8 skinfolds decreased from 73 mm to 59 mm from preexpedition to postexpedition. Psychomotor speed declined over the course of the expedition. sT increased and sCort decreased throughout, and sAA and sIgA peaked toward the end of the expedition.
Conclusions:This case study provides novel data about the physiological and cognitive impact of an Antarctic expedition. The findings may inform strategies for future expeditions, allowing individuals undertaking expeditions of this nature to better prepare for success.
Relationship Between Physical Activity and Suicidal Behaviors Among 65,182 Middle School Students
Authors: Southerland Jodi L. , Zheng Shimin , Dula Mark , Cao Yan , Slawson Deborah Leachman 
Published: March 2016

Background:The psychosocial benefits of participating in physical activity (PA) are well known; less is known about the relationship between suicidal behaviors and PA among adolescents, especially among middle school-aged youth. This study seeks to fill that gap by assessing the cross-sectional relationship between these variables.Methods:A secondary analysis of the 2010 Tennessee Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey data was conducted among 65,182 middle school students. Items examined were PA, sports team engagement, physical education (PE) class, screen time, suicidal behaviors, drug/substance use, extreme weight control behaviors, weight status and weight misperceptions, and selected personal characteristics. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between PA, sports team engagement, and PE class attendance on suicidal behaviors.Results:Sports team engagement was significantly associated with suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts even after controlling for other important variables. There was no relationship, however, between total PA or PE class attendance in univariate or multivariate models, respectively.Conclusions:Findings suggest that sports team engagement is associated with reduced risk for suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts, whereas, no relationships were found for PA or PE class attendance. Asking adolescents questions about sports team engagement may help clinicians screen for risk of suicidal behaviors.
Effects of a Minimal Workplace Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behaviors and Improve Perceived Wellness in Middle-Aged Women Office Workers
Authors: Urda Joyan L. , Lynn Jeffrey S. , Gorman Andrea , Larouere Beth 
Published: March 2016

Background:The purpose of this study was to determine whether an alert to get up once per hour while at work would reduce sitting time, increase sit-to-stand transitions, and improve perceived wellness in women with sedentary jobs.Methods:Female university staff and administrators (48 ± 10 years) were randomly assigned to control-control (CC) (n = 22) or control-intervention (CI) (n = 22) groups. Both used a thigh-worn postural-based activity monitor for 2 weeks. The CC group maintained normal behaviors, whereas the CI group maintained behaviors during control week, but received hourly alerts on their computer during work hours in the intervention week. Time sitting and sit-to-stand transitions during an 8.5-hour workday were examined. A perceived wellness survey was completed at baseline and after the control and intervention weeks.Results:Among all participants (N = 44) during the control week, 68% of the workday was spent sitting and 41 sit-to-stand transitions occurred. An analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences in variables over time (P > .05). There was a significant increase in perceived wellness from baseline in both groups (P ≤ .05). Perceived wellness showed no statistically significant difference between groups.Conclusions:The intervention had no statistically significant effect on sitting time or sit-to-stand transitions. Participation improved perceived wellness in the absence of behavior change.
Transit Use by Children and Adolescents: An Overlooked Source of and Opportunity for Physical Activity?
Authors: Durand Casey P. , Gabriel Kelley K. Pettee , Hoelscher Deanna M. , Kohl Harold W. 
Published: March 2016

Background:The potential for adults to accrue significant physical activity through public transit use is a topic of interest. However, there are no data on analogous questions among children. The goal of this analysis was to quantify patterns of transit use and correlates of transit-related physical activity among children aged 5 to 17 years.Methods:Data for this cross-sectional study came from the 2012 California Household Travel Survey. Probit regressions modeled the probability of transit use; negative binomial regressions modeled minutes/day in transit-related active travel.Results:Public transit use accounted for 3% of trips in California in 2012. Older Hispanic youth and those residing in areas with greater housing density and county size had a higher probability of transit use. Driver licensure, home ownership, household income, and vehicles in household were negatively correlated with public transit use. Race/ethnicity, income, and transit type were correlated with time spent in active travel to/from transit.Conclusions:Given its importance as a source of physical activity for some children, researchers should consider assessment of public transit-related activity in physical activity measurement instruments. Efforts to encourage active travel should consider how to incorporate transit-related activity, both from a measurement perspective and as an intervention strategy.