bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrate induction of root hair density is mediated by TGA1/TGA4 and CPC transcription factors in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Canales Javier , Contreras‐López Orlando , Álvarez José M. , Gutiérrez Rodrigo A. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryRoot hairs are specialized cells that are important for nutrient uptake. It is well established that nutrients such as phosphate have a great influence on root hair development in many plant species. Here we investigated the role of nitrate on root hair development at a physiological and molecular level. We showed that nitrate increases root hair density in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that two different root hair defective mutants have significantly less nitrate than wild‐type plants, suggesting that in A. thaliana root hairs have an important role in the capacity to acquire nitrate. Nitrate reductase‐null mutants exhibited nitrate‐dependent root hair phenotypes comparable with wild‐type plants, indicating that nitrate is the signal that leads to increased formation of root hairs. We examined the role of two key regulators of root hair cell fate, CPC and WER, in response to nitrate treatments. Phenotypic analyses of these mutants showed that CPC is essential for nitrate‐induced responses of root hair development. Moreover, we showed that NRT1.1 and TGA1/TGA4 are required for pathways that induce root hair development by suppression of longitudinal elongation of trichoblast cells in response to nitrate treatments. Our results prompted a model where nitrate signaling via TGA1/TGA4 directly regulates the CPC root hair cell fate specification gene to increase formation of root hairs in A. thaliana.
Effects of Body Mass Index on Bone Loading Due to Physical Activity
Authors: Smith Tina , Reeves Sue , Halsey Lewis G. , Huber Jörg , Luo Jin 
Published: August 2017

The aim of the current study was to compare bone loading due to physical activity between lean, and overweight and obese individuals. Fifteen participants (lower BMI group: BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 7; higher BMI group: 25 kg/m2 < BMI < 36.35 kg/m2, n = 8) wore a tri-axial accelerometer on 1 day to collect data for the calculation of bone loading. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form) was used to measure time spent at different physical activity levels. Daily step counts were measured using a pedometer. Differences between groups were compared using independentt-tests. Accelerometer data revealed greater loading dose at the hip in lower BMI participants at a frequency band of 0.1–2 Hz (P = .039, Cohen’sd = 1.27) and 2–4 Hz (P = .044,d = 1.24). Lower BMI participants also had a significantly greater step count (P = .023,d = 1.55). This corroborated with loading intensity (d ≥ 0.93) and questionnaire (d = 0.79) effect sizes to indicate higher BMI participants tended to spend more time in very light activity, and less time in light and moderate activity. Overall, participants with a lower BMI exhibited greater bone loading due to physical activity; participants with a higher BMI may benefit from more light and moderate level activity to maintain bone health.
Tracking of Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity: A 16-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Raustorp Anders , Fröberg Andreas 
Published: August 2017

Background: The aims of this study were to explore the effect of time and long-termed tracking on pedometer-determined physical activity (PA) from early adolescent to the 30s. Methods: PA was measured with pedometers [Yamax™ (SW-200)] during 2000 (time 1), 2003 (time 2), 2005 (time 3), 2010 (time 4), and 2016 (time 5). Anthropometric data were collected during time 1. Data from 59 participants (n = 32 males) were analyzed from early adolescent (time 1) to the 30s (time 5). Results: There was an effect of time for males (P = .005, η2 = .76) and females (P = .002, η2 = .50) where steps per day decreased. Males steps per day tracked between time 1 and time 2 (r = .41, P = .021), time 1 and time 3 (r = .38, P = .03), time 3 and time 4 (r = .42, P = .015), and time 4 and time 5 (r = .50, P = .003). Females steps per day tracked between time 4 and time 5 (r = .39, P = .04). Males took more steps per day than females during time 1 (P = .018), whereas females took more steps per day during time 2 (P = .043) and time 3 (P = .03). Conclusion: There was a significant effect of time, where steps per day decreased between the 5 times of measurement. Steps per day tracked low to moderate in the short time span, yet tracked nonsignificantly from early adolescent to the 30s.
Impact of Childhood Malnutrition on Host Defense and Infection
Authors: Ibrahim Marwa K. , Zambruni Mara , Melby Christopher L. , Melby Peter C. 
Published: August 2017

SUMMARYThe global impact of childhood malnutrition is staggering. The synergism between malnutrition and infection contributes substantially to childhood morbidity and mortality. Anthropometric indicators of malnutrition are associated with the increased risk and severity of infections caused by many pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths. Since childhood malnutrition commonly involves the inadequate intake of protein and calories, with superimposed micronutrient deficiencies, the causal factors involved in impaired host defense are usually not defined. This review focuses on literature related to impaired host defense and the risk of infection in primary childhood malnutrition. Particular attention is given to longitudinal and prospective cohort human studies and studies of experimental animal models that address causal, mechanistic relationships between malnutrition and host defense. Protein and micronutrient deficiencies impact the hematopoietic and lymphoid organs and compromise both innate and adaptive immune functions. Malnutrition-related changes in intestinal microbiota contribute to growth faltering and dysregulated inflammation and immune function. Although substantial progress has been made in understanding the malnutrition-infection synergism, critical gaps in our understanding remain. We highlight the need for mechanistic studies that can lead to targeted interventions to improve host defense and reduce the morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases in this vulnerable population.
Detection of Plasmodium Infection by the illumigene Malaria Assay Compared to Reference Microscopy and Real-Time PCR
Authors: Rypien Candace , Chow Barbara , Chan Wilson W. , Church Deirdre L. , Pillai Dylan R. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTMalaria is one of the leading causes of infectious disease in travelers returning from the tropics. The diagnosis of malaria is typically performed by examining Giemsa-stained thick and thin peripheral blood smears, which is time consuming, labor intensive, and requires high levels of proficiency. Alternatively, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a new molecular method, which is rapid, sensitive, and requires less capital equipment and technological training. We conducted a retrospective study comparing two formats of a commercial LAMP assay (Meridianillumigene malaria [M] and malaria Plus [MP]) versus reference microscopy on archived blood specimens (n= 140) obtained from unique returning travelers suspected of having malaria. Discrepant results were resolved by either repeat testing or a laboratory developed ultrasensitive real-time PCR method. On initial testing, the Meridianillumigene M and MP kits had sensitivities of 97.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.7 to 99.7%) and 100.0% (95.1 to 100.0%) and specificities of 93.8% (84.8 to 98.3%) and 91.5% (81.3 to 97.2%), respectively, versus reference microscopy. We project a significant cost reduction in low prevalence settings where malaria is not endemic with LAMP-based malaria screening given the excellent negative predictive value achieved with LAMP.
Nonencapsidated 5′ Copy-Back Defective Interfering Genomes Produced by Recombinant Measles Viruses Are Recognized by RIG-I and LGP2 but Not MDA5
Authors: Mura Marie , Combredet Chantal , Najburg Valérie , Sanchez David Raul Y. , Tangy Frédéric , Komarova Anastassia V. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT
Attenuated measles virus (MV) is one of the most effective and safe vaccines available, making it an attractive candidate vector for preventing other infectious diseases. Yet the great capacity of this vaccine still needs to be understood at the molecular level. MV vaccine strains have different type I interferon (IFN)-inducing abilities that partially depend on the presence of 5′ copy-back defective interfering genomes (DI-RNAs). DI-RNAs are pathogen-associated molecular patterns recognized by RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) (RIG-I, MDA5, and LGP2) that activate innate immune signaling and shape the adaptive immune response. In this study, we characterized the DI-RNAs produced by various modified recombinant MVs (rMVs), including vaccine candidates, as well as wild-type MV. All tested rMVs produced 5′ copy-back DI-RNAs that were different in length and nucleotide sequence but still respected the so-called “rule of six.” We correlated the presence of DI-RNAs with a larger stimulation of the IFN-β pathway and compared their immunostimulatory potentials. Importantly, we revealed that encapsidation of DI-RNA molecules within the MV nucleocapsid abolished their immunoactive properties. Furthermore, we identified specific interactions of DI-RNAs with both RIG-I and LGP2 but not MDA5. Our results suggest that DI-RNAs produced by rMV vaccine candidates may indeed strengthen their efficiency by triggering RLR signaling.

IMPORTANCE
Having been administered to hundreds of millions of children, the live attenuated measles virus (MV) vaccine is the safest and most widely used human vaccine, providing high protection with long-term memory. Additionally, recombinant MVs carrying heterologous antigens are promising vectors for new vaccines. The great capacity of this vaccine still needs to be elucidated at the molecular level. Here we document that recombinant MVs produce defective interfering genomes that have high immunostimulatory properties via their binding to RIG-I and LGP2 proteins, both of which are cytosolic nonself RNA sensors of innate immunity. Defective interfering genome production during viral replication should be considered of great importance due to the immunostimulatory properties of these genomes as intrinsic adjuvants produced by the vector that increase recognition by the innate immune system.
Presence of a Shared 5′-Leader Sequence in Ancestral Human and Mammalian Retroviruses and Its Transduction into Feline Leukemia Virus
Authors: Kawasaki Junna , Kawamura Maki , Ohsato Yoshiharu , Ito Jumpei , Nishigaki Kazuo 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Recombination events induce significant genetic changes, and this process can result in virus genetic diversity or in the generation of novel pathogenicity. We discovered a new recombinant feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
gag
gene harboring an unrelated insertion, termed the X region, which was derived from
Felis catus
endogenous gammaretrovirus 4 (FcERV-gamma4). The identified FcERV-gamma4 proviruses have lost their coding capabilities, but some can express their viral RNA in feline tissues. Although the X-region-carrying recombinant FeLVs appeared to be replication-defective viruses, they were detected in 6.4% of tested FeLV-infected cats. All isolated recombinant FeLV clones commonly incorporated a middle part of the FcERV-gamma4 5′-leader region as an X region. Surprisingly, a sequence corresponding to the portion contained in all X regions is also present in at least 13 endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) observed in the cat, human, primate, and pig genomes. We termed this shared genetic feature the commonly shared (CS) sequence. Despite our phylogenetic analysis indicating that all CS-sequence-carrying ERVs are classified as gammaretroviruses, no obvious closeness was revealed among these ERVs. However, the Shannon entropy in the CS sequence was lower than that in other parts of the provirus genome. Notably, the CS sequence of human endogenous retrovirus T had 73.8% similarity with that of FcERV-gamma4, and specific signals were detected in the human genome by Southern blot analysis using a probe for the FcERV-gamma4 CS sequence. Our results provide an interesting evolutionary history for CS-sequence circulation among several distinct ancestral viruses and a novel recombined virus over a prolonged period.

IMPORTANCE
Recombination among ERVs or modern viral genomes causes a rapid evolution of retroviruses, and this phenomenon can result in the serious situation of viral disease reemergence. We identified a novel recombinant FeLV
gag
gene that contains an unrelated sequence, termed the X region. This region originated from the 5′ leader of FcERV-gamma4, a replication-incompetent feline ERV. Surprisingly, a sequence corresponding to the X region is also present in the 5′ portion of other ERVs, including human endogenous retroviruses. Scattered copies of the ERVs carrying the unique genetic feature, here named the commonly shared (CS) sequence, were found in each host genome, suggesting that ancestral viruses may have captured and maintained the CS sequence. More recently, a novel recombinant FeLV hijacked the CS sequence from inactivated FcERV-gamma4 as the X region. Therefore, tracing the CS sequences can provide unique models for not only the modern reservoir of new recombinant viruses but also the genetic features shared among ancient retroviruses.
Asymmetric Trimeric Ring Structure of the Nucleocapsid Protein of Tospovirus
Authors: Komoda Keisuke , Narita Masanori , Yamashita Keitaro , Tanaka Isao , Yao Min 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Tomato spotted wilt virus
(TSWV), belonging to the genus
Tospovirus
of the family
Bunyaviridae
, causes significant economic damage to several vegetables and ornamental plants worldwide. Similar to those of all other negative-strand RNA viruses, the nucleocapsid (N) protein plays very important roles in its viral life cycle. N proteins protect genomic RNAs by encapsidation and form a viral ribonucleoprotein complex (vRNP) with some RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Here we show the crystal structure of the N protein from TSWV. Protomers of TSWV N proteins consist of three parts: the N arm, C arm, and core domain. Unlike N proteins of other negative-strand RNA viruses, the TSWV N protein forms an asymmetric trimeric ring. To form the trimeric ring, the N and C arms of the N protein interact with the core domains of two adjacent N proteins. By solving the crystal structures of the TSWV N protein with nucleic acids, we showed that an inner cleft of the asymmetric trimeric ring is an RNA-binding site. These characteristics are similar to those of N proteins of other viruses of the family
Bunyaviridae
. Based on these observations, we discuss possibilities of a TSWV encapsidation model.

IMPORTANCE
Tospoviruses cause significant crop losses throughout the world. Particularly, TSWV has an extremely wide host range (>1,000 plant species, including dicots and monocots), and worldwide losses are estimated to be in excess of $1 billion annually. Despite such importance, no proteins of tospoviruses have been elucidated so far. Among TSWV-encoded proteins, the N protein is required for assembling the viral genomic RNA into the viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP), which is involved in various steps of the life cycle of these viruses, such as RNA replication, virus particle formation, and cell-to-cell movement. This study revealed the structure of the N protein, with or without nucleic acids, of TSWV as the first virus of the genus
Tospovirus
, so it completed our view of the N proteins of the family
Bunyaviridae
.
Protective Efficacy of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies with Incomplete Neutralization Activity against Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Julg Boris , Sok Devin , Schmidt Stephen D. , Abbink Peter , Newman Ruchi M. , Broge Thomas , Linde Caitlyn , Nkolola Joseph , Le Khoa , Su David , Torabi Julia , Pack Melissa , Pegu Amarendra , Allen Todd M. , Mascola John R. , Burton Dennis R. , Barouch Dan H. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) have been shown to occasionally display unusual virus neutralization profiles with nonsigmoidal slopes and plateaus at <100% neutralization against a variety of viruses. The significance of incomplete neutralization for the ability of bnAbs to mediate protective effects
in vi
vo, however, is undetermined. In the current study, we selected two bnAbs, PGT121 and 3BNC117, as they incompletely neutralize the clade C simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) stock (SHIV-327c) at 85% and 70%, respectively, and performed a protection study in rhesus macaques. The animals were intravenously (i.v.) administered PGT121 or 3BNC117 at 10 and 2 mg/kg of body weight before being rectally challenged with a single high dose of SHIV-327c. PGT121 protected 6 out of 7 monkeys, while 6 out of 7 3BNC117-pretreated animals became infected, although with significantly delayed plasma viremia compared to the control animals. These data suggest that complete neutralization is not imperative for bnAbs to prevent infection but that with increasing levels of incomplete neutralization the sterilizing activity diminishes.

IMPORTANCE
Multiple antibodies have been identified that potently neutralize a broad range of circulating HIV strains. However, not every virus-antibody combination results in complete neutralization of the input virus, suggesting that a fraction of virus particles are resistant to antibody neutralization despite high antibody concentrations. This observation of “incomplete neutralization” is associated with nonsigmoidal neutralization curves plateauing below 100% neutralization, but the significance of the phenomenon for the ability of neutralizing antibodies to mediate protective effects
in vivo
is undetermined. In this study, we show that the broadly neutralizing antibody PGT121, which neutralized only up to 85% of the SHIV-327c challenge stock
in vitro
, protected 6 out of 7 rhesus macaques against infection while the antibody 3BNC117, which neutralized up to 70% of SHIV-327c
in vitro
, did not prevent, though it significantly delayed, establishment of infection, suggesting that with increasing levels of incomplete neutralization the ability of a bnAb to mediate sterilizing protection diminishes.
A cross sectional study of the relationship between the exposure of pregnant women to military attacks in 2014 in Gaza and the load of heavy metal contaminants in the hair of mothers and newborns
Authors: Manduca Paola , Diab Safwat Y , Qouta Samir R , Albarqouni Nabil MA , Punamaki Raiija-Leena 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveMetal contamination of humans in war areas has rarely been investigated. Weaponry’s heavy metals become environmentally stable war remnants and accumulate in living things. They also pose health risks in terms of prenatal intake, with potential long term risks for reproductive and children’s health. We studied the contribution of military attacks to the load of 23 metals in the hair of Palestinian women in the Gaza Strip, who were pregnant at the time of the military attacks in 2014, and their newborns. We compared the metal load in the mothers with values for adult hair from outside the war area (RHS) as the reference. We investigated heavy metals trans-passing in utero, and assessed if the heavy metal intake could derive from sources unrelated to the war.DesignCross sectional study.Participants and settingCross sectional convenience sample of 502 mothers delivering in the Gaza Strip and their newborns.Main outcome measuredMeasure of the load of heavy metals in mother and newborn hair by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Comparison of metal loads with the reference RHS, between groups with different exposures to attacks and house/agriculture chemicals, and between mothers and newborns. Data for birth registry and for exposures to war and other known risk factors were obtained at interview with the mothers. Photographic documentation of damage from military attacks was obtained.ResultsThe whole cross sectional convenience sample had a significantly higher load of heavy metals than the reference RHS. Women exposed to military attacks had a significantly higher load of heavy metals than those not exposed; the load in newborns correlated positively with the mothers’ load. No significant difference was found between users/non-users of house/agriculture chemicals. No other known confounder was identified.ConclusionsHigh heavy metal loads in mothers, reflected in those of their newborns, were associated with exposure to military attacks, posing a risk of immediate and long term negative outcomes for pregnancy and child health. Surveillance, biomonitoring and further research are recommended. Implications for general and public health are discussed.
Death talk and relief of death-related distress in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: An Ekaterina , Wennberg Erica , Nissim Rinat , Lo Christopher , Hales Sarah , Rodin Gary 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesThe circumstances of advanced cancer heighten the need for affected individuals to communicate mortality-related concerns, although there may be obstacles to such communication. Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully(CALM) is a supportive-expressive therapy designed to address such barriers and to facilitate communication of mortality-related concerns in patients and caregivers facing advanced disease. This study explores death-related distress in patients with advanced cancer and the perceived influence of CALM therapy on overcoming barriers to communication of this distress.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with a subset of patients with advanced cancer (n=17) participating in a CALM phase III trial at a large urban regional cancer centre. Interviews were transcribed, and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsDeath-related distress was experienced in terms of three key themes: diffuse and overwhelming fear, fear of uncertainty and fear of suffering. The perceived barriers to communicating such distress were as follows: reluctance of loved ones to discuss mortality-related issues and the participants´ own reluctance to discuss death-related concerns to protect their loved ones or themselves from distress. CALM therapists were perceived to facilitate discussions on dying and death in sessions and to support patients´ communication of death-related distress with healthcare providers and loved ones.ConclusionsPatients with advanced cancer perceive barriers to effective communication of death distress to be related to their own reluctance, as well as reluctance of their loved ones to address such fears. CALM therapy may help patients with advanced cancer to overcome obstacles to communication and to alleviate death-related distress.Trial registration numberNCT01506492.