bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bombyx mori E26 transformation‐specific 2 (BmEts2), an Ets family protein, represses Bombyx mori Rels (BmRels)‐mediated promoter activation of antimicrobial peptide genes in the silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Tanaka H. , Sagisaka A. , Suzuki N. , Yamakawa M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractE26 transformation‐specific (Ets) family transcription factors are known to play roles in various biological phenomena, including immunity, in vertebrates. However, the mechanisms by which Ets proteins contribute to immunity in invertebrates remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified a cDNA encoding BmEts2, which is a putative orthologue of Drosophila Yan and human translocation‐ets‐leukemia/Ets‐variant gene 6, from the silkworm Bombyx mori. Expression of the BmEts2 gene was significantly increased in the fat bodies of silkworm larvae in response to injection with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. BmEts2 overexpression dramatically repressed B. mori Rels (BmRels)‐mediated promoter activation of antimicrobial peptide genes in silkworm cells. Conversely, gene knockdown of BmEts2 significantly enhanced BmRels activity. In addition, two κB sites located on the 5′ upstream region of cecropin B1 were found to be involved in the repression of BmRels‐mediated promoter activation. Protein‐competition analysis further demonstrated that BmEts2 competitively inhibited binding of BmRels to κB sites. Overall, BmEts2 acts as a repressor of BmRels‐mediated transactivation of antimicrobial protein genes by inhibiting the binding of BmRels to κB sites.
Phylogenetic and size constrains on cranial ontogenetic allometry of spiny rats (Echimyidae, Rodentia)
Authors: Tavares W. C. , Pessôa L. M. , Seuánez H. N. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAnalysis of ontogenetic development is crucial for understanding the emergence of phenotypic discrepancies between animal taxa. The study of allometric trajectories within a phylogenetic context is a feasible approach to assess the morphological change across different evolutionary lineages. Here, we report the disparity of multivariate ontogenetic allometry in the Echimyidae, a taxonomically diverse rodent family, as well as the effects of size on the evolution of skull ontogeny. The ontogenetic trajectories of 15 echimyid operational taxonomic unities (12 genera plus one genus with three species) belonging to all subfamilies and major clades, when plotted in allometric space, revealed strong and significant phylogenetic signals. Allometric trajectories were found to be constrained by phylogenetic ancestry, with changes approximately adjusting to a Brownian motion model of evolution. Moreover, the occupation of allometric space by echimyid taxa was significantly correlated with adult size rather than with shape, suggesting that the variation in adult size might result in critically intrinsic and structural constraints on allometric coefficients. These findings disagreed with the hypothesis that allometric disparities might be mainly adaptive with undetectable phylogenetic signals.
Racial Disparities in Cognitive Performance in Mid‐ and Late Adulthood: Analyses of Two Cohort Studies
Authors: Zahodne Laura B. , Manly Jennifer J. , Azar Martina , Brickman Adam M. , Glymour M. Maria 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesTo examine whether the attenuation of racial disparities observed in physical health outcomes at older ages can be extended to cognitive outcomes in mid‐ and late‐life samples.DesignCross‐sectional associations between race and cognitive functioning were examined as a function of age.SettingThe National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) and the Washington Heights‐Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP).ParticipantsNon‐Hispanic African American or white individuals aged 40 and older (MIDUS; n = 3875, 10.5% African American) and non‐Hispanic African American or white individuals aged 65 and older without a diagnosis of dementia (WHICAP; n = 2,729, 53.8% African American).MeasurementsComposite scores of executive functioning and episodic memory.ResultsIndependent of main effects of age, birth cohort, sex, education, and chronic health conditions, significant interactions between age and race indicated that racial disparities in episodic memory and executive functioning were larger at younger than older age in both samples.ConclusionAttenuation of racial inequalities in older age can be extended to cognitive outcomes, which probably reflects selective survival. Research on cognitive disparities or on race‐specific causes of cognitive outcomes in old age must incorporate corrections for selective survival if the goal is to identify causal predictors of cognitive outcomes rather than merely statistical predictors.
Hospitalizations During a Physical Activity Intervention in Older Adults at Risk of Mobility Disability: Analyses from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Marsh Anthony P. , Applegate William B. , Guralnik Jack M. , Jack Rejeski W. , Church Timothy S. , Fielding Roger A. , Gill Thomas M. , King Abby C. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Manini Todd M. , McDermott Mary M. , Newman Anne B. , Stowe Cynthia L. , Walkup Michael P. , Pahor Marco , Miller Michael E. ,   the LIFE Study Investigators
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesTo determine whether moderate‐intensity physical activity (PA) and health education (HE) are differentially associated with categories of hospitalizations or subgroups of participants.DesignMulticenter randomized controlled trial in which participants were randomized to a PA or HE program for an average of 2.6 years.SettingEight field centers.ParticipantsSedentary men and women aged 70–89 with lower extremity physical limitations but able to walk 400‐m in 15 minutes or less (N = 1,635).InterventionsStructured, moderate‐intensity PA (n =  818) at a center (2×/wk) and at home (3–4×/wk) that included aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility training or HE (n =  817) of educational workshops and upper extremity stretching exercises.MeasurementsAll‐cause inpatient hospitalizations ascertained at 6‐month intervals.ResultsThere were 1,458 hospitalizations (49.1% of PA, 44.4% of HE; risk difference = 4.68%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.18–9.54; hazard ratio (HR) = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.00–1.34). The intervention effect on incident hospitalization did not differ according to race, sex, Short Physical Performance Battery score, age, or history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus. PA was associated with higher rates of hospitalization in the middle baseline gait speed category, than HE (<0.8 m/s: HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.76–1.14; 0.8–1.0 m/s: HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.23–1.94; >1.0 m/s: HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.67–1.65; interaction P = .005).ConclusionA PA program in older adults at risk for mobility disability did not lead to a different risk of specific types of hospitalizations than a HE program overall. Baseline gait speed may be a marker for risk of hospitalization during a PA intervention, because individuals with moderate baseline gait speed in the PA group had slightly higher rates of hospitalization than those in the HE group.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01072500.
A Global Case‐Study Framework Applied to Water Supply and Sanitation
Authors: Duchin Faye 
Published: May 2016

SummaryOne goal of the local‐to‐global research program is to explore ways to reduce, if not reverse, threats to sustainability through analysis using mathematical models applied to shared databases. This article describes a global case‐study framework for reconciling top‐down with bottom‐up approaches so they are mutually reinforcing for identifying and evaluating the effectiveness of different scenarios describing potential future actions. A strategic selection of cases makes it possible to distinguish and represent concrete characteristics of both common and atypical situations, whereas a global model is needed to provide an integrating conceptual framework based on a theory of consumption, production, and international exchanges that captures interdependencies among activities across regions. I discuss how the results of global analyses can be useful for framing case‐study questions and selecting cases, whereas the cases, in turn, identify concerns of specific stakeholders and provide detailed information, including technical data, to supplement economic databases with their accounting origins. I describe ways to enhance collaborations between top‐down and bottom‐up researchers, using global, multiregional input‐output databases to play a mediating role, while avoiding rigidities of premature closure and incorporating diverse perspectives. Responding to the high‐priority global challenge of vastly expanding effective sanitation services in developing countries is used to illustrate these ideas.
Obstetric outcomes of isolated oligohydramnios during early‐term, full‐term and late‐term periods and determination of optimal timing of delivery
Authors: Karahanoglu Ertugrul , Akpinar Funda , Demirdag Erhan , Yerebasmaz Neslihan , Ensari Tugba , Akyol Aysegul , Ulubas Isik Dilek , Yalvac Serdar 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimOur aim was to evaluate the obstetric outcomes of isolated oligohydramnios during the early‐term, full‐term, and late‐term periods, and to determine the optimal timing of delivery.MethodsA retrospective study was performed at a tertiary center. Isolated oligohydramnios cases were divided into early‐term, full‐term, and late‐term groups. Evaluated outcomes were fetal birthweight, 5‐min Apgar score < 7, meconium‐stained amniotic fluid, neonatal intensive care unit admission, transient tachypnea of newborn (TTN), requirement of ventilator, newborn jaundice, mode of delivery, induction of labor, and undiagnosed small‐for‐gestational‐age fetus before delivery. Composite outcome was defined as perinatal outcomes taken together (neonatal intensive care unit admission, TTN, requirement of ventilator, and newborn jaundice).ResultsThe study period included 1213 cases of term isolated oligohydramnios. Within this cohort there were 347 early‐term, 781 full‐term and 85 late‐term patients. The cesarean rate and the rate of newborn jaundice were higher in early‐term cases (37.8% and 3.5%, respectively) than in full‐term cases (30.1% and 0.9%, respectively). Meconium‐stained amniotic fluid was higher in late‐term than full‐term cases. Timing of delivery did not affect occurrence of TTN, 5‐min Apgar score < 7, ventilator requirement, or composite outcome. In total, 15–17% of isolated oligohydramnios cases involved undetected small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses.ConclusionAs this study was not a randomized controlled trial, a decisive conclusion may not be possible. However, until well‐designed controlled studies are conducted, expectant management may be appropriate up to the full‐term period and induction of labor may be appropriate management when the full‐term period is reached.
Live‐born diploid fetus complicated with partial molar pregnancy presenting with pre‐eclampsia, maternal anemia, and seemingly huge placenta: A rare case of confined placental mosaicism and literature review
Authors: Kawasaki Kaoru , Kondoh Eiji , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Matsuda Fumihiko , Higasa Koichiro , Fujita Kohei , Mogami Haruta , Chigusa Yoshitsugu , Konishi Ikuo 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA partial molar pregnancy almost always ends in miscarriage due to a triploid fetus. We describe a rare case of a singleton, partial molar pregnancy with a seemingly huge placenta, which continued to delivery of a live‐born diploid baby. A 27‐year‐old primigravida suffered from severe pre‐eclampsia and progressive anemia. The uterus was enormously enlarged for the gestational age. A cesarean section was performed because of deterioration of maternal status at 25 weeks' gestation, when more than 3000 mL blood spouted concurrently with the delivery of the placenta. The histological examination showed congestion in the decidua, which indicated disturbance of maternal venous return from the intervillous space. The chromosome complement of the placenta and the neonate were 69,XXX and 46,XX, respectively. We also reviewed all published cases of a singleton, partial molar pregnancy. A literature search yielded 18 cases of a singleton, diploid fetus with partial molar pregnancy. The mean gestational age at delivery was 24.5 ± 6.2 weeks, and fetuses survived outside the uterus in only four cases (22.2%). Intriguingly, previous reports numbered 10 cases with diploid placenta as well as five cases with no karyotyping of the placenta, indicating that they may have included a complete mole in a twin pregnancy or placental mesenchymal dysplasia. In conclusion, this was the first case of placentomegaly that presented manifestations of excessive abdominal distension and maternal severe anemia, and the second case of a singleton, partial molar pregnancy confirmed by chromosome analysis resulting in a diploid living baby.
The efficacy of amoxicillin sodium against streptococcosis in cultured olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and its pharmacokinetics
Authors: Lim J.‐W. , Jung M.‐H. , Jung S.‐J. , Kim D.‐H. , Park K. H. , Kang S. Y. 
Published: May 2016

The efficacy of amoxicillin sodium for controlling field and experimental Streptococcus iniae and S. parauberis infections in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) was evaluated after a single intramuscular administration. Furthermore, the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against 21 Streptococcus strains were determined. In addition, the pharmacokinetics and residue depletion in olive flounder were investigated. Single intramuscular doses of amoxicillin sodium at 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg b.w. fish significantly reduced cumulative mortality rates to 18.8–31.3% (P < 0.05) for S. iniae and to 5.0–15.0% (P < 0.01) for S. parauberis, whereas the S. iniae‐ and S. parauberis‐infected positive control groups showed cumulative mortality rates of 68.8% and 60.0%, respectively. In a S. parauberis outbreak, amoxicillin sodium reduced the cumulative mortality rate to 7.5% and 4.8% at 20 and 40 mg/kg b.w. fish, respectively, whereas that of the untreated control group was 35.2%. Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) following a single intramuscular dose of 40 and 80 mg/kg b.w. fish were 62.64 (Tmax, 1.59 h) and 87.61 (Tmax, 3.02 h) μg/mL, respectively, with large AUC0−t/MIC and Cmax/MIC ratios, and sufficient T > MIC (time for maintaining plasma drug concentration greater than MICs) for S. iniae and S. parauberis. The estimated withdrawal period of amoxicillin sodium from muscle of olive flounder was about 8 days at 40 mg/kg b.w. fish (at 22 ± 1 °C). These results demonstrated a single intramuscular administration of amoxicillin sodium to be effective against streptococcosis in olive flounder.
A Preclinical Study of an Implanted Device in the Pulmonary Veins, Intended for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation in an Ovine Model
Authors: VANDECASTEELE TIM , BOUSSY TIM , PHILPOTT MATTHEW , CLEMENT ELI , SCHAUVLIEGE STIJN , VAN DEN BROECK WIM , VAN LOON GUNTHER , CORNILLIE PIETER , VAN LANGENHOVE GLENN 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia in adults of which the interventional cure is hampered by high recurrence rates. Recurrence after ablation is due to an incomplete isolation of the pulmonary veins. A new ablation technique was performed, in the antra of ovine pulmonary veins, by device implantation, which was heated through a wireless heat‐generating system.Methods and ResultsImplants were placed transatrially in the pulmonary veins of sheep. Using a wireless heating system, the energy was afterward transferred through wires to the implanted device according to a defined protocol. The position of the implant and the applied lesions were macroscopically evaluated. Samples of the ablated tissue of the atrio‐pulmonary vein junction were histologically and immunohistochemically examined.ConclusionsSix ablation procedures in four sheep were successfully performed without adverse cardiac reactions. Implantation of the device and the wireless heat generation was feasible. Sufficient heat was produced at the level of the antra of the pulmonary veins to create ablation lesions, which were histologically and immunohistochemically confirmed.
Genetic mapping of the barley lodging resistance locus Erectoides‐k
Authors: Skov Kristensen Peter , Dockter Christoph , Lundqvist Udda , Lu Qiongxian , Gregersen Per L. , Thordal‐Christensen Hans , Hansson Mats 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) mutant erectoides‐k.32 (ert‐k.32) was isolated in 1947 from an X‐ray‐mutant population of cultivar ‘Bonus’. The mutant was released as a cultivar in 1958 with the name ‘Pallas’ – one of the first cereal crop cultivars developed from induced mutants. ‘Pallas’ is a semi‐dwarf barley cultivar known for its culm stability and resistance to lodging. In total, eight allelic ert‐k mutants are known that show different phenotypic strength concerning culm length and spike architecture. They represent alternatives to the widely used, but pleiotropic ‘Green Revolution’ alleles of the Sdw1 (semidwarf1/denso) and Uzu1 (semi‐brachytic1) genes in breeding of robust elite barley cultivars. In the present study, we locate Ert‐k to a 15.7‐cM region in the centromeric region of chromosome 6H. Although the interval is estimated to contain approximately 700 genes, the work provides a solid foundation for the identification of the underlying mutations causing the ert‐k lodging‐resistant phenotype. In addition, the linked markers could be used to follow the ert‐k mutant genotype in marker‐assisted selection of new lodging‐resistant barley cultivars.
Hepatitis B and C serologic profiles of Canadian organ donors and recipients: retrospective 10‐year review at a single center
Authors: Burton C.E. , Doucette K.E. , Mabilangan C.A. , Plitt S.S. , Lee B.E. , Preiksaitis J.K. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis C virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are important causes of hepatitis and can be transmitted from organ donor to recipient. This study aimed to determine HBV and HCV serologic profiles of a population of Canadian solid organ transplant (SOT) donors and recipients, including prevalence of recipient HBV immunity.MethodsData on age, gender, organ transplanted, and pre‐transplant HBV and HCV serology for SOT donors and recipients at a Canadian hospital from 2001 to 2011 were obtained from a transplant database.ResultsThere were 2455 recipients (2205 adults, 250 children), and 1559 donors. Over 50% of adult and 44% of pediatric recipients were HBV non‐immune pre‐transplant. Pediatric recipients were more likely to have HBV vaccine immunity than were adult recipients (48.8% vs. 28.9%, P < 0.001). Prevalence of HBV vaccine immunity was highest in renal recipients (48.3% in adult, 63.2% in pediatric recipients). Recipient HBV vaccine immunity increased from 5.8% in 2001 to 44.5% in 2011 (P < 0.001). Of 134 adult recipients with prior HBV infection, 59 (44%) were co‐infected with HCV. Only 0.6% of adult non‐liver recipients had acute or chronic HBV infection and 3.2% were anti‐HCV positive. Only 2 donors had acute or chronic HBV infection, 29 had prior HBV infection, 9 were isolated hepatitis B core antibody positive, and 15 were anti‐HCV positive.ConclusionsThe prevalence of HBV vaccine immunity in SOT candidates is low, but increased from 2001 to 2011. Opportunities for quality improvement in pre‐transplant HBV immunization exist. HCV co‐infection is common in recipients with prior HBV infection. Prevalence of HCV infection in non‐liver transplant recipients is low.
Ochronosis‐like condition in a cat
Authors: Bryan Laura K. , Weeks Brad R. , Payne Harold Ross , Thompson Lori A. , Mansell Joanne L. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundEndogenous ochronosis is caused by a defect in the enzyme homogentisate 1,2‐dioxygenase (HGD), which results in abnormal pigment deposition in the skin and urine abnormalities. Ochronosis previously has not been described histologically or ultrastructurally in a domestic animal species.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo describe the clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural findings in a case of aberrant pigmentation in a cat with features that resemble ochronosis.AnimalA 5‐year‐old, spayed female Domestic short hair cat presented with multiple black cutaneous plaques on the face and progressive lethargy. The cat's urine turned brown when exposed to air. The familial history of the cat was unknown.MethodsClinical examination; histopathology, electron microscopy and mass/energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy of tissues.ResultsSeptic peritonitis and additional pigment in the spleen, intestine and lymph node were found at postmortem examination. The pigment was determined to be an organic compound and had a similar histological appearance, staining properties, ultrastructure and composition to ochronotic pigment. No mutations were found in exons 3, 6, 8 and 13 of the HGD gene in the cat.Conclusions and clinical importanceTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a condition resembling ochronosis in a domestic animal species that has been evaluated with histopathology and advanced imaging techniques. It provides an additional differential in cases of aberrant pigmentation in cats.
Inhibitory Antibodies Targeting Emerging Viruses: Advancements and Mechanisms
Authors: Jin Jing , Simmons Graham 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT
From Ebola virus outbreaks in Western Africa to the introduction of chikungunya and Zika viruses in the Americas, new and neglected viruses continue to emerge and spread around the world. Due to a lack of existing vaccines or specific therapeutics, little other than supportive care and attempts to interrupt transmission can be provided during initial outbreaks. This has prompted a shift in vaccine design and development to identify novel epitopes and mechanisms of protection that may offer a broader range of protection against groups or whole families of viruses. Receptor-binding domains and other motifs within viral envelope proteins represent one excellent opportunity to target communal epitopes shared by related viruses. Similarly, for viruses where envelope participates in driving viral egress from infected cells, shared epitopes need to be identified to guide the development of broadly protective antibodies and vaccines. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of broadly protective humoral responses for emerging viruses.