bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TbSmee1 regulates hook complex morphology and the rate of flagellar pocket uptake in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Perry Jenna A. , Sinclair‐Davis Amy N. , McAllaster Michael R. , de Graffenried Christopher L. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryTrypanosoma brucei uses multiple mechanisms to evade detection by its insect and mammalian hosts. The flagellar pocket (FP) is the exclusive site of uptake from the environment in trypanosomes and shields receptors from exposure to the host. The FP neck is tightly associated with the flagellum via a series of cytoskeletal structures that include the hook complex (HC) and the centrin arm. These structures are implicated in facilitating macromolecule entry into the FP and nucleating the flagellum attachment zone (FAZ), which adheres the flagellum to the cell surface. TbSmee1 (Tb927.10.8820) is a component of the HC and a putative substrate of polo‐like kinase (TbPLK), which is essential for centrin arm and FAZ duplication. We show that depletion of TbSmee1 in the insect‐resident (procyclic) form of the parasite causes a 40% growth decrease and the appearance of multinucleated cells that result from defective cytokinesis. Cells lacking TbSmee1 contain HCs with aberrant morphology and show delayed uptake of both fluid‐phase and membrane markers. TbPLK localization to the tip of the new FAZ is also blocked. These results argue that TbSmee1 is necessary for maintaining HC morphology, which is important for the parasite's ability to take up molecules from its environment.
Comparative genomics of Spiraeoideae‐infecting Erwinia amylovora strains provides novel insight to genetic diversity and identifies the genetic basis of a low‐virulence strain
Authors: Zeng Quan , Cui Zhouqi , Wang Jie , Childs Kevin L. , Sundin George W. , Cooley Daniel R. , Yang Ching‐Hong , Garofalo Elizabeth , Eaton Alan , Huntley Regan B. , Yuan Xiaochen , Schultes Neil P. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryErwinia amylovora is the causal agent of fire blight, one of the most devastating diseases of apple and pear. Erwinia amylovora is thought to have originated in North America and has now spread to at least 50 countries worldwide. An understanding of the diversity of the pathogen population and the transmission to different geographical regions is important for the future mitigation of this disease. In this research, we performed an expanded comparative genomic study of the Spiraeoideae‐infecting (SI) E. amylovora population in North America and Europe. We discovered that, although still highly homogeneous, the genetic diversity of 30 E. amylovora genomes examined was about 30 times higher than previously determined. These isolates belong to four distinct clades, three of which display geographical clustering and one of which contains strains from various geographical locations (‘Widely Prevalent’ clade). Furthermore, we revealed that strains from the Widely Prevalent clade displayed a higher level of recombination with strains from a clade strictly from the eastern USA, which suggests that the Widely Prevalent clade probably originated from the eastern USA before it spread to other locations. Finally, we detected variations in virulence in the SI E. amylovora strains on immature pear, and identified the genetic basis of one of the low‐virulence strains as being caused by a single nucleotide polymorphism in hfq, a gene encoding an important virulence regulator. Our results provide insights into the population structure, distribution and evolution of SI E. amylovora in North America and Europe.
Confidence Sets for the Break Date in Cointegrating Regressions
Authors: Kurozumi Eiji , Skrobotov Anton 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we propose constructing confidence sets for a break date in cointegrating regressions by inverting a test for the break location, which is obtained by maximizing the weighted average of power. It is found that the limiting distribution of the test depends on the number of I(1) regressors whose coefficients sustain structural change and the number of I(1) regressors whose coefficients are fixed throughout the sample. By Monte Carlo simulations, we then show that compared with a confidence interval developed by using the existing method based on the limiting distribution of the break point estimator under the assumption of the shrinking shift, the confidence set proposed in the present paper has a more accurate coverage rate, while the length of the confidence set is comparable. By using the method developed in this paper, we then investigate the cointegrating regressions of Russian macroeconomic variables with oil prices with a break.
The cross‐sectional associations between objectively measured sedentary time and cardiometabolic health markers in adults – a systematic review with meta‐analysis component
Authors: Powell C. , Herring M. P. , Dowd K. P. , Donnelly A. E. , Carson B. P. 
Published: November 2017

SummarySedentary time is viewed as an independent risk factor for adverse cardiometabolic health (CMH). No systematic review and meta‐analysis on the cross‐sectional associations between objectively measured sedentary time and CMH markers has been conducted. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection were searched for papers that examined the cross‐sectional association between objectively measured sedentary time and CMH markers in adults. Forty‐six papers met the inclusion criteria. The included papers had a combined sample size of 70,576 and an age range of 18–87 years. To examine the effect of increased levels of sedentary time on CMH markers, data on effect sizes and moderators were extracted, where possible. By pooling the unadjusted data from the included papers, increased sedentary time was shown to have a significant detrimental association with fasting glucose (Δ = 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02, 0.23), fasting insulin (Δ = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.32), triglycerides (Δ = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.37), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (Δ = −0.20, 95% CI: −0.28, −0.13) and waist circumference (Δ = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.35). How sedentary time was quantified and the device used to measure sedentary time significantly influence the size of the effect reported. Future interventions focused on both decreasing sedentary time and increasing physical activity may be the most effective strategy to improve CMH.
Aplasia cutis congenita: Evaluation of signs suggesting extracutaneous involvement
Authors: Patel Deepa P. , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie , Yan Albert C. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSpecific clinical features of aplasia cutis congenita may indicate the presence of underlying cranial or cerebrovascular defects, allowing for early recognition and intervention. Most information about aplasia cutis congenita exists as individual case reports, with few large‐scale studies. We conducted a 7‐year retrospective chart review of 90 cases of aplasia cutis congenita and identified clinical characteristics including morphology, number of lesions, anatomic location, presence of hair collar sign, associated cutaneous features, histology, and imaging results. The anatomic location of the lesion (vertex, midline) (P = .01), presence of hair collar sign (P < .001), vascular stains (P < .001), and nodules (P = .007) were found to be strong clinical indicators of skull or cerebrovascular involvement.
Direct hyperbilirubinemia in infants with congenital heart disease
Authors: Fujishiro Jun , Sugiyama Masahiko , Ishimaru Tetsuya , Watanabe Miho , Sato Kaori , Hoshino Noriko , Uotani Chizue , Kutsukake Mai , Hirata Yoichiro , Oka Akira 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe association between congenital heart disease (CHD) and infantile cholestasis, a key finding for the diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA), has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the characteristics of direct hyperbilirubinemia (D‐HB) in infants with CHD.MethodsAll neonates admitted to the present hospital and diagnosed with CHD in 2015 and 2016 were included. D‐HB (direct bilirubin ≥ 2.0 mg/dL) at ≤60 days of age and other clinical parameters were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis according to presence of D‐HB was performed using chi‐squared test or Wilcoxon rank sum test.ResultsSeventy‐six patients (M:F, 36:40) were included in this study. CHD consisted of ventricular septal defect in 17, patent ductus arteriosus in 10, and other in 49. Thirteen patients (17.1%) had D‐HB at ≤60 days of age. Resolution of D‐HB (DB < 2.0 mg/dL) occurred in 10 of the 13 patients during the hospital stay, and this occurred in ≤7 days in eight of the 10 patients. Sex, gestational age, birthweight, chromosomal anomalies, need for Fontan operation for CHD repair, and/or cardiac operation were not associated with D‐HB at ≤60 days of age.ConclusionWhile D‐HB was frequently observed in infants with CHD, the majority of D‐HB cases resolved spontaneously in ≤1 week. Neonatal clinical parameters or CHD status was not predictive of D‐HB. D‐HB lasting >1 week in infants with CHD should be evaluated for the cause.
In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy in daily practice: Image features correlated to histopathology
Authors: Pan Z.‐Y. , Dong D.‐K. , Chen S.‐J. , Lu L.‐Y. , Hu T.‐T. , Ju Q. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) represents a promising technique for noninvasive visualization of skin lesions. In the clinical daily practice, doctors want to know the relationship between the RCM images and the skin pathological changes.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify the basic skin pathological changes under RCM, and use RCM terminology to describe these pathological changes.MethodsA total of 100 patients were recruited and were evaluated both by RCM and histopathologic examination. Ten healthy volunteers were also recruited as control. RCM examinations were done and biopsies of the lesions at the same site of RCM examination were performed for histopathology analysis.ResultsThe pathological changes including hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, papilloma, spongiosis, pustule, vacuolar degeneration, hyperpigmentation, changes of collagen fibers, and vascular changes can be imaged by RCM and corresponded well to their histopathology. RCM failed to find the atypical keratinocytes in two squamous cell carcinoma cases because of the hyperkeratosis and failed to find the vascular changes in one port wine stain cases because of the limitation of detecting depth.ConclusionFeatures correlating well to histopathology are observed on RCM. RCM can be used as an auxiliary diagnosis tool for the clinical diagnosis.
Empowering students with the hidden curriculum
Authors: Neve Hilary , Collett Tracey 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe hidden curriculum (HC) refers to unscripted, ad hoc learning that occurs outside the formal, taught curriculum and can have a powerful influence on the professional development of students. While this learning may be positive, it may conflict with that taught in the formal curriculum. Medical schools take a range of steps to address these negative effects; however, the existence and nature of the concept tends to be hidden from students.MethodsSince 2007, our medical school has incorporated into its small group programme an educational activity exploring the concept of the hidden curriculum. We undertook a qualitative evaluation of our intervention, conducting a thematic analysis of students’ wiki reflections about the HC. We also analysed students’ responses to a short questionnaire about the educational approach used.FindingsThe majority of students felt that the HC session was important and relevant. Most appeared able to identify positive and negative HC experiences and consider how these might influence their learning and development, although a few students found the concept of the HC hard to grasp.DiscussionRevealing and naming the hidden curriculum can make students aware of its existence and understand its potential impact. The hidden curriculum may also be a useful tool for triggering debate about issues such as power, patient centredness, personal resilience and career stereotypes in medicine. Supporting students to think critically about HC experiences may empower them to make active choices about which messages to take on board.The hidden curriculum can have a powerful influence on the professional development of students
Transcriptional analysis of the IL‐33 receptor suppression of tumourigenicity 2 and its effects on canine Type 2 T helper cells: a preliminary study
Authors: Asahina Ryota , Nishida Hidetaka , Kamishina Hiroaki , Maeda Sadatoshi 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundInterleukin (IL)‐33 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis, a Type 2 T helper cell (Th2)‐associated disease. In humans, IL‐33 mediates its biological effects through the receptor suppression of tumourigenicity 2 (ST2), which is preferentially expressed on Th2 cells. The effects of IL‐33 on canine Th2 cells are unclear.Hypothesis/ObjectivesST2 may be preferentially expressed on canine Th2 cells; IL‐33 may induce the transcription of Th2 cytokines from these cells.AnimalsThree healthy dogs were used.MethodsThe transcription level of st2 was quantified in helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells and Th2 cells isolated from healthy dogs. The transcription levels of Th2 cytokines including il‐4, il‐5, il‐13 and il‐31 were quantified in Th2 cells stimulated with recombinant canine (rc) IL‐33 and/or recombinant human (rh) IL‐2.ResultsTranscription of st2 was the strongest in Th2 cells. Th2 cells also transcribed the genes for il‐5 and il‐13 after being stimulated with rcIL‐33 and rhIL‐2.Conclusions and clinical importanceThese results indicate that canine Th2 cells activated by IL‐33 enhance Th2‐mediated inflammation through the production of IL‐5 and IL‐13.
Outcomes of cellophane banding or percutaneous transvenous coil embolization of canine intrahepatic portosystemic shunts
Authors: Case J. Brad , Marvel Sarah J. , Stiles Mandy C. , Maisenbacher Herb W. , Toskich Beau B. , Smeak Dan D. , Monnet Eric L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare clinical outcomes of dogs with congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (CIHPSS) treated with cellophane banding (CB) or percutaneous transvenous coil embolization (PTCE).Study DesignDual‐institutional retrospective study.AnimalsFifty‐eight dogs with CIHPSS (2001‐2016).MethodsMedical records of dogs undergoing CB or PTCE for CIHPSS were reviewed for signalment, body weight, hematologic values, shunt location, attenuation technique, procedure time, duration of hospitalization, complications, date of follow‐up, and cause of death if applicable.ResultsThirty‐one dogs underwent CB, and 27 dogs underwent PTCE. No differences were detected between groups for gender, preoperative packed cell volume, albumin, cholesterol, or bile acids. Body weight was greater in dogs treated via PTCE. Shunts differed in location because dogs undergoing CB were diagnosed with more left divisional shunts compared with PTCE dogs. Procedural duration of CB and PTCE did not differ. Dogs treated with CB sustained more minor postoperative complications and were hospitalized longer than dogs treated with PTCE. The 1‐year and 2‐year survival rates were 89% for the CB group and 87% and 80% for the PTCE group, respectively. The proportion surviving at 5 years was 75% and 80% for CB dogs and PTCE dogs, respectively.ConclusionCB and PTCE are associated with similar short‐term and intermediate‐term survival. PTCE is a minimally invasive alternative to CB via celiotomy. However, CB allows concurrent abdominal procedures requiring the same approach.
Complications and short‐term outcomes associated with single‐port laparoscopic splenectomy in dogs
Authors: Mayhew Philipp D. , Sutton Jessie S. , Singh Ameet , Runge Jeffrey J. , Case J. Brad , Griffin Maureen A. , Giuffrida Michelle A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a technique and report complications and outcome for single‐port laparoscopic splenectomy in dogs.Study DesignRetrospective study.AnimalsTwenty‐two client‐owned dogs.MethodsMedical records of dogs that underwent single‐port laparoscopic splenectomy at 4 veterinary teaching hospitals were evaluated. Commercially available single‐port devices were used in all dogs. In all cases, a vessel‐sealing device was used to perform a hilar splenectomy. After the procedure was completed, the spleen was exteriorized through the single‐port device incision or placed into a specimen retrieval device; enlargement of the incision was required in some cases.ResultsMedian weight of dogs was 9.9 kg (interquartile range [IQR], 7.0‐26.0). Splenectomy was performed because of splenic mass (n = 14), diffuse splenic disease (n = 4), or as adjunctive treatment for management of immune‐mediated disease (n = 4). In cases with splenic masses, median maximal diameter of the largest splenic mass was 2.0 cm (IQR, 1.3‐2.5). In 6 of 22 cases, mild splenic capsular bleeding occurred during the procedure. Conversion occurred in 6 of 22 cases to either a laparoscopic‐assisted approach (n = 5) or an open celiotomy (n = 1). Reasons for conversion included large splenic dimensions (n = 3), adhesion formation (n = 1) or poor visualization resulting from abundant intra‐abdominal fat (n = 1) or hemorrhage (n = 1). Heavier body weight was significantly associated with conversion (odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.05‐2.51), but body condition score, having a splenic mass, splenic mass size, and surgical time were not.ConclusionSingle‐port laparoscopic splenectomy is an effective approach for elective splenectomy in dogs. The technique may be well suited to smaller dogs with modestly sized splenic masses or diffuse splenic disease.
Production and Biotechnological Potential of Extracellular Polymeric Substances from Sponge-Associated Antarctic Bacteria
Authors: Caruso Consolazione , Rizzo Carmen , Mangano Santina , Poli Annarita , Di Donato Paola , Finore Ilaria , Nicolaus Barbara , Di Marco Gaetano , Michaud Luigi , Lo Giudice Angelina 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Four sponge-associated Antarctic bacteria (i.e.,
Winogradskyella
sp. strains CAL384 and CAL396,
Colwellia
sp. strain GW185, and
Shewanella
sp. strain CAL606) were selected for the highly mucous appearance of their colonies on agar plates. The production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) was enhanced by a step-by-step approach, varying the carbon source, substrate and NaCl concentrations, temperature, and pH. The EPSs produced under optimal conditions were chemically characterized, resulting in a moderate carbohydrate content (range, 15 to 28%) and the presence of proteins (range, 3 to 24%) and uronic acids (range, 3.2 to 11.9%). Chemical hydrolysis of the carbohydrate portion revealed galactose, glucose, galactosamine, and mannose as the principal constituents. The potential biotechnological applications of the EPSs were also investigated. The high protein content in the EPSs from
Winogradskyella
sp. CAL384 was probably responsible for the excellent emulsifying activity toward tested hydrocarbons, with a stable emulsification index (E
24
) higher than those recorded for synthetic surfactants. All the EPSs tested in this work improved the freeze-thaw survival ratio of the isolates, suggesting that they may be exploited as cryoprotection agents. The addition of a sugar in the culture medium, by stimulating EPS production, also allowed isolates to grow in the presence of higher concentrations of mercury and cadmium. This finding was probably dependent on the presence of uronic acids and sulfate groups, which can act as ligands for cations, in the extracted EPSs.

IMPORTANCE
To date, biological matrices have never been employed for the investigation of EPS production by Antarctic psychrotolerant marine bacteria. The biotechnological potential of extracellular polymeric substances produced by Antarctic bacteria is very broad and comprises many advantages, due to their biodegradability, high selectivity, and specific action compared to synthetic molecules. Here, several interesting EPS properties have been highlighted, such as emulsifying activity, cryoprotection, biofilm formation, and heavy metal chelation, suggesting their potential applications in cosmetic, environmental, and food biotechnological fields as valid alternatives to the commercial polymers currently used.
Just When We Thought We Knew Everything We Needed To Know about Zn Acquisition and Bacterial Pathogenesis
Authors: Roop R. Martin 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

It is well established that high-affinity zinc importers play essential roles in bacterial virulence, but the studies described by Moreau et al. in this issue (G. B. Moreau, A. Qin, and B. J. Mann, J Bacteriol 200:e00587-17, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00587-17
) demonstrate that we probably still have much to learn about how these transporters function and how the genes that encode them are regulated in different bacterial pathogens.
A trivalent HCV vaccine elicits broad and synergistic polyclonal antibody response in mice and rhesus monkey
Authors: Wang Xuesong , Yan Yu , Gan Tianyu , Yang Xi , Li Dapeng , Zhou Dongming , Sun Qiang , Huang Zhong , Zhong Jin 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveDespite the development of highly effective direct-acting antivirals, a prophylactic vaccine is needed for eradicating HCV. A major hurdle of HCV vaccine development is to induce immunity against HCV with high genome diversity. We previously demonstrated that a soluble E2 (sE2) expressed from insect cells induces broadly neutralising antibodies (NAbs) and prevents HCV infection. The objective of this study is to develop a multivalent HCV vaccine to increase the antigenic coverage.DesignWe designed a trivalent vaccine containing sE2 from genotype 1a, 1b and 3a. Mice and rhesus macaques were immunised with monovalent or trivalent sE2 vaccine, and sera or purified immunoglobulin were assessed for neutralisation against a panel of cell culture-derived virion (HCVcc) of genotype 1–7 in cell culture. Splenocytes from the vaccinated macaques were assessed for HCV-specific T cell response.ResultsWe showed that the trivalent vaccine elicited pangenotypic NAbs in mice, which neutralised HCVcc of all the seven genotypes more potently than the monovalent vaccine. Further analyses demonstrated that each sE2 component of this trivalent vaccine elicited unique spectrum of NAbs which acted synergistically to inhibit HCV infection. Finally, the trivalent vaccine triggered stronger and more uniform multigenotypic neutralising antibody response than the monovalent vaccine in rhesus macaques.ConclusionsIn summary, we developed a trivalent HCV vaccine that induces broad and synergistic-acting neutralising antibodies in mice and non-human primates.