bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine‐scale genetic structure reflects sex‐specific dispersal strategies in a population of sociable weavers (Philetairus socius)
Authors: van Dijk René E. , Covas Rita , Doutrelant Claire , Spottiswoode Claire N. , Hatchwell Ben J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDispersal is a critical driver of gene flow, with important consequences for population genetic structure, social interactions and other biological processes. Limited dispersal may result in kin‐structured populations in which kin selection may operate, but it may also increase the risk of kin competition and inbreeding. Here, we use a combination of long‐term field data and molecular genetics to examine dispersal patterns and their consequences for the population genetics of a highly social bird, the sociable weaver (Philetairus socius), which exhibits cooperation at various levels of sociality from nuclear family groups to its unique communal nests. Using 20 years of data, involving capture of 6508 birds and 3151 recaptures at 48 colonies, we found that both sexes exhibit philopatry and that any dispersal occurs over relatively short distances. Dispersal is female‐biased, with females dispersing earlier, further, and to less closely related destination colonies than males. Genotyping data from 30 colonies showed that this pattern of dispersal is reflected by fine‐scale genetic structure for both sexes, revealed by isolation by distance in terms of genetic relatedness and significant genetic variance among colonies. Both relationships were stronger among males than females. Crucially, significant relatedness extended beyond the level of the colony for both sexes. Such fine‐scale population genetic structure may have played an important role in the evolution of cooperative behaviour in this species, but it may also result in a significant inbreeding risk, against which female‐biased dispersal alone is unlikely to be an effective strategy.
Type‐II NADH:quinone oxidoreductase from Staphylococcus aureus has two distinct binding sites and is rate limited by quinone reduction
Authors: Sena Filipa V. , Batista Ana P. , Catarino Teresa , Brito José A. , Archer Margarida , Viertler Martin , Madl Tobias , Cabrita Eurico J. , Pereira Manuela M. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryA prerequisite for any rational drug design strategy is understanding the mode of protein–ligand interaction. This motivated us to explore protein–substrate interaction in Type‐II NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (NDH‐2) from Staphylococcus aureus, a worldwide problem in clinical medicine due to its multiple drug resistant forms. NDHs‐2 are involved in respiratory chains and recognized as suitable targets for novel antimicrobial therapies, as these are the only enzymes with NADH:quinone oxidoreductase activity expressed in many pathogenic organisms.We obtained crystal and solution structures of NDH‐2 from S. aureus, showing that it is a dimer in solution. We report fast kinetic analyses of the protein and detected a charge‐transfer complex formed between NAD+ and the reduced flavin, which is dissociated by the quinone. We observed that the quinone reduction is the rate limiting step and also the only half‐reaction affected by the presence of HQNO, an inhibitor. We analyzed protein–substrate interactions by fluorescence and STD‐NMR spectroscopies, which indicate that NADH and the quinone bind to different sites.In summary, our combined results show the presence of distinct binding sites for the two substrates, identified quinone reduction as the rate limiting step and indicate the establishment of a NAD+‐protein complex, which is released by the quinone.
The Clostridium difficile cell wall protein CwpV confers phase‐variable phage resistance
Authors: Sekulovic Ognjen , Ospina Bedoya Maicol , Fivian‐Hughes Amanda S. , Fairweather Neil F. , Fortier Louis‐Charles 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBacteriophages are present in virtually all ecosystems, and bacteria have developed multiple antiphage strategies to counter their attacks. Clostridium difficile is an important pathogen causing severe intestinal infections in humans and animals. Here we show that the conserved cell‐surface protein CwpV provides antiphage protection in C. difficile. This protein, for which the expression is phase‐variable, is classified into five types, each differing in their repeat‐containing C‐terminal domain. When expressed constitutively from a plasmid or the chromosome of locked ‘ON’ cells of C. difficile R20291, CwpV conferred antiphage protection. Differences in the level of phage protection were observed depending on the phage morphological group, siphophages being the most sensitive with efficiency of plaquing (EOP) values of < 5 × 10−7 for phages ϕCD38‐2, ϕCD111 and ϕCD146. Protection against the myophages ϕMMP01 and ϕCD52 was weaker, with EOP values between 9.0 × 10−3 and 1.1 × 10−1. The C‐terminal domain of CwpV carries the antiphage activity and its deletion, or part of it, significantly reduced the antiphage protection. CwpV does not affect phage adsorption, but phage DNA replication is prevented, suggesting a mechanism reminiscent of superinfection exclusion systems normally encoded on prophages. CwpV thus represents a novel ubiquitous host‐encoded and phase‐variable antiphage system in C. difficile.
Transcription factor Rex in regulation of pathophysiology in oral pathogens
Authors: Bitoun J.P. , Wen Z.T. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe NAD+ and NADH‐sensing transcriptional regulator Rex is widely conserved across gram‐positive bacteria. Rex monitors cellular redox poise and controls the expression of genes/operons involved in diverse pathways including alternative fermentation, oxidative stress responses, and biofilm formation. The oral cavity undergoes frequent and drastic fluctuations in nutrient availability, pH, temperature, oxygen tension, saliva, and shear forces. The oral streptococci are major colonizers of oral mucosa and tooth surfaces and include commensals as well as opportunistic pathogens, including the primary etiological agent of dental caries, Streptococcus mutans. Current understanding of the Rex regulon in oral bacteria is mostly based on studies in S. mutans and endodontic pathogen Enterococcus faecalis. Indeed, other oral bacteria encode homologs of the Rex protein and much is to be gleaned from more in‐depth studies. Our current understanding has Rex positioned at the interface of oxygen and energy metabolism. In biofilms, heterogeneous oxygen tension influences the ratio of intracellular NADH and NAD+, which is finely tuned through glycolysis and fermentation. In S. mutans, Rex regulates the expression of glycolytic enzyme NAD+‐dependent glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and NADH‐dependent fermentation enzymes/complexes lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, alcohol‐acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, and fumarate reductase. In addition, Rex controls the expression of NADH oxidase, a major enzyme used to eliminate oxidative stress and regenerate NAD+. Here, we summarize recent studies carried out on the Rex regulators in S. mutans and E. faecalis. This research has important implications for understanding how Rex monitors redox balance and optimizes fermentation pathways for survival and subsequent pathogenicity.
The relationship between the season of birth and early‐onset food allergies in children
Authors: Tanaka Kajiyo , Matsui Teruaki , Sato Arisa , Sasaki Kemal , Nakata Joon , Nakagawa Tomoko , Sugiura Shiro , Kando Naoyuki , Nishiyama Takeshi , Kojima Seiji , Ito Komei 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThis study examined the relationship between the season of birth (SoB) and other factors with the development of FA.MethodsA multicenter, cross‐sectional pilot study recruited 1197 patients with FA. The main study recruited 440 incident cases (FA group) definitively diagnosed as FA at 0–1 year of age. In both studies, the frequency of autumn–winter births (AWBs) in FA patients was compared to the regional control population. In the main study, we analyzed the differences in the SoB and other factors between patients in the FA group and those in the non‐FA group (n = 332) in allergy clinics.ResultsThe pilot study showed that the frequency of AWB (57.6%) in the FA patients was significantly higher than that of the regional control population (50.4%, OR, 1.34; p < 0.001). The main study also showed the dominance of AWB (62.7%) in the FA group in comparison with that in the regional control population (50.2%, OR, 1.70; p < 0.001). Preterm birth (OR, 0.43; p = 0.027) and the presence of two or more elder siblings (OR, 0.27; p = 0.012) were significantly associated with a lower frequency of FA than those of non‐FA. AWB (RR, 1.21; p = 0.020) and preterm birth (RR, 0.55; p = 0.017) were significantly associated with a number of trigger foods. The SoB effect was observed in FA patients irrespective of the presence of infantile eczema.ConclusionsAWB was predominant in the patients with newly diagnosed food allergies.
Attachment‐informed therapy for adults: Towards a unifying perspective on practice
Authors: Berry Katherine , Danquah Adam 
Published: July 2015

PurposeWe aimed to provide an integrated overview of the key goals and strategies of an attachment‐informed psychotherapy by summarizing the literature describing the clinical implications of attachment theory for psychological therapy for adults.MethodWe carried out a narrative thematic review of 58 texts from a diverse range of therapeutic schools, until we agreed that we had reached a saturation of themes.ResultsWe identified six key themes: Changing internal working models; the therapeutic relationship and creating a secure base; formulating and processing relationship experiences; countertransference; separation, termination and boundary issues; and working with different attachment styles or patterns. We discuss empirical evidence in relation to each theme and highlight areas for research.ConclusionsAttachment theory provides a useful framework to inform psychological therapy with adults, but there is a pressing need for further research to empirically demonstrate the ‘added value’ of an attachment perspective.Practitioner points

Attachment theory should be used to inform individual psychological therapy in adulthood.

From the outset of their careers, therapists should receive training and supervision to enhance their awareness of their own and their clients' attachment experiences and how these play out during therapy.

There is a need for greater empirical research to investigate whether the degree to which therapists formulate and meet clients' attachment needs influences outcomes.
Melanins and melanogenesis: from pigment cells to human health and technological applications
Authors: d'Ischia Marco , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Cicoira Fabio , Di Mauro Eduardo , Garcia‐Borron Josè Carlos , Commo Stephane , Galván Ismael , Ghanem Ghanem , Kenzo Koike , Meredith Paul , Pezzella Alessandro , Santato Clara , Sarna Tadeusz , Simon John D. , Zecca Luigi , Zucca Fabio A. , Napolitano Alessandra , Ito Shosuke 
Published: July 2015

SummaryDuring the past decade, melanins and melanogenesis have attracted growing interest for a broad range of biomedical and technological applications. The burst of polydopamine‐based multifunctional coatings in materials science is just one example, and the list may be expanded to include melanin thin films for organic electronics and bioelectronics, drug delivery systems, functional nanoparticles and biointerfaces, sunscreens, environmental remediation devices. Despite considerable advances, applied research on melanins and melanogenesis is still far from being mature. A closer intersectoral interaction between research centers is essential to raise the interests and increase the awareness of the biomedical, biomaterials science and hi‐tech sectors of the manifold opportunities offered by pigment cells and related metabolic pathways. Starting from a survey of biological roles and functions, the present review aims at providing an interdisciplinary perspective of melanin pigments and related pathway with a view to showing how it is possible to translate current knowledge about physical and chemical properties and control mechanisms into new bioinspired solutions for biomedical, dermocosmetic, and technological applications.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed differences in the glutamate + glutamine/creatine ratio of the anterior cingulate cortex between healthy and pediatric post‐traumatic stress disorder patients diagnosed after 2008 Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Yang Zhi‐Yong , Quan Hong , Peng Zu‐Lai , Zhong Yang , Tan Zhi‐Jie , Gong Qi‐Yong 
Published: July 2015

AimsEarthquakes always leave many surviving teenagers suffering from various mental problems, such as post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We studied the metabolites in current and remitted pediatric PTSD patients and healthy controls after an earthquake, aiming to find the neurochemistry differences in these teenagers.MethodsProton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) was performed in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of 21 healthy, 10 PTSD and 23 remitted subjects.ResultsSignificantly lower glutamate + glutamine/creatine (Glx/Cr) levels in the ACC (1.15 ± 0.14 vs 1.37 ± 0.08, P = 0.047) were found in PTSD subjects relative to remitted subjects; and significantly lower Glx/Cr levels in the ACC (1.37 ± 0.08 vs 1.59 ± 0.10, P = 0.045) were found in remitted subjects relative to healthy controls.ConclusionsOur findings imply that the Glx/Cr ratio in the ACC can be used to differentiate not only between healthy and pediatric PTSD patients, but also between the current and remitted phases of pediatric PTSD. The changes in the Glx/Cr ratio may be caused by brain dysfunction in the current phase and recovery in the remitted phase.
History of Maternal Fetal Loss and Childhood Leukaemia Risk in Subsequent Offspring: Differentials by Miscarriage or Stillbirth History and Disease Subtype
Authors: Karalexi M. A. , Skalkidou A. , Thomopoulos T. P. , Belechri M. , Biniaris‐Georgallis S.‐I. , Bouka E. , Baka M. , Hatzipantelis E. , Kourti M. , Polychronopoulou S. , Sidi V. , Stiakaki E. , Moschovi M. , Dessypris N. , Petridou E. Th. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundDespite the putative intrauterine origins of childhood (0–14 years) leukaemia, it is complex to assess the impact of perinatal factors on disease onset. Results on the association of maternal history of fetal loss (miscarriage/stillbirth) with specific disease subtypes in the subsequent offspring are in conflict. We sought to investigate whether miscarriage and stillbirth may have different impacts on the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and of its main immunophenotypes (B‐cell and T‐cell ALL), as contrasted to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).MethodsOne thousand ninety‐nine ALL incidents (957 B‐ALL) and 131 AML cases along with 1:1 age and gender‐matched controls derived from the Nationwide Registry for Childhood Hematological Malignancies and Brain Tumors (1996–2013) were studied. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the roles of previous miscarriage(s) and stillbirth(s) on ALL (overall, B‐, T‐ALL) and AML, controlling for potential confounders.ResultsStatistically significant exposure and disease subtype‐specific associations of previous miscarriage(s) exclusively with AML [odds ratio (OR) 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00, 2.81] and stillbirth(s) with ALL [OR 4.82, 95% CI 1.63, 14.24] and B‐ALL particularly, emerged.ConclusionDifferential pathophysiological pathways pertaining to genetic polymorphisms or cytogenetic aberrations are likely to create hostile environments leading either to fetal loss or the development of specific leukaemia subtypes in subsequent offspring, notably distinct associations of maternal miscarriage history confined to AML and stillbirth history confined to ALL (specifically B‐ALL). If confirmed and further supported by studies revealing underlying mechanisms, these results may shed light on the divergent leukemogenesis processes.
Lessons learnt from the management of a case of Lassa fever and follow‐up of nosocomial primary contacts in Nigeria during Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa
Authors: Iroezindu Michael O. , Unigwe Uche S. , Okwara Celestine C. , Ozoh Gladys A. , Ndu Anne C. , Ohanu Martin E. , Nwoko Ugochukwu O. , Okoroafor Uwadiegwu W. , Ejimudo Esinulo , Tobin Ekaete A. , Asogun Danny A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo describe our experiences in the management of a case of Lassa fever (LF) and follow‐up of nosocomial primary contacts during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa.MethodsClinical management of the index case and infection control/surveillance activities for primary contacts are described. Laboratory confirmation was by Lassa virus‐specific reverse‐transcriptase PCR.ResultsA 28‐year‐old man with a 10‐day history of febrile illness was referred to a major tertiary hospital in south‐east Nigeria from a city that previously experienced a LF outbreak and was recently affected by Ebola. On observation of haemorrhagic features, clinicians were at a crossroads. Diagnosis of LF was confirmed at a National Reference Centre. The patient died despite initiation of ribavirin therapy. Response activities identified 121 primary contacts comprising 78 (64.5%) hospital staff/interns, 19 (15.7%) medical students, 18 (14.9%) inpatients and 6 (5.0%) relatives. Their mean age was 32.8 ± 6.6 years, and 65.3% were women. Twenty (16.5%) had high‐risk exposure and were offered ribavirin as post‐exposure prophylaxis. No secondary case of LF occurred. Fatigue (43.8%) and dizziness (31.3%) were the commonest side effects of ribavirin.ConclusionsResponse activities contained nosocomial spread of LF, but challenges were experienced including lack of a purpose‐built isolation facility, absence of local Lassa virus laboratory capacity, failure to use appropriate protective equipment and stigmatisation of contacts. A key lesson is that the weak health systems of Africa should be comprehensively strengthened; otherwise, we might win the Ebola battle but lose the one against less virulent infections for which effective treatment exists.
Diagnostic and treatment delays of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis before initiating treatment: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xiulei , Yin Jia , Li Haitao , Li Shuguang , Walley John , Zou Guanyang , Zhang Zhitong , Wei Xiaolin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveShandong Province has implemented the standardised treatment of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) supported by the Global Fund. The study aimed to understand the managements and delays of patients with MDR‐TB before initiating their treatments.MethodsAll patients with MDR‐TB who had completed intensive phase treatment from January 2010 to May 2012 were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Delays and treatments were analysed. Diagnosis delay is defined as the period between having sputum smear results and drug susceptibility test (DST) results. Treatment delay was defined as starting MDR‐TB treatment more than 2 days after receiving the diagnosis of MDR‐TB. Total delay is the sum of diagnosis delay and treatment delay.ResultsIn total, 110 patients with MDR‐TB participated in the study. Median delay for diagnosis was 102 days. Over 80% of patients had a diagnosis delay longer than 90 days. MDR‐TB treatments commenced after a median of 9 days after DST results, and over 37% of the patients with MDR‐TB experienced treatment delays. Chronic cases or patients with indifferent attitude had significantly longer treatment delay than other groups (P = 0.03 and 0.03, respectively). During their delays, of 44 patients with retreatment failures, 12 (27.3%) were treated through adding single second line drugs (SLDs) to first‐line regimens, and 25 (56.8%) were treated with first‐line drugs. A high proportion of initial treatment failure/relapsed/returned cases (37%) and new cases (43%) were administered with SLDs.ConclusionsMost of the patients with MDR‐TB experienced prolonged diagnosis delay, which was the most important factor contributing to the total delay. Misuse of SLDs during the days was common, so necessary training should be given to prevent irrational prescription of medications.
Evaluation of small noncoding RNAs in ex vivo stored human mature red blood cells: changes in noncoding RNA levels correlate with storage lesion events
Authors: Sarachana Tewarit , Kulkarni Sandhya , Atreya Chintamani D. 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDWhile biomarkers of storage lesions (SLs) for red blood cells (RBCs) abound, the physiologic consequences of SLs and associated important events are poorly understood. Previously we have identified differentially expressed regulatory small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in stored RBCs, suggesting their role in the RBC SL process and their potential as quality biomarkers of stored RBCs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSComprehensive ncRNA expression analysis of RBCs stored for up to 56 days was performed on RNAs collected from enriched mature RBCs on Days 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, and 56. Three known RBC SL processes, that is, mature RBCs’ suicidal death (eryptosis), ATP loss, and changes in RBC indices, were correlated with differentially expressed ncRNAs to gain knowledge on the SL molecular processes.RESULTSThe analysis identified four ncRNAs whose changes in the expression levels were correlated with the selected three SL processes. Differential expression on Days 14 and 28 of the four selected ncRNAs was confirmed by TaqMan quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis. Bioinformatics analysis identified potential targets and biologic functions of these ncRNAs. Overexpression of one such ncRNA, hsa‐miR‐196a, in a human erythroblast cell line confirmed its protective effects against the cell death and ATP loss.CONCLUSIONOverall, this study demonstrates that changes in the levels of small ncRNAs of stored RBCs correlate with some of the SL events and thus they have the potential to serve as the storage quality markers.