bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic engineering of biomass for high energy density: oilseed‐like triacylglycerol yields from plant leaves
Authors: Vanhercke Thomas , El Tahchy Anna , Liu Qing , Zhou Xue‐Rong , Shrestha Pushkar , Divi Uday K. , Ral Jean‐Philippe , Mansour Maged P. , Nichols Peter D. , James Christopher N. , Horn Patrick J. , Chapman Kent D. , Beaudoin Frederic , Ruiz‐López Noemi , Larkin Philip J. , de Feyter Robert C. , Singh Surinder P. , Petrie James R. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryHigh biomass crops have recently attracted significant attention as an alternative platform for the renewable production of high energy storage lipids such as triacylglycerol (TAG). While TAG typically accumulates in seeds as storage compounds fuelling subsequent germination, levels in vegetative tissues are generally low. Here, we report the accumulation of more than 15% TAG (17.7% total lipids) by dry weight in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) leaves by the co‐expression of three genes involved in different aspects of TAG production without severely impacting plant development. These yields far exceed the levels found in wild‐type leaf tissue as well as previously reported engineered TAG yields in vegetative tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana and N. tabacum. When translated to a high biomass crop, the current levels would translate to an oil yield per hectare that exceeds those of most cultivated oilseed crops. Confocal fluorescence microscopy and mass spectrometry imaging confirmed the accumulation of TAG within leaf mesophyll cells. In addition, we explored the applicability of several existing oil‐processing methods using fresh leaf tissue. Our results demonstrate the technical feasibility of a vegetative plant oil production platform and provide for a step change in the bioenergy landscape, opening new prospects for sustainable food, high energy forage, biofuel and biomaterial applications.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci for floral scent compounds in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)
Authors: Andargie Mebeaselassie , Knudsen Jette T. , Pasquet Remy S. , Gowda Bhavani S. , Muluvi Geoffrey M. , Timko Michael P. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractFloral scent is a very important trait in plant evolution. Currently, little is known about the inheritance of floral scent in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) or changes that might have occurred during its domestication. Therefore, we analysed scent volatiles and molecular markers in a population of 159 F7 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross of a domesticated blackeye cowpea cultivar, ‘524B’ and a wild accession ‘219‐01’. Using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC–MS) 23 volatile compounds were identified that fall into five general functional categories. Twenty‐two of the compounds displayed quantitative variation in the progeny, and a total of 63 QTLs influencing the amounts of these volatiles were mapped onto the cowpea genetic marker map. Although QTLs for volatile compounds putatively involved in cowpea flower scent were found on 9 of the 11 cowpea chromosomes, they were not evenly distributed with QTLs mainly clustered on LGs 1, LGs 2 and LG 4. Our results serve as a starting point for both more detailed analyses of complex scent biosynthetic pathways and the development of markers for marker‐assisted breeding of scented rose varieties.
Integration of AFLPs, SSRs and SNPs markers into a new genetic map of industrial chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. sativum)
Authors: Muys Céline , Thienpont Claire‐Noëlle , Dauchot Nicolas , Maudoux Olivier , Draye Xavier , Cutsem Pierre Van 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA chicory genetic map of 1208 cM has been created using 247 F2 plants and 237 markers (170 AFLP, 28 SSR, 27 EST‐SNP and 12 EST‐SSR). This map covers 84% of the chicory genome. The chicory‐genic‐markers‐associated sequences were used to find potential orthologs in mapped lettuce ESTs from the Compositae Genome Project Database. Twenty‐seven putative orthologous pairs were retained, pinpointing seven putative blocks of synteny that covered 11% of the chicory genome and 13% of the lettuce genome, opening new perspectives for the analysis of these two species.
New algorithm for valganciclovir dosing in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Åsberg A. , Bjerre A. , Neely M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCMV infections are common after SOT. v‐GCV is increasingly used in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate presently used dosing algorithms. Data from 104 pediatric SOT recipients (kidney, liver, and heart) aged 0.3–16.9 yr and receiving v‐GCV once a day were used for model development and validation with the Pmetrics package for R. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to compare the probability of a GCV AUC 40–60 mg*h/L with the different algorithms across a range of ages, weights, and GFRs. GCV pharmacokinetics was well described by the non‐parametric model. Clearance was dependent on GFR and Cockcroft‐Gault estimates improved the model fit over Schwartz. Simulations showed that our new algorithm, where v‐GCV dose is: Weight [kg]*(0.07*GFR [mL/min]+k), where k = 5 for GFR ≤ 30 mL/min, k = 10 for GFR > 30 mL/min and weight > 30 kg and k = 15 for GFR > 30 mL/min and weight ≤ 30 kg, outperformed the other algorithms. Thirty‐three percent of all patients achieve an exposure above and 21% within the therapeutic window. We propose a simple algorithm for initial v‐GCV dosing that standardizes plasma drug exposure better than current algorithms. Subsequent TDM is strongly suggested to achieve individual drug levels within the therapeutic window.
Facilitation allows plant coexistence in Cuban serpentine soils
Authors: Oviedo R. , Faife‐Cabrera M. , Noa‐Monzón A. , Arroyo J. , Valiente‐Banuet A. , Verdú M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSerpentine soils represent stressful habitats where plants have to cope with heavy metals, moisture limitation and low nutrient availability. We propose that facilitation is an important mechanism structuring plant communities under such stressful conditions. Facilitation has been shown to generate the spatial association of species, forming discrete vegetation patches of phylogenetically distant species. We measured these spatial and phylogenetic signatures left by facilitation in a serpentine plant community of central Cuba. Our results show that seedlings preferentially grow under plants of different species, and that adults are significantly aggregated into vegetation patches. In these patches, adults tend to co‐occur with distant relatives, ultimately forming phylogenetically diverse neighbourhoods. We discuss possible mechanisms explaining how species adapted to serpentine areas may be acting as nurses, reducing the stressful conditions for the establishment of other species.
Emotional‐motivational barriers to blood donation among Togolese adults: a structural approach
Authors: Alinon K. , Gbati K. , Sorum P. C. , Mullet E. 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundAlthough the number of blood donors has been rapidly increasing in Togo since 2003, it is nevertheless insufficient to cover the demand.ObjectivesTo increase needed blood donation in Togo, it is necessary to understand why most people are reluctant to do it.MethodsA sample of 400 adult volunteers in Lomé, mostly university educated, rated, on a scale of 0–10, the relevance to them of a comprehensive list of reasons that might deter people from donating blood. The ratings of 250 participants were subjected to factor analysis, and the resulting factorial structure was confirmed on the ratings of the other 150 participants.ResultsThe resulting six factors were labelled (in order of their ratings of a representative sample of items): Lack of Courage and Lack of Information (mean 5·43 of 10), Concerns about the Use of Blood (4·72), Risk Aversion (4·37), Fear of Medical Settings (2·41), Conformity with Tradition (1·88) and Indifference to Others and Hostility to the Procedure (1·69).ConclusionTo increase blood donation, a public information campaign should address the emotional‐motivational barriers found even in the most educated segment of Togolese society.
Quantitative profiling and pattern analysis of triacylglycerol species in Arabidopsis seeds by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Maoyin , Baughman Ethan , Roth Mary R. , Han Xianlin , Welti Ruth , Wang Xuemin 
Published: October 2013

SummaryPlant triacylglycerols (TAGs), or vegetable oils, provide approximately 25% of dietary calories to humans and are becoming an increasingly important source of renewable bioenergy and industrial feedstocks. TAGs are assembled by multiple enzymes in the endoplasmic reticulum from building blocks that include an invariable glycerol backbone and variable fatty acyl chains. It remains a challenge to elucidate the mechanism of synthesis of hundreds of different TAG species in planta. One reason is the lack of an efficient analytical approach quantifying individual molecular species. Here we report a rapid and quantitative TAG profiling approach for Arabidopsis seeds based on electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry with direct infusion and multiple neutral loss scans. The levels of 93 TAG molecular species, identified by their acyl components, were determined in Arabidopsis seeds. Quantitative TAG pattern analyses revealed that the TAG assembly machinery preferentially produces TAGs with one elongated fatty acid. The importance of the selectivity in oil synthesis was consistent with an observation that an Arabidopsis mutant overexpressing a patatin‐like phospholipase had enhanced seed oil content with elongated fatty acids. This quantitative TAG profiling approach should facilitate investigations aimed at understanding the biochemical mechanisms of TAG metabolism in plants.
Evaluation of adjuvant carboplatin chemotherapy in the management of surgically excised anal sac apocrine gland adenocarcinoma in dogs
Authors: Wouda R. M. , Borrego J. , Keuler N. S. , Stein T. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThere is no widely accepted standard of care for canine anal sac apocrine gland adenocarcinoma (ASAGAC). Surgery alone is inadequate in many cases, but the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy is not well established. The primary objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the role of carboplatin chemotherapy in the post‐operative management of ASAGAC. Seventy‐four dogs with naturally occurring ASAGAC underwent surgery. Forty‐four dogs received adjuvant carboplatin and 30 did not. Median overall survival (OS) was 703 days. Median time to progression (TTP) was 384 days. Only primary tumour size and lymph node metastasis at diagnosis significantly impacted the outcome. Differences in OS and TTP, between the dogs that received adjuvant carboplatin and those that did not, failed to reach statistical significance. Treatment of progressive disease, whilst not limited to chemotherapy, significantly prolonged the survival. This study shows that adjuvant carboplatin chemotherapy is well tolerated and may have a role in the management of dogs with ASAGAC.
High Nasal Burden of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Increases Risk of Invasive Disease
Authors: Datta Rupak , Shah Atia , Huang Susan S. , Cui Eric , Nguyen Vinh , Welbourne Susan J. , Quan Kathleen A. , Thrupp Lauri 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

In a retrospective cohort study of 1,140 patients harboring methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
, the nasal burden was low in 31%, category 1+ to 2+ in 54%, and category 3+ to 4+ in 15%. There was a significant trend in infection risk with increasing nasal burden (
P
= 0.007). In multivariate models, high nasal burden remained significantly associated with invasive infection.
Optimal Culture Incubation Time in Orthopedic Device-Associated Infections: a Retrospective Analysis of Prolonged 14-Day Incubation
Authors: Schwotzer Nora , Wahl Peter , Fracheboud Dominique , Gautier Emanuel , Chuard Christian 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Accurate diagnosis of orthopedic device-associated infections can be challenging. Culture of tissue biopsy specimens is often considered the gold standard; however, there is currently no consensus on the ideal incubation time for specimens. The aim of our study was to assess the yield of a 14-day incubation protocol for tissue biopsy specimens from revision surgery (joint replacements and internal fixation devices) in a general orthopedic and trauma surgery setting. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively in order to identify cases of infection according to predefined diagnostic criteria. From August 2009 to March 2012, 499 tissue biopsy specimens were sampled from 117 cases. In 70 cases (59.8%), at least one sample showed microbiological growth. Among them, 58 cases (82.9%) were considered infections and 12 cases (17.1%) were classified as contaminations. The median time to positivity in the cases of infection was 1 day (range, 1 to 10 days), compared to 6 days (range, 1 to 11 days) in the cases of contamination (
P
< 0.001). Fifty-six (96.6%) of the infection cases were diagnosed within 7 days of incubation. In conclusion, the results of our study show that the incubation of tissue biopsy specimens beyond 7 days is not productive in a general orthopedic and trauma surgery setting. Prolonged 14-day incubation might be of interest in particular situations, however, in which the prevalence of slow-growing microorganisms and anaerobes is higher.
Utility of a Commercial PCR Assay and a Clinical Prediction Rule for Detection of Toxigenic Clostridium difficile in Asymptomatic Carriers
Authors: Donskey Curtis J. , Sunkesula Venkata C. K. , Jencson Annette L. , Stone Nimalie D. , Gould Carolyn V. , McDonald L. Clifford , Samore Matthew , Mayer Jeanmarie , Pacheco Susan , Sambol Susan , Petrella Laurica , Terry Deborah , Gerding Dale N. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

A commercial PCR assay of perirectal swab specimens detected 17 (68%) of 25 asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic
Clostridium difficile
, including 93% with skin and/or environmental contamination. A clinical prediction rule, followed by PCR screening, could be used to identify carriers at high risk of
C. difficile
shedding.
HIV Diversity as a Biomarker for HIV Incidence Estimation: Including a High-Resolution Melting Diversity Assay in a Multiassay Algorithm
Authors: Cousins Matthew M. , Konikoff Jacob , Laeyendecker Oliver , Celum Connie , Buchbinder Susan P. , Seage George R. , Kirk Gregory D. , Moore Richard D. , Mehta Shruti H. , Margolick Joseph B. , Brown Joelle , Mayer Kenneth H. , Koblin Beryl A. , Wheeler Darrell , Justman Jessica E. , Hodder Sally L. , Quinn Thomas C. , Brookmeyer Ron , Eshleman Susan H. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Multiassay algorithms (MAAs) can be used to estimate cross-sectional HIV incidence. We previously identified a robust MAA that includes the BED capture enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA), the Bio-Rad Avidity assay, viral load, and CD4 cell count. In this report, we evaluated MAAs that include a high-resolution melting (HRM) diversity assay that does not require sequencing. HRM scores were determined for eight regions of the HIV genome (2 in
gag
, 1 in
pol
, and 5 in
env
). The MAAs that were evaluated included the BED-CEIA, the Bio-Rad Avidity assay, viral load, and the HRM diversity assay, using HRM scores from different regions and a range of region-specific HRM diversity assay cutoffs. The performance characteristics based on the proportion of samples that were classified as MAA positive by duration of infection were determined for each MAA, including the mean window period. The cross-sectional incidence estimates obtained using optimized MAAs were compared to longitudinal incidence estimates for three cohorts in the United States. The performance of the HRM-based MAA was nearly identical to that of the MAA that included CD4 cell count. The HRM-based MAA had a mean window period of 154 days and provided cross-sectional incidence estimates that were similar to those based on cohort follow-up. HIV diversity is a useful biomarker for estimating HIV incidence. MAAs that include the HRM diversity assay can provide accurate HIV incidence estimates using stored blood plasma or serum samples without a requirement for CD4 cell count data.
Sepsis with an Atopobium-Like Species in a Patient with Fournier's Gangrene
Authors: Oyaert Matthijs , Cools Piet , Breyne Joke , Heyvaert Gert , Vandewiele Anne , Vaneechoutte Mario , Vervaeke Steven , De Laere Emmanuel 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Atopobium
species are Gram-positive, anaerobic, catalase-negative, fastidious bacteria belonging to the family
Coriobacteriaceae
. We report the isolation of an
Atopobium
-like species in a patient with Fournier's gangrene and highlight the role of 16S rRNA gene sequencing in the identification of fastidious organisms in the clinical laboratory.
Clinical Evaluation of BioPlex 2200 HIV Ag-Ab, an Automated Screening Method Providing Discrete Detection of HIV-1 p24 Antigen, HIV-1 Antibody, and HIV-2 Antibody
Authors: Salmona Maud , Delarue Severine , Delaugerre Constance , Simon François , Maylin Sarah 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for optimal therapeutic outcomes in patients infected with HIV. Currently, none of the commercially available fourth-generation assays differentiate HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies (Ab) or the HIV-1 p24 antigen (Ag). The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a novel assay, the BioPlex 2200 HIV Ag-Ab. This assay uses a multiplex flow immunoassay design allowing the simultaneous detection and identification of antibodies to HIV-1 (groups M and O), HIV-2, and the HIV-1 p24 antigen, in addition to providing a traditional composite result. A total of 1,505 routine serum samples were prospectively tested. Results were compared with those from the Architect HIV Combo assay. The sensitivity of the BioPlex 2200 was 100%. The specificity assessed on repeated false-positive samples was 99.5%. In addition, 524 frozen specimens from patients known to be infected with HIV-1 or HIV-2 were tested. Of these specimens, 420 were infected with HIV-1, including 156 of known genotypes, 86 were infected with HIV-2, 7 were infected with HIV-1 and HIV-2, and 11 were from patients with acute HIV infection. Sensitivity was 100% for the HIV genotypes tested. The differentiation capabilities of the BioPlex 2200 HIV Ag-Ab assay for HIV-1, HIV-2, dual HIV-1/HIV-2, and early infections were 100%, 90.7%, 100%, and 90.9%, respectively. The BioPlex 2200 is a sensitive and specific assay that offers advantages over conventional HIV combo assays, also referred to as fourth-generation assays, to accurately differentiate and report HIV-1 p24 antigen and HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies.
Newly Emerging Mutations in the Matrix Genes of the Human Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) Viruses Reduce the Detection Sensitivity of Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR
Authors: Yang Ji-Rong , Kuo Chuan-Yi , Huang Hsiang-Yi , Wu Fu-Ting , Huang Yi-Lung , Cheng Chieh-Yu , Su Yu-Ting , Chang Feng-Yee , Wu Ho-Sheng , Liu Ming-Tsan 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
New variants of the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses were detected in Taiwan between 2012 and 2013. Some of these variants were not detected in clinical specimens using a common real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay that targeted the conserved regions of the viral matrix (M) genes. An analysis of the M gene sequences of the new variants revealed that several newly emerging mutations were located in the regions where the primers or probes of the real-time RT-PCR assay bind; these included three mutations (G225A, T228C, and G238A) in the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, as well as one mutation (C163T) in the A(H3N2) virus. These accumulated mismatch mutations, together with the previously identified C154T mutation of the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus and the C153T and G189T mutations of the A(H3N2) virus, result in a reduced detection sensitivity for the real-time RT-PCR assay. To overcome the loss of assay sensitivity due to mismatch mutations, we established a real-time RT-PCR assay using degenerate nucleotide bases in both the primers and probe and successfully increased the sensitivity of the assay to detect circulating variants of the human influenza A viruses. Our observations highlight the importance of the simultaneous use of different gene-targeting real-time RT-PCR assays for the clinical diagnosis of influenza.
An Unusual Case of Acute Cystitis Associated with Mixed Flora in Voided Urine in an Adult Male
Authors: Kunin Calvin M. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
This report describes two episodes of acute cystitis associated with “mixed flora” in an elderly male following a cystoscopy. The initial episode was accompanied by pyuria and a positive nitrite test. Both episodes responded to treatment with nitrofurantoin. Urine cultures were negative prior to the episodes and at a 1-year follow-up.
Evolution of the Influenza A Virus Genome during Development of Oseltamivir ResistanceIn Vitro
Authors: Renzette Nicholas , Caffrey Daniel R. , Zeldovich Konstantin B. , Liu Ping , Gallagher Glen R. , Aiello Daniel , Porter Alyssa J. , Kurt-Jones Evelyn A. , Bolon Daniel N. , Poh Yu-Ping , Jensen Jeffrey D. , Schiffer Celia A. , Kowalik Timothy F. , Finberg Robert W. , Wang Jennifer P. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTInfluenza A virus (IAV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Current antiviral therapies include oseltamivir, a neuraminidase inhibitor that prevents the release of nascent viral particles from infected cells. However, the IAV genome can evolve rapidly, and oseltamivir resistance mutations have been detected in numerous clinical samples. Using anin vitroevolution platform and whole-genome population sequencing, we investigated the population genomics of IAV during the development of oseltamivir resistance. Strain A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1) was grown in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells with or without escalating concentrations of oseltamivir over serial passages. Following drug treatment, the H274Y resistance mutation fixed reproducibly within the population. The presence of the H274Y mutation in the viral population, at either a low or a high frequency, led to measurable changes in the neuraminidase inhibition assay. Surprisingly, fixation of the resistance mutation was not accompanied by alterations of viral population diversity or differentiation, and oseltamivir did not alter the selective environment. While the neighboring K248E mutation was also a target of positive selection prior to H274Y fixation, H274Y was the primary beneficial mutation in the population. In addition, once evolved, the H274Y mutation persisted after the withdrawal of the drug, even when not fixed in viral populations. We conclude that only selection of H274Y is required for oseltamivir resistance and that H274Y is not deleterious in the absence of the drug. These collective results could offer an explanation for the recent reproducible rise in oseltamivir resistance in seasonal H1N1 IAV strains in humans.