bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Capping Protein Modulates the Dynamic Behavior of Actin Filaments in Response to Phosphatidic Acid inArabidopsis
Authors: Li Jiejie , Henty-Ridilla Jessica L. , Huang Shanjin , Wang Xia , Blanchoin Laurent , Staiger Christopher J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractRemodeling of actin filament arrays in response to biotic and abiotic stimuli is thought to require precise control over the generation and availability of filament ends. Heterodimeric capping protein (CP) is an abundant filament capper, and its activity is inhibited by membrane signaling phospholipids in vitro. How exactly CP modulates the properties of filament ends in cells and whether its activity is coordinated by phospholipids in vivo is not well understood. By observing directly the dynamic behavior of individual filament ends in the cortical array of living Arabidopsis thaliana epidermal cells, we dissected the contribution of CP to actin organization and dynamics in response to the signaling phospholipid, phosphatidic acid (PA). Here, we examined three cp knockdown mutants and found that reduced CP levels resulted in more dynamic activity at filament ends, and this significantly enhanced filament-filament annealing and filament elongation from free ends. The cp mutants also exhibited more dense actin filament arrays. Treatment of wild-type cells with exogenous PA phenocopied the actin-based defects in cp mutants, with an increase in the density of filament arrays and enhanced annealing frequency. These cytoskeletal responses to exogenous PA were completely abrogated in cp mutants. Our data provide compelling genetic evidence that the end-capping activity of CP is inhibited by membrane signaling lipids in eukaryotic cells. Specifically, CP acts as a PA biosensor and key transducer of fluxes in membrane signaling phospholipids into changes in actin cytoskeleton dynamics.
Estimation of genotyping error rate from repeat genotyping, unintentional recaptures and known parent–offspring comparisons in 16 microsatellite loci for brown rockfish (Sebastes auriculatus)
Authors: Hess Maureen A. , Rhydderch James G. , LeClair Larry L. , Buckley Raymond M. , Kawase Mitsuhiro , Hauser Lorenz 
Published: September 2012

AbstractGenotyping errors are present in almost all genetic data and can affect biological conclusions of a study, particularly for studies based on individual identification and parentage. Many statistical approaches can incorporate genotyping errors, but usually need accurate estimates of error rates. Here, we used a new microsatellite data set developed for brown rockfish (Sebastes auriculatus) to estimate genotyping error using three approaches: (i) repeat genotyping 5% of samples, (ii) comparing unintentionally recaptured individuals and (iii) Mendelian inheritance error checking for known parent–offspring pairs. In each data set, we quantified genotyping error rate per allele due to allele drop‐out and false alleles. Genotyping error rate per locus revealed an average overall genotyping error rate by direct count of 0.3%, 1.5% and 1.7% (0.002, 0.007 and 0.008 per allele error rate) from replicate genotypes, known parent–offspring pairs and unintentionally recaptured individuals, respectively. By direct‐count error estimates, the recapture and known parent–offspring data sets revealed an error rate four times greater than estimated using repeat genotypes. There was no evidence of correlation between error rates and locus variability for all three data sets, and errors appeared to occur randomly over loci in the repeat genotypes, but not in recaptures and parent–offspring comparisons. Furthermore, there was no correlation in locus‐specific error rates between any two of the three data sets. Our data suggest that repeat genotyping may underestimate true error rates and may not estimate locus‐specific error rates accurately. We therefore suggest using methods for error estimation that correspond to the overall aim of the study (e.g. known parent–offspring comparisons in parentage studies).
Should early improvement be re‐defined to better predict the maintenance of response in first‐episode schizophrenia patients?
Authors: Schennach R. , Riesbeck M. , Mayr A. , Seemüller F. , Maier W. , Klingberg S. , Heuser I. , Klosterkötter J. , Gastpar M. , Schmitt A. , Sauer H. , Schneider F. , Jäger M. , Wölwer W. , Gaebel W. , Möller H.‐J. , Riedel M. 
Published: September 2012

Schennach R, Riesbeck M, Mayr A, Seemüller F, Maier W, Klingberg S, Heuser I, Klosterkötter J, Gastpar M, Schmitt A, Sauer H, Schneider F, Jäger M, Wölwer W, Gaebel W, Möller H‐J, Riedel M. Should early improvement be re‐defined to better predict the maintenance of response in first‐episode schizophrenia patients?Objective:  To evaluate the predictive validity of early response in first‐episode schizophrenia within a 1‐year follow‐up trial and to compare the resulting cutoff to the currently proposed early response definition (20% improvement by week 2).Method:  Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to identify the predictive validity of the psychopathological improvement of treatment from week 1 to week 8, regarding the maintenance of response until week 52 as well as to define the most reasonable cutoff in 132 first‐episode patients. The Youden Index (maximum of sensitivity and specificity) was used to compare the newly developed and the commonly used early response definition.Results:  Starting with week 6, a reasonable validity to predict the maintenance of response was found (area under the curve = 0.721) with the best fitting cutoff being a 51.6% PANSS total score improvement. Using this cutoff 74 patients (56%) were correctly identified to become responder and maintain response during follow‐up (sensitivity: 0.747). The Youden Index was higher applying the newly developed early response cutoff featuring higher specificity compared to the commonly used early response definition.Conclusion:  Regarding long‐term treatment, it seems more appropriate to base predictions of the patient’s maintenance of response not before 6 weeks of treatment.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with low level of physical activity: a population‐based study
Authors: Gerber L. , Otgonsuren M. , Mishra A. , Escheik C. , Birerdinc A. , Stepanova M. , Younossi Z. M. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundHigh intensity exercise improves metabolic status and may potentially mobilise hepatic fat.AimTo assess the level of physical activity (PA) of subjects with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsData were obtained from NHANES (2003–2006). Activity counts obtained from accelerometer readings (ActiGraph, Fort Walton Beach, FL), from 7 consecutive days quantified total PA and time spent engaged in different levels of activity. All measures were counts/minutes/day: (sedentary <100; light 100–0027; moderate, 2020–5999 and vigorous, 6000+). NAFLD was defined as a fatty liver index >60 (FLI) in the absence of other chronic liver disease. Subjects with NAFLD were compared to controls using stratum‐specific Chi‐squared and t‐tests. Simple linear regression analyses (with Taylor series linearised variance estimation and weighting) were used to determine the association between PA levels and NAFLD. P‐values <0.05 were considered significant. Statistical analyses were conducted using sudaan version 10.1 and sas version 9.1.ResultsWe included 3056 participants. NAFLD patients were older, had higher BMI, larger waist circumference, higher sum of skinfolds, more likely to have insulin resistance (HOMA > 3.0) and type‐2 diabetes (all P‐values <0.01). Average PA for NAFLD subjects was about 28.7 counts/minute/day less than controls (P < 0.01). Furthermore, NAFLD subjects spent less time participating in activity at any level (P < 0.01). Subjects with NAFLD and DM were in the lowest quartile of average PA as well as moderate‐vigorous PA (P < 0.01).ConclusionsData from this study show that non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients have low level of physical activity and, when they have diabetes mellitus, they perform at the lowest quartile of physical activity and moderate‐vigorous physical activity.
Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of matrix gene of avian influenza viruses isolated from wild birds and live bird markets in the USA
Authors: Chander Yogesh , Jindal Naresh , Sreevatsan Srinand , Stallknecht David E. , Goyal Sagar M. 
Published: September 2012

Please cite this paper as: Chander et al. (2012) Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of matrix gene of avian influenza viruses isolated from wild birds and live bird markets in the USA. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(4), 513–520.Background  Wild birds are the natural hosts for influenza A viruses (IAVs) and provide a niche for the maintenance of this virus.Objectives  This study was undertaken to analyze nucleotide sequences of the matrix (M) gene of AIVs isolated from wild birds and live bird markets (LBMs) to index the changes occurring in this gene.Methods  M‐gene of 229 avian influenza virus (AIV) isolates obtained from wild birds and LBMs was amplified and sequenced. Full‐length sequences (∼900 nt.) thus obtained were analyzed to identify changes that may be associated with resistance to adamantanes. Phylogenetic analysis of all sequences was performed using clustalw, and evolutionary distances were calculated by maximum composite likelihood method using mega (ver. 5.0) software.Results  Twenty‐seven different viral subtypes were represented with H3N8 being the most dominant subtype in wild birds and H7N2 being the predominant subtype among isolates from LBMs. Phylogenetic analysis of the M‐gene showed a high degree of nucleotide sequence identity with US isolates of AIVs but not with those of Asian or European lineages. While none of the isolates from wild birds had any antiviral resistance–associated mutations, 17 LBM isolates carried polymorphisms known to cause reduced susceptibility to antiviral drugs (adamantanes). Of these 17 isolates, 16 had S31N change and one isolate had V27A mutation.Conclusions  These results indicate independent evolution of M‐gene in the absence of any antiviral drugs leading to mutations causing resistance indicating the need for continued active surveillance of AIVs.
Temper outbursts in paediatric obsessive‐compulsive disorder and their association with depressed mood and treatment outcome
Authors: Krebs Georgina , Bolhuis Koen , Heyman Isobel , Mataix‐Cols David , Turner Cynthia , Stringaris Argyris 
Published: September 2012

Background:  Temper outbursts in youth with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) are a common source of concern, but remain poorly understood. This study examined a set of hypotheses related to: (a) the prevalence of temper outbursts in paediatric OCD, (b) the associations of temper outbursts with OCD severity and depressive symptoms; and (c) the influence of temper outbursts on treatment response.Methods:  The prevalence of temper outbursts was estimated in a specialist OCD clinical sample (n = 387) using parent‐ and child‐report. This was replicated in a community sample (n = 18,415). Associations of temper outbursts with obsessive‐compulsive symptoms and with depressed mood were examined using logistic regression models. The influence of temper outbursts on treatment response was examined in a subsample of 109 patients treated with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) with or without medication.Results:  Over a third of young people with OCD displayed temper outbursts, and rates were similar across the clinical and community samples. Temper outbursts were two to three times more common in youth with OCD than in healthy controls. However, OCD symptom severity was not a strong predictor of child‐ or parent‐reported temper outbursts. Instead, both child‐ and parent‐ reported temper outbursts were significantly associated to depressive symptoms. CBT strongly reduced OCD and depressive symptoms, as well as the severity of temper outbursts. There was no significant difference in post‐treatment OCD or depression scores between those with temper outbursts compared to those without.Conclusions:  Temper outbursts are common in youth with OCD and are particularly related to depressed mood. They improve with CBT for OCD and do not seem to impede OCD treatment response.
Incorporation of sentinel lymph node mapping in dogs with mast cell tumours: 20 consecutive procedures
Authors: Worley Deanna R. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe study hypothesis is that incorporation of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in dogs presenting for mast cell tumour (MCT) removal would impact the recommended adjuvant therapy offered. Nineteen dogs were enrolled having either spontaneously occurring or incompletely excised MCTs. Staging included regional lymph node aspiration. SLN mapping was done with regional lymphoscintigraphy combined with intra‐operative lymphoscintigraphy and blue dye. Twenty MCTs in 19 dogs were excised with SLN mapping. Eight dogs had SLNs different from the closest node. Twelve dogs had metastasis in extirpated SLNs, seven occurred in MCTs with a MI ≤ 5. No correlation was noted between patient stage and the c‐KIT proto‐oncogene. Because of SLN staging, 8 of 19 dogs were offered additional therapy that would have otherwise been excluded. Anatomic sampling of lymph nodes in dogs with MCTs does not accurately reflect which lymph nodes are most likely to be receiving the draining tumour lymph.
Questionnaire‐based assessment of owner concerns and doctor responsiveness: 107 canine chemotherapy patients
Authors: Hamilton M. J. , Sarcornrattana O. , Illiopoulou M. , Xie Y. , Kitchell B. 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveTo quantify owner concerns regarding clinical signs in canine patients receiving chemotherapy and to assess degree of concordance between client and veterinarian concerns regarding patient quality of life.MethodsRetrospective analysis of owner‐reported concerns during chemotherapy treatment. Owner‐reported adverse events were recorded sequentially for each patient through a partially open design questionnaire and correlated with veterinary patient summaries for each visit. Canine patients treated for transitional cell carcinoma, haemangiosarcoma, malignant melanoma or osteosarcoma were eligible for inclusion. Minimum treatment eligibility was two chemotherapy treatments given in 21‐day protocol cycles, with a maximum of six treatment cycles recorded.ResultsA total of 553 evaluable visits, seen by 18 oncology clinicians, were assessed. Owners expressed concern before chemotherapy in 48% of visits. Owner concerns at the first visit did not differ significantly from those expressed at the sixth visit. Remission status was a significant factor in owners’ rate of reporting concerns. Diarrhoea grade was associated with owners’ concerns. Clinician gender was not associated with responsiveness to owners’ concerns.Clinical SignificanceQuestionnaire‐based surveys appear to be an effective tool for communicating dog owners’ concerns regarding chemotherapy and potentially for monitoring a clinician's attentiveness. Owners expressed concerns at approximately half of chemotherapy appointments.
Radiographic kidney measurements in North American pet ferrets (Mustela furo)
Authors: Eshar D. , Briscoe J. A. , Mai W. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of the current study was to determine normal radiographic kidney ‐measurements in pet ferrets.MethodsKidney length and width dimensions and the length of the second lumbar vertebra (L2) were determined from survey ventrodorsal radiographs in 53 neutered ferrets of various ages, weight and sex, with no evidence of urogenital disease. Kidney dimensions were expressed as a ratio to the body length ofL2.ResultsAll ferrets in this study had six lumbar vertebrae. The median length ofL2was 13·3 mm, and was longer in males than females (P=0·0001). The 95% confidence interval for kidney‐length‐to‐L2ratios was 2·21 to 2·31 for the right and 2·15 to 2·25 for the left. For the kidney‐width‐to‐L2ratios these intervals were 1·09 to 1·14 for the right and 1·07 to 1·12 for the left kidney. There was a significant association between kidney size and weight or sex but not with age.Clinical SignificanceThe results of this radiographic study may allow practitioners to have a more ‐objective clinical radiographic evaluation of kidney size of pet ferrets based on individual traits.
A Synthetic Reinforcement Patch in Repair of Challenging Two-Tendon Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Marberry Thomas A. 
Published: September 2012

Background The repair of chronic massive tendon tears may be a challenging procedure, especially with a frayed tendon caused by degeneration. The aim of this case series was to evaluate the outcome of a synthetic patch in the repair of complex rotator cuff tears, with regard to shoulder function, pain relief and quality of life. Methods A synthetic patch (Artelon® Tissue Reinforcement; Artimplant AB, Västra Frölunda, Sweden) was used in 17 patients with challenging repairs of chronic rotator cuff tears. The outcome of surgical treatment was evaluated after 3, 6 and 12 months by the Constant functional score and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) score. Results Significantly less pain and improved shoulder function, as evaluated by the Constant score, was seen 1 year after surgery, as well as an increased WORC score as a measure of improved disease-related quality of life. Re-operation was performed in one patient as a result of a re-tear. There were no complications related to the use of the reinforcement patch. Conclusions This case series showed satisfying results in technically challenging repairs of rotator cuff tears with the use of a synthetic reinforcement patch. Postoperatively, the patients showed less pain and improved shoulder function to the extent to perform better in daily life activities.
Effects of Engineered Sinorhizobium meliloti on Cytokinin Synthesis and Tolerance of Alfalfa to Extreme Drought Stress
Authors: Xu Ji , Li Xiao-Lin , Luo Li 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Cytokinin is required for the initiation of leguminous nitrogen fixation nodules elicited by rhizobia and the delay of the leaf senescence induced by drought stress. A few free-living rhizobia have been found to produce cytokinin. However, the effects of engineered rhizobia capable of synthesizing cytokinin on host tolerance to abiotic stresses have not yet been described. In this study, two engineered
Sinorhizobium
strains overproducing cytokinin were constructed. The tolerance of inoculated alfalfa plants to severe drought stress was assessed. The engineered strains, which expressed the
Agrobacterium ipt
gene under the control of different promoters, synthesized more zeatins than the control strain under free-living conditions, but their own growth was not affected. After a 4-week inoculation period, the effects of engineered strains on alfalfa growth and nitrogen fixation were similar to those of the control strain under nondrought conditions. After being subjected to severe drought stress, most of the alfalfa plants inoculated with engineered strains survived, and the nitrogenase activity in their root nodules showed no apparent change. A small elevation in zeatin concentration was observed in the leaves of these plants. The expression of antioxidant enzymes increased, and the level of reactive oxygen species decreased correspondingly. Although the
ipt
gene was transcribed in the bacteroids of engineered strains, the level of cytokinin in alfalfa nodules was identical to that of the control. These findings suggest that engineered
Sinorhizobium
strains synthesizing more cytokinin could improve the tolerance of alfalfa to severe drought stress without affecting alfalfa nodulation or nitrogen fixation.
Whole-Genome Microarray and Gene Deletion Studies Reveal Regulation of the Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production Cycle by the Stringent Response in Ralstonia eutropha H16
Authors: Brigham Christopher J. , Speth Daan R. , Rha ChoKyun , Sinskey Anthony J. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) production and mobilization in
Ralstonia eutropha
are well studied, but in only a few instances has PHB production been explored in relation to other cellular processes. We examined the global gene expression of wild-type
R. eutropha
throughout the PHB cycle: growth on fructose, PHB production using fructose following ammonium depletion, and PHB utilization in the absence of exogenous carbon after ammonium was resupplied. Our results confirm or lend support to previously reported results regarding the expression of PHB-related genes and enzymes. Additionally, genes for many different cellular processes, such as DNA replication, cell division, and translation, are selectively repressed during PHB production. In contrast, the expression levels of genes under the control of the alternative sigma factor σ
54
increase sharply during PHB production and are repressed again during PHB utilization. Global gene regulation during PHB production is strongly reminiscent of the gene expression pattern observed during the stringent response in other species. Furthermore, a ppGpp synthase deletion mutant did not show an accumulation of PHB, and the chemical induction of the stringent response with
dl
-norvaline caused an increased accumulation of PHB in the presence of ammonium. These results indicate that the stringent response is required for PHB accumulation in
R. eutropha
, helping to elucidate a thus-far-unknown physiological basis for this process.
Lack of Direct Effects of Agrochemicals on Zoonotic Pathogens and Fecal Indicator Bacteria
Authors: Staley Zachery R. , Senkbeil Jacob K. , Rohr Jason R. , Harwood Valerie J. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Agrochemicals, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), and pathogens frequently contaminate water simultaneously. No significant direct effects of fertilizer, atrazine, malathion, and chlorothalonil on the survival of
Escherichia coli
,
Enterococcus faecalis
,
Salmonella enterica
, human polyomaviruses, and adenovirus were detected, supporting the assertion that previously observed effects of agrochemicals on FIB were indirect.
Fe(III) Reduction and U(VI) Immobilization by Paenibacillus sp. Strain 300A, Isolated from Hanford 300A Subsurface Sediments
Authors: Ahmed Bulbul , Cao Bin , McLean Jeffrey S. , Ica Tuba , Dohnalkova Alice , Istanbullu Ozlem , Paksoy Akin , Fredrickson Jim K. , Beyenal Haluk 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

A facultative iron-reducing [Fe(III)-reducing]
Paenibacillus
sp. strain was isolated from Hanford 300A subsurface sediment biofilms that was capable of reducing soluble Fe(III) complexes [Fe(III)-nitrilotriacetic acid and Fe(III)-citrate] but unable to reduce poorly crystalline ferrihydrite (Fh). However,
Paenibacillus
sp. 300A was capable of reducing Fh in the presence of low concentrations (2 μM) of either of the electron transfer mediators (ETMs) flavin mononucleotide (FMN) or anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS). Maximum initial Fh reduction rates were observed at catalytic concentrations (<10 μM) of either FMN or AQDS. Higher FMN concentrations inhibited Fh reduction, while increased AQDS concentrations did not. We also found that
Paenibacillus
sp. 300A could reduce Fh in the presence of natural ETMs from Hanford 300A subsurface sediments. In the absence of ETMs,
Paenibacillus
sp. 300A was capable of immobilizing U(VI) through both reduction and adsorption. The relative contributions of adsorption and microbial reduction to U(VI) removal from the aqueous phase were ∼7:3 in PIPES [piperazine-
N
,
N
′
-
bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid)] and ∼1:4 in bicarbonate buffer. Our study demonstrated that
Paenibacillus
sp. 300A catalyzes Fe(III) reduction and U(VI) immobilization and that these reactions benefit from externally added or naturally existing ETMs in 300A subsurface sediments.