bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the dynamics of light tolerance inArabidopsisplants during ontogenesis
Authors: Carvalho Fabricio E. L. , Ware Maxwell A. , Ruban Alexander V. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe amount of light plants can tolerate during different phases of ontogenesis remains largely unknown. This was addressed here employing a novel methodology that uses the coefficient of photochemical quenching (qP) to assess the intactness of photosystemIIreaction centres. Fluorescence quenching coefficients, total chlorophyll content and concentration of anthocyanins were determined weekly during the juvenile, adult, reproductive and senescent phases of plant ontogenesis. This enabled quantification of the protective effectiveness of non‐photochemical fluorescence quenching (NPQ) and determination of light tolerance. The light intensity that caused photoinhibition in 50% of leaf population increased from ∼70 μmol m−2 s−1, for 1‐week‐old seedlings, to a maximum of 1385 μmol m−2 s−1for 8‐week‐old plants. After 8 weeks, the tolerated light intensity started to gradually decline, becoming only 332 μmol m−2 s−1for 13‐week‐old plants. The dependency of light tolerance on plant age was well‐related to the amplitude of protectiveNPQ(pNPQ) and the electron transport rates (ETRs). Light tolerance did not, however, show a similar trend to chlorophylla/bratios and content of anthocyanins. Our data suggest that pNPQis crucial in defining the capability of high light tolerance byArabidopsisplants during ontogenesis.
Inoculation with an enhanced N2‐fixing Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain (USDA110) does not alter soybean (Glycine max Merr.) response to elevated [CO2]
Authors: Sanz‐sáez Álvaro , Heath Katy D. , Burke Patricia V. , Ainsworth Elizabeth A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study tested the hypothesis that inoculation of soybean (Glycine max Merr.) with a Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain (USDA110) with greater N2 fixation rates would enhance soybean response to elevated [CO2]. In field experiments at the Soybean Free Air CO2 Enrichment facility, inoculation of soybean with USDA110 increased nodule occupancy from 5% in native soil to 54% in elevated [CO2] and 34% at ambient [CO2]. Despite this success, inoculation with USDA110 did not result in greater photosynthesis, growth or seed yield at ambient or elevated [CO2] in the field, presumably due to competition from native rhizobia. In a growth chamber experiment designed to study the effects of inoculation in the absence of competition, inoculation with USDA110 in sterilized soil resulted in nodule occupation of >90%, significantly greater 15N2 fixation, photosynthetic capacity, leaf N and total plant biomass compared with plants grown with native soil bacteria. However, there was no interaction of rhizobium fertilization with elevated [CO2]; inoculation with USDA110 was equally beneficial at ambient and elevated [CO2]. These results suggest that selected rhizobia could potentially stimulate soybean yield in soils with little or no history of prior soybean production, but that better quality rhizobia do not enhance soybean responses to elevated [CO2].
Congenital dacryocystoceles controlled by nCPAP via nasal mask in a neonate
Authors: Kuboi Toru , Okazaki Kaoru , Kusaka Takashi , Shimada Aki 
Published: May 2015

AbstractCongenital dacryocystocele is a relatively rare type of nasolacrimal duct obstruction that may induce respiratory distress during the early neonatal period. We encountered a case of bilateral congenital dacryocystoceles with intranasal cysts in a premature infant delivered at 34 weeks of gestation. The patient developed symptoms of respiratory failure immediately after birth, but no ophthalmologic symptoms. Treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure via a nasal mask, instead of a nasal prong, effectively relieved the symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical for infants with nasal obstruction.
11p15 duplication and 13q34 deletion with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome and factor VII deficiency
Authors: Jurkiewicz Dorota , Kugaudo Monika , Tańska Anna , Wawrzkiewicz‐Witkowska Angelika , Tomaszewska Agnieszka , Kucharczyk Marzena , Cieślikowska Agata , Ciara Elżbieta , Krajewska‐Walasek Małgorzata 
Published: May 2015

AbstractHere we report a patient with 11p15.4p15.5 duplication and 13q34 deletion presenting with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and moderate deficiency of factor VII (FVII). The duplication was initially diagnosed on methylation‐sensitive multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification. Array comparative genome hybridization confirmed its presence and indicated a 13q34 distal deletion. The patient's clinical symptoms, including developmental delay and facial dysmorphism, were typical of BWS with paternal 11p15 trisomy. Partial 13q monosomy in this patient is associated with moderate deficiency of FVII and may also overlap with a few symptoms of paternal 11p15 trisomy such as developmental delay and some facial features. To our knowledge this is the first report of 11p15.4p15.5 duplication associated with deletion of 13q34 and FVII deficiency. Moreover, this report emphasizes the importance of detailed clinical as well as molecular examinations in patients with BWS features and developmental delay.
Black tattoos protect against UVR‐induced skin cancer in mice
Authors: Lerche Catharina M. , Sepehri Mitra , Serup Jørgen , Poulsen Thomas , Wulf Hans Christian 
Published: May 2015

SummaryBackgroundBlack tattoos may involve risk of cancer owing to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons including benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in inks. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induces skin cancer. The combination of UVR and black tattoo may therefore potentially be very problematic, but has not been previously studied.MethodsImmunocompetent C3.Cg/TifBomTac mice (n = 99) were tattooed on the back with Starbrite Tribal Black™. This ink has a high content of the carcinogen BaP. Half of the mice were irradiated with three standard erythema doses UVR thrice weekly. Time to induction of first, second and third squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was measured. Controls were ‘tattooed’ without ink.ResultsAll irradiated mice developed SCCs while no malignant tumours were found in the nonirradiated group. In the tattooed and irradiated group, the development of the first, second and third SCC was significantly delayed in comparison with the irradiated controls without black tattoos (212, 232, 247 days vs. 163, 183, 191 days, P < 0.001).ConclusionIn UVR‐irradiated black tattoos, remarkably, the development of UVR‐induced skin cancer was delayed by the tattoos. Skin reflectance measurement indicated that the protective effect of black pigment in the dermis might be attributed to UVR absorption by black pigment below the epidermis and thereby reduction of backscattered radiation.
Magnaporthe oryzae conidia on basal wheat leaves as a potential source of wheat blast inoculum
Authors: Cruz C. D. , Kiyuna J. , Bockus W. W. , Todd T. C. , Stack J. P. , Valent B. 
Published: May 2015

Wheat blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum causes significant losses on wheat during outbreak years in several South American countries. Despite reports of wheat blast leaf lesions on some wheat cultivars, the importance of inoculum originating from leaves in severely affected commercial fields is disputed. It is generally considered that leaf lesions and/or sporulation on leaves do not usually appear before the occurrence of spike blast in wheat. The purpose of this study was to (i) determine the occurrence of wheat blast on basal leaves, (ii) estimate the number of conidia produced on these leaves, and (iii) determine the impact of current fungicide application practices on inoculum produced from sporulating lesions on basal wheat leaves. Inoculations at the three‐leaf stage showed that certain cultivar and isolate combinations caused more disease on old wheat leaves than young expanding leaves. Under optimum conditions, M. oryzae had the potential to produce tens to hundreds of thousands of conidia on small amounts of wheat basal leaves. A mean of 1 669 000 conidia were produced on 1 g dry basal leaves of a highly susceptible cultivar under optimum conditions for sporulation. Conidia production on leaves coincided with spike emergence under both greenhouse and field conditions. When field studies were conducted under natural epidemic conditions, foliar fungicide applications reduced the amount of M. oryzae conidia on basal leaves by 62–77% compared to non‐sprayed controls. An earlier application of foliar fungicides might reduce inoculum if conidia from basal leaves contribute to wheat spike blast development.
Circulation of water through a mussel raft: clearance area vs. idealized linear flows
Authors: Aguiar Eva , Piedracoba Silvia , Álvarez‐Salgado Xosé Antón , Labarta Uxío 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study suggests revision of ecological concepts as food depletions and/or water flow reductions based on idealized linear flows through mussel rafts. We offer an alternative based on the extension of the clearance area, defined as the area affected by the nonlinear effects produced by each raft and surroundings ones. These conclusions are supported by our results, which indicate that (i) the preferential entry of water through a mussel raft does not occur through the bow, contrary to previously thought, and (ii) the intraraft circulation is strongly influenced by the orientation of the raft relative to the background current direction and does not follow a defined pattern. Intraraft circulation is assessed by means of four current metres installed at each side of the raft and the dimensions of the clearance area using long‐term data provided by GPS and compass. While both intraraft circulation and clearance area dimensions are mainly controlled by tide, the net water exchange through the raft is reasonably explained by wind (velocity and direction) and river discharges.
Sensitivity of hepatitis C virus core antigen and antibody combination assays in a global panel of window period samples
Authors: Laperche Syria , Nübling C. Micha , Stramer Susan L. , Brojer Ewa , Grabarczyk Piotr , Yoshizawa Hiroshi , Kalibatas Vytenis , El Elkyabi Magdy , Moftah Faten , Girault Annie , van Drimmelen Harry , Busch Michael P. , Lelie Nico 
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUNDHepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen and antibody combination assays have been launched as a cost‐effective alternative to nucleic acid testing (NAT) for reducing the antibody‐negative window period (WP). Later, a HCV antigen chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) became available.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA panel composed of 337 HCV NAT–yield samples that were characterized for viral load (VL) and genotype was used to compare the sensitivity of two combination enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (Monolisa, Bio‐Rad; and Murex, formerly Abbott) and a HCV antigen CLIA (Abbott). Analytic sensitivity was compared with HCV RNA detection using Ultrio (Grifols) by testing serial dilutions of 10 genotype (gt)1 to gt4 samples.RESULTSHCV antigen CLIA detected 92.4% of samples, whereas Monolisa and Murex detected 38.3 and 47.5%, respectively. In the HCV RNA VL range of 105 to 107 IU/mL, Monolisa and Murex detected 38% to 56% of gt1, 85% to 78% of gt2, and 21% to 37% of gt3. The overall geometric mean 50% limit of detection (range) of Ultrio on gt1 to gt4 dilution series was 3.5 (1.2‐7.7) copies/mL, compared to 3.3 × 106 (4.4 × 105‐2.7 × 107), 3.4 × 106 (2.2 × 105‐4.2 × 107), and 2728 (415‐7243) copies/mL for Monolisa, Murex, and HCV antigen CLIA, respectively.CONCLUSIONAnalytical sensitivity of NAT was on average 1 million‐ and 780‐fold higher than combination assays and HCV antigen CLIA, respectively. Relative sensitivities of combination assays differed for genotypes with Murex being more sensitive for gt1 and gt3 and Monolisa more sensitive for gt2. Although being less sensitive than NAT, combination assays could be considered in resource‐limited settings since they detect 38% to 47% of seronegative WP donations.
Nicotine and the adolescent brain
Authors: Yuan Menglu , Cross Sarah J. , Loughlin Sandra E. , Leslie Frances M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAdolescence encompasses a sensitive developmental period of enhanced clinical vulnerability to nicotine, tobacco, and e‐cigarettes. While there are sociocultural influences, data at preclinical and clinical levels indicate that this adolescent sensitivity has strong neurobiological underpinnings. Although definitions of adolescence vary, the hallmark of this period is a profound reorganization of brain regions necessary for mature cognitive and executive function, working memory, reward processing, emotional regulation, and motivated behavior. Regulating critical facets of brain maturation are nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, perturbations of cholinergic systems during this time with nicotine, via tobacco or e‐cigarettes, have unique consequences on adolescent development. In this review, we highlight recent clinical and preclinical data examining the adolescent brain's distinct neurobiology and unique sensitivity to nicotine. First, we discuss what defines adolescence before reviewing normative structural and neurochemical alterations that persist until early adulthood, with an emphasis on dopaminergic systems. We review how acute exposure to nicotine impacts brain development and how drug responses differ from those seen in adults. Finally, we discuss the persistent alterations in neuronal signaling and cognitive function that result from chronic nicotine exposure, while highlighting a low dose, semi‐chronic exposure paradigm that may better model adolescent tobacco use. We argue that nicotine exposure, increasingly occurring as a result of e‐cigarette use, may induce epigenetic changes that sensitize the brain to other drugs and prime it for future substance abuse.
In Vitro
Triple Combination of Antifungal Drugs against Clinical Scopulariopsis and Microascus Species
Authors: Yao Limin , Wan Zhe , Li Ruoyu , Yu Jin 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Broth microdilution checkerboard techniques based on the methodology of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) were employed to study the triple antifungal combination of caspofungin, posaconazole, and terbinafine against 27 clinical isolates of
Scopulariopsis
and
Microascus
species. Synergy was observed for 26 isolates, whereas antagonism was observed for
Scopulariopsis
candida
in this study.
Incidence, Predictors, and Impact on Hospital Mortality of Amphotericin B Nephrotoxicity Defined Using Newer Acute Kidney Injury Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Rocha Paulo Novis , Kobayashi Carla Dinamérica , de Carvalho Almeida Luna , de Oliveira dos Reis Camilla , Santos Barbara Mendes , Glesby Marshall Jay 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
Studies on amphotericin B (AmB) nephrotoxicity use diverse definitions of acute kidney injury (AKI). Here, we used the new Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) system to describe the incidence, predictors, and impact of AmB-induced AKI on hospital mortality in 162 patients treated with AmB (120 with deoxycholate preparation and 42 with liposomal preparation). KDIGO stage 1 requires an absolute increase of ≥0.3 mg/dl or ≥1.5× over baseline serum creatinine (SCr), while stage 2 requires ≥2×, and stage 3 requires ≥3×. A binary KDIGO definition (KDIGObin) corresponds to stage ≥1. For comparison, we included two definitions of AKI traditionally utilized in nephrotoxicity studies: ≥0.5 mg/dl (NT0.5) and ≥2× (NT2×) increase in baseline SCr. The overall incidence of AmB-induced AKI by KDIGObin was 58.6% (stage 1, 30.9%; stage 2, 18.5%; stage 3, 9.3%). Predictors of AKI by KDIGObin were older age and use of furosemide and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I). Traditional criteria detected lower incidences of AKI, at 45.1% (NT0.5) and 27.8% (NT2×). Predictors of AKI by traditional criteria were older age and use of vancomycin (NT0.5) and use of vancomycin and vasopressors (NT2×). KDIGObin detected AKI 2 days earlier than the most sensitive traditional criterion. However, only traditional criteria were associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality. In conclusion, the increase in sensitivity of KDIGObin is accompanied by a loss of specificity and ability to predict outcomes. Prospective studies are required to weigh the potential gain from early AKI detection against the potential loss from undue changes in management in patients with subtle elevations in SCr.
In Vivo
Selection of Paromomycin and Miltefosine Resistance in Leishmania donovani and L. infantum in a Syrian Hamster Model
Authors: Hendrickx S. , Mondelaers A. , Eberhardt E. , Delputte P. , Cos P. , Maes L. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

In 2002 and 2006, respectively, miltefosine (MIL) and paromomycin (PMM) were licensed in the Indian subcontinent for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis; however, their future routine use might become jeopardized by the development of drug resistance. Although experimental selection of resistant strains
in vitro
has repeatedly been reported using the less relevant promastigote vector stage, the outcome of resistance selection on intracellular amastigotes was reported to be protocol and species dependent. To corroborate these
in vitro
findings, selection of resistance in
Leishmania donovani
and
Leishmania infantum
was achieved by successive treatment/relapse cycles in infected Syrian golden hamsters. For PMM, resistant amastigotes were already obtained within 3 treatment/relapse cycles, while their promastigotes retained full susceptibility, thereby sharing the same phenotypic characteristics as
in vitro
-generated PMM-resistant strains. For MIL, even five treatment/relapse cycles failed to induce significant susceptibility changes in either species, which also corresponds with the
in vitro
observations where selection of an MIL-resistant phenotype proved to be quite challenging. In conclusion, these results argue for cautious use of PMM in the field to avoid rapid emergence of primary resistance and highlight the need for additional research on the mechanisms and dynamics of MIL resistance selection.
Hsp70 and the Cochaperone StiA (Hop) Orchestrate Hsp90-Mediated Caspofungin Tolerance in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Lamoth Frédéric , Juvvadi Praveen R. , Soderblom Erik J. , Moseley M. Arthur , Steinbach William J. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Aspergillus fumigatus
is the primary etiologic agent of invasive aspergillosis (IA), a major cause of death among immunosuppressed patients. Echinocandins (e.g., caspofungin) are increasingly used as second-line therapy for IA, but their activity is only fungistatic. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) was previously shown to trigger tolerance to caspofungin and the paradoxical effect (i.e., decreased efficacy of caspofungin at higher concentrations). Here, we demonstrate the key role of another molecular chaperone, Hsp70, in governing the stress response to caspofungin via Hsp90 and their cochaperone Hop/Sti1 (StiA in
A. fumigatus
). Mutation of the StiA-interacting domain of Hsp70 (C-terminal EELD motif) impaired thermal adaptation and caspofungin tolerance with loss of the caspofungin paradoxical effect. Impaired Hsp90 function and increased susceptibility to caspofungin were also observed following pharmacologic inhibition of the C-terminal domain of Hsp70 by pifithrin-μ or after
stiA
deletion, further supporting the links among Hsp70, StiA, and Hsp90 in governing caspofungin tolerance. StiA was not required for the physical interaction between Hsp70 and Hsp90 but had distinct roles in the regulation of their function in caspofungin and heat stress responses. In conclusion, this study deciphering the physical and functional interactions of the Hsp70-StiA-Hsp90 complex provided new insights into the mechanisms of tolerance to caspofungin in
A. fumigatus
and revealed a key C-terminal motif of Hsp70, which can be targeted by specific inhibitors, such as pifithrin-μ, to enhance the antifungal activity of caspofungin against
A. fumigatus
.
Characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi Sirtuins as Possible Drug Targets for Chagas Disease
Authors: Moretti Nilmar Silvio , da Silva Augusto Leonardo , Clemente Tatiana Mordente , Antunes Raysa Paes Pinto , Yoshida Nobuko , Torrecilhas Ana Claudia , Cano Maria Isabel Nogueira , Schenkman Sergio 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Acetylation of lysine is a major posttranslational modification of proteins and is catalyzed by lysine acetyltransferases, while lysine deacetylases remove acetyl groups. Among the deacetylases, the sirtuins are NAD
+
-dependent enzymes, which modulate gene silencing, DNA damage repair, and several metabolic processes. As sirtuin-specific inhibitors have been proposed as drugs for inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells, in this study, we investigated the role of these inhibitors in the growth and differentiation of
Trypanosoma cruzi
, the agent of Chagas disease. We found that the use of salermide during parasite infection prevented growth and initial multiplication after mammalian cell invasion by
T. cruzi
at concentrations that did not affect host cell viability. In addition,
in vivo
infection was partially controlled upon administration of salermide. There are two sirtuins in
T. cruzi
, TcSir2rp1 and TcSir2rp3. By using specific antibodies and cell lines overexpressing the tagged versions of these enzymes, we found that TcSir2rp1 is localized in the cytosol and TcSir2rp3 in the mitochondrion. TcSir2rp1 overexpression acts to impair parasite growth and differentiation, whereas the wild-type version of TcSir2rp3 and not an enzyme mutated in the active site improves both. The effects observed with TcSir2rp3 were fully reverted by adding salermide, which inhibited TcSir2rp3 expressed in
Escherichia coli
with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) ± standard error of 1 ± 0.5 μM. We concluded that sirtuin inhibitors targeting TcSir2rp3 could be used in Chagas disease chemotherapy.
A Short-Term Borrelia burgdorferi Infection Model Identifies Tissue Tropisms and Bloodstream Survival Conferred by Adhesion Proteins
Authors: Caine Jennifer A. , Coburn Jenifer 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Borrelia burgdorferi
, the causative agent of Lyme disease in the United States, is able to persist in the joint, heart, skin, and central nervous system for the lifetime of its mammalian host.
Borrelia
species achieve dissemination to distal sites in part by entry into and travel within the bloodstream. Much work has been performed
in vitro
describing the roles of many
B. burgdorferi
outer surface proteins in adhesion to host cell surface proteins and extracellular matrix components, although the biological relevance of these interactions is only beginning to be explored
in vivo
. A need exists in the field for an
in vivo
model to define the biological roles of
B. burgdorferi
adhesins in tissue-specific vascular interactions. We have developed an
in vivo
model of vascular interaction of
B. burgdorferi
in which the bacteria are injected intravenously and allowed to circulate for 1 h. This model has shown that the fibronectin binding protein BB0347 has a tropism for joint tissue. We also have shown an importance of the integrin binding protein, P66, in binding to vasculature of the ear and heart. This model also revealed unexpected roles for
Borrelia
adhesins BBK32 and OspC in bacterial burdens in the bloodstream. The intravenous inoculation model of short-term infection provides new insights into critical
B. burgdorferi
interactions with the host required for initial survival and tissue colonization.