bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA sequences and austral taxa indicate generic synonymy of Paratrichocladius Santos‐Abreu with Cricotopus Wulp (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: CRANSTON PETER S. , KROSCH MATT N. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn the century since the description of the orthoclad genus Paratrichocladius Santos‐Abreu (Diptera: Chironomidae), separation in any life stage from the cosmopolitan, diverse Cricotopus Wulp has been problematic. Molecular analysis reveals the presence of two species in Australia that conform in morphology to Paratrichocladius and which form a well‐supported clade including Paratrichocladius micans (Kieffer) from Africa and a distinct southern African larva. This clade clusters with taxa allied with Cricotopus albitibia (Walker), in turn nested within all other sampled Australian Cricotopus. Relevant nodes strongly support Cricotopus as nonmonophyletic without inclusion of Paratrichocladius. We synonymize Paratrichocladius with Cricotopus syn.n, treating Paratrichocladius as a subgenus. Cricotopus (Paratrichocladius) australiensis Cranston sp.n. is described for Trichocladius pluriserialis Freeman from Australia, which is not the same species under that name in New Zealand. Cricotopus (Paratrichocladius) bifenestrus Cranston sp.n. from Australia is described, also in all life stages. The many new combinations, listed in an Appendix, include three replacement names for new secondary homonyms, namely: Cricotopus (Paratrichocladius) sinobicinctus Cranston & Krosch nom.n. for Paratrichocladius bicinctus Fu, Sæther & Wang, Cricotopus draysoni Cranston & Krosch nom.n. for Cricotopus brevicornis Drayson, Krosch & Cranston, and Cricotopus (Paratrichocladius) sikhotealinus Makarchenko & Makarchenko nom.n. for Cricotopus orientalis Kieffer. We conclude with comments on wider issues in the taxonomy of Paratrichocladius, especially concerning New Zealand species.This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:118A0A72‐CED4‐47FC‐A1F9‐6F1669D828A2.
Solar influence and hydrological variability during the Holocene from a speleothem annual record (Molinos Cave, NE Spain)
Authors: Muñoz Arsenio , Bartolomé Miguel , Muñoz Alicia , Sancho Carlos , Moreno Ana , Hellstrom John C. , Osácar Mª Cinta , Cacho Isabel 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe present a multi‐proxy approach to reconstructing Holocene climate conditions in northeastern Spain based on an excellent correlation among the lamina thickness, colour parameters and isotope (δ18O and δ13C) variations recorded in a speleothem. An age model constructed from five U/Th dates and annual lamina counting suggests that the uppermost 14.7 cm of the MO‐7 stalagmite grew between 7.2 and 2.5 ka before present but experienced a growth hiatus from 4.9 to 4.3 ka. Three spectral analysis methods were applied to 11 time series. The results reveal common solar periodicities on decennial (Gleissberg cycle) and centennial (De Vries‐Suess cycle) scales. The onset of Holocene carbonate precipitation in the MO‐7 stalagmite appears to be associated with a cold, wet period, whereas the hiatus and the end of growth are related to warm, dry periods. This environmental trend fits well within the regional Holocene climate.
Commentary on Mata and von Helversen: Foraging Theory as a Paradigm Shift for Cognitive Aging
Authors: Stine‐Morrow Elizabeth A. L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMata and von Helversen's integrative review of adult age differences in search performance makes a good case that cognitive control may impact certain aspects of self‐regulation of search. However, information foraging as a framework also offers an avenue to consider how adults of different ages adapt to age‐related changes in cognition, such as in cognitive control.
Transcriptional and metabolic alternations rebalance wheat grain storage protein accumulation under variable nitrogen and sulfur supply
Authors: Dai Zhanwu , Plessis Anne , Vincent Jonathan , Duchateau Nathalie , Besson Alicia , Dardevet Mireille , Prodhomme Duyen , Gibon Yves , Hilbert Ghislaine , Pailloux Marie , Ravel Catherine , Martre Pierre 
Published: May 2015

SummaryWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain storage proteins (GSPs) are major determinants of flour end‐use value. Biological and molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental and nutritional determination of GSP accumulation in cereals are as yet poorly understood. Here we timed the accumulation of GSPs during wheat grain maturation relative to changes in metabolite and transcript pools in different conditions of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) availability. We found that the N/S supply ratio modulated the duration of accumulation of S–rich GSPs and the rate of accumulation of S–poor GSPs. These changes are likely to be the result of distinct relationships between N and S allocation, depending on the S content of the GSP. Most developmental and nutritional modifications in GSP synthesis correlated with the abundance of structural gene transcripts. Changes in the expression of transport and metabolism genes altered the concentrations of several free amino acids under variable conditions of N and S supply, and these amino acids seem to be essential in determining GSP expression. The comprehensive data set generated and analyzed here provides insights that will be useful in adapting fertilizer use to variable N and S supply, or for breeding new cultivars with balanced and robust GSP composition.
Molecular identification of tuliposide B‐converting enzyme: a lactone‐forming carboxylesterase from the pollen of tulip
Authors: Nomura Taiji , Murase Tatsunori , Ogita Shinjiro , Kato Yasuo 
Published: May 2015

Summary6‐Tuliposides A (PosA) and B (PosB), which are the major secondary metabolites in tulip (Tulipa gesneriana), are enzymatically converted to the antimicrobial lactonized aglycons, tulipalins A (PaA) and B (PaB), respectively. We recently identified a PosA‐converting enzyme (TCEA) as the first reported member of the lactone‐forming carboxylesterases. Herein, we describe the identification of another lactone‐forming carboxylesterase, PosB‐converting enzyme (TCEB), which preferentially reacts with PosB to give PaB. This enzyme was isolated from tulip pollen, which showed high PosB‐converting activity. Purified TCEB exhibited greater activity towards PosB than PosA, which was contrary to that of the TCEA. Novel cDNA (TgTCEB1) encoding the TCEB was isolated from tulip pollen. TgTCEB1 belonged to the carboxylesterase family and was approximately 50% identical to the TgTCEA polypeptides. Functional characterization of the recombinant enzyme verified that TgTCEB1 catalyzed the conversion of PosB to PaB with an activity comparable with the native TCEB. RT‐qPCR analysis of each part of plant revealed that TgTCEB1 transcripts were limited almost exclusively to the pollen. Furthermore, the immunostaining of the anther cross‐section using anti‐TgTCEB1 polyclonal antibody verified that TgTCEB1 was specifically expressed in the pollen grains, but not in the anther cells. N‐terminal transit peptide of TgTCEB1 was shown to function as plastid‐targeted signal. Taken together, these results indicate that mature TgTCEB1 is specifically localized in plastids of pollen grains. Interestingly, PosB, the substrate of TgTCEB1, accumulated on the pollen surface, but not in the intracellular spaces of pollen grains.
Influence of maternal, infant, and collection characteristics on high‐quality cord blood units in Guangzhou Cord Blood Bank
Authors: Wu Shaoqing , Xie Guie , Wu Jieying , Chen Jingsong , Lu Yan , Li Yan , Tang Xuewei , Liao Can 
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUNDThe operation of cord blood banks (CBBs) requires immense labor, material, and financial resources. Thus, increasing the ratio of high‐quality cord blood units (HQCBUs) in storage that are qualified for clinical use is critical for the efficient use of limited resources. Understanding the factors that contribute to HQCBUs, including maternal, fetal, and processing conditions, may improve the number of HQCBUs in storage.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe maternal, fetal, and processing conditions of 4613 CBUs at the Guangzhou Cord Blood Bank were analyzed retrospectively to determine their effect on HQCBUs. All CBUs were obtained following strict standard operation procedures.RESULTSSeveral factors may contribute to HQCBUs: fetal age older than 37 gestational weeks, female fetus, large cord blood (CB) volume (>80 mL), high birthweight (>3500 g), vaginal delivery, and a shorter amount of time between CB collection and processing (12 hr). We report for the first time that α‐thalassemia carriers exhibit a postprocessing total nucleated cell count (p‐TNCC) increase to at least 1.25 × 109 and an increase of the CD34+ cell count to at least 6.01 × 106. Meconium‐stained amniotic fluid and mothers younger than 25 years of age exhibited increased p‐TNCC to at least 1.25 × 109, and colony‐forming units increased to at least 23.24 × 105.CONCLUSIONSWe identified several factors that affect HQCBUs. These results may be used as a reference for updating CB collection strategies, with priority given to collecting CBUs from female fetuses older than 37 gestational weeks, at high birthweight, and born by vaginal delivery from mothers younger than 25 years of age, especially newborns with one parent carrying the trait or with meconium‐stained amniotic fluid. The collected CBUs should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible for priority processing, which will help to increase the number and ratio of HQCBUs and the effective use of CBB resources.
Study of a Cohort of 1,886 Persons To Determine Changes in Antibody Reactivity to Borrelia burgdorferi 3 Months after a Tick Bite
Authors: Dessau Ram B. , Fryland Linda , Wilhelmsson Peter , Ekerfelt Christina , Nyman Dag , Forsberg Pia , Lindgren Per-Eric 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTLyme borreliosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacteriumBorrelia burgdorferi. The most frequent clinical manifestation is a rash called erythema migrans. Changes in antibody reactivity toB. burgdorferi3 months after a tick bite are measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). One assay is based on native purified flagellum antigen (IgG), and the other assay is based on a recombinant antigen called C6 (IgG or IgM). Paired samples were taken at the time of a tick bite and 3 months later from 1,886 persons in Sweden and the Åland Islands, Finland. The seroconversion or relative change is defined by dividing the measurement units from the second sample by those from the first sample. The threshold for the minimum level of significant change was defined at the 2.5% level to represent the random error level. The thresholds were a 2.7-fold rise for the flagellar IgG assay and a 1.8-fold rise for the C6 assay. Of 1,886 persons, 102/101 (5.4%) had a significant rise in antibody reactivity in the flagellar assay or the C6 assay. Among 40 cases with a diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis, the sensitivities corresponding to a rise in antibodies were 33% and 50% for the flagellar antigen and the C6 antigen, respectively. Graphical methods to display the antibody response and to choose thresholds for a rise in relative antibody reactivity are shown and discussed. In conclusion, 5.4% of people with tick bites showed a rise inBorrelia-specific antibodies above the 2.5% threshold in either ELISA but only 40 (2.1%) developed clinical Lyme borreliosis.
Multitarget PCR Assay for Direct Detection of Penicillinase-Producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae for Enhanced Surveillance of Gonococcal Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Buckley Cameron , Trembizki Ella , Baird Robert W. , Chen Marcus , Donovan Basil , Freeman Kevin , Goire Namraj , Guy Rebecca , Lahra Monica M. , Regan David , Whiley David M. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

A multitarget PCR was developed for the direct detection of penicillinase-producing
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(PPNG). The assay was validated by testing 342 PPNG isolates and 415 clinical samples. The method is suitable for routine detection of PPNG strains. Its multitarget approach reduces the potential for false-negative results caused by sequence variations.
Are the Conventional Commercial Yeast Identification Methods Still Helpful in the Era of New Clinical Microbiology Diagnostics? A Meta-Analysis of Their Accuracy
Authors: Posteraro Brunella , Efremov Ljupcho , Leoncini Emanuele , Amore Rosarita , Posteraro Patrizia , Ricciardi Walter , Sanguinetti Maurizio 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Accurate identification of pathogenic species is important for early appropriate patient management, but growing diversity of infectious species/strains makes the identification of clinical yeasts increasingly difficult. Among conventional methods that are commercially available, the API ID32C, AuxaColor, and Vitek 2 systems are currently the most used systems in routine clinical microbiology. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate and to compare the accuracy of the three systems, in order to assess whether they are still of value for the species-level identification of medically relevant yeasts. After adopting rigorous selection criteria, we included 26 published studies involving
Candida
and non-
Candida
yeasts that were tested with the API ID32C (674 isolates), AuxaColor (1,740 isolates), and Vitek 2 (2,853 isolates) systems. The random-effects pooled identification ratios at the species level were 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 0.95) for the API ID32C system, 0.89 (95% CI, 0.83 to 0.93) for the AuxaColor system, and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89 to 0.96) for the Vitek 2 system (
P
for heterogeneity, 0.255). Overall, the accuracy of studies using phenotypic analysis-based comparison methods was comparable to that of studies using molecular analysis-based comparison methods. Subanalysis of studies conducted on
Candida
yeasts showed that the Vitek 2 system was significantly more accurate (pooled ratio, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.85 to 0.99]) than the API ID32C system (pooled ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.61 to 0.99]) and the AuxaColor system (pooled ratio, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.67 to 0.84]) with respect to uncommon species (
P
for heterogeneity, <0.05). Subanalysis of studies conducted on non-
Candida
yeasts (i.e.,
Cryptococcus
,
Rhodotorula
,
Saccharomyces
, and
Trichosporon
) revealed pooled identification accuracies of ≥98% for the Vitek 2, API ID32C (excluding
Cryptococcus
), and AuxaColor (only
Rhodotorula
) systems, with significant low or null levels of heterogeneity (
P
> 0.05). Nonetheless, clinical microbiologists should reconsider the usefulness of these systems, particularly in light of new diagnostic tools such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, which allow for considerably shortened turnaround times and/or avoid the requirement for additional tests for species identity confirmation.
Cost Savings Realized by Implementation of Routine Microbiological Identification by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tran Anthony , Alby Kevin , Kerr Alan , Jones Melissa , Gilligan Peter H. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTMatrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) is an emerging technology for rapid identification of bacterial and fungal isolates. In comparison to conventional methods, this technology is much less labor intensive and can provide accurate and reliable results in minutes from a single isolated colony. We compared the cost of performing the bioMérieux Vitek MALDI-TOF MS with conventional microbiological methods to determine the amount saved by the laboratory by converting to the new technology. Identification costs for 21,930 isolates collected between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014, were directly compared for MALDI-TOF MS and conventional methodologies. These isolates were composed of commonly isolated organisms, including commonly encountered aerobic and facultative bacteria and yeast but excluding anaerobes and filamentous fungi.Mycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex and rapidly growing mycobacteria were also evaluated for a 5-month period during the study. Reagent costs and a total cost analysis that included technologist time in addition to reagent expenses and maintenance service agreement costs were analyzed as part of this study. The use of MALDI-TOF MS equated to a net savings of $69,108.61, or 87.8%, in reagent costs annually compared to traditional methods. When total costs are calculated to include technologist time and maintenance costs, traditional identification would have cost $142,532.69, versus $68,886.51 with the MALDI-TOF MS method, resulting in a laboratory savings of $73,646.18, or 51.7%, annually by adopting the new technology. The initial cost of the instrument at our usage level would be offset in about 3 years. MALDI-TOF MS not only represents an innovative technology for the rapid and accurate identification of bacterial and fungal isolates, it also provides a significant cost savings for the laboratory.
Evaluation of New bioMérieux Chromogenic CPS Media for Detection of Urinary Tract Pathogens
Authors: Rigaill Josselin , Verhoeven Paul O. , Mahinc Caroline , Jeraiby Mohamed , Grattard Florence , Fonsale Nathalie , Pozzetto Bruno , Carricajo Anne 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
Four chromogenic media were compared for their ability to detect urinary tract pathogens in 299 urine specimens, of which 175 were found positive, allowing the growth of 279 microorganisms. After 18 to 24 h of incubation, the CPS ID4, CPSE, CPSO (bioMérieux), and UriSelect4 (Bio-Rad) media showed sensitivities of 97.1%, 99.3%, 99.6%, and 99.6%, respectively.
Caribbean and La Réunion Chikungunya Virus Isolates Differ in Their Capacity To Induce Proinflammatory Th1 and NK Cell Responses and Acute Joint Pathology
Authors: Teo Teck-Hui , Her Zhisheng , Tan Jeslin J. L. , Lum Fok-Moon , Lee Wendy W. L. , Chan Yi-Hao , Ong Ruo-Yan , Kam Yiu-Wing , Leparc-Goffart Isabelle , Gallian Pierre , Rénia Laurent , de Lamballerie Xavier , Ng Lisa F. P. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTChikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne arthralgic alphavirus that has garnered international attention as an important emerging pathogen since 2005. More recently, it invaded the Caribbean islands and the Western Hemisphere. Intriguingly, the current CHIKV outbreak in the Caribbean is caused by the Asian CHIKV genotype, which differs from the La Réunion LR2006 OPY1 isolate belonging to the Indian Ocean lineage. Here, we adopted a systematic and comparative approach against LR2006 OPY1 to characterize the pathogenicity of the Caribbean CNR20235 isolate and consequential host immune responses in mice.Ex vivoinfection using primary mouse tail fibroblasts revealed a weaker replication efficiency by CNR20235 isolate. In the CHIKV mouse model, CNR20235 infection induced an enervated joint pathology characterized by moderate edema and swelling, independent of mononuclear cell infiltration. Based on systemic cytokine analysis, localized immunophenotyping, and gene expression profiles in the popliteal lymph node and inflamed joints, two pathogenic phases were defined for CHIKV infection: early acute (2 to 3 days postinfection [dpi]) and late acute (6 to 8 dpi). Reduced joint pathology during early acute phase of CNR20235 infection was associated with a weaker proinflammatory Th1 response and natural killer (NK) cell activity. The pathological role of NK cells was further demonstrated as depletion of NK cells reduced joint pathology in LR2006 OPY1. Taken together, this study provides evidence that the Caribbean CNR20235 isolate has an enfeebled replication and induces a less pathogenic response in the mammalian host.IMPORTANCEThe introduction of CHIKV in the Americas has heightened the risk of large-scale outbreaks due to the close proximity between the United States and the Caribbean. The immunopathogenicity of the circulating Caribbean CHIKV isolate was explored, where it was demonstrated to exhibit reduced infectivity resulting in a weakened joint pathology. Analysis of serum cytokine levels, localized immunophenotyping, and gene expression profiles in the organs revealed that a limited Th1 response and reduced NK cells activity could underlie the reduced pathology in the host. Interestingly, higher asymptomatic infections were observed in the Caribbean compared to the La Réunion outbreaks in 2005 and 2006. This is the first study that showed an association between key proinflammatory factors and pathology-mediating leukocytes with a less severe pathological outcome in Caribbean CHIKV infection. Given the limited information regarding the sequela of Caribbean CHIKV infection, our study is timely and will aid the understanding of this increasingly important disease.
Rethinking the Response to Emerging Microbes: Vaccines and Therapeutics in the Ebola Era—a Conference at Harvard Medical School
Authors: Knipe David M. , Whelan Sean P. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
Harvard Medical School convened a meeting of biomedical and clinical experts on 5 March 2015 on the topic of “Rethinking the Response to Emerging Microbes: Vaccines and Therapeutics in the Ebola Era,” with the goals of discussing the lessons from the recent Ebola outbreak and using those lessons as a case study to aid preparations for future emerging infections. The speakers and audience discussed the special challenges in combatting an infectious agent that causes sporadic outbreaks in resource-poor countries. The meeting led to a call for improved basic medical care for all and continued support of basic discovery research to provide the foundation for preparedness for future outbreaks in addition to the targeted emergency response to outbreaks and targeted research programs against Ebola virus and other specific emerging pathogens.