bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EBR1 genomic expansion and its role in virulence of Fusarium species
Authors: Jonkers Wilfried , Xayamongkhon Henry , Haas Matthew , Olivain Chantal , van der Does H. Charlotte , Broz Karen , Rep Martijn , Alabouvette Claude , Steinberg Christian , Kistler H. Corby 
Published: November 2013

SummaryGenome sequencing of Fusarium oxysporum revealed that pathogenic forms of this fungus harbour supernumerary chromosomes with a wide variety of genes, many of which likely encode traits required for pathogenicity or niche specialization. Specific transcription factor gene families are expanded on these chromosomes including the EBR1 family (Enhanced Branching). The significance of the EBR1 family expansion on supernumerary chromosomes and whether EBR1 paralogues are functional is currently unknown. EBR1 is found as a single copy in F. graminearum and other fungi but as multiple paralogues in pathogenic F. oxysporum strains. These paralogues exhibit sequence and copy number variation among different host‐specific strains and even between more closely related strains. Relative expression of the EBR1 paralogues depends on growth conditions and on the presence of the single EBR1 gene in the core genome. Deletion of EBR1 in the core genome in different F. oxysporum strains resulted in impaired growth, reduced pathogenicity and slightly reduced biocontrol capacities. To identify genes regulated by EBR1, the transcriptomes of wild‐type and Δebr1 strains were compared for both F. oxysporum and F. graminearum. These studies showed that in both species, EBR1 regulates genes involved in general metabolism as well as virulence.
UBL1 of Fusarium verticillioides links the N‐end rule pathway to extracellular sensing and plant pathogenesis
Authors: Ridenour John B. , Smith Jonathon E. , Hirsch Robert L. , Horevaj Peter , Kim Hun , Sharma Sandeep , Bluhm Burton H. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryFusarium verticillioides produces fumonisin mycotoxins during colonization of maize. Currently, molecular mechanisms underlying responsiveness of F. verticillioides to extracellular cues during pathogenesis are poorly understood. In this study, insertional mutants were created and screened to identify genes involved in responses to extracellular starch. In one mutant, the restriction enzyme‐mediated integration cassette disrupted a gene (UBL1) encoding a UBR‐Box/RING domain E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in the N‐end rule pathway. Disruption of UBL1 in F. verticillioides (Δubl1) influenced conidiation, hyphal morphology, pigmentation and amylolysis. Disruption of UBL1 also impaired kernel colonization, but the ratio of fumonisin B1 per unit growth was not significantly reduced. The inability of a Δubl1 mutant to recognize an N‐end rule degron confirmed involvement of UBL1 in the N‐end rule pathway. Additionally, Ubl1 physically interacted with two G protein α subunits of F. verticillioides, thus implicating UBL1 in G protein‐mediated sensing of the external environment. Furthermore, deletion of the UBL1 orthologue in F. graminearum reduced virulence on wheat and maize, thus indicating that UBL1 has a broader role in virulence among Fusarium species. This study provides the first linkage between the N‐end rule pathway and fungal pathogenesis, and illustrates a new mechanism through which fungi respond to the external environment.
Pre‐Eclampsia Affects Cord Blood NK Cell Expression of Activation Receptors and Serum Cytokine Levels but Not CB Monocyte Characteristics
Authors: Sohlberg Ebba , Saghafian‐Hedengren Shanie , Bachmayer Nora , Hamad Rangeen Rafik , Bremme Katarina , Holmlund Ulrika 
Published: November 2013

ProblemMaternal immunopathology in pre‐eclampsia is well studied; however, less is known regarding the immunological effects on the newborns. Increased inflammation and activation of immune cells at the fetal–maternal interface in pre‐eclampsia could influence the neonatal immune compartment.Method of StudyMonocytes and natural killer (NK) cells from cord blood (CB) of children with pre‐eclamptic or healthy mothers were analyzed by flow cytometry for surface markers and intracellular cytokines. In addition, serum cytokine profiles were investigated using ELISA or cytometric bead array.ResultsNeonates born to pre‐eclamptic mothers had an inflammatory serum cytokine profile. While CB monocyte characteristics seemed unaffected, CB NK cells from pre‐eclamptic pregnancies had higher NKp30, but borderline lower NKG2D expression.ConclusionIn utero inflammatory priming of neonatal innate immunity taking place in pre‐eclamptic pregnancies might influence specific NK cell functions in newborns.
Caspase‐1 Activation is Increased with Human Labour in Foetal Membranes and Myometrium and Mediates Infection‐Induced Interleukin‐1β Secretion
Authors: Lappas Martha 
Published: November 2013

ProblemInterleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine that is involved in human parturition, especially in the context of infection‐induced preterm birth. Caspase‐1 is a key component of inflammasomes, which are activated upon infection to trigger the maturation of IL‐1β.Method of studyTo determine the effect of human labour on caspase‐1 activation in human foetal membranes and myometrium. In addition, the mechanisms by which inflammasome activation regulates IL‐1β production were also be assessed.ResultsHigher caspase‐1 gene and protein expression were detected in foetal membranes myometrium obtained from term labouring women when compared with samples taken from non labouring women. Lipopolysaccharide induced the transcription and secretion of IL‐1β from foetal membranes and myometrium; both events were dependent on nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB). However, levels of extracellular IL‐1β were greatly increased by subsequent treatment with the potassium‐proton ionophore Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or nigericin; an effect that was dependent on active caspase‐1. Additionally, ATP induced IL‐1β secretion via the purinergic P2X7 receptor, whereas the pannexin‐1 channel was required for nigericin induced IL‐1β secretion.ConclusionTaken together, these results demonstrate that caspase‐1 activation is increased with human labour in foetal membranes and myometrium, and is required for infection‐induced IL‐1β secretion.
In Vitro Performance Analysis of a Novel Pulsatile Diagonal Pump in a Simulated Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support System
Authors: Wang Shigang , Kunselman Allen R. , Ündar Akif 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the pump performance of the third‐generation Medos diagonal pump, the Deltastream DP3, on hemodynamic profile and pulsatility in a simulated pediatric mechanical circulatory support (MCS) system. The experimental circuit consisted of a Medos Deltastream DP3 pump head and console (MEDOS Medizintechnik AG, Stolberg, Germany), a 14‐Fr Terumo TenderFlow Pediatric arterial cannula and a 20‐Fr Terumo TenderFlow Pediatric venous return cannula (Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), and 3 ft of tubing with an internal diameter of in. for both arterial and venous lines. Trials were conducted at flow rates ranging from 250 mL/min to 1000 mL/min (250‐mL/min increments) and rotational speeds ranging from 1000 to 4000 rpm (1000‐rpm increments) using human blood (hematocrit 40%). The postcannula pressure was maintained at 60 mm Hg by a Hoffman clamp. Real‐time pressure and flow data were recorded using a Labview‐based acquisition system. The pump provided adequate nonpulsatile and pulsatile flow, created more hemodynamic energy under pulsatile mode, and generated higher positive and negative pressures when the inlet and outlet of the pump head, respectively, were clamped. After the conversion from nonpulsatile to pulsatile mode, the flow rates and the rotational speeds increased. In conclusion, the novel Medos Deltastream DP3 diagonal pump is able to supply the required flow rate for pediatric MCS, generate adequate quality of pulsatility, and provide surplus hemodynamic energy output in a simulated pediatric MCS system.
Development of Dual‐Setting Calcium Phosphate Cement Using Absorbable Polymer
Authors: Thürmer Mônica Beatriz , Diehl Carlos Eduardo , Brum Fábio José Bento , dos Santos Luís Alberto 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCalcium phosphate cements used as bone substitutes generally have low mechanical strength compared with the bones of the human body. To solve these needs, we have incorporated hydrogels in the manufacture of samples made of alpha‐tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP) cement, developing a system of dual‐setting cement. This study aimed to produce composite materials by combining α‐TCP powder and hydrogels. The composites were prepared using the synthesized powder and four different formulations of hydrogels, using either poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) or poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone–co‐acrylic acid), with either azobisisobutyronitrile or ammonium persulfate as initiator. The properties of all composites were evaluated through measuring compressive strength and apparent density and through X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The composites showed compressive strengths of around 24 MPa. Soaking the samples in simulated body fluid formed a layer of hydroxyapatite‐like crystals on the surface of some samples, showing the bioactivity of the newly developed cements and their potential use as biomaterial.
Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes (Crow–Fukase) syndrome: Diagnostic criteria and treatment perspectives
Authors: Misawa Sonoko , Kuwabara Satoshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPolyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes (POEMS; Crow–Fukase) syndrome is a devastating disorder related to plasma cell dyscrasia, characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, edema/effusion, M‐protein and skin changes. Novel therapeutic approaches can substantially improve the prognosis. Diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is often challenging because of a combination of clinical presentations. To facilitate precise and early diagnosis, a comprehensive systemic survey is essential, and we propose that current diagnostic criteria should be modified. The current first‐line therapy is high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation, whereas patients who are not eligible for transplantation because of older age or poor general condition, are treated with immunomodulatory drugs, such as thalidomide or lenalidomide. The prognosis of POEMS syndrome has been substantially improved by these novel interventions. However, how to treat very young patients and those with a relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation is controversial. Until the 2000s, therapeutic approaches initially aimed at lifesaving (or short‐term improvement), but recent treatment advances could achieve long‐term remission of the disease. A treatment algorithm should be decided from the viewpoint of disease control over a decade. Elucidation of the natural history of the disease and well‐conducted randomized control studies are fundamental to establish a proper therapeutic guideline. The present review focuses on recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of POEMS syndrome, and discusses future perspectives of therapeutic strategies.
Boldness and Stress Responsiveness as Drivers of Nest‐Site Selection in a Ground‐Nesting Bird
Authors: Seltmann Martin W. , Jaatinen Kim , Steele Benjamin B. , Öst Markus 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNest‐site selection involves trade‐offs between the probability of nest discovery by egg predators, danger to the incubating parent from predators and provision of an appropriate microclimate for incubation, and all three components are potentially influenced by nest concealment and distance to habitat edge. Personality traits also affect habitat choice, and the trade‐off hypothesis suggests that variable stress‐coping strategies may evolve because individuals prioritize either productivity (proactive coping) or survival (reactive coping), both of which cannot be simultaneously maximized. Applying this hypothesis to understand nest‐site selection by female eider ducks (Somateria mollissima), we predicted that bold individuals with attenuated stress responsiveness should select concealed nests further away from the shore, thereby promoting clutch survival at the potential expense of reduced escape opportunities for themselves. In testing this prediction, we controlled for individual quality (female body condition and breeding experience) and verified that individual stress responses and nest‐site preferences were consistent by analysing their repeatability. Finally, we analysed how the viable proportion of the clutch was related to nest‐site and female characteristics. Our prediction was supported: bold females [short flight initiation distance (FID)] and those with lower handling‐induced body temperature were found in concealed nests, and bold females and those with lower handling‐induced corticosterone concentrations occupied nests farther from the shore. The viable proportion of the clutch peaked at intermediate proportional nest‐cover and increased linearly with increasing nest distance from the shore. Stress coping styles may thus be related to nest‐site selection, but their fitness consequences may be manifested indirectly through the nest‐site characteristics.
Imagined Communities and Language Learning During Study Abroad: Arabic Learners in Egypt
Authors: Trentman Emma 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPrevious research on study abroad has documented extensive variation in the amount of contact students have with members of the local community as well as in their linguistic outcomes (Kinginger, 2009). This article uses the theoretical concepts of investment, imagined communities, and communities of practice to interpret data obtained from students studying abroad in Egypt. Data show that these students wanted to belong to an imagined community of study abroad in the Middle East by demonstrating the identities of cross‐cultural mediator and dedicated language learner. However, the communities of practice in which they participated while abroad afforded differential opportunities to demonstrate these identities, resulting in both alignments and misalignments between reality and imagination. The degree of alignment between students' expectations and the realities that they encountered may help explain the extensive variation in students' access to Egyptians and their use of the Arabic language.
Cementation and the hydromechanical behavior of siliciclastic aquifers and reservoirs
Authors: Boutt D. F. , Plourde K. E. , Cook J. , Goodwin L. B. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractProgressive cementation and lithification significantly influence the mechanical and hydrologic properties of granular porous media through elastic stiffening and permeability reduction. We use published data that quantify the effect of grain‐bridging cement distribution in granular porous media at the grain scale to investigate the influence of variable cement content on the competing roles of hydrologic and mechanical effects on fluid flow and deformation at the reservoir scale. The impact of quartz overgrowths in natural samples was quantified using a bond‐to‐grain ratio, allowing a geologically meaningful interpretation of percent cement in conceptual models of quartz cementation. An increase in the bond‐to‐grain ratio from 1 to 2.2 (~1–15% cement by volume) results in a 1.4‐fold increase in Young's modulus and an ~1000‐fold decrease in permeability. The hydromechanical properties of a suite of variably cemented natural samples are used as input into two‐dimensional, kilometre‐scale, axially symmetric poroelastic models of an isotropic confined aquifer. Models isolating the hydrologic and mechanical effects of cementation indicate that the hydrologic properties dominate the overall mechanical response, controlling both the volume and magnitude of deformation. Incorporation of changes in hydrologic properties due to cementation is therefore essential to capturing the first‐order physics of coupled aquifer behavior.
Effect of wheat sprout powder incorporation on lipid oxidation and physicochemical properties of beef patties
Authors: Ozturk Ismet , Sagdic Osman , Tornuk Fatih , Yetim Hasan 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of incorporation of wheat sprout flours (WSF) on lipid oxidation and some quality characteristics of beef patties. Two wheat sprout flour samples (WSF1 and WSF2) were obtained by germination, drying and milling of two different wheat varieties. The beef patties were stored at +4 °C for 6 days or at −18 °C for 180 days and analysed for their proximate composition, pH, sensory properties, colour parameters and lipid oxidation. TBA formation in WSF‐added patties was reduced approximately by as much as 20% when compared to that of the control at the 180th day of the storage, while favourable results were detectable in the storage period at +4 °C. Again, up to 4% WSF1 or WSF2 incorporation gave acceptable sensorial scores to the beef patties. As a conclusion, it was confirmed that WSF could be incorporated into beef patties to improve their quality parameters and retard lipid peroxidation.
Chemical composition, functional properties and microstructural characteristics of three kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as affected by different cooking methods
Authors: Xu Yixiang , Thomas Melissa , Bhardwaj Harbans L. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryChickpea is an important food legume and is a major ingredient in many human diets. Chemical composition, physical parameters, functional properties and microstructural characteristics of three kabuli chickpea cultivars and the effects of three cooking methods were investigated. Carbohydrate and protein were two major components in all seeds. Cooking increased fibre, total carbohydrate and total and resistant starch contents, but decreased ash content. Protein and oil levels of the cooked samples either decreased or did not change significantly. Seed weight and density decreased with cooking. Hydration and swelling capacities as well as water absorption and holding capacities of cooked chickpeas were higher than raw samples, with the largest increases in the pressure‐cooked seeds. Seed weights were highly correlated with hydration (r = 0.89) and swelling (r = 0.76) rates. Emulsifying activity, emulsifying stability and foaming capacity of cooked chickpea flours decreased, while foaming stability increased. Chickpea flours had pronounced morphological changes after cooking.
Heritage Lecture: Major Central European’s contributions to international ophthalmology
Authors: GRZYBOWSKI A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMajor Central European’s contributions to international ophthalmology The fundamentals of modern ophthalmology were created in Europe in 18th and 19th centuries. At that time, Central European states were not independent, and majority were occupied by neighbouring countries, like Russia, Prussia and Austro‐Hungary. This political situation significantly limited the development of science and medicine in those countries. Scientific development was hindered by such factors as poor investment in research, decreased number of universities, emigration of some researchers due to political reasons or due to the lack of adequate academic background. In spite of numerous complications, many interesting discoveries and observations were made in Central Europe at that time, even though the origin of most of them is now forgotten. The aim of this study is to present some major achievements of important contributors to international ophthalmology originating from Central Europe, including Witelo, Purkinje, Szokalski, Wicherkiewicz, Galezowski, Borysiekiewicz, Goldzieher, Blaskovics, Imre Jr., Kettesy, Krwawicz, Wilczek, Wichterle and others.
Posture face‐down or not? The best tamponade
Authors: FRIMPONG‐ANSAH K 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPost‐operative posturing is an ardous and inconvenient process not without adverse effects. The purpose of this presentation is to assess whether or not carrying out face‐down post operative posturing after macular hole surgery provides any benefit to the patient. A review has been carried out of current literature including randomised controlled trials and Cochrane Review related to posturing / positioning following macular hole surgery. The results of this review shows that there is no single clear conclusive approach. There may however be some situations, such as macular hole size which may have a bearing on the choice of whether or not to posture. Future randomised controlled trials may shed more light on this area of ophthalmic management.
Gonioscopy? Yes I can!
Authors: HOMMER A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractGonioscopy is an essential examination in Glaucoma care. There is no other technique available that can replace it. Differential diagnosis of the different types of glaucoma is not possible without it. This course will highlight the different lenses, examination technique, findings and classifications. It will be shown with Videos, Computer animation as well as clinical cases.
Prospects: Dietary ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, CCR2+ monocyte recruitment, and AMD?
Authors: SENNLAUB F 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOxidative stress is thought to be an important player in the development of atrophic AMD. Chronic photo‐oxidative stress induced phospholipid oxidation increases the expression of C‐C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2), which is known to recruit CCR2+ monocyte in inflammatory process. Their possible role in promoting or inhibiting retinal degeneration is unknown. We show that atrophic AMD is associated with increased intraocular CCL2 levels and subretinal CCR2+ inflammatory monocyte infiltration in patients. Using age‐ and light‐induced subretinal inflammation and photoreceptor degeneration in Cx3cr1 deficient mice, we show that genetic deletion of CCL2 or CCR2 and pharmacological inhibition of CCR2 prevents inflammatory monocyte recruitment, mononuclear phagocyte accumulation, and photoreceptor degeneration in vivo. Dietary ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to inhibit CCL2 induction and inflammation in endotoxin‐induced uveitis. They might represent a powerful tool for controlling inflammation and neurodegeneration in AMD.
The new clinical applications of dried amniotic membrane
Authors: HOPKINSON A , ALLEN C , DUA HS 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDried amniotic membrane (AM) can be a useful therapeutic adjunct in ophthalmic surgery and possesses logistical advantages over standard cryopreserved AM. Differences in preservation techniques can significantly improve biochemical composition and physical properties of AM, potentially affecting clinical efficacy. Nottingham have developed a novel dry AM preparation comparable in biochemistry to fresh membrane and with superior in vitro wound healing capability than conventional cryopreserved and freeze dried AM. This product is stable and easily transportable allowing it to be globally wide reaching for use in clinical and military sectors, and can be stored as a stock item. Allowing such an ‘off the shelf’ application, creates a novel standardised biological dressing in emergency situations for enhanced wound healing and improved clinical prognosis. Their pre‐clinical data generated from treatment of ocular burns demonstrates the benefit of acute phase innervation with an effective treatment such as dry AM.