bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal and Spatial Differences in Microbial Composition during the Manufacture of a Continental-Type Cheese
Authors: O'Sullivan Daniel J. , Cotter Paul D. , O'Sullivan Orla , Giblin Linda , McSweeney Paul L. H. , Sheehan Jeremiah J. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

We sought to determine if the time, within a production day, that a cheese is manufactured has an influence on the microbial community present within that cheese. To facilitate this, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used to elucidate the microbial community dynamics of brine-salted continental-type cheese in cheeses produced early and late in the production day. Differences in the microbial composition of the core and rind of the cheese were also investigated. Throughout ripening, it was apparent that cheeses produced late in the day had a more diverse microbial population than their early equivalents. Spatial variation between the cheese core and rind was also noted in that cheese rinds were initially found to have a more diverse microbial population but thereafter the opposite was the case. Interestingly, the genera
Thermus
,
Pseudoalteromonas
, and
Bifidobacterium
, not routinely associated with a continental-type cheese produced from pasteurized milk, were detected. The significance, if any, of the presence of these genera will require further attention. Ultimately, the use of high-throughput sequencing has facilitated a novel and detailed analysis of the temporal and spatial distribution of microbes in this complex cheese system and established that the period during a production cycle at which a cheese is manufactured can influence its microbial composition.
Female-Specific Specialization of a Posterior End Region of the Midgut Symbiotic Organ in Plautia splendens and Allied Stinkbugs
Authors: Hayashi Toshinari , Hosokawa Takahiro , Meng Xian-Ying , Koga Ryuichi , Fukatsu Takema 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Many stinkbugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) are associated with bacterial symbionts in a posterior region of the midgut. In these stinkbugs, adult females excrete symbiont-containing materials from the anus for transmission of the beneficial symbionts to their offspring. For ensuring the vertical symbiont transmission, a variety of female-specific elaborate traits at the cellular, morphological, developmental, and behavioral levels have been reported from diverse stinkbugs of the families Plataspidae, Urostylididae, Parastrachiidae, etc. Meanwhile, such elaborate female-specific traits for vertical symbiont transmission have been poorly characterized for the largest and economically important stinkbug family Pentatomidae. Here, we investigated the midgut symbiotic system of a pentatomid stinkbug,
Plautia splendens
. A specific gammaproteobacterial symbiont was consistently present extracellularly in the cavity of numerous crypts arranged in four rows on the midgut fourth section. The symbiont was smeared on the egg surface upon oviposition by adult females, orally acquired by newborn nymphs, and thereby transmitted vertically to the next generation and important for growth and survival of the host insects. We found that, specifically in adult females, several rows of crypts at the posterior end region of the symbiotic midgut were morphologically differentiated and conspicuously enlarged, often discharging the symbiotic bacteria from the crypt cavity to the main tract of the symbiotic midgut. The female-specific enlarged end crypts were also found in other pentatomid stinkbugs
Plautia stali
and
Carbula crassiventris
. These results suggest that the enlarged end crypts represent a female-specific specialized morphological trait for vertical symbiont transmission commonly found among stinkbugs of the family Pentatomidae.
Signaling Domains of Mucin Msb2 in Candida albicans
Authors: Swidergall Marc , van Wijlick Lasse , Ernst Joachim F. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Candida albicans
adapts to the human host by environmental sensing using the Msb2 signal mucin, which regulates fungal morphogenesis and resistance characteristics. Msb2 is anchored within the cytoplasmic membrane by a single transmembrane (TM) region dividing it into a large N-terminal exodomain, which is shed, and a small cytoplasmic domain. Analyses of strains carrying deleted Msb2 variants revealed an exodomain segment required for cleavage, shedding, and all functions of Msb2. Phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) Cek1 was regulated by three distinct regions in Msb2: in unstressed cells, N-terminal sequences repressed phosphorylation, while its induction under cell wall stress required the cytoplasmic tail (C-tail) and sequences N-terminally flanking the TM region, downstream of the proposed cleavage site. Within the latter Msb2 region, overlapping but not identical sequences were also required for hyphal morphogenesis, basal resistance to antifungals, and, in unstressed cells, downregulation of the
PMT1
transcript, encoding protein
O
-mannosyltransferase-1. Deletion of two-thirds of the exodomain generated a truncated Msb2 variant with a striking ability to induce hyperfilamentous growth, which depended on the presence of the Msb2-interacting protein Sho1, the MAP kinase Cek1, and the Efg1 transcription factor. Under cell wall stress, the cytoplasmic tail relocalized partially to the nucleus and contributed to regulation of 117 genes, as revealed by transcriptomic analyses. Genes regulated by the C-tail contained binding sites for the Ace2 and Azf1 transcription factors and included the
ALS
cell wall genes. We concluded that Msb2 fulfills its numerous functions by employing functional domains that are distributed over its entire length.
Components of the Calcium-Calcineurin Signaling Pathway in Fungal Cells and Their Potential as Antifungal Targets
Authors: Liu Shuyuan , Hou Yinglong , Liu Weiguo , Lu Chunyan , Wang Weixin , Sun Shujuan 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

In recent years, the emergence of fungal resistance has become frequent, partly due to the widespread clinical use of fluconazole, which is minimally toxic and effective in the prevention and treatment of
Candida albicans
infections. The limited selection of antifungal drugs for clinical fungal infection therapy has prompted us to search for new antifungal drug targets. Calcium, which acts as the second messenger in both mammals and fungi, plays a direct role in controlling the expression patterns of its signaling systems and has important roles in cell survival. In addition, calcium and some of the components, mainly calcineurin, in the fungal calcium signaling pathway mediate fungal resistance to antifungal drugs. Therefore, an overview of the components of the fungal calcium-calcineurin signaling network and their potential roles as antifungal targets is urgently needed. The calcium-calcineurin signaling pathway consists of various channels, transporters, pumps, and other proteins or enzymes. Many transcriptional profiles have indicated that mutant strains that lack some of these components are sensitized to fluconazole or other antifungal drugs. In addition, many researchers have identified efficient compounds that exhibit antifungal activity by themselves or in combination with antifungal drugs by targeting some of the components in the fungal calcium-calcineurin signaling pathway. This targeting disrupts Ca
2+
homeostasis, which suggests that this pathway contains potential targets for the development of new antifungal drugs.
Evaluation of Ebola Virus Inactivation Procedures for Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Diagnostics
Authors: Lau Rachel , Wang Amanda , Chong-Kit Ann , Ralevski Filip , Boggild Andrea K. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Plasmodium falciparum
malaria is highly endemic in the three most affected countries in the current epidemic of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa. As EVD and malaria are clinically indistinguishable, both remain part of the differential diagnosis of ill travelers from returning from areas of EVD transmission. We compared the performances of a rapid diagnostic test (BinaxNOW) and real-time PCR with
P. falciparum-
positive specimens before and after heat and Triton X-100 inactivation, and we documented no loss of sensitivity.
Multiplex Touchdown PCR for Rapid Typing of the Opportunistic Pathogen Propionibacterium acnes
Authors: Barnard Emma , Nagy István , Hunyadkürti Judit , Patrick Sheila , McDowell Andrew 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

The opportunistic human pathogen
Propionibacterium acnes
is composed of a number of distinct phylogroups, designated types IA
1
, IA
2
, IB, IC, II, and III, which vary in their production of putative virulence factors, their inflammatory potential, and their biochemical, aggregative, and morphological characteristics. Although multilocus sequence typing (MLST) currently represents the gold standard for unambiguous phylogroup classification and individual strain identification, it is a labor-intensive and time-consuming technique. As a consequence, we developed a multiplex touchdown PCR assay that in a single reaction can confirm the species identity and phylogeny of an isolate based on its pattern of reaction with six primer sets that target the 16S rRNA gene (all isolates), ATPase (types IA
1
, IA
2
, and IC),
sodA
(types IA
2
and IB),
atpD
(type II), and
recA
(type III) housekeeping genes, as well as a Fic family toxin gene (type IC). When applied to 312
P. acnes
isolates previously characterized by MLST and representing types IA
1
(
n
= 145), IA
2
(
n
= 20), IB (
n
= 65), IC (
n
= 7), II (
n
= 45), and III (
n
= 30), the multiplex displayed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting isolates within each targeted phylogroup. No cross-reactivity with isolates from other bacterial species was observed. This multiplex assay will provide researchers with a rapid, high-throughput, and technically undemanding typing method for epidemiological and phylogenetic investigations. It will facilitate studies investigating the association of lineages with various infections and clinical conditions, and it will serve as a prescreening tool to maximize the number of genetically diverse isolates selected for downstream higher-resolution sequence-based analyses.
Multiplex Nucleic Acid Suspension Bead Arrays for Detection and Subtyping of Filoviruses
Authors: Bergqvist Cecilia , Holmström Petra , Lindegren Gunnel , Lagerqvist Nina , Leijon Mikael , Falk Kerstin I. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
Here we describe multiplex suspension bead array systems that allow fast and reliable detection of reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR amplified filovirus genomes and also enable subtyping of Ebola virus species and Marburg virus strains. These systems have an analytical sensitivity equivalent to that of RT-PCR.
Association of Tellurite Resistance with Hypervirulent Clonal Groups of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Passet Virginie , Brisse Sylvain 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Tellurite-based selective growth media are used for several bacterial pathogens. We found that, in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, tellurite resistance is strongly associated with hypervirulent clonal group 23 (CG23), CG65, and CG86, providing a novel approach for screening environmental or carriage samples. The
terW
gene was also associated with these groups.
Development and Validation of a Rapid Immunochromatographic Assay for Detection of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Antigen in Dromedary Camels
Authors: Song Daesub , Ha Gunwoo , Serhan Wissam , Eltahir Yassir , Yusof Mohammed , Hashem Farouq , Elsayed Elsaeid , Marzoug Bahaaeldin , Abdelazim Assem , Al Muhairi Salama 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
We present here a rapid immunochromatographic assay for the detection of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) antigen in the nasal swabs of dromedary camels. The assay is based on the detection of MERS-CoV nucleocapsid protein in a short time frame using highly selective monoclonal antibodies at room temperature. The relative sensitivity and specificity of the assay were found to be 93.90% and 100%, respectively, compared to that of the UpE and open reading frame 1A (Orf1A) real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). The results suggest that the assay developed here is a useful tool for the rapid diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance of MERS-CoV infection in dromedary camels.
Reactivation of Hepatitis B Virus without Core Antibody
Authors: Silva-Pinto André , Andrade Joaquim , Araújo Fernando , Santos Lurdes , Sarmento António 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
We present the case of a male patient not vaccinated against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and with reactivity to a surface antibody who, after immunosuppression for a multiple myeloma, had HBV reactivation. Pharmacological HBV suppression was tried, but viremia could not be suppressed. Production-detection core mutations or immunity issues can explain this clinical phenomenon.
The Avian-Origin PB1 Gene Segment Facilitated Replication and Transmissibility of the H3N2/1968 Pandemic Influenza Virus
Authors: Wendel Isabel , Rubbenstroth Dennis , Doedt Jennifer , Kochs Georg , Wilhelm Jochen , Staeheli Peter , Klenk Hans-Dieter , Matrosovich Mikhail 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
The H2N2/1957 and H3N2/1968 pandemic influenza viruses emerged via the exchange of genomic RNA segments between human and avian viruses. The avian hemagglutinin (HA) allowed the hybrid viruses to escape preexisting immunity in the human population. Both pandemic viruses further received the PB1 gene segment from the avian parent (Y. Kawaoka, S. Krauss, and R. G. Webster, J Virol 63:4603–4608, 1989), but the biological significance of this observation was not understood. To assess whether the avian-origin PB1 segment provided pandemic viruses with some selective advantage, either on its own or via cooperation with the homologous HA segment, we modeled by reverse genetics the reassortment event that led to the emergence of the H3N2/1968 pandemic virus. Using seasonal H2N2 virus A/California/1/66 (Cal) as a surrogate precursor human virus and pandemic virus A/Hong Kong/1/68 (H3N2) (HK) as a source of avian-derived PB1 and HA gene segments, we generated four reassortant recombinant viruses and compared pairs of viruses which differed solely by the origin of PB1. Replacement of the PB1 segment of Cal by PB1 of HK facilitated viral polymerase activity, replication efficiency in human cells, and contact transmission in guinea pigs. A combination of PB1 and HA segments of HK did not enhance replicative fitness of the reassortant virus compared with the single-gene PB1 reassortant. Our data suggest that the avian PB1 segment of the 1968 pandemic virus served to enhance viral growth and transmissibility, likely by enhancing activity of the viral polymerase complex.

IMPORTANCE
Despite the high impact of influenza pandemics on human health, some mechanisms underlying the emergence of pandemic influenza viruses still are poorly understood. Thus, it was unclear why both H2N2/1957 and H3N2/1968 reassortant pandemic viruses contained, in addition to the avian HA, the PB1 gene segment of the avian parent. Here, we addressed this long-standing question by modeling the emergence of the H3N2/1968 virus from its putative human and avian precursors. We show that the avian PB1 segment increased activity of the viral polymerase and facilitated viral replication. Our results suggest that in addition to the acquisition of antigenically novel HA (i.e., antigenic shift), enhanced viral polymerase activity is required for the emergence of pandemic influenza viruses from their seasonal human precursors.
Relationship of HbA1c variability, absolute changes in HbA1c, and all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes: a Danish population-based prospective observational study
Authors: Skriver Mette V , Sandbæk Annelli , Kristensen Jette K , Støvring Henrik 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveWe assessed the relationship of mortality with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) variability and with absolute change in HbA1c.DesignA population-based prospective observational study with a median follow-up time of 6 years.MethodsBased on a validated algorithm, 11 205 Danish individuals with type 2 diabetes during 2001–2006 were identified from public data files, with at least three HbA1c measurements: one index measure, one closing measure 22–26 months later, and one measurement in-between. Medium index HbA1c was 7.3%, median age was 63.9 years, and 48% were women. HbA1c variability was defined as the mean absolute residual around the line connecting index value with closing value. Cox proportional hazard models with restricted cubic splines were used, with all-cause mortality as the outcome.ResultsVariability between 0 and 0.5 HbA1c percentage point was not associated with mortality, but for index HbA1c ≤8% (64 mmol/mol), a variability above 0.5 was associated with increased mortality (HR of 1 HbA1c percentage point variability was 1.3 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.5) for index HbA1c 6.6–7.4%). For index HbA1c≤8%, mortality increased when HbA1c declined, but was stable when HbA1c rose. For index HbA1c>8%, change in HbA1c was associated with mortality, with the lowest mortality for greatest decline (HR=0.9 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.98) for a 2-percentage point decrease).ConclusionsFor individuals with an index HbA1c below 8%, both high HbA1c variability and a decline in HbA1c were associated with increased mortality. For individuals with index HbA1c above 8%, change in HbA1c was associated with mortality, whereas variability was not.
Chinese herbal medicine for resistant hypertension: a systematic review
Authors: Xiong Xingjiang , Li Xiaoke , Zhang Yuqing , Wang Jie 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesThis study aimed to summarise the current evidence from randomised control trials (RCTs) concerning treatment of patients with resistant hypertension with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM).DesignSeven databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, VIP, CBM and Wanfang, were systematically searched from their inception to March 2014 for RCTs investigating treatment of resistant hypertension in which CHM was used either as a monotherapy or in combination with conventional medicine versus placebo, no intervention or conventional medicine.ResultsFive trials containing 446 hypertensive patients were identified. The methodological quality of most trials was evaluated as generally low. All included trials compared CHM plus antihypertensive drugs with antihypertensive drugs alone for resistant hypertension. Formulations of CHM included tablet, decoction and injection. It was found that, compared with antihypertensive drugs alone, CHM (tablet) plus antihypertensive drugs resulted in clinically, but not statistically, significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP; weighted mean difference (WMD)=−10.32 mm Hg; 95% CI −21.10 to 0.46; p=0.06) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; WMD=−3.30 mm Hg; 95% CI −7.66 to 1.06; p=0.14). CHM (decoction) plus antihypertensive drugs also produced a clinically meaningful, but not statistically significant, reduction in SBP (WMD=−12.56 mm Hg; 95% CI −26.83 to 1.71; p=0.08), and did significantly decrease DBP (WMD=−7.89 mm Hg; 95% CI −11.74 to −4.04; p<0.0001). There were no significant differences in SBP (WMD=−3.50 mm Hg; 95% CI −8.95 to 1.95; p=0.21) and DBP (WMD=1.00 mm Hg; 95% CI −1.39 to 3.39; p=0.41) between CHM (injection) plus the antihypertensive drugs group and antihypertensive drugs alone. The safety of CHM remained uncertain.ConclusionsNo definite conclusions about the effectiveness and safety of CHM for resistant hypertension could be drawn. More rigorously designed trials are warranted.
Socioeconomic deprivation and survival after stroke in China: a systematic literature review and a new population-based cohort study
Authors: Chen Ruoling , Hu Zhi , Chen Ruo-Li , Zhang Dongmei , Xu Long , Wang Jingjing , Wei Li 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo assess the association of socioeconomic deprivation (SED) with survival after stroke in China.DesignA systematic literature review and a new population-based cohort study.Setting and participantsIn urban and rural communities in Anhui, China, 2978 residents aged ≥60 years took part in baseline investigation and were followed up for 5 years; five published studies were identified for a systematic review.Primary and secondary outcome measures167 of 2978 participants (5.6%) had doctor-diagnosed stroke at baseline or 1 year later. All-cause mortality in the follow-up.ResultsIn the Anhui cohort follow-up of 167 patients with stroke, 64 (38.3%) died. Multivariate adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of mortality in patients with educational level of less than or equal to primary school was 1.88 (95% CI 1.05 to 3.36) compared to those having more than primary school education. Increased HR of mortality in patients living in a rural area was at borderline significant (1.64, 0.97 to 2.78), but the HR in patients with lower levels of occupation and income was not significant. Published studies showed a significant increase in stroke mortality in relation to some SED indicators. Pooled relative risk (RR) of mortality in patients with low education was 3.07 (1.27 to 7.34), in patients with low income 1.58 (1.50 to 1.65) and in patients living in rural areas 1.47 (1.37 to 1.58).ConclusionsThe evidence suggests the presence of a mortality gradient after stroke for material as well as social forms of deprivation in China. Inequalities in survival after stroke persist and need to be taken into account when implementing intervention programmes.
Methamphetamine and cannabis abuse in adolescence: a quasi-experimental study on specific and long-term neurocognitive effects
Authors: Cuzen Natalie L , Koopowitz Sheri-Michelle , Ferrett Helen L , Stein Dan J , Yurgelun-Todd Deborah 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesMethamphetamine abuse affects brain structure and function. Although methamphetamine and cannabis are commonly abused together, few studies have investigated the differential neurocognitive consequences of methamphetamine abuse with or without cannabis. Furthermore, the effects of drug use on the developing adolescent brain remain poorly understood. We compared neurocognitive function between adolescents with ‘pure’ methamphetamine abuse, those with comorbid methamphetamine and cannabis abuse, and healthy controls at baseline and follow-up.MethodsIndividuals residing in the greater Cape Town region, between the ages of 13 and 18 years, were recruited into either Methamphetamine only group (Meth-only; n=10), Methamphetamine and cannabis group (Meth-cann; n=10) or healthy control (n=20) groups using a quasi-experimental design. All participants underwent a comprehensive neurocognitive assessment. Substance-use variables and psychiatric symptom counts were also recorded. A portion of the Meth-only and control participants completed 12-month follow-up assessments.ResultsWhile the Meth-cann group demonstrated widespread neurocognitive deficits at baseline, these deficits were restricted to the self-monitoring domain in the Meth-only group at baseline and at follow-up.ConclusionsMethamphetamine abuse with cannabis abuse is associated with significantly more neurocognitive impairment than methamphetamine abuse alone, and such deficits may be enduring.