bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The NTT transcription factor promotes replum development in Arabidopsis fruits
Authors: Marsch‐Martínez Nayelli , Zúñiga‐Mayo Víctor M. , Herrera‐Ubaldo Humberto , Ouwerkerk Pieter B. F. , Pablo‐Villa Jeanneth , Lozano‐Sotomayor Paulina , Greco Raffaella , Ballester Patricia , Balanzá Vicente , Kuijt Suzanne J. H. , Meijer Annemarie H. , Pereira Andy , Ferrándiz Cristina , de Folter Stefan 
Published: July 2014

SummaryFruits are complex plant structures that nurture seeds and facilitate their dispersal. The Arabidopsis fruit is termed silique. It develops from the gynoecium, which has a stigma, a style, an ovary containing the ovules, and a gynophore. Externally, the ovary consists of two valves, and their margins lay adjacent to the replum, which is connected to the septum that internally divides the ovary. In this work we describe the role for the zinc‐finger transcription factor NO TRANSMITTING TRACT (NTT) in replum development. NTT loss of function leads to reduced replum width and cell number, whereas increased expression promotes replum enlargement. NTT activates the homeobox gene BP, which, together with RPL, is important for replum development. In addition, the NTT protein is able to bind the BP promoter in yeast, and when this binding region is not present, NTT fails to activate BP in the replum. Furthermore, NTT interacts with itself and different proteins involved in fruit development: RPL, STM, FUL, SHP1 and SHP2 in yeast and in planta. Moreover, its genetic interactions provide further evidence about its biological relevance in replum development.
Safety of intrathecal administration of cytosine arabinoside and methotrexate in dogs and cats
Authors: Genoni S. , Palus V. , Eminaga S. , Cherubini G. B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe objective of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the short‐term safety of intrathecal administration of cytosine arabinoside alone or in combination with methotrexate in dogs and cats. One hundred and twelve dogs and eight cats admitted between September 2008 and December 2013, diagnosed with suspected inflammatory (meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology) or neoplastic disease affecting brain or spinal cord and treated with an intrathecal administration of cytosine arabinoside alone or in combination with methotrexate were included in the study. Recorded information regarding possible adverse events during administration while recovering from anaesthesia and during hospitalization period were evaluated. The results showed that one patient developed generalized tonic‐clonic seizure activity after administration of cytosine arabinoside and methotrexate during recovery from anaesthesia, however responded to intravenous administration of diazepam. On the base of our results we can conclude that intrathecal administration of cytosine arabinoside alone or in combination with methotrexate is a safe procedure in dogs and cats.
Mechanical ventilation and management of an adult horse with presumptive botulism
Authors: Taylor Sandra D. , Toth Balazs , Townsend Wendy M. , Bentley Robin Timothy 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the clinical course, management, and outcome of a horse with a presumptive diagnosis of botulism treated with long‐term mechanical ventilation.Case SummaryA 6‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding with a history of esophageal obstruction was evaluated for progressive tetraparesis. Generalized and progressive skeletal muscle weakness characterized by recumbency, decreased tongue, tail, eyelid, and anal tone, and respiratory failure was observed. Anticholinergic signs including decreased salivation, xerophthalmia, and ileus were also noted. A presumptive diagnosis of botulism was made, although mouse inoculation and spore identification testing were negative. Pentavalent botulism antitoxin was administered on Day 3. The horse was maintained on a water mattress and was managed with mechanical ventilation for 2 weeks. Complications encountered included necrotic rhinitis, intertrigo, decubital ulceration, jugular and cephalic vein thrombophlebitis, corneal ulceration, and transient ventricular tachycardia. The horse showed marked improvement in skeletal muscle strength and parasympathetic nervous system function, allowing it to be successfully weaned from the ventilator but suffered large colon volvulus on Day 21 and was euthanized.New or Unique Information ProvidedTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of successful weaning from long‐term mechanical ventilation and management of recumbency using a water mattress in an adult horse with presumptive botulism.
Possible delayed respiratory depression following intrathecal injection of morphine and bupivacaine in an alpaca
Authors: LdoVet Miguel Martínez , Murison Pamela J. , Murrell Jo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo describe general anesthesia and successful treatment of an alpaca, which developed respiratory arrest 2 hours after intrathecal injection of morphine and bupivacaine.Case SummaryA 10‐day‐old female alpaca weighing 7.3 kg was presented to our hospital with a fractured right tibia. The cria was anesthetized to repair the fracture with a dynamic compression plate. Anesthesia was induced with IV propofol and maintained with sevoflurane in 100% oxygen. Prior to the start of surgery the alpaca received an unintended intrathecal injection of 0.6 mL of a solution of 0.5 mg morphine (0.068 mg/kg) and 1.5 mg bupivacaine (0.2 mg/kg), after an attempted lumbo‐sacral epidural. The alpaca developed respiratory arrest 120 minutes after the intrathecal injection was administered. Adequate hemoglobin‐oxygen saturation was maintained despite minimal intermittent manual ventilation, but marked hypercapnia developed (PaCO2of 17.3 KPa [130 mm Hg]). Delayed respiratory depression resulting from cephalad migration of intrathecal morphine was suspected. Ventilation was supported until the end of surgery when sevoflurane was discontinued. The trachea remained intubated, 100% oxygen was supplied, and ventilation was supported at 2–4 breaths/min for the next 60 minutes, but no attempts to breathe spontaneously were detected. Intravenous naloxone (0.3 mg [0.04 mg/kg]) was administered slowly to effect until adequate spontaneous ventilation and full consciousness returned. The anesthetic recovery of the alpaca was rapid and uneventful after the opioid antagonist was given.New Information ProvidedDelayed respiratory depression is a potential complication after intrathecal administration of morphine. Careful dose‐adjustment may reduce the risk, and close monitoring will result in early detection and treatment of this complication.
Influence of cross‐match on posttransfusion packed cell volume in feline packed red blood cell transfusion
Authors: Weltman Joel G. , Fletcher Daniel J. , Rogers Catherine 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of major cross‐match on transfusion efficacy based on the change in PCV following packed red blood cell (pRBC) administration in cats.DesignRetrospective study from January 2000 to December 2010.SettingUniversity Teaching Hospital.AnimalsTwo hundred nine cats received 233 type‐specific pRBC transfusions as treatment for anemia. Forty‐three transfusions were cross‐match compatible and 190 were not screened with cross‐match.InterventionsPretransfusion major cross‐match.Measurements and Main ResultsSignalment, body weight, dosage of pRBC transfusion, pretransfusion PCV, posttransfusion PCV, IV fluid volumes administered between the measurement of the pretransfusion PCV and posttransfusion PCV, time delay between pretransfusion PCV measurement and transfusion administration, time between administration of transfusion and posttransfusion PCV measurement, and major cross‐match testing data were extracted from the medical records of cats receiving pRBC transfusions and were evaluated for their influence on posttransfusion PCV scaled to dose of pRBC administered. The mean pretransfusion PCV was significantly lower for cross‐match compatible transfusions (13.7 ± 4.2%) compared to noncross‐matched transfusions (16.1 ± 4.5%; independent samples t‐test, P < 0.0001). The PCV increase posttransfusion scaled by dose was significantly greater for cross‐match compatible transfusions (1.02 ± 0.51%/mL/kg) than for noncross‐matched transfusions (0.74 ± 0.65%/mL/kg; independent samples t‐test, P = 0.0093). Of age, dose of pRBCs, cross‐match status, reason for transfusion, pretransfusion PCV, and dose of IV fluids administered between the pretransfusion and posttransfusion PCV, only pRBC dose, cross‐match status, and pretransfusion PCV were independent predictors of change in PCV with transfusion on multiple regression analysis (coefficient = 0.507, P < 0.0001; coefficient = 1.64, P = 0.041; coefficient = –0.235, P = 0.0009, respectively).ConclusionsIn this retrospective study, administration of type‐specific, cross‐match compatible pRBC transfusions resulted in significantly greater increases in the posttransfusion PCV when compared to administration of typed, noncross‐matched pRBCs. Future prospective studies evaluating the effect of cross‐match on transfusion efficacy in cats are warranted.
In Vivo
Assessment of SMT19969 in a Hamster Model of Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Weiss William , Pulse Mark , Vickers Richard 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

SMT19969 [2,2′-bis(4-pyridyl)3
H
,3′-
H
5,5-bibenzimidazole] is a novel narrow-spectrum nonabsorbable antibiotic currently in development for the treatment of
Clostridium difficile
infection. The comparative activities of SMT19969 and vancomycin against nonepidemic and epidemic strains of
C. difficile
were studied in an established hamster model. Against nonepidemic (VA11) strains, the survival rates of SMT19969-treated animals ranged from 80% to 95%. Vancomycin exhibited 100% protection during treatment, with relapse observed starting on day 9 and 50% survival at day 20. At 50 mg/kg of body weight, SMT19969 administered orally once daily for 5 days provided full protection of treated animals on the dosing days and through day 12 against epidemic strains. Vancomycin also protected during the dosing interval, but apparent relapse occurred earlier, starting on day 11. SMT19969 exhibited excellent
in vitro
activity, with MICs of 0.25 μg/ml for all isolates. The MICs for vancomycin were 2- to 4-fold higher at ≤0.5 to 1 μg/ml. All plasma sample concentrations of SMT19969 were below the limit of quantification (25 ng/ml) at all time points, consistent with the reported lack of bioavailability of the compound. Cecal concentrations were significantly above the MIC (ranging from 96 μg/ml to 172 μg/ml).
Asymptomatic Carriage of Group A Streptococcus Is Associated with Elimination of Capsule Production
Authors: Flores Anthony R. , Jewell Brittany E. , Olsen Randall J. , Shelburne Samuel A. , Fittipaldi Nahuel , Beres Stephen B. , Musser James M. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Humans commonly carry pathogenic bacteria asymptomatically, but despite decades of study, the underlying molecular contributors remain poorly understood. Here, we show that a group A streptococcus carriage strain contains a frameshift mutation in the
hasA
gene resulting in loss of hyaluronic acid capsule biosynthesis. This mutation was repaired by allelic replacement, resulting in restoration of capsule production in the isogenic derivative strain. The “repaired” isogenic strain was significantly more virulent than the carriage strain in a mouse model of necrotizing fasciitis and had enhanced growth
ex vivo
in human blood. Importantly, the repaired isogenic strain colonized the mouse oropharynx with significantly greater bacterial burden and had significantly reduced ability to internalize into cultured epithelial cells than the acapsular carriage strain. We conducted full-genome sequencing of 81 strains cultured serially from 19 epidemiologically unrelated human subjects and discovered the common theme that mutations negatively affecting capsule biosynthesis arise
in vivo
in the
has
operon. The significantly decreased capsule production is a key factor contributing to the molecular détente between pathogen and host. Our discoveries suggest a general model for bacterial pathogens in which mutations that downregulate or ablate virulence factor production contribute to carriage.
CysK2 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis Is an
O
-Phospho-
l
-Serine-Dependent
S
-Sulfocysteine Synthase
Authors: Steiner Eva Maria , Böth Dominic , Lössl Philip , Vilaplana Francisco , Schnell Robert , Schneider Gunter 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is dependent on cysteine biosynthesis, and reduced sulfur compounds such as mycothiol synthesized from cysteine serve in first-line defense mechanisms against oxidative stress imposed by macrophages. Two biosynthetic routes to
l
-cysteine, each with its own specific cysteine synthase (CysK1 and CysM), have been described in
M. tuberculosis
, but the function of a third putative sulfhydrylase in this pathogen, CysK2, has remained elusive. We present biochemical and biophysical evidence that CysK2 is an
S
-sulfocysteine synthase, utilizing
O
-phosphoserine (OPS) and thiosulfate as substrates. The enzyme uses a mechanism via a central aminoacrylate intermediate that is similar to that of other members of this pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme family. The apparent second-order rate of the first half-reaction with OPS was determined as
k
max
/

K
s

= (3.97 × 10
3
) ± 619 M
−1
s
−1
, which compares well to the OPS-specific mycobacterial cysteine synthase CysM with a
k
max
/

K
s

of (1.34 × 10
3
) ± 48.2. Notably, CysK2 does not utilize thiocarboxylated CysO as a sulfur donor but accepts thiosulfate and sulfide as donor substrates. The specificity constant
k
cat
/

K
m

for thiosulfate is 40-fold higher than for sulfide, suggesting an annotation as
S
-sulfocysteine synthase. Mycobacterial CysK2 thus provides a third metabolic route to cysteine, either directly using sulfide as donor or indirectly via
S
-sulfocysteine. Hypothetically,
S
-sulfocysteine could also act as a signaling molecule triggering additional responses in redox defense in the pathogen upon exposure to reactive oxygen species during dormancy.
Biological Cost of Pyocin Production during the SOS Response in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Penterman Jon , Singh Pradeep K. , Walker Graham C. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

LexA and two structurally related regulators, PrtR and PA0906, coordinate the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
SOS response. RecA-mediated autocleavage of LexA induces the expression of a protective set of genes that increase DNA damage repair and tolerance. In contrast, RecA-mediated autocleavage of PrtR induces antimicrobial pyocin production and a program that lyses cells to release the newly synthesized pyocin. Recently, PrtR-regulated genes were shown to sensitize
P. aeruginosa
to quinolones, antibiotics that elicit a strong SOS response. Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which PrtR-regulated genes determine antimicrobial resistance and genotoxic stress survival. We found that induction of PrtR-regulated genes lowers resistance to clinically important antibiotics and impairs the survival of bacteria exposed to one of several genotoxic agents. Two distinct mechanisms mediated these effects. Cell lysis genes that are induced following PrtR autocleavage reduced resistance to bactericidal levels of ciprofloxacin, and production of extracellular R2 pyocin was lethal to cells that initially survived UV light treatment. Although typically resistant to R2 pyocin,
P. aeruginosa
becomes transiently sensitive to R2 pyocin following UV light treatment, likely because of the strong downregulation of lipopolysaccharide synthesis genes that are required for resistance to R2 pyocin. Our results demonstrate that pyocin production during the
P. aeruginosa
SOS response carries both expected and unexpected costs.
Repetitive Sequence Variations in the Promoter Region of the Adhesin-Encoding Gene
sabA
of Helicobacter pylori Affect Transcription
Authors: Harvey Vivian C. , Acio Catherine R. , Bredehoft Amy K. , Zhu Laurence , Hallinger Daniel R. , Quinlivan-Repasi Vanessa , Harvey Samuel E. , Forsyth Mark H. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

The pathogenesis of diseases elicited by the gastric pathogen
Helicobacter pylori
is partially determined by the effectiveness of adaptation to the variably acidic environment of the host stomach. Adaptation includes appropriate adherence to the gastric epithelium via outer membrane protein adhesins such as SabA. The expression of
sabA
is subject to regulation via phase variation in the promoter and coding regions as well as repression by the two-component system ArsRS. In this study, we investigated the role of a homopolymeric thymine [poly(T)] tract −50 to −33 relative to the
sabA
transcriptional start site in
H. pylori
strain J99. We quantified
sabA
expression in
H. pylori
J99 by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), demonstrating significant changes in
sabA
expression associated with experimental manipulations of poly(T) tract length. Mimicking the length increase of this tract by adding adenines instead of thymines had similar effects, while the addition of other nucleotides failed to affect
sabA
expression in the same manner. We hypothesize that modification of the poly(T) tract changes DNA topology, affecting regulatory protein interaction(s) or RNA polymerase binding efficiency. Additionally, we characterized the interaction between the
sabA
promoter region and ArsR, a response regulator affecting
sabA
expression. Using recombinant ArsR in electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), we localized binding to a sequence with partial dyad symmetry −20 and +38 relative to the
sabA
+1 site. The control of
sabA
expression by both ArsRS and phase variation at two distinct repeat regions suggests the control of
sabA
expression is both complex and vital to
H. pylori
infection.
Emerging Roles for Anionic Non-Bilayer Phospholipids in Fortifying the Outer Membrane Permeability Barrier
Authors: Bishop Russell E. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Lately, researchers have been actively investigating
Escherichia coli
lptD
mutants, which exhibit reduced transport of lipopolysaccharide to the cell surface. In this issue of the
Journal of Bacteriology
, Sutterlin et al. (
H. A. Sutterlin, S. Zhang, and T. J. Silhavy, J. Bacteriol. 196:3214–3220
, 2014) now reveal an important functional role for phosphatidic acid in fortifying the outer membrane permeability barrier in certain
lptD
mutant backgrounds. These findings come on the heels of the first reports of two LptD crystal structures, which now provide a structural framework for interpreting
lptD
genetics.
‘My body's falling apart.’ Understanding the experiences of patients with advanced multimorbidity to improve care: serial interviews with patients and carers
Authors: Mason Bruce , Nanton Veronica , Epiphaniou Eleni , Murray Scott A , Donaldson Anne , Shipman Cathy , Daveson Barbara A , Harding Richard , Higginson Irene J , Munday Dan , Barclay Stephen , Dale Jeremy , Kendall Marilyn , Worth Allison , Boyd Kirsty 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveMultimorbidity is increasingly common in the last year of life, and associated with frequent hospital admissions. The epidemiology is well described, but patient perspectives are less understood. We report the experiences and perceptions of people with advanced multimorbidity to inform improvements in palliative and end-of-life care.DesignMulticentre study including serial, multiperspective interviews with patients and their family carers; an interpretive analysis of experiences and understanding of living with advanced multimorbidity.ParticipantsWe recruited patients and their family carers using established UK clinical guidance for the identification of people anticipated to be in their last year of life.SettingsAn acute admissions unit in a Scottish regional hospital; a large English general practice; a London respiratory outpatient clinic.ResultsWe analysed 87 interviews with 37 patients and 17 carers. They struggled with multiple changing medications, multiple services better aligned with single conditions such as cancer, and a lack of coordination and continuity of care. Family carers spoke of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion and feeling undervalued by professionals. Patients and carers frequently saw deteriorating health as part of ‘growing old’. Many used a ‘day-to-day’ approach to self-management that hindered engagement with advance care planning and open discussions about future care. ‘Palliative care’ and ‘dying soon’ were closely related concepts for many patients, carers and professionals, so rarely discussed.ConclusionsPatients with advanced multimorbidity received less care than their illness burden would appear to merit. Some people did restrict their interactions with care providers to preserve autonomy, but many had a limited understanding of their multiple conditions, medications and available services, and found accessing support impersonal and challenging. Greater awareness of the needs associated with advanced multimorbidity and the coping strategies adopted by these patients and carers is necessary, together with more straightforward access to appropriate care.
Regression Analysis of Zonally Narrow Components of the MJO
Authors: Roundy Paul E. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Recent works have demonstrated that eastward-propagating features smaller than zonal wavenumber 3 but with spatial structures similar to those of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) frequently develop over the Indo-Pacific warm pool. These signals are characterized by periods shorter than 4 weeks, but since they occur as part of a spectral peak of the MJO, they might be characterized by similar physics. These zonally narrow features occur at any phase of traditionally defined 30–60-day MJO events, but they occur most frequently in its active convective phase. This work presents a linear regression analysis based on filtering in the wavenumber–frequency domain to compare such signals with traditionally defined MJOs and 15–30 m s−1, convectively coupled Kelvin waves. Results show that the trough collocated with the easterly wind anomaly extends westward into the region of lower-tropospheric westerly wind and deep convection in the zonally narrow slow signals and MJOs. The fast Kelvin waves have a ridge anomaly collocated with the westerly wind anomaly. The zonally narrow slow signals and MJOs include a warm anomaly in the boundary layer west of the deep convection that is absent in fast Kelvin waves. Results suggest that MJO dynamics are not confined to the 30–60-day band and that time scales as short as 2 weeks could be considered in wavenumber–frequency diagnostics for the MJO.