bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A role for migration‐linked genes and genomic islands in divergence of a songbird
Authors: Ruegg Kristen , Anderson Eric C. , Boone Jason , Pouls Jazz , Smith Thomas B. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractNext‐generation sequencing has made it possible to begin asking questions about the process of divergence at the level of the genome. For example, recently, there has been a debate around the role of ‘genomic islands of divergence’ (i.e. blocks of outlier loci) in facilitating the process of speciation‐with‐gene‐flow. The Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus, is a migratory songbird with two genetically distinct subspecies that differ in a number of traits known to be involved in reproductive isolation in birds (plumage coloration, song and migratory behaviour), despite contemporary gene flow along a secondary contact zone. Here, we use RAD‐PE sequencing to test emerging hypotheses about the process of divergence at the level of the genome and identify genes and gene regions involved in differentiation in this migratory songbird. Our analyses revealed distinct genomic islands on 15 of the 23 chromosomes and an accelerated rate of divergence on the Z chromosome, one of the avian sex chromosomes. Further, an analysis of loci linked to traits known to be involved in reproductive isolation in songbirds showed that genes linked to migration are significantly more differentiated than expected by chance, but that these genes lie primarily outside the genomic islands. Overall, our analysis supports the idea that genes linked to migration play an important role in divergence in migratory songbirds, but we find no compelling evidence that the observed genomic islands are facilitating adaptive divergence in migratory behaviour.
Population genomic variation reveals roles of history, adaptation and ploidy in switchgrass
Authors: Grabowski Paul P. , Morris Geoffrey P. , Casler Michael D. , Borevitz Justin O. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractGeographic patterns of genetic variation are shaped by multiple evolutionary processes, including genetic drift, migration and natural selection. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has strong genetic and adaptive differentiation despite life history characteristics that promote high levels of gene flow and can homogenize intraspecific differences, such as wind‐pollination and self‐incompatibility. To better understand how historical and contemporary factors shape variation in switchgrass, we use genotyping‐by‐sequencing to characterize switchgrass from across its range at 98 042 SNPs. Population structuring reflects biogeographic and ploidy differences within and between switchgrass ecotypes and indicates that biogeographic history, ploidy incompatibilities and differential adaptation each have important roles in shaping ecotypic differentiation in switchgrass. At one extreme, we determine that two Panicum taxa are not separate species but are actually conspecific, ecologically divergent types of switchgrass adapted to the extreme conditions of coastal sand dune habitats. Conversely, we identify natural hybrids among lowland and upland ecotypes and visualize their genome‐wide patterns of admixture. Furthermore, we determine that genetic differentiation between primarily tetraploid and octoploid lineages is not caused solely by ploidy differences. Rather, genetic diversity in primarily octoploid lineages is consistent with a history of admixture. This suggests that polyploidy in switchgrass is promoted by admixture of diverged lineages, which may be important for maintaining genetic differentiation between switchgrass ecotypes where they are sympatric. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms shaping variation in widespread species and provide a foundation for dissecting the genetic basis of adaptation in switchgrass.
Accumulation of STIM1 is associated with the degenerative muscle fibre phenotype in ALS and other neurogenic atrophies
Authors: Goswami Anand , Jesse Christofer Marvin , Chandrasekar Akila , Bushuven Eva , Vollrath Jan Tilmann , Dreser Alice , Katona Istvan , Beyer Cordian , Johann Sonja , Feller A. C. , Grond M. , Wagner S. , Nikolin Stefan , Troost Dirk , Weis Joachim 
Published: June 2014

AimUpon denervation, skeletal muscle fibres initiate complex changes in gene expression. Many of these genes are involved in muscle fibre remodelling and atrophy. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) leads to progressive neurodegeneration and neurogenic muscular atrophy (NMA). Disturbed calcium homeostasis and misfolded protein aggregation both in motor neurones and muscle fibres are key elements of ALS pathogenesis that are mutually interdependent. Therefore, we hypothesized that the calcium sensor STIM1 might be abnormally modified and involved in muscle fibre degeneration in ALS and other types of NMA.MethodsWe examined ALS and NMA patient biopsy and autopsy tissue and tissue from G93A SOD1 mice by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting.ResultsIn normal human and mouse muscle STIM1 was found to be differentially expressed in muscle fibres of different types and to concentrate at neuromuscular junctions, compatible with its known role in calcium sensing. Denervated muscle fibres of sALS and NMA cases and SOD1 mice showed diffusely increased STIM1 immunoreactivity along with ubiquitinated material. In addition, distinct focal accumulations of STIM1 were observed in target structures within denervated fibres of sALS and other NMA as well as SOD1 mouse muscles. Large STIM1‐immunoreactive structures were found in ALS‐8 patient muscle harbouring the P56S mutation in the ER protein VAPB.ConclusionThese findings suggest that STIM1 is involved in several ways in the reaction of muscle fibres to denervation, probably reflecting alterations in calcium homeostasis in denervated muscle fibres.
Evaluation of salivary function in patients with burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Lee YC , Hong IK , Na SY , Eun YG 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate salivary function in patients with primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS) compared with control and to evaluate salivary hypofunction using salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS).MethodsA total of 33 patients with primary BMS and 30 control subjects were enrolled in our study. The severity of the pain and the burning sensation on a 10‐cm visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) were assessed. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates (SFRs) were measured. 99mTc pertechnetate SGS was used to evaluate salivary gland function.ResultsUnstimulated SFR in patients with BMS was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.11 ± 0.15 vs 0.21 ± 0.16 ml min−1, P = 0.014). There was no significant difference in stimulated SFR between the two groups. The VAS scores for oral pain and burning sensation, the total OHIP‐14 score, and salivary gland function by salivary scintigraphy were not significantly different between BMS patients with normal flow rate and hyposalivation.ConclusionsPatients with primary BMS exhibited a significant decrease in unstimulated SFR compared with control group. In addition, we could not find any difference in salivary gland function between BMS patients with or without hyposalivation.
Asthma with allergic comorbidities in adolescence is associated with bronchial responsiveness and airways inflammation
Authors: Hovland Vegard , Riiser Amund , Mowinckel Petter , Carlsen Kai‐Håkon , Carlsen Karin C. Lødrup 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundChildhood asthma frequently has allergic comorbidities. However, there is limited knowledge of the longitudinal development of asthma comorbidites and their association to bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) and airway inflammation markers. We therefore aimed to assess the association between childhood asthma with allergic comorbidities and BHR and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and the impact of gender on these associations.MethodsBased on data from 550 adolescents in the prospective birth cohort ‘Environment and Childhood Asthma’ study, asthma was defined for the three time periods 0–2, 2–10 and 10–16 years of age, using recurrent bronchial obstruction (rBO) 0–2 years of age as a proxy for early asthma. Asthma comorbidities included atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic rhinitis (AR) from 10 to 16 years. At age 16 years BHR, assessed by metacholine bronchial challenge, and airway inflammation, assessed by FENO, were compared between the groups of asthma with or without the two comorbidities, to a reference group with no never asthma, and subsequently stratified by gender.ResultsBoys with asthma and AR, regardless of AD had significantly more severe BHR and higher FENO than the other asthma phenotypes. Almost half of the children remained in the asthma and AR category from 10 to 16 years, the entire difference being determined by new incident cases from 10 to 16 years.ConclusionsAsthma phenotypes characterized by allergic comorbidities and AR in particular appears closely associated with BHR and FENO, especially among boys.
Parental hay fever reinforces IgE to pollen as pre‐clinical biomarker of hay fever in childhood
Authors: Hatzler Laura , Panetta Valentina , Illi Sabina , Hofmaier Stephanie , Rohrbach Alexander , Hakimeh Dani , Bauer Carl P. , Hoffman Ute , Forster Johannes , Zepp Fred , Schuster Antje , Stock Philippe , Wahn Ulrich , Keil Thomas , Lau Susanne , Matricardi Paolo M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundAn early IgE response to grass or birch pollen can anticipate seasonal allergic rhinitis to pollen later in life or remain clinically silent.ObjectiveTo identify risk factors early in life that allow discriminating pathogenic from non‐pathogenic IgE responses and contribute to the development of seasonal allergic rhinitis to grass pollen.MethodsThe German Multicentre Allergy Study examined a birth cohort born in 1990. A questionnaire was yearly administered and blood samples collected at age 1,2,3,5,6,7,10,13 yr. The definition of the primary outcome grass‐ and birch‐pollen‐related seasonal allergic rhinitis (SARg, SARb) was based on nasal symptoms in June/July and April, respectively. Serum IgE antibodies to Phleum pratense and Betula verrucosae extracts were monitored with immune‐enzymatic singleplex assays.ResultsOf the 820 examined children, 177 and 148 developed SARg and SARb, respectively. Among healthy children aged 3 or more years, IgE to grass pollen was the strongest risk factor of SARg (OR 10.39, 95%CI 6.1–17.6, p < 0.001), while parental hay fever was the only risk factor in early childhood independently associated with future SARg (1 parent: OR 2.56, 95%CI 1.4–4.5, p < 0.001; 2 parents: OR 4.17, 95%CI 1.7–10.1) and SARb (1 parent OR: 5.21, 95%CI 2.20–12.4, p < 0.001; 2 parents: OR 8.02, 95%CI 2.0–32.9, p < 0.001). Parental hay fever was associated with an increase of the concentration of pollen‐specific IgE in seropositive subjects, after the age of 6 and was also a hallmark of molecularly more complex specific IgE responses to grass or birch pollen at age 6 or older.ConclusionsParental hay fever and specific IgE to grass and/or birch pollen are strong pre‐clinical determinants and potentially good predictors of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Pediatric video laryngoscope versus direct laryngoscope: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sun Yu , Lu Yi , Huang Yan , Jiang Hong 
Published: June 2014

SummaryBackgroundWe reviewed the updated literature and performed a meta‐analysis based on randomized controlled trials in children to compare the clinical efficacy between video laryngoscopes (VLs) and direct laryngoscopes (DLs).MethodsWe searched articles published in English matching the key words ‘video laryngoscope (including Airtraq, GlideScope, Storz, TruView, AWS, Bullard, McGrath)’ AND ‘direct laryngoscope’ AND ‘children (including pediatric, infant, neonate)’ in PubMed, Ovid, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library databases. Only prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which compared the use of VLs and DLs in children, were included. The relative risk (RR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using the quality effects model of the metaxl 1.3 software for outcome data.ResultsFourteen studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Although VLs improved the glottis visualization in most children either with normal airways or with potentially difficult intubations, the time to intubation (TTI) was prolonged in comparison to DLs (WMD: 4.9 s; 95% CI: 2.6–7.1). Subgroup analysis showed the GlideScope (WMD: 5.2 s; 95% CI: 2.0–8.5), TruView (WMD: 5.1 s; 95% CI: 0.7–9.5), Storz (WMD: 6.4 s; 95% CI: 4.8–8.1), and Bullard (WMD: 37.5 s; 95% CI: 21.0–54.0) rather than Airtraq (WMD: 0.6 s; 95% CI: −7.7–8.9) prolonged TTI. Although the success rate of the first attempt (RR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92–1.00) and associated complications (RR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.39–3.16) were similar in both groups, VLs were associated with a higher incidence of failure (RR: 6.70; 95% CI: 1.53–29.39).ConclusionThis meta‐analysis demonstrates that although VLs improved glottis visualization in pediatric patients, this was at the expense of prolonged TTI and increased failures. However, further studies are needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of VLs in hands of nonexperts and in children with airway problems.
Comparison of performance and efficacy of air‐Q intubating laryngeal airway and flexible laryngeal mask airway in anesthetized and paralyzed infants and children
Authors: Darlong Vanlal , Biyani Ghansham , Pandey Ravindra , Baidya Dalim K. , Chandralekha   , Punj Jyotsna 
Published: June 2014

SummaryBackgroundFlexible laryngeal mask airway is a commonly used supraglotic airway device (SAD) during ophthalmic surgeries. Air‐Q intubating laryngeal airway (ILA) is a newer SAD used as primary airway device and as a conduit for intubation as well. Available literature shows that air‐Q performs equal or better than other SADs in children and adults. However, limited data is available using air‐Q in infants and small children <10 kg. So, our aim was ‘To compare the performance and efficacy of these two devices in infants and small children’. Our hypothesis is that air‐Q due to its improved cuff design will yield better airway seal pressures and improved laryngeal alignment as compared to flexible laryngeal mask airway.MethodsASA I–II infants and children weighing <10 kg, undergoing cataract or glaucoma surgery, were randomly divided into two groups of 25 each. After induction of anesthesia and muscle relaxation, we measured oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP), fibre‐optic (FO) view of glottis, first insertion success rate, time to insert, and any other complications.ResultsThere was no difference between the groups in demographic data, first insertion success rate, time to insert, and postoperative complications. Air‐Q provided significantly more OLP [21.1 ± 6.4 cmH2O vs 17.4 ± 4.1 cmH2O, P = 0.02] and better FO view of glottis (good view 84% vs 48%, P = 0.0016) as compared to flexible laryngeal mask airway.ConclusionWe conclude that air‐Q is superior to flexible laryngeal mask airway in providing higher airway sealing pressures and better FO grade of laryngeal view in infants and children.
Evaluation of periodontal disease and oral inflammatory load in adults with special needs using oral neutrophil quantification
Authors: Moosani Anita , Sigal Michael J. , Glogauer Michael , Lawrence Herenia P. , Goldberg Michael , Tenenbaum Howard C. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to validate and assess the feasibility of using an assay of oral neutrophils to measure periodontal inflammation in uncooperative adults with special needs. Conventional periodontal measurements and neutrophil counts obtained from oral swabs were performed on patients having dental care under general anesthesia (GA) and at subsequent recall. Forty‐nine patients were assessed under GA and 30 (61%) returned for follow‐up. A high prevalence of gingival inflammation was found at baseline and oral neutrophil levels positively correlated with traditional periodontal parameters (p < 0.05). Neutrophils were acquired using swabs for 100% of patients examined at recall and a significant reduction in oral inflammatory load was noted after a single treatment session (p < 0.05), despite the persistence of poor oral hygiene and prolonged recall intervals. This study demonstrates that oral neutrophil quantification may serve as a novel and standardized method for clinical assessment of periodontal diseases in people with special needs.
Role of the gibberellin receptors GID1 during fruit‐set in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gallego‐Giraldo Carolina , Hu Jianhong , Urbez Cristina , Gomez Maria Dolores , Sun Tai‐ping , Perez‐Amador Miguel A. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryGibberellins (GAs) play a critical role in fruit‐set and fruit growth. Gibberellin is perceived by its nuclear receptors GA INSENSITIVE DWARF1s (GID1s), which then trigger degradation of downstream repressors DELLAs. To understand the role of the three GA receptor genes (GID1A, GID1B and GID1C) in Arabidopsis during fruit initiation, we have examined their temporal and spatial localization, in combination with analysis of mutant phenotypes. Distinct expression patterns are revealed for each GID1: GID1A is expressed throughout the whole pistil, while GID1B is expressed in ovules, and GID1C is expressed in valves. Functional study of gid1 mutant combinations confirms that GID1A plays a major role during fruit‐set and growth, whereas GID1B and GID1C have specific roles in seed development and pod elongation, respectively. Therefore, in ovules, GA perception is mediated by GID1A and GID1B, while GID1A and GID1C are involved in GA perception in valves. To identify tissue‐specific interactions between GID1s and DELLAs, we analyzed spatial expression patterns of four DELLA genes that have a role in fruit initiation (GAI, RGA, RGL1 and RGL2). Our data suggest that GID1A can interact with RGA and GAI in all tissues, whereas GID1C–RGL1 and GID1B–RGL2 interactions only occur in valves and ovules, respectively. These results uncover specific functions of each GID1–DELLA in the different GA‐dependent processes that occur upon fruit‐set. In addition, the distribution of GA receptors in valves along with lack of expression of GA biosynthesis genes in this tissue, strongly suggests transport of GAs from the developing seeds to promote fruit growth.
A plasma membrane‐tethered transcription factor, NAC062/ANAC062/NTL6, mediates the unfolded protein response in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Zheng‐Ting , Lu Sun‐Jie , Wang Mei‐Jing , Bi Dong‐Ling , Sun Ling , Zhou Shun‐Fan , Song Ze‐Ting , Liu Jian‐Xiang 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) triggers a well conserved pathway called the unfolded protein response (UPR) in eukaryotic cells to mitigate ER stress. Two signaling pathways, S2P‐bZIP28 and IRE1‐bZIP60, play important roles in transmitting ER stress signals from the ER to the nucleus in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). It is not known whether other components in the secretory pathway also contribute to the alleviation of ER stress. Here we report the identification of a plasma membrane‐associated transcription factor, NAC062 (also known as ANAC062/NTL6), as another important UPR mediator in Arabidopsis plants. NAC062 relocates from the plasma membrane to the nucleus and regulates the expression of ER stress responsive genes in Arabidopsis. Knock‐down of NAC062 in the wild‐type background confers ER stress sensitivity, while inducible expression of a nucleus‐localized form of NAC062, NAC062D, in the bZIP28 and bZIP60 double mutant (zip28zip60) background increases ER stress tolerance. Knock‐down of NAC062 impairs ER‐stress‐induced expression of UPR downstream genes while over‐expression of NAC062D‐MYC induces the expression of UPR downstream genes under normal growth condition. CHIP‐qPCR reveals that NAC062D‐MYC is enriched at the promoter regions of several UPR downstream genes such as BiP2. Furthermore, NAC062 itself is also up‐regulated by ER stress, which is dependent on bZIP60 but not on bZIP28. Thus, our results have uncovered an alternative UPR pathway in plants in which the membrane‐associated transcription factor NAC062 relays ER stress signaling from the plasma membrane to the nucleus and plays important roles in regulating UPR downstream gene expression.
Diagnostic and prognostic values of ADAMTS13 activity measured during daily plasma exchange therapy in patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Wu Nan , Liu Jia , Yang Shangbin , Kellett Eric T. , Cataland Spero R. , Li Hong , Wu Haifeng M. 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) requires immediate treatment with plasma exchange (PE) to prevent disease mortality and/or morbidity. Frequently, PE is initiated before blood sample is collected to confirm ADAMTS13 deficiency. However, the effect of PE treatments on the evaluation of ADAMTS13 is uncertain. Moreover, the pertinence of ADAMTS13 activity during PE therapy to prediction of treatment outcomes is unclear. Thus, clarification of the diagnostic and prognostic values of ADAMTS13 activity obtained during PE treatment is an unmet clinical need.Study Design and MethodsA total of 212 sequential samples were obtained during the course of daily PE treatment from 19 patients with acquired TTP. ADAMTS13 activity levels were determined in these longitudinal samples for analysis.ResultsAfter the initial three daily PE procedures, the sensitivities of ADAMTS13 activity in diagnosis of TTP (<10%) were 89, 83, and 78%, respectively. To determine prognostic value, patients with (n = 7) and without (n = 12) a recovery of ADAMTS13 activity to more than 10% within seven sessions of daily PE treatment were compared. Recovery of ADAMTS13 activity to more than 10% within 7 days is significantly associated with a timely achievement of clinical response (p < 0.01). In contrast, the patients without more than 10% ADAMTS13 within 1 week appear at risk for worse treatment outcomes manifested as TTP exacerbation, treatment refractoriness, or death.ConclusionThe data suggest that ADAMTS13 activities measured during the initial period of PE therapy offer both diagnostic and prognostic values in acquired TTP.
Structural Insights into and Activity Analysis of the Antimicrobial Peptide Myxinidin
Authors: Cantisani Marco , Finamore Emiliana , Mignogna Eleonora , Falanga Annarita , Nicoletti Giovanni Francesco , Pedone Carlo , Morelli Giancarlo , Leone Marilisa , Galdiero Massimiliano , Galdiero Stefania 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

The marine environment has been poorly explored in terms of potential new molecules possessing antibacterial activity. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a new potential class of pharmaceuticals; however, further optimization is needed if AMPs are to find broad use as antibiotics. We focused our studies on a peptide derived from the epidermal mucus of hagfish (
Myxine glutinosa
L.), which was previously characterized and showed high antimicrobial activity against human and fish pathogens. In the present work, the activities of myxinidin peptide analogues were analyzed with the aim of widening the original spectrum of action of myxinidin by suitable changes in the peptide primary structure. The analysis of key residues by alanine scanning allowed for the design of novel peptides with increased activity. We identified the amino acids that are of the utmost importance for the observed antimicrobial activities against a set of pathogens comprising both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Overall, optimized bactericidal potency was achieved by adding a tryptophan residue at the N terminus and by the simultaneous substitution of residues present in positions 3, 4, and 11 with arginine. These results indicate that the myxinidin analogues emerge as an attractive alternative for treating drug-resistant infectious diseases and provide key insights into a rational design for novel agents against these pathogens.