bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The TOR signaling pathway regulates vegetative development and virulence in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Yu Fangwei , Gu Qin , Yun Yingzi , Yin Yanni , Xu Jin‐Rong , Shim Won‐Bo , Ma Zhonghua 
Published: March 2014

Summary

The target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway plays critical roles in controlling cell growth in a variety of eukaryotes. However, the contribution of this pathway in regulating virulence of plant pathogenic fungi is unknown.

We identified and characterized nine genes encoding components of the TOR pathway in Fusarium graminearum. Biological, genetic and biochemical functions of each component were investigated.

The FgFkbp12‐rapamycin complex binds to the FgTor kinase. The type 2A phosphatases FgPp2A, FgSit4 and FgPpg1 were found to interact with FgTap42, a downstream component of FgTor. Among these, we determined that FgPp2A is likely to be essential for F. graminearum survival, and FgSit4 and FgPpg1 play important roles in cell wall integrity by positively regulating the phosphorylation of FgMgv1, a key MAP kinase in the cell wall integrity pathway. In addition, the FgPpg1 interacting protein, FgTip41, is involved in regulating mycelial growth and virulence. Notably, FgTip41 does not interact with FgTap42 but with FgPpg1, suggesting the existence of FgTap42:FgPpg1:FgTip41 heterotrimer in F. graminearum, a complex not observed in the yeast model.

Collectively, we defined a genetic regulatory framework that elucidates how the TOR pathway regulates virulence and vegetative development in F. graminearum.
The zinc finger protein PtaZFP2 negatively controls stem growth and gene expression responsiveness to external mechanical loads in poplar
Authors: Martin Ludovic , Decourteix Mélanie , Badel Eric , Huguet Stéphanie , Moulia Bruno , Julien Jean‐Louis , Leblanc‐Fournier Nathalie 
Published: March 2014

Summary

Mechanical cues are essential signals regulating plant growth and development. In response to wind, trees develop a thigmomorphogenetic response characterized by a reduction in longitudinal growth, an increase in diameter growth, and changes in mechanical properties. The molecular mechanisms behind these processes are poorly understood. In poplar, PtaZFP2, a C2H2 transcription factor, is rapidly up‐regulated after stem bending.
To investigate the function of PtaZFP2, we analyzed PtaZFP2‐overexpressing poplars (Populus tremula × Populus alba). To unravel the genes downstream PtaZFP2, a transcriptomic analysis was performed.
PtaZFP2‐overexpressing poplars showed longitudinal and cambial growth reductions together with an increase in the tangent and hardening plastic moduli. The regulation level of mechanoresponsive genes was much weaker after stem bending in PtaZFP2‐overexpressing poplars than in wild‐type plants, showing that PtaZFP2 negatively modulates plant responsiveness to mechanical stimulation. Microarray analysis revealed a high proportion of down‐regulated genes in PtaZFP2‐overexpressing poplars. Among these genes, several were also shown to be regulated by mechanical stimulation.
Our results confirmed the important role of PtaZFP2 during plant acclimation to mechanical load, in particular through a negative control of plant molecular responsiveness. This desensitization process could modulate the amplitude and duration of the plant response during recurrent stimuli.
The evolution of seed dormancy: environmental cues, evolutionary hubs, and diversification of the seed plants
Authors: Willis Charles G. , Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M. , Auld Josh R. , Venable D. Lawrence , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Donohue Kathleen , Rubio de Casas Rafael ,   The NESCent Germination Working Group
Published: March 2014

Summary

Seed dormancy, by controlling the timing of germination, can strongly affect plant survival. The kind of seed dormancy, therefore, can influence both population and species‐level processes such as colonization, adaptation, speciation, and extinction.

We used a dataset comprising over 14 000 taxa in 318 families across the seed plants to test hypotheses on the evolution of different kinds of seed dormancy and their association with lineage diversification.

We found morphophysiological dormancy to be the most likely ancestral state of seed plants, suggesting that physiologically regulated dormancy in response to environmental cues was present at the origin of seed plants. Additionally, we found that physiological dormancy (PD), once disassociated from morphological dormancy, acted as an ‘evolutionary hub’ from which other dormancy classes evolved, and that it was associated with higher rates of lineage diversification via higher speciation rates.

The environmental sensitivity provided by dormancy in general, and by PD in particular, appears to be a key trait in the diversification of seed plants.
Herbivory and floral signaling: phenotypic plasticity and tradeoffs between reproduction and indirect defense
Authors: Schiestl Florian P. , Kirk Heather , Bigler Laurent , Cozzolino Salvatore , Desurmont Gaylord A. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryPlant defense against herbivores may compromise attraction of mutualists, yet information remains limited about the mechanisms underlying such signaling tradeoffs.Here, we investigated the effects of foliar herbivory by two herbivore species on defense compounds, floral signaling, pollinator and parasitoid attraction, and seed production.Herbivory generally reduced the quantity of many floral volatile organic compoundsVOCs) inBrassica rapa. By contrast, floral color, flower diameter, and plant height remained unaffected. The decreased amounts of floral volatiles led to reduced attractiveness of flowers to pollinators, but increased the attractiveness of herbivore‐infested plants to parasitoids. Plants infested with the native butterflyPieris brassicaeproduced more flowers during early flowering, effectively compensating for the lower olfactory attractiveness. Herbivory by the invasiveSpodoptera littoralisincreased the amounts of glucobrassicanapin, and led to delayed flowering. These plants tended to attract fewer pollinators and to produce fewer seeds.Our study indicates a tradeoff between pollinator attraction and indirect defense (parasitoid attraction), which can be mitigated by reduced floralVOCemission and production of more early flowers. We suggest that this compensatory mechanism is specific to plant–herbivore associations with a coevolutionary history.
Exogenous High‐Mobility Group Box 1 Inhibits Apoptosis and Promotes the Proliferation of Lewis Cells via RAGE/TLR4‐Dependent Signal Pathways
Authors: Xu X. , Zhu H. , Wang T. , Sun Y. , Ni P. , Liu Y. , Tian S. , Amoah Barnie P. , Shen H. , Xu W. , Xu H. , Su Z. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractUpregulated high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been found in many diseases. Nevertheless, the function of HMGB1 on modulating the proliferation of lung cancer cells (Lewis cells) and inhibiting apoptosis is poorly understood, as well as the involved intracellular signalling. In the present study, we firstly found the apoptosis of Lewis was increased following Hanks’ balanced salt solution (HBSS)‐induced starvation, while it was rescued after exogenous HMGB1 protein was added; furthermore, the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and Toll‐like receptor (TLR4) could coordinately improve the proliferation of tumour cells in vitro, and HMGB1 could enhance the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt and Erk1/2, inhibit the expression of pro‐apoptosis protein Bax and promote the expression of anti‐apoptosis protein Bcl‐2. These findings clearly demonstrated that HMGB1–RAGE/TLR4‐ PI3K‐Akt/Erk1/2 pathway contributed to the proliferation of Lewis. Moreover, our observations provide experimental and theoretical basis for clinical biological therapy for cancers; it also may be a new target for intervention and treatment of lung cancer.
What are the main environmental exposures associated with elevated IgE in Cuban infants? A population‐based study
Authors: Fundora‐Hernández Hermes , Venero‐Fernández Silvia J. , Suárez‐Medina Ramón , Mora‐Faife Esperanza de la C. , García‐García Gladys , del Valle‐Infante Ileana , Gómez‐Marrero Liem , Venn Andrea , Britton John , Fogarty Andrew W. ,   the HINASIC Study Group
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveImmunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a key role in allergy disease pathogenesis, but little is known about the environmental factors associated with higher IgE levels in infants. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for elevated serum total IgE infants living in Havana.MethodsEight hundred and seventy‐seven infants provided blood samples. Data on allergic disease symptoms and a wide range of exposures were collected.ResultsThe median IgE was 35IU/ml (interquartile range 13–96). The risk of having an IgE level above the median was higher for children who had been breastfed for 4 months or more (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.61) and for children who reported cockroaches in their home (OR 1.30; 95% CI: 1.03–1.63). The risk was lower for children whose mother was in paid employment (OR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.54–0.97 compared with those who did not), for children living in homes where gas and electricity were used for cooking (OR 0.45; 95% CI: 0.32–0.62 compared with electricity only) and for children with domestic pets at birth (OR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70‐1.00). There was no association between paracetamol use and serum IgE levels.ConclusionsAssociations between gas fuel use and maternal employment indicate that IgE levels in early life are lower in children who may be living in relative affluence. The discrepancy in the effect of early exposure to pets or cockroaches may reflect differences in these allergens, or be confounded by relative affluence. Further investigation of this cohort will determine how these effects translate into the expression of allergic disease in later life.
Risk assessment of transfusion‐associated babesiosis inTyrol: appraisal by seroepidemiology and polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Sonnleitner Sissy Therese , Fritz Josef , Bednarska Malgorzata , Baumgartner Raphaela , Simeoni Josef , Zelger Roland , Schennach Harald , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Edelhofer Renate , Pfister Kurt , Milhakov Andrea , Walder Gernot 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundAfter malaria, babesiosis is the second most common transfusion‐transmitted parasitic disease in theUnitedStates. InEurope, one reported transfusion case, concerningBabesia microti, occurred inGermany.Study Design and MethodsDue to the fact thatBabesiaspp. are present inTyrolean ticks, the aim of this study is to assess the occurrence of immunoglobulin (Ig)Gantibodies against theBabesia divergenscomplex, includingB. divergensandBabesia venatorum(EU1), as well asB. microtiby screening a representative collective of 988 blood donors fromNorth andEastTyrol (Austria) with indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. Additionally, we investigated 206 local ixodid ticks for the presence of babesialDNAby polymerase chain reaction.ResultsSeroprevalence data resulted in rates of 2.1% forIgGantibodies against theB. divergenscomplex and 0.6% againstB. microtiinTyrolean blood donors. All sera could be confirmed by independent retesting. Our data indicate that cross‐reactivity is high betweenB. divergensandB. venatorumand lower than 19.8% betweenB. divergensandB. microti.ConclusionsThis study shows thatBabesiaspp. are present in theTyrols, which blood donors come into serologic contact with, and that we have to consider how to sustain blood product safety concerning this new challenge. Additionally, it is the first description ofB. venatorumin theTyrols, found in oneIxodes ricinusat theItalian border.
Impact of acellular hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers on brain apoptosis in rats
Authors: Vandegriff Kim D. , Malavalli Ashok , Lohman Jeff , Young Mark A. , Terraneo Laura , Virgili Eleonora , Bianciardi Paola , Caretti Anna , Samaja Michele 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundExtracellular hemoglobin (Hb)‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) are under extensive consideration as oxygen therapeutics. Their effects on cellular mechanisms related to apoptosis are of particular interest, because the onset of proapoptotic pathways may give rise to tissue damage.Study Design and MethodsThe objective was to assess whether the properties of the Hb that replaces blood during an isovolemic hemodilution would modulate apoptotic‐response mechanisms in rat brain and whether such signaling favors cytoprotection or damage. We exposed rats to exchange transfusion (ET; 50% blood volume and isovolemic replacement with Hextend [negative colloid control], MP4OX [PEGylated HBOC with high oxygen affinity], and ααHb [αα‐cross‐linked HBOC with low oxygen affinity; n = 4‐6/group]). Sham rats acted as control. Animals were euthanized at 2, 6, and 12 hours after ET; brain tissue was harvested and processed for analysis.ResultsIn MP4OX animals, the number of neurons that overexpressed the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α was higher than in ααHb, particularly at the early time points. In addition, MP4OX was associated with greater phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), a well‐known cytoprotective factor. Indeed, the degree of apoptosis, measured as terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–positive neurons and caspase‐3 cleavage, ranked in order of MP4OX < Hextend < ααHb.ConclusionEven though both HBOCs showed increased levels of HIF‐1α compared to shams or Hextend‐treated animals, differences in signaling events resulted in very different outcomes for the two HBOCs. ααHb‐treated brain tissue showed significant neuronal damage, measured as apoptosis. This was in stark contrast to the protection seen with MP4OX, apparently due to recruitment of Akt and neuronal specific HIF‐1α pathways.
Full-Genome Sequence of a Rare Human G3P[9] Rotavirus Strain
Authors: Mijatovic-Rustempasic Slavica , Roy Sunando , Sturgeon Michele , Rungsrisuriyachai Kunchala , Esona Mathew D. , DeGroat Dona , Qin Xuan , Cortese Margaret M. , Bowen Michael D. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
This is a report of the complete genomic sequence of a rare rotavirus group A G3-P[9]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A3-N2-T1-E2-H3 strain designated RVA/Human-wt/USA/12US1134/2012/G3P[9].
Genome Sequences of Rhinovirus A Isolates from Wisconsin Pediatric Respiratory Studies
Authors: Liggett Stephen B. , Bochkov Yury A. , Pappas Tressa , Lemanske Robert F. , Gern James E. , Sengamalay Naomi , Zhao Xuechu , Su Qi , Fraser Claire M. , Palmenberg Ann C. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Full-length or nearly full-length RNA genome sequences for 98 rhinovirus (RV) A isolates (from the
Enterovirus
genus of the
Picornaviridae
family), representing 43 different genotypes, were resolved as part of ongoing studies to define RV genetic diversity and its potential link to respiratory disease.
Genome Sequence of a Hyperthermophilic Archaeon, Thermococcus nautili 30-1, That Produces Viral Vesicles
Authors: Oberto Jacques , Gaudin Marie , Cossu Matteo , Gorlas Aurore , Slesarev Alexeï , Marguet Evelyne , Forterre Patrick 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Thermococcus nautili
30-1 (formerly
Thermococcus nautilus
), an anaerobic hyperthermophilic marine archaeon, was isolated in 1999 from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent during the Amistad campaign. Here, we present the complete sequence of
T. nautili
, which is able to produce membrane vesicles containing plasmid DNA. This property makes
T. nautili
a model organism to study horizontal gene transfer.
Glucocorticoids induce specific ion-channel-mediated toxicity in human rotator cuff tendon: a mechanism underpinning the ultimately deleterious effect of steroid injection in tendinopathy?
Authors: Dean Benjamin John Floyd , Franklin Sarah Louise , Murphy Richard J , Javaid Muhammad K , Carr Andrew Jonathan 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundGlucocorticoid injection (GCI) and surgical rotator cuff repair are two widely used treatments for rotator cuff tendinopathy. Little is known about the way in which medical and surgical treatments affect the human rotator cuff tendon in vivo. We assessed the histological and immunohistochemical effects of these common treatments on the rotator cuff tendon.Study designControlled laboratory study.MethodsSupraspinatus tendon biopsies were taken before and after treatment from 12 patients undergoing GCI and 8 patients undergoing surgical rotator cuff repair. All patients were symptomatic and none of the patients undergoing local GCI had full thickness tears of the rotator cuff. The tendon tissue was then analysed using histological techniques and immunohistochemistry.ResultsThere was a significant increase in nuclei count and vascularity after rotator cuff repair and not after GCI (both p=0.008). Hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and cell proliferation were only increased after rotator cuff repair (both p=0.03) and not GCI. The ionotropicN-methyl-d-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1) glutamate receptor was only increased after GCI and not rotator cuff repair (p=0.016). An increase in glutamate was seen in both groups following treatment (both p=0.04), while an increase in the receptor metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) was only seen after rotator cuff repair (p=0.016).ConclusionsThe increases in cell proliferation, vascularity and HIF-1α after surgical rotator cuff repair appear consistent with a proliferative healing response, and these features are not seen after GCI. The increase in the glutamate receptor NMDAR1 after GCI raises concerns about the potential excitotoxic tendon damage that may result from this common treatment.
A new tool for converting food frequency questionnaire data into nutrient and food group values: FETA research methods and availability
Authors: Mulligan Angela A , Luben Robert N , Bhaniani Amit , Parry-Smith David J , O'Connor Laura , Khawaja Anthony P , Forouhi Nita G , Khaw Kay-Tee 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo describe the research methods for the development of a new open source, cross-platform tool which processes data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Norfolk Food Frequency Questionnaire (EPIC-Norfolk FFQ). A further aim was to compare nutrient and food group values derived from the current tool (FETA, FFQ EPIC Tool for Analysis) with the previously validated but less accessible tool, CAFÉ (Compositional Analyses from Frequency Estimates). The effect of text matching on intake data was also investigated.DesignCross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study—EPIC-Norfolk.SettingEast England population (city of Norwich and its surrounding small towns and rural areas).ParticipantsComplete FFQ data from 11 250 men and 13 602 women (mean age 59 years; range 40–79 years).Outcome measuresNutrient and food group intakes derived from FETA and CAFÉ analyses of EPIC-Norfolk FFQ data.ResultsNutrient outputs from FETA and CAFÉ were similar; mean (SD) energy intake from FETA was 9222 kJ (2633) in men, 8113 kJ (2296) in women, compared with CAFÉ intakes of 9175 kJ (2630) in men, 8091 kJ (2298) in women. The majority of differences resulted in one or less quintile change (98.7%). Only mean daily fruit and vegetable food group intakes were higher in women than in men (278 vs 212 and 284 vs 255 g, respectively). Quintile changes were evident for all nutrients, with the exception of alcohol, when text matching was not executed; however, only the cereals food group was affected.ConclusionsFETA produces similar nutrient and food group values to the previously validated CAFÉ but has the advantages of being open source, cross-platform and complete with a data-entry form directly compatible with the software. The tool will facilitate research using the EPIC-Norfolk FFQ, and can be customised for different study populations.
Trends in cardiovascular risk factors across levels of education in a general population: is the educational gap increasing? The Tromsø study 1994–2008
Authors: Eggen Anne Elise , Mathiesen Ellisiv B , Wilsgaard Tom , Jacobsen Bjarne K , Njølstad Inger 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundTo describe trends in cardiovascular risk factors and change over time across education levels, and study the influence from medicine use and gender.MethodsData from participants (30–74 years) of the Tromsø Study in 1994–1995 (n=22 108) and in 2007–2008 (n=11 565). Blood samples, measurements and self-reported educational level and medicine use were collected.ResultsDifferences in risk factor levels across education groups were persistent for all risk factors over time, with a more unfavourable pattern in the lowest education group. The exception was cholesterol, with the reduction being largest in the lowest educated, resulting in weakened educational trends over time. While a significant educational trend in cholesterol persisted among the non-users of lipid-lowering drugs (LLD), no educational trend in cholesterol was found among the LLD users in 2007–2008.The strongest educational trends were found for daily smoking and Body Mass Index (BMI). In 2007–2008 the odds for being a smoker were five times higher among the lowest educated compared to the highest educated. In men, the odds for being in the highest quintile of the BMI distribution were, in 2007–2008, almost doubled in the lowest compared to the highest educated. The lowest educated women had 6.2 mm Hg higher mean systolic blood pressure than the highly educated, mean BMI of 26.4 kg/m 2 and smoking prevalence of 37.7%.ConclusionsThe difference across education groups for cholesterol levels decreased, while the educational gap persisted over time for the other risk factors. Use of LLD seemed to contribute to the reduction of social differences in cholesterol levels.
Comorbidities in lung cancer: prevalence, severity and links with socioeconomic status and treatment
Authors: Grose Derek , Morrison David S , Devereux Graham , Jones Richard , Sharma Dave , Selby Colin , Docherty Kirsty , McIntosh David , Louden Greig , Nicolson Marianne , McMillan Donald C , Milroy Robert ,   the Scottish Lung Cancer Forum
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Survival from lung cancer remains poor in Scotland, UK. Although the presence of comorbidities is known to influence outcomes, detailed quantification of comorbidities is not available in routinely collected audit or cancer registry data. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and severity of comorbidities in patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer across four centres throughout Scotland using validated criteria.

Methods
Between 2005 and 2008, all patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer coming through the multidisciplinary teams in four Scottish centres were included in the study. Patient demographics, WHO/Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, clinicopathological features and primary treatment modality were recorded.

Results
Details of 882 patients were collected prospectively. The majority of patients (87.3%) had at least one comorbidity, the most common being weight loss (53%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (43%), renal impairment (28%) and ischaemic heart disease (27%). A composite score was produced that included both number and severity of comorbidities. One in seven patients (15.3%) had severe comorbidity scores. There were statistically significant variations in comorbidity scores between treatment centres and between non-small cell lung carcinoma treatment groups. Disease stage was not associated with comorbidity score.

Conclusions
There is a high prevalence of multiple, severe comorbidities in Scottish patients with lung cancer, and these vary by site and treatment group. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between comorbidity scores and survival in these patients.