bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elicitation of hypersensitive responses in Nicotiana glutinosa by the suppressor of RNA silencing protein P0 from poleroviruses
Authors: Wang Ken‐Der , Empleo Roman , Nguyen Tan Tri V. , Moffett Peter , Sacco Melanie Ann 
Published: September 2014

SummaryPlant disease resistance (R) proteins that confer resistance to viruses recognize viral gene products with diverse functions, including viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs). The P0 protein from poleroviruses is a VSR that targets the ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1) protein for degradation, thereby disrupting RNA silencing and antiviral defences. Here, we report resistance against poleroviruses in Nicotiana glutinosa directed against Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) and Potato leafroll virus (PLRV). The P0 proteins from TuYV (P0Tu), PLRV (P0PL) and Cucurbit aphid‐borne yellows virus (P0CA) were found to elicit a hypersensitive response (HR) in N. glutinosa accession TW59, whereas other accessions recognized P0PL only. Genetic analysis showed that recognition of P0Tu by a resistance gene designated RPO1 (Resistance to POleroviruses 1) is inherited as a dominant allele. Expression of P0 from a Potato virus X (PVX) expression vector transferred recognition to the recombinant virus on plants expressing RPO1, supporting P0 as the unique Polerovirus factor eliciting resistance. The induction of HR required a functional P0 protein, as P0Tu mutants with substitutions in the F‐box motif that abolished VSR activity were unable to elicit HR. We surmised that the broad P0 recognition seen in TW59 and the requirement for the F‐box protein motif could indicate detection of P0‐induced AGO1 degradation and disruption of RNA silencing; however, other viral silencing suppressors, including the PVX P25 that also causes AGO1 degradation, failed to elicit HR in N. glutinosa. Investigation of P0 elicitation of RPO1 could provide insight into P0 activities within the cell that trigger resistance.
The role of surgical debridement in different clinical manifestations of invasive aspergillosis
Authors: Reischies Frederike , Hoenigl Martin 
Published: September 2014

SummaryInvasive aspergillosis (IA) has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations and is associated with high mortality rates. Early initiation of systemic antimould therapy remains the most important measure to reduce mortality. Surgical debridement is an important additional therapeutic option mainly in cases of extrapulmonary IA. The main intention for surgical intervention in IA is to obtain material for diagnosis and antifungal susceptibility testing. There are, however, also therapeutic implications for surgical interventions in rare manifestation of IA such as endocarditis or mycotic aneurysm. Here, we will review the role of surgical interventions in the treatment of different clinical manifestations of IA.
Status of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs use and its association with chronic kidney disease: A cross‐sectional survey in China
Authors: Pan Yujing , Zhang Luxia , Wang Fang , Li Xiaomei , Wang Haiyan ,   China National Survey of Chronic Kidney Disease Working Group
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimNon‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been reported to be associated with adverse effects including kidney injury, while relevant studies from developing countries are limited. We aimed to explore the status of NSAIDs use in China, as well as cross‐sectional association between NSAIDs intake and presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsA national representative sample of 47 204 adults in China was used. Prevalence of regular NSAIDs use was reported. Age‐ and sex‐ matched controls of NSAIDs users were then selected. The association between NSAIDs use and kidney injury were analyzed using logistic regression.ResultsAltogether 1129 participants reported regular use of NSAIDs, with the adjusted prevalence of 3.6% (95% CI, 3.2%–3.9%). And 76.9% of them (n = 868) had taken phenacetin‐containing analgesics, with an adjusted prevalence of 3.2% (95% CI, 2.9%–3.5%). After adjusting for potential confounders, long‐term NSAIDs intake (≥48 months) was associated with eGFR< 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2, with an OR of 2.36 (95% CI, 1.28–4.37).ConclusionRegular use of NSAIDs, especially phenacetin‐containing drugs, is prevalent in China. And long‐term NSAIDs intake (≥48 months) was independently associated with reduced renal function.
Plasma levels of fibroblast growth factor‐23 are associated with muscle mass in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Fukasawa Hirotaka , Ishigaki Sayaka , Kinoshita‐Katahashi Naoko , Niwa Hiroki , Yasuda Hideo , Kumagai Hiromichi , Furuya Ryuichi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimMalnutrition is highly prevalent in haemodialysis (HD) patients, and it contributes to morbidity and mortality. Fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF‐23) and Klotho contribute to chronic kidney disease‐mineral and bone disorder (CKD‐MBD) in HD patients, but the role that these molecules play in determining nutritional status is currently unknown.MethodsA cross‐sectional study examining 77 HD patients was performed. The plasma concentrations of FGF‐23 and soluble Klotho (s‐Klotho) were studied to evaluate their association with muscle mass, which was investigated by abdominal muscle areas measured using computed tomography and by creatinine (Cr) production estimated using the Cr kinetic model.ResultsPlasma FGF‐23 concentrations were significantly and positively correlated with abdominal muscle areas and Cr production (rho = 0.301, P < 0.01 and rho = 0.345, P < 0.01, respectively). In contrast, s‐Klotho was not significantly correlated with these muscle mass indices and plasma FGF‐23 concentrations. Multiple regression analyses showed that FGF‐23 was a significant independent predictor of both muscle mass indices (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionPlasma FGF‐23 concentrations were associated with muscle mass indices in HD patients. Our findings suggest that FGF‐23 and nutritional status are linked and this link is most likely independent of s‐Klotho.
Enhancing C3 photosynthesis: an outlook on feasible interventions for crop improvement
Authors: Singh Jitender , Pandey Prachi , James Donald , Chandrasekhar Kottakota , Achary V. Mohan Murali , Kaul Tanushri , Tripathy Baishnab C. , Reddy Malireddy K. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryDespite the declarations and collective measures taken to eradicate hunger at World Food Summits, food security remains one of the biggest issues that we are faced with. The current scenario could worsen due to the alarming increase in world population, further compounded by adverse climatic conditions, such as increase in atmospheric temperature, unforeseen droughts and decreasing soil moisture, which will decrease crop yield even further. Furthermore, the projected increase in yields of C3 crops as a result of increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations is much less than anticipated. Thus, there is an urgent need to increase crop productivity beyond existing yield potentials to address the challenge of food security. One of the domains of plant biology that promises hope in overcoming this problem is study of C3 photosynthesis. In this review, we have examined the potential bottlenecks of C3 photosynthesis and the strategies undertaken to overcome them. The targets considered for possible intervention include RuBisCO, RuBisCO activase, Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle enzymes, CO2 and carbohydrate transport, and light reactions among many others. In addition, other areas which promise scope for improvement of C3 photosynthesis, such as mining natural genetic variations, mathematical modelling for identifying new targets, installing efficient carbon fixation and carbon concentrating mechanisms have been touched upon. Briefly, this review intends to shed light on the recent advances in enhancing C3 photosynthesis for crop improvement.
‘Fukusensor:’ a genetically engineered plant for reporting DNA damage in response to gamma radiation
Authors: Peng Yanhui , Allen Sara , Millwood Reginald J. , Stewart C. Neal 
Published: September 2014

SummaryTransgenic plants can be designed to be ‘phytosensors’ for detection of environmental contaminants and pathogens. In this study, we describe the design and testing of a radiation phytosensor in the form of green fluorescence protein (GFP)‐transgenic Arabidopsis plant utilizing a DNA repair deficiency mutant background as a host. Mutant lines of Arabidopsis AtATM (At3g48190), which are hypersensitive to gamma irradiation, were used to generate stable GFP transgenic plants in which a gfp gene was under the control of a strong constitutive CaMV 35S promoter. Mutant and nonmutant genetic background transgenic plants were treated with 0, 1, 5, 10 and 100 Gy radiation doses, respectively, using a Co‐60 source. After 1 week, the GFP expression levels were drastically reduced in young leaves of mutant background plants (treated by 10 and 100 Gy), whereas there were scant visible differences in the fluorescence of the nonmutant background plants. These early results indicate that transgenic plants could serve in a relevant sensor system to report radiation dose and the biological effects to organisms in response to radionuclide contamination.
Compositional differences between near‐isogenic GM and conventional maize hybrids are associated with backcrossing practices in conventional breeding
Authors: Venkatesh Tyamagondlu V. , Cook Kevin , Liu Bing , Perez Timothy , Willse Alan , Tichich Ryan , Feng Ping , Harrigan George G. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryHere, we show that differences between genetically modified (GM) and non‐GM comparators cannot be attributed unequivocally to the GM trait, but arise because of minor genomic differences in near‐isogenic lines. Specifically, this study contrasted the effect of three GM traits (drought tolerance, MON 87460; herbicide resistance, NK603; insect protection, MON 89034) on maize grain composition relative to the effects of residual genetic variation from backcrossing. Important features of the study included (i) marker‐assisted backcrossing to generate genetically similar inbred variants for each GM line, (ii) high‐resolution genotyping to evaluate the genetic similarity of GM lines to the corresponding recurrent parents and (iii) introgression of the different GM traits separately into a wide range of genetically distinct conventional inbred lines. The F1 hybrids of all lines were grown concurrently at three replicated field sites in the United States during the 2012 growing season, and harvested grain was subjected to compositional analysis. Proximates (protein, starch and oil), amino acids, fatty acids, tocopherols and minerals were measured. The number of statistically significant differences (α = 0.05), as well as magnitudes of difference, in mean levels of these components between corresponding GM variants was essentially identical to that between GM and non‐GM controls. The largest sources of compositional variation were the genetic background of the different conventional inbred lines (males and females) used to generate the maize hybrids and location. The lack of any compositional effect attributable to GM suggests the development of modern agricultural biotechnology has been accompanied by a lack of any safety or nutritional concerns.
Lung transplantation in adults and children: Putting lung function into perspective
Authors: Thompson Bruce Robert , Westall Glen Philip , Paraskeva Miranda , Snell Gregory Ian 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe number of lung transplants performed globally continues to increase year after year. Despite this growing experience, long‐term outcomes following lung transplantation continue to fall far short of that described in other solid‐organ transplant settings. Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) remains common and is the end result of exposure to a multitude of potentially injurious insults that include alloreactivity and infection among others. Central to any description of the clinical performance of the transplanted lung is an assessment of its physiology by pulmonary function testing. Spirometry and the evaluation of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity, remain core indices that are measured as part of routine clinical follow‐up. Spirometry, while reproducible in detecting lung allograft dysfunction, lacks specificity in differentiating the different complications of lung transplantation such as rejection, infection and bronchiolitis obliterans. However, interpretation of spirometry is central to defining the different ‘chronic rejection’ phenotypes. It is becoming apparent that the maximal lung function achieved following transplantation, as measured by spirometry, is influenced by a number of donor and recipient factors as well as the type of surgery performed (single vs double vs lobar lung transplant). In this review, we discuss the wide range of variables that need to be considered when interpreting lung function testing in lung transplant recipients. Finally, we review a number of novel measurements of pulmonary function that may in the future serve as better biomarkers to detect and diagnose the cause of the failing lung allograft.
Anh-Likelihood Method for Spatial Mixed Linear Models Based on Intrinsic Auto-Regressions
Authors: Dutta Somak , Mondal Debashis 
Published: September 2014

SummaryWe consider sparse spatial mixed linear models, particularly those described by Besag and Higdon, and develop an h-likelihood method for their statistical inference. The method proposed allows for singular precision matrices, as it produces estimates that coincide with those from the residual maximum likelihood based on appropriate differencing of the data and has a novel approach to estimating precision parameters by a gamma linear model. Furthermore, we generalize the h-likelihood method to include continuum spatial variations by making explicit use of scaling limit connections between Gaussian intrinsic Markov random fields on regular arrays and the de Wijs process. Keeping various applications of spatial mixed linear models in mind, we devise a novel sparse conjugate gradient algorithm that allows us to achieve fast matrix-free statistical computations. We provide two applications. The first is an extensive analysis of an agricultural variety trial that brings forward various new aspects of nearest neighbour adjustment such as effects on statistical analyses to changes of scale and use of implicit continuum spatial formulation. The second application concerns an analysis of a large cotton field which gives a focus to matrix-free computations. The paper closes with some further considerations, such as applications to irregularly spaced data, use of the parametric bootstrap and some generalizations to the Gaussian Matérn mixed effect models.
Ophthalmomyiasis interna anterior in a dog: keratotomy and extraction of a Cuterebra sp. larva
Authors: Edelmann Michele L. , Lucio‐Forster Araceli , Kern Thomas J. , Bowman Dwight D. , Ledbetter Eric C. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA 1‐year‐old female spayed mixed‐breed dog was presented for evaluation of acute onset of lethargy and blepharospasm OD. Slit‐lamp biomicroscopy revealed a segmented larva embedded in the inferonasal iris. Moderate anterior uveitis was present. After pharmacologic dilation, mild vitreal hemorrhage and chorioretinal migration tracks were identified. The dog was treated empirically for uveitis for 5 days, after which a keratotomy and larval foreign body extraction was performed. The dog recovered uneventfully from intraocular surgery and remained visual and comfortable. Parasite evaluation confirmed the larva to be a Cuterebra sp. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of canine ophthalmomyiasis interna anterior, and the first report of successful surgical removal from the anterior segment in a dog with preservation of vision.
Gastrointestinal Tract and the Mucosal Macrophage Reservoir in HIV Infection
Authors: Brown Dallas , Mattapallil Joseph J. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThe gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a primary site for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, replication, and dissemination. After an initial explosive phase of infection, HIV establishes latency. In addition to CD4 T cells, macrophages are readily infected, which can persist for long periods of time. Though macrophages at various systemic sites are infected, those present in the GIT constitute a major cellular reservoir due to the abundance of these cells at mucosal sites. Here, we review some of the important findings regarding what is known about the macrophage reservoir in the gut and explore potential approaches being pursued in the field to reduce this reservoir. The development of strategies that can lead to a functional cure will need to incorporate approaches that can eradicate the macrophage reservoir in the GIT.
Characterization and Multicentric Validation of a Common Standard for Toxoplasma gondii Detection Using Nucleic Acid Amplification Assays
Authors: Varlet-Marie Emmanuelle , Sterkers Yvon , Brenier-Pinchart Marie-Pierre , Cassaing Sophie , Dalle Frédéric , Delhaes Laurence , Filisetti Denis , Pelloux Hervé , Touafek Fériel , Yera Hélène , Bastien Patrick 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

The molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis essentially relies upon laboratory-developed methods and suffers from lack of standardization, hence the large diversity of performances between laboratories. Moreover, quantifications of parasitic loads differ among centers, a fact which prevents the possible prediction of the severity of this disease as a function of parasitic loads. The objectives of this multicentric study performed in eight proficient laboratories of the Molecular Biology Pole of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis (NRC-T) were (i) to assess the suitability of a lyophilized preparation of
Toxoplasma gondii
as a common standard for use in this PCR-based molecular diagnosis and (ii) to make this standard available to the community. High-quality written procedures were used for the production and qualification of this standard. Three independent batches of this standard, containing concentrations ranging from 10
4
to 0.01
T. gondii
genome equivalents per PCR, were first assessed: the linear dynamic range was ≥6 log, the intra-assay coefficients of variation (CV) from a sample containing 10
T. gondii
organisms per PCR were 0.3% to 0.42%, and the interassay CV over a 2-week period was 0.76% to 1.47%. A further assessment in eight diagnostic centers showed that the standard is stable, robust, and reliable. These lyophilized standards can easily be produced at a larger scale when needed and can be made widely available at the national level. To our knowledge, this is the first quality control assessment of a common standard which is usable both for self-evaluation in laboratories and for accurate quantification of parasitic loads in
T. gondii
prenatal infections.
Clinical Evaluation of Multiple Inflammation Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Prognosis for Patients with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: Reichsoellner M. , Raggam R. B. , Wagner J. , Krause R. , Hoenigl M. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
A multiplexed biomarker bundle consisting of nine different inflammation markers was evaluated regarding their diagnostic and prognostic performances in 159 adult systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) patients enrolled at the emergency department. Fibronectin, interleukin-8 (IL-8), biotin, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were the most robust markers but were not superior to the already established markers IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR).
Hepatitis E Virus of Subtype 3i in Chronically Infected Kidney Transplant Recipients in Southeastern France
Authors: Moal Valérie , Gérolami René , Ferretti Audrey , Purgus Raj , Devichi Patricia , Burtey Stéphane , Colson Philippe 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of waterborne acute hepatitis in developing countries. In Europe, HEV causes a zoonotic disease and is hyperendemic in southern France. Four HEV genotypes (1 to 4) have been defined, and the most used classification divides them into 24 subtypes. Autochthonous European HEV strains belong in majority to genotype 3. Subtypes 3c, 3f, and 3e are representative of the HEV diversity in France. HEV causes chronic hepatitis in solid-organ transplant recipients in Europe, and viral characteristics associated with chronicity are poorly documented. We sequenced 343-nucleotide-long HEV genomic fragments from the serum of eight chronically infected kidney transplant recipients and a near-full-length genome in one case. We identified in four patients (50%) HEV of subtype 3i, not described previously in France. If shorter genomic fragments were used in phylogenetic analyses, these HEV sequences were clustered with open reading frame 2 (ORF2) fragments labeled as subtype 3c. At least five of the eight HEV 3i sequences recovered from humans in our phylogenetic analyses were from chronically infected kidney transplant recipients. These data show that the description of the prevalence and geographical distribution of HEV subtypes may be partially inaccurate and that criteria for classification as 3i and 3c should be clarified. Extended molecular virology analyses are required to improve knowledge of HEV epidemiology and determinants of chronic HEV infection.
The Highly Conserved Proline at Position 438 in Pseudorabies Virus gH Is Important for Regulation of Membrane Fusion
Authors: Schröter Christina , Klupp Barbara G. , Fuchs Walter , Gerhard Marika , Backovic Marija , Rey Felix A. , Mettenleiter Thomas C. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Membrane fusion in herpesviruses requires viral glycoproteins (g) gB and gH/gL. While gB is considered the actual fusion protein but is nonfusogenic
per se
, the function of gH/gL remains enigmatic. Crystal structures for different gH homologs are strikingly similar despite only moderate amino acid sequence conservation. A highly conserved sequence motif comprises the residues serine-proline-cysteine corresponding to positions 437 to 439 in pseudorabies virus (PrV) gH. The PrV-gH structure shows that proline
438
induces bending at the end of an alpha-helix, thereby placing cysteine
404
and cysteine
439
in juxtaposition to allow formation of a strictly conserved disulfide bond. However, PrV vaccine strain Bartha unexpectedly carries a serine at this conserved position. To test the influence of this substitution, we constructed different gH chimeras carrying proline or serine at position 438 in gH derived from either PrV strain Kaplan or strain Bartha. Mutants expressing gH with serine
438
showed reduced fusion activity in transient-fusion assays and during infection, with delayed penetration kinetics and a small-plaque phenotype which indicates that proline
438
is important for efficient fusion. A more drastic effect was observed when disulfide bond formation was completely blocked by mutation of cysteine
404
to serine. Although PrV expressing gHC
404
S was viable, plaque size and penetration kinetics were drastically reduced. Alteration of serine
438
to proline in gH of strain Bartha enhanced cell-to-cell spread and penetration kinetics, but restoration of full activity required additional alteration of aspartic acid to valine at position 59.

IMPORTANCE
The role of the gH/gL complex in herpesvirus membrane fusion is still unclear. Structural studies predicted a critical role for proline
438
in PrV gH to allow the formation of a conserved disulfide bond and correct protein folding. Functional analyses within this study corroborated these structural predictions: mutation of this residue resulted in a drastic impairment of membrane fusion kinetics not only
in vitro
in transient transfection-fusion assays but also during virus infection. Elimination of formation of the disulfide bond yielded the same phenotype in transient assays but had a more drastic effect on virus replication. Thus, our studies add important information to structure-function analyses of herpesvirus gH.