bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food acquisition on arboreal substrates by the grey mouse lemur: implication for primate grasping evolution
Authors: Toussaint S. , Reghem E. , Chotard H. , Herrel A. , Ross C. F. , Pouydebat E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe use of the hand in food grasping is a shared characteristic of primates. However, the factors involved in the elaboration of this function remain unclear. Grasping hands may have evolved in an arboreal habitat with narrow branches. Interestingly, grasping may also have an association with different types of feeding such as insect predation, fruit and flower exploitation, or both. No study has tested the importance of substrate diameter and food properties on the use of the hand in food grasping. Yet, both of these parameters likely impose important selective pressures on the origin and evolution of manual grasping strategies in the context of food acquisition. Here, we quantified whether (1) substrate diameter (narrow, wide) and (2) food properties (static, slow moving, fast moving) influence food grasping in a small primate, Microcebus murinus. Our results show that narrow substrates increase the use of hands in prey grasping. The mouth is preferentially used to grasp static food (banana), whereas the hands are preferred to grasp moving prey (mealworm and cricket) regardless of the substrate. Thus, the narrow branch niche may be an important selective pressure on the emergence of manual food grasping in primates, but predation likely also played a key role.
A journey into the wild of the cnidarian model system Aiptasia and its symbionts
Authors: Voolstra Christian R. 
Published: August 2013

The existence of coral reef ecosystems relies critically on the mutualistic relationship between calcifying cnidarians and photosynthetic, dinoflagellate endosymbionts in the genus Symbiodinium. Reef‐corals have declined globally due to anthropogenic stressors, for example, rising sea‐surface temperatures and pollution that often disrupt these symbiotic relationships (known as coral bleaching), exacerbating mass mortality and the spread of disease. This threatens one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems providing habitats to millions of species and supporting an estimated 500 million people globally (Hoegh‐Guldberg et al. 2007). Our understanding of cnidarian–dinoflagellate symbioses has improved notably with the recent application of genomic and transcriptomic tools (e.g. Voolstra et al. 2009; Bayer et al. 2012; Davy et al. 2012), but a model system that allows for easy manipulation in a laboratory environment is needed to decipher underlying cellular mechanisms important to the functioning of these symbioses. To this end, the sea anemone Aiptasia, otherwise known as a ‘pest’ to aquarium hobbyists, is emerging as such a model system (Schoenberg & Trench 1980; Sunagawa et al. 2009; Lehnert et al. 2012). Aiptasia is easy to grow in culture and, in contrast to its stony relatives, can be maintained aposymbiotically (i.e. dinoflagellate free) with regular feeding. However, we lack basic information on the natural distribution and genetic diversity of these anemones and their endosymbiotic dinoflagellates. These data are essential for placing the significance of this model system into an ecological context. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Thornhill et al. (2013) are the first to present genetic evidence on the global distribution, diversity and population structure of Aiptasia and its associated Symbiodinium spp. By integrating analyses of the host and symbiont, this research concludes that the current Aitpasia taxonomy probably needs revision and that two distinct Aiptasia lineages are prevalent that have probably been spread through human activity. One lineage engages in a specific symbiosis with Symbiodinium minutum throughout the tropics, whereas a second, local Aiptasia sp. population in Florida appears more flexible in partnering with more than one symbiont. The existence of symbiont‐specific and symbiont‐flexible Aiptasia lineages can greatly complement laboratory‐based experiments looking into mechanisms of symbiont selectivity. In a broader context, the study by Thornhill et al. (2013) should inspire more studies to target the natural environment of model systems in a global context targeting all participating member species when establishing ecological and genetic baselines.
Renal transplant in plasma cell dyscrasias with lenalidomide treatment after autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sánchez Quintana Ana , Rull Pablo Ríos , Atienza Joaquín Breña , McDonnell Cristina Notario 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPlasma cell dyscrasias (PCD) are a spectrum of diseases characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells secreting a monoclonal immunoglobulin. Although considered an incurable disease, a combination of autologous stem cell transplant with novel therapies, including lenalidomide, has improved the overall and progression‐free survival of these patients. Renal impairment is an important complication of the disease that, in some cases, progresses to end‐stage renal disease. Due to the characteristics of PCD, traditionally these patients have not been candidates for renal transplantation. However, treatment improvement allows a reconsideration of this perception, especially in younger patients with good performance status and treatment response. We report two cases of patients diagnosed with PCD undergoing renal transplantation after autologous stem cell transplantation, both cases under treatment with lenalidomide. We also report their perioperative management and their outcome.
An observational study of cognitive function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Berrill J. W. , Gallacher J. , Hood K. , Green J. T. , Matthews S. B. , Campbell A. K. , Smith A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are associated with several risk factors for developing cognitive impairment. These include altered cytokine levels, concurrent mood disorders, and the presence of chronic pain. This observational study aimed to explore the cognitive profile of patients with these conditions.MethodsParticipants completed the Cardiff Cognitive Battery, a series of computerized neuropsychological performance tests that examine a range of cognitive function including psychomotor speed, memory, and intelligence. A progressive analysis of covariance model was used with demographic details, anxiety and depression scores entered as covariates. Fecal calprotectin levels were measured in IBD patients to determine disease activity.Key ResultsIn total 231 participants were recruited (150 IBD patients, 40 IBS patients, and 41 healthy controls). IBD patients had significantly lower scores on fluid (p = 0.01) and crystalline intelligence tests (p = 0.028) compared to healthy volunteers, however, this reflected differences in concurrent mood disorder and level of education. When these factors were added as covariates, there was no significant difference between the groups. Duration and activity of disease did not affect cognitive function in IBD patients. Severity of symptoms had no impact on cognition in patients with IBS.Conclusions & InferencesThe results of this observational study do not support the hypothesis that IBS or IBD have an intrinsic disease process that is associated with cognitive dysfunction. It is possible that concurrent mood disorders, in particular depression, may affect the cognitive performance of patients with IBD in specific tasks.
Extreme diversification of the mating type–high‐mobility group (MATA‐HMG) gene family in a plant‐associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus
Authors: Riley Rohan , Charron Philippe , Idnurm Alexander , Farinelli Laurent , Dalpé Yolande , Martin Francis , Corradi Nicolas 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are important plant symbionts that have long been considered evolutionary anomalies because of their apparent long‐term lack of sexuality, but recent explorations of available DNA sequence have challenged this notion by revealing the presence of homologues of fungal mating type–high‐mobility group (MATA‐HMG) and core meiotic genes in these organisms.

To obtain more insights into the sexual potential of AMF, homologues of MATA‐HMGs were sought in the transcriptome of three AMF isolates, and their functional and evolutionary trajectories were studied in genetically divergent strains of Rhizophagus irregularis using conventional and quantitative PCR procedures.

Our analyses revealed the presence of at least 76 homologues of MATA‐HMGs in R. irregularis isolates. None of these was found to be surrounded by genes generally found near other known fungal mating type loci, but here we report the presence of a 9‐kb‐long region in the AMF R. irregularis harbouring a total of four tandem‐repeated MATA‐HMGs; a feature that highlights a potentially elevated intragenomic diversity in this AMF species.

The present study provides intriguing insights into the genome evolution of R. irregularis, and represents a stepping stone for understanding the potential of these fungi to undergo cryptic sex.
An inhibitor of oil body mobilization in Arabidopsis
Authors: Brown Laura‐Anne , Larson Tony R. , Graham Ian A. , Hawes Chris , Paudyal Rupesh , Warriner Stuart L. , Baker Alison 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Fatty acid β‐oxidation is an essential process in many aspects of plant development, and storage oil in the form of triacylglycerol (TAG) is an important food source for humans and animals, for biofuel and for industrial feedstocks. In this study we characterize the effects of a small molecule, diphenyl methylphosphonate, on oil mobilization in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and quantitative lipid profiling were used to examine the effects of diphenyl methylphosphonate treatment on seedlings.

Diphenyl methylphosphonate causes peroxisome clustering around oil bodies but does not affect morphology of other cellular organelles. We show that this molecule blocks the breakdown of pre‐existing oil bodies resulting in retention of TAG and accumulation of acyl CoAs. The biochemical and phenotypic effects are consistent with a block in the early part of the β‐oxidation pathway.

Diphenyl methylphosphonate appears to be a fairly specific inhibitor of TAG mobilization in plants and whilst further work is required to identify the molecular target of the compound it should prove a useful tool to interrogate and manipulate these pathways in a controlled and reproducible manner.
Proximal and distal gastro‐oesophageal reflux in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis
Authors: Lee Annemarie L. , Button Brenda M. , Denehy Linda , Roberts Stuart J. , Bamford Tiffany L. , Ellis Samantha J. , Mu Fi‐Tjen , Heine Ralf G. , Stirling Robert G. , Wilson John W. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe aims of this observational study were (i) to examine the prevalence of symptomatic and clinically silent proximal and distal gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GOR) in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis, (ii) the presence of gastric aspiration, and (iii) to explore the possible clinical significance of this comorbidity in these conditions.MethodsTwenty‐seven participants with COPD, 27 with bronchiectasis and 17 control subjects completed reflux symptom evaluation and dual‐channel 24 h oesophageal pH monitoring. In those with lung disease, pepsin levels in sputum samples were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, with disease severity (lung function and high‐resolution computed tomography) also measured.ResultsThe prevalence of GOR in COPD was 37%, in bronchiectasis was 40% and in control subjects was 18% (P = 0.005). Of those diagnosed with GOR, clinically silent reflux was detected in 20% of participants with COPD and 42% with bronchiectasis. While pepsin was found in 33% of COPD and 26% of bronchiectasis participants, the presence of pepsin in sputum was not related to a diagnosis of GOR based on oesophageal pH monitoring in either condition. Neither a diagnosis of GOR nor the presence of pepsin was associated with increased severity of lung disease in COPD or bronchiectasis.ConclusionsThe prevalence of GOR in COPD or bronchiectasis is twice that of the control population, and the diagnosis could not be based on symptoms alone. Pepsin was detected in sputum in COPD and bronchiectasis, suggesting a possible role of pulmonary aspiration, which requires further exploration.
Risk factors, preemptive therapy, and antiperistaltic agents for Clostridium difficile infection in cancer patients
Authors: Krishna S.G. , Zhao W. , Apewokin S.K. , Krishna K. , Chepyala P. , Anaissie E.J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundClostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a serious complication of chemotherapy including high‐dose regimens with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Antiperistaltic agents are contraindicated in CDI and preemptive CDI therapy is not recommended. We assessed the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of CDI in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) receiving similar antineoplastic therapy and supportive care including antiperistaltic agents and preemptive CDI antibiotics for significant diarrhea.MethodsA total of 303 consecutive MM patients (2004–2007) were enrolled in a protocol consisting of induction chemotherapy, tandem melphalan (MEL)‐ASCT, and consolidation. Patients with grade 2–4 diarrhea were simultaneously tested for CDI, and initiated on antiperistaltic agents (loperamide) and preemptive anti‐CDI therapy. Risk factors, including prior CDI and MM immunoglobulin (Ig) isotype, were evaluated. Multinomial logistic regression was used to compute the relative risk ratio (RRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThere were 43 cases of CDI (14.2%) during 1529 chemotherapy courses (536 ASCT). IgA MM protected against CDI (RRR 0.35; 95% CI 0.13–0.93, P = 0.04) whereas CDI during first induction markedly increased the risk of recurrence during second induction (RRR = 10.94; 95% CI 1.90, 62.92, P = 0.01) and following MEL‐ASCT (RRR = 6.63; 95% CI 1.51, 29.12, P = 0.01). No CDI‐related surgical intervention or death ensued despite use of antiperistaltic agents.ConclusionsCDI was not uncommon in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. IgA myeloma appears to be protective. Concurrent antiperistaltic (loperamide) and preemptive CDI therapies were associated with excellent outcomes. Prior CDI history increased the risk for recurrence during successive chemotherapy courses.
Brucellosis in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Ting I.‐W. , Ho M.‐W. , Sung Y.‐J. , Tien N. , Chi C.‐Y. , Ho H.‐C. , Huang C.‐C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBrucellosis is one of the most common systemic zoonotic diseases transmitted by consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or by occupational contact with infected animals. Brucellosis is rare in renal transplant recipients. Only 3 cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of brucellosis with hematologic and hepatobiliary complications in a patient 3 years after renal transplantation. The mean time from transplantation to the diagnosis of brucellosis in these 4 reported patients was 5.1 years (range 17 months to 13 years). All patients had fever and constitutional symptoms, and all attained clinical cure after combination antibiotic therapy. Given the small number of patients, further study is needed to identify the characteristics of brucellosis in renal transplant recipients. Drug interactions and acute renal failure developed in our patient during antibiotic treatment. Therefore, we should monitor the levels of immunosuppressive agents frequently. Several studies have shown in vitro susceptibilities of Brucella melitensis to tigecycline. In our patient, fever finally subsided after tigecycline administration. The minimum inhibitory concentration of tigecycline using Etest was 0.094 μg/mL. Tigecycline may be a potential option for treatment of brucellosis in the setting of transplantation.
The association between red blood cell and platelet transfusion and subsequently developing idiopathic pneumonia syndrome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Vande Vusse Lisa K. , Madtes David K. , Guthrie Katherine A. , Gernsheimer Terry B. , Curtis J. Randall , Watkins Timothy R. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundBlood transfusions are common during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and may contribute to lung injury.Study Design and MethodsThis study examined the associations between red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) transfusions and idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) among 914 individuals who underwent myeloablative allogeneic HSCT between 1997 and 2001. Patients received allogeneic blood transfusions at their physicians' discretion. RBCs, PLTs, and a composite of “other” transfusions were quantified as the sum of units received each 7‐day period from 6 days before transplant until IPS onset, death, or Posttransplant Day 120. RBC and PLT transfusions were modeled as separate time‐varying exposures in proportional hazards models adjusted for IPS risk factors (age, baseline disease, irradiation dose) and other transfusions. Timing of PLT transfusion relative to myeloid engraftment and PLT ABO blood group (match vs. mismatch) were included as potential interaction terms.ResultsPatients received a median of 9 PLT and 10 RBC units. There were 77 IPS cases (8.4%). Each additional PLT unit transfused in the prior week was associated with 16% higher IPS risk (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.09‐1.23; p < 0.001). Recent RBC and PLT transfusions were each significantly associated with greater risk of IPS when examined without the other; only PLT transfusions retained significance when both exposures were included in the model. The PLT association was not modified by engraftment or ABO mismatch.ConclusionPLT transfusions are associated with greater risk of IPS after myeloablative HSCT. RBCs may also contribute; however, these findings need confirmation.
Superoxide-Mediated Protection of Escherichia coli from Antimicrobials
Authors: Mosel Michael , Li Liping , Drlica Karl , Zhao Xilin 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT
Antimicrobial lethality is promoted by reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide, peroxide, and hydroxyl radical. Pretreatment with subinhibitory concentrations of plumbagin or paraquat, metabolic generators of superoxide, paradoxically reduced killing for oxolinic acid, kanamycin, and ampicillin. These pretreatments also reduced an oxolinic acid-mediated ROS surge. Defects in SoxS MarA or AcrB eliminated plumbagin- and paraquat-mediated MIC increases but maintained protection from killing. Thus, superoxide has both protective and detrimental roles in response to antimicrobial stress.
Mitochondria Influence
CDR1
Efflux Pump Activity, Hog1-Mediated Oxidative Stress Pathway, Iron Homeostasis, and Ergosterol Levels in Candida albicans
Authors: Thomas Edwina , Roman Elvira , Claypool Steven , Manzoor Nikhat , Pla Jesús , Panwar Sneh Lata 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Mitochondrial dysfunction in
Candida albicans
is known to be associated with drug susceptibility, cell wall integrity, phospholipid homeostasis, and virulence. In this study, we deleted
CaFZO1
, a key component required during biogenesis of functional mitochondria. Cells with
FZO1
deleted displayed fragmented mitochondria, mitochondrial genome loss, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and were rendered sensitive to azoles and peroxide. In order to understand the cellular response to dysfunctional mitochondria, genome-wide expression profiling of
fzo1
Δ/Δ cells was performed. Our results show that the increased susceptibility to azoles was likely due to reduced efflux activity of
CDR
efflux pumps, caused by the missorting of Cdr1p into the vacuole. In addition,
fzo1
Δ/Δ cells showed upregulation of genes involved in iron assimilation, in iron-sufficient conditions, characteristic of iron-starved cells. One of the consequent effects was downregulation of genes of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway with a commensurate decrease in cellular ergosterol levels. We therefore connect deregulated iron metabolism to ergosterol biosynthesis pathway in response to dysfunctional mitochondria. Impaired activation of the Hog1 pathway in the mutant was the basis for increased susceptibility to peroxide and increase in reactive oxygen species, indicating the importance of functional mitochondria in controlling Hog1-mediated oxidative stress response. Mitochondrial phospholipid levels were also altered as indicated by an increase in phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine and decrease in phosphatidylcholine in
fzo1
Δ/Δ cells. Collectively, these findings reinforce the connection between functional mitochondria and azole tolerance, oxidant-mediated stress, and iron homeostasis in
C. albicans
.
New Structure of Phage-Related Islands Carrying
fusB
and a Virulence Gene in Fusidic Acid-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Chen Hsiao-Jan , Chang Ya-Chun , Tsai Jui-Chang , Hung Wei-Chun , Lin Yu-Tzu , You Shang-Jie , Tseng Sung-Pin , Teng Lee-Jene 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Nucleotide sequencing of the
fusB
-flanking regions in two fusidic acid-resistant
Staphylococcus epidermidis
isolates with the type IV
aj1
-leader peptide (LP)-
fusB
structure (lacking
aj1
) revealed that their
fusB
gene was located on novel phage-related islands inserted downstream of
smpB
and are here referred to as SeRI

fusB
-3692

and SePI

fusB
-857

. The novel SePI

fusB
-857

structure was followed by SeCI
857
, forming a composite pathogenicity island which contained a putative virulence gene,
vapE
. The linkage of
fusB
and
vapE
may contribute to bacterial adaption.
Involvement of Mutation in
ampD
I,
mrcA
, and at Least One Additional Gene in β-Lactamase Hyperproduction in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Talfan Asmaa , Mounsey Oliver , Charman Matthew , Townsend Eleanor , Avison Matthew B. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

It has been reported that targeted disruption of
ampD
I or
mrcA
causes β-lactamase hyperproduction in
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
. We show here that β-lactamase-hyperproducing laboratory selected mutants and clinical isolates can have wild-type
ampD
I and
mrcA
genes, implicating mutation of at least one additional gene in this phenotype. The involvement of mutations at multiple loci in the activation of β-lactamase production in
S. maltophilia
reveals that there are significant deviations from the enterobacterial paradigm of AmpR-mediated control of β-lactamase induction. We do show, however, that
S. maltophilia
ampD
I can complement a mutation in
Escherichia coli
ampD
. This suggests that an anhydromuropeptide degradation product of peptidoglycan is used to activate AmpR in
S. maltophilia
, as is also the case in enteric bacteria.