bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact and implications of climate change for bats
Authors: Sherwin Hayley A. , Montgomery W. Ian , Lundy Mathieu G. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Climate influences the biogeography of bats, their access to food, timing of hibernation, reproduction and development, frequency and duration of torpor and rate of energy expenditure.
Empirical data on the impact of climate change on bats are a cause for concern as current increases in global temperature are one fifth, or less, of those expected over the next century.
We review observed impacts of climate change on bats and identify risk factors allowing species‐specific predictions.
The impact on species is reviewed in relation to six aspects, namely foraging, roosting, reproduction, biogeography, extreme weather events and indirect effects of climate change. For some aspects of species' ecology, there are insufficient data available to make accurate assessment of impacts.
We identify seven risk factors encompassing three broad aspects: biogeography – small range size, high latitude or high altitude range and a range occupying a geographic area likely to become water stressed; foraging niche – frugivory and species restricted to aerial hawking; dispersal ability – species with restricted dispersal behaviour.
We use the European and north‐west African bats as a case study to assess the relative risk of climate change to individual species. Risk scores are compared with existing International Union for Conservation of Nature conservation assessments providing further insight into the conservation outlook for individual species.
We provide a base for Chiroptera to be incorporated into future frameworks of risk assessment and identify areas that require further research.
Extending the tools of single‐molecule fluorescence imaging to problems in microbiology
Authors: Biteen Julie S. 
Published: May 2012

SummarySingle‐molecule fluorescence microscopy enables non‐invasive, high‐sensitivity, high‐resolution imaging, and this direct, quantitative method has recently been extended to understanding organization, dynamics and cooperativity of macromolecules in prokaryotes. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Bakshi et al. (2012) examine fluorescently labelled ribosomes and RNA polymerase (RNAP) in live Escherichia coli cells. By localizing individual molecules with 30 nm scale accuracy, they resolve the spatial distribution of RNAP (and thus of the E. coli nucleoid) and of the ribosomes, measure diffusion rates, and sensitively count protein copy numbers. This work represents an exciting achievement in terms of applying biophysical methods to live cells and quantitatively answering important questions in physiologically relevant conditions. In particular, the authors directly relate the positions, dynamics, and numbers of ribosomes and RNAP to transcription and translation in E. coli. The results indicate that, since the ribosomes and the nucleoid are well segregated, translation and transcription must be predominantly uncoupled. As well, the radial extension of ribosomes and RNAP to the cytoplasmic membrane is consistent with the hypothesis of transertion (simultaneous insertion of membrane proteins upon translation).
Francisella tularensis tmRNA system mutants are vulnerable to stress, avirulent in mice, and provide effective immune protection
Authors: Svetlanov Anton , Puri Neha , Mena Patricio , Koller Antonius , Karzai A. Wali 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThrough targeted inactivation of the ssrA and smpB genes, we establish that the trans‐translation process is necessary for normal growth, adaptation to cellular stress and virulence by the bacterial pathogen Francisella tularensis. The mutant bacteria grow slower, have reduced resistance to heat and cold shocks, and are more sensitive to oxidative stress and sublethal concentrations of antibiotics. Modifications of the tmRNA tag and use of higher‐resolution mass spectrometry approaches enabled the identification of a large number of native tmRNA substrates. Of particular significance to understanding the mechanism of trans‐translation, we report the discovery of an extended tmRNA tag and extensive ladder‐like pattern of endogenous protein‐tagging events in F. tularensis that are likely to be a universal feature of tmRNA activity in eubacteria. Furthermore, the structural integrity and the proteolytic function of the tmRNA tag are both crucial for normal growth and virulence of F. tularensis. Significantly, trans‐translation mutants of F. tularensis are impaired in replication within macrophages and are avirulent in mouse models of tularemia. By exploiting these attenuated phenotypes, we find that the mutant strains provide effective immune protection in mice against lethal intradermal, intraperitoneal and intranasal challenges with the fully virulent parental strain.
BslA(YuaB) forms a hydrophobic layer on the surface of Bacillus subtilis biofilms
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuo , Iwano Megumi 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBiofilms are surface‐associated bacterial aggregates, in which bacteria are enveloped by polymeric substances known as the biofilm matrix. Bacillus subtilis biofilms display persistent resistance to liquid wetting and gas penetration, which probably explains the broad‐spectrum resistance of the bacteria in these biofilms to antimicrobial agents. In this study, BslA (formerly YuaB) was identified as a major contributor to the surface repellency of B. subtilis biofilms. Disruption of bslA resulted in the loss of surface repellency and altered the biofilm surface microstructure. BslA localized to the biofilm matrix in an exopolysaccharide‐dependent manner. Purified BslA exhibited amphiphilic properties and formed polymers in response to increases in the area of the air–water interface in vitro. Genetic and biochemical analyses showed that the self‐polymerization activity of BslA was essential for its ability to localize to the biofilm matrix. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that BslA formed a layer on the biofilm surface. Taken together, we propose that BslA, standing for biofilm‐surface layer protein, is responsible for the hydrophobic layer on the surface of biofilms.
Developmental origins of neural tumours: old idea, new approaches
Authors: Phoenix T. N. , Currle D. S. , Robinson G. , Gilbertson R. J. 
Published: May 2012

T. N. Phoenix, D. S. Currle, G. Robinson and R. J. Gilbertson (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 222–227Developmental origins of neural tumours: old idea, new approachesThe recent convergence of pathology, cancer research and basic neurobiology disciplines is providing unprecedented insights to the origins of brain tumours. This new knowledge holds great promise for patients, transforming the way we view and develop new treatments for these devastating diseases.
An inhibitory effect of the sequence‐conserved upstream open‐reading frame on the translation of the main open‐reading frame of HsfB1 transcripts in Arabidopsis
Authors: ZHU XUJUN , THALOR SUNIL KUMAR , TAKAHASHI YOSHIHIRO , BERBERICH THOMAS , KUSANO TOMONOBU 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTPlants have as many as 20 heat shock factors (Hsfs) grouped into three classes, A, B and C, based on sequence similarity and modular structures. Through screening for cell death‐inducing factor(s) in Nicotiana benthamiana, we identified Arabidopsis HsfB2b and thus subjected all other members of Arabidopsis Hsf class B (HsfB1, HsfB2a, HsfB2b, HsfB3 and HsfB4) to the same cell death assay. When expressed in N. benthamiana leaves, only HsfB1 and HsfB2b elicited mild cell death. Simultaneously we found that HsfB1 has a post‐transcriptional control mechanism, in which a sequence‐conserved upstream open‐reading frame (sc‐uORF) is involved. The known repressor function of the respective HsfBs was confirmed and the difference in cell death‐inducing activity of HsfBs was explained by the fact that HsfB1 and HsfB2b are transcriptional repressors but the others are not. Indeed, the cell death symptom by HsfB1 and HsfB2b required not only their repression activity but also their nuclear localization activity. HsfB1 expression was drastically and transiently induced by heat shock (HS) and the intactness of sc‐uORF was required for its HS response. Based on the results, the physiological significance of cell death‐inducing activity of HsfB1 and HsfB2b and the sc‐uORF in the HsfB1 transcript during HS response is discussed.
Diagnosis of asthma – a new approach
Authors: Löwhagen O. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractCurrent definition of asthma involves four cornerstones: inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, bronchoconstriction, and symptoms. In research, the symptoms have had the slightest attention. According to international guidelines, the asthma symptoms are episodic breathlessness, wheeze, cough, tightness of the chest, and shortness of breath. As there are several symptoms, a primary question is how they are related to bronchoconstriction, the main clinical feature of asthma. Symptoms and lung function tests are regularly used for the evaluation of clinical health status and effect of treatment. However, there is no or poor correlation between these two variables, which means that they represent different mechanisms. Reduced lung function, such as a low FEV1, represents bronchial constriction, what do the symptoms represent? Some symptoms such as breathlessness and shortness of breath seem not to be evidence‐based asthma symptoms. Focusing on bronchial obstruction is important in view of the potential risk of asthma attacks, but nonobstructive symptoms occur frequently and may also cause severe discomfort and poor quality of life. Interpreting all symptoms as signs of bronchoconstriction (asthma) may lead to misinterpretation when assessing health status and effect of treatment. Although a ‘soft’ variable, the strength of symptoms is that they are representing various mechanisms. The physiological preconditions for control and defense of respiration must be considered in the diagnostic process, regardless of inflammation, allergy, psychology, or other etiological factors. Based on studies on dyspnea in cardiopulmonary diseases, including asthma and asthma‐like disorders, there seems to be a continuous spectrum of symptoms and mechanisms integrated in a single asthma syndrome.
SPG7 mutational screening in spastic paraplegia patients supports a dominant effect for some mutations and a pathogenic role for p.A510V
Authors: Sánchez‐Ferrero E , Coto E , Beetz C , Gámez J , Corao AI , Díaz M , Esteban J , del Castillo E , Moris G , Infante J , Menéndez M , Pascual‐Pascual SI , López de Munaín A , Garcia‐Barcina MJ , Alvarez V 
Published: May 2012

Sánchez‐Ferrero E, Coto E, Beetz C, Gámez J, Corao A, Díaz M, Esteban J, del Castillo E, Moris G, Infante J, Menéndez M, Pascual‐Pascual SI, López de Munaín A, Garcia‐Barcina MJ, Alvarez V on behalf of the Genetics of Spastic Paraplegia study group. SPG7 mutational screening in spastic paraplegia patients supports a dominant effect for some mutations and a pathogenic role for p.A510V.Mutations in the SPG7 gene were initially reported in patients with autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). Recent works suggested a dominant effect for some SPG7 mutations. To characterize the SPG7 mutational spectrum in a large cohort of Spanish HSP patients, we sequenced the whole SPG7 gene in a total of 285 Spastic Paraplegia patients. Large gene rearrangements were also ascertained in some patients. We found a total of 14 SPG7 mutations (12 new) in 14 patients; 2 were large deletions. All the mutation carriers had an adult onset age but only five (35%) had a complicated phenotype. We identified a single mutation in 13 patients. Familial analysis suggested a dominant inheritance for one (p.Leu78*) of these mutations. Carriers of the rare p.A510V variant were significantly more frequent in patients vs healthy controls (3% vs 1%), suggesting a pathogenic role for this SPG7 variant. We reported a high frequency of patients with only one SPG7 mutation, and a putative pathogenic role for the p.A510V variant.
Pneumocystis pneumonia in solid organ transplant recipients: not yet an infection of the past
Authors: Wang E.H.Z. , Partovi N. , Levy R.D. , Shapiro R.J. , Yoshida E.M. , Greanya E.D. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundSolid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at risk for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), especially in the first year post transplant. Although trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) prophylaxis substantially decreases this risk, there is little data or consensus on optimal duration of prophylaxis. Consequently, there is lack of standardization of prophylaxis duration (3 months to lifelong, depending on organ group) in SOT programs.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of all cases of confirmed PCP, in adult kidney, pancreas, liver, and lung transplant recipients from 2001 to 2011 in our SOT program.ResultsOf 1241 patients followed in our clinic (657 kidney, 44 kidney/pancreas, 436 liver, and 104 lung or heart/lung), a total of 14 PCP cases were identified in 2 kidney, 1 kidney/pancreas, 5 liver, 5 single lung, and 1 heart/lung transplant recipient. At the time of PCP diagnosis, immunosuppression in most cases consisted of prednisone, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil (79% of patients), and 53% had previously received TMP‐SMX for prophylaxis. None were on PCP prophylaxis at the time of illness onset. PCP occurred early in all 5 liver transplant recipients and in 1 kidney transplant recipient, none of whom had ever received prophylaxis (17–204 days post transplant). Of those who had received 6 months of prophylaxis (1 kidney, 1 kidney/pancreas), PCP occurred at 846 and 4778 days, respectively. Late onset PCP occurred in lung recipients who had received 12 months of prophylaxis (lung 645‐1414 days, heart/lung 1583 days post transplant). Five patients had experienced acute rejection and 6 patients had cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia on average 59 and 204 days preceding PCP, respectively. Three deaths (1 liver, 2 lung) were thought to be directly related to complications of PCP.ConclusionOur experience with late PCP cases in lung transplant recipients receiving only 1 year of prophylaxis lends support to prolonged PCP prophylaxis in this group. Given the number of patients who had experienced an acute rejection episode or CMV disease preceding PCP in non‐lung SOT recipients, consideration should be given to re‐institution of PCP prophylaxis for a period of time after these events in kidney, kidney/pancreas, and liver transplant recipients.
Post‐anaesthesia care unit stay after total hip and knee arthroplasty under spinal anaesthesia
Authors: LUNN T. H. , KRISTENSEN B. B. , GAARN‐LARSEN L. , HUSTED H. , KEHLET H. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundPost‐anaesthesia care unit (PACU) admission must be well founded and the stay as short as possible without compromising patient safety. However, within the concept of fast‐track surgery, studies are limited in addressing the question: why are patients staying in the PACU?MethodsAll patients operated with primary unilateral total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA or TKA) under spinal anaesthesia were included in this hypothesis‐generating, prospective, observational cohort study during a 4‐month period. Surgical technique, analgesia, and perioperative care were standardized. Well‐defined PACU discharge criteria that had to be met on two successive assessments were evaluated every 15 min until discharge. The primary outcome was time to meet PACU discharge criteria. Secondary outcomes were actual discharge time from the PACU, specific factors detaining patients in the PACU, and potential complications at the surgical ward at follow‐up 24 h post‐operatively.Results One hundred sixty‐three patients were included in the final analysis (69 THA and 94 TKA). Time to meet PACU discharge criteria was [median (interquartile range)(95% confidence interval)]: 15 min (15–15)(15–116) for THA and 15 min (15‐15)(15–75) for TKA. Actual discharge time from PACU was: 25 min (20–35)(16–198) for THA and 25 min (20–31)(15–107) for TKA. Reasons for not meeting PACU discharge criteria in 15 min were mainly low oxygen saturation and pain. The short stay in the PACU did not impose complications at the surgical ward.ConclusionThe vast majority of patients (> 85%) operated with THA and TKA under low‐dose spinal anaesthesia may achieve pre‐defined PACU discharge criteria in 15 min. Large‐scale studies should be performed to evaluate safety aspects after short PACU stay.
Retracted: Haemodynamics and cerebral oxygenation during arthroscopic shoulder surgery in beach chair position under general anaesthesia
Authors: JEONG H. , LEE S. H. , JANG E. A. , CHUNG S. S. , LEE J. , YOO K. Y. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundPatients undergoing surgery in beach chair position (BCP) are at risk of cerebral ischaemia. We determined the prevalence and risk factors of jugular venous bulb oxygen desaturation (SjvO2 < 50%) in BCP. It was also examined whether regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2) measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy and SjvO2 are interchangeable for assessment of cerebral oxygenation.MethodsFifty‐six consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in BCP were studied. Anaesthesia was intravenous with propofol and remifentanil (P/R) or inhalational with sevoflurane and 50% nitrous oxide (S/N) depending on provider choice. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), SjvO2, and SctO2 were measured before (baseline; post‐induction in supine position) and after the patients assumed BCP. Bland–Altman analysis was performed to measure the agreement between SctO2 and SjvO2.ResultsSjvO2, SctO2, MAP, and HR decreased significantly when patients were raised into BCP. Jugular desaturation occurred in 41% of patients (56% with P/R vs. 21% with S/N anaesthesia, P = 0.0077). Risk factors for the desaturation included P/R anaesthesia [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34–16.95, P = 0.016] and MAP < 50 mmHg (aOR 3.85, 95% CI 1.21–12.25, P = 0.023). Bland–Altman analysis showed a mean difference of −8.9% with 95% limit of agreement between −40.0% and 23.0%. The percentage error [1.96 standard deviation/mean of the reference method] was 48.5%.ConclusionsThe incidence of jugular desaturation in BCP was 41%, and P/R anaesthesia and hypotension were associated with its occurrence while undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia. SctO2 may not replace SjvO2 for the determination of cerebral oxygenation.
Different Tolerance in Bread Wheat, Durum Wheat and Barley to Fusarium Crown Rot Disease Caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum
Authors: Liu Yaxi , Ma Jun , Yan Wei , Yan Guijun , Zhou Meixue , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Liu Chunji 
Published: May 2012

AbstractFusarium crown rot (FCR) is a major disease of wheat and barley, and stem‐base browning has been routinely used to measure resistance. Compared with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) shows less severe FCR stem‐base browning symptoms (indicative of greater resistance or tolerance) but suffers higher yield loss (indicative of greater susceptibility), whereas durum wheat (T. durum Desf.) shows similar FCR severity but suffers much worse yield loss. To understand these differences, fungal biomass in bread and durum wheats and barley was estimated by real‐time quantitative PCR at different stages of FCR disease development. Similar to a previous report on bread wheat infection by Fusarium graminearum, FCR infection caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum also showed ‘three distinct phases’ in each of the three crop species analysed. During all stages of FCR disease development, barley varieties invariably displayed earlier and faster fungal accumulation compared with either bread or durum wheat. Although suffering much greater yield loss than barley, durum wheat appears to accumulate significantly lower levels of F. pseodugraminearum during infection. These results demonstrate that bread wheat varieties are more resistant to FCR infection and pathogen accumulation than barley varieties, and the less yield loss of the latter is likely due to its better tolerance to this disease. If also existing among different sources of resistance within a given species, these different features of disease resistance and tolerance could be exploited to minimize yield loss of new varieties.
A comparative study of childhood psoriasis and atopic dermatitis and greater understanding of the overlapping condition, psoriasis‐dermatitis
Authors: Kapila Shivam , Hong Esther , Fischer Gayle 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and Objectives:  Psoriasis (Pso) in children may be confused clinically with atopic dermatitis (AD) and, indeed, the two conditions may co‐exist. The aim of this study was to determine historical and clinical features that are different in paediatric Pso and AD and to describe children who have features of both: psoriasis‐dermatitis overlap (PD).Methods:  Children with features of psoriasis or eczema, or both, who were referred to paediatric outpatients and/or private rooms were evaluated. Data were collected from 170 consecutive children aged less than 12 years between July 2011 and November 2011. Participants were classified by described criteria as having Pso (n = 64), AD (n = 62) or PD (n = 44).Results:  Only 9.4% of children with Pso were correctly diagnosed by the referring doctor. Children with Pso relative to AD were more likely to have had a history of scaly scalp and nappy rash in infancy, a family history of psoriasis, current scalp and periauricular rashes, defined, patchy plaque morphology and papulosquamous rashes not typical of adult psoriasis on extensor elbows and knees. Children with PD had features of both but presented most often as typical paediatric psoriasis combined with flexural eczema. Children with Pso and PD responded well to specific treatment strategies for psoriasis, including potent topical corticosteroids (TCS), calcipotriol and phototherapy. Both Pso and PD tended to require more potent TCS than AD to achieve disease suppression.Conclusion:  We found that Pso and PD in children both differ clinically from AD and have identified historical and clinical features that characterise childhood Pso.
Intermediate outcomes after transcorporal placement of an artificial urinary sphincter
Authors: Lee Dominic , Zafirakis Helen , Shapiro Andrew , Westney O Lenaine 
Published: May 2012

Objectives:  To report the intermediate outcomes of a transcorporally placed artificial urinary sphincter.Methods:  Medical records of 16 consecutive patients treated with transcorporal placement of artificial urinary sphincter from March 2003 to October 2008 were reviewed. The indications for surgery, operative logs, postoperative evaluations, complication rate and postoperative questionnaire assessment utilizing the International Continence Society short form for men were analyzed.Results:  Eight patients each underwent primary transcorporal cuff placement and revision surgery. Complete data for analysis were available in 15 patients at a median follow up of 45 months (range 23−91 months). The success rate (defined as use of 0–1 pads per day) was 80% (12/15 patients). Average voiding score was 2/20 (standard deviation 1.88), average irritative score was 3/24 (standard deviation 4.92) and the mean Quality‐of‐Life score was 0.66 (standard deviation 1.04).Conclusions:  Transcorporal placement of an artificial urinary sphincter is both safe and efficacious in patients with a small caliber or atrophic urethra, either as a primary or salvage procedure. Efficacy and level of satisfaction in this subset of patients is equivalent to those undergoing traditional artificial urinary sphincter cuff placement.