bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic species identification of ecologically important planthoppers (Prokelisia spp.) of coastal Spartina saltmarshes using High Resolution Melting Analysis (HRMA)
Authors: Espinoza G. Janelle , Alvarado Bremer Jaime R.
Published: December 2019

Phloem-feeding planthoppers of the genus Prokelisia rank among the most abundant and ecologically important browsers of coastal saltmarsh grasses of eastern North America and the Caribbean. Along the Spartina marshes of the northern Gulf of Mexico, the sympatric species P. marginata and P. dolus are the most abundant, but are difficult to distinguish from each other based solely on morphology. This study seeks to design a molecular assay based on High Resolution Melting Analysis (HRMA) as a fast, cost-effective alternative to differentiate these species. A 450 base pairs (bp) segment of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was amplified and sequenced for representative samples of both species, and a short amplicon (SA) HRMA was designed based on the presence of fixed nucleotide differences between species found along a 60 bp segment of COI. The unambiguous identification of individual specimens of P. marginata or P. dolus was possible due to easily discernable differences in the melting temperatures of the two species along this mini barcode. This assay may prove useful for future genetic studies involving these species by preventing the overestimation of genetic diversity via inclusion of conspecifics, and in ecological studies by improving data on the effects of individual species of Prokelisia.
Interactions with humans shape coyote responses to hazing
Authors: Young Julie K. , Hammill Edd , Breck Stewart W.
Published: December 2019

Medium and large carnivores coexist with people in urban areas globally, occasionally resulting in negative interactions that prompt questions about how to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Hazing, i.e., scaring wildlife, is frequently promoted as an important non-lethal means for urbanites to reduce conflict but there is limited scientific evidence for its efficacy. We used a population of captive coyotes (Canis latrans) to simulate urban human-coyote interactions and subsequent effects of hazing on coyote behavior. Past experiences with humans significantly affected the number of times a coyote approached a human to necessitate hazing. Coyotes that had been hand fed by adults had to be more frequently hazed than coyotes with other or no past experiences with adults. Past experience with children had no impact on the number of hazing events. The number of times a coyote approached an adult or child was reduced across days based on the accumulative number of times hazed, suggesting coyotes learn to avoid behaviors warranting hazing and that this could be used as a non-lethal management tool. However, prior experience and whether the interaction is with an adult or child can alter the outcomes of hazing and must be considered in determining the efficacy of hazing programs.
Multimodal Machine Learning-based Knee Osteoarthritis Progression Prediction from Plain Radiographs and Clinical Data
Authors: Tiulpin Aleksei , Klein Stefan , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M. A. , Thevenot Jérôme , Rahtu Esa , Meurs Joyce van , Oei Edwin H. G. , Saarakkala Simo
Published: December 2019

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disease without a cure, and current treatment options are limited to symptomatic relief. Prediction of OA progression is a very challenging and timely issue, and it could, if resolved, accelerate the disease modifying drug development and ultimately help to prevent millions of total joint replacement surgeries performed annually. Here, we present a multi-modal machine learning-based OA progression prediction model that utilises raw radiographic data, clinical examination results and previous medical history of the patient. We validated this approach on an independent test set of 3,918 knee images from 2,129 subjects. Our method yielded area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.79 (0.78–0.81) and Average Precision (AP) of 0.68 (0.66–0.70). In contrast, a reference approach, based on logistic regression, yielded AUC of 0.75 (0.74–0.77) and AP of 0.62 (0.60–0.64). The proposed method could significantly improve the subject selection process for OA drug-development trials and help the development of personalised therapeutic plans.
Collagen fibrils and proteoglycans of peripheral and central stroma of the keratoconus cornea - Ultrastructure and 3D transmission electron tomography
Authors: Alkanaan Aljoharah , Barsotti Robert , Kirat Omar , Khan Adnan , Almubrad Turki , Akhtar Saeed
Published: December 2019

Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal disorder in which vision gradually deteriorates as a result of continuous conical protrusion and the consequent altered corneal curvature. While the majority of the literature focus on assessing the center of this diseased cornea, there is growing evidence of peripheral involvement in the disease process. Thus, we investigated the organization of collagen fibrils (CFs) and proteoglycans (PGs) in the periphery and center of KC corneal stroma. Three-dimensional transmission electron tomography on four KC corneas showed the degeneration of microfibrils within the CFs and disturbance in the attachment of the PGs. Within the KC corneas, the mean CF diameter of the central-anterior stroma was significantly (p ˂ 0.001) larger than the peripheral-anterior stroma. The interfibrillar distance of CF was significantly (p ˂ 0.001) smaller in the central stroma than in the peripheral stroma. PGs area and the density in the central KC stroma were larger than those in the peripheral stroma. Results of the current study revealed that in the pre- Descemet’s membrane stroma of the periphery, the degenerated CFs and PGs constitute biomechanically weak lamellae which are prone to disorganization and this suggests that the peripheral stroma plays an important role in the pathogenicity of the KC cornea.
High-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress in obese rats are ameliorated by yogurt supplementation
Authors: Lasker Shoumen , Rahman Md Mizanur , Parvez Faisal , Zamila Mushfera , Miah Pintu , Nahar Kamrun , Kabir Fariha , Sharmin Surovi Binte , Subhan Nusrat , Ahsan Gias U. , Alam Md Ashraful
Published: December 2019

The main objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of yogurt supplementation on fat deposition, oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis in the liver of rats with high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity. Male Wistar rats were used in this study and were separated into the following four different groups: the control, control + yogurt, high fat and high fat+ yogurt groups. The high fat groups received a HF diet for eight weeks. A 5% yogurt (w/w) supplement was also provided to rats fed the HF diet. Yogurt supplementation prevented glucose intolerance and normalized liver-specific enzyme activities in the HF diet-fed rats. Yogurt supplementation also significantly reduced the levels of oxidative stress markers in the plasma and liver of HF diet-fed rats. Moreover, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition and fibrosis in the liver of HF diet-fed rats were also prevented by yogurt supplementation. Furthermore, yogurt supplementation normalized the intestinal lining and brush border in HF diet-fed rats. This study suggests that yogurt supplementation potentially represents an alternative therapy for the prevention of metabolic syndrome in HF diet-fed rats.
Meal timing, meal frequency, and breakfast skipping in adult individuals with type 1 diabetes – associations with glycaemic control
Authors: Ahola Aila J. , Mutter Stefan , Forsblom Carol , Harjutsalo Valma , Groop Per-Henrik
Published: December 2019

We assessed meal timing, meal frequency, and breakfast consumption habits of adult individuals with type 1 diabetes (n = 1007) taking part in the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study, and studied whether they are associated with glycaemic control. Data on dietary intake and blood glucose measurements were retrieved from food records. HbA1cwas measured at the study visit. In the whole sample, four peaks of energy intake emerged. Energy intake was the greatest in the evening, followed by midday. Altogether 7% of the participants reported no energy intake between 05:00 and 09:59 (breakfast skippers). While breakfast skippers reported lower number of meals, no difference was observed in the total energy intake between those eating and omitting breakfast. In a multivariable model, skipping breakfast was associated with higher mean blood glucose concentrations and lower odds of good glycaemic control. A median of 6 daily meals was reported. Adjusted for confounders, the number of meals was negatively associated with HbA1c, and the mean of the blood glucose measurements, but positively associated with the variability of these measurements. Our observations support the habit of a regular meal pattern, including consumption of breakfast and multiple smaller meals for good glycaemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes. However, an increase in the blood glucose variability may additionally be expected with an increase in the number of meals eaten.
Early postoperative weight gain is associated with increased risk of graft failure in living donor liver transplant recipients
Authors: Jeong Hye-Won , Jung Kyeo-Woon , Kim Seon-Ok , Kwon Hye-Mee , Moon Young-Jin , Jun In-Gu , Song Jun-Gol , Hwang Gyu-Sam
Published: December 2019

Fluid overload (FO) has been shown to adversely affect multiple organs and survival in critically ill patients. Liver transplantation (LT) carries the risk of massive transfusion, which frequently results in FO. We investigated the association of postoperative weight gain with graft failure, early allograft dysfunction (EAD), and overall mortality in LT. 1833 living donor LT (LDLT) recipients were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to postoperative weight gain (<3% group [n = 1391] and ≥3% group [n = 442]) by using maximally selected log-rank statistics for graft failure. Multivariate Cox and logistic regression analyses were performed. The ≥3% group was associated with graft failure (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.763; 95% CI, 1.248–2.490; P = 0.001). When postoperative weight change was used as a continuous variable, the aHR for each 1% increase in postoperative weight was 1.045 (95% CI, 1.009–1.082; P = 0.015). In addition, the ≥3% group was associated with EAD (adjusted OR [aOR], 1.553; 95% CI, 1.024–2.356; P = 0.038) and overall mortality (aHR, 1.731; 95% CI, 1.182–2.535; P = 0.005). In conclusion, postoperative weight gain may be independently associated with increased risk of graft failure, EAD, and mortality in LDLT recipients.
Increasing Recombinant Strains Emerged in Norovirus Outbreaks in Jiangsu, China: 2015–2018
Authors: Fu Jianguang , Bao Changjun , Huo Xiang , Hu Jianli , Shi Chao , Lin Qin , Zhang Jun , Ai Jing , Xing Zheng
Published: December 2019

From January 2015 to December 2018, 213 norovirus outbreaks with 3,951 patients were reported in Jiangsu, China. Based on viral RdRp and VP1 genes, eight genotypes, GII.2[P16] (144, 67.6%), GII.3[P12] (21, 9.9%), GII.6[P7] (5, 2.3%), GII.14[P7] (4, 1.9%), GII.4 Sydney[P31] (3, 1.4%), GII.1[P33] (1, 0.5%), GII.2[P2] (3, 1.4%), and GII.17[P17] (16, 7.5%) were identified throughout the study period. These genotypes were further regrouped as GII.R (Recombinant) and GII.Non-R (Non-recombinant) strains. In this report we showed that GII.R strains were responsible for at least 178 (83.6%) of 213 norovirus-positive outbreaks with a peak in 2017 and 2018. Most norovirus outbreaks occurred in primary schools and 94 of 109 (86.2%) outbreaks in primary schools were caused by GII.R, while GII.Non-R and GII.NT (not typed) strains accounted for 6 (5.5%) and 9 (8.3%) norovirus outbreaks, respectively. The SimPlot analysis showed recombination breakpoints near the ORF1/2 junction for all six recombinant strains. The recombination breakpoints were detected at positions varying from nucleotides 5009 to 5111, localized in the ORF1 region for four strains (GII.2[P16], GII.3[P12], GII.6[P7], and GII.14[P7]) and in the ORF2 region for the other (GII.4 Sydney[P31] and GII.1[P33]). We identified four clusters, Cluster I through IV, in the GII.P7 RdRp gene by phylogenetic analysis and the GII.14[P7] variants reported here belonged to Cluster IV in the RdRp tree. The HBGA binding site of all known GII.14 strains remained conserved with several point mutations found in the predicted conformational epitopes. In conclusion, gastroenteritis outbreaks caused by noroviruses increased rapidly in the last years and these viruses were classified into eight genotypes. Emerging recombinant noroviral strains have become a major concern and challenge to public health.
Predictive imaging for tumor response to drug-eluting microsphere transarterial chemoembolization in patients with BCLC-C advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chang Kai-Hsiang , Hwang Zhen-An , Chang Ping-Ying , Lin Hsuan-Hwai , Shih Yu-Lueng , Chang Wei-Chou , Huang Guo-Shu , Hsu Hsian-He
Published: December 2019

Drug-eluting microsphere transarterial chemoembolization (DEM-TACE) has been introduced to ensure more sustained and tumor-selective drug delivery for permanent embolization of HCC. The aim of this study was to determine the imaging characteristics that related to favourable treatment response in BCLC-C HCC patients treated with DEM-TACE. In total, 64 patients with BCLC-C HCC that treated with DEM-TACE using doxorubicin-eluted microspheres were retrospectively included. The images were assessed at baseline and at 4–12 weeks follow-up after receiving DEM-TACE. Pre- and post-procedural imaging characteristics were analysed by two independent radiologists and treatment response was evaluated using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. Multivariate analysis showed that vascular lake phenomenon (OR = 5.94, p = 0.03*), and homogeneous tumor enhancement (HTE) on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) during angiography (OR = 11.66, p < 0.001*) are associated with better radiological response. In contrast, residual tumor blush (OR = 0.11, p < 0.001*) is associated with worse radiological response. In conclusion, the initial tumor burden <50% (p = 0.012*) and HTE on CBCT (p = 0.040*) are good predictors for locoregional tumor control in patients with advanced HCCs, which can potentially improve patients’ outcome.
Intermittent treatment interruption and its effect on multidrug resistant tuberculosis treatment outcome in Ethiopia
Authors: Tola Habteyes H. , Holakouie-Naieni Kourosh , Mansournia Mohammad A. , Yaseri Mehdi , Tesfaye Ephrem , Mahamed Zemedu , Sisay Million Molla
Published: December 2019

Treatment interruption is one of the main risk factors of poor treatment outcome and occurrence of additional drug resistant tuberculosis. This study is a national retrospective cohort study with 10 years follow up period in MDR-TB patients in Ethiopia. We included 204 patients who had missed the treatment at least for one day over the course of the treatment (exposed group) and 203 patients who had never interrupted the treatment (unexposed group). We categorized treatment outcome into successful (cured or completed) and unsuccessful (lost to follow up, failed or died). We described treatment interruption by the length of time between interruptions, time to first interruption, total number of interruption episodes and percent of missed doses. We used Poisson regression model with robust standard error to determine the association between treatment interruption and outcome. 82% of the patients interrupted the treatment in the first six month of treatment period, and considerable proportion of patients demonstrated long intervals between two consecutive interruptions. Treatment interruption was significantly associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome (Adjusted Risk Ratio (ARR) = 1.9; 95% CI (1.4–2.6)). Early identification of patients at high risk of interruption is vital in improving successful treatment outcome.
Potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects provided by omega-3 (DHA) against Zika virus infection in human SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Braz-De-Melo Heloísa Antoniella , Pasquarelli-do-Nascimento Gabriel , Corrêa Rafael , das Neves Almeida Raquel , de Oliveira Santos Igor , Prado Paulo Sousa , Picolo Victor , de Bem Andreza Fabro , Pizato Nathalia , Magalhães Kelly Grace
Published: December 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) has a strong tropism for the nervous system and has been related to post-infection neurological syndromes. Once neuronal cells are infected, the virus is capable of modulating cell metabolism, leading to neurotoxicity and cellular death. The negative effect of ZIKV in neuron cells has been characterized. However, the description of molecules capable of reversing these cytotoxic effects is still under investigation. In this context, it has been largely demonstrated that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, is highly neuroprotective. Here, we hypothesized that DHA’s neuroprotective proprieties could have an influence on ZIKV-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Our data showed that pre-treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with DHA increased the cell viability and proliferation in ZIKV-infected cells. Moreover, DHA triggered an anti-inflammatory response in those infected cells. Besides, DHA was capable of restoring mitochondria function and number in ZIKV-infected SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, cells pre-treated with DHA prior to ZIKV infection presented a lower viral load at different times of infection. Taking together, these results demonstrated that DHA has a potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect against ZIKV infection in these neuron-like cells and could be a useful tool in the treatment against this virus.
P2X7 Receptor Stimulation Is Not Required for Oxalate Crystal-Induced Kidney Injury
Authors: Luz Hannah L. , Reichel Martin , Unwin Robert J. , Mutig Kerim , Najenson Ana C. , Tonner Louise M. , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Tam Frederick W. K. , Knauf Felix
Published: December 2019

Oxalate crystal-induced renal inflammation is associated with progressive kidney failure due to activation of the NLRP3/CASP-1 inflammasome. It has been suggested previously that purinergic P2X7 receptor signaling is critical for crystal-induced inflammasome activation and renal injury. Therefore, we investigated the role of the P2X7 receptor in response to crystal-induced cytokine release, inflammation, and kidney failure using in vitro and in vivo models. Dendritic cells and macrophages derived from murine bone marrow and human peripheral blood mononucleated cells stimulated with calcium-oxalate crystals, monosodium urate crystals, or ATP lead to the robust release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß). Treatment with the P2X7 inhibitor A740003 or the depletion of ATP by apyrase selectively abrogated ATP-induced, but not oxalate and urate crystal-induced IL-1ß release. In line with this finding, dendritic cells derived from bone marrow (BMDCs) from P2X7−/− mice released reduced amounts of IL-1ß following stimulation with ATP, while oxalate and urate crystal-induced IL-1ß release was unaffected. In sharp contrast, BMDCs from Casp1−/− mice exhibited reduced IL-1ß release following either of the three stimulants. In addition, P2X7−/− mice demonstrated similar degrees of crystal deposition, tubular damage and inflammation when compared with WT mice. In line with these findings, increases in plasma creatinine were no different between WT and P2X7−/− mice. In contrast to previous reports, our results indicate that P2X7 receptor is not required for crystal-induced CKD and it is unlikely to be a suitable therapeutic target for crystal-induced progressive kidney disease.
Association between subjective olfactory dysfunction and female hormone-related factors in South Korea
Authors: Lee Kijeong , Choi In Hak , Lee Sang Hag , Kim Tae Hoon
Published: December 2019

An association between olfactory dysfunction and female hormone level has been reported; however, no previous studies have investigated the correlation with life-long female hormone exposure. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between subjective olfactory dysfunction and various endogenous and exogenous female hormone-related factors including age at menarche and menopause, number of pregnancies and deliveries, age at first and last delivery, duration of breastfeeding, use of oral contraceptives, and use of hormone therapy. The study analysed a total of 3863 female participants using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (2010–2012). The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was 3.5% for premenopausal participants and 6.2% for postmenopausal women. Among premenopausal women (compared to women breastfed less than 12 months), the 12–24-month group (OR = 4.690, 95% CI = 1.431–15.369) and the 25–48-month group (OR = 6.548, 95% CI = 1.758–24.394) had higher rates of olfactory dysfunction. In postmenopausal women, starting menopause at a younger age was positively associated with olfactory dysfunction (OR = 0.939, 95% CI = 0.887–0.993). These data suggest that a longer duration of endogenous oestrogen deprivation is associated with subjective olfactory dysfunction.
Generation of correlated biphoton via four-wave mixing coexisting with multi-order fluorescence processes
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Kangkang , Zhang Siqiang , Fan Huanrong , Li Wei , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: December 2019

We investigate the parametrically amplified four-wave mixing, spontaneous parametric four-wave-mixing, second- and fourth-order fluorescence signals coming from the four-level double-Λ electromagnetically induced transparency system of a hot 85Rb atomic vapor. The biphoton temporal correlation is obtained from spontaneous parametric four-wave-mixing and fourth-order fluorescence processes. Meanwhile, we first observed the biphoton Rabi oscillation with a background of linear Rayleigh scattering and uncorrelated second-order fluorescence. The outcomes of the investigation may contribute potentially to the applications in dense coding quantum communication systems.
Microscale pressure measurements based on an immiscible fluid/fluid interface
Authors: Yang Jing , Duan Xing , Fraser Andrew K. , Choudhury Mohammad Ikbal , Ewald Andrew J. , Li Rong , Sun Sean X.
Published: December 2019

A method of microscale pressure measurement based on immiscible fluid/fluid interface is proposed. This method utilizes observed curvature changes in a fluid/fluid interface, and can accurately report hydraulic pressure in fluids at length scales of 10 microns. The method is especially suited for measuring fluid pressure in micro-scale biological samples. Using this method, we probe fluid pressure build up in epithelial domes, murine mammary gland organoids embedded in hydrogel, and lumen pressure in the developing mouse embryo. Results reveal that the pressure developed across epithelial barriers is on the order of 100~300 Pa, and is modulated by ion channel activity.
Chemical composition, Fatty acids profile and Biological properties of Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffmanns, essential Oil
Authors: Zaïri Amira , Nouir Sahar , Zarrouk Amira , Haddad Houda , Khélifa Amani , Achour Lotfi , Tangy Frédéric , Chaouachi Maher , Trabelsi Mounir
Published: December 2019

T. capitatus is widely used in traditional medicine in Tunisia. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, the fatty acids profile, the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities as well as the cytotoxic potential of the essential oil (EO) of this plant. The identification and the quantification of the different constituents of the tested EO was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activities were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods and chemical tests. HCT 116 cells were used to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the EO. The microdilution method was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial activity. Poisoned food method was used to test the antifungal activities against fungi species such Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. The EO presented several components, mainly monoterpenes. Results revealed that T. capitatus EO is not cytotoxic and showed excellent antioxidant activity with a dose dependent manner. Regarding antimicrobial activity, T. capitatus EO was efficient against all tested bacteria and fungi.
Machine Learning-Based Classification of the Health State of Mice Colon in Cancer Study from Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy
Authors: Rasti Pejman , Wolf Christian , Dorez Hugo , Sablong Raphael , Moussata Driffa , Samiei Salma , Rousseau David
Published: December 2019

In this article, we address the problem of the classification of the health state of the colon’s wall of mice, possibly injured by cancer with machine learning approaches. This problem is essential for translational research on cancer and is a priori challenging since the amount of data is usually limited in all preclinical studies for practical and ethical reasons. Three states considered including cancer, health, and inflammatory on tissues. Fully automated machine learning-based methods are proposed, including deep learning, transfer learning, and shallow learning with SVM. These methods addressed different training strategies corresponding to clinical questions such as the automatic clinical state prediction on unseen data using a pre-trained model, or in an alternative setting, real-time estimation of the clinical state of individual tissue samples during the examination. Experimental results show the best performance of 99.93% correct recognition rate obtained for the second strategy as well as the performance of 98.49% which were achieved for the more difficult first case.
The Characteristics and Expression Profile of Transferrin in the Accessory Nidamental Gland of the Bigfin Reef Squid during Bacteria Transmission
Authors: Li Hau-Wen , Chen Chih , Kuo Wei-Lun , Lin Chien-Ju , Chang Ching-Fong , Wu Guan-Chung
Published: December 2019

The accessory nidamental gland (ANG) is a female reproductive organ found in most squid and cuttlefish that contains a consortium of bacteria. These symbiotic bacteria are transmitted from the marine environment and selected by the host through an unknown mechanism. In animals, a common antimicrobial mechanism of innate immunity is iron sequestration, which is based on the development of transferrin (TF)-like proteins. To understand this mechanism of host-microbe interaction, we attempted to characterize the role of transferrin in bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) during bacterial transmission. qPCR analysis showed that Tf was exclusively expressed in the outer layer of ANG,and this was confirmed by in situ hybridization, which showed that Tf was localized in the outer epithelial cell layer of the ANG. Western blot analysis indicated that TF is a soluble glycoprotein. Immunohistochemical staining also showed that TF is localized in the outer epithelial cell layer of the ANG and that it is mainly expressed in the outer layer during ANG growth. These results suggest that robust Tf mRNA and TF protein expression in the outer layer of the ANG plays an important role in microbe selection by the host during bacterial transmission.
Dielectric and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of high entropy (Zn,Fe,Ni,Mg,Cd)Fe2O4 ferrite
Authors: Radoń Adrian , Hawełek Łukasz , Łukowiec Dariusz , Kubacki Jerzy , Włodarczyk Patryk
Published: December 2019

The new (Zn,Mg,Ni,Fe,Cd)Fe2O4 high entropy ferrite with average crystallite size 11.8 nm was synthesized in two stages by annealing of co-precipitated amorphous precursor. The dielectric spectroscopy confirms, that the electrical conductivity and polarization processes are associated with the mobility of electrons in the structure of ferrite. It was concluded, that the both, high frequency complex dielectric permittivity as well as complex magnetic permeability are strongly temperature and frequency dependent. The AC electrical conductivity is associated with quantum mechanical tunneling of electrons and related to the transfer of charge carriers between Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions. Moreover, the microwave absorption properties were determined. The best microwave absorption properties have been confirmed in the frequency range 1.9 to 2.1 GHz for a layer which is 0.8–1 cm thick. For this range, reflection loss (RL) is lower than −25 dB and shielding effectiveness (SE) lower than −50 dB.
Intracellular Energy Variability Modulates Cellular Decision-Making Capacity
Authors: Kerr Ryan , Jabbari Sara , Johnston Iain G.
Published: December 2019

Cells generate phenotypic diversity both during development and in response to stressful and changing environments, aiding survival. Functionally vital cell fate decisions from a range of phenotypic choices are made by regulatory networks, the dynamics of which rely on gene expression and hence depend on the cellular energy budget (and particularly ATP levels). However, despite pronounced cell-to-cell ATP differences observed across biological systems, the influence of energy availability on regulatory network dynamics is often overlooked as a cellular decision-making modulator, limiting our knowledge of how energy budgets affect cell behaviour. Here, we consider a mathematical model of a highly generalisable, ATP-dependent, decision-making regulatory network, and show that cell-to-cell ATP variability changes the sets of decisions a cell can make. Our model shows that increasing intracellular energy levels can increase the number of supported stable phenotypes, corresponding to increased decision-making capacity. Model cells with sub-threshold intracellular energy are limited to a singular phenotype, forcing the adoption of a specific cell fate. We suggest that energetic differences between cells may be an important consideration to help explain observed variability in cellular decision-making across biological systems.
Robust profiling of microRNAs and isomiRs in human plasma exosomes across 46 individuals
Authors: Karlsen Tommy A. , Aae Tommy F. , Brinchmann Jan E.
Published: December 2019

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small double stranded RNA molecules consisting of two complementary strands called the 5p and 3p arms. Following imprecise processing and/or addition of nucleotides at the ends, miRNA biogenesis can give rise to variants called isomiRs. Exosomes are small vesicles released by cells. They have attracted attention due to their potential use in biomarker development because of their content of biomolecules, including miRNAs and isomiRs. Exosomes are found in body fluids such as plasma. In this study we used next generation sequencing to investigate the distribution of 5p and 3p arms of both miRNAs and isomiRs in plasma exosomes from 46 individuals. Among the canonical miRNAs there was similar prevalence between 5p and 3p miRNAs. Most of the miRNAs had isomiRs, and in approximately half of the cases an isomiR was more abundant than the corresponding canonical miRNA. Most of the isomiRs were generated from 5p miRNAs. There were very small differences in the concentration of canonical miRNA and isomiR sequences between donors, suggesting tight control of isomiR generation and sorting into exosomes. IsomiRs are abundant in plasma exosomes and should be included in analysis when plasma exosomal miRNAs are investigated as potential biomarkers for disease development.
Dissecting C−H∙∙∙π and N−H∙∙∙π Interactions in Two Proteins Using a Combined Experimental and Computational Approach
Authors: Wang Jia , Yao Lishan
Published: December 2019

C−H∙∙∙π and N−H∙∙∙π interactions can have an important contribution for protein stability. However, direct measurements of these interactions in proteins are rarely reported. In this work, we combined the mutant cycle experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to characterize C−H∙∙∙π and N−H∙∙∙π interactions and their cooperativity in two model proteins. It is shown that the average C−H∙∙∙π interaction per residue pair is ~ −0.5 kcal/mol while the N−H∙∙∙π interaction is slightly stronger. The triple mutant box measurement indicates that N−H∙∙∙π∙∙∙C−H∙∙∙π and C−H∙∙∙π∙∙∙C−H∙∙∙π can have a positive or negative cooperativity. MD simulations suggest that the cooperativity, depending on the local environment of the interactions, mainly arises from the geometric rearrangement when the nearby interaction is perturbed.
Cholinergic Modulation Promotes Attentional Modulation in Primary Visual Cortex- A Modeling Study
Authors: Sajedin Atena , Menhaj Mohammad Bagher , Vahabie Abdol-Hossein , Panzeri Stefano , Esteky Hossein
Published: December 2019

Attention greatly influences sensory neural processing by enhancing firing rates of neurons that represent the attended stimuli and by modulating their tuning properties. The cholinergic system is believed to partly mediate the attention contingent improvement of cortical processing by influencing neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission and neural network characteristics. Here, we used a biophysically based model to investigate the mechanisms by which cholinergic system influences sensory information processing in the primary visual cortex (V1) layer 4C. The physiological properties and architectures of our model were inspired by experimental data and include feed-forward input from dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus that sets up orientation preference in V1 neural responses. When including a cholinergic drive, we found significant sharpening in orientation selectivity, desynchronization of LFP gamma power and spike-field coherence, decreased response variability and correlation reduction mostly by influencing intracortical interactions and by increasing inhibitory drive. Our results indicated that these effects emerged due to changes specific to the behavior of the inhibitory neurons. The behavior of our model closely resembles the effects of attention on neural activities in monkey V1. Our model suggests precise mechanisms through which cholinergic modulation may mediate the effects of attention in the visual cortex.
Computational evaluation of an extra-aortic elastic-wrap applied to simulated aging anisotropic human aorta models
Authors: Legerer Christian , Almsherqi Zakaria A. , Dokos Socrates , McLachlan Craig S.
Published: December 2019

Structural changes occurring to the aortic wall can result in vascular stiffening. This is represented by a loss of vascular compliance during pulsatile flow, resulting in increased systolic and pulse blood pressure, particularly in populations aged 50 and over. Aortic stiffness is thought to be permanent and an active de-stiffening strategy is yet to be developed. Extra aortic elastic wrapping has been proposed as a surgical technique to boost aortic distensibility and treat hypertension in the elderly. Previously, in-vivo and in-vitro testing have suggested a pulse-pressure reduction potential of elastic wrapping in the stiffened aortas. Herein, we explore the feasibility of elastic aortic wrapping to improve simulated aortic compliance across the age span. Detailed computational studies of the anisotropic aortic wall mechanics, using data from human subjects, were performed, evaluating key performance properties for the interaction between the aortic wall and elastic aortic wrap procedure. Main determinants of the procedure’s efficiency are identified using a pre-defined aortic stiffness and wrap elasticity. Finite element analysis predicts that segmental aortic distensibility can be increased if elastic wrapping is applied to a simulated stiff aorta. Elastic aortic wrapping is calculated to have little impact on the compliance of an initially distensible aorta.
Autophagy and mitophagy biomarkers are reduced in sera of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Castellazzi Massimiliano , Patergnani Simone , Donadio Mariapina , Giorgi Carlotta , Bonora Massimo , Bosi Cristina , Brombo Gloria , Pugliatti Maura , Seripa Davide , Zuliani Giovanni , Pinton Paolo
Published: December 2019

Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by a progressive memory loss and impairment in cognitive and functional abilities. Autophagy and mitophagy are two important cellular processes by which the damaged intracellular components are degraded by lysosomes. To investigate the contribution of autophagy and mitophagy in degenerative diseases, we investigated the serum levels of specific autophagic markers (ATG5 protein) and mitophagic markers (Parkin protein) in a population of older patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two hundred elderly (≥65 years) outpatients were included in the study: 40 (20 F and 20 M) with mild-moderate late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD); 40 (20 F and 20 M) affected by vascular dementia (VAD); 40 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI); 40 (20 F and 20 M) with “mixed” dementia (MD); 40 subjects without signs of cognitive impairment were included as sex-matched controls. Our data indicated that, in serum samples, ATG5 and Parkin were both elevated in controls, and that VAD compared with AD, MCI and MD (all p < 0.01). Patients affected by AD, MD, and MCI showed significantly reduced circulating levels of both ATG5 and Parkin compared to healthy controls and VAD individuals, reflecting a significant down-regulation of autophagy and mitophagy pathways in these groups of patients. The measurement of serum levels of ATG5 and Parkin may represent an easily accessible diagnostic tool for the early monitoring of patients with cognitive decline.
The development of a 3D colour reproduction system of digital impressions with an intraoral scanner and a 3D printer: a preliminary study
Authors: Liu Yushu , Zhang Rui , Ye Hongqiang , Wang Shimin , Wang Kuan-Paul , Liu Yunsong , Zhou Yongsheng
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to develop a three-dimensional (3D) colour reproduction system to improve the aesthetic effects of dental prostheses. The system’s colour accuracy was also evaluated. Based on the concept of colour management, 96 colour patches were selected to develop colour profiles for an intraoral scanner and a 3D printer using polynomial regression. The colour differences Δ$${E}_{ab}^{\ast }$$Eab⁎ between colour patches reproduced using different colour profiles and the original colour patches were analysed to select the best combinations of colour profiles. The 3D colour reproduction system with the best-performing (i.e. third-order polynomial regression) colour profiles was finally evaluated using tooth and gum shades. The median Δ$${E}_{ab}^{\ast }$$Eab⁎ was 6.940 ranging from 1.504 to 32.660. In terms of tooth and gum shade, the median Δ$${E}_{ab}^{\ast }$$Eab⁎ was 6.313, and half of the shade blocks were above the mismatch threshold (Δ$${E}_{ab}^{\ast }$$Eab⁎ > 6.80). In conclusion, the colour management based on polynomial regression can decrease the colour difference of the 3D colour reproduction system, but not to clinically acceptable levels. Further advances are needed to improve the methods and hardware.
The Effects of Previous Error and Success in Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Crawford T. J. , Taylor S. , Mardanbegi D. , Polden M. , Wilcockson T. W. , Killick R. , Sawyer P. , Gellersen H. , Leroi I.
Published: December 2019

This work investigated in Alzheimer’s disease dementia (AD), whether the probability of making an error on a task (or a correct response) was influenced by the outcome of the previous trials. We used the antisaccade task (AST) as a model task given the emerging consensus that it provides a promising sensitive and early biological test of cognitive impairment in AD. It can be employed equally well in healthy young and old adults, and in clinical populations. This study examined eye-movements in a sample of 202 participants (42 with dementia due to AD; 65 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI); 95 control participants). The findings revealed an overall increase in the frequency of AST errors in AD and MCI compared to the control group, as predicted. The errors on the current trial increased in proportion to the number of consecutive errors on the previous trials. Interestingly, the probability of errors was reduced on the trials that followed a previously corrected error, compared to the trials where the error remained uncorrected, revealing a level of adaptive control in participants with MCI or AD dementia. There was an earlier peak in the AST distribution of the saccadic reaction times for the inhibitory errors in comparison to the correct saccades. These findings revealed that the inhibitory errors of the past have a negative effect on the future performance of healthy adults as well as people with a neurodegenerative cognitive impairment.
Effect of nicotine on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation and virulence factors
Authors: Shi Le , Wu Yang , Yang Chen , Ma Yue , Zhang Qing-zhao , Huang Wei , Zhu Xiao-yi , Yan Ying-jie , Wang Jia-xue , Zhu Tao , Qu Di , Zheng Chun-quan , Zhao Ke-Qing
Published: December 2019

Staphylococcus aureusis a common pathogen in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients, the pathogenesis of which involves the ability to form biofilms and produce various virulence factors. Tobacco smoke, another risk factor of CRS, facilitatesS. aureusbiofilm formation; however, the mechanisms involved are unclear. Here, we studied the effect of nicotine onS. aureusbiofilm formation and the expression of virulence-related genes.S. aureusstrains isolated from CRS patients and a USA300 strain were treated with nicotine or were untreated (control). Nicotine-treatedS. aureusstrains showed dose-dependent increases in biofilm formation, lower virulence, enhanced initial attachment, increased extracellular DNA release, and a higher autolysis rate, involving dysregulation of the accessory gene regulator (Agr) quorum-sensing system. Consequently, the expression of autolysis-related geneslytNandatlA, and the percentage of dead cells in biofilms was increased. However, the expression of virulence-related genes, includinghla,hlb,pvl,nuc,ssp,spa,sigB,coa, andcrtNwas downregulated and there was reduced bacterial invasion of A549 human alveolar epithelial cells. The results of this study indicate that nicotine treatment enhancesS. aureusbiofilm formation by promoting initial attachment and extracellular DNA release but inhibits the virulence of this bacterium.
Distinct role of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) in inhibiting cargo-loading and release of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Lee Byung Rho , Sanstrum Bethany J. , Liu Yutao , Kwon Sang-Ho
Published: December 2019

Exosomes, vehicles for intercellular communication, are formed intracellularly within multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and are released upon fusion with the plasma membrane. For their biogenesis, proper cargo loading to exosomes and vesicle traffic for extracellular release are required. Previously we showed that the L-type lectin, LMAN2, limits trans-Golgi Network (TGN)-to-endosomes traffic of GPRC5B, an exosome cargo protein, for exosome release. Here, we identified that the protein deacetylase sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) as a novel interactor of LMAN2. Loss of SIRT2 expression resulted in exosomal release of LMAN2, a Golgi resident protein, along with increased exosomal release of GPRC5B. Furthermore, knockout of SIRT2 increased total number of extracellular vesicles (EVs), indicating increased MVB-to-EV flux. While knockout of SIRT1 increased EV release with enlarged late endolysosome, knockout of SIRT2 did not exhibit endolysosome enlargement for increased EV release. Taken together, our study suggests that SIRT2 regulates cargo loading to MVBs and MVB-to-EV flux through a mechanism distinct from that of SIRT1.
Diverse sensitivities of TRPA1 from different mosquito species to thermal and chemical stimuli
Authors: Li Tianbang , Saito Claire T. , Hikitsuchi Tomoyuki , Inoguchi Yoshihiro , Mitsuishi Honami , Saito Shigeru , Tominaga Makoto
Published: December 2019

Temperature and odors profoundly affect the behavior of animals. Transient receptor potential channel, subfamily A, member 1 (TRPA1) functions as a polymodal nociceptor for sensing both vital environmental cues in insects. Mosquitoes are recognized as disease vectors, and many efforts have been devoted to investigations of their host-seeking behaviors and repellents. However, the physiological characteristics of mosquito TRPA1 have not been systematically studied. We identified multiple alternative splice variants of the TrpA1 gene from Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens pallens mosquitoes. And we performed comparative analyses of the responses of mosquito TRPA1s to heat or chemical stimuli with calcium-imaging and whole-cell patch-clamp methods. Comparison of TRPA1 among four mosquito species from different thermal niches revealed that TRPA1 of Culex pipiens pallens inhabiting the temperate zone had a lower temperature threshold for heat-evoked activation, which was supported by the in vivo heat-avoidance test. Notably, the chemosensitivity of mosquito TRPA1 channels revealed differences not only between variants but also among species. Moreover, we discovered three novel mosquito TRPA1 agonists. Thermal niches selection and evolutionary trajectories significantly affect the functional properties of mosquito TRPA1, which represents a hallmark of the behaviors that may permit the design of improved mosquito control methods.
A genetic characterization of Korean waxy maize (Zea mays L.) landraces having flowering time variation by RNA sequencing
Authors: Yi Gibum , Shin Hosub , Yu Seung Hwa , Park Jeong Eun , Kang Taegu , Huh Jin Hoe
Published: December 2019

Maize is the second-most produced crop in the Korean peninsula and has been continuously cultivated since the middle of the 16th century, when it was originally introduced from China. Even with this extensive cultivation history, the diversity and properties of Korean landraces have not been investigated at the nucleotide sequence level. We collected 12 landraces with various flowering times and performed RNA-seq in the early vegetative stage. The transcriptomes of 12 Korean landraces have been analyzed for their genetic variations in coding sequence and genetic relationships to other maize germplasm. The Korean landraces showed specific genetic characteristics and were closely related to a Chinese inbred line. Flowering-time related gene profiles pointed to multiple causes for the variation of flowering time within Korean landraces; the profiles revealed significant positive and negative correlations among genes, allowing us to infer possible mechanisms for flowering time variation in maize. Our results demonstrate the value of transcriptome-based genetic and gene expression profiles for information on possible breeding resources, which is particularly needed in Korean waxy landraces.
Identification of a key gene module associated with glucocorticoid- induced derangement in bone mineral density in patients with asthma
Authors: Lee Suh-Young , Won Ha-Kyeong , Kim Byung-Keun , Kim Sae-Hoon , Chang Yoon-Seok , Cho Sang-Heon , Kelly H. William , Tantisira Kelan G. , Park Heung-Woo
Published: December 2019

Derangement in bone mineral density (BMD) caused by glucocorticoid is well-known. The present study aimed to find key biological pathways associated with low BMD after glucocorticoid treatment in asthmatics using gene expression profiles of peripheral blood cells. We utilized immortalized B cells (IBCs) from 32 childhood asthmatics after multiple oral glucocorticoid bursts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 17 adult asthmatics after a long-term use of oral glucocorticoid. We searched co-expressed gene modules significantly related with the BMD Z score in childhood asthmatics and tested if these gene modules were preserved and significantly associated with the BMD Z score in adult asthmatics as well. We identified a gene module composed of 199 genes significantly associated with low BMD in both childhood and adult asthmatics. The structure of this module was preserved across gene expression profiles. We found that the cellular metabolic pathway was significantly enriched in this module. Among 18 hub genes in this module, we postulated that 2 genes, CREBBP and EP300, contributed to low BMD following a literature review. A novel biologic pathway identified in this study highlighted a gene module and several genes as playing possible roles in the pathogenesis of glucocorticoid- induced derangement in BMD.