bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Slipper Features and Properties on Walking and Sit-to-Stand Tasks of Older Women
Authors: Lo Wai-Ting , Yick Kit-Lun , Lau Newman , Tse Lok-Tung , Ng Sun-Pui , Yip Joanne
Published: March 2017

Indoor slippers with a strap across the dorsal forefoot are popular with older women. However, their influence on the foot motion has not been reported. This study evaluated the range of movement in the knee and ankle joints during walking and changes in trunk displacement during sit-to-stand when 10 healthy older women wore two types of slippers and were barefoot. Compared to barefeet, walking in slippers results in significant increases in the knee flexion angle in the swing phase. However, there is nonsignificant differences in the ankle angle in any phase across all conditions. During the sit-stand transition when slippers are worn, there is a significant reduction in the peak trunk tilt angle and range, as well as the duration of the weight shift when motion is initiated. The findings therefore provide a better understanding of slipper features and designs associated with changes in foot kinematics in older women.
Effect of Moderate-Intensity Exercise on Inflammatory Markers Among Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Chagas Eduardo Federighi Baisi , Bonfim Mariana Rotta , Turi Bruna Camilo , Brondino Nair Cristina Margarida , Monteiro Henrique Luiz
Published: March 2017

Background:

Declines in ovarian function in postmenopausal women may contribute to increase inflammatory cytokines, which can lead to chronic diseases. However, studies have shown that exercise interventions are important to manage inflammatory conditions. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the effect of exercise intervention on inflammatory markers among obese and postmenopausal women.

Methods:

70 women composed the sample (Exercise group [EG; n = 35] and nonexercise group [nEG; n = 35]). IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 were the inflammatory markers analyzed. Exercise program was 20 weeks long and consisted of aerobic and neuromuscular training. Data about chronic diseases, medication use, dietary intake, body composition and biochemical variables were collected.

Results:

EG showed significant reductions in body mass index, waist circumference and body fat percentage, as well as increased lean body mass. EG showed significant reductions in TNF-α and significant interaction between group and intervention time. Reductions in IL-10 were identified only in nEG. Substantial effect of exercise intervention was observed with increased ratio of IL-10/IL-6 and IL-10/TNF-α.

Conclusions:

Combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training was effective in reducing inflammation. Thus, implementation and maintenance of similar exercise programs can contribute to reduce chronic inflammation among obese postmenopausal women.
A Comparative Study of Sleep and Mood Between Young Elite Athletes and Age-Matched Controls
Authors: Harris Anette , Gundersen Hilde , Andreassen Pia Mørk , Thun Eirunn , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Pallesen Ståle
Published: March 2017

Background:

Sleep and mood have seldom been compared between elite athletes and nonelite athletes, although potential differences suggest that physical activity may affect these parameters. This study aims to explore whether adolescent elite athletes differ from controls in terms of sleep, positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA).

Methods:

Forty-eight elite athletes and 26 controls participating in organized and nonorganized sport completed a questionnaire, and a 7-day sleep diary.

Results:

On school days, the athletes and the controls who participated in organized and nonorganized sport differed in bedtime (22:46, 23:14, 23:42, P < .01), sleep onset (23:03, 23:27, 00:12, P < .01), and total sleep time (7:52, 8:00, 6:50, P < 01). During weekend, the athletes, the controls who participated in organized and nonorganized sport differed in bedtime (23:30, 00:04, 00:49, P < .01), sleep onset (23.42, 00:18, 01:13, P < .01), rise time (9:15, 9:47, 10:55, P < .01), sleep efficiency (95.0%, 94.2%, 90.0%, P < 05), and sleep onset latency (11.8, 18.0, 28.0 minutes, P < .01). Furthermore, the athletes reported less social jetlag (0:53) and higher score for PA (34.3) compared with the controls who participated in nonorganized sport (jetlag: 1:25, P < .05, PA: 29.8, P < .05).

Conclusions:

An almost dose-response association was found between weekly training hours, sleep, social jetlag and mood in adolescents.
Controlling liquid splash on superhydrophobic surfaces by a vesicle surfactant
Authors: Song Meirong , Ju Jie , Luo Siqi , Han Yuchun , Dong Zhichao , Wang Yilin , Gu Zhen , Zhang Lingjuan , Hao Ruiran , Jiang Lei
Published: March 2017

By adding a small amount of a vesicle surfactant, “unavoidable” splashing is considerably reduced on superhydrophobic surfaces.
Global telescope gears up to image black holes
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: March 2017

Radio dishes in Chile and Antarctica put event horizon of Milky Way's behemoth in reach.
Sequencing all life captivates biologists
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: March 2017

Project would read genomes of more than a million eukaryotes—just for starters.
Close relative of Neandertals unearthed in China
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: March 2017

Partial skulls may belong to elusive Denisovans, who are known almost exclusively by their DNA.
Into the Twilight Zone
Authors: Weiss Kenneth R.
Published: March 2017

Naturalist Rich Pyle plumbs the undiscovered realm of deep, dimly lit reefs.
Webinar | A high-resolution look at the human cell: Introducing the Human Cell Atlas
Authors: Uhlén Mathias , Lundberg Emma
Published: March 2017

Resolving the spatial distribution of the human proteome at a subcellular level greatly increases our understanding of human biology and disease. A high-resolution map of the human cell has been generated—part of the Human Protein Atlas database—that provides the in situ localization of 12,036 human proteins at a single-cell level, covering 30 subcellular structures, and enabling 14 major organelle proteomes to be defined. The high spatial resolution of the data has allowed the identification of novel protein components in all major organelles, as well as the characterization of fine cellular structures such as the cytokinetic bridge and nuclear bodies. An integrative approach to data generation includes strict validation criteria using gene silencing, paired antibodies, and fluorescently tagged proteins. The Cell Atlas reveals that approximately half of all proteins localize to multiple compartments and that many proteins show cell-to-cell variation in terms of protein abundance or spatial distribution. In this webinar, we will introduce the new Human Cell Atlas, outlining how it is being used to define the spatiotemporal organization of the human proteome at a subcellular level.

View the Webinar
Demonstration of an ac Josephson junction laser
Authors: Cassidy M. C. , Bruno A. , Rubbert S. , Irfan M. , Kammhuber J. , Schouten R. N. , Akhmerov A. R. , Kouwenhoven L. P.
Published: March 2017

An on-chip microwave source

The active elements of superconducting quantum circuits are typically addressed and controlled using pulses of microwave radiation. The microwaves are usually generated externally and coupled into the circuitry, resulting in rather bulky systems. Cassidy
et al.
developed an on-chip source of microwaves by using a superconducting Josephson junction inserted in a high-quality microwave cavity. The integrated version should enhance the control capability for manipulating miniaturized quantum circuits.

Science
, this issue p.
939
Late Pleistocene archaic human crania from Xuchang, China
Authors: Li Zhan-Yang , Wu Xiu-Jie , Zhou Li-Ping , Liu Wu , Gao Xing , Nian Xiao-Mei , Trinkaus Erik
Published: March 2017

Morphological mosaics in early Asian humans

Excavations in eastern Asia are yielding information on human evolution and migration. Li
et al.
analyzed two fossil human skulls from central China, dated to 100,000 to 130,000 years ago. The crania elucidate the pattern of human morphological evolution in eastern Eurasia. Some features are ancestral and similar to those of earlier eastern Eurasian humans, some are derived and shared with contemporaneous or later humans elsewhere, and some are closer to those of Neandertals. The analysis illuminates shared long-term trends in human adaptive biology and suggests the existence of interconnections between populations across Eurasia during the later Pleistocene.

Science
, this issue p.
969
The need for a translational science of democracy
Authors: Neblo Michael A. , Minozzi William , Esterling Kevin M. , Green Jon , Kingzette Jonathon , Lazer David M. J.
Published: March 2017

The political science community should focus on how to foster the health of democracy
Troubled waters
The Death and Life of the Great Lakes
Dan Egan
Norton, 2017. 384 pp.
Authors: Jenkins Lekelia Danielle
Published: March 2017

A sobering history calls for a concerted effort to save the world's largest freshwater lake system
Watching speciation in action
Authors: Grant B. Rosemary , Grant Peter R.
Published: March 2017

An interplay between environmental and genetic change is responsible for the emergence of new species
A measure of mantle melting
Authors: Asimow Paul D.
Published: March 2017

Laboratory measurements suggest that the mantle is 60 K hotter than previously thought
Deep exposures
Crystalline
Siobhán McDonald
, Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris, France. Through 12 March 2017.
Authors: Dixon Deborah
Published: March 2017

Repurposing scientific materials into works of art, an artist confronts the Anthropocene
Micrometer-sized molecular robot changes its shape in response to signal molecules
Authors: Sato Yusuke , Hiratsuka Yuichi , Kawamata Ibuki , Murata Satoshi , Nomura Shin-ichiro M.
Published: March 2017

An amoeba-like molecular robot changes its shape in response to sequence-designed DNA signal molecules.
Growing tissue grafts on humanoid robots: A future strategy in regenerative medicine?
Authors: Mouthuy Pierre-Alexis , Carr Andrew
Published: March 2017

Humanoid robots may enhance growth of musculoskeletal tissue grafts for tissue transplant applications.
Tuberculous Lymphadenitis Is Associated with Enhanced Baseline and Antigen-Specific Induction of Type 1 and Type 17 Cytokines and Reduced Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 at the Site of Infection
Authors: Kathamuthu Gokul Raj , Moideen Kadar , Baskaran Dhanaraj , Banurekha Vaithilingam V. , Nair Dina , Sekar Gomathi , Sridhar Rathinam , Vidyajayanthi Bharathi , Gajendraraj Ganeshan , Parandhaman Dinesh Kumar , Srinivasan Alena , Babu Subash
Published: March 2017

Tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBL) is characterized by an expansion of Th1 and Th17 cells with altered serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines. However, the cytokine profile at the site of infection, i.e., the affected lymph nodes, has not been examined in detail. To estimate the baseline and mycobacterial antigen-stimulated concentrations of type 1, type 17, and other proinflammatory cytokines in patients with TBL (
n
= 14), we examined both the baseline and the antigen-specific concentrations of these cytokines before and after chemotherapy and compared them with those in individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) (
n
= 14). In addition, we also compared the cytokine responses in whole blood and those in the lymph nodes of TBL individuals. We observed significantly enhanced baseline and antigen-specific levels of type 1 cytokines (gamma interferon [IFN-γ] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) and a type 17 cytokine (interleukin-17 [IL-17]) and significantly diminished baseline and antigen-specific levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) in the whole blood of TBL individuals compared to those in the whole blood of PTB individuals. Moreover, we also observed a pattern of baseline and antigen-specific cytokine production at the site of infection (lymph node) similar to that in the whole blood of TBL individuals. Following standard antituberculosis (anti-TB) treatment, we observed alterations in the baseline and/or antigen-specific levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18. TBL is therefore characterized by enhanced baseline and antigen-specific production of type 1 and type 17 cytokines and reduced baseline and antigen-specific production of IL-1β and IL-18 at the site of infection.
Whole-Genome Sequencing in Epidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni Infections
Authors: Llarena Ann-Katrin , Taboada Eduardo , Rossi Mirko
Published: March 2017

This review describes the current state of knowledge regarding the application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in the epidemiology of
Campylobacter jejuni
, the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. We describe how WGS has increased our understanding of the evolutionary and epidemiological dynamics of this pathogen and how WGS has the potential to improve surveillance and outbreak detection. We have identified hurdles to the full implementation of WGS in public health settings. Despite these challenges, we think that ample evidence is available to support the benefits of integrating WGS into the routine monitoring of
C. jejuni
infections and outbreak investigations.
Assessment of Rapid-Blood-Culture-Identification Result Interpretation and Antibiotic Prescribing Practices
Authors: Donner Linsey M. , Campbell W. Scott , Lyden Elizabeth , Van Schooneveld Trevor C.
Published: March 2017

Rapid pathogen identification can alter antibiotic prescribing practices if interpreted correctly. Microbiology reporting can be difficult to understand, and new technology has made it more challenging. Nebraska Medicine recently implemented the BioFire FilmArray blood culture identification panel (BCID) coupled with stewardship-based education on interpretation. Physician BCID result interpretation and prescribing were assessed via an electronic survey, with a response rate of 40.8% (156/382 surveys). Seven questions required respondents to interpret BCID results, identify the most likely pathogen, and then choose therapy based on the results. The tallied correct responses resulted in a knowledge score. General linear models evaluated the effect of role, specialty, and utilization of the BCID interpretation guide on the mean knowledge score. The specialties of the respondents included 55.7% internal medicine, 19.7% family medicine, and 24.6% other. Roles included 41.1% residents, 5.0% fellows, and 53.9% faculty. Most reported that they reviewed antimicrobial susceptibility results (89.4%) and adjusted therapy accordingly (81.6%), while only 60% stated that they adjusted therapy based on BCID results. The correct response rates ranged from 52 to 86% for the interpretation questions. The most common errors included misinterpretation of
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Staphylococcus
genus results. Neither role nor specialty was associated with total knowledge score in multivariate analysis (
P
= 0.13 and 0.47, respectively). In conclusion, physician interpretation of BCID results is suboptimal and can result in ineffective treatment or missed opportunity to narrow therapy. With the implementation of new technology, improved reporting practices of BCID results with clinical decision support tools providing interpretation guidance available at the point of care is recommended.
Imaging HIV-1 Genomic DNA from Entry through Productive Infection
Authors: Stultz Ryan D. , Cenker Jennifer J. , McDonald David
Published: March 2017

In order to track the fate of HIV-1 particles from early entry events through productive infection, we developed a method to visualize HIV-1 DNA reverse transcription complexes by the incorporation and fluorescent labeling of the thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) into nascent viral DNA during cellular entry. Monocyte-derived macrophages were chosen as natural targets of HIV-1, as they do not divide and therefore do not incorporate EdU into chromosomal DNA, which would obscure the detection of intranuclear HIV-1 genomes. Using this approach, we observed distinct EdU puncta in the cytoplasm of infected cells within 12 h postinfection and subsequent accumulation of puncta in the nucleus, which remained stable through 5 days. The depletion of the restriction factor SAMHD1 resulted in a markedly increased number of EdU puncta, allowing efficient quantification of HIV-1 reverse transcription events. Analysis of HIV-1 isolates bearing defined mutations in the capsid protein revealed differences in their cytoplasmic and nuclear accumulation, and data from quantitative PCR analysis closely recapitulated the EdU results. RNA fluorescence
in situ
hybridization identified actively transcribing, EdU-labeled HIV-1 genomes in productively infected cells, and immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that CDK9, phosphorylated at serine 175, was recruited to RNA-positive HIV-1 DNA, providing a means to directly observe transcriptionally active HIV-1 genomes in productively infected cells. Overall, this system allows stable labeling and monitoring of HIV genomic DNA within infected cells during cytoplasmic transit, nuclear import, and mRNA synthesis.

IMPORTANCE
The fates of HIV-1 reverse transcription products within infected cells are not well understood. Although previous imaging approaches identified HIV-1 intermediates during early stages of infection, few have connected these events with the later stages that ultimately lead to proviral transcription and the production of progeny virus. Here we developed a technique to label HIV-1 genomes using modified nucleosides, allowing subsequent imaging of cytoplasmic and nuclear HIV-1 DNA in infected monocyte-derived macrophages. We used this technique to track the efficiency of nuclear entry as well as the fates of HIV-1 genomes in productively and nonproductively infected macrophages. We visualized transcriptionally active HIV-1 DNA, revealing that transcription occurs in a subset of HIV-1 genomes in productively infected cells. Collectively, this approach provides new insights into the nature of transcribing HIV-1 genomes and allows us to track the entire course of infection in macrophages, a key target of HIV-1 in infected individuals.
Functional Evidence of the Involvement of the Dynein Light Chain DYNLRB2 in Murine Leukemia Virus Infection
Authors: Opazo Tatiana , Garcés Andrea , Tapia Diego , Barraza Felipe , Bravo Angélica , Schwenke Tomás , Cancino Jorge , Arriagada Gloria
Published: March 2017

How murine leukemia virus (MLV) travels from the cell membrane to the nucleus and the mechanism for nuclear entry of MLV DNA in dividing cells still remain unclear. It seems likely that the MLV preintegration complex (PIC) interacts with cellular proteins to perform these tasks. We recently published that the microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein complex and its regulator proteins interact with the MLV PIC at early times of infection, suggesting a functional interaction between the incoming viral particles, the dynein complex, and dynein regulators. To better understand the role of the dynein complex in MLV infection, we performed short hairpin RNA (shRNA) screening of the dynein light chains on MLV infection. We found that silencing of a specific light chain of the cytoplasmic dynein complex, DYNLRB2, reduced the efficiency of infection by MLV reporter viruses without affecting HIV-1 infection. Furthermore, the overexpression of DYNLRB2 increased infection by MLV. We conclude that the DYNLRB2 light chain of the cytoplasmic dynein complex is an important and specific piece of the host machinery needed for MLV infection.

IMPORTANCE
Retroviruses must reach the chromatin of their host to integrate their viral DNA, but first they must get into the nucleus. The cytoplasm is a crowded environment in which simple diffusion is slow, and thus viruses utilize retrograde transport along the microtubule network, mediated by the dynein complex. Different viruses use different components of this multisubunit complex. We have found that murine leukemia virus (MLV) associates functionally and specifically with the dynein light chain DYNLRB2, which is required for infection. Our study provides more insight into the molecular requirements for retrograde transport of the MLV preintegration complex and demonstrates, for the first time, a role for DYNLRB2 in viral infection.
New Connections: Cell-to-Cell HIV-1 Transmission, Resistance to Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies, and an Envelope Sorting Motif
Authors: Smith S. Abigail , Derdeyn Cynthia A.
Published: March 2017

HIV-1 infection from cell-to-cell may provide an efficient mode of viral spread
in vivo
and could therefore present a significant challenge for preventative or therapeutic strategies based on broadly neutralizing antibodies. Indeed, Li et al. (H. Li, C. Zony, P. Chen, and B. K. Chen, J. Virol. 91:e02425-16, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.02425-16
) showed that the potency and magnitude of multiple HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibody classes are decreased during cell-to-cell infection in a context-dependent manner. A functional motif in gp41 appears to contribute to this differential susceptibility by modulating exposure of neutralization epitopes.
Conformational States of a Soluble, Uncleaved HIV-1 Envelope Trimer
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Pan Junhua , Cai Yongfei , Grigorieff Nikolaus , Harrison Stephen C. , Chen Bing
Published: March 2017

The HIV-1 envelope spike [Env; trimeric (gp160)
3
cleaved to (gp120/gp41)
3
] induces membrane fusion, leading to viral entry. It is also the viral component targeted by neutralizing antibodies. Vaccine development requires production, in quantities suitable for clinical studies, of a recombinant form that resembles functional Env. HIV-1 gp140 trimers—the uncleaved ectodomains of (gp160)
3
—from a few selected viral isolates adopt a compact conformation with many antigenic properties of native Env spikes. One is currently being evaluated in a clinical trial. We report here low-resolution (20 Å) electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) structures of this gp140 trimer, which adopts two principal conformations, one closed and the other slightly open. The former is indistinguishable at this resolution from those adopted by a stabilized, cleaved trimer (SOSIP) or by a membrane-bound Env trimer with a truncated cytoplasmic tail (EnvΔCT). The latter conformation is closer to a partially open Env trimer than to the fully open conformation induced by CD4. These results show that a stable, uncleaved HIV-1 gp140 trimer has a compact structure close to that of native Env.

IMPORTANCE
Development of any HIV vaccine with a protein component (for either priming or boosting) requires production of a recombinant form to mimic the trimeric, functional HIV-1 envelope spike in quantities suitable for clinical studies. Our understanding of the envelope structure has depended in part on a cleaved, soluble trimer, known as SOSIP.664, stabilized by several modifications, including an engineered disulfide. This construct, which is difficult to produce in large quantities, has yet to induce better antibody responses than those to other envelope-based immunogens, even in animal models. The uncleaved ectodomain of the envelope protein, called gp140, has also been made as a soluble form to mimic the native Env present on the virion surface. Most HIV-1 gp140 preparations are not stable, however, and have an inhomogeneous conformation. The results presented here show that gp140 preparations from suitable isolates can adopt a compact, native-like structure, supporting its use as a vaccine candidate.
Cytoplasmic Motifs in the Nipah Virus Fusion Protein Modulate Virus Particle Assembly and Egress
Authors: Johnston Gunner P. , Contreras Erik M. , Dabundo Jeffrey , Henderson Bryce A. , Matz Keesha M. , Ortega Victoria , Ramirez Alfredo , Park Arnold , Aguilar Hector C.
Published: March 2017

Nipah virus (NiV), a paramyxovirus in the genus
Henipavirus
, has a mortality rate in humans of approximately 75%. While several studies have begun our understanding of NiV particle formation, the mechanism of this process remains to be fully elucidated. For many paramyxoviruses, M proteins drive viral assembly and egress; however, some paramyxoviral glycoproteins have been reported as important or essential in budding. For NiV the matrix protein (M), the fusion glycoprotein (F) and, to a much lesser extent, the attachment glycoprotein (G) autonomously induce the formation of virus-like particles (VLPs). However, functional interactions between these proteins during assembly and egress remain to be fully understood. Moreover, if the F-driven formation of VLPs occurs through interactions with host cell machinery, the cytoplasmic tail (CT) of F is a likely interactive domain. Therefore, we analyzed NiV F CT deletion and alanine mutants and report that several but not all regions of the F CT are necessary for efficient VLP formation. Two of these regions contain YXXØ or dityrosine motifs previously shown to interact with cellular machinery involved in F endocytosis and transport. Importantly, our results showed that F-driven, M-driven, and M/F-driven viral particle formation enhanced the recruitment of G into VLPs. By identifying key motifs, specific residues, and functional viral protein interactions important for VLP formation, we improve our understanding of the viral assembly/egress process and point to potential interactions with host cell machinery.

IMPORTANCE
Henipaviruses can cause deadly infections of medical, veterinary, and agricultural importance. With recent discoveries of new henipa-like viruses, understanding the mechanisms by which these viruses reproduce is paramount. We have focused this study on identifying the functional interactions of three Nipah virus proteins during viral assembly and particularly on the role of one of these proteins, the fusion glycoprotein, in the incorporation of other viral proteins into viral particles. By identifying several regions in the fusion glycoprotein that drive viral assembly, we further our understanding of how these viruses assemble and egress from infected cells. The results presented will likely be useful toward designing treatments targeting this aspect of the viral life cycle and for the production of new viral particle-based vaccines.
Viral Epitranscriptomics
Authors: Kennedy Edward M. , Courtney David G. , Tsai Kevin , Cullen Bryan R.
Published: March 2017

Although it has been known for over 40 years that eukaryotic mRNAs bear internal base modifications, it is only in the last 5 years that the importance of these modifications has begun to come into focus. The most common mRNA modification, the addition of a methyl group to the
N
6
position of adenosine (m
6
A), has been shown to affect splicing, translation, and stability, and m
6
A is also essential for embryonic development in organisms ranging from plants to mice. While all viral transcripts examined so far have been found to be extensively m
6
A modified, the role, if any, of m
6
A in regulating viral gene expression and replication was previously unknown. However, recent data generated using HIV-1 as a model system strongly suggest that sites of m
6
A addition not only are evolutionarily conserved but also enhance virus replication. It is therefore likely that the field of viral epitranscriptomics, which can be defined as the study of functionally relevant posttranscriptional modifications of viral RNA transcripts that do not change the nucleotide sequence of that RNA, is poised for a major expansion in scientific interest and may well fundamentally change our understanding of how viral replication is regulated.
The ND10 Component Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein Acts as an E3 Ligase for SUMOylation of the Major Immediate Early Protein IE1 of Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Reuter Nina , Schilling Eva-Maria , Scherer Myriam , Müller Regina , Stamminger Thomas
Published: March 2017

Previous studies identified the nuclear domain 10 (ND10) components promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML), hDaxx, and Sp100 as factors of an intrinsic immune response against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). This antiviral function of ND10, however, is antagonized by viral effector proteins like IE1p72, which induces dispersal of ND10. Furthermore, we have shown that both major immediate early proteins of HCMV, IE1p72 and IE2p86, transiently colocalize with ND10 subnuclear structures and undergo modification by the covalent attachment of SUMO. Since recent reports indicate that PML acts as a SUMO E3 ligase, we asked whether the SUMOylation of IE1p72 and IE2p86 is regulated by PML. To address this, PML-depleted fibroblasts, as well as cells overexpressing individual PML isoforms, were infected with HCMV. Western blot experiments revealed a clear correlation between the degree of IE1p72 SUMO conjugation and the abundance of PML. On the other hand, the SUMOylation of IE2p86 was not affected by PML. By performing
in vitro
SUMOylation assays, we were able to provide direct evidence that IE1p72 is a substrate for PML-mediated SUMOylation. Interestingly, disruption of the RING finger domain of PML, which is proposed to confer SUMO E3 ligase activity, abolished PML-induced SUMOylation of IE1p72. In contrast, IE1p72 was still efficiently SUMO modified by a SUMOylation-defective PML mutant, indicating that intact ND10 bodies are not necessary for this effect. Thus, this is the first report that the E3 ligase PML is capable of stimulating the SUMOylation of a viral protein which is supposed to serve as a cellular mechanism to compromise specific functions of IE1p72.

IMPORTANCE
The major immediate early proteins of human cytomegalovirus, termed IE1p72 and IE2p86, have previously been shown to undergo posttranslational modification by covalent coupling to SUMO moieties at specific lysine residues. However, the enzymatic activities that are responsible for this modification have not been identified. Here, we demonstrate that the PML protein, which mediates an intrinsic immune response against HCMV, specifically serves as an E3 ligase for SUMO modification of IE1p72. Since SUMO modification of IE1p72 has previously been shown to interfere with STAT factor binding, thus compromising the interferon-antagonistic function of this viral effector protein, our finding highlights an additional mechanism through which PML is able to restrict viral infections.
Protein Malnutrition Modifies Innate Immunity and Gene Expression by Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Human Rotavirus Infection in Neonatal Gnotobiotic Pigs
Authors: Vlasova Anastasia N. , Paim Francine C. , Kandasamy Sukumar , Alhamo Moyasar A. , Fischer David D. , Langel Stephanie N. , Deblais Loic , Kumar Anand , Chepngeno Juliet , Shao Lulu , Huang Huang-Chi , Candelero-Rueda Rosario A. , Rajashekara Gireesh , Saif Linda J.
Published: March 2017

Malnutrition and rotavirus infection, prevalent in developing countries, individually and in combination, affect the health of millions of children, compromising their immunity and increasing the rates of death from infectious diseases. However, the interactions between the two and their combined effects on immune and intestinal functions are poorly understood. We have established the first human infant microbiota-transplanted neonatal pig model of childhood malnutrition that reproduced the impaired immune, intestinal, and other physiological functions seen in malnourished children. This model can be used to evaluate relevant dietary and other health-promoting interventions. Our findings provide an explanation of why adequate nutrition alone may lack efficacy in malnourished children.
False homozygous HLA genotyping results due to copy number neutral loss of heterozygosity in acquired aplastic anaemia
Authors: Heyrman Bert , De Becker Ann , Verheyden Sonja , Demanet Christian
Published: March 2017

The aim of this case report is to draw attention on possible false human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping in acquired aplastic anaemia prior to allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In acquired aplastic anaemia loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosome 6p is known to occur in around 12%. We report false HLA genotyping results due to LOH and a coinciding steep rise in neutrophils following filgrastim stimulation in a patient with very severe aplastic anaemia. At diagnosis we obtained heterozygous results on peripheral blood. Failing to reach a partial response at 6 months with immune-suppressive therapy we repeated HLA genotyping, obtaining homozygous results. Repeated testing confirmed loss of HLA genotype heterozygosity. HLA genotyping on cells obtained by a buccal swab confirmed the previous HLA heterozygosity. A second course of filgrastim at the time of homozygous HLA genotyping resulted in a steep rise in neutrophils. Stopping filgrastim resulted in an equally steep drop.
Yellow fever vaccine-associated neurological disease, a suspicious case
Authors: Beirão Pedro , Pereira Patrícia , Nunes Andreia , Antunes Pedro
Published: March 2017

A 70-year-old man with known cardiovascular risk factors, presented with acute onset expression aphasia, agraphia, dyscalculia, right-left disorientation and finger agnosia, without fever or meningeal signs. Stroke was thought to be the cause, but cerebrovascular disease investigation was negative. Interviewing the family revealed he had undergone yellow fever vaccination 18 days before. Lumbar puncture revealed mild protein elevation. Cultural examinations,Coxiella burnetti,and neurotropic virus serologies were negative. Regarding the yellow fever virus, IgG was identified in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), with negative IgM and virus PCR in CSF. EEG showed an encephalopathic pattern. The patient improved gradually and a week after discharge was his usual self. Only criteria for suspect neurotropic disease were met, but it's possible the time spent between symptom onset and lumbar puncture prevented a definite diagnosis of yellow fever vaccine-associated neurological disease. This gap would have been smaller if the vaccination history had been collected earlier.
Early rehabilitation for the prevention of postintensive care syndrome in critically ill patients: a study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kondo Yutaka , Fuke Ryota , Hifumi Toru , Hatakeyama Junji , Takei Tetsuhiro , Yamakawa Kazuma , Inoue Shigeaki , Nishida Osamu
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Postintensive care syndrome (PICS) is defined as a new or worsening impairment in cognition, mental health and physical function after critical illness. There is little evidence regarding treatment of patients with PICS; new directions for effective treatment strategies are urgently needed. Early physiotherapy may prevent or reverse some physical impairments in patients with PICS, but no systematic reviews have investigated the effectiveness of early rehabilitation on PICS-related outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate whether early rehabilitative interventions in critically ill patients can prevent PICS and decrease mortality.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of early rehabilitation for the prevention of PICS in critically ill adults. We will search PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for published randomised controlled trials. We will screen search results and assess study selection, data extraction and risk of bias in duplicate, resolving disagreements by consensus. We will pool data from clinically homogeneous studies using a random-effects meta-analysis; assess heterogeneity of effects using the χ2test of homogeneity; and quantify any observed heterogeneity using the I2statistic. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to rate the quality of evidence.

Discussion

This systematic review will present evidence on the prevention of PICS in critically ill patients with early rehabilitation.

Ethics

Ethics approval is not required.

Dissemination

The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journal publication, conference presentation(s) and publications for patient information.

Trial registration number

CRD42016039759.
Healthier central England or North–South divide? Analysis of national survey data on smoking and high-risk drinking
Authors: Beard Emma , Brown Jamie , West Robert , Angus Colin , Kaner Eileen , Michie Susan
Published: March 2017

Objectives

This paper compares patterns of smoking and high-risk alcohol use across regions in England, and assesses the impact on these of adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.

Design

Population survey of 53 922 adults in England aged 16+ taking part in the Alcohol and Smoking Toolkit Studies.

Measures

Participants answered questions regarding their socioeconomic status (SES), gender, age, ethnicity, Government Office Region, smoking status and completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). High-risk drinkers were defined as those with a score of 8 or more (7 or more for women) on the AUDIT.

Results

In unadjusted analyses, relative to the South West, those in the North of England were more likely to smoke, while those from the East of England, South East and London were less likely. After adjustment for sociodemographics, smoking prevalence was no higher in North East (RR 0.97, p>0.05), North West (RR 0.98, p>0.05) or Yorkshire and the Humber (RR 1.03, p>0.05) but was less common in the East and West Midlands (RR 0.86, p<0.001; RR 0.91, p<0.05), East of England (RR 0.86, p<0.001), South East (RR 0.92, p<0.05) and London (RR 0.85, p<0.001). High-risk drinking was more common in the North but was less common in the Midlands, London and East of England. Adjustment for sociodemographics had little effect. There was a higher prevalence in the North East (RR 1.67, p<0.001), North West (RR 1.42, p<0.001) and Yorkshire and the Humber (RR 1.35, p<0.001); lower prevalence in the East Midlands (RR 0.69, p<0.001), West Midlands (RR 0.77, p<0.001), East of England (RR 0.72, p<0.001) and London (RR 0.71, p<0.001); and a similar prevalence in the South East (RR 1.10, p>0.05)

Conclusions

In adjusted analyses, smoking and high-risk drinking appear less common in ‘central England’ than in the rest of the country. Regional differences in smoking, but not those in high-risk drinking, appear to be explained to some extent by sociodemographic disparities.
Remifentanil for procedural sedation: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Kisilewicz Magdalena , Rosenberg Hans , Vaillancourt Christian
Published: March 2017

Objective

We sought to determine the performance characteristics of remifentanil as an agent of procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) for adult and paediatric patients undergoing procedures similar to those executed in the ED.

Methods

We systematically reviewed electronically published literature, grey literature, conference proceedings and trial registries from 1946 to 2015. Outcome measures included PSA effectiveness, recovery time, patient safety and resource management. We performed narrative summary analyses. Heterogeneity among selected studies precluded meta-analysis.

Results

We found 1525 citations, reviewed 34 full manuscripts (kappa=0.64) and included 10 studies (kappa=0.71). Seven were randomised controlled trials and three studies took place in the ED. Included procedures were lumbar puncture (80), cardioversion (66), orthopaedic manipulation (63), incision and drainage (15), thoracostomy (8) and nasal packing (2). There was extensive variation in remifentanil dosing (0.15– 1.5 μg/kg), administration protocols and use of additional PSA drugs. All studies noted superior or equivalent sedation effectiveness compared withcontrols. Several studies, including all those performed in the ED, noted faster procedure completion or patient recovery with remifentanil compared with control groups. The most commonly reported adverse event was respiratory depression, especially in paediatric patients. All studies were found to carry significant risk of bias.

Conclusions

There is currently a lack of high-quality data on the use of remifentanil in the ED. Physicians should exert caution when using remifentanil in the absence of published standardised dosing protocols in light of frequently reported paediatric respiratory depression. However, PSA efficacy combined with faster recovery times merit ongoing investigations into its use.
Spatiotemporal index standardization improves the stock assessment of northern shrimp in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Cao Jie , Thorson James T. , Richards R. Anne , Chen Yong
Published: March 2017

Estimated trends in relative stock abundance are a primary input to fish stock assessments. Accurate and precise estimates are essential for successful conservation and management. Scientifically designed data collection ensures that estimates of relative abundance are unbiased. However, the statistical efficiency of a design-based estimator may be low under certain circumstances. We apply a recently developed spatiotemporal model that incorporates habitat variables to estimate a model-based abundance index for northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) in the Gulf of Maine. We contrast this spatiotemporal index with a classical design-based index and evaluate the impacts of differences between the two abundance indices on the stock assessment. We show that using the spatiotemporal index in the assessment model greatly alters the estimates of recruitment and spawning stock biomass and the determination of stock status. Also, incorporating the spatiotemporal index leads to less retrospective bias and outperforms the model with design-based index in terms of predictive performance through a retrospective cross-validation test. Our results suggest that temporal variability of population abundance could be exaggerated by the design-based estimator, and such imprecision may greatly affect the performance of a stock assessment and subsequent development of management decisions.
Multiphase simulation of liquid jet breakup using smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Pourabdian Majid , Omidvar Pourya , Morad Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2017

This paper deals with numerical modeling of two-phase liquid jet breakup using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method. Simulation of multiphase flows involving fluids with a high-density ratio causes large pressure gradients at the interface and subsequently divergence of numerical solutions. A modified procedure extended by Monaghan and Rafiee is employed to stabilize the sharp interface between the fluids. Various test cases such as Rayleigh–Taylor instability, two-phase still water and air bubble rising in water have been conducted, by which the capability of accurately capturing the physics of multiphase flows is verified. The results of these simulations are in a good agreement with analytical and previous numerical solutions. Finally, the simulation of the breakup process of liquid jet into surrounding air is accomplished. The whole numerical solutions are accomplished for both Wendland and cubic spline kernel functions and Wendland kernel function gave more accurate results. Length of liquid breakup in Rayleigh regime is calculated for various flow conditions such as different Reynolds and Weber numbers. The results of breakup length demonstrate in satisfactory agreement with the experimental correlation. Finally, impinging distance and breakup length of a simple multijet setup are analyzed. The two-jet multijet has a longer breakup length than a three-jet one.
A simulator for discrete quantum walks on lattices
Authors: Rodrigues J. , Paunković N. , Mateus P.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we present a simulator for two-particle quantum walks on the line and one-particle on a two-dimensional squared lattice. It can be used to investigate the equivalence between the two cases (one- and two-particle walks) for various boundary conditions (open, circular, reflecting, absorbing and their combinations). For the case of a single walker on a two-dimensional lattice, the simulator can also implement the Möbius strip. Furthermore, other topologies for the walker are also simulated by the proposed tool, like certain types of planar graphs with degree up to 4, by considering missing links over the lattice. The main purpose of the simulator is to study the genuinely quantum effects on the global properties of the two-particle joint probability distribution on the entanglement between the walkers/axis. For that purpose, the simulator is designed to compute various quantities such as: the entanglement and classical correlations, (classical and quantum) mutual information, the average distance between the two walkers, different hitting times and quantum discord. These quantities are of vital importance in designing possible algorithmic applications of quantum walks, namely in search, 3-SAT problems, etc. The simulator can also implement the static partial measurements of particle(s) positions and dynamic breaking of the links between certain nodes, both of which can be used to investigate the effects of decoherence on the walker(s). Finally, the simulator can be used to investigate the dynamic Anderson-like particle localization by varying the coin operators of certain nodes on the line/lattice. We also present some illustrative and relevant examples of one- and two-particle quantum walks in various scenarios. The tool was implemented in C and is available on-line at http://qwsim.weebly.com/ .
Some characteristics of supernetworks based on unified hybrid network theory framework
Authors: Liu Qiang , Fang Jin-Qing , Li Yong
Published: March 2017

Comparing with single complex networks, supernetworks are more close to the real world in some ways, and have become the newest research hot spot in the network science recently. Some progresses have been made in the research of supernetworks, but the theoretical research method and complex network characteristics of supernetwork models are still needed to further explore. In this paper, we propose three kinds of supernetwork models with three layers based on the unified hybrid network theory framework (UHNTF), and introduce preferential and random linking, respectively, between the upper and lower layers. Then we compared the topological characteristics of the single networks with the supernetwork models. In order to analyze the influence of the interlayer edges on network characteristics, the cross-degree is defined as a new important parameter. Then some interesting new phenomena are found, the results imply this supernetwork model has reference value and application potential.
Model-Based Adaptive Transmission Power Control (MATPoC) for Wireless Sensor Networks in Fading Environment
Authors: Mirza Muhammad-Yasir M. , Ahmed Ghufran , Khan Noor M.
Published: March 2017

Transmission power control is the strategy in which a sensor node transmits at a lowest possible power level to maintain an error-free transmission being in dynamic multi-path fading environment, ensuring energy efficiency and interference minimization. In this paper, we propose a novel technique for power control while considering a realistic radio fading environment. The proposed technique is based on Kalman filter that iteratively estimates and predicts the upcoming received radio signal strength indicator (RSSI) values. Theoretical analysis and simulation results are given that show the better performance of the proposed methodology in comparison to existing power control strategies in time-varying fading propagation environment.
Customized Placement Algorithm of Nanoscale DNA Logic Circuits
Authors: Farhadtoosky Sedigheh , Jahanian Ali
Published: March 2017

DNA computation is an emerging technology to perform complex information processing at the nanoscale era. Molecular programming with localized DNA hybridization is a systematic, parallel and scalable approach for DNA computation. Considerable methods are developed for the design of Localized DNA circuits. Due to significant theoretical and technological difference between this technology and conventional electronic system, a customized design flow for this technology is a real requirement. We proposed a customized DNA cell placement algorithm for localized DNA hybridization technology in this paper. The main objectives in the proposed placement algorithm are minimizing the die footprint and total signal propagation path. Our implementations and simulations show the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed placement algorithm.