bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of biofilm production and its association with genetic and phenotypic characteristics of OM (osteomyelitis) and non-OM orthopedic Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yu Shengpeng , Jiang Bei , Jia Chao , Wu Hongri , Shen Jie , Hu Xiaomei , Xie Zhao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Staphylococcus aureus is a primary pathogen of orthopedic infections. By mediating antimicrobial resistance, S. aureus biofilm plays an important role in the recalcitrance of orthopedic infections, especially for the intractable osteomyelitis (OM). This study investigated the relationship between biofilm production and various genetic or phenotypic characteristics among orthopedic S. aureus strains.

Methods
A total of 137 orthopedic S. aureus isolates were enrolled and divided into OM and non-OM groups. Biofilm production was evaluated using the crystal violet assay. Genetic and phenotypic characteristics including MRSA identification, MLST and spa typing, carriage of virulence genes, drug resistance, and patients’ inflammatory responses indicators were characterized. The relationship between biofilm production and above-mentioned features was respectively analyzed among all isolates and compared between OM and non-OM isolates.

Results
Biofilm production presented no significant difference between OM (including 9 MRSA isolates) and non-OM (including 21 MRSA isolates) strains. We found that ST88, t377 and ST630-MSSA-t377 strains produced very strong biofilms, while MLST types of ST15, ST25, ST398, ST5, ST59 and spa types of t002, t2325, t437 tended to produce weaker biofilms. Strains with the following profiles produced stronger biofilms: fib(+)-hlgv(+)-lukED(+)-sei(-)-sem(-)-seo(-) for all isolates, sei(-)-sem(-)-seo(-) for OM isolates, and cna (+)-fib (+)-hlgv (+)-lukED (+)-seb(-)-sed(-) for non-OM isolates. In addition, not any single drug resistance was found to be related to biofilm production. We also observed that, among OM patients, strains with stronger biofilms caused weaker inflammatory responses.

Conclusion
Some genetic or phenotypic characteristics of orthopedic strains were associated with biofilm production, and this association could be different among OM and non-OM strains. The results are of great significance for better understanding, evaluating and managing different kinds of biofilm-associated orthopedic infections, and provide potential targets for biofilm clearance.
A mixed methods examination of knowledge brokers and their use of theoretical frameworks and evaluative practices
Authors: Newman Kristine , DeForge Ryan , Van Eerd Dwayne , Mok Yan Wei , Cornelissen Evelyn 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Knowledge brokering is a knowledge translation approach that includes making connections between researchers and decision-makers to facilitate the latter’s use of evidence in health promotion and the provision of healthcare. Despite knowledge brokering being well-established in Canada, many knowledge gaps exist, including understanding what theoretical frameworks have been developed and which evaluative practices knowledge brokers (KBs) use.

Methods
This study used a mixed methods design to examine how KBs in Canada (1) use frameworks, models and theories in their practice and (2) how they evaluate knowledge brokering interventions. We gathered interview and survey data from KB practitioners to better understand their perspectives on effective practices. Our analysis focused on understanding the theoretical frameworks used by KBs.

Results
This study demonstrates that KBs in Canada tend not to rely on theories or models that are specific to knowledge brokering. Rather, study participants/respondents draw on (sometimes multiple) theories and models that are fundamental to the broader field of knowledge translation – in particular, the Knowledge to Action model and the Promoting Action Research in Health Sciences framework. In evaluating the impact of their own knowledge brokering practice, participants/respondents use a wide variety of mechanisms. Evaluation was often seen as less important than supporting knowledge users and/or paying clients in accessing and utilising evidence.

Conclusions
Knowledge brokering as a form of knowledge translation continues to expand, but the impact on its targeted knowledge users has yet to be clearly established. The quality of engagement between KBs and their clients might increase – the knowledge brokering can be more impactful – if KBs made efforts to describe, understand and evaluate their activities using theories or models specific to KB.
Unleashing the immune response to NY-ESO-1 cancer testis antigen as a potential target for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Raza Afsheen , Merhi Maysaloun , Inchakalody Varghese Philipose , Krishnankutty Roopesh , Relecom Allan , Uddin Shahab , Dermime Said 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Cancer Immunotherapy has recently emerged as a promising and effective modality to treat different malignancies. Antigenic profiling of cancer tissues and determination of any pre-existing immune responses to cancer antigens may help predict responses to immune intervention in cancer. NY-ESO-1, a cancer testis antigen is the most immunogenic antigen to date. The promise of NY-ESO-1 as a candidate for specific immune recognition of cancer comes from its restricted expression in normal adult tissue but frequent occurrence in multiple tumors including melanoma and carcinomas of lung, esophageal, liver, gastric, prostrate, ovarian, and bladder.

Main body
This review summarizes current knowledge of NY-ESO-1 as efficient biomarker and target of immunotherapy. It also addresses limitations and challenges preventing a robust immune response to NY-ESO-1 expressing cancers, and describes pre-clinical and clinical observations relevant to NY-ESO-1 immunity, holding potential therapeutic relevance for cancer treatment.

Conclusion
NY-ESO-1 induces strong immune responses in cancer patients but has limited objective clinical responses to NY-ESO-1 expressing tumors due to effect of competitive negative signaling from immune-checkpoints and immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. We propose that combination therapy to increase the efficacy of NY-ESO-1 specific immunotherapeutic interventions should be explored to unleash the immune response against NY-ESO-1 expressing tumors.
Mutant Huntingtin affects toll-like receptor 4 intracellular trafficking and cytokine production in mast cells
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez Marian Jesabel , Ibarra-Sánchez Alfredo , Román-Figueroa Abraham , Pérez-Severiano Francisca , González-Espinosa Claudia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundHuntington’s disease (HD) is caused by the expression of a mutated variant of Huntingtin (mHtt), which results in the complex pathology characterized by a defective function of the nervous system and altered inflammatory responses. While the neuronal effects of mHtt expression have been extensively studied, its effects on the physiology of immune cells have not been fully described. Mast cells (MCs) are unique tissue-resident immune cells whose activation has been linked to protective responses against parasites and bacteria, but also to deleterious inflammatory allergic reactions and, recently, to neurodegenerative diseases.MethodsBone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were obtained from wild-type (WT-) and mHtt-expressing (R6/1) mice to evaluate the main activation parameters triggered by the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) and the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4. Degranulation was assessed by measuring the secretion of β-hexosaminidase, MAP kinase activation was detected by Western blot, and cytokine production was determined by RT-PCR and ELISA. TLR-4 receptor and Htt vesicular trafficking was analyzed by confocal microscopy. In vivo, MC-deficient mice (c-KitWsh/Wsh) were intraperitonally reconstituted with WT or R6/1 BMMCs and the TLR4-induced production of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was determined by ELISA. A survival curve of mice treated with a sub-lethal dose of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was constructed.ResultsR6/1 BMMCs showed normal β-hexosaminidase release levels in response to FcεRI, but lower cytokine production upon LPS stimulus. Impaired TLR4-induced TNF production was associated to the lack of intracellular dynamin-dependent TLR-4 receptor trafficking to perinuclear regions in BMMCs, a diminished ERK1/2 and ELK-1 phosphorylation, and a decrease inc-fosand TNF mRNA accumulation. R6/1 BMMCs also failed to produce TLR4-induced anti-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-10 and TGF-β). The detected defects were also observed in vivo, in a MCs-dependent model of endotoxemia. R6/1 andc-KitWsh/Wshmice reconstituted with R6/1 BMMCs showed a decreased TLR4-induced TNF production and lower survival rates to LPS challenge than WT mice.ConclusionsOur data show that mHtt expression causes an impaired production of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators triggered by TLR-4 receptor in MCs in vitro and in vivo, which could contribute to the aberrant immunophenotype observed in HD.
Factors associated with the development of septic shock in patients with candidemia: a post hoc analysis from two prospective cohorts
Authors: Bassetti Matteo , Vena Antonio , Meroi Marco , Cardozo Celia , Cuervo Guillermo , Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Salavert Miguel , Merino Paloma , Gioia Francesca , Fernández-Ruiz Mario , López-Cortés Luis Eduardo , Almirante Benito , Escolà-Vergé Laura , Montejo Miguel , Aguilar-Guisado Manuela , Puerta-Alcalde Pedro , Tasias Mariona , Ruiz-Gaitán Alba , González Fernando , Puig-Asensio Mireia , Marco Francesc , Pemán Javier , Fortún Jesus , Aguado Jose Maria , Soriano Alejandro , Carratalá Jordi , Garcia-Vidal Carolina , Valerio Maricela , Sartor Assunta , Bouza Emilio , Muñoz Patricia 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Almost one third of the patients with candidemia develop septic shock. The understanding why some patients do and others do not develop septic shock is very limited. The objective of this study was to identify variables associated with septic shock development in a large population of patients with candidemia.

Methods
A post hoc analysis was performed on two prospective, multicenter cohort of patients with candidemia from 12 hospitals in Spain and Italy. All episodes occurring from September 2016 to February 2018 were analyzed to assess variables associated with septic shock development defined according to The Third International Consensus Definition for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3).

Results
Of 317 candidemic patients, 99 (31.2%) presented septic shock attributable to candidemia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identifies the following factors associated with septic shock development: age > 50 years (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.03–6.41, p = 0.04), abdominal source of the infection (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.04–4.55, p = 0.04), and admission to a general ward at the time of candidemia onset (OR 0.21, 95% CI, 0.12–0.44, p = 0.001). Septic shock development was independently associated with a greater risk of 30-day mortality (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.08–4.24, p = 0.02).

Conclusions
Age and abdominal source of the infection are the most important factors significantly associated with the development of septic shock in patients with candidemia. Our findings suggest that host factors and source of the infection may be more important for development of septic shock than intrinsic virulence factors of organisms.
Modeling ethanol production through gas fermentation: a biothermodynamics and mass transfer-based hybrid model for microbial growth in a large-scale bubble column bioreactor
Authors: Almeida Benalcázar Eduardo , Noorman Henk , Maciel Filho Rubens , Posada John A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Ethanol production through fermentation of gas mixtures containing CO, CO2 and H2 has just started operating at commercial scale. However, quantitative schemes for understanding and predicting productivities, yields, mass transfer rates, gas flow profiles and detailed energy requirements have been lacking in literature; such are invaluable tools for process improvements and better systems design. The present study describes the construction of a hybrid model for simulating ethanol production inside a 700 m3 bubble column bioreactor fed with gas of two possible compositions, i.e., pure CO and a 3:1 mixture of H2 and CO2.

Results
Estimations made using the thermodynamics-based black-box model of microbial reactions on substrate threshold concentrations, biomass yields, as well as CO and H2 maximum specific uptake rates agreed reasonably well with data and observations reported in literature. According to the bioreactor simulation, there is a strong dependency of process performance on mass transfer rates. When mass transfer coefficients were estimated using a model developed from oxygen transfer to water, ethanol productivity reached 5.1 g L−1 h−1; when the H2/CO2 mixture is fed to the bioreactor, productivity of CO fermentation was 19% lower. Gas utilization reached 23 and 17% for H2/CO2 and CO fermentations, respectively. If mass transfer coefficients were 100% higher than those estimated, ethanol productivity and gas utilization may reach 9.4 g L−1 h−1 and 38% when feeding the H2/CO2 mixture at the same process conditions. The largest energetic requirements for a complete manufacturing plant were identified for gas compression and ethanol distillation, being higher for CO fermentation due to the production of CO2.

Conclusions
The thermodynamics-based black-box model of microbial reactions may be used to quantitatively assess and consolidate the diversity of reported data on CO, CO2 and H2 threshold concentrations, biomass yields, maximum substrate uptake rates, and half-saturation constants for CO and H2 for syngas fermentations by acetogenic bacteria. The maximization of ethanol productivity in the bioreactor may come with a cost: low gas utilization. Exploiting the model flexibility, multi-objective optimizations of bioreactor performance might reveal how process conditions and configurations could be adjusted to guide further process development.
Resolvin D1 suppresses pannus formation via decreasing connective tissue growth factor caused by upregulation of miRNA-146a-5p in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Ma Jinglan , Zhao Han , Xiao Chipeng , Zhong Hao , Ling Hanzhi , Xie Zhen , Tian Qingqing , Chen Huaijun , Zhang Tingting , Chen Mu , Jin Shengwei , Wang Jianguang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and joint stiffness, finally leading to tissue destruction. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a critical factor in RA progression, which promotes fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) proliferation, pannus formation, and the damage of cartilage as well as bone. Resolvin D1 (RvD1) can promote inflammation resolution in acute inflammatory diseases, and recently, effects of RvD1 on chronic inflammatory diseases also attracted attention. This study aimed to examine the effect of RvD1 on pannus formation in RA and the underlying mechanism.

Methods
Serum levels of RvD1 and CTGF were determined in RA patients and healthy persons by UPLC-MS/MS and ELISA respectively. The levels of CTGF and inflammatory factors were assessed by qRT-PCR and ELISA. MicroRNA expression profile was determined by miRNA microarray. The effects of CTGF, RvD1, and miR-146a-5p on angiogenesis were evaluated with tube formation and chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice were constructed to detect the effects of RvD1 and miR146a-5p on RA. STAT3 activation was determined by Western blotting.

Results
RvD1 levels decreased while CTGF levels increased in RA patients’ serum, and an inverse correlation of the concentrations of RvD1 and CTGF in the serum of RA patients was synchronously observed. In CIA mice, RvD1 suppressed angiopoiesis and decreased the expression of CTGF. Simultaneously, RvD1 significantly decreased CTGF and pro-inflammation cytokines levels in RA FLS. Furthermore, CTGF suppressed angiopoiesis and RvD1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of RA FLS and angiopoiesis. MiRNA microarray and qRT-PCR results showed that RvD1 upregulated miRNA-146a-5p. The transfection experiments demonstrated that miRNA-146a-5p could decrease inflammatory factors and CTGF levels. Moreover, miRNA-146a-5p decreased the proliferation of FLS and angiogenesis in vivo. MiRNA-146a-5p also suppressed angiogenesis and downregulated the expression of CTGF in CIA mice. Finally, Western blot results revealed that miRNA-146a-5p inhibited the activation of STAT3.

Conclusion
RvD1 is prone to alleviate RA progression through the upregulation of miRNA-146a-5p to suppress the expression of CTGF and inflammatory mediators, thereby decreasing pannus formation and cartilage damage.
Beneficial association of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins on the occurrence of possible Alzheimer’s disease after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Li Mingfei , Reisman Joel , Morris-Eppolito Benjamin , Qian Shirley X. , Kazis Lewis E. , Wolozin Benjamin , Goldstein Lee E. , Xia Weiming 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Pathological analysis of brain tissue from animals and humans with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) suggests that TBI could be one of the risk factors facilitating onset of dementia with possible Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but medications to prevent or delay AD onset are not yet available.

Methods
This study explores four medication classes (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), beta blockers, metformin, and statins) approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for other indications and evaluates their influence when used in combination on the risk of possible AD development for patients with a history of TBI. We identified patients with history of TBI from an existing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national database. Among 1,660,151 veterans who used VA services between the ages of 50 to 89 years old, we analyzed 733,920 patients, including 15,450 patients with a history of TBI and 718,470 non-TBI patients. The TBI patients were followed for up to 18.5 years, with an average of 7.7 ± 4.7 years, and onset of dementia with possible AD was recorded based on International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9 or 10 codes. The effect of TBI on possible AD development was evaluated by multivariable logistic regression models adjusted by age, gender, race, and other comorbidities. The association of ACEI, beta blockers, metformin, statins, and combinations of these agents over time from the first occurrence of TBI to possible AD onset was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for demographics and comorbidities.

Results
Veterans with at least two TBI occurrences by claims data were 25% (odds ratio (OR) = 1.25, 95% confidence intervals (CI) (1.13, 1.37)) more likely to develop dementia with possible AD, compared to those with no record of TBI. In multivariable logistic regression models (propensity score weighted or adjusted), veterans taking a combination of ACEI and statins had reduced risk in developing possible AD after suffering TBI, and use of this medication class combination was associated with a longer period between TBI occurring and dementia with possible AD onset, compared to patients who took statins alone or did not take any of the four target drugs after TBI.

Conclusions
The combination of ACEI and statins significantly lowered the risk of development of dementia with possible AD in a national cohort of people with a history of TBI, thus supporting a clinical approach to lowering the risk of dementia with possible AD.
Combined ANN/EVOP Factorial Design Approach for Media Screening for Cost-effective Production of Alkaline Proteases from Rhizopus oryzae (SN5)/NCIM-1447 under SSF
Authors: Negi Sangeeta , Jain Sapna , Raj Anand 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn order to achieve high yield of fungal protease in a very cost effective way and to meet its increased market demand, current study deals with the screening of various agro-wastes as carbon source for the production of protease from Rhizopus oryzae (SN5)/NCIM-1447 under solid state fermentation. Substrates and culture parameters such as wheat bran, soybean meal, black-gram husk, rice husk, mixture of wheat bran, soybean meal, nitrogen sources, pH, temperature and incubation time were first optimized with one factor at time strategy and then EVOP factorial and yield of alkaline protease was achieved 412.8 U/gds at 28 °C and pH = 6 after 72 h of fermentation taking wheat bran and soybean as a substrate in 4:1 ratio. Further artificial neural networks (ANN), was trained with data of EVOP and yield of protease was enhanced up to 422.6 U/gds with wheat bran: soyabean in ratio of 70:30, pH 6.2 at 30 °C. The evolved process and Rhizopus oryzae (SN5)/NCIM-1447 strain would be promising for protease production at industrial scale at low cost.
Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) and Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) crossbreeding husbandry practices in Turkey and Kazakhstan: An in-depth review
Authors: Dioli Maurizio 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHybridization between dromedaries and Bactrian camels has been carried out since ancient times in various areas of the Middle East and Central Asia. The primary force behind such practice was to obtain a better pack camel for trade caravans and military interventions. Today, camel hybridization is carried out systematically in only two areas: Turkey and Kazakhstan. In Turkey, camel cross-breeding is mainly done to obtain large animals for the annual camel wrestling competitions, while in Kazakhstan, cross-breeding is done to obtain camels that are more productive and better able to resist the harsh climate of Central Asia.
The role of camel production on household resilience to droughts in pastoral and agro-pastoral households in Uganda
Authors: Asiimwe Robert , Ainembabazi John Herbert , Egeru Anthony , Isoto Rosemary , Aleper Daniel Knox , Namaalwa Justine , Diiro Gracious M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRecurrent and prolonged droughts have exacerbated the problems of pasture and water scarcity in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), hence, the need for immediate and long-term adaption strategies to such shocks. Camels are increasingly being integrated into mainstream livestock production systems as an adaptation strategy to droughts. However, rigorous empirical evidence remains scarce on the role of camel-rearing in household resilience to droughts. This study used cross-sectional data from 116 households in the Karamoja sub-region of Uganda to examine the effect of camel adoption on household resilience to drought. Resilience to drought was measured as an index constructed from consumption- and income-smoothing indicators using the principal component analysis (PCA) method. The effect of camel adoption on household resilience to droughts was estimated using Lewbel’s estimator. Descriptive statistics show that camel tropical livestock units (TLUs) constituted 25% of the total TLUs of the herd among adopting households. PCA analysis shows that income-smoothing factors (increased off-farm income and alternative sources of income) had the greatest contribution to resilience. Econometric results show that a unit increase in the proportion of camel TLUs significantly increased household resilience to droughts by 20%. The study recommends increased emphasis on income diversification both on-farm and off-farm across programmes that aim to build pastoral household resilience to droughts.