bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An aptasensor for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis secreted immunogenic protein MPT64 in clinical samples towards tuberculosis detection
Authors: Sypabekova Marzhan , Dukenbayev Kanat , Tsepke Anna , Akisheva Akmaral , Oralbayev Nurlan , Kanayeva Damira 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis work presents experimental results on detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis secreted protein MPT64 using an interdigitated electrode (IDE) which acts as a platform for capturing an immunogenic protein and an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as a detection technique. The assay involves a special receptor, single stranded DNA (ssDNA) aptamer, which specifically recognizes MPT64 protein. The ssDNA immobilization on IDE was based on a co-adsorbent immobilization at an optimized ratio of a 1/100 HS-(CH6)6-OP(O)2O-(CH2CH2O)6-5′-TTTTT-aptamer-3′/6-mercaptohexanol. The optimal sample incubation time required for a signal generation on an aptamer modified IDE was found to be at a range of 15–20 min. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) results confirmed a possible formation of an aptamer - MPT64 complex with a 20 nm roughness on the IDE surface vs. 4.5 nm roughness for the IDE modified with the aptamer only. A limit of detection for the EIS aptasensor based on an IDE for the detection of MPT64 in measurement buffer was 4.1 fM. The developed EIS aptasensor was evaluated on both serum and sputum clinical samples from the same TB (−) and TB (+) patients having a specificity and sensitivity for the sputum sample analysis 100% and 76.47%, respectively, and for the serum sample analysis 100% and 88.24%, respectively. The developed aptasensor presents a sensitive method for the TB diagnosis with the fast detection time.
Changes of urine metabolite profiles are induced by inactivated influenza vaccine inoculations in mice
Authors: Sasaki Eita , Kusunoki Hideki , Momose Haruka , Furuhata Keiko , Hosoda Kazuo , Wakamatsu Kaori , Mizukami Takuo , Hamaguchi Isao 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe safety evaluation of vaccines is critical to avoid the development of side effects in humans. To increase the sensitivity of detection for toxicity tests, it is important to capture not only pathological changes but also physiological changes. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis of biofluids produces profiles that show characteristic responses to changes in physiological status. In this study, mouse urine metabolomics analysis with 1H NMR was performed using different influenza vaccines of varying toxicity to assess the usefulness of 1H NMR in evaluating vaccine toxicity. Two types of influenza vaccines were used as model vaccines: a toxicity reference vaccine (RE) and a hemagglutinin split vaccine. According to the blood biochemical analyses, the plasma alanine transaminase levels were increased in RE-treated mice. Changes in metabolite levels between mice administered different types of influenza vaccines were observed in the 1H NMR spectra of urine, and a tendency toward dosage-dependent responses for some spectra was observed. Hierarchical clustering analyses and principal component analyses showed that the changes in various urine metabolite levels allowed for the classification of different types of vaccines. Among them, two liver-derived metabolites were shown to largely contribute to the formation of the cluster. These results demonstrate the possibility that urine metabolomics analysis could provide information about vaccine-induced toxicity and physiological changes.
Microbiota potentialized larvicidal action of imidazolium salts against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Pilz-Junior Harry Luiz , de Lemos Alessandra Bittencourt , de Almeida Kauana Nunes , Corção Gertrudes , Schrekker Henri Stephan , Silva Carlos Eugenio , da Silva Onilda Santos 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMosquitoes are important vectors of pathogens due to their blood feeding behavior. Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) transmits arboviruses, such as dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. This species carries several bacteria that may be beneficial for its biological and physiological development. Therefore, studying the response of its microbiota to chemical products could result in vector control. Recently, imidazolium salts (IS) were identified as effective Ae. aegypti larvicides. Considering the importance of the mosquito microbiota, this study addressed the influence of IS on the bacteria of Ae. aegypti larvae. After exposition of larvae to different IS concentrations, the cultured microbiota was identified through culturomics and mass spectrometry, and the non-cultivated microbiota was characterized by molecular markers. In addition, the influence of the IS on axenic larvae was studied for comparison. There was an alteration in both cultivable species and in their diversity, including modifications in bacterial communities. The axenic larvae were less susceptible to the IS, which was increased after exposing these larvae to bacteria of laboratory breeding water. This highlights the importance of understanding the role of the larval microbiota of Ae. aegypti in the development of imidazolium salt-based larvicides. Such effect of IS towards microbiota of Ae. aegypti larvae, through their antimicrobial action, increases their larvicidal potential.
Anthropogenic pressures drive population genetic structuring across a Critically Endangered lemur species range
Authors: Baden Andrea L. , Mancini Amanda N. , Federman Sarah , Holmes Sheila M. , Johnson Steig E. , Kamilar Jason , Louis Edward E. , Bradley Brenda J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn recent decades Madagascar has experienced significant habitat loss and modification, with minimal understanding of how human land use practices have impacted the evolution of its flora and fauna. In light of ongoing and intensifying anthropogenic pressures, we seek new insight into mechanisms driving genetic variability on this island, using a Critically Endangered lemur species, the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata), as a test case. Here, we examine the relative influence of natural and anthropogenic landscape features that we predict will impose barriers to dispersal and promote genetic structuring across the species range. Using circuit theory, we model functional connectivity among 18 sampling localities using population-based genetic distance (FST). We optimized resistance surfaces using genetic algorithms and assessed their performance using maximum-likelihood population-effects mixed models. The best supported resistance model was a composite surface that included two anthropogenic features, habitat cover and distance to villages, suggesting that rapid land cover modification by humans has driven change in the genetic structure of wild lemurs. Primary conservation priority should be placed on mitigating further forest loss and connecting regions identified as having low dispersal potential to prevent further loss of genetic diversity and promote the survival of other moist forest specialists.
The hepcidin concentration decreases in hypothyroid patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis following restoration of euthyroidism
Authors: Hernik Aleksandra , Szczepanek-Parulska Ewelina , Filipowicz Dorota , Abdolall Ali , Borowczyk Martyna , Wrotkowska Elżbieta , Czarnywojtek Agata , Krasiński Zbigniew , Ruchała Marek 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to measure the hepcidin concentration and evaluate Fe homeostasis indices in a prospective study on patients with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism in the course of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and following successful therapy. The prospective observational study consisted of 34 patients. The clinical evaluation and laboratory tests were performed at diagnosis (T0) and after restoration of euthyreosis 12 weeks later (T1). The median level of hepcidin was significantly lower (p = 0.002) after recovery (7.7 [6.2–13.0] ng/mL) than that before treatment (17.4 [7.6–20.4] ng/mL), while creatinine (p = 0.011) and GFR (p < 0.001) significantly improved after euthyroidism was achieved. A positive correlation was observed between hepcidin and fT3 (p = 0.033, r = 0.465) at T0. In the females, the level of hepcidin positively correlated with ferritin concentration before (p < 0.001, r = 0.928) and after treatment (p < 0.001, r = 0.835). A statistically significant difference was observed in RDW-CV (red blood cell distribution width - coefficient of variation) between the hypothyroid and euthyroid states. In conclusion, a decrease in hepcidin concentration during the transition from the hypothyroid state to euthyroidism in patients with HT is associated with the observed dynamics in iron homeostasis, mainly reflected by improvement in RDW-CV and significant correlations between ferritin and hepcidin as well as between hepcidin and fT3.
No influence of eye gaze on emotional face processing in the absence of conscious awareness
Authors: Caruana Nathan , Inkley Christine , Zein Marwa El , Seymour Kiley 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe human brain has evolved specialised mechanisms to enable the rapid detection of threat cues, including emotional face expressions (e.g., fear and anger). However, contextual cues – such as gaze direction – influence the ability to recognise emotional expressions. For instance, anger paired with direct gaze, and fear paired with averted gaze are more accurately recognised compared to alternate conjunctions of these features. It is argued that this is because gaze direction conveys the relevance and locus of the threat to the observer. Here, we used continuous flash suppression (CFS) to assess whether the modulatory effect of gaze direction on emotional face processing occurs outside of conscious awareness. Previous research using CFS has demonstrated that fearful facial expressions are prioritised by the visual system and gain privileged access to awareness over other expressed emotions. We hypothesised that if the modulatory effects of gaze on emotional face processing occur also at this level, then the gaze-emotion conjunctions signalling self-relevant threat will reach awareness faster than those that do not. We report that fearful faces gain privileged access to awareness over angry faces, but that gaze direction does not modulate this effect. Thus, our findings suggest that previously reported effects of gaze direction on emotional face processing are likely to occur once the face is detected, where the self-relevance and locus of the threat can be consciously appraised.
Mechanistic insights into autocrine and paracrine roles of endothelial GABA signaling in the embryonic forebrain
Authors: Choi Yong Kee , Vasudevan Anju 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe developing cerebral cortex uses a complex developmental plan involving angiogenesis, neurogenesis and neuronal migration. Our recent studies have highlighted the importance of endothelial cell secreted GABA signaling in the embryonic forebrain and established novel autonomous links between blood vessels and the origin of neuropsychiatric diseases. A GABA pathway operates in both endothelial cells and GABAergic neurons of the embryonic telencephalon; however, while the neuronal GABA pathway has been extensively studied, little is known about the endothelial GABA pathway. Our recently generated Vgat endothelial cell knockout mouse model that blocks GABA release from endothelial cells, serves as a new tool to study how endothelial GABA signaling shapes angiogenesis and neurovascular interactions during prenatal development. Quantitative gene expression profiling reveals that the endothelial GABA signaling pathway influences genes connected to specific processes like endothelial cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, tight junction formation, vascular sprouting and integrity. It also shows how components of the neuronal GABA pathway, for instance receptor mediated signaling, cell cycle related components and transcription factors are affected in the absence of endothelial GABA release. Taken together, our findings delineate the close relationship between vascular and nervous systems that begin early in embryogenesis establishing their future interactions and interdependence.
Systemic and Ocular Determinants of Choroidal Structures on Optical Coherence Tomography of Eyes with Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Kinoshita Takamasa , Imaizumi Hiroko , Shimizu Miho , Mori Junya , Hatanaka Akira , Aoki Shuichiro , Miyamoto Hirotomo , Iwasaki Masanori , Murao Fumiko , Niki Masanori , Sano Hiroki , Sonoda Shozo , Sakamoto Taiji , Mitamura Yoshinori 
Published: November 2019

AbstractKnowledgeof the choroidal structures in eyes with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (DR) should provide information on the pathogenesis of DR. A prospective study was performed to determine the systemic and ocular factors that affect the choroidal structures in eyes with diabetes. Two-hundred consecutive diabetic subjects consisted of 160 treatment-naïve patients with different stages of DR and 40 patients with proliferative DR with prior panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). All underwent blood and urine tests and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). The cross-sectional EDI-OCT images of the subfoveal choroid were binarized to measure the total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area, and stromal area. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine the systemic and ocular factors that were significantly correlated with the choroidal structures. The subfoveal choroidal thickness, TCA, luminal area, and stromal area were larger at more advanced stage of DR, and smaller in eyes with PRP than those without (P < 0.001). The TCA and stromal area were significantly and positively correlated with the degree of albuminuria (P = 0.034, P = 0.025, respectively). The choroidal lumen and stroma may increase as the stages of DR progress and decrease after PRP. Albuminuria may be associated with the choroidal stromal edema.
MiR-146a is over-expressed and controls IL-6 production in cystic fibrosis macrophages
Authors: Luly Francesco R. , Lévêque Manuella , Licursi Valerio , Cimino Giuseppe , Martin-Chouly Corinne , Théret Nathalie , Negri Rodolfo , Cavinato Luca , Ascenzioni Fiorentina , Del Porto Paola 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that is characterised by susceptibility to bacterial infections and chronic lung inflammation. Recently, it was suggested that macrophages contribute to impaired host defence and excessive inflammatory responses in CF. Indeed, dysfunction attributed to CF macrophages includes decreased bacterial killing and exaggerated inflammatory responses. However, the mechanisms behind such defects have only been partially defined. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of several macrophage functions, including their activation, differentiation and polarisation. The goal of this study was to investigate whether miRNA dysregulation underlies the functional abnormalities of CF macrophages. MiRNA profiling of macrophages was performed, with 22 miRNAs identified as differentially expressed between CF and non-CF individuals. Among these, miR-146a was associated with significant enrichment of validated target genes involved in responses to microorganisms and inflammation. As miR-146a dysregulation has been reported in several human inflammatory diseases, we analysed the impact of increased miR-146a expression on inflammatory responses of CF macrophages. These data show that inhibition of miR-146a in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated CF macrophages results in increased interleukin-6 production, which suggests that miR-146a overexpression in CF is functional, to restrict inflammatory responses.
Tailoring the surface area and the acid–base properties of ZrO2 for biodiesel production from Nannochloropsis sp.
Authors: Rahman Nurul Jannah Abd , Ramli Anita , Jumbri Khairulazhar , Uemura Yoshimitsu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBifunctional heterogeneous catalysts have a great potential to overcome the shortcomings of homogeneous and enzymatic catalysts and simplify the biodiesel production processes using low-grade, high-free-fatty-acid feedstock. In this study, we developed ZrO2-based bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts for simultaneous esterification and transesterification of microalgae to biodiesel. To avoid the disadvantage of the low surface area of ZrO2, the catalysts were prepared via a surfactant-assisted sol-gel method, followed by hydrothermal treatments. The response surface methodology central composite design was employed to investigate various factors, like the surfactant/Zr molar ratio, pH, aging time, and temperature on the ZrO2 surface area. The data were statistically analyzed to predict the optimal combination of factors, and further experiments were conducted for verification. Bi2O3 was supported on ZrO2 via the incipient wetness impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by a variety of techniques, which disclosed that the surfactant-assisted ZrO2 nanoparticles possess higher surface area, better acid–base properties, and well-formed pore structures than bare ZrO2. The highest yield of fatty acid methyl esters (73.21%) was achieved using Bi2O3/ZrO2(CTAB), and the catalytic activity of the developed catalysts was linearly correlated with the total densities of the acidic and basic sites. The mechanism of the simultaneous reactions was also discussed.
Interface polarization model for a 2-dimensional electron gas at the BaSnO3/LaInO3 interface
Authors: Kim Young Mo , Markurt T. , Kim Youjung , Zupancic M. , Shin Juyeon , Albrecht M. , Char Kookrin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn order to explain the experimental sheet carrier density n2D at the interface of BaSnO3/LaInO3, we consider a model that is based on the presence of interface polarization in LaInO3 which extends over 2 pseudocubic unit cells from the interface and eventually disappears in the next 2 unit cells. Considering such interface polarization in calculations based on 1D Poisson-Schrödinger equations, we consistently explain the dependence of the sheet carrier density of BaSnO3/LaInO3 heterinterfaces on the thickness of the LaInO3 layer and the La doping of the BaSnO3 layer. Our model is supported by a quantitative analysis of atomic position obtained from high resolution transmission electron microscopy which evidences suppression of the octahedral tilt and a vertical lattice expansion in LaInO3 over 2–3 pseudocubic unit cells at the coherently strained interface.
Biochemical characterization and chemical validation of Leishmania MAP Kinase-3 as a potential drug target
Authors: Raj Shweta , Saha Gundappa , Sasidharan Santanu , Dubey Vikash Kumar , Saudagar Prakash 
Published: November 2019

AbstractProtozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus have evolved unique signaling pathways that can sense various environmental changes and trigger stage differentiation for survival and host infectivity. MAP kinase (MAPK) plays a critical role in various cellular activities like cell differentiation, proliferation, stress regulation, and apoptosis. The Leishmania donovani MAPK3 (LdMAPK3) is involved in the regulation of flagella length and hence plays an important role in disease transmission. Here, we reported the gene cloning, protein expression, biochemical characterizations, inhibition studies and cell proliferation assay of LdMAPK3. The recombinant purified LdMAPK3 enzyme obeys the Michaelis-Menten equation with Km and Vmax of LdMAPK3 was found to be 20.23 nM and 38.77 ± 0.71 nmoles ATP consumed/mg LdMAPK3/min respectively. The maximum kinase activity of LdMAPK3 was recorded at 35 °C and pH 7. The in-vitro inhibition studies with two natural inhibitors genistein (GEN) and chrysin (CHY) was evaluated against LdMAPK3. The Ki value for GEN and CHY were found to be 3.76 ± 0.28 µM and Ki = 8.75 ± 0.11 µM respectively. The IC50 value for the compounds, GEN and CHY against L. donovani promastigotes were calculated as 9.9 µg/mL and 13 µg/mL respectively. Our study, therefore, reports LdMAPK3 as a new target for therapeutic approach against leishmaniasis.
Maxwell Fisheye Lens Based Retrodirective Array
Authors: Abbasi Muhammad Ali Babar , Fusco Vincent F. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA Maxwell fisheye lens using parallel plate index grading is presented in this study to develop a passive retrodirective antenna array. As a proof-of-concept a design frequency of 10 GHz was selected for fabrication and experiment. The design principals of the lens are discussed, which enables 85% energy flow at the drain probe (also referred to as image point) of the lens. It is shown that the image in the Maxwell fisheye lens has a point symmetry with a reverse phase, which makes it possible to realize passive retrodirective action using the lens. This arrangement is significantly more practical than previous passive retrodirective topologies due to the un-constrained number of connections to radiating elements that it can support without the need for multi-layer technology. In the realization described here, a cross-polarized microstrip patch antenna array is connected to the source and drain probes of the lens structure in order to form the retrodirective array. The strategy for selecting the optimal transmission line lengths required to connect the antennas to the lens for maximum re-radiation power is described and implemented. Experimental results for a prototype high efficiency passive retrodirective array based on the theoretical design considerations presented in this paper are reported.
The effects of oxygen concentration on cell death, anti-oxidant transcription, acute inflammation, and cell proliferation in precision-cut lung slices
Authors: Ruigrok Mitchel J. R. , Tomar Jasmine , Frijlink Henderik W. , Melgert Barbro N. , Hinrichs Wouter L. J. , Olinga Peter 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAlthough animal models are often used in drug research, alternative experimental models are becoming more popular as they reduce animal use and suffering. Of particular interest are precision-cut lung slices, which refer to explants – with a reproducible thickness and diameter – that can be cultured ex vivo. Because lung slices (partially) reflect functional and structural features of whole tissue, they are often applied in the field of immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, and virology. Nevertheless, previous research failed to adequately address concerns with respect to the viability of lung slices. For instance, the effect of oxygen concentration on lung slice viability has never been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to investigate the effect of oxygen concentration (20 vs. 80% O2) on the degree of cell death, anti-oxidant transcription, acute inflammation, and cell proliferation in lung slices. According to the results, slices incubated at 20% O2 displayed less cell death, anti-oxidant transcription, and acute inflammation, as well as more cell proliferation, demonstrating that these slices were considerably more viable than slices cultured at 80% O2. These findings expand our knowledge on lung slices and their use as an alternative experimental model in drug research.