bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological drivers of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis detection in mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) using IS900 as proxy
Authors: Cunha Mónica V. , Rosalino Luís Miguel , Leão Célia , Bandeira Victor , Fonseca Carlos , Botelho Ana , Reis Ana C. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the etiological agent of Johne’s disease or paratuberculosis, a chronic infection affecting domestic ruminants worldwide. Despite sporadic reports of MAP occurrence in non-ruminants, information on the risk factors predisposing for infection is still scarce and evidence of transmission paths linking the livestock-wildlife-environment interfaces also remains lacking. In this study, we predicted that environmental, host-related, land use and human driven disturbance factors would modulate carnivore exposure to MAP. To test these hypotheses, we performed a retrospective survey, based on microbiological and molecular methods, in mainland Portugal including five sympatric species from the Herpestidae, Canidae, Viverridae, and Mustelidae families (n = 202) and examined 16 variables as putative predictors of MAP occurrence. Molecular evidence of MAP using IS900 as proxy was demonstrated in 7.43% (95%CI: 4.55–11.9) of surveyed carnivores, the highest proportions being registered for red fox (Vulpes vulpes) (10%; 95%CI: 4.0–23) and Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) (6.0%; 95%CI: 3.2–11). We demonstrate that important species of the Mediterranean carnivore guild, such as stone marten (Martes foina) and common genet (Genetta genetta), may also be exposed to MAP, being this the first time that occurrence in genet is reported. The high proportion of DNA-positive specimens, concurrent with the apparent lack of gastro-enteric lesions and molecular confirmation of IS900 in feces, argue for the presence of subclinical carriers that occasionally shed bacteria, potentially aiding as source of infection to susceptible species and possibly contributing for environmental contamination. Achievement of MAP isolation would prove beyond any doubt that MAP is present in this wildlife population. Ecological modelling results suggested that the probability of MAP infection using IS900 as proxy in mongoose is positively associated with higher altitude and temperature stability, as well as with lower annual rainfall. Density of livestock farms was found not to be a significant predictor, which may indicate that the livestock-wildlife interface is probably not important as an infection route for mongoose.
Use of silver-based additives for the development of antibacterial functionality in Laser Sintered polyamide 12 parts
Authors: Turner Robert D. , Wingham James R. , Paterson Thomas E. , Shepherd Joanna , Majewski Candice 
Published: January 2020

AbstractInfectious diseases (exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance) cause death, loss of quality of life and economic burden globally. Materials with inherent antimicrobial properties offer the potential to reduce the spread of infection through transfer via surfaces or solutions, or to directly reduce microbial numbers in a host if used as implants. Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques offer shorter supply chains, faster delivery, mass customisation and reduced unit costs, as well as highly complicated part geometries which are potentially harder to clean and sterilise. Here, we present a new approach to introducing antibacterial properties into AM, using Laser Sintering, by combining antimicrobial and base polymer powders prior to processing. We demonstrate that the mechanical properties of the resultant composite parts are similar to standard polymer parts and reveal the mode of the antibacterial activity. We show that antibacterial activity is modulated by the presence of obstructing compounds in different experimental media, which will inform appropriate use cases. We show that the material is not toxic to mammalian cells. This material could be quickly used for commercial products, and our approach could be adopted more generally to add new functionality to Laser Sintered parts.
Intramuscular Botulinum toxin A injections induce central changes to axon initial segments and cholinergic boutons on spinal motoneurones in rats
Authors: Jensen D. B. , Klingenberg S. , Dimintiyanova K. P. , Wienecke J. , Meehan C. F. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntramuscular injections of botulinum toxin block pre-synaptic cholinergic release at neuromuscular junctions producing a temporary paralysis of affected motor units. There is increasing evidence, however, that the effects are not restricted to the periphery and can alter the central excitability of the motoneurones at the spinal level. This includes increases in input resistance, decreases in rheobase currents for action potentials and prolongations of the post-spike after-hyperpolarization. The aim of our experiments was to investigate possible anatomical explanations for these changes. Unilateral injections of Botulinum toxin A mixed with a tracer were made into the gastrocnemius muscle of adult rats and contralateral tracer only injections provided controls. Immunohistochemistry for Ankyrin G and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter labelled axon initial segments and cholinergic C-boutons on traced motoneurones at 2 weeks post-injection. Soma size was not affected by the toxin; however, axon initial segments were 5.1% longer and 13.6% further from the soma which could explain reductions in rheobase. Finally, there was a reduction in surface area (18.6%) and volume (12.8%) but not frequency of C-boutons on treated motoneurones potentially explaining prolongations of the after-hyperpolarization. Botulinum Toxin A therefore affects central anatomical structures controlling or modulating motoneurone excitability explaining previously observed excitability changes.
Transcriptional trajectories of anther development provide candidates for engineering male fertility in sorghum
Authors: Dhaka Namrata , Krishnan Kushagra , Kandpal Manu , Vashisht Ira , Pal Madan , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Sharma Rita 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSorghum is a self-pollinated crop with multiple economic uses as cereal, forage, and biofuel feedstock. Hybrid breeding is a cornerstone for sorghum improvement strategies that currently relies on cytoplasmic male sterile lines. To engineer genic male sterility, it is imperative to examine the genetic components regulating anther/pollen development in sorghum. To this end, we have performed transcriptomic analysis from three temporal stages of developing anthers that correspond to meiotic, microspore and mature pollen stages. A total of 5286 genes were differentially regulated among the three anther stages with 890 of them exhibiting anther-preferential expression. Differentially expressed genes could be clubbed into seven distinct developmental trajectories using K-means clustering. Pathway mapping revealed that genes involved in cell cycle, DNA repair, regulation of transcription, brassinosteroid and auxin biosynthesis/signalling exhibit peak expression in meiotic anthers, while those regulating abiotic stress, carbohydrate metabolism, and transport were enriched in microspore stage. Conversely, genes associated with protein degradation, post-translational modifications, cell wall biosynthesis/modifications, abscisic acid, ethylene, cytokinin and jasmonic acid biosynthesis/signalling were highly expressed in mature pollen stage. High concurrence in transcriptional dynamics andcis-regulatory elements of differentially expressed genes in rice and sorghum confirmed conserved developmental pathways regulating anther development across species. Comprehensive literature survey in conjunction with orthology analysis and anther-preferential accumulation enabled shortlisting of 21 prospective candidates for in-depth characterization and engineering male fertility in sorghum.
Vascular smooth muscle TRPC3 channels facilitate the inverse hemodynamic response during status epilepticus
Authors: Cozart Michael A. , Phelan Kevin D. , Wu Hong , Mu Shengyu , Birnbaumer Lutz , Rusch Nancy J. , Zheng Fang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHuman status epilepticus (SE) is associated with a pathological reduction in cerebral blood flow termed the inverse hemodynamic response (IHR). Canonical transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3) channels are integral to the propagation of seizures in SE, and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) TRPC3 channels participate in vasoconstriction. Therefore, we hypothesize that cerebrovascular TRPC3 channels may contribute to seizure-induced IHR. To examine this possibility, we developed a smooth muscle-specific TRPC3 knockout (TRPC3smcKO) mouse. To quantify changes in neurovascular coupling, we combined laser speckle contrast imaging with simultaneous electroencephalogram recordings. Control mice exhibited multiple IHRs, and a limited increase in cerebral blood flow during SE with a high degree of moment-to-moment variability in which blood flow was not correlated with neuronal activity. In contrast, TRPC3smcKO mice showed a greater increase in blood flow that was less variable and was positively correlated with neuronal activity. Genetic ablation of smooth muscle TRPC3 channels shortened the duration of SE by eliminating a secondary phase of intense seizures, which was evident in littermate controls. Our results are consistent with the idea that TRPC3 channels expressed by cerebral VSMCs contribute to the IHR during SE, which is a critical factor in the progression of SE.
Structure-based development of caged dopamine D2/D3 receptor antagonists
Authors: Gienger Marie , Hübner Harald , Löber Stefan , König Burkhard , Gmeiner Peter 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDopamine is a neurotransmitter of great physiological relevance. Disorders in dopaminergic signal transduction are associated with psychiatric and neurological pathologies such as Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and substance abuse. Therefore, a detailed understanding of dopaminergic neurotransmission may provide access to novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these diseases. Caged compounds with photoremovable groups represent molecular tools to investigate a biological target with high spatiotemporal resolution. Based on the crystal structure of the D3 receptor in complex with eticlopride, we have developed caged D2/D3 receptor ligands by rational design. We initially found that eticlopride, a widely used D2/D3 receptor antagonist, was photolabile and therefore is not suitable for caging. Subtle structural modification of the pharmacophore led us to the photostable antagonist dechloroeticlopride, which was chemically transformed into caged ligands. Among those, the 2-nitrobenzyl derivative 4 (MG307) showed excellent photochemical stability, pharmacological behavior and decaging properties when interacting with dopamine receptor-expressing cells.
A micromechanics based elasto-plastic damage model for unidirectional composites under off-axis tensile loads
Authors: Wang Yanchao , Chen Dong , Li Nengwen , Yuan Huanquan , Zhu Zengyu , Li Yongxiang , Huang Zhengming 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNonlinear properties of composite materials are essential for their engineering application. In this work, a three-phase micromechanics bridging model is employed to evaluate the nonlinear behavior of a composite from properties of fiber, matrix and interphase. It is assumed that the matrix elastoplasticity and the interface damage are two major sources of the nonlinearity. The former is described by the J2 flow rule. The latter is approximated by an interphase with stiffness degradation. For an interphase, an equivalent damage stress is introduced to account for the effect of normal and shear stress on the interface damage growth. Further, an explicit empirical equation is developed to relate the equivalent damage stress and the stiffness degradation of an interphase. The present elasto-plastic damage model is validated by comparing with experimental data of a series of composites under off-axis tensile loads.
Heart rate variability as an independent predictor for 8-year mortality among chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Chang Yu-Ming , Huang Ya-Ting , Chen I-Ling , Yang Chuan-Lan , Leu Show-Chin , Su Hung-Li , Kao Jsun-Liang , Tsai Shih-Ching , Jhen Rong-Na , Shiao Chih-Chung 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe repeated measurements of heart rate variability (HRV) is more relevant than a single HRV measurement in predicting patient prognosis but is less addressed previously. This prospective study aimed to investigate the association between repeated measurements of HRV and long-term mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients. The 164 patients (65.0 ± 13.1 years; woman, 57.3%) were enrolled from June 1, 2010, to August 31, 2010, and received four HRV measurements (before and during the index hemodialysis session) after the enrollment. The baseline characteristic and clinical variables, including mortality, were documented. The joint modeling method and Cox regression were used for statistical analyses. After an 8-year follow-up, 79 patients expired, and 85 patients survived. We found that higher normalized high-frequency (nHF) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.033) as well as lower very-low-frequency (HR 0.990), Variance (HR 0.991), normalized low-frequency (HR 0.999, P = 0.006), and low-frequency/high-frequency ratio (HR 0.796) were independent predictors for cardiovascular mortality. Whereas the independent predictors for infection-associated mortality included higher nHF (HR 1.033) as well as higher age (HR 19.29) and lower serum albumin (HR 0.01, P = 0.001). (all P < 0.001 unless otherwise stated) In conclusion, HRV measurement predicts long-term mortality among hemodialysis patients.
Human liver stem cells express UGT1A1 and improve phenotype of immunocompromised Crigler Najjar syndrome type I mice
Authors: Famulari Elvira Smeralda , Navarro-Tableros Victor , Herrera Sanchez Maria Beatriz , Bortolussi Giulia , Gai Marta , Conti Laura , Silengo Lorenzo , Tolosano Emanuela , Tetta Ciro , Muro Andrés Fernando , Camussi Giovanni , Fagoonee Sharmila , Altruda Fiorella 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCrigler Najjar Syndrome type I (CNSI) is a rare recessive disorder caused by mutations in the Ugt1a1 gene. There is no permanent cure except for liver transplantation, and current therapies present several shortcomings. Since stem cell-based therapy offers a promising alternative for the treatment of this disorder, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of human liver stem cells (HLSC) in immune-compromised NOD SCID Gamma (NSG)/Ugt1−/− mice, which closely mimic the pathological manifestations in CNSI patients. To assess whether HLSC expressed UGT1A1, decellularised mouse liver scaffolds were repopulated with these cells. After 15 days’ culture ex vivo, HLSC differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells showing UGT1A1 expression and activity. For the in vivo human cell engraftment and recovery experiments, DiI-labelled HLSC were injected into the liver of 5 days old NSG/Ugt1−/− pups which were analysed at postnatal Day 21. HLSC expressed UGT1A1 in vivo, induced a strong decrease in serum unconjugated bilirubin, thus significantly improving phenotype and survival compared to untreated controls. A striking recovery from brain damage was also observed in HLSC-injected mutant mice versus controls. Our proof-of-concept study shows that HLSC express UGT1A1 in vivo and improve the phenotype and survival of NSG/Ugt1−/− mice, and show promises for the treatment of CNSI.
Exploring Patterns of Dynamic Size Changes of Lesions after Hepatic Microwave Ablation in an In Vivo Porcine Model
Authors: Bressem Keno K. , Vahldiek Janis L. , Erxleben Christoph , Poch Franz , Shnaiyen Seyd , Geyer Beatrice , Lehmann Kai S. , Hamm Bernd , Niehues Stefan M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMicrowave ablation (MWA) is a type of minimally invasive cancer therapy that uses heat to induce necrosis in solid tumours. Inter- and post-ablational size changes can influence the accuracy of control imaging, posing a risk of incomplete ablation. The present study aims to explore post-ablation 3D size dynamics in vivo using computed tomography (CT). Ten MWA datasets obtained in nine healthy pigs were used. Lesions were subdivided along the z-axis with an additional planar subdivision into eight subsections. The volume of the subsections was analysed over different time points, subsequently colour-coded and three-dimensionally visualized. A locally weighted polynomial regression model (LOESS) was applied to describe overall size changes, and Student’s t-tests were used to assess statistical significance of size changes. The 3D analysis showed heterogeneous volume changes with multiple small changes at the lesion margins over all time points. The changes were pronounced at the upper and lower lesion edges and characterized by initially eccentric, opposite swelling, followed by shrinkage. In the middle parts of the lesion, we observed less dimensional variations over the different time points. LOESS revealed a hyperbolic pattern for the volumetric changes with an initially significant volume increase of 11.6% (111.6% of the original volume) over the first 32 minutes, followed by a continuous decrease to 96% of the original volume (p < 0.05).
Using social media user attributes to understand human–environment interactions at urban parks
Authors: Song Xiao Ping , Richards Daniel R. , Tan Puay Yok 
Published: January 2020

AbstractUrban parks and green spaces are among the few places where city dwellers can have regular contact with nature and engage in outdoor recreation. Social media data provide opportunities to understand such human–environment interactions. While studies have demonstrated that geo-located photographs are useful indicators of recreation across different spaces, recreation behaviour also varies between different groups of people. Our study used social media to assess behavioural patterns across different groups of park users in tropical Singapore. 4,674 users were grouped based on the location and content of their photographs on the Flickr platform. We analysed how these groups varied spatially in the parks they visited, as well as in their photography behaviour. Over 250,000 photographs were analysed, including those uploaded and favourited by users, and all photographs taken at city parks. There were significant differences in the number and types of park photographs between tourists and locals, and between user-group axes formed from users’ photograph content. Spatial mapping of different user groups showed distinct patterns in the parks they were attracted to. Future work should consider such variability both within and between data sources, to provide a more context-dependent understanding of human–environment interactions and preferences for outdoor recreation.
Exploratory study on the role of emotion regulation in perceived valence, humour, and beneficial use of depressive internet memes in depression
Authors: Akram Umair , Drabble Jennifer , Cau Glhenda , Hershaw Frayer , Rajenthran Ashileen , Lowe Mollie , Trommelen Carissa , Ellis Jason G. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study examined whether individuals experiencing significant depressive symptoms would differ from non-depressed controls in their interpretation of internet memes related to depression, whilst incorporating the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulty. Forty-three individuals presenting clinically significant depressive symptoms (indicating ≥15 on the PHQ-9) and 56 non-depressed controls (indicating ≤4) rated the emotional valance, humour, relatability, shareability, and mood improving potential of 32 depressive and control (depicting general neutral or positive social commentaries) internet memes. Measures of depression and emotion dysregulation were also completed. The perception of humour, relatability, shareability and mood improving potential of depressive, but not control, memes were all greater amongst individuals with symptoms of depression relative to controls. However, these differences were mediated by deficits in the ability to deploy adaptive emotion regulation strategies. Despite their negative orientation, internet memes related to depression may be beneficial for individuals experiencing consistent symptoms. Specifically, by potentially facilitating: a humorous take on a negative experience and situation; the perception of peer-support through affiliation with others experiencing similar symptoms; and adaptive emotion regulation strategies amongst those with deficits in the ability to deploy such strategies.
Prognostic Nomogram For Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Yanming , Qu Song , Pan Xinbin , Huang Shiting , Zhu Xiaodong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe TNM staging system of NPC is the most important model for survival prediction. However, this model does not consider the biological variability of the tumor itself. This study aimed to develop a nomogram for predicting the overall survival of loco-regionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. 487 Patients with confimed nasopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent IMRT and chemotherapy were included in this study. We established prognostic nomogram for overall survival (OS) based on the Cox proportional hazards model. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability were measured using the concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve. Nomogram was validated externally by assessing discrimination and calibration using an independent data set. Continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to analyze whether nomogram improve the prediction of survival than TNM stage system. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was performed to stratifying risk of patients. Age, T-stage, N-stage, NLR, LDH were included in the nomogram for OS. The C-index of the nomogram for OS were 0.726 (95% CI, 0.690 to 0.762); The calibration curve showed the nomogram was able to predict 5-year OS accurately. The nomogram had a higher C-index than the TNM stage system (0.726 VS 0.632, P-value < 0.001). The NRI was 0.235 (95% CI: 0.129 to 0.396, P < 0.001), the IDI was 0.079 (95% CI: 0.034 to 0.396, p < 0.001). RPA was performed to stratify patients into three risk group, OS was significantly different between all three risk groups. High risk groups can be benefited survival from adjuvant chemotherapy. The nomogram outperformed the TNM staging system in predicting the OS of loco-regionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma underwent intensity modulated radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Recurrent pregnancy loss is associated with a pro-senescent decidual response during the peri-implantation window
Authors: Lucas Emma S. , Vrljicak Pavle , Muter Joanne , Diniz-da-Costa Maria M. , Brighton Paul J. , Kong Chow-Seng , Lipecki Julia , Fishwick Katherine J. , Odendaal Joshua , Ewington Lauren J. , Quenby Siobhan , Ott Sascha , Brosens Jan J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDuring the implantation window, the endometrium becomes poised to transition to a pregnant state, a process driven by differentiation of stromal cells into decidual cells (DC). Perturbations in this process, termed decidualization, leads to breakdown of the feto-maternal interface and miscarriage, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we reconstructed the decidual pathway at single-cell level in vitro and demonstrate that stromal cells first mount an acute stress response before emerging as DC or senescent DC (snDC). In the absence of immune cell-mediated clearance of snDC, secondary senescence transforms DC into progesterone-resistant cells that abundantly express extracellular matrix remodelling factors. Additional single-cell analysis of midluteal endometrium identified DIO2 and SCARA5 as marker genes of a diverging decidual response in vivo. Finally, we report a conspicuous link between a pro-senescent decidual response in peri-implantation endometrium and recurrent pregnancy loss, suggesting that pre-pregnancy screening and intervention may reduce the burden of miscarriage.