bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction and characterization of a double mutant of Enterococcus faecalis that does not produce biogenic amines
Authors: Perez Marta , Calles-Enríquez Marina , del Rio Beatriz , Redruello Begoña , de Jong Anne , Kuipers Oscar P. , Kok Jan , Martin M. Cruz , Ladero Victor , Fernandez Maria , Alvarez Miguel A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEnterococcus faecalis is a lactic acid bacterium characterized by its tolerance of very diverse environmental conditions, a property that allows it to colonize many different habitats. This species can be found in food products, especially in fermented foods where it plays an important role as a biopreservative and influences the development of organoleptic characteristics. However, E. faecalis also produces the biogenic amines tyramine and putrescine. The consumption of food with high concentrations of these compounds can cause health problems. The present work reports the construction, via homologous recombination, of a double mutant of E. faecalis in which the clusters involved in tyramine and putrescine synthesis (which are located in different regions of the chromosome) are no longer present. Analyses showed the double mutant to grow and adhere to intestinal cells normally, and that the elimination of genes involved in the production of tyramine and putrescine has no effect on the expression of other genes.
Human faecal collection methods demonstrate a bias in microbiome composition by cell wall structure
Authors: Watson Emma-Jane , Giles Jennifer , Scherer Benjamin L. , Blatchford Paul 
Published: November 2019

AbstractClinical trial faecal collections present challenges through geographical spread and inexperienced participants. Collection techniques have been developed and tested to overcome these challenges, but previous studies investigating these techniques have demonstrated a highly variable capacity for sample preservation. Furthermore, these studies typically only examine either preservation of genetic content or metabolites, not both. This study investigated the Stool Nucleic Acid Collection and Preservation Tube (Norgen BioTek Corp) for the preservation of both microbial DNA and microbial organic acid metabolites in human faecal samples when compared to frozen samples. Twenty six healthy adult participants were instructed to collect a bowel movement, subsample into collection tubes and immediately transfer the remaining bulk to −20 °C storage. Resulting organic acid concentrations remained comparable across methods when the preservation tubes were used correctly. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing data revealed twenty significantly different bacterial genera between the two collection methods. Ten Gram-negative genera were more abundant in the collection tubes, and ten Gram-positive genera were more abundant in the fresh frozen samples. This study has illustrated that faecal collection methods bias the microbial community profile according to Gram status and this should be considered when designing studies that collect and store human faecal samples.
The DOT1L inhibitor Pinometostat decreases the host-response against infections: Considerations about its use in human therapy
Authors: Marcos-Villar Laura , Nieto Amelia 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPatients with acute myeloid leukemia frequently present translocations of MLL gene. Rearrangements of MLL protein (MLL-r) in complexes that contain the histone methyltransferase DOT1L are common, which elicit abnormal methylation of lysine 79 of histone H3 at MLL target genes. Phase 1 clinical studies with pinometostat (EPZ-5676), an inhibitor of DOT1L activity, demonstrated the therapeutic potential for targeting DOT1L in MLL-r leukemia patients. We previously reported that down-regulation of DOT1L increases influenza and vesicular stomatitis virus replication and decreases the antiviral response. Here we show that DOT1L inhibition also reduces Sendai virus-induced innate response and its overexpression decreases influenza virus multiplication, reinforcing the notion of DOT1L controlling viral replication. Accordingly, genes involved in the host innate response against pathogens (RUBICON, TRIM25, BCL3) are deregulated in human lung epithelial cells treated with pinometostat. Concomitantly, deregulation of some of these genes together with that of the MicroRNA let-7B, may account for the beneficial effects of pinometostat treatment in patients with MLL-r involving DOT1L. These results support a possible increased vulnerability to infection in MLL-r leukemia patients undergoing pinometostat treatment. Close follow up of infection should be considered in pinometostat therapy to reduce some severe side effects during the treatment.
Immunoproteomic analysis of Borrelia miyamotoi for the identification of serodiagnostic antigens
Authors: Harris Emma K. , Harton Marisa R. , de Mello Marques Maria Angela , Belisle John T. , Molins Claudia R. , Breuner Nicole , Wormser Gary P. , Gilmore Robert D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe tick-borne spirochete,Borrelia miyamotoi, is an emerging pathogen of public health significance. CurrentB.miyamotoiserodiagnostic testing depends on reactivity against GlpQ which is not highly sensitive on acute phase serum samples. Additionally, anti-B.miyamotoiantibodies can cross-react with C6 antigen testing forB.burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, underscoring the need for improved serological assays that produce accurate diagnostic results. We performed an immunoproteomics analysis ofB.miyamotoiproteins to identify novel serodiagnostic antigens. Sera from mice infected withB.miyamotoiby subcutaneous inoculation or tick bite were collected for immunoblotting againstB.miyamotoimembrane-associated proteins separated by 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE). In total, 88 proteins in 40 2DE immunoreactive spots were identified via mass spectrometry. Multiple variable large proteins (Vlps) and a putative lipoprotein were among those identified and analyzed. Reactivity of anti-B.miyamotoisera against recombinant Vlps and the putative lipoprotein confirmed their immunogenicity. Mouse anti-B.burgdorferiserum was cross-reactive to all recombinant Vlps, but not against the putative lipoprotein by IgG. Furthermore, antibodies against the recombinant putative lipoprotein were present in serum from aB.miyamotoi-infected human patient, but not a Lyme disease patient. Results presented here provide a comprehensive profile ofB.miyamotoiantigens that induce the host immune response and identify a putative lipoprotein as a potentially specific antigen forB.miyamotoiserodetection.
Design of highly efficient phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes with color rendering indices (R1 − R15) ≥ 95 for artificial lighting
Authors: Ahn Yong Nam , Kim Kyu Do , Anoop Gopinathan , Kim Gab Soo , Yoo Jae Soo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPhosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pc-WLEDs) are excellent energy-efficient light sources for artificial lighting applications. One goal of artificial lighting is to make objects/images look natural – as they look under the sunlight. The ability of a light source to accurately render the natural color of an object is gauged by the parameter – color rendering index (CRI). A conventional pc-WLED has an average CRI ~ 80, which is very low for accurate color reproduction. To utilize the pc-WLEDs for artificial lighting applications, all the CRI points (R1 – R15) should be above 95. However, there is a trade-off between CRI and luminous efficacy (LER), and it is challenging to increase both CRI and LER. Herein we propose a novel LED package (PKG) design to achieve CRI points ≥95 and efficiency ~100 lm/W by introducing two blue LEDs and a UV LED in combination with green and red phosphors. The silicone encapsulant, the current through the LEDs, and the green/red phosphor ratio were optimized for achieving high CRI and LER. Our re-designed LED PKG will find applications in stadium lighting as well as for ultra-high-definition television production where high CRI points are required for the artificial light source.
Absence of the neutrophil serine protease cathepsin G decreases neutrophil granulocyte infiltration but does not change the severity of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Aghdassi Ali A. , John Daniel S. , Sendler Matthias , Storck Christian , van den Brandt Cindy , Krüger Burkhard , Weiss Frank Ulrich , Mayerle Julia , Lerch Markus M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAcute pancreatitis is characterized by an early intracellular protease activation and invasion of leukocytes into the pancreas. Cathepsins constitute a large group of lysosomal enzymes, that have been shown to modulate trypsinogen activation and neutrophil infiltration. Cathepsin G (CTSG) is a neutrophil serine protease of the chymotrypsin C family known to degrade extracellular matrix components and to have regulatory functions in inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CTSG in pancreatitis. Isolated acinar cells were exposed to recombinant CTSG and supramaximal cholezystokinin stimulation. In CTSG−/− mice and corresponding controls acute experimental pancreatitis was induced by serial caerulein injections. Severity was assessed by histology, serum enzyme levels and zymogen activation. Neutrophil infiltration was quantified by chloro-acetate ersterase staining and myeloperoxidase measurement. CTSG was expessed in inflammatory cells but not in pancreatic acinar cells. CTSG had no effect on intra-acinar-cell trypsinogen activation. In CTSG−/− mice a transient decrease of neutrophil infiltration into the pancreas and lungs was found during acute pancreatitis while the disease severity remained largely unchanged. CTSG is involved in pancreatic neutrophil infiltration during pancreatitis, albeit to a lesser degree than the related neutrophil (PMN) elastase. Its absence therefore leaves pancreatitis severity essentially unaffected.
Efficacy of rodenticide baits with decreased concentrations of brodifacoum: Validation of the impact of the new EU anticoagulant regulation
Authors: Frankova Marcela , Stejskal Vaclav , Aulicky Radek 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAnticoagulants are the most frequently used rodenticides at the global scale. Because of their persistency, bioaccumulation and potential for secondary intoxication, they have faced increasing legislative regulations. Recently, the European Union Regulation (EU) 2016/1179 resulted in the production and application of rodenticides with nearly half dose (<30 ppm) of anticoagulants. However, published data on the biological efficacy of rodenticides with decreased doses are scarce in the EU. Therefore, this work compared the efficacy of the original high-dose (50 ppm) and new low-dose (25 ppm) brodifacoum-based baits in the offspring of wild-caught house mice (Mus musculus L.). In the no-choice laboratory feeding tests, 100% animals died in all treated groups and 0% died in the control groups. The achieved time to death did not differ between the original and low-dose baits across both types of feeding trials/regimes. The low-dose baits (25 ppm) were consequently tested under field conditions in two populations showing 95.7% and 99.8% efficacy. The obtained results highlighted the good efficacy of the new baits based on low-dose brodifacoum in non-resistant mouse populations. However, further validation is required regarding the remaining anticoagulant compounds and resistant rodent populations.
Serotonin is the main tryptophan metabolite associated with psychiatric comorbidity in abstinent cocaine-addicted patients
Authors: Araos Pedro , Vidal Rebeca , O’Shea Esther , Pedraz María , García-Marchena Nuria , Serrano Antonia , Suárez Juan , Castilla-Ortega Estela , Ruiz Juan Jesús , Campos-Cloute Rafael , Santín Luis J. , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Pavón Francisco Javier , Colado María Isabel 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe lack of effective treatments and a high rate of relapse in cocaine addiction constitute a major health problem. The present study was conducted to examine the expression of tryptophan-derived metabolites in the context of cocaine addiction and psychiatric comorbidity, which is common in addicted subjects. Abstinent patients with cocaine use disorder (CUD) and control subjects were recruited for a cross-sectional study. Participants were assessed with a semi-structured diagnostic interview (PRISM) based on DSM-IV-TR for substance and mental disorders. Plasma concentrations of tryptophan metabolites and their association with relevant CUD-related variables and psychiatric comorbidity were explored. We observed decreased plasma kynurenic acid concentrations in the cocaine group, however no associations between CUD-related variables and tryptophan-derived metabolites were found. In contrast, 5-HT concentrations were increased in CUD-patients and the diagnosis of different psychiatric disorders in the cocaine group was related to higher plasma 5-HT concentrations compared with non-comorbid patients. Therefore, while changes in plasma kynurenic acid concentrations appear to be directly associated with lifetime CUD, changes in 5-HT concentrations are associated with psychiatric comorbidity. These results emphasize the need to find potential biomarkers for a better stratification of cocaine-addicted patients in order to develop therapeutic approaches to prevent cocaine relapse.
Heading choices of flying Drosophila under changing angles of polarized light
Authors: Mathejczyk Thomas F. , Wernet Mathias F. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMany navigating insects include the celestial polarization pattern as an additional visual cue to orient their travels. Spontaneous orientation responses of both walking and flying fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) to linearly polarized light have previously been demonstrated. Using newly designed modular flight arenas consisting entirely of off-the-shelf parts and 3D-printed components we present individual flying flies with a slow and continuous rotational change in the incident angle of linear polarization. Under such open-loop conditions, single flies choose arbitrary headings with respect to the angle of polarized light and show a clear tendency to maintain those chosen headings for several minutes, thereby adjusting their course to the slow rotation of the incident stimulus. Importantly, flies show the tendency to maintain a chosen heading even when two individual test periods under a linearly polarized stimulus are interrupted by an epoch of unpolarized light lasting several minutes. Finally, we show that these behavioral responses are wavelength-specific, existing under polarized UV stimulus while being absent under polarized green light. Taken together, these findings provide further evidence supporting Drosophila’s abilities to use celestial cues for visually guided navigation and course correction.
Role of precursors mixing sequence on the properties of CoMn2O4 cathode materials and their application in pseudocapacitor
Authors: Pattanayak Bhaskar , Simanjuntak Firman Mangasa , Panda Debashis , Yang Chih - Chieh , Kumar Amit , Le Phuoc – Anh , Wei Kung – Hwa , Tseng Tseung –Yuen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this study, the effect of oxygen vacancy in the CoMn2O4 on pseudocapacitive characteristics was examined, and two tetragonal CoMn2O4 spinel compounds with different oxygen vacancy concentrations and morphologies were synthesized by controlling the mixing sequence of the Co and Mn precursors. The mixing sequence was changed; thus, morphologies were changed from spherical nanoparticles to nanoflakes and oxygen vacancies were increased. Electrochemical studies have revealed that tetragonal CoMn2O4 spinels with a higher number of oxygen vacancies exhibit a higher specific capacitance of 1709 F g−1 than those with a lower number of oxygen vacancies, which have a higher specific capacitance of 990 F g−1. Oxygen vacancies create an active site for oxygen ion intercalation. Therefore, oxidation–reduction reactions occur because of the diffusion of oxygen ions at octahedral/tetrahedral crystal edges. The solid-state asymmetric pseudocapacitor exhibits a maximum energy density of 32 Wh-kg−1 and an excellent cyclic stability of nearly 100%.
A human expression system based on HEK293 for the stable production of recombinant erythropoietin
Authors: Chin Christine Lin , Goh Justin Bryan , Srinivasan Harini , Liu Kaiwen Ivy , Gowher Ali , Shanmugam Raghuvaran , Lim Hsueh Lee , Choo Matthew , Tang Wen Qin , Tan Andy Hee-Meng , Nguyen-Khuong Terry , Tan Meng How , Ng Say Kong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMammalian host cell lines are the preferred expression systems for the manufacture of complex therapeutics and recombinant proteins. However, the most utilized mammalian host systems, namely Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), Sp2/0 and NS0 mouse myeloma cells, can produce glycoproteins with non-human glycans that may potentially illicit immunogenic responses. Hence, we developed a fully human expression system based on HEK293 cells for the stable and high titer production of recombinant proteins by first knocking out GLUL (encoding glutamine synthetase) using CRISPR-Cas9 system. Expression vectors using human GLUL as selection marker were then generated, with recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) as our model protein. Selection was performed using methionine sulfoximine (MSX) to select for high EPO expression cells. EPO production of up to 92700 U/mL of EPO as analyzed by ELISA or 696 mg/L by densitometry was demonstrated in a 2 L stirred-tank fed batch bioreactor. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that N-glycosylation of the produced EPO was similar to endogenous human proteins and non-human glycan epitopes were not detected. Collectively, our results highlight the use of a human cellular expression system for the high titer and xenogeneic-free production of EPO and possibly other complex recombinant proteins.
Discovery of a potent small molecule inhibiting Huntington’s disease (HD) pathogenesis via targeting CAG repeats RNA and Poly Q protein
Authors: Khan Eshan , Mishra Subodh Kumar , Mishra Ribhav , Mishra Amit , Kumar Amit 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCAG repeats RNA causes various fatal neurodegenerative diseases exemplified by Huntington’s disease (HD) and several spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). Although there are differences in the pathogenic mechanisms, these diseases share the common cause, i.e., expansion of CAG repeats. The shared cause of these diseases raises the possibility for the exploiting the common target as a potential therapeutic approach. Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics are designed earlier with the help of the base pairing rule but are not very promiscuous, considering the nonspecific stimulation of the immune system and the poor cellular delivery. Therefore, small molecules-based therapeutics are preferred for targeting the repeats expansion disorders. Here, we have used the chemical similarity search approach to discern the small molecules that selectively target toxic CAG RNA. The lead compounds showed the specificity towards AA mismatch in biophysical studies including CD, ITC, and NMR spectroscopy and thus aided to forestall the polyQ mediated pathogenicity. Furthermore, the lead compounds also explicitly alleviate the polyQ mediated toxicity in HD cell models and patient-derived cells. These findings suggest that the lead compound could act as a chemical probe for AA mismatch containing RNA as well as plays a neuroprotective role in fatal neurodegenerative diseases like HD and SCAs.
Asymmetric supercapacitor of functionalised electrospun carbon fibers/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/manganese oxide//activated carbon with superior electrochemical performance
Authors: Mohd Abdah Muhammad Amirul Aizat , Azman Nur Hawa Nabilah , Kulandaivalu Shalini , Sulaiman Yusran 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAsymmetric supercapacitors (ASC) have shown a great potential candidate for high-performance supercapacitor due to their wide operating potential which can remarkably enhance the capacitive behaviour. In present work, a novel positive electrode derived from functionalised carbon nanofibers/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/manganese oxide (f-CNFs/PEDOT/MnO2) was prepared using a multi-step route and activated carbon (AC) was fabricated as a negative electrode for ASC. A uniform distribution of PEDOT and MnO2 on f-CNFs as well as porous granular of AC are well-observed in FESEM. The assembled f-CNFs/PEDOT/MnO2//AC with an operating potential of 1.6 V can achieve a maximum specific capacitance of 537 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s and good cycling stability (81.06% after cycling 8000 times). Furthermore, the as-prepared ASC exhibited reasonably high specific energy of 49.4 Wh/kg and low charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 2.27 Ω, thus, confirming f-CNFs/PEDOT/MnO2//AC as a promising electrode material for the future energy storage system.
Investigation of the curative effects of palm vitamin E tocotrienols on autoimmune arthritis disease in vivo
Authors: Zainal Zaida , Rahim Afiqah Abdul , Radhakrishnan Ammu Kutty , Chang Sui Kiat , Khaza’ai Huzwah 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) from palm oil contains vitamin E, which possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic joint inflammatory disease characterised by severe joint pain, cartilage destruction, and bone erosion owing to the effects of various pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects of TRF in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Arthritis was induced by a single intradermal injection of collagen type II in Dark Agouti (DA) rats. Rats were then treated with or without TRF by oral gavage from day 28 after the first collagen injection. Arthritic rats supplemented with TRF showed decreased articular index scores, ankle circumferences, paw volumes, and radiographic scores when compared with untreated rats. The untreated arthritic rats showed higher plasma C-reactive protein levels (p < 0.05) and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines than arthritic rats fed TRF. Moreover, there was a marked reduction in the severity of histopathological changes observed in arthritic rats treated with TRF compared with that in untreated arthritic rats. Overall, the results show that TRF had beneficial effects in this rat model of RA.
A novel mouse model for septic arthritis induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Jin Tao , Mohammad Majd , Hu Zhicheng , Fei Ying , Moore Edward R. B. , Pullerits Rille , Ali Abukar 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSeptic arthritis is one of the most aggressive joint diseases. Although caused predominantly byS. aureus, Gram-negative bacteria,Pseudomonas aeruginosaamong them, account for a significant percentage of the causal agents of septic arthritis. However, septic arthritis caused byP. aeruginosahas not been studied thus far, due to lack of an animal model. NMRI mice were inoculated with different doses ofP. aeruginosa. The clinical course of septic arthritis and radiological changes of joints were examined. Furthermore, the host molecular and cellular mechanisms involved inP. aeruginosa-induced septic arthritis were investigated. Inoculation of mice withP. aeruginosacaused septic arthritis in a dose-dependent manner. Neutrophil depletion led to higher mortality and more severe joint destruction (p < 0.01). In contrast, monocyte depletion resulted in higher mortality (p < 0.05) but similar arthritis severity compared to controls. Mice depleted of CD4+ T-cells inoculated withP. aeruginosadisplayed less severe bone damage (p < 0.05). For the first time, a mouse model forP. aeruginosaseptic arthritis is presented. Our data demonstrate that neutrophils play a protective role inP. aeruginosaseptic arthritis. Monocytes/macrophages, on the other hand, are only essential in preventingP. aeruginosa-induced mortality. Finally, CD4+ T-cells are pathogenic inP. aeruginosaseptic arthritis.