bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anchoring of heterologous proteins in multiple Lactobacillus species using anchors derived from Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Mathiesen Geir , Øverland Lise , Kuczkowska Katarzyna , Eijsink Vincent G. H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMembers of the genus Lactobacillus have a long history in food applications and are considered as promising and safe hosts for delivery of medically interesting proteins. We have assessed multiple surface anchors derived from Lactobacillus plantarum for protein surface display in multiple Lactobacillus species, using a Mycobacterium tuberculosis hybrid antigen as test protein. The anchors tested were a lipoprotein anchor and two cell wall anchors, one non-covalent (LysM domain) and one covalent (sortase-based anchoring using the LPXTG motif). Thus, three different expression vectors for surface-anchoring were tested in eight Lactobacillus species. When using the LPXTG and LysM cell wall anchors, surface display, as assessed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, was observed in all species except Lactobacillus acidophilus. Use of the cell membrane anchor revealed more variation in the apparent degree of surface-exposure among the various lactobacilli. Overproduction of the secreted and anchored antigen impaired bacterial growth rate to extents that varied among the lactobacilli and were dependent on the type of anchor. Overall, these results show that surface anchors derived from L. plantarum are promising candidates for efficient anchoring of medically interesting proteins in other food grade Lactobacillus species.
Gene-signature-derived IC50s/EC50s reflect the potency of causative upstream targets and downstream phenotypes
Authors: Renner Steffen , Bergsdorf Christian , Bouhelal Rochdi , Koziczak-Holbro Magdalena , Amati Andrea Marco , Techer-Etienne Valerie , Flotte Ludivine , Reymann Nicole , Kapur Karen , Hoersch Sebastian , Oakeley Edward James , Schuffenhauer Ansgar , Gubler Hanspeter , Lounkine Eugen , Farmer Pierre 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMultiplexed gene-signature-based phenotypic assays are increasingly used for the identification and profiling of small molecule-tool compounds and drugs. Here we introduce a method (provided as R-package) for the quantification of the dose-response potency of a gene-signature as EC50 and IC50 values. Two signaling pathways were used as models to validate our methods: beta-adrenergic agonistic activity on cAMP generation (dedicated dataset generated for this study) and EGFR inhibitory effect on cancer cell viability. In both cases, potencies derived from multi-gene expression data were highly correlated with orthogonal potencies derived from cAMP and cell growth readouts, and superior to potencies derived from single individual genes. Based on our results we propose gene-signature potencies as a novel valid alternative for the quantitative prioritization, optimization and development of novel drugs.
Controlling evolution of protein corona: a prosperous approach to improve chitosan-based nanoparticle biodistribution and half-life
Authors: Tekie Farnaz Sadat Mirzazadeh , Hajiramezanali Maliheh , Geramifar Parham , Raoufi Mohammad , Dinarvand Rassoul , Soleimani Masoud , Atyabi Fatemeh 
Published: June 2020

AbstractProtein corona significantly affects in vivo fate of nanoparticles including biodistribution and half-life. Without manipulating the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles with considering their biointerference, attaining effective treatment protocols is impossible. For this reason, protein corona evolution and biodistribution of different chitosan (Ch)-based nanoparticles including Ch and carboxymethyl dextran (CMD)/thiolated dextran (TD) polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) were studied using highly precious and sensitive methods such as liquid chromatography-mass/mass (LC-MS/MS) spectroscopy and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan. The importance of serum presence/absence in culture medium with different pH and corona effect on cellular uptake of PECs investigated by in vitro study. Designed PECs have low amounts of proteins in corona mostly enriched by Apolipoproteins, protein C, hemoglobin subunits, and inter-alpha- trypsin inhibitor that beside improving uptake of nanoparticles, they have low liver uptake and notable heart blood pool accumulation that confirmed the long circulation time of the nanoparticles which is favorable for delivery of nanoparticles to the site of action and achieving required therapeutic effect.
On the Molecular Level Cavitation in Soft Gelatin Hydrogel
Authors: Mahmud KAH Al , Hasan Fuad , Khan Md Ishak , Adnan Ashfaq 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe have studied the molecular level cavitation mechanisms and bubble growth kinetics in soft gelatin hydrogel and water. The apparent difference in cavitation threshold pressure between that generates in pure water and that in gelatin hydrogel is considered. Gelatin, which is derived from collagen, is frequently used as a brain simulant material. In liquid, cavitation bubble is created when surrounding pressure drops below the saturation vapor pressure. In principle, a cavitation bubble should continue to grow as long as tensile pressure continues to increase in the system. In our study, using molecular dynamics simulation, we have investigated the pressure requirement for a nanoscale cavitation to grow in water and gel. First, we have modeled a gel like structure with a preexisting bubble of 5 nm radius. A control model containing a 5 nm bubble in pure water is also created. Then, we have applied hydrostatic tensile pressure at two different expansion rates in the gel and water models. The results show that a gel-like structure requires higher pressure for the cavitation to grow, and both gel and water models exhibit strain rate effect on the cavitation threshold pressure. We have also found that the cavitation collapse time is dominated by the viscosity of the medium.
Disorganized Attachment pattern affects the perception of Affective Touch
Authors: Spitoni Grazia Fernanda , Zingaretti Pietro , Giovanardi Guido , Antonucci Gabriella , Galati Gaspare , Lingiardi Vittorio , Cruciani Gianluca , Titone Giulia , Boccia Maddalena 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTouch, such as affective caress, can be interpreted as being pleasant. The emotional valence that is assigned to touch is related to certain bottom-up factors, such as the optimal activation of C-tactile (CT) afferents. Tactile processing with a hedonic or emotional component has been defined as affective touch—a component that CT fibers are likely to convey. Tactile deficiencies are frequent in the psychiatric population but also in healthy people with disorganized attachment; accordingly, it is likely that affective difficulties in adults with disorganized attachment are reflected in altered perception of affective touch. To test this hypothesis, we combined methods from clinical psychology, psychophysics, and neuroimaging. We found that people with a history of traumatic parental bonds and a disorganized attachment pattern perceive a “caress-like” stimulus as being unpleasant, whereas participants with organized attachment consider the same tactile stimulation to be pleasant. Further, unlike in organized adults, the responses of disorganized adults to CT and non-CT stimulation activated limbic and paralimbic structures in a fight-or-flight manner, suggesting that early experiences with parental deficiencies shape the physiological responses of peripheral CT fibers and central nervous networks.
Transcriptome profiling of the flowering transition in saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
Authors: Hu Jing , Liu Yuping , Tang Xiaohui , Rao Huajing , Ren Chaoxiang , Chen Jiang , Wu Qinghua , Jiang Yi , Geng Fuchang , Pei Jin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSaffron, derived from the stigma ofCrocus sativus, is not only a valuable traditional Chinese medicine but also the expensive spice and dye. Its yield and quality are seriously influenced by its flowering transition. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism of the flowering transition inC. sativusis still unknown. In this study, we performed morphological, physiological and transcriptomic analyses using apical bud samples fromC. sativusduring the floral transition process. Morphological results indicated that the flowering transition process could be divided into three stages: an undifferentiated period, the early flower bud differentiation period, and the late flower bud differentiation period. Sugar, gibberellin (GA3), auxin (IAA) and zeatin (ZT) levels were steadily upregulated, while starch and abscisic acid (ABA) levels were gradually downregulated. Transcriptomic analysis showed that a total of 60 203 unigenes were identified, among which 19 490 were significantly differentially expressed. Of these, 165 unigenes were involved in flowering and were significantly enriched in the sugar metabolism, hormone signal transduction, cell cycle regulatory, photoperiod and autonomous pathways. Based on the above analysis, a hypothetical model for the regulatory networks of the saffron flowering transition was proposed. This study lays a theoretical basis for the genetic regulation of flowering inC. sativus.
A Feedforward Loop within the Thyroid-Brown Fat Axis Facilitates Thermoregulation
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Goh Hui Jen , Govindharajulu Priya , Sun Lei , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar , Leow Melvin Khee-Shing 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThyroid hormones (TH) control brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation and differentiation, but their subsequent homeostatic response following BAT activation remains obscure. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cold- and capsinoids-induced BAT activation and TH changes between baseline and 2 hours post-intervention. Nineteen healthy subjects underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) and whole-body calorimetry (WBC) after 2 hours of cold exposure (~14.5 °C) or capsinoids ingestion (12 mg) in a crossover design. Standardized uptake values (SUV-mean) of the region of interest and energy expenditure (EE) were measured. Plasma free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured before and 2 hours after each intervention. Subjects were divided into groups based on the presence (n = 12) or absence (n = 7) of BAT after cold exposure. 12 of 19 subjects were classified as BAT-positive. Subjects with BAT had higher baseline FT3 concentration, baseline FT3/FT4 ratio compared with subjects without BAT. Controlling for body fat percentage, FT3 concentration at baseline was associated with EE change from baseline after cold exposure (P = 0.037) and capsinoids (P = 0.047). Plasma FT4 level significantly increased associated with reciprocal decline in TSH after acute cold exposure and capsinoids independently of subject and treatment status. Circulating FT3 was higher in BAT-positive subjects and was a stronger predictor of EE changes after cold exposure and capsinoids in healthy humans. BAT activation elevates plasma FT4 acutely and may contribute towards augmentation of thermogenesis via a positive feedback response.
Cardiac transcriptional and metabolic changes following thoracotomy
Authors: Heckmann Markus B. , Rangrez Ashraf Yusuf , Finke Daniel , Jungmann Andreas , Kreußer Julia S. , Rosskopf Alexandra , Schmiedel Nesrin , Katus Hugo A. , Frey Norbert , Müller Oliver J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNon-cardiac surgery is associated with significant cardiovascular complications. Reported mortality rate ranges from 1.9% to 4% in unselected patients. A postoperative surge in pro-inflammatory cytokines is a well-known feature and putative contributor to these complications. Despite much clinical research, little is known about the biomolecular changes in cardiac tissue following non-cardiac surgery. In order to increase our understanding, we analyzed whole-transcriptional and metabolic profiling data sets from hearts of mice harvested two, four, and six weeks following isolated thoracotomy. Hearts from healthy litter-mates served as controls. Functional network enrichment analyses showed a distinct impact on cardiac transcription two weeks after surgery characterized by a downregulation of mitochondrial pathways in the absence of significant metabolic alterations. Transcriptional changes were not detectable four and six weeks following surgery. Our study shows distinct and reversible transcriptional changes within the first two weeks following isolated thoracotomy. This coincides with a time period, in which most cardiovascular events happen.
Outcome of robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy during initial learning curve versus laparotomy
Authors: Zhou Jiangjiao , Xiong Li , Miao Xiongying , Liu Juan , Zou Heng , Wen Yu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTo analyze the initial learning curve (LC) for robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (RAPD) and compare RAPD during the initial LC with open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) in terms of outcome. This study is a retrospective review of patients who consecutively underwent RAPD and OPD between October 2015 and January 2020 in our hospital. 41 consecutive RAPD cases and 53 consecutive open cases were enrolled for review. Compared with OPD, RAPD required a significantly longer operative time (401.1 ± 127.5 vs. 230.8 ± 44.5 min, P < 0.001) and higher cost (194621 ± 78342 vs. 121874 ± 39973 CNY, P < 0.001). Moreover, compared with the OPD group, the RAPD group revealed a significantly smaller mean number of lymph nodes harvested in malignant cases (15.6 ± 5.9 vs 18.9 ± 7.3, P = 0.025). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of incidence of Clavien–Dindo grade III–V morbidities and 90-day mortality and readmission (P>0.05). In the CUSUM graph, one peak point was observed at the 8th case, after which the operation time began to decrease. LC for RAPD may be less than 30 cases, and RAPD is safe and feasible during the initial LC.
Optimization and standardization of the culturomics technique for human microbiome exploration
Authors: Diakite Ami , Dubourg Grégory , Dione Niokhor , Afouda Pamela , Bellali Sara , Ngom Issa Isaac , Valles Camille , Tall Mamadou lamine , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Raoult Didier 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCulturomics is a high-throughput culture approach that has dramatically contributed to the recent renewal of culture. While metagenomics enabled substantial advances in exploring the microbiota, culturomics significantly expanded our knowledge regarding the bacterial gut repertoire through the discovery and the description of hundreds of new taxa. While this approach relies on the variation of culture conditions and media, we have tested so far more than 300 conditions since the beginning of culturomics studies. In this context, we aimed herein to identify the most profitable conditions for optimizing culturomics approach. For this purpose, we have analysed a set of 58 culturomics conditions that were previously applied to 8 faecal specimens, enabling the isolation of 497 bacterial species. As a result, we were able to reduce the number of conditions used to isolate these 497 of more than a half (i.e. to 25 culture conditions). We have also established a list of the 16 conditions that allowed to capture 98% of the total number of species previously isolated. These data constitute a methodological starting point for culture-based microbiota studies by improving the culturomics workflow without any loss of captured bacterial diversity.
A Lattice Distortion Theory for Promotor Containing Clathrate Hydrates
Authors: Thakre Niraj , Jana Amiya K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA lattice distortion theory for promotor containing clathrate hydrates is formulated using the statistical thermodynamics based model of van der Waals and Platteeuw in association with the ab initio quantum mechanics to compute the cavity potentials. Despite of high degree of lattice distortion anticipated for large and polar molecules of liquid promotors, their variable lattice energy concept is unreported. With this intention, we estimate the lattice stabilization energy from spin-component scaled second order Møller-Plesset (SCS-MP2) perturbation theory applied with the augmented correlation-consistent polarized double zeta valence (aug-cc-pVDZ) basis set. Implementing this to compute cavity potential for different promotors, the reference properties of hydrates are harvested by regressing against the phase equilibrium conditions of their binary hydrates with methane. Our study confirms the exponential relation of reference chemical potential difference with van der Waals volume of the promotors. Moreover, using the excess Gibbs free energy theory, the higher order distortions for the multiple guests are captured. The proposed lattice distortion theory is attested with phase equilibrium conditions of eight promotors containing clathrate hydrate systems, namely propylene oxide, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, pyrrolidine, iso-butanaldehyde, cyclopentane, furan and thiophene, all having methane as a co-guest.
Omentin: a biomarker of cardiovascular risk in individuals with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Genre Fernanda , Rueda-Gotor Javier , Remuzgo-Martínez Sara , Pulito-Cueto Verónica , Corrales Alfonso , Mijares Verónica , Lera-Gómez Leticia , Portilla Virginia , Expósito Rosa , Mata Cristina , Blanco Ricardo , Llorca Javier , Hernández-Hernández Vanesa , Vicente Esther , Fernández-Carballido Cristina , Martínez-Vidal María Paz , Castro-Corredor David , Anino-Fernández Joaquín , Rodríguez-Lozano Carlos , Gualillo Oreste , Quevedo-Abeledo Juan Carlos , Castañeda Santos , Ferraz-Amaro Iván , López-Mejías Raquel , González-Gay Miguel Á. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCardiovascular (CV) disease is the main cause of mortality in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). CV risk is enhanced by dysregulation of adipokines. Low omentin levels were associated with metabolic dysfunction and CV disease in conditions different from axSpA. Accordingly, we evaluated the genetic and functional implication of omentin in CV risk and subclinical atherosclerosis in a cohort of 385 axSpA patients. Subclinical atherosclerosis was evaluated by carotid ultrasound. Omentin rs12409609, in linkage disequilibrium with a polymorphism associated with CV risk, was genotyped in 385 patients and 84 controls. Serum omentin levels were also determined. omentin mRNA expression was assessed in a subgroup of individuals. Serum and mRNA omentin levels were lower in axSpA compared to controls. Low serum omentin levels were related to male sex, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and high atherogenic index. rs12409609 minor allele was associated with low omentin mRNA expression in axSpA. No association was observed with subclinical atherosclerosis at the genetic or functional level. In conclusion, in our study low omentin serum levels were associated with CV risk factors in axSpA. Furthermore, rs12409609 minor allele may be downregulating the expression of omentin. These data support a role of omentin as a CV risk biomarker in axSpA.
Behavioral Audiology Procedures in Children With Down Syndrome
Authors: Nightengale Emily E. , Wolter-Warmerdam Kristine , Yoon Patricia J. , Daniels Dee , Hickey Fran 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
Normative data regarding behavioral audiologic testing procedures are based upon the general population and often do not apply to children with Down syndrome (DS). Testing children with DS can be challenging, and outcomes may be unreliable due to their different cognitive demands and delays. The aim of this study was to assess optimal audiologic testing procedures for specific age groups of children with DS.

Method
This study used a retrospective investigation of 273 children with DS (145 boys, 128 girls; average age at evaluation = 5.92 ± 4.74 years) who received an audiologic evaluation during 2013 as part of their medical care at a large pediatric hospital (satellite facilities included).

Results
Age ranges for the completion of audiometry procedures in children with DS are provided. Average age to reliably complete behavioral testing in children with DS was delayed by up to 30 months compared to typically developing children. The majority of children with DS achieved at least good-to-fair reliability for audiologic results starting at 16 months (85.7%) and two ear results at 6–10 years (76.1%). Though not statistically significant, the use of a two-tester assistant compared to a single tester appeared to be helpful in obtaining reliable results.

Conclusion
The results provide a guide to optimal audiologic test procedures for children with DS, as the standard audiologic guidelines for typically developing infants and children do not apply.
The Effects of an Online Training on Preservice Speech-Language Pathologists' Use of Family-Centered Skills
Authors: Mandak Kelsey , Light Janice , McNaughton David 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
Despite the recognition that family-centered services are best practice in augmentative and alternative communication services, many speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are lacking in their acquisition and implementation of family-centered skills. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of online instruction in a family-centered, relational skills strategy on preservice SLPs use of family-centered skills.

Method
A switching replications design was used to evaluate the effects of an online training on the use of family-centered behaviors by 15 preservice SLPs who were randomly assigned to two groups. The online training taught the students a four-step relational skills strategy (summarized by the acronym LAFF): (a) Listen, empathize, and communicate respect; (b) Ask questions; (c) Focus on the issues; and (d) Find a first step. Participants were videotaped during interactions with simulated parents before and after the training.

Results
After an average of 61 min of instruction via the online module, all of the preservice SLPs significantly improved their demonstration of relational skills. Additionally, one parent of a child who used augmentative and alternative communication viewed the video recordings and chose 14 of the 15 postinstruction role plays as more family-centered.

Conclusion
The findings from this study provide support for the use of an online environment to teach preservice SLPs family-centered relational skills. In order to prepare future SLPs and ensure the delivery of family-centered services, future research is necessary, including investigations to determine whether other family-centered skills can be effectively taught through an online environment.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12462344