bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Manual versus Pump Infusion of Distending Media for Hysteroscopic Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ting Wan-Hua , Lin Ho-Hsiung , Hsiao Sheng-Mou 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFluid overload is a potential complication of hysteroscopic procedures with the possibility of dangerous electrolyte changes. This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare perioperative outcomes and changes in electrolytes after hysteroscopic procedures between the manual infusion (MI) and the pump infusion (PI) methods for distending media infusion. One hundred consecutive women who had hysteroscopic procedures between December 2013 and February 2017 were recruited and randomly allocated to either the MI or PI group. The PI group was associated with an increased volume of infused fluid and collected fluid compared with the volumes of the MI group. Almost all serum electrolyte levels differed significantly between the baseline and postoperative values in both groups; however, no significant differences were noted between the groups. The change in potassium level was positively correlated with the volume of fluid deficit (Spearman’s rho = 0.24, P = 0.03), whereas the change in calcium level was negatively correlated with the volume of fluid deficit (Spearman’s rho = −0.26, P = 0.046). With no between-group differences in the changes in the other perioperative parameters and electrolytes, the MI method can be a good alternative for delivering distending media for hysteroscopic procedures.
Stress-Dependent Pore Deformation Effects on Multiphase Flow Properties of Porous Media
Authors: Haghi* Amir H. , Chalaturnyk Richard , Talman Stephen 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRelative permeability and capillary pressure are the governing parameters that characterize multiphase fluid flow in porous media for diverse natural and industrial applications, including surface water infiltration into the ground, CO2 sequestration, and hydrocarbon enhanced recovery. Although the drastic effects of deformation of porous media on single-phase fluid flow have been well established, the stress dependency of flow in multiphase systems is not yet fully explored. Here, stress-dependent relative permeability and capillary pressure are studied in a water-wet carbonate specimen both analytically using fractal and poroelasticity theory and experimentally on the micro-scale and macro-scales by means of X-ray computed micro-tomography and isothermal isotropic triaxial core flooding cell, respectively. Our core flooding program using water/N2 phases shows a systematic decrease in the irreducible water saturation and gas relative permeability in response to an increase in effective stress. Intuitively, a leftward shift of the intersection point of water/gas relative permeability curves is interpreted as an increased affinity of the rock to the gas phase. Using a micro-scale proxy model, we identify a leftward shift in pore size distribution and closure of micro-channels to be responsible for the abovementioned observations. These findings prove the crucial impact of effective stress-induced pore deformation on multiphase flow properties of rock, which are missing from the current characterizations of multiphase flow mechanisms in porous media.
Identification and Characterization of the PEBP Family Genes in Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla)
Authors: Yang Zhaohe , Chen Lei , Kohnen Markus V. , Xiong Bei , Zhen Xi , Liao Jiakai , Oka Yoshito , Zhu Qiang , Gu Lianfeng , Lin Chentao , Liu Bobin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMoso bamboo is one of the economically most important plants in China. Moso bamboo is a monocarpic perennial that exhibits poor and slow germination. Thus, the flowering often causes destruction of moso bamboo forestry. However, how control of flowering and seed germination are regulated in moso bamboo is largely unclear. In this study, we identified 5 members (PhFT1-5) of the phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBP) family from moso bamboo genome that regulate flowering, flower architecture and germination, and characterized the function of these PEBP family genes further in Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 3 (PhFT1, PhFT2 and PhFT3), 1 (PhFT4) and 1 (PhFT5) members belong to the TFL1-like clade, FT-like clade, and MFT-like clade, respectively. These PEBP family genes possess all structure necessary for PEBP gene function. The ectopic overexpression of PhFT4 and PhFT5 promotes flowering time in Arabidopsis, and that of PhFT1, PhFT2 and PhFT3 suppresses it. In addition, the overexpression of PhFT5 promotes seed germination rate. Interestingly, the overexpression of PhFT1 suppressed seed germination rate in Arabidopsis. The expression of PhFT1 and PhFT5 is significantly higher in seed than in tissues including leaf and shoot apical meristem, implying their function in seed germination. Taken together, our results suggested that the PEBP family genes play important roles as regulators of flowering and seed germination in moso bamboo and thereby are necessary for the sustainability of moso bamboo forest.
E3 ubiquitin ligases LNX1 and LNX2 are major regulators of the presynaptic glycine transporter GlyT2
Authors: de la Rocha-Muñoz A. , Núñez E. , Arribas-González E. , López-Corcuera B. , Aragón C. , de Juan-Sanz J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe neuronal glycine transporter GlyT2 is an essential regulator of glycinergic neurotransmission that recaptures glycine in presynaptic terminals to facilitate transmitter packaging in synaptic vesicles. Alterations in GlyT2 expression or activity result in lower cytosolic glycine levels, emptying glycinergic synaptic vesicles and impairing neurotransmission. Lack of glycinergic neurotransmission caused by GlyT2 loss-of-function mutations results in Hyperekplexia, a rare neurological disease characterized by generalized stiffness and motor alterations that may cause sudden infant death. Although the importance of GlyT2 in pathology is known, how this transporter is regulated at the molecular level is poorly understood, limiting current therapeutic strategies. Guided by an unbiased screening, we discovered that E3 ubiquitin ligase Ligand of Numb proteins X1/2 (LNX1/2) modulate the ubiquitination status of GlyT2. The N-terminal RING-finger domain of LNX1/2 ubiquitinates a cytoplasmic C-terminal lysine cluster in GlyT2 (K751, K773, K787 and K791), and this process regulates the expression levels and transport activity of GlyT2. The genetic deletion of endogenous LNX2 in spinal cord primary neurons causes an increase in GlyT2 expression and we find that LNX2 is required for PKC-mediated control of GlyT2 transport. This work identifies, to our knowledge, the first E3 ubiquitin-ligases acting on GlyT2, revealing a novel molecular mechanism that controls presynaptic glycine availability. Providing a better understanding of the molecular regulation of GlyT2 may help future investigations into the molecular basis of human disease states caused by dysfunctional glycinergic neurotransmission, such as hyperekplexia and chronic pain.
Sustainable production of bio-crude oil via hydrothermal liquefaction of symbiotically grown biomass of microalgae-bacteria coupled with effective wastewater treatment
Authors: Goswami Gargi , Makut Bidhu Bhusan , Das Debasish 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe study demonstrates a sustainable process for production of bio-crude oil via hydrothermal liquefaction of microbial biomass generated through co-cultivation of microalgae and bacteria coupled with wastewater remediation. Biomass concentration and wastewater treatment efficiency of a tertiary consortium (two microalgae and two bacteria) was evaluated on four different wastewater samples. Total biomass concentration, total nitrogen and COD removal efficiency was found to be 3.17 g L−1, 99.95% and 95.16% respectively when consortium was grown using paper industry wastewater in a photobioreactor under batch mode. Biomass concentration was enhanced to 4.1 g L−1 through intermittent feeding of nitrogen source and phosphate. GC-MS and FTIR analysis of bio-crude oil indicates abundance of the hydrocarbon fraction and in turn, better oil quality. Maximum distillate fraction of 30.62% lies within the boiling point range of 200–300 °C depicting suitability of the bio-crude oil for conversion into diesel oil, jet fuel and fuel for stoves.
NADH dehydrogenases Nuo and Nqr1 contribute to extracellular electron transfer by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Madsen Cody S. , TerAvest Michaela A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractShewanella oneidensis MR-1 is quickly becoming a synthetic biology workhorse for bioelectrochemical technologies due to a high level of understanding of its interaction with electrodes. Transmembrane electron transfer via the Mtr pathway has been well characterized, however, the role of NADH dehydrogenases in feeding electrons to Mtr has been only minimally studied in S. oneidensis MR-1. Four NADH dehydrogenases are encoded in the genome, suggesting significant metabolic flexibility in oxidizing NADH under a variety of conditions. A strain lacking the two dehydrogenases essential for aerobic growth exhibited a severe growth defect with an anode (+0.4 VSHE) or Fe(III)-NTA as the terminal electron acceptor. Our study reveals that the same NADH dehydrogenase complexes are utilized under oxic conditions or with a high potential anode. Our study also supports the previously indicated importance of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in producing NADH during anerobic lactate metabolism. Understanding the role of NADH in extracellular electron transfer may help improve biosensors and give insight into other applications for bioelectrochemical systems.
A clinicohaematological prognostic model for nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: A multicenter study
Authors: Tan Khee Ming , Chia Burton , Lim Jing Quan , Khoo Lay Poh , Cheng Chee Leong , Tan Leonard , Poon Eileen , Somasundaram Nagavalli , Farid Mohamad , Tang Tiffany Pooi Ling , Tao Miriam , Cheah Daryl Ming Zhe , Laurensia Yurike , Pang Jane Wan Lu , Song Tammy , Tan Jing , Huang Dachuan , Kim Seok Jin , Kim Won Seog , Ong Choon Kiat , Lim Soon Thye , Chan Jason Yongsheng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractExtranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (NKTL) is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus and characterized by varying degrees of systemic inflammation. We aim to examine the prognostic significance of peripheral blood neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with NKTL. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective review of 178 patients with biopsy-proven NKTL from the National Cancer Centre Singapore and Samsung Medical Center, South Korea. Using receiver operating curve analysis, an optimal cut-off for high NLR (>3.5) in predicting overall survival (OS) was derived. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional regression. In patients with high NLR, estimated 5-year OS was 25% compared to 53% in those with low NLR. In multivariable analysis, high NLR, in addition to age ≥60 years, presence of B-symptoms and stage III/IV at diagnosis, was independently correlated with worse OS (HR 2.08; 95% CI 1.36 to 3.18;p = 0.0008) and progression-free survival (HR 1.66; 95% CI 1.11 to 2.46;p = 0.0128). A new prognostic index (NABS score) derived from these factors stratified patients into low (0), low-intermediate (1), high-intermediate (2) and high (3–4) risk subgroups, which were associated with 5-year OS of 76.5%, 55.7%, 29.2% and 0% respectively. In conclusion, high NLR is an independent prognostic marker and the NABS model can be used to risk-stratify NKTL patients.
Stoichiometric optimization of Gata4, Hand2, Mef2c, and Tbx5 expression for contractile cardiomyocyte reprogramming
Authors: Zhang Zhentao , Zhang Wenhui , Nam Young-Jae 
Published: October 2019

AbstractReprogramming of fibroblasts to induced cardiomyocyte-like cells (iCMs) offers potential strategies for new cardiomyocyte generation. However, a major challenge of this approach remains its low efficiency for contractile iCMs. Here, we showed that controlled stoichiometric expression of Gata4 (G), Hand2 (H), Mef2c (M), and Tbx5 (T) significantly enhanced contractile cardiomyocyte reprogramming over previously defined stoichiometric expression of GMT or uncontrolled expression of GHMT. We generated quad-cistronic vectors expressing distinct relative protein levels of GHMT within the context of a previously defined splicing order of M-G-T with high Mef2c level. Transduction of the quad-cistronic vector with a splicing order of M-G-T-H (referred to as M-G-T-H) inducing relatively low Hand2 and high Mef2c protein levels not only increased sarcomeric protein induction, but also markedly promoted the development of contractile structures and functions in fibroblasts. The expressed Gata4 and Tbx5 protein levels by M-G-T-H transduction were relatively higher than those by transductions of other quad-cistronic vectors, but lower than those by previously defined M-G-T tri-cistronic vector transduction. Taken together, our results demonstrate the stoichiometric requirement of GHMT expression for structural and functional progresses of cardiomyocyte reprogramming and provide a new basic tool-set for future studies.
Whole genome sequencing of drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from a high burden tuberculosis region of North West Pakistan
Authors: Jabbar Abdul , Phelan Jody E. , de Sessions Paola Florez , Khan Taj Ali , Rahman Hazir , Khan Sadiq Noor , Cantillon Daire M. , Wildner Leticia Muraro , Ali Sajid , Campino Susana , Waddell Simon J. , Clark Taane G. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, is a leading infectious cause of mortality worldwide, including in Pakistan. Drug resistant M. tuberculosis is an emerging threat for TB control, making it important to detect the underlying genetic mutations, and thereby inform treatment decision making and prevent transmission. Whole genome sequencing has emerged as the new diagnostic to reliably predict drug resistance within a clinically relevant time frame, and its deployment will have the greatest impact on TB control in highly endemic regions. To evaluate the mutations leading to drug resistance and to assess for evidence of the transmission of resistant strains, 81 M. tuberculosis samples from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (North West Pakistan) were subjected to whole genome sequencing and standard drug susceptibility testing for eleven anti-TB drugs. We found the majority of M. tuberculosis isolates were the CAS/Delhi strain-type (lineage 3; n = 57; 70.4%) and multi-drug resistant (MDR; n = 62; 76.5%). The most frequent resistance mutations were observed in the katG and rpoB genes, conferring resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin respectively. Mutations were also observed in genes conferring resistance to other first and second-line drugs, including in pncA (pyrazinamide), embB (ethambutol), gyrA (fluoroquinolones), rrs (aminoglycosides), rpsL, rrs and giB (streptomycin) loci. Whilst the majority of mutations have been reported in global datasets, we describe unreported putative resistance markers in katG, ethA (ethionamide), gyrA and gyrB (fluoroquinolones), and pncA. Analysis of the mutations revealed that acquisition of rifampicin resistance often preceded isoniazid in our isolates. We also observed a high proportion (17.6%) of pre-MDR isolates with fluoroquinolone resistance markers, potentially due to unregulated anti-TB drug use. Our isolates were compared to previously sequenced strains from Pakistan in a combined phylogenetic tree analysis. The presence of lineage 2 was only observed in our isolates. Using a cut-off of less than ten genome-wide mutation differences between isolates, a transmission analysis revealed 18 M. tuberculosis isolates clustering within eight networks, thereby providing evidence of drug-resistant TB transmission in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Overall, we have demonstrated that drug-resistant TB isolates are circulating and transmitted in North West Pakistan. Further, we have shown the usefulness of whole genome sequencing as a diagnostic tool for characterizing M. tuberculosis isolates, which will assist future epidemiological studies and disease control activities in Pakistan.
Spatial structure arising from chase-escape interactions with crowding
Authors: Surendran Anudeep , Plank Michael J. , Simpson Matthew J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMovement of individuals, mediated by localised interactions, plays a key role in numerous processes including cell biology and ecology. In this work, we investigate an individual-based model accounting for various intraspecies and interspecies interactions in a community consisting of two distinct species. In this framework we consider one species to be chasers and the other species to be escapees, and we focus on chase-escape dynamics where the chasers are biased to move towards the escapees, and the escapees are biased to move away from the chasers. This framework allows us to explore how individual-level directional interactions scale up to influence spatial structure at the macroscale. To focus exclusively on the role of motility and directional bias in determining spatial structure, we consider conservative communities where the number of individuals in each species remains constant. To provide additional information about the individual-based model, we also present a mathematically tractable deterministic approximation based on describing the evolution of the spatial moments. We explore how different features of interactions including interaction strength, spatial extent of interaction, and relative density of species influence the formation of the macroscale spatial patterns.
Management of mountainous meadows associated with biodiversity attributes, perceived health benefits and cultural ecosystem services
Authors: Hussain Raja Imran , Walcher Ronnie , Eder Renate , Allex Brigitte , Wallner Peter , Hutter Hans-Peter , Bauer Nicole , Arnberger Arne , Zaller Johann G. , Frank Thomas 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAssociations between biodiversity, human health and well-being have never been discussed with reference to agriculturally managed, species-rich mountainous meadows. We evaluated these associations between extensively managed (one mowing a year, no fertilization) and abandoned (no mowing since more than 80 years, no fertilization) semi-dry meadows located in the Austrian and Swiss Alps. We quantified the richness and abundance of plants, grasshoppers, true bugs, bumblebees, syrphids and landscape characteristics in the surroundings of the meadows. Associations between these biodiversity attributes and short-term psychological and physiological human health effects were assessed with 22 participants (10 males, 12 females; mean age 27 years). Participants´ pulse rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were not affected during visits to managed or abandoned meadows. However, perceived health benefits (e.g., stress reduction, attention restoration) were higher during their stays in managed than in abandoned meadows. Also, the attractiveness of the surrounding landscape and the recreation suitability were rated higher when visiting managed meadows. Perceived naturalness was positively correlated with plant richness and flower cover. A positive correlation was found between SBP and forest cover, but SBP was negatively correlated with the open landscape. A negative association was found between grasshoppers and recreational and landscape perceptions. We suggest to discuss biodiversity attributes not only in connection with agricultural management but also with cultural ecosystem services and health benefits to raise more awareness for multifaceted interrelationships between ecosystems and humans.
Isolation of Artemisia capillaris membrane-bound di-prenyltransferase for phenylpropanoids and redesign of artepillin C in yeast
Authors: Munakata Ryosuke , Takemura Tomoya , Tatsumi Kanade , Moriyoshi Eiko , Yanagihara Koki , Sugiyama Akifumi , Suzuki Hideyuki , Seki Hikaru , Muranaka Toshiya , Kawano Noriaki , Yoshimatsu Kayo , Kawahara Nobuo , Yamaura Takao , Grosjean Jérémy , Bourgaud Frédéric , Hehn Alain , Yazaki Kazufumi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPlants produce various prenylated phenolic metabolites, including flavonoids, phloroglucinols, and coumarins, many of which have multiple prenyl moieties and display various biological activities. Prenylated phenylpropanes, such as artepillin C (3,5-diprenyl-p-coumaric acid), exhibit a broad range of pharmaceutical effects. To date, however, no prenyltransferases (PTs) involved in the biosynthesis of phenylpropanes and no plant enzymes that introduce multiple prenyl residues to native substrates with different regio-specificities have been identified. This study describes the isolation from Artemisia capillaris of a phenylpropane-specific PT gene, AcPT1, belonging to UbiA superfamily. This gene encodes a membrane-bound enzyme, which accepts p-coumaric acid as its specific substrate and transfers two prenyl residues stepwise to yield artepillin C. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular evolution of this gene family, contributing to the chemical diversification of plant specialized metabolites. These results also enabled the design of a yeast platform for the synthetic biology of artepillin C.
A pilot study of blood supply of the coracoid process and the coracoid bone graft after Latarjet osteotomy
Authors: Deng Zhenhan , Liang Daqiang , Zhu Weimin , Liu Haifeng , Xu Jian , Peng Liangquan , Li Xuchun , Li Ying , Kotian Ronak Naveenchandra , Lu Wei , Wang Daping 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Latarjet osteotomy is still one of the most reliable and commonly used surgeries in treating recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation. The coracoid process (CP) is the main structure of this surgery. However, the blood supply of CP is not fully understood, and the extent of destruction of blood supply of coracoid bone graft after Latarjet osteotomy procedure is still controversial. Five embalmed cadaveric upper limbs specimens were employed for macro observation of the blood supply of CP. The conjoint tendon (CT) and CP interface were dissected for histology. Sixteen fresh frozen shoulder specimens were used for perfusion and micro CT scanning. Eight specimens were used to present the whole vessel structure of CP. The other eight underwent Latarjet osteotomy procedure. The coracoid bone grafts in both groups were scanned to clarify the remnant blood supply. It was found that the CP was nourished by supra-scapular artery (SSA), thoracic-acromial artery and branch from second portion of the axillary artery (AA). After Latarjet osteotomy procedure, no artery from CT was detected to penetrate the CP at its attachment. Only in one specimen the blood vessel that originated from the CT penetrated the bone graft at the inferior side. Therefore, most of the blood supply was destroyed although there is a subtle possibility that the vessels derived from the CT nourished the inferior side of the CP. In a nutshell, CP is a structure with rich blood supply. The traditional Latarjet osteotomy procedure would inevitably cut off the blood supply of the coracoid bone graft.