bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcal Surface Display of Immunoglobulin A (IgA)- and IgE-Specific In Vitro-Selected Binding Proteins (Affibodies) Based on
Staphylococcus aureus
Protein A
Authors: Gunneriusson Elin , Samuelson Patrik , Ringdahl Jenny , Grönlund Hans , Nygren Per-Åke , Ståhl Stefan 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

An expression system designed for cell surface display of hybrid proteins on
Staphylococcus carnosus
has been evaluated for the display of
Staphylococcus aureus
protein A (SpA) domains, normally binding to immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc but here engineered by combinatorial protein chemistry to yield SpA domains, denoted affibodies, with new binding specificities. Such affibodies, with human IgA or IgE binding activity, have previously been selected from a phage library, based on an SpA domain. In this study, these affibodies have been genetically introduced in monomeric or dimeric forms into chimeric proteins expressed on the surface of
S. carnosus
by using translocation signals from a
Staphylococcus hyicus
lipase construct together with surface-anchoring regions of SpA. The recombinant surface proteins, containing the IgA- or IgE-specific affibodies, were demonstrated to be expressed as full-length proteins, localized and properly exposed at the cell surface of
S. carnosus
. Furthermore, these chimeric receptors were found to be functional, since recombinant
S. carnosus
cells were shown to have gained IgA and IgE binding capacity, respectively. In addition, a positive effect in terms of IgA and IgE reactivity was observed when dimeric versions of the affibodies were present. Potential applications for recombinant bacteria with redirected binding specificity in their surface proteins are discussed.
Bacterial Growth State Distinguished by Single-Cell Protein Profiling: Does Chlorination Kill Coliforms in Municipal Effluent?
Authors: Rockabrand David , Austin Teresa , Kaiser Robyn , Blum Paul 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Municipal effluent is the largest reservoir of human enteric bacteria. Its public health significance, however, depends upon the physiological status of the wastewater bacterial community. A novel immunofluorescence assay was developed and used to examine the bacterial growth state during wastewater disinfection. Quantitative levels of three highly conserved cytosolic proteins (DnaK, Dps, and Fis) were determined by using enterobacterium-specific antibody fluorochrome-coupled probes. Enterobacterial Fis homologs were abundant in growing cells and nearly undetectable in stationary-phase cells. In contrast, enterobacterial Dps homologs were abundant in stationary-phase cells but virtually undetectable in growing cells. The range of variation in the abundance of both proteins was at least 100-fold as determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. Enterobacterial DnaK homologs were nearly invariant with growth state, enabling their use as permeabilization controls. The cellular growth states of individual enterobacteria in wastewater samples were determined by measurement of Fis, Dps, and DnaK abundance (protein profiling). Intermediate levels of Fis and Dps were evident and occurred in response to physiological transitions. The results indicate that chlorination failed to kill coliforms but rather elicited nutrient starvation and a reversible nonculturable state. These studies suggest that the current standard procedures for wastewater analysis which rely on detection of culturable cells likely underestimate fecal coliform content.
Efficacy of Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water for Inactivating
Escherichia coli
O157:H7,
Salmonella enteritidis
, and
Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Venkitanarayanan Kumar S. , Ezeike Gabriel O. , Hung Yen-Con , Doyle Michael P. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

The efficacy of electrolyzed oxidizing water for inactivating
Escherichia coli
O157:H7,
Salmonella enteritidis
, and
Listeria monocytogenes
was evaluated. A five-strain mixture of
E. coli
O157:H7,
S. enteritidis
, or
L. monocytogenes
of approximately 10
8
CFU/ml was inoculated in 9 ml of electrolyzed oxidizing water (treatment) or 9 ml of sterile, deionized water (control) and incubated at 4 or 23°C for 0, 5, 10, and 15 min; at 35°C for 0, 2, 4, and 6 min; or at 45°C for 0, 1, 3, and 5 min. The surviving population of each pathogen at each sampling time was determined on tryptic soy agar. At 4 or 23°C, an exposure time of 5 min reduced the populations of all three pathogens in the treatment samples by approximately 7 log CFU/ml, with complete inactivation by 10 min of exposure. A reduction of ≥7 log CFU/ml in the levels of the three pathogens occurred in the treatment samples incubated for 1 min at 45°C or for 2 min at 35°C. The bacterial counts of all three pathogens in control samples remained the same throughout the incubation at all four temperatures. Results indicate that electrolyzed oxidizing water may be a useful disinfectant, but appropriate applications need to be validated.
Validation of a predictive model for operative trauma experience to facilitate selection of trauma sustainment military–civilian partnerships
Authors: Hall Andrew , Qureshi Iram , Glaser Jacob , Bulger Eileen M , Scalea Thomas , Shackelford Stacy , Gurney Jennifer 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundTrauma readiness is a Department of Defense requirement for military healthcare providers. Surgeons must maintain readiness to optimize surgical care on the battlefield and minimize preventable death. The objective of this study was to validate a predictive model for trauma operative exposure by applying the model prospectively.MethodsThe predictive model for operative trauma exposure was prospectively applied to predict the number of emergent operative cases that would be experienced over predetermined time periods at four separate trauma sustainment military–civilian partnerships (TS-MCP). Notional courses were designed to be 2 or 4 weeks long and consisting of 5 and 12 overnight call periods, respectively. A total of 51 separate 2-week courses and 49 4-week courses were evaluated using the model. The outcome measure was the number of urgent (occurring within a day of arrival) operative trauma cases.ResultsTrauma/general surgery case volumes during call periods of notional courses were within the predicted range at least 98% of the time. Orthopedic volumes were more variable with a range of 82%–98% meeting expectation depending on the course length and institution.ConclusionThe previously defined model accurately predicted the number of urgent trauma/general surgery cases course participants would likely experience when applied prospectively to TS-MCP; however, the model was less accurate in predicting acute orthopedic trauma exposure. While it remains unknown how many cases need to be performed meet a trauma sustainment requirement, having a model with a predictive capability for case volume will facilitate metric development. This model may be useful when planning for future TS-MCP.Level of evidenceEconomic and Value Based Evaluations Level II
Geomechanical behaviour of gassy soils and implications for submarine slope stability: a literature analysis
Authors: Kaminski P. , Urlaub M. , Grabe J. , Berndt C. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Submarine slope failures pose a direct threat to seafloor installations and coastal communities. Here, we evaluate the influence of free gas on the soil's shear strength and submarine slope failures in areas with gassy soils based on an extensive literature review. We identify two potential destabilization mechanisms: gas bubbles in the pore space lead to a reduced shear strength of the soil and/or gas induces excess pore pressures that consequently reduce the effective stress in the soil. Our evaluation of the reported mechanical and hydraulic behaviour of gassy sediments indicates that the unfavourable impact of entrapped gas on a soil's shearing resistance is not sufficient to trigger large-scale slope failures. Liquefaction failure due to high gas pressures is, however, a viable scenario in coarse-grained soils. Transferring the gas influence on the soil mechanical behaviour to constitutive models is identified as the most important prerequisite for a successful future analysis of slope stability.
Evaluating the sealing potential of young and thin mass-transport deposits: Lake Villarrica, Chile
Authors: Moernaut Jasper , Wiemer Gauvain , Kopf Achim , Strasser Michael 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Subaqueous mass-transport deposits (MTDs) can be important elements in hydrocarbon systems, forming potential reservoirs or seals. Most research has targeted outcrops or moderately to deeply buried MTDs and, therefore, the petrophysical properties of near-seafloor MTDs, and their influence in the trapping and release of shallow fluids, is poorly studied. Here, we investigate shallow MTDs in Lake Villarrica (Chile) by combining sub-bottom profiles, free-fall penetrometer data, pore pressure dissipation tests and geotechnical properties of sediment cores. Low undrained shear strength under a surficial MTD indicates underconsolidation caused by sudden loading and rapid sealing. Larger, buried MTDs show acoustic signatures of free gas at their base, indicating effective sealing. This is supported by degassing core gaps just below MTDs and by excess pore pressure ratios
c
. 30–70% within MTDs. Acoustic windows below rafted blocks suggest local fluid escape. MTDs exhibit elevated undrained shear strength and reduced porosity compared to surrounding sediments, but are comparable to upslope source sequences. This suggests that MTD sealing capacity in Villarrica relates to the apparently overconsolidated nature of the slope sequence, leaving a minor role for shear densification. This study shows that shallow MTDs can form a relatively rapid seal for fluid migration, locally degraded by rafted blocks.
Tectonic and geomorphic controls on the distribution of submarine landslides across active and passive margins, eastern New Zealand
Authors: Watson S. J. , Mountjoy J. J. , Crutchley G. J. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Submarine landslides occur on continental margins globally and can have devastating consequences for marine habitats, offshore infrastructure and coastal communities due to potential tsunamigenesis. Therefore, understanding landslide magnitude and distribution is central to marine and coastal hazard planning.

We present the first submarine landslide database for the eastern margin of New Zealand comprising >2200 landslides occurring in water depths from
c.
300–4000 m. Landslides are more prevalent and, on average, larger on the active margin compared with the passive margin. We attribute higher concentrations of landslides on the active margin to tectonic processes including uplift and oversteepening, faulting and seamount subduction. Submarine landslide scars are concentrated around canyon systems and close to canyon thalwegs. This suggests that not only does mass wasting play a major role in canyon evolution, but also that canyon-forming processes may provide preconditioning factors for slope failure.

Results of this study offer unique insights into the spatial distribution, magnitude and morphology of submarine landslides across different geological settings, providing a better understanding of the causative factors for mass wasting in New Zealand and around the world.
Tsunami-triggered dispersal and deposition of microplastics in marine environments and their use in dating recent turbidite deposits
Authors: Kawamura Kiichiro , Oguri Kazumasa , Toyofuku Takashi , Radakovitch Olivier , Fontanier Christophe , Sasaki Kenta , Fujii Minami , Murayama Masafumi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Microplastics have become widely dispersed throughout the marine environment in and around Japan since the 1960s, which corresponds to the onset of mass plastic production and use in this country. Our study documents a possible abrupt microplastic depositional event in continental shelf and deep-sea environments triggered by a tsunami. The sediment layers contaminated by microplastics correspond with sedimentary horizons where
137
Cs signals were measured, indicating deposition after 1960s nuclear tests. The microplastics were observed in the 2011 Tohoku-Oki tsunami deposits. Tsunamis can thus contribute to the wide dispersal of microplastics from coastal to deep-sea areas, and these anthropogenic particles can be used to date very recent turbidite deposits.
Effects of testosterone suppression, hindlimb immobilization, and recovery on [3H]ouabain binding site content and Na+, K+-ATPase isoforms in rat soleus muscle
Authors: Altarawneh Muath M. , Hanson Erik D. , Betik Andrew C. , Petersen Aaron C. , Hayes Alan , McKenna Michael J. 
Published: December 2019

We investigated the effects of testosterone suppression, hindlimb immobilization, and recovery on skeletal muscle Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA), measured via [3H]ouabain binding site content (OB) and NKA isoform abundances (α1–3, β1–2). Male rats underwent castration or sham surgery plus 7 days of rest, 10 days of unilateral immobilization (cast), and 14 days of recovery, with soleus muscles obtained at each time from cast and noncast legs. Testosterone reduction did not modify OB or NKA isoforms in nonimmobilized control muscles. With sham surgery, OB was lower after immobilization in the cast leg than in both the noncast leg (−26%, P = 0.023) and the nonimmobilized control (−34%, P  = 0.001), but OB subsequently recovered. With castration, OB was lower after immobilization in the cast leg than in the nonimmobilized control (−34%, P  = 0.001), and remained depressed at recovery (−34%, P = 0.001). NKA isoforms did not differ after immobilization or recovery in the sham group. After castration, α2 in the cast leg was ~60% lower than in the noncast leg ( P = 0.004) and nonimmobilized control ( P = 0.004) and after recovery remained lower than the nonimmobilized control (−42%, P = 0.039). After immobilization, β1 was lower in the cast than the noncast leg (−26%, P = 0.018), with β2 lower in the cast leg than in the noncast leg (−71%, P = 0.004) and nonimmobilized control (−65%, P = 0.012). No differences existed for α1 or α3. Thus, both OB and α2 decreased after immobilization and recovery in the castration group, with α2, β1, and β2 isoform abundances decreased with immobilization compared with the sham group. Therefore, testosterone suppression in rats impaired restoration of immobilization-induced lowered number of functional NKA and α2 isoforms in soleus muscle. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: The Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) is vital in muscle excitability and function. In rats, immobilization depressed soleus muscle NKA, with declines in [3H]ouabain binding, which was restored after 14 days recovery. After testosterone suppression by castration, immobilization depressed [3H]ouabain binding, depressed α2, β1, and β2 isoforms, and abolished subsequent recovery in [3H]ouabain binding and α2 isoforms. This may have implications for functional recovery for inactive men with lowered testosterone levels, such as in prostate cancer or aging.
VII JORNADA DE INVESTIGACIÓN 2019 DIVISIÓN DE PEDIATRÍA
Authors: Católica de Chile Pontificia Universidad 
Published: December 2019

"El objetivo de la Jornada de Investigación 2019 es estimular y fomentar el desarrollo de la investigación dentro de un entorno directo, con especial énfasis a estimular a los investigadores establecidos, ayudar a aquellos que han iniciado este camino, y motivar a aquellos académicos jóvenes que están en sus etapas iniciales.
Dado que la investigación es una de las actividades esenciales del quehacer universitario, esta jornada anual representa lo mejor de esta División, y por ello, resume la actividad científica del año 2018, y quiere reconocer el esfuerzo y crecimiento de las unidades, secciones y departamentos"
Dr. José Antonio Castro
Presidente de la Comisión de Investigación
Ver en papel digital
A judicialização da saúde no Estado de Pernambuco: os antineoplásicos novamente no topo?
Authors: Barreto Antonio Angelo Menezes , Guedes Diego Medeiros , Rocha Filho José de Arimatea 
Published: December 2019

Os medicamentos estão entre os bens de saúde mais demandados judicialmente. Os antineoplásicos são a classe terapêutica mais demandada em alguns estados brasileiros em ações judiciais, cujo cumprimento confere um certo impacto financeiro ao Sistema Único de Saúde, uma vez que acarreta gastos excessivos e não programados. O presente artigo analisou as ações judiciais para aquisição de medicamentos antineoplásicos na Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de Pernambuco no ano de 2015. Realizou-se um estudo descritivo retrospectivo, com levantamento de todas as ações judiciais relativas a medicamentos antineoplásicos emitidas de janeiro a dezembro de 2015 na Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de Pernambuco. Analisou-se um total de 347 ações judiciais, referentes a uma variedade de 26 diferentes medicamentos antineoplásicos. A maior proporção tratava do subgrupo terapêutico dos inibidores de proteínas quinases (25,9%), seguidos dos anticorpos monoclonais (22,2%). O gasto da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de Pernambuco com judicialização de antineoplásicos em 2015 foi superior a R$ 14 milhões. No que diz respeito à origem das prescrições, o maior percentual esteve relacionado às entidades sem fins lucrativos (57%). Foi encontrado um total de 58 diferentes patologias referidas para justificar as ações judiciais. O problema apresentou relevância (i) pela ampliação exponencial das neoplasias no mundo e no Brasil, em particular; (ii) pelo acelerado ritmo de inovações tecnológicas dominado pela indústria farmacêutica; e (iii) pela magnitude que o acesso a tratamentos via judicialização tem tomado no Estado de Pernambuco e seu reflexo nos gastos públicos.
MicroRNA-144 Silencing Protects Against Atherosclerosis in Male, but Not Female Mice
Authors: Cheng Joan , Cheng Angela , Clifford Bethan L. , Wu Xiaohui , Hedin Ulf , Maegdefessel Lars , Pamir Nathalie , Sallam Tamer , Tarling Elizabeth J. , de Aguiar Vallim Thomas Q. 
Published: December 2019

Objective:
Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death in developed countries. MicroRNAs act as fine-tuners of gene expression and have been shown to have important roles in the pathophysiology and progression of atherosclerosis. We, and others, previously demonstrated that microRNA-144 (miR-144) functions to post-transcriptionally regulate ABCA1 (ATP binding cassette transporter A1) and plasma HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. Here, we explore how miR-144 inhibition may protect against atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results:

We demonstrate that miR-144 silencing reduced atherosclerosis in male, but not female low-density lipoprotein receptor null (
Ldlr
−/−
) mice. MiR-144 antagonism increased circulating HDL cholesterol levels, remodeled the HDL particle, and enhanced reverse cholesterol transport. Notably, the effects on HDL and reverse cholesterol transport were more pronounced in male mice suggesting sex-specific differences may contribute to the effects of silencing miR-144 on atherosclerosis. As a molecular mechanism, we identify the oxysterol metabolizing enzyme CYP7B1 (cytochrome P450 enzyme 7B1) as a miR-144 regulated gene in male, but not female mice. Consistent with miR-144-dependent changes in CYP7B1 activity, we show decreased levels of 27-hydroxycholesterol, a known proatherogenic sterol and the endogenous substrate for CYP7B1 in male, but not female mice.

Conclusions:
Our data demonstrate silencing miR-144 has sex-specific effects and that treatment with antisense oligonucleotides to target miR-144 might result in enhancements in reverse cholesterol transport and oxysterol metabolism in patients with cardiovascular disease.
PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog) Protects Against Ang II (Angiotensin II)-Induced Pathological Vascular Fibrosis and Remodeling—Brief Report
Authors: Lu Sizhao , Strand Keith A. , Mutryn Marie F. , Tucker Rebecca M. , Jolly Austin J. , Furgeson Seth B. , Moulton Karen S. , Nemenoff Raphael A. , Weiser-Evans Mary C.M. 
Published: December 2019

Objective:
Pathological vascular remodeling and excessive perivascular fibrosis are major contributors to reduced vessel compliance that exacerbates cardiovascular diseases, for instance, promoting clinically relevant myocardial remodeling. Inflammation plays a significant role in both pathological vascular remodeling and fibrosis. We previously demonstrated that smooth muscle cell–specific PTEN depletion promotes significant vascular fibrosis and accumulation of inflammatory cells. In the current study, we aimed to determine the beneficial role of systemic PTEN elevation on Ang II (angiotensin II)-induced vascular fibrosis and remodeling.

Approach and Results:

Transgenic mice carrying additional copies of the wild-type
Pten
gene (super PTEN [sPTEN]) and WT littermates were subjected to Ang II or saline infusion for 14 or 28 days. Compared with WT, Ang II-induced vascular fibrosis was significantly blunted in sPTEN mice, as shown by histochemical stainings and label-free second harmonic generation imaging. The protection against Ang II was recapitulated in sPTEN mice bearing WT bone marrow but not in WT mice reconstituted with sPTEN bone marrow. Ang II-induced elevation of profibrotic and proinflammatory gene expression observed in WT mice was blocked in aortic tissue of sPTEN mice. Immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry both indicated that perivascular infiltration of T cells and macrophages was significantly inhibited in sPTEN mice. In vitro induction of PTEN expression suppressed Ang II-induced Ccl2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions:
Systemic PTEN elevation mediates protection against Ang II-induced vascular inflammation and fibrosis predominantly through effects in resident vascular cells. Our data highly support that pharmacological upregulation of PTEN could be a novel and viable approach for the treatment of pathological vascular fibrosis.
Low‐Dose Aspirin Treatment Attenuates Male Rat Salt‐Sensitive Hypertension via Platelet Cyclooxygenase 1 and Complement Cascade Pathway
Authors: Jiang Xiaoliang , Liu Xue , Liu Xing , Wu Xianxian , Jose Pedro A. , Liu Min , Yang Zhiwei 
Published: December 2019

Background
The role of platelets in the development of vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of hypertension is well established at this time. Aspirin is known to relieve pain, decrease fever, reduce inflammation, impair platelet aggregation, and prevent clotting, yet its effect in the context of salt‐sensitive hypertension remains unclear. The present study investigated the importance of aspirin in inhibiting the abnormal activation of platelets and promoting the normal function of the vascular endothelium in a rat model of salt‐sensitive hypertension.

Method and Results

Dahl salt‐sensitive rats and salt‐resistant rats were fed a normal‐salt diet (4% NaCl), a high‐salt diet (8% NaCl), or a high‐salt diet with aspirin gavage (10 mg/kg per day) for 8 weeks. Blood pressure, platelet activation, vascular function, inflammatory response, and potential mechanism were measured. Low‐dose aspirin (10 mg/kg per day) decreased the high‐salt diet–induced elevation of blood pressure, platelet activation, leukocyte infiltration, and leukocyte–platelet aggregation (
CD
45+
CD
61+), as well as vascular endothelial and renal damage. These effects were related to the ability of aspirin to prevent the adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells via inhibition of the platelet cyclooxygenase 1 but not the cyclooxygenase 2 pathway. Aspirin also reversed the high‐salt diet–induced abnormal activation of complement and coagulation cascades in platelets.

Conclusions
These results highlight a new property of aspirin in ameliorating vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by platelet activation, which may be beneficial in the treatment of salt‐sensitive hypertension.