bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repression of the lysogenic PR promoter in bacteriophage TP901-1 through binding of a CI-MOR complex to a composite OM-OR operator
Authors: Pedersen Margit , Neergaard Jesper Tvenge , Cassias Johan , Rasmussen Kim Krighaar , Lo Leggio Leila , Sneppen Kim , Hammer Karin , Kilstrup Mogens 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA functional genetic switch from the lactococcal bacteriophage TP901-1, deciding which of two divergently transcribing promoters becomes most active and allows this bi-stable decision to be inherited in future generations requires a DNA region of less than 1 kb. The fragment encodes two repressors, CI and MOR, transcribed from the PR and PL promoters respectively. CI can repress the transcription of the mor gene at three operator sites (OR, OL, and OD), leading to the immune state. Repression of the cI gene, leading to the lytic (anti-immune) state, requires interaction between CI and MOR by an unknown mechanism, but involving a CI:MOR complex. A consensus for putative MOR binding sites (OM sites), and a common topology of three OM sites adjacent to the OR motif was here identified in diverse phage switches that encode CI and MOR homologs, in a search for DNA sequences similar to the TP901-1 switch. The OR site and all putative OM sites are important for establishment of the anti-immune repression of PR, and a putative DNA binding motif in MOR is needed for establishment of the anti-immune state. Direct evidence for binding between CI and MOR is here shown by pull-down experiments, chemical crosslinking, and size exclusion chromatography. The results are consistent with two possible models for establishment of the anti-immune repression of cI expression at the PR promoter.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of GnRH-agonist long-protocol and GnRH-antagonist protocol for in vitro fertilization
Authors: Jing Miaomiao , Lin Chenxi , Zhu Wenjun , Tu Xiaoyu , Chen Qi , Wang Xiufang , Zheng Youbing , Zhang Runju 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) long-protocols and the GnRH-antagonist protocols are two commonly used protocols for in vitro fertilization (IVF), but their cost-effectiveness has not been studied, especially in China. A retrospective study involving 1638 individuals in GnRH-a long-protocol and 621 in GnRH-antagonist protocol were conducted and a decision tree model analysis was used to analyze the cost-effectiveness. Both direct and indirect costs were calculated. As a result, during the fresh embryo transplantation cycles, there was no significant difference in the rate of ongoing pregnancy between the two protocols, the average cost of per ongoing pregnancy in the GnRH-antagonist protocol was $ 16970.85, and that in the GnRH-agonist long-protocol was $19902.24. The probability of cumulative ongoing pregnancy per start cycle was estimated at 60.65% for the GnRH-antagonist protocol and 71.6% for the GnRH-agonist long-protocol (P < 0.01). Considering the cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate, the mean costs per ongoing pregnancy were estimated at $8176.76 and at $7595.28 with GnRH-antagonist protocol and GnRH-agonist long protocol, respectively. In conclusion, in fresh embryo transplantation cycle, the GnRH-antagonist protocol has economic advantage. However, the GnRH-agonist long protocol is more cost effective considering the cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate in the fresh embryo and frozen embryo transplantation cycles.
Estimation of trophic niches in myrmecophagous spider predators
Authors: Dušátková Lenka Petráková , Pekár Stano , Michálek Ondřej , Líznarová Eva , Symondson William O. C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAmong spiders, taxonomically the most diversified group of terrestrial predators, only a few species are stenophagous and feed on ants. The levels of stenophagy and ant-specialisation vary among such species. To investigate whether stenophagy is only a result of a local specialisation both fundamental and realised trophic niches need to be estimated. Here we investigated trophic niches in three closely-related spider species from the family Gnaphosidae (Callilepis nocturna, C. schuszteri, Nomisia exornata) with different levels of myrmecophagy. Acceptance experiments were used to estimate fundamental trophic niches and molecular methods to estimate realised trophic niches. For the latter two PCR primer sets were used as these can affect the niche breadth estimates. The general invertebrate ZBJ primers were not appropriate for detecting ant DNA as they revealed very few prey types, therefore ant-specific primers were used. The cut-off threshold for erroneous MOTUs was identified as 0.005% of the total number of valid sequences, at individual predator level it was 0.05%. The fundamental trophic niche of Callilepis species included mainly ants, while that of N. exornata included many different prey types. The realised trophic niche in Callilepis species was similar to its fundamental niche but in N. exornata the fundamental niche was wider than realised niche. The results show that Callilepis species are ant-eating (specialised) stenophagous predators, catching mainly Formicinae ants, while N. exornata is an ant-eating euryphagous predator catching mainly Myrmicinae ants.
The effect of endurance training on levels of LINC complex proteins in skeletal muscle fibers of STZ-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Bostani Mehdi , Rahmati Masoud , Mard Seyyed Ali 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe changes of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex have been studied in many muscular abnormality conditions; however, the effects of diabetes and physical activities on it have still remained to be defined. Therefore, the purpose of the this study was to evaluate the impacts of a six-week endurance training on the levels of SUN1 and Nesprin-1 proteins in Soleus and EDL muscles from diabetic wistar rats. A total number of 48 male Wistar rats (10 weeks, 200-250 gr) were randomly divided into healthy control (HC, N = 12), healthy trained (HT, N = 12), diabetic control (DC, N = 12), and diabetic trained (DT, N = 12) groups. Diabetes was also induced by a single intraperitoneally injection of streptozocin (45 mg/kg). The training groups ran a treadmill for five consecutive days within six weeks. The levels of the SUN1 and the Nesprin-1 proteins were further determined via ELISA method. The induction of diabetes had significantly decreased the levels of Nesprin-1 protein in the soleus and EDL muscles but it had no effects on the SUN1 in these muscles. As well, the findings revealed that six weeks of endurance training had significantly increased the levels of Nesprin-1 in DT and HT groups in the soleus as well as the EDL muscles; however, it had no impacts on the SUN1 in these muscles. The muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and myonuclei also decreased in diabetic control rats in both studied muscles. The training further augmented these parameters in both studied muscles in HT and DT groups. The present study provides new evidence that diabetes changes Nesprin-1 protein levels in skeletal muscle and endurance exercise training can modify it.
Soil heavy metal contamination assessment in the Hun-Taizi River watershed, China
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Miao , Li Chunlin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe Hun-Taizi River watershed includes the main part of the Liaoning central urban agglomeration, which contains six cities with an 80-year industrial history. A total of 272 samples were collected from different land use areas within the study area to estimate the concentration levels, spatial distributions and potential sources of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) with a geographic information system (GIS), principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Only the concentration of Cd was over the national standard value (GB 15618–2018). However, the heavy metal concentrations at 24.54%, 71.43%, 63.37%, 85.71, 70.33%, 53.11%, and 72.16% of the sampling points were higher than the local soil background values for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn, respectively, which were used as standard values in this study. The maximal values of Cd (16.61 times higher than the background value) and Hg (12.18 times higher than the background value) had high concentrations, while Cd was present in the study area at higher values than in some other basins in China. Cd was the primary pollutant in the study area due to its concentration and potential ecological risk contribution. The results of the potential ecological risk index (RI) calculation showed that the overall heavy metal pollution level of the soil was considerably high. Three groups of heavy metals with similar distributions and sources were identified through PCA. The results of the CCA showed that the distribution of mines was the strongest factor affecting the distributions of Ni, As, Zn, Pb, and Cd. However, Cu was strongly influenced by the distance to the nearest river. These findings can provide scientific support for critical planning and strategies for soil pollution control and removal to support the sustainable development of the study area.
Overexpression of Cosmc suppresses cell migration and invasion in different subtypes of breast cancer cells via Tn and T glycans
Authors: Liu Jun , Xu Feng , Li Jie , Jiang Hongchuan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives: The high mortality of breast cancer (BC) is associated with the strong metastatic properties of primary breast tumor cells. The present study was conducted in order to clarify the effect of Cosmc on the growth and metastasis of BC cell lines of different molecular types, which may be implicated in the regulation of Tn and T glycans.
Methods: BC cell lines with different molecular types were transduced with shRNA targeting Cosmc or, Cosmc overexpression plasmid in order to explore the role of Cosmc in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. The protein levels of Tn, T, Cosmc, proliferation-related factors (Ki67 and PCNA) and apoptosis-related factors (Bax and Bad) in BC cell lines were determined by Western blot analyses. Finally, the role of Cosmc was substantiated through in vivo experiments.
Results: Cosmc was down-regulated in different subtypes of BC cell lines compared with normal control cells. Overexpression of Cosmc suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion, yet promoted the apoptosis of BC cells, as reflected by in vitro experiments. Additionally, in vivo tumor xenografts in nude mice showed that ectopic overexpression of Cosmc inhibited the tumor growth of BC cells. Consequently, the levels of proliferation-related factors and Tn antigen were decreased, while those of apoptosis-related factors and T antigen were increased in BC cells. This observation was confirmed in vivo in xenograft tumors.
Conclusion: Collectively, up-regulation of Cosmc potentially impedes BC growth and metastasis by modulating the balance between Tn and T glycans.
Common variants in LTBP3 gene contributed to the risk of hip osteoarthritis in Han Chinese population
Authors: Zhao Tianyun , Zhao Junji , Ma Chi , Wei Jie , Wei Bo , Liu Jibin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic joint disease affected by environmental and genetic factors. The LTBP3 gene may be involved in the occurrence and development of OA by regulating TGF-β activity and the TGF-β signaling pathway. A total of 2780 study subjects, including 884 hip OA cases and 1896 controls, were recruited. Nine tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within the LTBP3 gene region were selected for genotyping. Genetic association analyses were performed at both the genotypic and allelic levels. GTEx data were extracted to investigate the functional consequence of significant SNPs. SNP rs10896015 was significantly associated with the risk of hip OA at both the genotypic (P=0.0019) and allelic levels (P=0.0009). The A allele of this SNP was significantly associated with a decreased risk of HOA (OR [95%CI] = 0.79 [0.69–0.91]). This SNP was also significantly associated with the clinical severity of hip OA. SNP rs10896015 could affect the gene expression of 11 genes, including LTBP3, in multiple human tissues based on GTEx data. We obtained evidence for a genetic association between the LTBP3 gene and hip OA susceptibility and clinical severity based on Chinese Han populations. Our findings replicated the association signals reported by a recent genome-wide association study and deepen the basic understanding of osteoarthritis pathology.
Vitamin D–vitamin D receptor system down-regulates expression of uncoupling proteins in brown adipocyte through interaction with Hairless protein
Authors: Wang Pei-qi , Pan Dao-xiang , Hu Chun-qiu , Zhu Yu-lin , Liu Xiao-jing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Our previous study showed that feeding mice with vitamin D deficiency diet markedly alleviated high-fat-diet-induced overweight, hyperinsulinemia, and hepatic lipid accumulation. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency up-regulated the expression of uncoupling protein 3 (Ucp3) in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). The present study aimed to further investigate the effects of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor (Vdr) on Ucp1–3 (Ucps) expression in brown adipocyte and the mechanism involved in it. Rat primary brown adipocytes were separated and purified. The effects of the 1,25(OH)2D3 (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; the hormonal form of vitamin D) and Vdr system on Ucps expression in brown adipocytes were investigated in basal condition and activated condition by isoproterenol (ISO) and triiodothyronine (T3). Ucps expression levels were significantly down-regulated by 1,25(OH)2D3 in the activated brown adipocyte. Vdr silencing reversed the down-regulation of Ucps by 1,25(OH)2D3, whereas Vdr overexpression strengthened the down-regulation effects. Hairless protein did express in brown adipocyte and was localized in cell nuclei. 1,25(OH)2D3 increased Hairless protein expression in the cell nuclei. Hairless (Hr) silencing notably elevated Ucps expression in activated condition induced by ISO and T3. Moreover, immunoprecipitation results revealed that Vdr could interact with Hairless, which might contribute to decreasing expression of Vdr target gene Ucps. These data suggest that vitamin D suppresses expression of Ucps in brown adipocyte in a Vdr-dependent manner and the corepressor Hairless protein probably plays a role in the down-regulation.
Resolution of drug-resistant hypertension by adrenal vein sampling-guided adrenalectomy: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Torresan Francesca , Rossitto Giacomo , Bisogni Valeria , Lerco Silvia , Maiolino Giuseppe , Cesari Maurizio , Zhu Rui , Iacobone Maurizio , Seccia Teresa Maria , Rossi Gian Paolo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Drug-resistant hypertension (RH) is a very high-risk condition involving many hypertensive patients, in whom primary aldosteronism (PA) is commonly overlooked. Hence, we aimed at determining if (1) adrenal vein sampling (AVS) can identify PA in RH patients, who are challenging because of receiving multiple interfering drugs; (2) AVS-guided adrenalectomy can resolve high blood pressure (BP) resistance to treatment in these patients.
Based on a pilot study we selected from 1016 consecutive patients referred to our Centre for ‘difficult-to-treat’ hypertension those with RH, for an observational prospective cohort study. We excluded those non-adherent to treatment (by therapeutic drug monitoring) and those with pseudo-RH (by 24-h BP monitoring), which left 110 patients who met the European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension (ESC/ESH) 2013 definition for RH. Of these patients, 77 were submitted to AVS, who showed unilateral PA in 27 (mean age 55 years; male/female 19/8). Therefore, these patients underwent AVS-guided laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy, which resolved RH in all: 20% were clinically cured in that they no longer needed any antihypertensive treatment; 96% were biochemically cured. Systolic and diastolic BP fell from 165/100 ± 26/14 mmHg at baseline, to 132/84 ± 14/9 mmHg at 6 months after surgery (P&lt;10−4 for both) notwithstanding the fall of number and defined daily dose (DDD) of antihypertensive drugs required to achieve BP control (P&lt;10−4 for both). A prominent regression of cardiac and renal damage was also observed.
Thus, the present study shows the feasibility of identifying PA by AVS in RH patients, and of resolving high BP resistance to treatment in these patients by AVS-guided adrenalectomy.
Quantitative Redox Biology of Exercise
Authors: Nikolaidis Michalis G. , Margaritelis Nikos V. , Matsakas Antonios 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBiology is rich in claims that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are involved
in every biological process and disease. However, many quantitative aspects of
redox biology remain elusive. The important quantitative parameters you need to
address the feasibility of redox reactions in vivo are: rate of formation and
consumption of a reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, half-life, diffusibility
and membrane permeability. In the first part, we explain the basic chemical
kinetics concepts and algebraic equations required to perform “street
fighting” quantitative analysis. In the second part, we provide key
numbers to help thinking about sizes, concentrations, rates and other important
quantities that describe the major oxidants (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide,
nitric oxide) and antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione). In the third
part, we present the quantitative effect of exercise on superoxide, hydrogen
peroxide and nitric oxide concentration in mitochondria and whole muscle and
calculate how much hydrogen peroxide concentration needs to increase to
transduce signalling. By taking into consideration the quantitative aspects of
redox biology we can: i) refine the broad understanding of this research area,
ii) design better future studies and facilitate comparisons among studies, and
iii) define more efficiently the “borders” between cellular
signaling and stress.
Attributes of Physical Activity and Gut Microbiome in Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tzemah Shahar Roy , Koren Omry , Matarasso Sarah , Shochat Tamar , Magzal Faiga , Agmon Maayan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGrowing evidence shows the contribution of physical activity interventions to the gut microbiome. However, specific physical activity characteristics that can modify the gut microbiome are unknown. This review’s aim was to explore the contribution of physical activity intervention characteristics on human gut microbiome composition, in terms of diversity, specific bacterial groups, and associated gut microbiome metabolites. A literature search in PubMed; Cochrane Library; CINAHL-EBSCO; SCOPUS; Web of Science; ClinicalTrials.gov; PROSPERO; and ProQuest. Five studies met the inclusion criteria of a physical activity intervention duration of at least five weeks, with any description of the type or dose used. All included studies reported an endurance training; two studies used endurance and an additional muscle-strengthening training regimen. All studies reported using a dietary intervention control. Reported gut microbiome α-diversity changes were non-significant, β-diversity changes were mixed (three studies reported an increase, two reported non-significant changes). All studies reported significant changes in the abundances of specific bacterial/archaea groups and bacteria-related metabolites following interventions. In conclusion, physical activity (regardless of specific characteristics) has significant contribution to gut microbiome composition and associated metabolites. There are no current recommendations for physical activity to promote gut microbiome composition. Future studies should focus on the contribution of current recommended physical activity dose to gut microbiome composition.
Clinical Prediction Scores for Pediatric Appendicitis
Authors: Gudjonsdottir Johanna , Marklund Emma , Hagander Lars , Salö Martin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction The rate of misdiagnosis of appendicitis in children is a challenge and clinical prediction scores could be part of the solution. However, the pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) and the Alvarado score have shown disappointing diagnostic accuracy in pediatric validation studies, while the appendicitis inflammatory response (AIR) score and the novel pediatric appendicitis risk calculator (pARC) have not yet been validated thoroughly. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate these four prediction scores prospectively in children with suspected appendicitis.
Materials and Methods A prospective study was conducted over a 2-year period. All patients <15 years with suspected appendicitis were eligible for inclusion. The four prediction scores were compared regarding predictive values, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, decision curve analysis, and clinical outcome.
Results Of the 318 patients included, 151 (47 %) patients had appendicitis. The AIR score and the pARC had substantially higher specificity and positive predictive value, and lower rate of false positives (7% and 2%), than the PAS and Alvarado score (36 and 28%, p < 0.001). Across the different gender and age groups, the AIR score and the pARC generally had fewer false positives than the PAS and Alvarado score. There were no significant differences in sensitivity, negative predictive values, rates of missed appendicitis, or ROC curve analysis. In decision curve analysis, the AIR score and the pARC outperformed the PAS and Alvarado score at most threshold probabilities.
Conclusion The AIR score and the pARC are superior to the PAS and Alvarado score in diagnosing children with suspected appendicitis.
Resident Operative Vaginal Delivery Volume after Educational Curriculum Implementation
Authors: Becker David A. , Blanchard Christina T. , Szychowski Jeff M. , Rogers Sharee L. , Brumfield Cynthia G. , Subramaniam Akila 
Published: May 2020

Objective The percentage of operative vaginal deliveries (OVDs) in the United States has sharply declined. In May 2016, our institution's obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) residency program implemented a twice-yearly OVD curriculum consisting of didactics and simulation. We sought to evaluate the impact of this curriculum.
Study Design We performed a retrospective cohort study of all deliveries at our institution from July 2011 to May 2018. Deliveries were evaluated quarterly for the pre- (July 2011–April 2016) and postcurriculum (July 2016–May 2018) periods. Forceps-assisted vaginal delivery (FAVD), vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery (VAVD), and total OVD percentages, and the ratio of forceps to vacuums were calculated. Pre- and postcurriculum percentages were compared using Wilcoxon's rank-sum test. Cubic regression curves were fit to quarterly percentages to illustrate trends over time.
Results The quarterly OVD percentage was unchanged following curriculum implementation (mean 3.2% [Q1–Q3: 2.6–3.5%] pre- vs. 3.1% [2.5–3.8%] post-, p > 0.99). The FAVD percentage was increased (1.2% [0.8–1.5%] vs. 2.0% [1.4–2.6%], p = 0.027) and the VAVD percentage was decreased (2.0% [1.6–2.2%] vs. 1.2% [0.9–1.3%], p < 0.001). This was accompanied by an increase in the ratio of FAVD to VAVD (0.6 [0.4–0.8] vs. 1.7 [1.3–2.2], p < 0.001). FAVD percentage (3.1%) was higher in the last quarter than any other quarter in the 7-year study period, and total OVD percentage (3.9%) was higher in 2018 than any other calendar year.
Conclusion The implementation of an OVD curriculum in our OB/GYN residency program resulted in an increase in the percentage of FAVD and the ratio of FAVD to VAVD.
Key Points