bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Negatively charged amino acids at the foot-and-mouth disease virus capsid reduce the virion-destabilizing effect of viral RNA at acidic pH
Authors: Caridi Flavia , López-Argüello Silvia , Rodríguez-Huete Alicia , Torres Elisa , Bustos María J. , Cañas-Arranz Rodrigo , Martín-Acebes Miguel A. , Mateu Mauricio G. , Sobrino Francisco 
Published: February 2020

AbstractElucidation of the molecular basis of the stability of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) particles is relevant to understand key aspects of the virus cycle. Residue N17D in VP1, located at the capsid inner surface, modulates the resistance of FMDV virion to dissociation and inactivation at acidic pH. Here we have studied whether the virion-stabilizing effect of amino acid substitution VP1 N17D may be mediated by the alteration of electrostatic charge at this position and/or the presence of the viral RNA. Substitutions that either introduced a positive charge (R,K) or preserved neutrality (A) at position VP1 17 led to increased sensitivity of virions to inactivation at acidic pH, while replacement by negatively charged residues (D,E) increased the resistance of virions to acidic pH. The role in virion stability of viral RNA was addressed using FMDV empty capsids that have a virtually unchanged structure compared to the capsid in the RNA-filled virion, but that are considerably more resistant to acidic pH than WT virions, supporting a virion-destabilizing effect of the RNA. Remarkably, no differences were observed in the resistance to dissociation at acidic pH between the WT empty capsids and those harboring replacement N17D. Thus, the virion-destabilizing effect of viral RNA at acidic pH can be partially restored by introducing negatively charged residues at position VP1 N17.
Dynamical Analysis of Standing Balance Control on Sloped Surfaces in Individuals with Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Li Jinping , Zhang Yang , Song Shasha , Hou Ying , Hong Yigen , Yue Shouwei , Li Ke 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe changes of balance control mechanism caused by lumbar disc herniation (LDH) has not been well understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of LDH on the balance control during standing on sloped surfaces. Ten patients with LDH and 10 gender- and age-matched healthy subjects were instructed to stand quietly on a sloped surface at −5°, 0° or +5°, respectively. The trajectories of the center of pressure (COP) of each individual limb and the full-body were recorded. Cross recurrence quantification analysis (CRQA) was applied to assess the coordination of COP components at the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. The patients with LDH presented magnified inter-limb load asymmetry and had more deterministic components in the COP coordination of the less-affected limb and the full-body than the healthy subjects. The LDH led to decreased dynamical degree of freedom and less flexibility in bidirectional controlling the center of mass simultaneously. The effects of sensorimotor deficits due to LDH could be more obviously exhibited as standing on a declined rather than an inclined surface. This study shed light on the effects of LDH on standing balance control and may facilitate to develop novel strategies for evaluation of LDH.
Combined cadmium-zinc interactions alter manganese, lead, copper uptake by Melissa officinalis
Authors: Adamczyk-Szabela Dorota , Lisowska Katarzyna , Romanowska-Duda Zdzisława , Wolf Wojciech M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFarmland soil typical for the Polish rural environment was used in pot experiment to estimate the impact of cadmium and zinc on the manganese, lead and copper uptake by lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L). Bioavailable and total forms of investigated metals in soil and metal concentrations in plants were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The plant photosynthesis indicators were also examined. Intensification of photosynthesis upon the high zinc and cadmium soil supplementation was observed. This effect was not detected at low metal concentrations. ANOVA proved that cadmium and zinc treatments influenced manganese, lead and copper transfer from soil and their concentration in plants. Zinc uptake and accumulation in either roots or above-ground parts in plant was inversely proportional to cadmium concentration in soil. Manganese concentration in roots decreased upon the soil supplementation with either zinc or cadmium. It suggests that the latter ions are transported via symplastic pathways and compete with manganese for similar transporters. The opposite situation was observed for lead and copper. Soil supplementation with cadmium and zinc affects manganese, lead and copper concentrations and photosynthesis intensity in lemon balm plant. The following combined interactions in either normal or stress conditions are important indicators of the migration pathways.
The effect of spontaneous osteoarthritis on conditioned pain modulation in the canine model
Authors: Chiu King Wa , Hash Jon , Meyers Rachel , Lascelles B. Duncan X. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEndogenous Pain Modulation (EPM) impairment is a significant contributor to chronic pain. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) testing assesses EPM function. Osteoarthritic (OA) dogs are good translational models, but CPM has not been explored. Our aim was to assess EPM impairment in OA dogs compared to controls using CPM. We hypothesized that CPM testing would demonstrate EPM impairment in OA dogs compared to controls. Dogs with stifle/hip OA and demographically-matched controls were recruited. The pre-conditioning test stimulus, using mechanical/thermal quantitative sensory testing (MQST or TQST), were performed at the metatarsus. A 22N blunt probe (conditioning stimulus) was applied to the contralateral antebrachium for 2 minutes, followed by MQST or TQST (post-conditioning test stimulus). The threshold changes from pre to post-conditioning (∆MQST and ∆TQST) were compared between OA and control dogs. Twenty-four client-owned dogs (OA, n = 11; controls, n = 13) were recruited. The ∆MQST(p < 0.001) and ∆TQST(p < 0.001) increased in control dogs but not OA dogs (∆MQST p = 0.65; ∆TQST p = 0.76). Both ∆MQST(p < 0.001) and ∆TQST(p < 0.001) were different between the OA and control groups. These are the first data showing that EPM impairment is associated with canine OA pain. The spontaneous OA dog model may be used to test drugs that normalize EPM function.
Between roost contact is essential for maintenance of European bat lyssavirus type-2 in Myotis daubentonii bat reservoir: ‘The Swarming Hypothesis’
Authors: Horton Daniel L. , Breed Andrew C. , Arnold Mark E. , Smith Graham C. , Aegerter James N. , McElhinney Lorraine M. , Johnson Nick , Banyard Ashley C. , Raynor Robert , Mackie Iain , Denwood Matthew J. , Mellor Dominic J. , Swift Sue , Racey Paul A. , Fooks Anthony R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMany high-consequence human and animal pathogens persist in wildlife reservoirs. An understanding of the dynamics of these pathogens in their reservoir hosts is crucial to inform the risk of spill-over events, yet our understanding of these dynamics is frequently insufficient. Viral persistence in a wild bat population was investigated by combining empirical data and in-silico analyses to test hypotheses on mechanisms for viral persistence. A fatal zoonotic virus, European Bat lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2), in Daubenton’s bats (Myotis daubentonii) was used as a model system. A total of 1839 M. daubentonii were sampled for evidence of virus exposure and excretion during a prospective nine year serial cross-sectional survey. Multivariable statistical models demonstrated age-related differences in seroprevalence, with significant variation in seropositivity over time and among roosts. An Approximate Bayesian Computation approach was used to model the infection dynamics incorporating the known host ecology. The results demonstrate that EBLV-2 is endemic in the study population, and suggest that mixing between roosts during seasonal swarming events is necessary to maintain EBLV-2 in the population. These findings contribute to understanding how bat viruses can persist despite low prevalence of infection, and why infection is constrained to certain bat species in multispecies roosts and ecosystems.
Breeding Brown Pelicans Improve Foraging Performance as Energetic Needs Rise
Authors: Geary Brock , Leberg Paul L. , Purcell Kevin M. , Walter Scott T. , Karubian Jordan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOptimal foraging theory states that animals should maximize resource acquisition rates with respect to energy expenditure, which may involve alteration of strategies in response to changes in resource availability and energetic need. However, field-based studies of changes in foraging behavior at fine spatial and temporal scales are rare, particularly among species that feed on highly mobile prey across broad landscapes. To derive information on changes in foraging behavior of breeding brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) over time, we used GPS telemetry and distribution models of their dominant prey species to relate bird movements to changes in foraging habitat quality in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Over the course of each breeding season, pelican cohorts began by foraging in suboptimal habitats relative to the availability of high-quality patches, but exhibited a marked increase in foraging habitat quality over time that outpaced overall habitat improvement trends across the study site. These findings, which are consistent with adjustment of foraging patch use in response to increased energetic need, highlight the degree to which animal populations can optimize their foraging behaviors in the context of uncertain and dynamic resource availability, and provide an improved understanding of how landscape-level features can impact behavior.
Uncovering EEG Correlates of Covert Attention in Soccer Goalkeepers: Towards Innovative Sport Training Procedures
Authors: Jeunet Camille , Tonin Luca , Albert Louis , Chavarriaga Ricardo , Bideau Benoît , Argelaguet Ferran , Millán José del R. , Lécuyer Anatole , Kulpa Richard 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAdvances in sports sciences and neurosciences offer new opportunities to design efficient and motivating sport training tools. For instance, using NeuroFeedback (NF), athletes can learn to self-regulate specific brain rhythms and consequently improve their performances. Here, we focused on soccer goalkeepers’ Covert Visual Spatial Attention (CVSA) abilities, which are essential for these athletes to reach high performances. We looked for Electroencephalography (EEG) markers of CVSA usable for virtual reality-based NF training procedures, i.e., markers that comply with the following criteria: (1) specific to CVSA, (2) detectable in real-time and (3) related to goalkeepers’ performance/expertise. Our results revealed that the best-known EEG marker of CVSA—increased α-power ipsilateral to the attended hemi-field— was not usable since it did not comply with criteria 2 and 3. Nonetheless, we highlighted a significant positive correlation between athletes’ improvement in CVSA abilities and the increase of their α-power at rest. While the specificity of this marker remains to be demonstrated, it complied with both criteria 2 and 3. This result suggests that it may be possible to design innovative ecological training procedures for goalkeepers, for instance using a combination of NF and cognitive tasks performed in virtual reality.
Photodynamic therapy in oral lichen planus: A prospective case-controlled pilot study
Authors: Cosgarea Raluca , Pollmann Robert , Sharif Jusra , Schmidt Thomas , Stein Ronja , Bodea Aura , Auschill Thorsten , Sculean Anton , Eming Rüdiger , Greene Brandon , Hertl Michael , Arweiler Nicole 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOral lichen planus (OLP) is a common, chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder of the mucous membranes, which causes major discomfort. Current treatment includes topical/systemic glucocorticoids, immune modulators and systemic immunosuppressants, which may lead to considerable side-effects. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and immunological efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in OLP as an alternative, easy-to-use, safe and non-invasive treatment. Twenty patients with OLP were treated with PDT in a prospective case-controlled pilot-study. PDT was performed on the most extensive oral lesion in 4 sessions (day 1, 3, 7, 14). Peripheral blood and lesional T cells were analysed before (day 1) and after PDT treatment (day 28). PDT led to a statistically significant reduction of clinical parameters (lesion size, ABSIS, Thongprasom-score) and improvement of all evaluated quality-of-life (QOL) items. The clinical improvement was accompanied by a significant decrease of the relative number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in mucosal OLP-lesions. Furthermore, CXCL10 plasma levels were decreased and the number of activated peripheral CD4 + CD137+ and CD8 + CD137+ T cells and IL-17-secreting T cells was diminished. PDT treatment in OLP leads to lesion reduction and improvement of QOL, and induces local and systemic anti-inflammatory effects. The study identifies PDT as a novel therapeutic option in OLP.
Obeticholic acid and INT-767 modulate collagen deposition in a NASH in vitro model
Authors: Anfuso Beatrice , Tiribelli Claudio , Adorini Luciano , Rosso Natalia 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPharmacological treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are still unsatisfactory. Fibrosis is the most significant predictor of mortality and many anti-fibrotic agents are under evaluation. Herein, we assessed in vitro the effects of the FXR agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) and the dual FXR/TGR5 agonist INT-767 in a well-established co-culture NASH model. Co-cultures of human hepatoma and hepatic stellate (HSCs) cells were exposed to free fatty acids (FFAs) alone or in combination with OCA or INT-767. mRNA expression of HSCs activation markers and FXR engagement were evaluated at 24, 96 and 144 hours. Collagen deposition and metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP2-9) activity were compared to tropifexor and selonsertib. FFAs induced collagen deposition and MMP2-9 activity reduction. Co-treatment with OCA or INT-767 did not affect ACTA2 and COL1A1 expression, but significantly reduced FXR and induced SHP expression, as expected. OCA induced a dose-dependent reduction of collagen and induced MMP2-9 activity. Similarly, INT-767 induced collagen reduction at 96 h and a slight increase in MMP2-9. Tropifexor and Selonsertib were also effective in collagen reduction but showed no modulation of MMP2-9. All tested compounds reduced collagen deposition. OCA exerted a more potent and long-lasting effect, mainly related to modulation of collagen turn-over and MMP2-9 activity.
Automated droplet reactor for the synthesis of iron oxide/gold core-shell nanoparticles
Authors: Ahrberg Christian D. , Wook Choi Ji , Geun Chung Bong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCore-shell nanoparticles are promising candidates for theranostic drugs, as they combine different intrinsic properties with a small size and large surface area. However, their controlled synthesis, or the screening and optimization of synthesis conditions are often difficult and labor intensive. Through the precise control over mass and heat transfer, and automatization possibilities, microfluidic devices could be a solution to this problem in a lab scale synthesis. Here, we demonstrate a microfluidic, capillary, droplet reactor for the multi-step synthesis of iron oxide/gold core-shell nanoparticles. Through the integration of a transmission measurement at the outlet of the reactor, synthesis results can be monitored in a real-time manner. This allowed for the implementation of an optimization algorithm. Starting from three separate initial guesses, the algorithm converged to the same synthesis conditions in less than 30 minutes for each initial guess. These conditions resulted in diameter for the iron oxide core of 5.8 ± 1.4 nm, a thickness for the gold shell of 3.5 ± 0.6 nm, and a total diameter of the core-shell particles of 13.1 ± 2.5 nm. Finally, applications of the iron oxide/gold core-shell nanoparticles were demonstrated for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), photothermal therapy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Effect of the time scale on the uncertainty of geometric mean concentrations of fecal indicators in creek under baseflow conditions
Authors: Jeon Dong Jin , Pachepsky Yakov , Harriger M. Dana , Zhu Rachael , Coppock Cary 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGeometric mean concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria E. coli and enterococci are commonly used to evaluate the microbial quality of irrigation, recreation, and other types of waters, as well in watershed-scale microbial water quality modeling. It is not known how the uncertainty of those geometric mean concentrations depends on the time period between sampling. We analyzed data collected under baseflow conditions from three years of weekly and several daily sampling campaigns at Conococheague Creek in Pennsylvania. Standard deviations of logarithms of geometric mean concentrations were computed over weeks, months, and seasons. The increase in standard deviations from weekly to seasonal time scale was on average about 0.1 and 0.2 for log(E. coli) and log(enterococci), respectively, and in most cases was statistically significant. This may need to be accounted for when evaluating the uncertainty of measurements for modeling purposes and in risk assessment of microbial water quality.
Dissecting of the paravesical space associated with lower urinary tract dysfunction – a rat model
Authors: Lo Tsia-Shu , Lin Yi-Hao , Uy-Patrimonio Ma. Clarissa , Chu Hsiao-Chien , Hsieh Wu-Chiao , Chua Sandy 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTo determine the association of opening the paravesical space in relation to its occurrence of de novo SUI in an animal model. Thirty five female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups of 7 rats each: Control group, Sham groups(F, H), and Study groups(MF, MH). Groups labeled with “F” had the paravesical space opened, “H” had tissue dissection with no opening of the space, and “M” had mesh implanted inside the vaginal wall. Urodynamic studies, immunohistochemical analysis, and western blot were done at day 40. The mean weight and age of 35 rats were 302.1 ± 25.1 grams and 12.8 ± 1.2 weeks old. No significant differences were noted among the control, Sham F, Sham H, Study MF, and Study MH on the voiding pressure and voided volume. The Sham F and Study MF (opened paravesical space) groups had significantly lower values on leak point pressures (LPP) (p = 0.026; p < 0.001) and shorter voiding intervals (p = 0.032; p = 0.005) when compared to other groups. Immunohistochemical analysis showed IL-1 and TNF-α to be intensely increased for the Study MF group (p = 0.003; p = <0.001). MMP-2 and CD 31 markers were also significantly higher in the Study MH and MF group. NGF expression was significantly increased in the Study MF and Sham F groups. Thus, opening of the paravesical space causes an increased inflammatory reaction, which leads to tissue destruction and lower urinary tract dysfunction, exemplified in the study with low leak point pressure and shortened voiding intervals.
An Improved Fabrication Technique for the 3-D Frequency Selective Surface based on Water Transfer Printing Technology
Authors: Harnois Maxime , Himdi Mohamed , Yong Wai Yan , Rahim Sharul Kamal Abdul , Tekkouk Karim , Cheval Nicolas 
Published: February 2020

AbstractManufacturing an array of high-quality metallic pattern layers on a dielectric substrate remains a major challenge in the development of flexible and 3-D frequency selective surfaces (FSS). This paper proposes an improved fabrication solution for the 3-D FSS based on water transfer printing (WTP) technology. The main advantages of the proposed solution are its ability to transform complicated 2-D planar FSS patterns into 3-D structures while improving both manufacturing quality and production costs. WTP technology makes use of water surface tension to keep the thin metallic patterns of the proposed FSS floating flat with the absence of a solid planar substrate. This feature enables these metallic FSS patterns to be transferred onto 3-D structures through a dipping process. To test the effectiveness of the proposed technique, the FSS was designed using computer simulation software Microwave Studio to obtain the numerical performance of the FSS structure. The WTP technology was then used to fabricate the proposed FSS prototype before its performance was tested experimentally. The measurement results agreed well with the numerical results, indicating the proposed manufacturing solution would support the development of complicated 3-D electronics devices, such as conformal antenna arrays and metamaterials.
Resistance to change: AMR gene dynamics on a commercial pig farm with high antimicrobial usage
Authors: Pollock Jolinda , Muwonge Adrian , Hutchings Michael R. , Mainda Geoffrey , Bronsvoort Barend M. , Gally David L. , Corbishley Alexander 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGroup antimicrobial administration is used to control disease in livestock, but we have little insight into how this impacts antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene dynamics. Here, a longitudinal study was carried out during a single production cycle on a commercial pig unit with high historic and current antimicrobial usage. Quantitative PCR, 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding and shotgun metagenomic sequencing were used to track faecal AMR gene abundance and diversity and microbiome alpha diversity. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing identified 144 AMR genes in total, with higher AMR gene diversity present in young pigs compared to dry sows. Irrespective of in-feed antibiotic treatment or changes in microbiome diversity, mean AMR gene copy number was consistently high, with some AMR genes present at copy numbers comparable to the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. In conclusion, AMR gene prevalence and abundance were not influenced by antibiotic use, either during the production cycle or following whole-herd medication. The high levels of certain genes indicate they are widely disseminated throughout the microbial population, potentially aiding stability. Despite the high and relatively stable levels of resistance genes against the main antimicrobials used, these compounds continue to control production limiting diseases on this unit.
Comprehensive comparison of Yarrowia lipolytica and Pichia pastoris for production of Candida antarctica lipase B
Authors: Theron Chrispian W. , Vandermies Marie , Telek Samuel , Steels Sebastien , Fickers Patrick 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe large-scale production of recombinant proteins (rProt) is becoming increasingly economically important. Among the different hosts used for rProt production, yeasts are gaining popularity. The so-called non-conventional yeasts, such as the methylotrophic Pichia pastoris and the dimorphic Yarrowia lipolytica, are popular choices due to their favorable characteristics and well-established expression systems. Nevertheless, a direct comparison of the two systems for rProt production and secretion was lacking. This study therefore aimed to directly compare Y. lipolytica and P. pastoris for the production and secretion of lipase CalB in bioreactor. Y. lipolytica produced more than double the biomass and more than 5-fold higher extracellular lipase than P. pastoris. Furthermore, maximal CalB production levels were reached by Y. lipolytica in half the cultivation time required for maximal production by P. pastoris. Conversely, P. pastoris was found to express 7-fold higher levels of CalB mRNA. Secreted enhanced green fluorescent protein –in isolation and fused to CalB– and protease inhibitor MG-132 were used in P. pastoris to further investigate the reasons behind such discrepancy. The most likely explanation was ultimately found to be protein degradation by endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation preceding successful secretion. This study highlighted the multifaceted nature of rProt production, prompting a global outlook for selection of rProt production systems.