bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ewé: a web-based ethnobotanical database for storing and analysing data
Authors: do Nascimento Fernandes de Souza Estevão , Hawkins Julie A 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEthnobotanical databases serve as repositories of traditional knowledge (TK), either at international or local scales. By documenting plant species with traditional use, and most importantly, the applications and modes of use of such species, ethnobotanical databases play a role in the conservation of TK and also provide access to information that could improve hypothesis generation and testing in ethnobotanical studies. Brazil has a rich medicinal flora and a rich cultural landscape. Nevertheless, cultural change and ecological degradation can lead to loss of TK. Here, we present an online database developed with open-source tools with a capacity to include all medicinal flora of Brazil. We present test data for the Leguminosae comprising a total of 2078 records, referred to here as use reports, including data compiled from literature and herbarium sources. Unlike existing databases, Ewé provides tools for the visualization of large datasets, facilitating hypothesis generation and meta-analyses. The Ewé database is currently available at www.ewedb.com.
Characteristics of non-culprit plaques in acute coronary syndrome patients with layered culprit plaque
Authors: Russo Michele , Kim Hyung Oh , Kurihara Osamu , Araki Makoto , Shinohara Hiroki , Thondapu Vikas , Yonetsu Taishi , Soeda Tsunenari , Minami Yoshiyasu , Higuma Takumi , Lee Hang , Fracassi Francesco , Vergallo Rocco , Niccoli Giampaolo , Crea Filippo , Fuster Valentin , Jang Ik-Kyung 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Aims
Layered plaques represent signs of previous plaque destabilization. A recent study showed that acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with layered culprit plaque have more vulnerability at the culprit lesion and systemic inflammation. We aimed to compare the characteristics of non-culprit plaques between patients with or without layered plaque at the culprit lesion. We also evaluated the characteristics of layered non-culprit plaques, irrespective of culprit plaque phenotype.

Methods and results
We studied ACS patients who had undergone pre-intervention optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. The number of non-culprit lesions was evaluated on coronary angiogram and morphological characteristics of plaques were studied by OCT. In 349 patients, 99 (28.4%) had layered culprit plaque. The number of non-culprit plaques in patients with or without layered culprit plaque was similar (3.2 ± 0.8 and 2.8 ± 0.8, P = 0.23). Among 465 non-culprit plaques, 145 from patients with layered culprit plaque showed a higher prevalence of macrophage infiltration (71.0% vs. 60.9%, P = 0.050). When analysed irrespective of culprit plaque phenotype, layered non-culprit plaques showed higher prevalence of lipid (93.3% vs. 86.0%, P = 0.028), thin cap fibroatheroma (29.7% vs. 13.7%, P &lt; 0.001), and macrophage infiltration (82.4% vs. 54.0%, P &lt; 0.001) than non-layered plaques. Plaques with layered phenotype at both culprit and non-culprit lesions had the highest vulnerability.

Conclusion
In ACS patients, those with layered phenotype at the culprit lesion demonstrated greater macrophage infiltration at the non-culprit sites. Layered plaque at the non-culprit lesions was associated with more features of plaque vulnerability, particularly when the culprit lesion also had a layered pattern.
Evolutionary History of the Toll-Like Receptor Gene Family across Vertebrates
Authors: Liu Guangshuai , Zhang Huanxin , Zhao Chao , Zhang Honghai 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAdaptation to a wide range of pathogenic environments is a major aspect of the ecological adaptations of vertebrates during evolution. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are ancient membrane-bound sensors in animals and are best known for their roles in detecting and defense against invading pathogenic microorganisms. To understand the evolutionary history of the vertebrate TLR gene family, we first traced the origin of single-cysteine cluster TLRs that share the same protein architecture with vertebrate TLRs in early-branching animals and then analyzed all members of the TLR family in over 200 species covering all major vertebrate clades. Our results indicate that although the emergence of single-cysteine cluster TLRs predates the separation of bilaterians and cnidarians, most vertebrate TLR members originated shortly after vertebrate emergence. Phylogenetic analyses divided 1,726 vertebrate TLRs into 8 subfamilies, and TLR3 may represent the most ancient subfamily that emerged before the branching of deuterostomes. Our analysis reveals that purifying selection predominated in the evolution of all vertebrate TLRs, with mean dN/dS (ω) values ranging from 0.082 for TLR21 in birds to 0.434 for TLR11 in mammals. However, we did observe patterns of positive selection acting on specific codons (527 of 60,294 codons across all vertebrate TLRs, 8.7‰), which are significantly concentrated in ligand-binding extracellular domains and suggest host–pathogen coevolutionary interactions. Additionally, we found stronger positive selection acting on nonviral compared with viral TLRs, indicating the more essential nonredundant function of viral TLRs in host immunity. Taken together, our findings provide comprehensive insight into the complex evolutionary processes of the vertebrate TLR gene family, involving gene duplication, pseudogenization, purification, and positive selection.
Therapeutic Mechanism of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1 α Neutralizing Antibody (CCL3) in Clostridium difficile Infection in Mice
Authors: Wang Jiani , Ortiz Christina , Fontenot Lindsey , Mukhopadhyay Riya , Xie Ying , Chen Xinhua , Feng Hanping , Pothoulakis Charalabos , Koon Hon Wai 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) causes diarrhea and colitis. We aimed to find a common pathogenic pathway in CDI among humans and mice by comparing toxin-mediated effects in human and mouse colonic tissues.

Method
Using multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we determined the cytokine secretion of toxin A– and B–treated human and mouse colonic explants.

Results
Toxin A and toxin B exposure to fresh human and mouse colonic explants caused different patterns of cytokine secretion. Toxin A induced macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) 1α secretion in both human and mouse explants. Toxin A reduced the expression of chloride anion exchanger SLC26A3 expression in mouse colonic explants and human colonic epithelial cells. Patients with CDI had increased colonic MIP-1 α expression and reduced colonic SLC26A3 (solute carrier family 26, member 3) compared with controls. Anti–MIP-1 α neutralizing antibody prevented death, ameliorated colonic injury, reduced colonic interleukin 1β (IL-1β) messenger RNA expression, and restored colonic SLC26a3 expression in C. difficile–infected mice. The anti–MIP-1 α neutralizing antibody prevented CDI recurrence. SLC26a3 inhibition augmented colonic IL-1 β messenger RNA expression and abolished the protective effect of anti–MIP-1 α neutralizing antibody in mice with CDI.

Conclusion
MIP-1 α is a common toxin A–dependent chemokine in human and mouse colon. MIP-1 α mediates detrimental effects by reducing SLC26a3 and enhancing IL-1 β expression in the colon.
Improving quality of care in conflict settings: access and infrastructure are fundamental
Authors: Jaff Dilshad , Leatherman Sheila , Tawfik Linda 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Quality problem or issue
Armed conflicts pose significant challenges to ensuring timely access to quality health care services for millions around the world.

Initial assessment
Ensuring access and basic infrastructure for conflict-affected populations are overlooked in the global movement to provide quality of care.

Choice of solution
This paper identifies strategies and interventions to improve access to good quality care in settings and communities afflicted by conflict.

Lessons learned
t is crucial to focus more attention on, and develop an evidence base for, ensuring access and basic infrastructure to improve quality of care in conflict-affected regions.
Methylation of PLK1 by SET7/9 ensures accurate kinetochore–microtubule dynamics
Authors: Yu Ruoying , Wu Huihui , Ismail Hazrat , Du Shihao , Cao Jun , Wang Jianyu , Ward Tarsha , Yang Fengrui , Gui Ping , Ali Mahboob , Chu Lingluo , Mo Fei , Wang Qi , Chu Youjun , Zang Jianye , Zhao Yun , Ye Mingliang , Fang Guowei , Chen Peng R , Dou Zhen , Gao Xinjiao , Wang Wenwen , Liu Xing , Yao Xuebiao 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Faithful segregation of mitotic chromosomes requires bi-orientation of sister chromatids, which relies on the sensing of correct attachments between spindle microtubules and kinetochores. Although the mechanisms underlying PLK1 activation have been extensively studied, the regulatory mechanisms that couple PLK1 activity to accurate chromosome segregation are not well understood. In particular, PLK1 is implicated in stabilizing kinetochore–microtubule attachments, but how kinetochore PLK1 activity is regulated to avoid hyperstabilized kinetochore–microtubules in mitosis remains elusive. Here, we show that kinetochore PLK1 kinase activity is modulated by SET7/9 via lysine methylation during early mitosis. The SET7/9-elicited dimethylation occurs at the Lys191 of PLK1, which tunes down its activity by limiting ATP utilization. Overexpression of the non-methylatable PLK1 mutant or chemical inhibition of SET7/9 methyltransferase activity resulted in mitotic arrest due to destabilized kinetochore–microtubule attachments. These data suggest that kinetochore PLK1 is essential for stable kinetochore–microtubule attachments and methylation by SET7/9 promotes dynamic kinetochore–microtubule attachments for accurate error correction. Our findings define a novel homeostatic regulation at the kinetochore that integrates protein phosphorylation and methylation with accurate chromosome segregation for maintenance of genomic stability.
The conserved 3′ UTR-derived small RNA NarS mediates mRNA crossregulation during nitrate respiration
Authors: Wang Chuan , Chao Yanjie , Matera Gianluca , Gao Qian , Vogel Jörg 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSmall noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) from mRNA 3′ UTRs seem to present a previously unrecognized layer of bacterial post-transcriptional control whereby mRNAs influence each other's expression, independently of transcriptional control. Studies in Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica showed that such sRNAs are natural products of RNase E-mediated mRNA decay and associate with major RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) such as Hfq and ProQ. If so, there must be additional sRNAs from mRNAs that accumulate only under specific physiological conditions. We test this prediction by characterizing candidate NarS that represents the 3′ UTR of nitrate transporter NarK whose gene is silent during standard aerobic growth. We find that NarS acts by Hfq-dependent base pairing to repress the synthesis of the nitrite transporter, NirC, resulting in mRNA cross-regulation of nitrate and nitrite transporter genes. Interestingly, the NarS-mediated repression selectively targets the nirC cistron of the long nirBDC-cysG operon, an observation that we rationalize as a mechanism to protect the bacterial cytoplasm from excessive nitrite toxicity during anaerobic respiration with abundant nitrate. Our successful functional assignment of a 3′ UTR sRNA from a non-standard growth condition supports the notion that mRNA crossregulation is more pervasive than currently appreciated.
Vascular endothelial growth factor D is a biomarker of fluid overload in haemodialysis patients
Authors: von Moos Seraina , Segerer Stephan , Davenport Andrew , Sadoune Malha , Gerritsen Kerem , Pottecher Julien , Ruschitzka Frank , Mebazaa Alexandre , Arrigo Mattia , Cippà Pietro E 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Improved understanding and assessment of the complex physiology of volume regulation in haemodialysis (HD) patients are required to improve patient care and reduce mortality associated with fluid overload (FO).

Methods
We searched for FO-related biomarkers among 184 peptides associated with cardiovascular disease in a cohort of 30 HD patients. First, we assessed the direct impact of HD on the peptides of interest by comparing plasma concentrations before and after treatment. Then, we compared cardiovascular peptide profiles between patients with and without FO as defined by bioimpedance analysis (BIA). The plasma concentration of selected candidate biomarkers for FO was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and correlated with previously described FO-related clinical and laboratory parameters. For validation, results were confirmed in an independent cohort of 144 HD patients.

Results
We found seven peptides positively [NT-proBNP, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGFD), tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2, growth differentiation factor 15, tumour necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 13B, chitinase-3-like protein 1] and five negatively (leptin, renin, epidermal growth factor receptor, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, myeloblastin) correlated to FO. In addition to natriuretic peptides, VEGFD emerged as third peptide highly correlated with BIA (ρ = 0.619, P &lt; 0.0001). In line with this, VEGFD concentration verified by ELISA correlated with BIA, BNP and soluble CD146 but not with vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC). Notably, levels of VEGFD were unrelated to cardiac systolic function (P = 0.63), contrary to BNP (P = 0.0003). Finally, we observed that 1-year all-cause mortality was higher in patients with high BNP (P = 0.0002), FO (defined by BIA, P = 0.04) and high VEGFD (P = 0.02), but not with high VEGFC (P = 0.48).

Conclusion
VEGFD is a novel FO-related biomarker with unique diagnostic and prognostic properties.
Burnout and occupational stressors among non-medical occupational health staff
Authors: Okuda Yukako , Iwasaki Shinichi , Deguchi Yasuhiko , Nitta Tomoko , Mitake Tomoe , Sakaguchi Aya , Niki Akihiro , Inoue Koki 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
The work required to assist individuals in improving their mental health is stressful and known to be associated with burnout. In Japanese companies, non-medical occupational health (OH) staff often take the role of maintaining and improving workers’ mental health. However, few studies have examined burnout in this population.

Aims
To assess the relationship between burnout and occupational stressors among non-medical OH staff.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of OH staff who had participated in mental health seminars between 2016 and 2018. Occupational stressors were assessed using the Japanese version of the Job Content Questionnaire. Burnout was assessed using the Japanese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory.

Results
We administered the survey to 230 non-medical OH staff, of which 188 completed the questionnaire. According to a hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis, high job demands were associated with greater emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment. Greater job control was associated only with higher personal accomplishment. Lower job support was associated with greater emotional exhaustion and depersonalization.

Conclusions
The present study found relationships between occupational stressors and burnout dimensions among OH staff. To avoid burnout among non-medical OH staff, it is important to take measures against occupational stressors, especially job demands and low levels of job support.
Benefits of Polymerase Chain Reaction Combined With Culture for the Diagnosis of Bone and Joint Infections: A Prospective Test Performance Study
Authors: Jacquier Hervé , Fihman Vincent , Amarsy Rishma , Vicaut Eric , Bousson Valérie , Cambau Emmanuelle , Crémieux Anne-Claude , Delcey Véronique , Hannouche Didier , Kaci Rachid , Laredo Jean-Denis , Meunier Fabienne , Nizard Rémy , Ottaviani Sébastien , Parlier Caroline , Richette Pascal , Sellier Pierre , Zadegan Fréderic , Lioté Fréderic , Berçot Béatrice ,   Molos Study Group, Desplaces Nicole , Bauer Thomas , Larousserie Fréderique , Pertuisset Edouard , Chicheportiche Valérie , Rottman Martin , Sedel Laurent , Orcel Philippe , Bardin Thomas , Allard Anne , Ora Jérémy , Ea Hang-Korng , Peyr Olivier , Tran Olivia , Diallo Abdourahmane , Guery Laurence , Jouis Véronique , Raskine Laurent , Mougari Faiza , de Ponfilly Gauthier , Benmansour Hanaa , Lecorche Emmanuel , Sanson-Le-Pors Marie-José , Riahi Jacques , Camelena François , Poncin Thibault , Hamze Bassam , Bergmann Jean-François , Munier Anne-Lise , Lopes Amanda 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
The microbiological diagnosis of bone and joint infections (BJI) currently relies on cultures, and the relevance of molecular methods is still debated. The aim of this study was to determine whether polymerase chain reaction (PCR) could improve the etiological diagnosis of BJI.

Methods
A prospective study was conducted during a 4-year period at Lariboisiere University Hospital (Paris, France), including patients with suspicion of infectious spondylodiscitis, septic arthritis, prosthetic joint infections, and respective noninfected groups. Clinical and radiological data were collected at inclusion and during follow-up. All samples were analyzed by conventional cultures and 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) gene (16S-PCR). Specific cultures and PCR targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis were also performed for spondylodiscitis samples. Case records were subsequently analyzed by an independent expert committee to confirm or invalidate the suspicion of infection and definitively classify the patients in a case or control group. The sensitivity of the combination of culture and PCR was compared with culture alone.

Results
After expert committee analysis, 105 cases of BJI cases and 111 control patients were analyzed. The most common pathogens of BJI were staphylococci (30%), M tuberculosis (19%), and streptococci (14%). Adding PCR enhanced the sensitivity compared with culture alone (1) for the diagnosis of M tuberculosis spondylodiscitis (64.4% vs 42.2%; P &lt; .01) and (2) for nonstaphylococci BJI (81.6% vs 71.3%; P &lt; .01). It is interesting to note that 16S-PCR could detect BJI due to uncommon bacteria such as Mycoplasma and fastidious bacteria.

Conclusions
Our study showed the benefit of 16S-PCR and PCR targeting M tuberculosis as add-on tests in cases of suspected BJI.
Experimental Melting of Hydrothermally Altered Rocks: Constraints for the Generation of Low-δ18O Rhyolites in the Central Snake River Plain
Authors: Troch Juliana , Ellis Ben S , Harris Chris , Ulmer Peter , Bouvier Anne-Sophie , Bachmann Olivier 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Quantifying the relative contributions of crustal versus mantle-derived melt is important for understanding how silicic magmas are generated, stored, and interact with country rock in trans-crustal magmatic systems. Low-δ18O rhyolitic ignimbrites and lavas erupted during Miocene volcanic activity in the central Snake River Plain (14–6 Ma) have been inferred to be the result of large-scale partial or bulk melting of pre-existing hydrothermally altered lithologies of the Idaho batholith and Challis volcanic field. In this study, we assess the melting behaviour of heterogeneously altered source materials via partial melting experiments over a range of run times at conditions of 750–1000°C and 1–2 kbar, and apply our observations to current models for the petrogenesis of low-δ18O rhyolites along the Yellowstone hotspot track. Partial melt produced in the experiments inherits the bulk oxygen isotope composition from hydrothermally altered peraluminous source materials independent of the melt fraction, excluding the possibility for preferential, disequilibrium melting of 18O-depleted mineral phases during incipient melting. We propose a new model to explain the generation of low-δ18O rhyolites in the central Snake River Plain, whereby mantle-derived magmas assimilate ∼30–40% of crustal material that was hydrothermally altered at high temperatures in two stages: (1) a preceding episode of hydrothermal alteration during intrusion of Eocene plutons (‘pre-existing source’); (2) syn-magmatic hydrothermal alteration within a nested caldera complex. During assimilation, dilution of peraluminous crustal lithologies with mantle-derived magma maintains the metaluminous character of rhyolites erupted along the Yellowstone hotspot track. These results link previous models favouring melting of either pre-existing or syn-magmatically altered lithologies for the generation of low-δ18O rhyolites along the Yellowstone hotspot track and provide direct experimental observation of the chemical processes occurring during assimilation processes in magmatic environments.
Thermostability improvement of Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase via directed evolution of its gene located on episomal expression vector in Pichia pastoris cells
Authors: Schmidt Alexander , Shvetsov Alexey , Soboleva Elena , Kil Yury , Sergeev Vladimir , Surzhik Marina 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNovel thermostable variants of glucoamylase (GA) from filamentous fungus Aspergillus awamori X100 were constructed using the directed evolution approach based on random mutagenesis by error-prone PCR of the catalytic domain region of glucoamylase gene located on a new episomal expression vector pPEHα in Pichia pastoris cells. Out of 3000 yeast transformants screened, six new thermostable GA variants with amino acid substitutions Val301Asp, Thr390Ala, Thr390Ala/Ser436Pro, Leu7Met/His391Tyr, Asn9His/Ile82Phe and Ser8Arg/Gln338Leu were identified and studied. To estimate the effect of each substitution in the double mutants, we have constructed the relevant single mutants of GA by site-directed mutagenesis and analyzed their thermal properties. Results of the analysis showed that only Ile82Phe and Ser8Arg substitutions by themselves increased enzyme thermostability. While the substitutions Leu7Met, Asn9His and Gln338Leu decreased the thermal stability of GA, the synergistic effect of double mutant variants Leu7Met/His391Tyr, Asn9His/Ile82Phe and Ser8Arg/Gln338Leu resulted in significant thermostability improvement as compared to the wild type GA. Thr390Ala and Thr390Ala/Ser436Pro mutant variants revealed the highest thermostability with free activation energy changes ΔΔG of 2.99 and 3.1 kJ/mol at 80°C, respectively.