bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Origin of Conductive-Pulse Sensing Inside a Nanopore and the Role of Electro-Hydrodynamics
Authors: Lastra Lauren , Nguyen Michelle , Farajpour Nasim , Freedman Kevin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Despite the highly negatively charged backbone of DNA, electroosmotic flow (EOF) within a nanopore can lead to DNA travelling opposite to electrophoretic force (EPF) at low ionic strengths. However, EOF pumping and its role in producing current-enhancing events is ambiguous due to the complicated interactions between nanopore walls, DNA grooves, ion mobility, and counterion clouds. Here, we discuss how current-enhancing DNA events could be the result of a flux imbalance between anions and cations. The contributing factors for driving a flux imbalance within a nanopore include pore size, voltage bias, and type of alkali chloride electrolyte. Once the mechanism behind conductive events is established, the physics of transducing a DNA translocation into an electrical signal can be further exploited for improving DNA sequencing and, more broadly, bio-sensing.
A committed fourfold increase in ocean oxygen loss
Authors: Oschlies Andreas 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Less than a quarter of ocean deoxygenation that will ultimately be caused by historical CO2 emissions is already realized, according to millennial-scale model simulations that assume zero CO2 emissions from year 2021 onwards. About 80% of the committed oxygen loss occurs below 2000m depth, where a more sluggish overturning circulation will increase water residence times and accumulation of respiratory oxygen demand. According to the model results, the deep ocean will thereby lose more than 10% of its pre-industrial oxygen content even if CO2 emissions and thus global warming were stopped today. In the surface layer, however, the ongoing deoxygenation will largely stop once CO2 emissions are stopped. Accounting for the joint effects of committed oxygen loss and ocean warming, metabolic viability representative for marine animals declines by up to 25% over large regions of the deep ocean, posing am unavoidable escalation of anthropogenic pressure on deep-ocean ecosystems.
Are The 50’s, The Transition Decade in Choroid Plexus Aging?
Authors: Palha Joana Almeida , Tahira Ana , Marques Fernanda , Lisboa Bianca , Feltrin AS , Barbosa André , Oliveira KC de , Pereira CA de Bragança , Leite Renata , Grinberg Lea , Suemoto Claudia , Ferretti-Rebustini Renata de Lucena , Pasqualucci Carlos Augusto , Jacob-Filho Wilson , Brentani Helena 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The choroid plexus (CP) is an important structure for the brain. Besides its major role in the production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), it conveys signals originating from the brain and from the circulation, therefore shaping brain function in health and in pathology. In accordance, previous studies in rodents revealed altered transcriptome during aging and in various diseases of the central nervous system including Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: In the present study we performed a high-throughput sequencing of the CP transcriptome in clinically healthy humans throughout aging, from the ages of 50’s years into the 80's. Results: The date shows an age-related profile, with the main changes occurring in the transition from the 50 ́s to the 60’s, stabilizing thereafter. Specifically, neuronal and membrane functions distinguish the transcriptome between the 50’s and the 60’s, while neuronal and axon development and extracellular structure organization differentiate the 50’s from the 70’s. Conclusions: These findings suggest that changes in the CP transcriptome occur early in the aging process and may precede later onset brain disabilities, associated with memory and cognitive impairment.
Microbiomes of clownfish and their symbiotic host anemone converge before their first physical contact
Authors: Gilbert Émie Audet , Sylvain François-Étienne , Bouslama Sidki , Derome Nicolas 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOne of the most charismatic, and yet not completely resolved example of mutualistic interaction is the partnership of clownfish and its symbiotic sea anemone. The mechanism explaining this tolerance currently relies on the molecular mimicry of clownfish epithelial mucus, which could serve as camouflage, preventing the anemone's nematocysts' discharge. Resident bacteria are known as key drivers of epithelial mucus chemical signature in vertebrates. A recent study has proposed a restructuration of the skin microbiota in a generalist clown fish when first contacting its symbiotic anemone. We explored a novel hypothesis by testing the effect of remote interaction on epithelial microbiota restructuration in both partners. MethodsWith metataxonomics, we investigated the epithelial microbiota dynamic of 18 pairs of percula clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and their symbiotic anemone Heteractis magnifica in remote interaction, physical interaction and control groups for both partners during a four weeks trial.ResultsPhysical and Remote Interaction groups’ results evidence gradual epithelial microbiota convergence between both partners when fish and anemone were placed in the same water system. This convergence occurred preceding any physical contact between partners, and was maintained during the two-weeks interaction period in both contact groups. After the interaction period, community structure of both fish and anemone’s epthelial community structures maintained the interaction signature two weeks after fish-anemone pairs separation. Furthermore, the interaction signature persistence was observed both in Physical and Remote Interaction groups, thus suggesting that water-mediated chemical communication between symbiotic partners was strong enough to shift the skin microbiota durably, even after the separation of fish-anemone pairs. Finally, our results suggest that fish-anemone convergent microbiota restructuration was increasingly associated with the parallel recruitment of three Flavobacteriaceae strains closely related to a tyrosinase-producing Cellulophaga tyrosinoxydans. ConclusionsOur study shows that bacterial community restructuration, in the acclimation process, does not only rely on direct physical contact. Furthermore, our results challenge, for the first time, the traditional unidirectional chemical camouflage hypothesis, as we argue that convergence of the epithelial microbiota of both partners may play essential roles in establishing mutual acceptance.
Treatment with 5-azacytidine Increases UCP2 levels in Hep3B and HT-29 Cells but Not in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Kim Dae Yeon , Jung Bae Dong , Cheong Hee Tae , Ra Chang Six , Kimura Kazuhiro 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The function of the uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is different for each cancer cell, and the mechanism of production is unclear. DNA methylation affects protein expression and is one factor that transforms normal cells into cancer cells. The hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B and HepG2 cells and colorectal cancer HT-29 cells were treated with 5-azacytidine (5-aza), a DNA demethylation agent, to observe the modification of UCP2 production and the methylation degree in the UCP2 promoter region.Methods: Promoter basal activity and degree of UCP2 production were measured in Hep3B, HepG2, and HT-29 cells. In addition, methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was performed to investigate the degree of methylation in the UCP2 promoter region. The methylation region in the UCP2 promoter was confirmed based on bisulfite sequencing.Results: In Hep3B cells in which UCP2 mRNA was not transcribed, the promoter basal activity was significantly higher than in HT-29 or HepG2 cells in which UCP2 mRNA was transcribed. Treatment with 5-aza increased UCP2 expression in Hep3B and HT-29 cells; however, the expression in HepG2 cells was unchanged. The UCP2 promoter in Hep3B cells has numerous methylated regions compared with HT-29 and HepG2 cells.Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that inhibition of UCP2 production in Hep3B cells was due to multiple methylation of the promoter region. Investigating the mechanism that induces UCP2 production in cancer cells is important to understand the function of UCP2, which could aid in cancer treatment.
Thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome in a child with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A rare Case Report
Authors: Dong Rong-Jing , Lei Su-Yun , Li Jun , Yang Xin-Ping , li yuye , Zhang Yun-Gui 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUNDAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a noninflammatory autoimmune disorder induced by antiphospholipid antibodies, which exceedingly rarely occurs in pediatric population and even more rarely reported in HIV positive children.CASE SUMMARYA 11 years old boy had a sudden onset left lower extremity swelling with pain and the symptoms gradually worsened. Initial one-month topical treatment was ineffective and the symptoms aggravated until suddenly spread to the root of his thigh, accompanied by left lower extremity dyskinesia. Both ultrasonography and vascular CT scan on left lower extremity revealed deep venous thrombosis. His serum aPLs antibodies were tested positive. He experienced a virology failure with substantial HIV viral load (VL) despite receiving regular antiretroviral therapy (ART). The symptoms recovered after aggressive antithrombotic and high-dose corticosteroids treatments.CONCLUSIONWhen pediatric individuals develop thrombotic disease, APS also needs to be ruled out. The autoantibodies levels should be routinely tested to look for recurrent thrombosis in children with HIV/AIDS.
Optimization of nano-encapsulation on neonatal porcine islet-like cell clusters using polymersomes
Authors: Lee Sang Hoon , Kim Hyun-Ouk , Kang Jung-Taek 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
ObjectiveResearches proving methods for nano encapsulation of neonatal porcine islet-like cell clusters (NPCCs) using polymersomes (PSomes) formed using polymers of polyethylene glycol-block-poly lactide (PEG-b-PLA). Herein, our studies present efficient nano encapsulation procedure with minimal damage and loss of NPCCs. MethodsWe used N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) on the N-terminal of PSomes to induce binding of amine groups in the extracellular matrix surrounding NPCCs. F-10 culture medium with bovine serum albumin was used in the nano-encapsulation procedure to minimize damage and loss of NPCCs. Finally, we induced crosslinking between bi-functional PSomes (NHS-/NH2-PSomes). ResultsF-10 culture medium containing 0.25% BSA with pH of 7.3 minimized the damage and loss of NPCCs after nano-encapsulation as compared with using basic HBSS buffer (pH 8.0). Also, we induced the efficiency nano encapsulation through conjugation of PSomes using bi-functional PSomes (NHS-/NH2-PSomes).
Activin A activation Drives Renal Fibrosis through the STAT3 Signalling Pathway
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Ni Lihua , Wu Xiaoyan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The present study investigated whether TGF-β1 promotes fibrotic changes in HK-2 cells through the Activin A and STAT3 signalling pathways in vitro. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis of microarray profiles (GSE20247 and GSE23338) and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed to select hub genes. For the in vitro study, HK-2 cells were exposed to TGF-β1. The expression of Activin A and STAT3 was assayed, and the effect of Activin A and STAT3 expression on fibrosis was assessed (Collagen I and Fibronectin). Results: The bioinformatics study revealed TGF-β1 and Activin A as hub genes. The in vitro study showed that Activin A expression was significantly increased after TGF-β1 incubation. Blocking Activin A by follistatin attenuated TGF-β1-induced fibrosis. In addition, Activin A blockade attenuated TGF-β1-induced STAT3 signalling pathway activation and related fibrosis. More importantly, STAT3 inhibition by S3I-201 alleviated TGF-β1-induced fibrosis.Conclusion: Activin A promoted cellular fibrotic changes through the STAT3 signalling pathway. Attenuating Activin A expression to mediate the STAT3 signalling pathway might be a strategy for potent renal fibrosis treatment.
Neck Pain and Other Location Patterns in Episodic and Chronic Migraine: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Utiumi Marco Antonio Takashi , Küster João Guilherme Bochnia , Godk Keryn Sporh , Kotsifas Nikolai José Eustátios , Kowacs Pedro André , Piovesan Elcio Juliato 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The pain location of migraine has limited diagnostic value and has usually been assessed using non-standard verbal descriptors.Methods: This study uses non-verbal descriptors of pain location in episodic and chronic migraineurs seen at 3 centers of different complexities (tertiary-level hospital and outpatient clinics) and from different sectors (public and private). The explicit pain location was recorded by asking patients to indicate in an electronic form 3 points on the anterolateral side and 3 points on the posterolateral side of the head and neck. A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to assess the association of different pain location patterns with demographic and clinical variables.Results: Ninety-seven episodic migraine and 113 chronic migraine patients were included, with the most commonly affected sites being the frontal (73% and 65%, respectively), temporal (67% and 73%, respectively) and parietal (27% and 34%, respectively) regions. The posterior cervical site was most often involved in the chronic migraine group (21% vs. 33%, p=0.034). No other locations showed a significant difference. The adjusted model showed that diffuse pain (OR=13.74, CI=4.89-49.85) and the presence of medication overuse associated with tactile allodynia (OR=2.65, CI=1.05-6.87) were associated with increased odds of neck pain. Disease duration was marginally relevant (p=0.078).Conclusions: The migraine attacks most commonly involve the fronto-temporal regions, although neck pain can be more often found in chronic migraine. Some features commonly found in this group such as more diffuse pain, tactile allodynia, and medication overuse are associated with this extratrigeminal site of pain.
Beyond Viral Suppression: Quality of Life among stable ART Clients in a Differentiated Service Delivery Intervention in Tanzania
Authors: Okere Nwanneka Ebelechukwu , Censi Veronica , Machibya Clementina , Costigan Kathleen , Katambi Patrobas , Martelli Guilia , de Klerk Josien , Hermans Sabine , Gomez Gabriela , Pozniak Anton , de Wit Tobias Rinke , Naniche Denise 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: More people living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource-limited settings are virally suppressed and living longer, mainly due to an increased access to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). With the expansion of ART programmes, the World Health Organisation recommended differentiated service delivery (DSD) as an alternative less resource-demanding way of accessing HIV services. While maintaining quality of care and continued adherence among patients are health system’s priorities, monitoring patient’s quality of life is key to ensure sustainability and uptake of services. However, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is understudied in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We aimed to assess HRQoL among stable ART clients accessing ART care in adherence clubs implemented in Tanzania. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey from May to August 2019 among stable ART clients randomly sampled among those accessing clinics and clubs daily in two sites, a rural and peri-urban setting in the Shinyanga region. HRQoL data was collected, after obtaining informed consent, using the interviewer-administered Functional Assessment of HIV infection (FAHI), a validated HIV-specific HRQoL instrument. We also collected on socio-demographic, HIV care and service accessibility factors. Descriptive analysis, modified Poisson regression with robust variance and a stepwise multiple linear regression were performed to analyse HRQoL and its determinants.Results: A total of 629 participants were enrolled, of which 40% were DSD patients. DSD and clinic participants showed similar HRQoL scores [mean (SD), p value]; FAHI total [152.2 (22.2) vs 153.8 (20.6), p 0.687]. Accessibility factors, e.g. less time spent during and less frequent DSD meetings, contributed to emotional wellbeing among DSD participants compared to those in clinic (53.4% vs 18.5%,p=<0.001). Satisfactory (>80% of achievable) HRQoL scoring was independently associated with (relative risk [95% confidence interval], p value) being male (1.18[1.06-1.31], p 0.002); being married (1.22 [1.01-1.45, p 0.043); and living in an urban setting (1.28 [1.09-1.49], p 0.001). Conclusions: DSD does not appear to compromise HRQoL and, encouragingly, it could contribute to an improvement in emotional wellbeing among patients. While DSD shows promise in improving acceptability among patients and, therefore, sustainability of such services, our research highlights future research avenues to identify supporting interventions to improve other HRQoL domains among PLHIV.
Disparate Volumetric Fluid Shifts Across Cerebral Tissue Compartments with Two Different Anesthetics
Authors: Ozturk Burhan O. , Monte Brittany , Koundal Sunil , Dai Feng , Benveniste Helene , Lee Hedok 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Large differences in glymphatic system transport - similar in magnitude to those of the sleep/wake cycle - have been observed during anesthesia with dexmedetomidine supplemented with low dose isoflurane (DEXM-I) in comparison to isoflurane (ISO). However, the biophysical and bioenergetic tissue status underlying glymphatic transport differences between anesthetics remains undefined. To further understand biophysical characteristics underlying these differences we investigated volume status across cerebral tissue compartments, water diffusivity, and T2* values in rats anesthetized with DEXM-I in comparison to ISO. Methods: Using a crossover study design, a group of 12 Sprague Dawley female rats underwent repetitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under ISO and DEXM-I. Physiological parameters were continuously measured. MRI included a proton density weighted (PDW) scan to investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and parenchymal volumetric changes, a multigradient echo scan (MGE) to calculate T2* maps as a measure of ‘bioenergetics’, and a diffusion scan to quantify the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Results: The heart rate was lower with DEXM-I in comparison to ISO, but all other physiological variables were similar across scans and groups. The PDW images revealed a 1% parenchymal volume increase with ISO compared to DEXM-I comprising multiple focal tissue areas scattered across the forebrain. In contrast, with DEXM-I the CSF compartment was enlarged by ~6% in comparison to ISO at the level of the basal cisterns and peri-arterial conduits which are main CSF influx routes for glymphatic transport. The T2* maps showed brain-wide increases in T2* in ISO compared to DEXM-I rats. Diffusion-weighted images yielded no significant differences in ADCs across the two anesthesia groups. Conclusions: We demonstrated CSF volume expansion with DEXM-I (in comparison to ISO) and parenchymal (GM) expansion with ISO (in comparison to DEXM-I), which may explain the differences in glymphatic transport. We propose that tissue enlargements observed with ISO represent clusters of cellular ‘swelling’ imposing hydraulic resistance for solute and fluid transport, thereby explaining the reduced glymphatic transport with ISO compared to DEXM-I. The T2* changes in ISO are suggestive of an increased bioenergetic state associated with excess cellular firing/bursting when compared to DEXM-I.
A haemagglutination test for rapid detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Townsend Alain , Rijal Pramila , Xiao Julie , Tan Tiong Kit , Huang Kuan-Ying , Schimanski Lisa , Huo Jiandong , Gupta Nimesh , Rahikainen Rolle , Matthews Philippa , Crook Derrick , Hoosdally Sarah , Street Teresa , Rudkin Justine , Stoesser Nicole , Karpe Fredrik , Neville Matthew , Ploeg Rutger , Oliveira Marta , Roberts David , Lamikanra Abigail , Tsang Hoi , Bown Abbie , Vipond Richard , Mentzer Alexander , Knight Julian , Kwok Andrew , Screaton Gavin , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Dejnirattisai Wanwisa , Supasa Piyasa , Klenerman Paul , Dold Christina , Baillie J , Moore Shona , Openshaw Peter , Semple Malcolm , Turtle Lance , Ainsworth Mark , Allcock Alice , Beer Sally , Bibi Sagida , Clutterbuck Elizabeth , Espinosa Alexis , Mendoza Maria , Georgiou Dominique , Lockett Teresa , Martinez Jose , Perez Elena , Sanchez Veronica , Scozzafava Giuseppe , Sobrinodiaz Alberto , Thraves Hannah , Joly Etienne 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Serological detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 is essential for establishing rates of seroconversion in populations, detection of seroconversion after vaccination, and for seeking evidence for a level of antibody that may be protective against COVID-19 disease. Several high-performance commercial tests have been described, but these require centralised laboratory facilities that are comparatively expensive, and therefore not available universally. Red cell agglutination tests have a long history in blood typing, and general serology through linkage of reporter molecules to the red cell surface. They do not require special equipment, are read by eye, have short development times, low cost and can be applied as a Point of Care Test (POCT). We describe a red cell agglutination test for the detection of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD). We show that the Haemagglutination Test (HAT) has a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 99% for detection of antibodies after a PCR diagnosed infection. The HAT can be titrated, detects rising titres in the first five days of hospital admission, correlates well with a commercial test that detects antibodies to the RBD, and can be applied as a point of care test. The developing reagent is composed of a previously described nanobody to a conserved glycophorin A epitope on red cells, linked to the RBD from SARS-CoV-2. It can be lyophilised for ease of shipping. We have scaled up production of this reagent to one gram, which is sufficient for ten million tests, at a cost of ~0.27 UK pence per test well. Aliquots of this reagent are ready to be supplied to qualified groups anywhere in the world that need to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, but do not have the facilities for high throughput commercial tests.