bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flagellin adjuvanted F1/V subunit plague vaccine induces T cell and functional antibody responses with unique gene signatures
Authors: Hamzabegovic Fahreta , Goll Johannes B. , Hooper William F. , Frey Sharon , Gelber Casey E. , Abate Getahun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractYersinia pestis, the cause of plague, could be weaponized. Unfortunately, development of new vaccines is limited by lack of correlates of protection. We used pre- and post-vaccination sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a flagellin adjuvanted F1/V vaccine trial to evaluate for protective markers. Here, we report for the first time in humans that inverse caspase-3 levels, which are measures of protective antibody, significantly increased by 29% and 75% on days 14 and 28 post-second vaccination, respectively. In addition, there were significant increases in T-cell responses on day 28 post-second vaccination. The strongest positive and negative correlations between protective antibody levels and gene expression signatures were identified for IFNG and ENSG00000225107 genes, respectively. Flagellin/F1/V subunit vaccine induced macrophage-protective antibody and significant CD4+ T-cell responses. Several genes associated with these responses were identified that could serve as potential correlates of protection.
Domestic waste emissions to European waters in the 2010s
Authors: Vigiak Olga , Grizzetti Bruna , Zanni Michela , Aloe Alberto , Dorati Chiara , Bouraoui Fayçal , Pistocchi Alberto 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEstimation of domestic waste emissions to waters is needed for pollution assessment and modelling. We assessed quantity and location of domestic waste emissions to European waters for the 2010s. Specifically, we considered discharges of domestic waste Population Equivalent (PE, the amount of waste that equals to 60 g per day of Biochemical Oxygen Demand), and mean annual loads (t/y) of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and 5-days Biochemical Oxygen Demand. The spatial resolution and extent of the analysis corresponded to the CCM2 River and Catchment Database for Europe, for catchments of mean area of 6.4 km2. The assessment is based on available European databases that allowed pinpointing waste emissions to a high spatial and conceptual resolution. Content gaps, particularly concerning domestic waste from isolated dwellings, were filled through alternative sources of information, exploiting population density and national statistics data. The dataset is of interest for assessing waste emissions to and fate through European fresh and marine waters also beyond the three pollutants evaluated in this study.
Evaluation of screening platforms for virus-like particle production with the baculovirus expression vector system in insect cells
Authors: Strobl Florian , Ghorbanpour Sahar Masoumeh , Palmberger Dieter , Striedner Gerald 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRecombinant protein and virus-like particle (VLP) production based on the baculovirus expression vector system is fast, flexible, and offers high yields. Independent from the product, a multitude of parameters are screened during process development/optimisation. Early development acceleration is a key requirement for economic efficiency, and µ-scale bioreactor systems represent an attractive solution for high-throughput (HTP) experimentation. However, limited practical knowledge is available on the relevance and transferability of screening data to pilot scales and manufacturing. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate a HTP µ-bioreactor platform with respect to its aptitude as a screening platform mainly based on transferability of results to benchtop bioreactors representing the conventional production regime. Second question was to investigate to what extent the online sensors of the µ-bioreactor contribute to process understanding and development. We demonstrated that transferability of infection screening results from the HTP µ-bioreactor scale to the benchtop bioreactor was equal or better than that from shaker cultivation. However, both experimental setups turned out to be sub-optimal solutions that only allowed for a first and rough ranking with low relevance in the case of absolute numbers. Bioreactor yields were up to one order of magnitude higher than the results of screening experiments.
Irisin levels in genetic and essential obesity: clues for a potential dual role
Authors: Mai Stefania , Grugni Graziano , Mele Chiara , Vietti Roberta , Vigna Luisella , Sartorio Alessandro , Aimaretti Gianluca , Scacchi Massimo , Marzullo Paolo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIrisin is conventionally regarded as a myokine involved in the browning of white adipose tissue, energy expenditure and glucose tolerance. Its potential link to fat accumulation and metabolic dysfunction is debated. We sought to explore the relationship between circulating irisin and components of body composition in two different phenotypes of severe obesity. For this purpose, 30 obese adults with Prader-Will syndrome (PWS) (age 35.7 ± 1.5 y, BMI 45.5 ± 1.5 kg/m2) and 30 adult controls with common obesity (age 34.9 ± 1.7 y, BMI 46.8 ± 1.4 kg/m2) underwent analysis of irisin levels, metabolic profile, body composition and resting energy expenditure (REE). Normal irisin levels were obtained from a group of 20 lean donors (age 32.4 ± 1.5 y, BMI 23.8 ± 0.8 kg/m2). Expected differences in body composition and metabolic profile existed between study groups. PWS exhibited lower muscle mass (p < 0.001), FFM (p < 0.001), REE (p < 0.001), as well as insulin (p < 0.05), HOMA-IR (p < 0.05) and triglycerides levels (p < 0.05) than controls with common obesity. In PWS, irisin levels were significantly lower and overall less dispersed than in controls with common obesity (p < 0.05), while being similar to values recorded in lean subjects. To explore the relation between irisin and body composition in obesity, univariate correlation analysis in the obese populations as a whole showed positive associations between irisin and muscle mass (p = 0.03) as well as REE (p = 0.01), which disappeared when controlled for the PWS status. Noticeably, a positive association became evident between irisin and %FM after controlling for the PWS status (p = 0.02). Also positive were associations between irisin and insulin (p = 0.02), HOMA-IR (p = 0.02) and triglycerides (p = 0.04). In stepwise multivariable regression analysis, irisin levels were independently predicted by the PWS status (p = 0.001), %FM (p = 0.004) and triglycerides (p = 0.008). Current results suggest that obese adults with PWS harbor lower irisin levels than individuals with common obesity. The divergent models of obesity herein studied suggest a potential link between circulating irisin and muscle mass and metabolic dysfunction relating to adiposity.
Formation of S. pombe Erh1 homodimer mediates gametogenic gene silencing and meiosis progression
Authors: Hazra Ditipriya , Andrić Vedrana , Palancade Benoit , Rougemaille Mathieu , Graille Marc 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTimely and accurate expression of the genetic information relies on the integration of environmental cues and the activation of regulatory networks involving transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. In fission yeast, meiosis-specific transcripts are selectively targeted for degradation during mitosis by the EMC complex, composed of Erh1, the ortholog of human ERH, and the YTH family RNA-binding protein Mmi1. Here, we present the crystal structure of Erh1 and show that it assembles as a homodimer. Mutations of amino acid residues to disrupt Erh1 homodimer formation result in loss-of-function phenotypes, similar to erh1∆ cells: expression of meiotic genes is derepressed in mitotic cells and meiosis progression is severely compromised. Interestingly, formation of Erh1 homodimer is dispensable for interaction with Mmi1, suggesting that only fully assembled EMC complexes consisting of two Mmi1 molecules bridged by an Erh1 dimer are functionally competent. We also show that Erh1 does not contribute to Mmi1-dependent down-regulation of the meiosis regulator Mei2, supporting the notion that Mmi1 performs additional functions beyond EMC. Overall, our results provide a structural basis for the assembly of the EMC complex and highlight its biological relevance in gametogenic gene silencing and meiosis progression.
Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and coronary calcification depending on sex and obesity
Authors: Kim Seok-hyung , Park Hae Yeul , Lee Hye Sun , Jung Kwon Soo , Lee Moon Hyoung , Jhee Jong Hyun , Kim Tae Hoon , Lee Jung Eun , Kim Hyung Jong , Kim Beom Seok , Park Hyeong Cheon , Lee Byoung Kwon , Choi Hoon Young 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is associated with cardiovascular outcomes. We investigated whether NAFLD was associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC) in participants without a previous history of cardiovascular disease and whether this association differed according to sex and obesity status after adjustment for other atherosclerosis risk factors, alcohol intake, and liver enzyme levels. Among 67,441 participants, data from 8,705 participants who underwent a fatty liver status and CAC assessment during routine health screening were analysed. CAC scores were calculated using computed tomography. NAFLD was diagnosed in patients with evidence of liver steatosis on ultrasonography. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between NAFLD and CAC in non-obese participants (odds ratio, 1.24 [95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.53]), whereas NAFLD and CAC were not associated in obese participants. Interaction analysis showed that the association between NAFLD and CAC was influenced by sex and obesity. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant association between NAFLD and CAC in non-obese male participants (odds ratio, 1.36 [1.07–1.75]), but not in female participants. Our study indicates that non-obese men with NAFLD are prone to CAC.
The dual role of curcumin and ferulic acid in counteracting chemoresistance and cisplatin-induced ototoxicity
Authors: Paciello Fabiola , Fetoni Anna Rita , Mezzogori Daniele , Rolesi Rolando , Di Pino Antonella , Paludetti Gaetano , Grassi Claudio , Troiani Diana 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPlatinum-based agents, such as cisplatin, form the mainstay of currently used chemotherapeutic regimens for several malignancies; however, the main limitations are chemoresistance and ototoxic side effects. In this study we used two different polyphenols, curcumin and ferulic acid as adjuvant chemotherapeutics evaluating (1) in vivo their antioxidant effects in protecting against cisplatin ototoxicity and (2) in vitro the transcription factors involved in tumor progression and cisplatin resistance. We reported that both polyphenols show antioxidant and oto-protective activity in the cochlea by up-regulating Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway and downregulating p53 phosphorylation. However, only curcumin is able to influence inflammatory pathways counteracting NF-κB activation. In human cancer cells, curcumin converts the anti-oxidant effect into a pro-oxidant and anti-inflammatory one. Curcumin exerts permissive and chemosensitive properties by targeting the cisplatin chemoresistant factors Nrf-2, NF-κB and STAT-3 phosphorylation. Ferulic acid shows a biphasic response: it is pro-oxidant at lower concentrations and anti-oxidant at higher concentrations promoting chemoresistance. Thus, polyphenols, mainly curcumin, targeting ROS-modulated pathways may be a promising tool for cancer therapy. Thanks to their biphasic activity of antioxidant in normal cells undergoing stressful conditions and pro-oxidant in cancer cells, these polyphenols probably engage an interplay among the key factors Nrf-2, NF-κB, STAT-3 and p53.
A thin film efficient pn-junction thermoelectric device fabricated by self-align shadow mask
Authors: Kogo Gilbert , Xiao Bo , Danquah Samuel , Lee Harold , Niyogushima Julien , Yarbrough Kelsea , Candadai Aaditya , Marconnet Amy , Pradhan Sangram K. , Bahoura Messaoud 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLarge area highly crystalline MoS2 and WS2 thin films were successfully grown on different substrates using radio-frequency magnetron sputtering technique. Structural, morphological and thermoelectric transport properties of MoS2, and WS2 thin films have been investigated systematically to fabricate high-efficient thermal energy harvesting devices. X-ray diffraction data revealed that crystallites of MoS2 and WS2 films are highly oriented in 002 plane with uniform grain size distribution confirmed through atomic force microscopy study. Surface roughness increases with substrate temperature and it plays a big role in electron and phonon scattering. Interestingly, MoS2 films also display low thermal conductivity at room temperature and strongly favors achievement of higher thermoelectric figure of merit value of up to 1.98. Raman spectroscopy data shows two distinct MoS2 vibrational modes at 380 cm−1 for E12g and 410 cm−1 for A1g. Thermoelectric transport studies further demonstrated that MoS2 films show p-type thermoelectric characteristics, while WS2 is an n-type material. We demonstrated high efficient pn-junction thermoelectric generator device for waste heat recovery and cooling applications.
Epidemiological cut-offs for Sensititre susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: interpretive criteria cross validated with whole genome sequencing
Authors: Ismail Nazir A. , Ismail Farzana , Joseph Lavania , Govender Netricia , Blows Linsay , Kaniga Koné , Omar Shaheed V. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractUniversal drug susceptibility testing (DST) is an important requirement of the End TB Strategy. The Sensititre broth micro-dilution assay (BMD) tests multiple drugs quantitatively. We defined interpretive criteria for this assay and analysed genotypic-phenotypic relationships. 385 Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates were processed for BMD and whole genome sequencing. The epidemiological cut-off value 99% (ECV99) amongst genotypically wild type (gWT) strains defined susceptibility. Minimum inhibitory concentration distributions of the resistance-associated variants (RAVs) for each drug were analysed. Susceptibility (µg/mL) criteria were determined as follows: rifampicin (≤0.125), isoniazid (≤0.25), ethambutol (≤2.0), moxifloxacin (≤0.5), levofloxacin (≤1.0), amikacin (≤2.0), kanamycin (≤8.0), capreomycin (≤4.0), clofazimine (≤0.25) and linezolid (≤2.0). Most drugs showed clear separation between gWT and RAV. Isoniazid showed a tri-modal pattern with 14/17 strains at ECV99 harbouring a fabG1 c. -15C > T RAV. Ethambutol RAVs at embB codons 306, 405 and 497 were responsible for resistance and showed differential distributions. Moxifloxacin RAVs (gyrA codon 90) were a dilution or two higher than the ECV99 while gyrB RAVs were uncommon and showed drug specific resistance propensity. Interpretive criteria established were robust facilitating progress towards universal DST and individualised precision medicine. This study demonstrates the value of quantitative DST to accurately interpret mutation data.
The optimal sequence of bronchial brushing and washing for diagnosing peripheral lung cancer using non-guided flexible bronchoscopy
Authors: Lim Jun Hyeok , Kim Min Jeong , Jeon Sang-Hoon , Park Mi Hwa , Kim Woo Youl , Lee Minkyung , Kim Jun Ho , Kim Jung Soo , Kim Young Sam , Kim Lucia , Lee Kyung-Hee , Kwak Seung Min , Shin Hyekyung , Nam Hae-Seong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe optimum sequence of bronchial brushing and washing for diagnosing peripheral lung cancer, defined as an invisible endobronchial tumour, is not clear and requires further study. We prospectively obtained washing samples after brushing in patients with peripheral lung tumours during non-guided flexible bronchoscopy (FB) to investigate the diagnostic yield of these samples and conducted a retrospective review of the prospectively collected data. The study included 166 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The overall diagnostic yield of bronchial brushing and washing for peripheral lung cancer was 52.4%. The diagnostic yields of brushing and washing were 37.3% and 46.4%, respectively, and that of washing was superior according to McNemar’s test (p = 0.017, κ = 0.570). Furthermore, washing was diagnostic, whereas brushing was not, in 15.1% of all cases. Comparison of positive washing cytology (brushing) with the respective pathological diagnosis yielded a concordance rate of 88.3% (90.3%), with κ = 0.769 (0.801) (p < 0.001). Performing washing after brushing during non-guided FB is a very safe, cost-effective procedure that may help improve the diagnostic yield in patients with suspected peripheral lung cancer. Our information will also benefit clinicians performing diagnostic bronchoscopy in patients with suspected peripheral lung cancer when fluoroscopic guidance or advanced bronchoscopy techniques are not available.
Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach in the isolation of bioactive natural products
Authors: Demarque Daniel P. , Dusi Renata G. , de Sousa Francisco D. M. , Grossi Sophia M. , Silvério Maira R. S. , Lopes Norberto P. , Espindola Laila S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMetabolomics is a powerful tool in the analysis and identification of metabolites responsible for biological properties. Regarding natural product chemistry, it constitutes a potential strategy to streamline the classic and laborious process of isolating natural products, which often involves the re-isolation and identification of known compounds. In this contribution, we establish a mass spectrometry-based metabolomics strategy to discover compounds with larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti. We analyse the Brazilian plant Annona crassiflora using different platforms to annotate the active compounds in different extracts/fractions of various plant parts. The MetaboAnalyst and GNPS platforms, which consider LC-MS and LC-MS/MS data, respectively, were chosen to identify compounds that differentiate active and inactive samples. Bio-guided isolation was subsequently performed to confirm compound activity. Results proved the capacity of metabolomics to predict metabolite differences between active and inactive samples using LC-MS and LC-MS/MS data. Moreover, we discuss the limitations, possibilities, and strategies to have a broad view of vast data.
Retrospective analysis of patients with non-tuberculous mycobacteria from a primary hospital in Southeast China
Authors: Ji Songjun , Xu Wanping , Sun Jianmin , Shi Yunzhen , Pan Xinling 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTo achieve a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of patients with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), patients with NTM between January 2016 and June 2019 were recruited from a primary hospital. NTM were identified based on the MBP64 protein assay. The clinical records and laboratory assay results were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 204 patients with NTM were included in the final analysis. The patients with multiple isolations were more likely accompanied with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (p = 0.029) and arthritis (p = 0.049), but showed a lower percentage of positive T-spot results (p = 0.022). In addition, patients with multiple isolations showed a higher rate of positive acid-fast staining results and their symptom duration was more likely longer than 30 days (p = 0.019). Patients with a positive response in T-spot assay showed a higher proportion of nodular manifestation on computed tomography (CT) than those with a negative response. Compared with male patients with NTM, female patients showed lower rates of positive acid-fast staining results (p = 0.03), but were more likely accompanied with COPD (p < 0.0001). The positive acid-fast staining results were closely associated with pulmonary cavities and tuberculosis antibody. Patients with different NTM isolation frequencies were closely associated with coexisting diseases and examination results.
Antenna for microwave manipulation of NV colour centres
Authors: Zhao Man , Lin Qijing , Zhu Liangquan , Zhao Libo , Jiang Zhuangde 
Published: January 2020

Nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) colour centres in diamond have attracted extensive attention in quantum precision measurement, computation and communication. In these fields, microwave manipulation is a technology in which antenna is used to radiate special microwave to manipulate the quantum spin state of NV colour centres. In this work, high frequency structure simulator software is used to design a microstrip antenna with a resonance frequency of 2.8756 GHz. Based on simulation and experiments, near field radiation of antenna is optimised to improve its microwave manipulation quality. This antenna will be helpful in the development of hybrid quantum devices of NV centres.
Placental Accumulation of Triacylglycerols in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Its Association with Altered Fetal Growth are Related to the Differential Expressions of Proteins of Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Balachandiran Manoharan , Bobby Zachariah , Dorairajan Gowri , Jacob Sajini Elizabeth , Gladwin Victorraj , Vinayagam Vickneshwaran , Packirisamy Rajaa Muthu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroduction Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) exhibit altered placental lipid metabolism. The molecular basis of this altered metabolism is not clear. Altered placental expression of proteins of lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation may be involved in the placental accumulation of triacylglycerols (TG). The present study was aimed at investigating the differential expressions of placental proteins related to lipid metabolism among GDM women in comparison with control pregnant women (CPW) and to correlate them with maternal and fetal lipid parameters as well as altered fetal growth.Materials and Methods Maternal blood, cord blood, and placental samples were collected from GDM and CPW. The biochemical parameters, glucose, lipid profile and free fatty acids (FFA) were measured. The placental TG content was measured. Differential placental expressions of proteins; phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) p85α, PI3K p110α,liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), sterol regulatory element binding protein1(SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearyl CoA desaturase1 (SCD1), lipoprotein lipase (LPL),Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α and PPARγ were analysed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results Placental protein expressions of PI3K p110α, LXRα, FAS, SCD1, and LPL were found to be significantly higher, whereas PPARα and PPARγ were lower in GDM women compared with CPW. The placental TG content and cord plasma FFA were increased in GDM women compared with CPW. The placental TG content positively correlated with Ponderal index of GDM new-borns.Conclusion Differential expressions of placental proteins related to lipid metabolism in GDM might have led to placental TG accumulation. This might have contributed to the fetal overgrowth in GDM.