bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The importance of socioeconomic position in smoking, cessation and environmental tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy
Authors: Madureira Joana , Camelo Alexandra , Silva Ana Inês , Reis Ana Teresa , Esteves Filipa , Ribeiro Ana Isabel , Teixeira João Paulo , Costa Carla 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTobacco is still a leading cause of premature death and morbidity. Particular attention has been given to pregnant women due to the scientific evidence on the importance of early life exposures for disease onset later in life. The purpose of this study was to assess smoking prevalence, smoking cessation rate and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure, and the role of socioeconomic position (SEP) on these behaviors among pregnant women. Cross-sectional data of 619 pregnant women, aged between 18 and 46 years, from Porto Metropolitan Area, Portugal, on current smoking, ETS exposure and SEP indicators was collected, face-to-face, using a questionnaire filled in during a personal interview at the postpartum hospital stay. The smoking prevalence, and ETS exposure among non-smokers before pregnancy was 27.6% and 57.4%, respectively. 4.1% of the participants reported to have stopped smoking before pregnancy, whereas about 41% quitted along pregnancy, resulting in a smoking prevalence at birth of 14.6%. Exposure to ETS also decreased throughout pregnancy to 49.8% at birth. Lower educational level was significantly associated with both higher smoking prevalence and exposure to ETS and lower smoking cessation. This study demonstrates that smoking and ETS exposure during pregnancy remains high, and that there are still significant socioeconomic inequalities in smoking; thus tobacco-focused preventive interventions need to be reinforced.
Nanomechanics of graphene oxide-bacteriophage based self-assembled porous composites
Authors: Sun Yiwei , Passaretti Paolo , Hernandez Ignacio , Gonzalez Jesus , Liu Wei , Rodriguez Fernando , Dunstan David J. , Goldberg Oppenheimer Pola , Humphreys Colin J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGraphene oxide, integrated with the filamentous bacteriophage M13, forms a 3D large-scale multifunctional porous structure by self-assembly, with considerable potential for applications. We performed Raman spectroscopy under pressure on this porous composite to understand its fundamental mechanics. The results show that at low applied pressure, the$$sp^2$$sp2bonds of graphene oxide stiffen very little with increasing pressure, suggesting a complicated behaviour of water intercalated between the graphene layers. The key message of this paper is that water in a confined space can have a significant impact on the nanostructure that hosts it. We introduced carbon nanotubes during the self-assembly of graphene oxide and M13, and a similar porous macro-structure was observed. However, in the presence of carbon nanotubes, pressure is transmitted to the$$sp^2$$sp2bonds of graphene oxide straightforwardly as in graphite. The electrical conductivity of the composite containing carbon nanotubes is improved by about 30 times at a bias voltage of 10 V. This observation suggests that the porous structure has potential in applications where good electrical conductivity is desired, such as sensors and batteries.
Parasite intensity drives fetal development and sex allocation in a wild ungulate
Authors: Aleuy O. Alejandro , Serrano Emmanuel , Ruckstuhl Kathreen E. , Hoberg Eric P. , Kutz Susan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAn understanding of the mechanisms influencing prenatal characteristics is fundamental to comprehend the role of ecological and evolutionary processes behind survival and reproductive success in animals. Although the negative influence of parasites on host fitness is undisputable, we know very little about how parasitic infection in reproductive females might influence prenatal factors such as fetal development and sex allocation. Using an archival collection of Dall’s sheep (Ovis dalli dalli), a capital breeder that depends on its body reserves to overcome the arctic winter, we investigated the direct and indirect impacts of the parasite community on fetal development and sex allocation. Using partial least squares modelling, we observed a negative effect of parasite community on fetal development, driven primarily by the nematodeMarshallagia marshalli. Principal component analysis demonstrated that mothers with low parasite burden and in good body condition were more likely to have female versus male fetuses. This association was primarily driven by the indirect effect ofM. marshallion ewe body condition. Refining our knowledge of the direct and indirect impact that parasite communities can have on reproduction in mammals is critical for understanding the effects of infectious diseases on wildlife populations. This can be particularly relevant for species living in ecosystems sensitive to the effects of global climate change.
Yeast Ppz1 protein phosphatase toxicity involves the alteration of multiple cellular targets
Authors: Velázquez Diego , Albacar Marcel , Zhang Chunyi , Calafí Carlos , López-Malo María , Torres-Torronteras Javier , Martí Ramón , Kovalchuk Sergey I. , Pinson Benoit , Jensen Ole N. , Daignan-Fornier Bertrand , Casamayor Antonio , Ariño Joaquín 
Published: September 2020

AbstractControl of the protein phosphorylation status is a major mechanism for regulation of cellular processes, and its alteration often lead to functional disorders. Ppz1, a protein phosphatase only found in fungi, is the most toxic protein when overexpressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To investigate the molecular basis of this phenomenon, we carried out combined genome-wide transcriptomic and phosphoproteomic analyses. We have found that Ppz1 overexpression causes major changes in gene expression, affecting ~ 20% of the genome, together with oxidative stress and increase in total adenylate pools. Concurrently, we observe changes in the phosphorylation pattern of near 400 proteins (mainly dephosphorylated), including many proteins involved in mitotic cell cycle and bud emergence, rapid dephosphorylation of Snf1 and its downstream transcription factor Mig1, and phosphorylation of Hog1 and its downstream transcription factor Sko1. Deletion of HOG1 attenuates the growth defect of Ppz1-overexpressing cells, while that of SKO1 aggravates it. Our results demonstrate that Ppz1 overexpression has a widespread impact in the yeast cells and reveals new aspects of the regulation of the cell cycle.
Exoskeleton home and community use in people with complete spinal cord injury
Authors: van Dijsseldonk Rosanne B. , van Nes Ilse J. W. , Geurts Alexander C. H. , Keijsers Noël L. W. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA consequence of a complete spinal cord injury (SCI) is the loss of gait capacity. Wearable exoskeletons for the lower extremity enable household and community ambulation in people with SCI. This study assessed the amount, purpose, and location of exoskeleton use in the home and community environment, without any restrictions. The number of steps taken was read from the exoskeleton software. Participants kept a daily logbook, and completed two user experience questionnaires (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (D-QUEST) and System Usability Scale (SUS)). Fourteen people with a complete SCI used the ReWalk exoskeleton a median of 9 (range [1–15]) out of 16 ([12–21]) days, in which participants took a median of 3,226 ([330–28,882]) steps. The exoskeleton was mostly used for exercise purposes (74%) and social interaction (20%). The main location of use was outdoors (48%). Overall, participants were satisfied with the exoskeleton (D-QUEST 3.7 ± 0.4) and its usability (SUS 72.5 [52.5–95.0]). Participants with complete SCI report satisfaction with the exoskeleton for exercise and social interaction in the home and community, but report limitations as an assistive device during daily life.
Cyclic AMP efflux through MRP4 regulates actin dynamics signalling pathway and sperm motility in bovines
Authors: Chiarante Nicolás , Alonso Carlos A. I. , Plaza Jessica , Lottero-Leconte Raquel , Arroyo-Salvo Camila , Yaneff Agustín , Osycka-Salut Claudia E. , Davio Carlos , Miragaya Marcelo , Perez-Martinez Silvina 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPreviously we demonstrated that multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 transporter (MRP4) mediates cAMP efflux in bovine spermatozoa and that extracellular cAMP (ecAMP) triggers events associated to capacitation. Here, we deepen the study of the role of MRP4 in bovine sperm function by using MK571, an MRP4 inhibitor. The incubation of spermatozoa with MK571 during 45 min inhibited capacitation-associated events. MRP4 was localized in post-acrosomal region and mid-piece at 15 min capacitation, while at 45 min it was mainly located in the acrosome. After 15 min, MK571 decreased total sperm motility (TM), progressive motility (PM) and several kinematic parameters. The addition of ecAMP rescued MK571 effect and ecAMP alone increased the percentage of motile sperm and kinematics parameters. Since actin cytoskeleton plays essential roles in the regulation of sperm motility, we investigated if MRP4 activity might affect actin polymerization. After 15 min capacitation, an increase in F-actin was observed, which was inhibited by MK571. This effect was reverted by the addition of ecAMP. Furthermore, ecAMP alone increased F-actin levels while no F-actin was detected with ecAMP in the presence of PKA inhibitors. Our results support the importance of cAMP efflux through MRP4 in sperm capacitation and suggest its involvement in the regulation of actin polymerization and motility.
Aldosterone up-regulates voltage-gated potassium currents and NKCC1 protein membrane fractions
Authors: Bazard Parveen , Ding Bo , Chittam Harish K. , Zhu Xiaoxia , Parks Thomas A. , Taylor-Clark Thomas E. , Bhethanabotla Venkat R. , Frisina Robert D. , Walton Joseph P. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNa+–K+–2Cl− Cotransporter (NKCC1) is a protein that aids in the active transport of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions across cell membranes. It has been shown that long-term systemic treatment with aldosterone (ALD) can enhance NKCC1 protein expression and activity in the aging cochlea resulting in improved hearing. In the present work, we used a cell line with confirmed NKCC1 expression to demonstrate that in vitro application of ALD increased outward voltage-gated potassium currents significantly, and simultaneously upregulated whole lysate and membrane portion NKCC1 protein expression. These ALD-induced changes were blocked by applying the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone. However, application of the NKCC1 inhibitor bumetanide or the potassium channel antagonist Tetraethyl ammonium had no effect. In addition, NKKC1 mRNA levels remained stable, indicating that ALD modulates NKCC1 protein expression via the activation of mineralocorticoid receptors and post-transcriptional modifications. Further, in vitro electrophysiology experiments, with ALD in the presence of NKCC1, K+ channel and mineralocorticoid receptor inhibitors, revealed interactions between NKCC1 and outward K+ channels, mediated by a mineralocorticoid receptor-ALD complex. These results provide evidence of the therapeutic potential of ALD for the prevention/treatment of inner ear disorders such as age-related hearing loss.
Valence band electronic structure of the van der Waals ferromagnetic insulators: VI$$_3$$ and CrI$$_3$$
Authors: Kundu Asish K. , Liu Yu , Petrovic C. , Valla T. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFerromagnetic van der Waals (vdW) insulators are of great scientific interest for their promising applications in spintronics. It has been indicated that in the two materials within this class, CrI$$_3$$

3

and VI$$_3$$

3

, the magnetic ground state, the band gap, and the Fermi level could be manipulated by varying the layer thickness, strain or doping. To understand how these factors impact the properties, a detailed understanding of the electronic structure would be required. However, the experimental studies of the electronic structure of these materials are still very sparse. Here, we present the detailed electronic structure of CrI$$_3$$

3

and VI$$_3$$

3

measured by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Our results show a band-gap of the order of 1 eV, sharply contrasting some theoretical predictions such as Dirac half-metallicity and metallic phases, indicating that the intra-atomic interaction parameter (U) and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) were not properly accounted for in the calculations. We also find significant differences in the electronic properties of these two materials, in spite of similarities in their crystal structure. In CrI$$_3$$

3

, the valence band maximum is dominated by the I 5p, whereas in VI$$_3$$

3

it is dominated by the V 3d derived states. Our results represent valuable input for further improvements in the theoretical modeling of these systems.
Establishment of a stable transfection method in Babesia microti and identification of a novel bidirectional promoter of Babesia microti
Authors: Jaijyan Dabbu Kumar , Govindasamy Kavitha , Singh Jyoti , Bhattacharya Shreya , Singh Agam Prasad 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBabesia microti, an emerging human pathogen, is primarily transmitted through a bite of an infected tick and blood transfusions in human. Stable transfection technique has been reported in many protozoan parasites over the past few years. However, in vivo transient and stable transfection method has not been established for Babesia microti. Here, for the first time, we present a method of transient as well as stable transfection of the Babesia microti (B. microti) in the in vivo conditions. We have identified a novel promoter of B. microti. We also demonstrated that Plasmodium berghei DHFR promoter is recognized and functional in B. microti. We show that BM-CTQ41297 promoter control the expression of two genes, which are present on either side and thus represents a bi-functional promoter in B. microti. The predicted promoter activity values using Promoter 2.0 program is higher for BM- CTQ41297 promoter than strong promoters such as β-actin, ef-1β, and many other promoters. Furthermore, we discovered a non-essential locus for the genetic manipulation of the parasite, allowing us to stably integrate foreign genes; GFP, mCherry, into the B. microti. The transfection using an electroporation method and genetic manipulation of B. microti is now achievable and it is possible to obtain transfected viable parasites under in vivo growing conditions. The growth curve analysis of transfected and WT B. microti are similar indicating no defects in the transgenic parasites. This study will enable other researchers in understanding the B. microti biology, host modulation and diverse parasite developmental stages using reverse genetics and holds great potential to identify novel drug targets and vaccine development.
Native bacteria isolated from roots and rhizosphere of Solanum lycopersicum L. increase tomato seedling growth under a reduced fertilization regime
Authors: Pérez-Rodriguez María Micaela , Piccoli Patricia , Anzuay María Soledad , Baraldi Rita , Neri Luisa , Taurian Tania , Lobato Ureche Miguel Andrés , Segura Diana María , Cohen Ana Carmen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn semiarid regions is important to use native strains best adapted to these environments to optimize plant-PGPR interaction. We aimed to isolate and characterize PGPR from roots and rhizosphere of a tomato crop, as well as studying the effect of its inoculation on tomato seedlings growth. We selected four strains considering their effectiveness of fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphate, producing siderophores and indole acetic acid. They belong to the genera Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Cellulosimicrobium, and Ochrobactrum. In addition, we also analyzed the ability to solubilize Ca3(PO4)2, FePO4 and AlPO4 and the presence of one of the genes encoding the cofactor PQQ in their genome. Enterobacter 64S1 and Pseudomonas 42P4 showed the highest phosphorus solubilizing activity and presence of pqqE gene. Furthermore, in a tomato-based bioassay in speed-bed demonstrated that a sole inoculation at seedling stage with the strains increased dry weight of roots (49–88%) and shoots (39–55%), stem height (8–13%) and diameter (5–8%) and leaf area (22–31%) and were equal or even higher than fertilization treatment. Leaf nitrogen and chlorophyll levels were also increased (50–80% and 26–33%) compared to control. These results suggest that Enterobacter 64S1 and Pseudomonas 42P4 can be used as bio-inoculant in order to realize a nutrient integrated management.
Burn resuscitation strategy influences the gut microbiota-liver axis in swine
Authors: Muraoka Wayne T. , Granados Jose C. , Gomez Belinda I. , Nicholson Susannah E. , Chung Kevin K. , Shupp Jeffrey W. , Bynum James A. , Dubick Michael A. , Burmeister David M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFluid resuscitation improves clinical outcomes of burn patients; however, its execution in resource-poor environments may have to be amended with limited-volume strategies. Liver dysfunction is common in burn patients and gut dysbiosis is an understudied aspect of burn sequelae. Here, the swine gut microbiota and liver transcripts were investigated to determine the impact of standard-of-care modified Brooke (MB), limited-volume colloid (LV-Co), and limited-volume crystalloid (LV-Cr) resuscitation on the gut microbiota, and to evaluate its' potential relationship with liver dysfunction. Independent of resuscitation strategy, bacterial diversity was reduced 24 h post-injury, and remained perturbed at 48 h. Changes in community structure were most pronounced with LV-Co, and correlated with biomarkers of hepatocellular damage. Hierarchical clustering revealed a group of samples that was suggestive of dysbiosis, and LV-Co increased the risk of association with this group. Compared with MB, LV-Co and LV-Cr significantly altered cellular stress and ATP pathways, and gene expression of these perturbed pathways was correlated with major dysbiosis-associated bacteria. Taken together, LV-Co resuscitation exacerbated the loss of bacterial diversity and increased the risk of dysbiosis. Moreover, we present evidence of a linkage between liver (dys)function and the gut microbiota in the acute setting of burn injury.
Sequence analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genome reveals features important for vaccine design
Authors: Kames Jacob , Holcomb David D. , Kimchi Ofer , DiCuccio Michael , Hamasaki-Katagiri Nobuko , Wang Tony , Komar Anton A. , Alexaki Aikaterini , Kimchi-Sarfaty Chava 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAs the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is rapidly progressing, the need for the development of an effective vaccine is critical. A promising approach for vaccine development is to generate, through codon pair deoptimization, an attenuated virus. This approach carries the advantage that it only requires limited knowledge specific to the virus in question, other than its genome sequence. Therefore, it is well suited for emerging viruses, for which we may not have extensive data. We performed comprehensive in silico analyses of several features of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequence (e.g., codon usage, codon pair usage, dinucleotide/junction dinucleotide usage, RNA structure around the frameshift region) in comparison with other members of the coronaviridae family of viruses, the overall human genome, and the transcriptome of specific human tissues such as lung, which are primarily targeted by the virus. Our analysis identified the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins as promising targets for deoptimization and suggests a roadmap for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development, which can be generalizable to other viruses.
MicroRNA molecules as predictive biomarkers of adaptive responses to strength training and physical inactivity in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Spakova Ivana , Zelko Aurel , Rabajdova Miroslava , Kolarcik Peter , Rosenberger Jaroslav , Zavacka Martina , Marekova Maria , Madarasova Geckova Andrea , van Dijk Jitse P. , Reijneveld Sijmen A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe miRNA-206 and miRNA-23a play an important role in muscle tissue hypertrophy, regeneration and atrophy. Both of these miRNAs have been highlighted as promising adaptation predictors; however, the available evidence on associations is inconclusive. Therefore, our aim was to assess the expression levels of these two miRNAs as predictors of change in muscle function during strength training and physical inactivity among dialysed patients. For this purpose, 46 haemodialysis patients were monitored for 12-weeks of either intradialytic strength training (EXG, n = 20) or physical inactivity during dialysis (CON, n = 26). In both groups of patients, we assessed the baseline expression levels of miRNA-23a and miRNA-206 and the isometric force generated during hip flexion (HF) contraction before and after the 12-week period. Among the EXG group, the expression of miRNA-206 predicted the change in HF (R2 = 0.63, p = 0.0005) much more strongly than the expression of miRNA-23a (R2 = 0.21, p = 0.027). Interestingly, baseline miRNA-23a (R2 = 0.30, p = 0.006) predicted the change in HF much more than miRNA-206 (p = ns) among the CON group. Our study indicates that the baseline expression of miRNA-206 could predict the response to strength training, while miRNA-23a could serve as a potential predictive marker of functional changes during physical inactivity in dialysis patients.
A dichoptic feedback-based oculomotor training method to manipulate interocular alignment
Authors: Caoli Andrea , Sabatini Silvio P. , Gibaldi Agostino , Maiello Guido , Kosovicheva Anna , Bex Peter 
Published: September 2020

AbstractStrabismus is a prevalent impairment of binocular alignment that is associated with a spectrum of perceptual deficits and social disadvantages. Current treatments for strabismus involve ocular alignment through surgical or optical methods and may include vision therapy exercises. In the present study, we explore the potential of real-time dichoptic visual feedback that may be used to quantify and manipulate interocular alignment. A gaze-contingent ring was presented independently to each eye of 11 normally-sighted observers as they fixated a target dot presented only to their dominant eye. Their task was to center the rings within 2° of the target for at least 1 s, with feedback provided by the sizes of the rings. By offsetting the ring in the non-dominant eye temporally or nasally, this task required convergence or divergence, respectively, of the non-dominant eye. Eight of 11 observers attained 5° asymmetric convergence and 3 of 11 attained 3° asymmetric divergence. The results suggest that real-time gaze-contingent feedback may be used to quantify and transiently simulate strabismus and holds promise as a method to augment existing therapies for oculomotor alignment disorders.