bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity of P1 phage-like elements in multidrug resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Venturini Carola , Zingali Tiziana , Wyrsch Ethan R. , Bowring Bethany , Iredell Jonathan , Partridge Sally R. , Djordjevic Steven P. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe spread of multidrug resistance via mobile genetic elements is a major clinical and veterinary concern. Pathogenic Escherichia coli harbour antibiotic resistance and virulence genes mainly on plasmids, but also bacteriophages and hybrid phage-like plasmids. In this study, the genomes of three E. coli phage-like plasmids, pJIE250-3 from a human E. coli clinical isolate, pSvP1 from a porcine ETEC O157 isolate, and pTZ20_1P from a porcine commensal E. coli, were sequenced (PacBio RSII), annotated and compared. All three elements are coliphage P1 variants, each with unique adaptations. pJIE250-3 is a P1-derivative that has lost lytic functions and contains no accessory genes. In pTZ20_1P and pSvP1, a core P1-like genome is associated with insertion sequence-mediated acquisition of plasmid modules encoding multidrug resistance and virulence, respectively. The transfer ability of pTZ20_1P, carrying antibiotic resistance markers, was also tested and, although this element was not able to transfer by conjugation, it was able to lysogenize a commensal E. coli strain with consequent transfer of resistance. The incidence of P1-like plasmids (~7%) in our E. coli collections correlated well with that in public databases. This study highlights the need to investigate the contribution of phage-like plasmids to the successful spread of antibiotic resistant pathotypes.
Two New Fucose-α (1–2)-Glycans Assigned In The Healthy Human Brain Taking The Number To Seven
Authors: Tosh Nathan , Quadrelli Scott , Galloway Graham , Mountford Carolyn 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFucosylated glycans are involved in the molecular mechanisms that underpin neuronal development, learning and memory. The capacity to study the fucose-α(1–2)-glycan residues noninvasively in the human brain, is integral to understanding their function and deregulation. Five fucose crosspeaks were assigned to fucosylated glycans using invivo two-dimensional magnetic resonance Correlated SpectroscopY (2D L-COSY) of the brain. Recent improvements encompassed on the 3T Prisma (Siemens, Erlangen) with a 64-channel head and neck coil have allowed two new assignments. These are Fuc VI (F2:4.44, F1:1.37 ppm) and Fuc VII (F2: 4.29, F1:1.36 ppm). The Fuc VI crosspeak, close to the water resonance, is resolved due to decreased T1 noise. Fuc VII crosspeak, located between Fuc I and III, is available for inspection due to increased spectral resolution. Spectra recorded from 33 healthy men and women showed a maximum variation of up to 0.02 ppm in chemical shifts for all crosspeaks.
High uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of malaria in pregnancy is associated with improved birth weight among pregnant women in Ghana
Authors: Quakyi Isabella , Tornyigah Bernard , Houze Pascal , Kusi Kwadwo A. , Coleman Nathaniel , Escriou Guillaume , Laar Amos , Cot Michel , Fobil Julius , Asare Gloria Quansah , Deloron Philippe , Anang Abraham K. , Cottrell Gilles , Ofori Michael F. , Ndam Nicaise Tuikue 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDespite the clinically proven advantages of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), utilisation has been low in many African countries. To increase uptake and achieve the desired effect, the World Health Organization revised the policy to a monthly administration. Assessing the coverage and impact of the revised policy on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes is, therefore, a necessity. A 2-parallel cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out among pregnant women attending first antenatal care (ANC) and delivery. Maternal and cord blood samples were assayed for malaria parasites by quantitative PCR targeting both the 18S rDNA and the acidic terminal segment of Plasmodium falciparum var genes, and plasma SP levels were measured by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Parasite prevalence was similar between the two study sites but decreased significantly between the first ANC (9% or 43%) and delivery (4% or 11%) based on the qPCR target. At delivery, 64.5% of women received ≥3 IPTp-SP dose, 15.5% received 2 doses and 6% had 1 dose. Taking ≥3 IPTp-SP doses was associated with an average birth weight increase of more than 0.165 kg. IPTp-SP uptake was associated with plasma SP level at delivery (OR = 32.3, p ≤ 0.005, 95% CI (13.3;78.4) for those that reported ≥3 IPTp-SP doses) while the same trend of improved birth weight was observed with high plasma SP levels. The new IPTp policy is well implemented and well utilised by women in the sites considered in this study and translates to the improved birth weight observed. This study confirms the interest and the clinical benefit expected from this policy change.
Elevated expression of miR-146a correlates with high levels of immune cell exhaustion markers and suppresses cellular immune function in chronic HIV-1-infected patients
Authors: Yu Ting , Ju Zhao , Luo Mingqi , Hu Ronghua , Teng Yan , Xie Linlin , Zhong Chaojie , Chen Lang , Hou Wei , Xiong Yong , Feng Yong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFunctional exhaustion of immune cells is a defining characteristic of HIV-1 chronic infections, exhibiting dysregulation of cellular immune responses and expression of co-inhibitory receptors. Although the molecular mechanisms controlling immune-cell exhaustion retains largely unknown, immune checkpoint blockade strategy has shown inspiring potential to reinvigorate T cell functions in chronic infections. In this study, we investigated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exhaustion markers from 109 chronic HIV-1-infected patients and found they correlated positively with microRNA-146a, which was inversely correlated with CD4+ T cell count. Intriguingly, ex vivo neutralization of miR-146a in PBMCs from chronic HIV-1 infection exhibited an elevated antiviral cytokines production as well as the expression of GZMB and perforin, while simultaneously, decreased the inhibitory receptors expression such as PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3 and LAG-3. These results highlight the importance of miR-146a to HIV-1 induced immune cell exhaustion, and uncover a novel layer of HIV/AIDS pathogenesis and provide potential targets for improved immune intervention.
Projection-to-Projection Translation for Hybrid X-ray and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Stimpel Bernhard , Syben Christopher , Würfl Tobias , Breininger Katharina , Hoelter Philip , Dörfler Arnd , Maier Andreas 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHybrid X-ray and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging promises large potential in interventional medical imaging applications due to the broad variety of contrast of MRI combined with fast imaging of X-ray-based modalities. To fully utilize the potential of the vast amount of existing image enhancement techniques, the corresponding information from both modalities must be present in the same domain. For image-guided interventional procedures, X-ray fluoroscopy has proven to be the modality of choice. Synthesizing one modality from another in this case is an ill-posed problem due to ambiguous signal and overlapping structures in projective geometry. To take on these challenges, we present a learning-based solution to MR to X-ray projection-to-projection translation. We propose an image generator network that focuses on high representation capacity in higher resolution layers to allow for accurate synthesis of fine details in the projection images. Additionally, a weighting scheme in the loss computation that favors high-frequency structures is proposed to focus on the important details and contours in projection imaging. The proposed extensions prove valuable in generating X-ray projection images with natural appearance. Our approach achieves a deviation from the ground truth of only 6% and structural similarity measure of 0.913 ± 0.005. In particular the high frequency weighting assists in generating projection images with sharp appearance and reduces erroneously synthesized fine details.
Delineating the cognitive-neural substrates of writing: a large scale behavioral and voxel based morphometry study
Authors: Chen Haobo , Pan Xiaoping , Bickerton Wai-Ling , Lau Johnny King , Zhou Jin , Zhou Beinan , Harris Lara , Rotshtein Pia 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe current study investigated the cognitive and neural substrates that underpin writing ability. We explored similarities and differences in writing numbers and words and compared these to language and manual actions in a large group of sub-acute, stroke patients (n = 740). The behavioral data showed association and dissociation in the ability to write words and numbers. Comorbidities of writing deficits with both language and motor impairments were prevalent, with less than a handful showing deficits restricted to the writing tasks. A second analysis with a subset of patients (n = 267) explored the neural networks that mediate writing abilities. Lesion to right temporal contributed to writing words, while lesions to left postcentral contributed to writing numbers. Overlapping neural mechanisms included the bilateral prefrontal cortex, right inferior parietal, left middle occipital and the right cerebellum. With the former regions associated with error pattern typical to writing based on prior knowledge (the lexical route), while lesion to left MOG was associated with errors to the phonological (non-lexical) route. Using principle components extracted from the behavioral data, we showed that right prefrontal and right parietal contributed to the ability to use pen, while lesion to bilateral prefrontal, inferior temporal and cerebellum supported unique use of pen for writing. The behavioral and imaging data suggested that writing numbers and words primarily relied on overlapping cognitive and neural functions. Incidents of pure writing deficits, in the absence of motor or language deficits were rare. Nevertheless, the PCA and neural data suggested that writing abilities were associated with some unique neuro-cognitive functions, specifically dedicated to the use of pen and the ability to transform meaning to motor command.
Modular metamaterials composed of foldable obelisk-like units with reprogrammable mechanical behaviors based on multistability
Authors: Yang Nan , Zhang Mingkai , Zhu Rui , Niu Xiao-dong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA new type of modular metamaterials with reprogrammable mechanical properties is proposed based on the multistability in decoupled units. This metamaterial consists of periodically arranged foldable obelisk-like (FO) units, and each unit has three interchangeable states: two different soft states and a stiff state. Therefore, such metamaterial can possess various mechanical properties with different state combinations of units. Both theoretical and experimental investigations are conducted to understand the multistability in one unit and the reprogrammed mechanical properties in a two-dimensional tessellation. Additionally, we investigate the inverse question that whether the identical force response can be generated with different geometrical design of the metamaterial and propose a way to build 3D metamaterials with intended architectures. This work establishes general principles for designing mechanical metamaterials with independently transformable modules, and opens new avenues for various potential applications such as: self-locking materials, impact mitigation and stiffness transformation materials.
Fragment-based screening identifies molecules targeting the substrate-binding ankyrin repeat domains of tankyrase
Authors: Pollock Katie , Liu Manjuan , Zaleska Mariola , Meniconi Mirco , Pfuhl Mark , Collins Ian , Guettler Sebastian 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe PARP enzyme and scaffolding protein tankyrase (TNKS, TNKS2) uses its ankyrin repeat clusters (ARCs) to bind a wide range of proteins and thereby controls diverse cellular functions. A number of these are implicated in cancer-relevant processes, including Wnt/β-catenin signalling, Hippo signalling and telomere maintenance. The ARCs recognise a conserved tankyrase-binding peptide motif (TBM). All currently available tankyrase inhibitors target the catalytic domain and inhibit tankyrase’s poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation function. However, there is emerging evidence that catalysis-independent “scaffolding” mechanisms contribute to tankyrase function. Here we report a fragment-based screening programme against tankyrase ARC domains, using a combination of biophysical assays, including differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We identify fragment molecules that will serve as starting points for the development of tankyrase substrate binding antagonists. Such compounds will enable probing the scaffolding functions of tankyrase, and may, in the future, provide potential alternative therapeutic approaches to inhibiting tankyrase activity in cancer and other conditions.
Radiative and non-radiative transitions of excited Ti3+ cations in sapphire
Authors: Shirakov Avry , Burshtein Zeev , Shimony Yehoshua , Frumker Eugene , Ishaaya Amiel A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe have measured the fluorescence quantum efficiency in Ti3+:sapphire single crystals between 150 K and 550 K. Using literature-given effective fluorescence lifetime temperature dependence, we show that the zero temperature radiative lifetime is (4.44 ± 0.04) μs, compared to the 3.85 μs of the fluorescence lifetime. Fluorescence lifetime thermal shortening resolves into two parallel effects: radiative lifetime shortening, and non-radiative transition rate enhancement. The first is due to thermally enhanced occupation of a ΔE = 1,700 cm−1 higher (top) electronic state of the upper multiplet, exhibiting a transition oscillator strength of f = 0.62, compared to only 0.013 of the bottom electronic state of the same multiplet. The non-radiative rate relates to multi-phonon decay transitions stimulated by the thermal phonon occupation. Thermal enhancement of the configuration potential anharmonicity is also observed. An empiric expression for the figure-of-anharmonicity temperature dependence is given as $$\hat{{\bf{H}}}$$Hˆ (T) = $$\hat{{\bf{H}}}$$Hˆ (0)(1 + β exp(−ℏωco /kBT )), where $$\hat{{\bf{H}}}$$Hˆ (0) = 0.276, β = 5.2, ℏωco = 908 cm−1, and kB is the Boltzmann constant.
Cell-based interferon gene therapy using proliferation-controllable, interferon-releasing mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Tsujimura Mari , Kusamori Kosuke , Katsumi Hidemasa , Sakane Toshiyasu , Yamamoto Akira , Nishikawa Makiya 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAn important safety concern on cell-based gene therapy is that few methods have been available to control the proliferation and functioning of therapeutic protein-expressing cells after transplantation. We previously reported that the proliferation and functioning of the cells transfected with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) gene, a suicide gene, can be controlled by administration of ganciclovir. In this study, we tried to control the amount of murine interferon-γ (IFN-γ) secreted from transplanted murine mesenchymal stem cell line C3H10T1/2 cells to achieve safe cell-based IFN-γ gene therapy for cancer. C3H10T1/2 cells were transfected with HSVtk- and murine IFN-γ-expressing plasmid vectors to obtain C3H10T1/2/HSVtk/IFN-γ cells. C3H10T1/2/HSVtk/IFN-γ cells released IFN-γ and were sensitive to ganciclovir. C3H10T1/2/HSVtk/IFN-γ cells significantly suppressed the proliferation of murine adenocarcinoma cell line colon26 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, subcutaneous administration of ganciclovir to mice transplanted with NanoLuc luciferase-expressing C3H10T1/2/HSVtk cells for three consecutive days reduced the luminescence signals from the transplanted cells. These results indicate that the cell regulation system using HSVtk gene and ganciclovir can be useful for safe and efficient cell-based IFN-γ gene therapy for cancer.
The role of calcium ion release on biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties of hydraulic cements
Authors: Koutroulis Andreas , Kuehne Sarah A. , Cooper Paul R. , Camilleri Josette 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTricalcium silicate (TCS)-based materials produce calcium hydroxide as a byproduct of their hydration reaction. The present study investigated whether calcium ion release (CIR) affects their biological and antimicrobial properties when used as pulp protection materials. The effect of incorporation of micro-silica and calcium phosphate monobasic to radiopacified TCS-based materials was investigated. The commercial TCS-based Biodentine, Bio-C Pulpo, TotalFill Root Repair Material, TheraCal LC and a base/liner- ACTIVA BioACTIVE (Activa) were also evaluated. The hydration and CIR were monitored and correlated with biocompatibility and antimicrobial assessment of eluates. Overall, the additives altered the hydration and leaching profile of the prototype cements. The micro-silica inclusion resulted in a decreased long-term calcium hydroxide formation which was associated with neutralised cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity. Calcium phosphate did not alter the leaching profile, although a stronger antibacterial effect was induced. The commercial materials also had different CIR profiles. The water-based ones had higher CIR, and this was associated with stronger antimicrobial effect but not enhanced biological activity. Both TheraCal LC and Activa exhibited poor degree of conversion, low CIR, acceptable biocompatibility and moderate antibacterial activity. A positive correlation of CIR with antibacterial effectiveness was observed (0.3 < r < 0.49; p = 0.021, p = 0.011 for the two test bacterial cultures). No relation was shown between CIR and cytotoxicity (0.3 < r < 0.49; p = 0.150, p = 0.068 for the two cell cultures studied). The additives modified the CIR. The antimicrobial properties were dependent on the CIR; the cytotoxicity of the materials was unaffected.
Near ideal synaptic functionalities in Li ion synaptic transistor using Li3POxSex electrolyte with high ionic conductivity
Authors: Nikam Revannath Dnyandeo , Kwak Myonghoon , Lee Jongwon , Rajput Krishn Gopal , Banerjee Writam , Hwang Hyunsang 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAll solid-state lithium-ion transistors are considered as promising synaptic devices for building artificial neural networks for neuromorphic computing. However, the slow ionic conduction in existing electrolytes hinders the performance of lithium-ion-based synaptic transistors. In this study, we systematically explore the influence of ionic conductivity of electrolytes on the synaptic performance of ionic transistors. Isovalent chalcogenide substitution such as Se in Li3PO4 significantly reduces the activation energy for Li ion migration from 0.35 to 0.253 eV, leading to a fast ionic conduction. This high ionic conductivity allows linear conductance switching in the LiCoO2 channel with several discrete nonvolatile states and good retention for both potentiation and depression steps. Consequently, optimized devices demonstrate the smallest nonlinearity ratio of 0.12 and high on/off ratio of 19. However, Li3PO4 electrolyte (with lower ionic conductivity) shows asymmetric and nonlinear weight-update characteristics. Our findings show that the facilitation of Li ionic conduction in solid-state electrolyte suggests potential application in artificial synapse device development.
Effects of Exogenous Neuroglobin (Ngb) on retinal inflammatory chemokines and microglia in a rat model of transient hypoxia
Authors: Tun Sai Bo Bo , Barathi Veluchamy Amutha , Luu Chi D. , Lynn Myoe Naing , Chan Anita S. Y. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNeuroglobin is an endogenous neuroprotective protein. We determined the safety of direct delivery of Neuroglobin in the rat retina and its effects on retinal inflammatory chemokines and microglial during transient hypoxia. Exogenous Neuroglobin protein was delivered to one eye and a sham injection to the contralateral eye of six rats intravitreally. Fundus photography, Optical Coherence Topography, electroretinogram, histology and Neuroglobin, chemokines level were determined on days 7 and 30. Another 12 rats were subjected to transient hypoxia to assess the effect of Neuroglobin in hypoxia exposed retina by immunohistochemistry, retinal Neuroglobin concentration and inflammatory chemokines. Intravitreal injection of Neuroglobin did not incite morphology or functional changes in the retina. Retinal Neuroglobin protein was reduced by 30% at day 7 post hypoxia. It was restored to normoxic control levels with intravitreal exogenous Neuroglobin injections and sustained up to 30 days. IL-6, TNFα, IL-1B, RANTES, MCP-1 and VEGF were significantly decreased in Neuroglobin treated hypoxic retinae compared to non-treated hypoxic controls. This was associated with decreased microglial activation in the retina. Our findings provide proof of concept suggesting intravitreal Neuroglobin injection is non-toxic to the retina and can achieve the functional level to abrogate microglial and inflammatory chemokines responses during transient hypoxia.
Volatile scents of influenza A and S. pyogenes (co-)infected cells
Authors: Traxler Selina , Barkowsky Gina , Saß Radost , Klemenz Ann-Christin , Patenge Nadja , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Schubert Jochen K. , Miekisch Wolfram 
Published: December 2019

AbstractInfluenza A is a serious pathogen itself, but often leads to dangerous co-infections in combination with bacterial species such asStreptococcus pyogenes. In comparison to classical biochemical methods, analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in headspace above cultures can enable destruction free monitoring of metabolic processesin vitro. Thus, volatile biomarkers emitted from biological cell cultures and pathogens could serve for monitoring of infection processesin vitro. In this study we analysed VOCs from headspace above (co)-infected human cells by using a customized sampling system. For investigating the influenza A mono-infection and the viral-bacterial co-infectionin vitro, we analysed VOCs from Detroit cells inoculated with influenza A virus andS. pyogenesby means of needle-trap micro-extraction (NTME) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Besides the determination of microbiological data such as cell count, cytokines, virus load and bacterial load, emissions from cell medium, uninfected cells and bacteria mono-infected cells were analysed. Significant differences in emitted VOC concentrations were identified between non-infected and infected cells. After inoculation withS. pyogenes, bacterial infection was mirrored by increased emissions of acetaldehyde and propanal. N-propyl acetate was linked to viral infection. Non-destructive monitoring of infections by means of VOC analysis may open a new window for infection research and clinical applications. VOC analysis could enable early recognition of pathogen presence and in-depth understanding of their etiopathology.