bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A human monoclonal antibody blocks malaria transmission and defines a highly conserved neutralizing epitope on gametes
Authors: Coelho Camila H. , Tang Wai Kwan , Burkhardt Martin , Galson Jacob D. , Muratova Olga , Salinas Nichole D. , Alves e Silva Thiago Luiz , Reiter Karine , MacDonald Nicholas J. , Nguyen Vu , Herrera Raul , Shimp Richard , Narum David L. , Byrne-Steele Miranda , Pan Wenjing , Hou Xiaohong , Brown Brittany , Eisenhower Mary , Han Jian , Jenkins Bethany J. , Doritchamou Justin Y. A. , Smelkinson Margery G. , Vega-Rodríguez Joel , Trück Johannes , Taylor Justin J. , Sagara Issaka , Healy Sara A. , Renn Jonathan P. , Tolia Niraj H. , Duffy Patrick E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMalaria elimination requires tools that interrupt parasite transmission. Here, we characterize B cell receptor responses among Malian adults vaccinated against the first domain of the cysteine-rich 230 kDa gamete surface protein Pfs230, a key protein in sexual stage development ofP. falciparumparasites. Among nine Pfs230 human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that we generated, one potently blocks transmission to mosquitoes in a complement-dependent manner and reacts to the gamete surface; the other eight show only low or no blocking activity. The structure of the transmission-blocking mAb in complex with vaccine antigen reveals a large discontinuous conformational epitope, specific to domain 1 of Pfs230 and comprising six structural elements in the protein. The epitope is conserved, suggesting the transmission-blocking mAb is broadly functional. This study provides a rational basis to improve malaria vaccines and develop therapeutic antibodies for malaria elimination.
Linking prokaryotic community composition to carbon biogeochemical cycling across a tropical peat dome in Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Dom Simon Peter , Ikenaga Makoto , Lau Sharon Yu Ling , Radu Son , Midot Frazer , Yap Mui Lan , Chin Mei-Yee , Lo Mei Lieng , Jee Mui Sie , Maie Nagamitsu , Melling Lulie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTropical peat swamp forest is a global store of carbon in a water-saturated, anoxic and acidic environment. This ecosystem holds diverse prokaryotic communities that play a major role in nutrient cycling. A study was conducted in which a total of 24 peat soil samples were collected in three forest types in a tropical peat dome in Sarawak, Malaysia namely, Mixed Peat Swamp (MPS), Alan Batu (ABt), and Alan Bunga (ABg) forests to profile the soil prokaryotic communities through meta 16S amplicon analysis using Illumina Miseq. Results showed these ecosystems were dominated by anaerobes and fermenters such as Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes that cover 80–90% of the total prokaryotic abundance. Overall, the microbial community composition was different amongst forest types and depths. Additionally, this study highlighted the prokaryotic communities’ composition in MPS was driven by higher humification level and lower pH whereas in ABt and ABg, the less acidic condition and higher organic matter content were the main factors. It was also observed that prokaryotic diversity and abundance were higher in the more oligotrophic ABt and ABg forest despite the constantly waterlogged condition. In MPS, the methanotroph Methylovirgula ligni was found to be the major species in this forest type that utilize methane (CH4), which could potentially be the contributing factor to the low CH4 gas emissions. Aquitalea magnusonii and Paraburkholderia oxyphila, which can degrade aromatic compounds, were the major species in ABt and ABg forests respectively. This information can be advantageous for future study in understanding the underlying mechanisms of environmental-driven alterations in soil microbial communities and its potential implications on biogeochemical processes in relation to peatland management.
Validation and verification of predictive salivary biomarkers for oral health
Authors: Bostanci Nagihan , Mitsakakis Konstantinos , Afacan Beral , Bao Kai , Johannsen Benita , Baumgartner Desirée , Müller Lara , Kotolová Hana , Emingil Gülnur , Karpíšek Michal 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOral health is important not only due to the diseases emerging in the oral cavity but also due to the direct relation to systemic health. Thus, early and accurate characterization of the oral health status is of utmost importance. There are several salivary biomarkers as candidates for gingivitis and periodontitis, which are major oral health threats, affecting the gums. These need to be verified and validated for their potential use as differentiators of health, gingivitis and periodontitis status, before they are translated to chair-side for diagnostics and personalized monitoring. We aimed to measure 10 candidates using high sensitivity ELISAs in a well-controlled cohort of 127 individuals from three groups: periodontitis (60), gingivitis (31) and healthy (36). The statistical approaches included univariate statistical tests, receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) with the corresponding Area Under the Curve (AUC) and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis. The main outcomes were that the combination of multiple biomarker assays, rather than the use of single ones, can offer a predictive accuracy of > 90% for gingivitis versus health groups; and 100% for periodontitis versus health and periodontitis versus gingivitis groups. Furthermore, ratios of biomarkers MMP-8, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were also proven to be powerful differentiating values compared to the single biomarkers.
HDL biodistribution and brain receptors in zebrafish, using HDLs as vectors for targeting endothelial cells and neural progenitors
Authors: Sulliman Nora Cassam , Ghaddar Batoul , Gence Laura , Patche Jessica , Rastegar Sepand , Meilhac Olivier , Diotel Nicolas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHigh density lipoproteins (HDLs) display pleiotropic functions such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-protease, and anti-apoptotic properties. These effects are mediated by four main receptors: SCARB1 (SR-BI), ABCA1, ABCG1, and CD36. Recently, HDLs have emerged for their potential involvement in brain functions, considering their epidemiological links with cognition, depression, and brain plasticity. However, their role in the brain is not well understood. Given that the zebrafish is a well-recognized model for studying brain plasticity, metabolic disorders, and apolipoproteins, it could represent a good model for investigating the role of HDLs in brain homeostasis. By analyzing RNA sequencing data sets and performing in situ hybridization, we demonstrated the wide expression of scarb1, abca1a, abca1b, abcg1, and cd36 in the brain of adult zebrafish. Scarb1 gene expression was detected in neural stem cells (NSCs), suggesting a possible role of HDLs in NSC activity. Accordingly, intracerebroventricular injection of HDLs leads to their uptake by NSCs without modulating their proliferation. Next, we studied the biodistribution of HDLs in the zebrafish body. In homeostatic conditions, intraperitoneal injection of HDLs led to their accumulation in the liver, kidneys, and cerebral endothelial cells in zebrafish, similar to that observed in mice. After telencephalic injury, HDLs were diffused within the damaged parenchyma and were taken up by ventricular cells, including NSCs. However, they failed to modulate the recruitment of microglia cells at the injury site and the injury-induced proliferation of NSCs. In conclusion, our results clearly show a functional HDL uptake process involving several receptors that may impact brain homeostasis and suggest the use of HDLs as delivery vectors to target NSCs for drug delivery to boost their neurogenic activity.
Spin distillation cooling of ultracold Bose gases
Authors: Świsłocki Tomasz , Gajda Mariusz , Brewczyk Mirosław , Deuar Piotr 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe study the spin distillation of spinor gases of bosonic atoms and find two different mechanisms in $${}^{52}$$

52

Cr and $$^{23}$$

23

Na atoms, both of which can cool effectively. The first mechanism involves dipolar scattering into initially unoccupied spin states and cools only above a threshold magnetic field. The second proceeds via equilibrium relaxation of the thermal cloud into empty spin states, reducing its proportion in the initial component. It cools only below a threshold magnetic field. The technique was initially demonstrated experimentally for a chromium dipolar gas (Naylor et al. in Phys Rev Lett 115:243002, 2015), whereas here we develop the concept further and provide an in-depth understanding of the required physics and limitations involved. Through numerical simulations, we reveal the mechanisms involved and demonstrate that the spin distillation cycle can be repeated several times, each time resulting in a significant additional reduction of the thermal atom fraction. Threshold values of magnetic field and predictions for the achievable temperature are also identified.
Mechanical time-of-flight filter based on slotted disks and helical rotor for measurement of velocities of nanoparticles
Authors: Solař Pavel , Kousal Jaroslav , Hanuš Jan , Škorvánková Kateřina , Kuzminova Anna , Kylián Ondřej 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA mechanical time-of-flight filter intended for measurement of velocities of nanoparticles exiting a gas aggregation source has been developed. Several configurations maximizing simplicity, throughput or resolution are suggested and investigated both theoretically and experimentally. It is shown that the data measured using such filters may be easily converted to the real velocity distribution with high precision. Furthermore, it is shown that properly designed filters allow for the monitoring of the velocity of nanoparticles even at the conditions with extremely low intensity of the nanoparticle beam.
Anopheles ecology, genetics and malaria transmission in northern Cambodia
Authors: Vantaux Amélie , Riehle Michelle M. , Piv Eakpor , Farley Elise J. , Chy Sophy , Kim Saorin , Corbett Anneli G. , Fehrman Rachel L. , Pepey Anais , Eiglmeier Karin , Lek Dysoley , Siv Sovannaroth , Mueller Ivo , Vernick Kenneth D. , Witkowski Benoit 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn the Greater Mekong Subregion, malaria cases have significantly decreased but little is known about the vectors or mechanisms responsible for residual malaria transmission. We analysed a total of 3920 Anopheles mosquitoes collected during the rainy and dry seasons from four ecological settings in Cambodia (villages, forested areas near villages, rubber tree plantations and forest sites). Using odor-baited traps, 81% of the total samples across all sites were collected in cow baited traps, although 67% of the samples attracted by human baited traps were collected in forest sites. Overall, 20% of collected Anopheles were active during the day, with increased day biting during the dry season. 3131 samples were identified morphologically as 14 different species, and a subset was also identified by DNA amplicon sequencing allowing determination of 29 Anopheles species. The investigation of well characterized insecticide mutations (ace-1, kdr, and rdl genes) indicated that individuals carried mutations associated with response to all the different classes of insecticides. There also appeared to be a non-random association between mosquito species and insecticide resistance with Anopheles peditaeniatus exhibiting nearly fixed mutations. Molecular screening for Plasmodium sp. presence indicated that 3.6% of collected Anopheles were positive, most for P. vivax followed by P. falciparum. These results highlight some of the key mechanisms driving residual human malaria transmission in Cambodia, and illustrate the importance of diverse collection methods, sites and seasons to avoid bias and better characterize Anopheles mosquito ecology in Southeast Asia.
Urinary stone composition analysis and clinical characterization of 1520 patients in central China
Authors: Zhang Daling , Li Songchao , Zhang Zhengguo , Li Ningyang , Yuan Xiang , Jia Zhankui , Yang Jinjian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA total of 1520 patients with urinary stones from central China were collected and analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy between October 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019. For all patients, age, sex, comorbidities, stone location, laboratory examination and geographic region were collected. The most common stone component was calcium oxalate (77.5%), followed by calcium phosphate (8.7%), infection stone (7.6%), uric acid (UA) stone (5.3%)and cystine (0.9%). The males had more calcium oxalate stones (p < 0.001), while infection stone and cystine stones occurred more frequently in females (p < 0.001). The prevalence peak occurred at 41–60 years in both men and women. UA stones occurred frequently in patients with lower urinary pH (p < 0.001), while neutral urine or alkaline urine (p < 0.001) and urinary infection (p < 0.001) were more likely to be associated with infection stone stones. Patients with high levels of serum creatinine were more likely to develop UA stones (p < 0.001). The proportion of UA stones in diabetics was higher (p < 0.001), and the incidence of hypertension was higher in patients with UA stones (p < 0.001). Compared to the other types, more calcium oxalate stones were detected in the kidneys and ureters (p < 0.001), whereas struvite stones were more frequently observed in the lower urinary tract (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in stone composition across the Qinling-Huaihe line in central China except UA stones, which were more frequently observed in patients south of the line (p < 0.001).
Dimensional engineering of a topological insulating phase in Half-Heusler LiMgAs
Authors: Sattigeri Raghottam M. , Jha Prafulla K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe propose a novel technique of dimensional engineering to realize low dimensional topological insulator from a trivial three dimensional parent. This is achieved by confining the bulk system to one dimension along a particular crystal direction, thus enhancing the quantum confinement effects in the system. We investigate this mechanism in the Half-Heusler compound LiMgAs with face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. At ambient conditions the bulk FCC structure exhibits a semi-conducting nature. But, under the influence of high volume expansive pressure (VEP) the system undergoes a topological phase transition (TPT) from semi-conducting to semi-metallic forming a Dirac cone. At a critical VEP we observe that, spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effects introduce a gap of $$\sim$$
∼
1.5 meV in the Dirac cone at high symmetry point $$\Gamma$$
Γ
in the Brillouin zone. This phase of bulk LiMgAs exhibits a trivial nature characterized by the $${\mathbb {Z}}_2$$

Z
2

invariants as (0,000). By further performing dimensional engineering, we cleave [111] plane from the bulk FCC structure and confine the system in one dimension. This low-dimensional phase of LiMgAs has structure similar to the two dimensional $${\text {1T-MoS}}_2$$

1T-MoS
2

system. Under a relatively lower compressive strain, the low-dimensional system undergoes a TPT and exhibits a non-trivial topological nature characterized by the SOC gap of $$\sim$$
∼
55 meV and $${\mathbb {Z}}_2$$

Z
2

invariant $$\nu$$
ν
= 1. Although both, the low-dimensional and bulk phase exhibit edge and surface states, the low-dimensional phase is far more superior and exceptional as compared to the bulk parent in terms of the velocity of Fermions ($${\text {v}}_f$$

v
f

) across the surface states. Such a system has promising applications in nano-electronics.
A 37-amino acid loop in the Yarrowia lipolytica hexokinase impacts its activity and affinity and modulates gene expression
Authors: Hapeta Piotr , Szczepańska Patrycja , Neuvéglise Cécile , Lazar Zbigniew 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe oleaginous yeastYarrowia lipolyticais a potent cell factory as it is able to use a wide variety of carbon sources to convert waste materials into value-added products. Nonetheless, there are still gaps in our understanding of its central carbon metabolism. Here we present an in-depth study ofY. lipolyticahexokinase (YlHxk1), a structurally unique protein. The greatest peculiarity of YlHxk1 is a 37-amino acid loop region, a structure not found in any other known hexokinases. By combining bioinformatic and experimental methods we showed that the loop in YlHxk1 is essential for activity of this protein and through that on growth ofY. lipolyticaon glucose and fructose. We further proved that the loop in YlHxk1 hinders binding with trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P), a glycolysis inhibitor, as hexokinase with partial deletion of this region is 4.7-fold less sensitive to this molecule. We also found that YlHxk1 devoid of the loop causes strong repressive effect on lipase-encoding genesLIP2andLIP8and that the hexokinase overexpression inY. lipolyticachanges glycerol over glucose preference when cultivated in media containing both substrates.
The upper limit and lift force within inertial focusing in high aspect ratio curved microfluidics
Authors: Cruz Javier , Hjort Klas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMicrofluidics exploiting the phenomenon of inertial focusing have attracted much attention in the last decade as they provide the means to facilitate the detection and analysis of rare particles of interest in complex fluids such as blood and natural water. Although many interesting applications have been demonstrated, the systems remain difficult to engineer. A recently presented line of the technology, inertial focusing in High Aspect Ratio Curved microfluidics, has the potential to change this and make the benefits of inertial focusing more accessible to the community. In this paper, with experimental evidence and fluid simulations, we provide the two necessary equations to design the systems and successfully focus the targets in a single, stable, and high-quality position. The experiments also revealed an interesting scaling law of the lift force, which we believe provides a valuable insight into the phenomenon of inertial focusing.
Diagnostic performance and clinical implications for enhancing a hybrid quantitative flow ratio–FFR revascularization decision-making strategy
Authors: Peper Joyce , van Hamersvelt Robbert W. , Rensing Benno J. W. M. , van Kuijk Jan-Peter , Voskuil Michiel , Berg Jurriën M. ten , Schaap Jeroen , Kelder Johannes C. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Leiner Tim , Swaans Martin J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInvasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) adoption remains low mainly due to procedural and operator related factors as well as costs. Alternatively, quantitative flow ratio (QFR) achieves a high accuracy mainly outside the intermediate zone without the need for hyperaemia and wire-use. We aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of QFR and to evaluate a QFR–FFR hybrid strategy in which FFR is measured only in the intermediate zone. This retrospective study included 289 consecutive patients who underwent invasive coronary angiography and FFR. QFR was calculated for all vessels in which FFR was measured. The QFR–FFR hybrid approach was modelled using the intermediate zone of 0.77–0.87 in which FFR-measurements are recommended. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy on a per vessel-based analysis were 84.6%, 86.3% and 85.6% for QFR and 88.0%, 92.9% and 90.3% for the QFR–FFR hybrid approach. The diagnostic accuracy of QFR–FFR hybrid strategy with invasive FFR measurement was 93.4% and resulted in a 56.7% reduction in the need for FFR. QFR has a good correlation and agreement with invasive FFR. A hybrid QFR–FFR approach could extend the use of QFR and reduces the proportion of invasive FFR-measurements needed while improving accuracy.
Epidemiology and pain in elementary school-aged players: a survey of Japanese badminton players participating in the national tournament
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Imai Kazuhiro , Liu Xiao-Xuan , Watanabe Eiji 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPain is common in athletes which should be well managed. To identify risk factors for shoulder pain, and the association between shoulder pain, lower back pain and knee pain among elementary school-aged badminton players, we conducted a cross-sectional study to collect data of the past year among 611 elementary school age (7–12 years old) badminton players belonging to the Japan Schoolchildren Badminton Federation using a questionnaire. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall incidence rate of shoulder injuries, lower back injuries and knee injuries was 0.38 injuries per 1000 h of badminton training. Players with training time per day > 2.5 h were 2.64 times (95% CI 1.03–6.78, p = 0.043) more likely to sustain shoulder pain than those with training time per day ≤ 2.5 h. A significant association was revealed between shoulder pain and knee pain as well as between lower back pain and knee pain as training hours per day > 2.5 h. Moreover, lower back pain was significantly associated with shoulder pain independent of training hours per day (≤ 2.5 h: p = 0.001; > 2.5 h: p < 0.001). These findings indicate that training time per day is risk factor, and shoulder pain, lower back pain and knee pain were associated with each other in elementary school-aged badminton players.
A predictive PC-SAFT EOS based on COSMO for pharmaceutical compounds
Authors: Mahmoudabadi Samane Zarei , Pazuki Gholamreza 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe present study was conducted to develop a predictive type of PC-SAFT EOS by incorporating the COSMO computations. With the proposed model, the physical adjustable inputs to PC-SAFT EOS were determined from the suggested correlations with dependency to COSMO computation results. Afterwards, we tested the reliability of the proposed predictive PC-SAFT EOS by modeling the solubility data of certain pharmaceutical compounds in pure and mixed solvents and their octanol/water partition coefficients. The obtained RMSE based on logarithmic scale for the predictive PC-SAFT EOS was 1.435 for all of the solubility calculations. The reported values (1.435) had a lower value than RMSE for COSMO-SAC model (4.385), which is the same as that for RMSE for COSMO-RS model (1.412). The standard RMSE for octanol/water partition coefficient of the investigated pharmaceutical compounds was estimated to be 1.515.
Metabolic changes of Interleukin-12/15/18-stimulated human NK cells
Authors: Terrén Iñigo , Orrantia Ane , Mosteiro Alba , Vitallé Joana , Zenarruzabeitia Olatz , Borrego Francisco 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNatural Killer (NK) cells acquire memory-like properties following a brief stimulation with IL-12, IL-15 and IL-18. These IL-12/15/18-preactivated NK cells, also known as cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells, have been revealed as a powerful tool in cancer immunotherapy due to their persistence in the host and their increased effector functions. Several studies have shown that NK cells modulate their metabolism in response to cytokine-stimulation and other stimuli, suggesting that there is a link between metabolism and cellular functions. In this paper, we have analyzed metabolic changes associated to IL-12/15/18-stimulation and the relevance of glycolytic pathway for NK cell effector functions. We have found CIML NK cells are able to retain a metabolic profile shifted towards glycolysis seven days after cytokine withdrawal. Furthermore, we found that treatment with 2-DG differently affects distinct NK cell effector functions and is stimuli-dependent. These findings may have implications in the design of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies.