bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endospore forming bacteria may be associated with maintenance of surgically-induced remission in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Laffin Michael R. , Perry Troy , Park Heekuk , Gillevet Patrick , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Kaplan Gilaad G. , Fedorak Richard N. , Kroeker Karen , Dieleman Levinus A. , Dicken Bryan , Madsen Karen L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractCrohn’s disease (CD) patients who undergo ileocolonic resection (ICR) typically have disease recurrence at the anastomosis which has been linked with a gut dysbiosis. The aims of this study were to define the mucosa-associated microbiota at the time of ICR and to determine if microbial community structure at the time of surgery was predictive of future disease relapse. Ileal biopsies were obtained at surgery and after 6 months from CD subjects undergoing ICR. Composition and function of mucosal-associated microbiota was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing and PICRUSt analysis. Endoscopic recurrence was assessed using the Rutgeerts score. Analysis of mucosal biopsies taken at the time of surgery showed that decreased Clostridiales together with increased Enterobacteriales predicted disease recurrence. An increase in the endospore-forming Lachnospiraceae from surgery to 6 months post-ICR was associated with remission. A ratio of 3:1 between anaerobic endospore-forming bacterial families and aerobic families within the Firmicutes phylum was predictive of maintenance of remission. Gut recolonization following ICR is facilitated by microbes which are capable of either aerobic respiration or endospore formation. The relative proportions of these species at the time of surgery may be predictive of subsequent microbial community restoration and disease recurrence.
Predicting the Enthalpy and Gibbs Energy of Sublimation by QSPR Modeling
Authors: Meftahi Nastaran , Walker Michael L. , Enciso Marta , Smith Brian J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe enthalpy and Gibbs energy of sublimation are predicted using quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR) models. In this study, we compare several approaches previously reported in the literature for predicting the enthalpy of sublimation. These models, which were reproduced successfully, exhibit high correlation coefficients, in the range 0.82 to 0.97. There are significantly fewer examples of QSPR models currently described in the literature that predict the Gibbs energy of sublimation; here we describe several models that build upon the previous models for predicting the enthalpy of sublimation. The most robust and predictive model constructed using multiple linear regression, with the fewest number of descriptors for estimating this property, was obtained with an R2 of the training set of 0.71, an R2 of the test set of 0.62, and a standard deviation of 9.1 kJ mol−1. This model could be improved by training using a neural network, yielding an R2 of the training and test sets of 0.80 and 0.63, respectively, and a standard deviation of 8.9 kJ mol−1.
Gp41 dynamically interacts with the TCR in the immune synapse and promotes early T cell activation
Authors: Yakovian Oren , Schwarzer Roland , Sajman Julia , Neve-Oz Yair , Razvag Yair , Herrmann Andreas , Sherman Eilon 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe HIV-1 glycoprotein gp41 critically mediates CD4+ T-cell infection by HIV-1 during viral entry, assembly, and release. Although multiple immune-regulatory activities of gp41 have been reported, the underlying mechanisms of these activities remain poorly understood. Here we employed multi-colour single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) to resolve interactions of gp41 proteins with cellular proteins at the plasma membrane (PM) of fixed and live CD4+ T-cells with resolution of ~20–30 nm. We observed that gp41 clusters dynamically associated with the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) at the immune synapse upon TCR stimulation. This interaction, confirmed by FRET, depended on the virus clone, was reduced by the gp41 ectodomain in tight contacts, and was completely abrogated by mutation of the gp41 transmembrane domain. Strikingly, gp41 preferentially colocalized with phosphorylated TCRs at the PM of activated T-cells and promoted TCR phosphorylation. Gp41 expression also resulted in enhanced CD69 upregulation, and in massive cell death after 24–48 hrs. Our results shed new light on HIV-1 assembly mechanisms at the PM of host T-cells and its impact on TCR stimulation.
Enhancing Surface Sensing Sensitivity of Metallic Nanostructures using Blue-Shifted Surface Plasmon Mode and Fano Resonance
Authors: Lee Kuang-Li , Chang Chia-Chun , You Meng-Lin , Pan Ming-Yang , Wei Pei-Kuen 
Published: June 2018

AbstractImproving surface sensitivities of nanostructure-based plasmonic sensors is an important issue to be addressed. Among the SPR measurements, the wavelength interrogation is commonly utilized. We proposed using blue-shifted surface plasmon mode and Fano resonance, caused by the coupling of a cavity mode (angle-independent) and the surface plasmon mode (angle-dependent) in a long-periodicity silver nanoslit array, to increase surface (wavelength) sensitivities of metallic nanostructures. It results in an improvement by at least a factor of 4 in the spectral shift as compared to sensors operated under normal incidence. The improved surface sensitivity was attributed to a high refractive index sensitivity and the decrease of plasmonic evanescent field caused by two effects, the Fano coupling and the blue-shifted resonance. These concepts can enhance the sensing capability and be applicable to various metallic nanostructures with periodicities.
BALB/c mice infected with DENV-2 strain 66985 by the intravenous route display injury in the central nervous system
Authors: Salomão Natália G. , Rabelo Kíssila , Póvoa Tiago F. , Alves Ada M. B. , da Costa Simone M. , Gonçalves Antônio J. S. , Amorim Juliana F. , Azevedo Adriana S. , Nunes Priscilla C. G. , Basílio-de-Oliveira Carlos A. , Basílio-de-Oliveira Rodrigo P. , Geraldo Luiz H. M. , Fonseca Celina G. , Lima Flávia R. S. , Mohana-Borges Ronaldo , Silva Emiliana M. , dos Santos Flávia B. , Oliveira Edson R. A. , Paes Marciano V. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDengue is a mild flu-like arboviral illness caused by dengue virus (DENV) that occurs in tropical and subtropical countries. An increasing number of reports have been indicating that dengue is also associated to neurological manifestations, however, little is known regarding the neuropathogenesis of the disease. Here, using BALB/c mice intravenously infected with DENV-2 strain 66985, we demonstrated that the virus is capable of invading and damaging the host’s central nervous system (CNS). Brain and cerebellum of infected animals revealed histological alterations such as the presence of inflammatory infiltrates, thickening of pia matter and disorganization of white matter. Additionally, it was also seen that infection lead to altered morphology of neuroglial cells and apoptotic cell death. Such observations highlighted possible alterations that DENV may promote in the host’s CNS during a natural infection, hence, helping us to better understand the neuropathological component of the disease.
Ceratosaur palaeobiology: new insights on evolution and ecology of the southern rulers
Authors: Delcourt Rafael 
Published: June 2018

AbstractCeratosaur theropods ruled the Southern Hemisphere until the end of the Late Cretaceous. However, their origin was earlier, during the Early Jurassic, a fact which allowed the group to reach great morphological diversity. The body plans of the two main branches (Noasauridae and new name Etrigansauria: Ceratosauridae + Abelisauridae) are quite different; nevertheless, they are sister taxa. Abelisaurids have lost the ability to grasp in the most derived taxa, but the reduced forelimb might have had some display function. The ontogenetic changes are well known in Limusaurus which lost all their teeth and probably changed the dietary preference at maturity. The results presented here suggest that abelisaurids had different soft tissues on the skull. These tissues might have been associated with evolution of a strong cervicocephalic complex and should have allowed derived taxa (e.g. Majungasaurus and Carnotaurus) to have low-displacement headbutting matches. The ability to live in different semi-arid environment plus high morphological disparity allowed the ceratosaurs to become an evolutionary success.
Fungal endophytes from arid areas of Andalusia: high potential sources for antifungal and antitumoral agents
Authors: González-Menéndez Victor , Crespo Gloria , de Pedro Nuria , Diaz Caridad , Martín Jesús , Serrano Rachel , Mackenzie Thomas A. , Justicia Carlos , González-Tejero M. Reyes , Casares M. , Vicente Francisca , Reyes Fernando , Tormo José R. , Genilloud Olga 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNative plant communities from arid areas present distinctive characteristics to survive in extreme conditions. The large number of poorly studied endemic plants represents a unique potential source for the discovery of novel fungal symbionts as well as host-specific endophytes not yet described. The addition of adsorptive polymeric resins in fungal fermentations has been seen to promote the production of new secondary metabolites and is a tool used consistently to generate new compounds with potential biological activities. A total of 349 fungal strains isolated from 63 selected plant species from arid ecosystems located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, were characterized morphologically as well as based on their ITS/28S ribosomal gene sequences. The fungal community isolated was distributed among 19 orders including Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes, being Pleosporales the most abundant order. In total, 107 different genera were identified being Neocamarosporium the genus most frequently isolated from these plants, followed by Preussia and Alternaria. Strains were grown in four different media in presence and absence of selected resins to promote chemical diversity generation of new secondary metabolites. Fermentation extracts were evaluated, looking for new antifungal activities against plant and human fungal pathogens, as well as, cytotoxic activities against the human liver cancer cell line HepG2. From the 349 isolates tested, 126 (36%) exhibited significant bioactivities including 58 strains with exclusive antifungal properties and 33 strains with exclusive activity against the HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. After LCMS analysis, 68 known bioactive secondary metabolites could be identified as produced by 96 strains, and 12 likely unknown compounds were found in a subset of 14 fungal endophytes. The chemical profiles of the differential expression of induced activities were compared. As proof of concept, ten active secondary metabolites only produced in the presence of resins were purified and identified. The structures of three of these compounds were new and herein are elucidated.
Elevated serum levels of bone sialoprotein during ICU treatment predict long-term mortality in critically ill patients
Authors: Luedde Mark , Roy Sanchari , Hippe Hans-Joerg , Cardenas David Vargas , Spehlmann Martina , Vucur Mihael , Hoening Pia , Loosen Sven , Frey Norbert , Trautwein Christian , Luedde Tom , Koch Alexander , Tacke Frank , Roderburg Christoph 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBone sialoprotein (BSP), a member of the SIBLINGs (for Small Integrin-Binding LIgand, N-linked Glycoproteins) family, has recently be associated to inflammatory and infectious diseases. We therefore measured BSP concentrations in 136 patients at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 3 days of ICU. BSP levels were compared to 36 healthy blood donors and correlated to clinical data. In these analysis, BSP serum levels were strongly elevated at the time point of admission to the ICU when compared to healthy controls. Moreover BSP concentrations were significantly elevated after 3 days of treatment on the intensive care unit. A further increase in BSP levels was detected in patients with higher APACHE-II-scores and in patients with septic disease. While in most patients, BSP levels decreased during the first three days of treatment on a medical ICU, patients with persistently elevated BSP levels displayed an unfavorable outcome. In these patients, persistently elevated BSP concentrations were a superior predictor of mortality than established indicators of patient´ prognosis such as the SAPS2 or the APACHE-II score. In summary, our data argue for a novel utility for BSP as a biomarker in patients treated on a medical ICU.
Derivation, analysis and development of coupled‐inductor‐based non‐isolated DC converters with ultra‐high voltage‐conversion ratio
Authors: Chen Manxin , Cheng Eric Ka‐Wai 
Published: June 2018

This study proposes a method of integrating the voltage‐lift technique with multiple‐winding coupled inductor to form non‐isolated DC–DC converters that are able to provide high‐voltage gain. Voltage‐lift structures containing one diode and one capacitor are inserted in the primary and secondary sides of the coupled inductor, similar to available switched‐coupled‐inductor boost converters. This idea is further developed in this study, and generalised converters are derived by increasing the number of coupled‐inductor windings, with voltage‐lift structures applied to all windings. Improved converters with reduced capacitors count are also derived based on the generalised converters. They all feature high‐voltage gain and low‐voltage stress, which facilitates the selection of low‐voltage‐rating switch with low on‐resistance to increase conversion efficiency. Low‐voltage‐rating capacitors can also be used to minimise converter cost. Operational principles of the selected converter during four switching stages, and steady‐state analysis results of its improved converter are presented. A voltage‐clamp passive snubber for dealing with leakage effect is introduced. Prototype converters as well as its improved version are built in laboratory to validate the proposed method. The improved converter achieves maximum efficiency of 94.1% at 200 W nominal output.
MUSE crowded field 3D spectroscopy in NGC 300
Authors: Roth Martin M. , Sandin Christer , Kamann Sebastian , Husser Tim-Oliver , Weilbacher Peter M. , Monreal-Ibero Ana , Bacon Roland , den Brok Mark , Dreizler Stefan , Kelz Andreas , Marino Raffaella Anna , Steinmetz Matthias 
Published: June 2018

Aims. As a new approach to the study of resolved stellar populations in nearby galaxies, our goal is to demonstrate with a pilot study in NGC 300 that integral field spectroscopy with high spatial resolution and excellent seeing conditions reaches an unprecedented depth in severely crowded fields.
Methods. Observations by MUSE with seven pointings in NGC 300 have resulted in data cubes that are analyzed in four ways: (1) Point spread function-fitting 3D spectroscopy with PampelMUSE, as already successfully pioneered in globular clusters, yields de-blended spectra of individually distinguishable stars, thus providing a complete inventory of blue and red supergiants, and asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars of type M and C. The technique is also applicable to emission line point sources and provides samples of planetary nebulae (PNe) that are complete down to m5007 = 28. (2) Pseudo-monochromatic images, created at the wavelengths of the most important emission lines and corrected for continuum light with the P3D visualization tool, provide maps of H II regions, supernova remnants (SNR), and the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM) at a high level of sensitivity, where also faint point sources stand out and allow for the discovery of PNe, Wolf–Rayet (WR) stars, etc. (3) The use of the P3D line-fitting tool yields emission line fluxes, surface brightness, and kinematic information for gaseous objects, corrected for absorption line profiles of the underlying stellar population in the case of Hα. (4) Visual inspection of the data cubes by browsing through the row-stacked spectra image in P3D is demonstrated to be efficient for data mining and the discovery of background galaxies and unusual objects.
Results. We present a catalog of luminous stars, rare stars such as WR, and other emission line stars, carbon stars, symbiotic star candidates, PNe, H II regions, SNR, giant shells, peculiar diffuse and filamentary emission line objects, and background galaxies, along with their spectra.
Conclusions. The technique of crowded-field 3D spectroscopy, using the PampelMUSE code, is capable of deblending individual bright stars, the unresolved background of faint stars, gaseous nebulae, and the diffuse component of the ISM, resulting in unprecedented legacy value for observations of nearby galaxies with MUSE.
In vivo Antimalarial and Antitrypanosomal Activity of Strychnogucine B, a Bisindole Alkaloid from Strychnos icaja
Authors: Beaufay Claire , Ledoux Allison , Jansen Olivia , Bordignon Annélise , Zhao Senzhi , Teijaro Christiana , Andrade Rodrigo , Quetin-Leclercq Joëlle , Frédérich Michel 
Published: June 2018

AbstractStrychnogucine B is a bisindole alkaloid previously isolated from Strychnos icaja that possesses promising in vitro antiplasmodial properties. This compound was synthesized in four steps from (−)-strychnine. As no acute toxicity was observed at the highest tested cumulative dose of 60 mg/kg, its in vivo antimalarial activity was determined intraperitoneally at 30 mg/kg/d in a Plasmodium berghei murine model. In the Petersʼs 4-d suppressive test, this alkaloid suppressed the parasitaemia by almost 36% on day 5 and 60% on day 7 compared to vehicle-treated mice. In addition to this interesting antimalarial activity, it showed moderate in vitro antitrypanosomal activity but no in vivo activity in an acute Trypanosoma brucei model. It was also inactive in vitro on Leishmania mexicana promastigotes. This highlights its selective antimalarial efficacy and leads to further investigation to assess its potential as new antimalarial lead compound.
Heart-Protective Effects of Echinodorus grandiflorus in Rabbits That Are Fed a High-cholesterol Diet
Authors: Gasparotto Francielly , Lívero Francislaine , Palozi Rhanany , Ames Maria , Nunes Bruna , Donadel Guilherme , Ribeiro Rita , Lourenço Emerson , Kassuya Cândida , Junior Arquimedes 
Published: June 2018

AbstractExcess weight and dyslipidemia are among the most serious health problems in Western societies. These conditions enhance the risk of cardiac disease and have been linked with a higher prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. The present study investigated the cardioprotective effects of Echinodorus grandiflorus on ventricular remodeling in rabbits that were fed a 1% cholesterol-rich diet. We first obtained an ethanol-soluble fraction of E. grandiflorus and performed a detailed phytochemical study by liquid chromatography-DAD/ESI-MS. For 60 days, male rabbits were fed the cholesterol-rich diet or a diet without the addition of cholesterol. After 30 days, different groups of rabbits were treated with the ethanol-soluble fraction of E. grandiflorus (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg, p. o.), simvastatin (2.5 mg/kg), or vehicle once daily for 30 days. At the end of 60 days, the serum lipoprotein ratio, electrocardiographic profile, histopathological alterations, and the cardiac antioxidant defense system were investigated. Echocardiographic analysis showed morphological and functional alterations in cholesterol-rich diet-fed animals, indicating left ventricle hypertrophy. The total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio were significantly higher in cholesterol-rich diet-fed rabbits. Myocardial flaccidity, fatty degeneration, and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy were observed. An increase in lipid peroxidation levels, a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity, and a decrease in reduced glutathione levels were observed in the myocardium of all cholesterol-rich diet-fed rabbits. Treatment with the ethanol-soluble fraction of E. grandiflorus, especially the highest dose, significantly reduced all of these alterations, thus demonstrating the cardioprotective effect of the ethanol-soluble fraction of E. grandiflorus on cardiac changes that are induced by a cholesterol-rich diet.
Observations on Thromboplastin Generations Using Platelet Suspensions Prepared by a Simplified Method
Authors: Davidson E , Tomlin S 
Published: June 2018

SummaryA simplified method of preparing platelet suspensions is described. The efficiency and reproducibility of results using these suspensions compares favourably with those of standard platelet suspensions and brain extract. In comparing the thromboplastin generation and the thromboplastin screening tests no important practical differences are noted. The use of simplified platelet suspensions is recommended for routine use in the thromboplastin screening test.
The Circulating Anticoagulant in Disseminated Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Perkins Herbert A. , Acra D. J 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe circulating anticoagulant in a case of lupus erythematosus was demonstrated to accelerate the disappearance of formed thromboplastin. We were unable to show that it acted against any single blood coagulation factor. We suggest that its action may be entirely explained on the basis of destruction of the final prothrombin converting factor, with and without the presence of tissue thromboplastin. This hypothesis still leaves no explanation for the consistently low levels of prothrombin in this condition.
The Hemostatic Defect of Acute and Chronic Uremia
Authors: Donner L , Neuwirtová R 
Published: June 2018

Summary1. Investigations of blood coagulation in 52 acute, and 38 chronically uremic patients were performed. Clinical bleeding tendency were noted in 16 (30,8%) patients with acute uremia and in 13 (34,2%) with chronic uremia. In 237 extracorporeal dialysis carried out during the last 4 years, bleeding occurred in 55 (22,3%) during the procedure.2. Both acute and chronic uremia are associated with numerous coagulation disturbances. Single laboratory alterations are not uniformly present in patients with uremia, changes in the thrombelastographic patterns, of the prothrombin and fibrinogen are most frequently found.3. There was a striking tendency for the thrombelastogram to assume particular patterns similar in appearance either to the narrowing of a bottle-neck, a gradual joining, or to an onion like pattern. It is suggested that blood platelets take part in the development of these changes.4. In comparing laboratory changes in acute and chronic uremia there are no significant differences in single laboratory changes. Although factor VII tends to be lower in acute uremia as compared with chronic uremia and the prothrombin consumption test lower in chronic uremia than in acute uremia.
Fats and Thrombus Formation
Authors: Bergentz S.-E , Gelin L.-E , Rudenstam C.-M 
Published: June 2018

Summary and conclusions1. Alimentary and intravenous administration of fat causes intravascular aggregation of blood cells and an increased tendency to formation of thrombi in ligated veins.2. This aggregation and thrombus formation after fat is completely prevented by heparin but is not influenced by the lengthening of clotting time induced by dicumarol.
Fibrinolysis as Related to the Urea Solubility of Fibrin
Authors: Bickford Arthur F. , Sokolow Maurice 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe in vitro experiments described in this report demonstrate that the rate of fibrinolysis as determined by both the spontaneous whole blood fibrinolysis test and the fibrin plate procedure is altered by variations in technique. The addition of calcium ion to the fibrinogen before clotting and the heating of fibrin resulted in similar decreases in fibrinolytic activity. Probably the same mechanism was involved, since both the addition of calcium and heating are known to cause the conversion of hydrogen-bonded fibrin to the sulfhydrylbonded form. The finding of both kinds of fibrin in spontaneously clotted whole plasma and in clots taken from the heart postmortem suggests that the type of fibrin bonding may influence the rate of removal of clots in vivo.