bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bee venom phospholipase A2 ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease pathology in Aβ vaccination treatment without inducing neuro-inflammation in a 3xTg-AD mouse model
Authors: Baek Hyunjung , Lee Chan-ju , Choi Da Bin , Kim Nam-sik , Kim Yong-Suk , Ye Young Jun , Kim Youn-Sub , Kim Jin Su , Shim Insop , Bae Hyunsu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by an imbalance between the production and clearance of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau proteins. Although vaccination against Aβ peptide results in a dramatic reduction in Aβ pathology in experimental mouse models, the initial clinical trial for an active Aβ vaccine was halted early due to the development of acute meningoencephalitis in 6% of the immunized patients, which likely involved a T-cell mediated pro-inflammatory response. In this study, we aimed to determine whether bee venom phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2) treatment would induce Tregs and ameliorate AD pathology without unwanted T cell-mediated inflammation. First, we investigated the effects of bvPLA2 on the inflammatory infiltration caused by Aβ vaccination. Inflammatory aggregates of CD3+ T lymphocytes and macrophages were found in the brains and spinal cords of mice treated with Aβ. However, administration of bvPLA2 dramatically eliminated central nervous system inflammation following Aβ immunization. In AD model mice (3xTg-AD mice), bvPLA2 administration significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits and reduced Aβ burdens in the brains of Aβ-vaccinated 3xTg-AD mice. Additionally, we examined brain glucose metabolism using positron emission tomography with 18F-2 fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose. Cerebral glucose uptake was considerably higher in the brains of Aβ-vaccinated 3xTg-AD mice that received bvPLA2 than those that did not. The present study suggests that the modulation of Treg populations via bvPLA2 treatment may be a new therapeutic approach to attenuate the progression of AD in conjunction with Aβ vaccination therapy without an adverse inflammatory response.
Homogeneous Multifunction Devices Designing and Layered Implementing Based on Rotary Medium
Authors: Yang Cheng-Fu , Huang Ming , Yang Jing-Jing , Mao Fu-Chun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMultifunctional device with homogeneous anisotropic material parameters are proposed and designed based on linear transformation optics and rotary medium. Four examples including rotating concentrator, rotating amplifying device, rotating shrinking device and rotating transparent device are reported. All of them have bi-functional effects, i.e., they possess concentrating, amplifying, shrinking and transparent effects respectively while have the fields been rotated an angle of π/N simultaneously in common, where N is the sides number of polygon. All these devices have potential applications, such as energy accumulation or controlling, military camouflage, wireless communication system and radar/antenna protection. Furthermore, alternating isotropic layered structure based on effective medium theory is utilized to remove the anisotropic property of these devices. Simulation results show that the layered structure device behaves almost as perfect as the ideal one when it has sufficient divided layers. The feasibility of designing multifunctional device by natural isotropic materials instead of metamaterials with complicated artificial composite structure would dramatically reduce the fabrication difficulty and move the device a step further towards the practical application.
A downstream molecule of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, protects against mouse model of renal fibrosis
Authors: Bi Jing , Watanabe Hiroshi , Fujimura Rui , Nishida Kento , Nakamura Ryota , Oshiro Shun , Imafuku Tadashi , Komori Hisakazu , Miyahisa Masako , Tanaka Motoko , Matsushita Kazutaka , Maruyama Toru 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRenal fibrosis, the characteristic feature of progressive chronic kidney disease, is associated with unremitting renal inflammation. Although it is reported that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), the active form of vitamin D, elicits an anti-renal fibrotic effect, its molecular mechanism is still unknown. In this study, renal fibrosis and inflammation observed in the kidney of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice were reduced by the treatment of 1,25(OH)2D3. The plasma protein level of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), a downstream molecule of 1,25(OH)2D3, was increased following administration of 1,25(OH)2D3. Additionally, increased mRNA expression of ORM1, an AGP gene, was observed in HepG2 cells and THP-1-derived macrophages that treated with 1,25(OH)2D3. To investigate the involvement of AGP, exogenous AGP was administered to UUO mice, resulting in attenuated renal fibrosis and inflammation. We also found the mRNA expression of CD163, a monocyte/macrophage marker with anti-inflammatory potential, was increased in THP-1-derived macrophages under stimulus from 1,25(OH)2D3 or AGP. Moreover, AGP prevented lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage activation. Thus, AGP could be a key molecule in the protective effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 against renal fibrosis. Taken together, AGP may replace vitamin D to function as an important immune regulator, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for renal inflammation and fibrosis.
Illumina-MiSeq analysis of fungi in acid lime roots reveals dominance of Fusarium and variation in fungal taxa
Authors: Al-Sadi Abdullah M. , Kazerooni Elham A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA study was conducted to analyze fungal diversity in the roots of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia) collected from Oman, a semi-arid country located in the South Eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. MiSeq analysis showed the Ascomycota and Sordariomycetes were the most abundant phylum and class in acid lime roots, respectively. Glomeromycota, Basidiomycota and Microsporidia were the other fungal phyla, while Glomeromycetes and some other classes belonging to Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were detected at lower frequencies. The genus Fusarium was the most abundant in all samples, making up 46 to 95% of the total reads. Some fungal genera of Arbuscular mycorrhizae and nematophagous fungi were detected in some of the acid lime roots. Analysis of the level of fungal diversity showed that no significant differences exist among groups of root samples (from different locations) in their Chao richness and Shannon diversity levels (P < 0.05). Principle component analysis of fungal communities significantly separated samples according to their locations. This is the first study to evaluate fungal diversity in acid lime roots using high throughput sequencing analysis. The study reveals the presence of various fungal taxa in the roots, dominated by Fusarium species and including some mycorrhizae and nematophagous fungi.
Advanced laser scanning for highly-efficient ablation and ultrafast surface structuring: experiment and model
Authors: Žemaitis Andrius , Gaidys Mantas , Brikas Marijus , Gečys Paulius , Račiukaitis Gediminas , Gedvilas Mindaugas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUltra-short laser pulses are frequently used for material removal (ablation) in science, technology and medicine. However, the laser energy is often used inefficiently, thus, leading to low ablation rates. For the efficient ablation of a rectangular shaped cavity, the numerous process parameters such as scanning speed, distance between scanned lines, and spot size on the sample, have to be optimized. Therefore, finding the optimal set of process parameters is always a time-demanding and challenging task. Clear theoretical understanding of the influence of the process parameters on the material removal rate can improve the efficiency of laser energy utilization and enhance the ablation rate. In this work, a new model of rectangular cavity ablation is introduced. The model takes into account the decrease in ablation threshold, as well as saturation of the ablation depth with increasing number of pulses per spot. Scanning electron microscopy and the stylus profilometry were employed to characterize the ablated depth and evaluate the material removal rate. The numerical modelling showed a good agreement with the experimental results. High speed mimicking of bio-inspired functional surfaces by laser irradiation has been demonstrated.
Selective tracking of FFAR3-expressing neurons supports receptor coupling to N-type calcium channels in mouse sympathetic neurons
Authors: Colina Claudia , Puhl Henry L. , Ikeda Stephen R. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractActivation of short-chain free fatty acid receptors 3 (FFAR3) has been suggested to promote sympathetic outflow in postganglionic sympathetic neurons or hamper it by a negative coupling to N-type calcium (CaV2.2) channels. Heterogeneity of FFAR3 expression in sympathetic neurons, however, renders single neurons studies extremely time-consuming in wild-type mice. Previous studies demonstrated large variability of the degree of CaV2.2 channel inhibition by FFAR3 in a global population of rat sympathetic neurons. Therefore, we focused on a small subpopulation of mouse sympathetic neurons using an FFAR3 antibody and anFfar3reporter mouse to perform immunofluorescent and electrophysiological studies. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of identified FFAR3-expressing neurons from reporter mice revealed a 2.5-fold decrease in the CaV2.2-FFAR3 inhibitory coupling variability and 1.5-fold increase in the mean ICa2+inhibition, when compared with unlabeled neurons from wild-type mice. Further, we found that the ablation ofFfar3gene expression in two knockout mouse models led to a complete loss-of-function. Subpopulations of sympathetic neurons are associated with discrete functional pathways. However, little is known about the neural pathways of the FFAR3-expressing subpopulation. Our data indicate that FFAR3 is expressed primarily in neurons with a vasoconstrictor phenotype. Thus, fine-tuning of chemically-coded neurotransmitters may accomplish an adequate outcome.
Study of the micro-climate and bacterial distribution in the deadspace of N95 filtering face respirators
Authors: Yang Quan , Li Hui , Shen Shengnan , Zhang Guoqing , Huang Ruiyang , Feng Yong , Yang James , Ma Shiyue 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIt is common for people to use N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) in daily life, especially in locations where particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration is rising. Wearing N95 FFRs is helpful to reduce inhalation of PM2.5. Although N95 FFRs block at least 95% of particles from the atmosphere, the deadspace of N95 FFRs could be a warm, wet environment that may be a perfect breeding ground for bacterial growth. This work studies the micro-climate features including the temperature distribution and water vapor condensation in the deadspace of an N95 FFR using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. Then, the temperature and relative humidity inside the same type of N95 FFR are experimentally measured. There is a good agreement between the simulation and experimental results. Moreover, an experiment is conducted to study the distribution of bacteria sampled from the inner surface of an N95 FFR after donning.
Investigation of the phosphorylation of Bacillus subtilis LTA synthases by the serine/threonine kinase PrkC
Authors: Pompeo Frédérique , Rismondo Jeanine , Gründling Angelika , Galinier Anne 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBacillus subtilis possesses four lipoteichoic acid synthases LtaS, YfnI, YvgJ and YqgS involved in the synthesis of cell wall. The crystal structure of the extracellular domain of LtaS revealed a phosphorylated threonine and YfnI was identified in two independent phosphoproteome studies. Here, we show that the four LTA synthases can be phosphorylated in vitro by the Ser/Thr kinase PrkC. Phosphorylation neither affects the export/release of YfnI nor its substrate binding. However, we observed that a phosphomimetic form of YfnI was active whereas its phosphoablative form was inactive. The phenotypes of the strains deleted for prkC or prpC (coding for a phosphatase) are fairly similar to those of the strains producing the phosphoablative or phosphomimetic YfnI proteins. Clear evidence proving that PrkC phosphorylates YfnI in vivo is still missing but our data suggest that the activity of all LTA synthases may be regulated by phosphorylation. Nonetheless, their function is non-redundant in cell. Indeed, the deletion of either ltaS or yfnI gene could restore a normal growth and shape to a ΔyvcK mutant strain but this was not the case for yvgJ or yqgS. The synthesis of cell wall must then be highly regulated to guarantee correct morphogenesis whatever the growth conditions.
A Vaccine Based on a Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara Vector Expressing Zika Virus Structural Proteins Controls Zika Virus Replication in Mice
Authors: Pérez Patricia , Q. Marín María , Lázaro-Frías Adrián , Jiménez de Oya Nereida , Blázquez Ana-Belén , Escribano-Romero Estela , S. Sorzano Carlos Óscar , Ortego Javier , Saiz Juan-Carlos , Esteban Mariano , Martín-Acebes Miguel A. , García-Arriaza Juan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractZika virus (ZIKV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus that affects humans and can cause severe neurological complications, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly. Since 2007 there have been three large outbreaks; the last and larger spread in the Americas in 2015. Actually, ZIKV is circulating in the Americas, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands, and represents a potential pandemic threat. Given the rapid ZIKV dissemination and the severe neurological and teratogenic sequelae associated with ZIKV infection, the development of a safe and efficacious vaccine is critical. In this study, we have developed and characterized the immunogenicity and efficacy of a novel ZIKV vaccine based on the highly attenuated poxvirus vector modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) expressing the ZIKV prM and E structural genes (termed MVA-ZIKV). MVA-ZIKV expressed efficiently the ZIKV structural proteins, assembled in virus-like particles (VLPs) and was genetically stable upon nine passages in cell culture. Immunization of mice with MVA-ZIKV elicited antibodies that were able to neutralize ZIKV and induced potent and polyfunctional ZIKV-specific CD8+T cell responses that were mainly of an effector memory phenotype. Moreover, a single dose of MVA-ZIKV reduced significantly the viremia in susceptible immunocompromised mice challenged with live ZIKV. These findings support the use of MVA-ZIKV as a potential vaccine against ZIKV.
Effect of postoperative coffee consumption on gastrointestinal function after abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Eamudomkarn Nuntasiri , Kietpeerakool Chumnan , Kaewrudee Srinaree , Jampathong Nampet , Ngamjarus Chetta , Lumbiganon Pisake 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCoffee is believed to prevent postoperative ileus. This systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of coffee consumption in stimulating gastrointestinal function after abdominal surgery. A number of databases for randomized controlled trials comparing coffee consumption following abdominal surgery versus water drinking or no intervention were searched. Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool was used to assess risk of bias in included studies. Six trials involving 601 participants were included. All studies had high risk of performance bias. Three studies had an unclear risk of selection bias. Postoperative coffee consumption reduced time to first defecation (mean difference (MD), −9.98 hours; 95% CI, −16.97 to −2.99), time to first flatus (MD, −7.14 hours; 95% CI, −10.96 to −3.33), time to first bowel sound (MD, −4.17 hours; 95% CI, −7.88 to −0.47), time to tolerance of solid food (MD, −15.55 hours; 95% CI, −22.83 to −8.27), and length of hospital stay (MD, −0.74 days; 95% CI, −1.14 to −0.33). Benefits increased with increasing complexity of the procedure. None of the included studies reported adverse events associated with coffee consumption. Postoperative coffee consumption is effective and safe for enhancing the recovery of gastrointestinal function after abdominal surgery.
Increase of power conversion efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells through ferroelectric substrate induced charge transport enhancement
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Qifeng , Li Jiangyu , Valanoor Nagarajan , Tang Xiao , Cao Guozhong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFerroelectric functionalized dye-sensitized solar cells were fabricated by using a positively-poled LiNbO3 substrate coated with ITO (ITO-LiNbO3) as a collector electrode and demonstrated enhanced power conversion efficiency. Surface potential properties of TiO2 nanoparticle film coated on the ITO-LiNbO3 (TiO2/ITO-LiNbO3) examined by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) confirmed that a large electric field (a few 10 V/µm) generated from LiNbO3 can penetrate through the ITO layer and is applied to TiO2 film. This polarization-induced electric field leads to an increased photocurrent density by attracting and promoting electrons to direct transport through the mesoporous TiO2 network toward the collector electrode and a decreased charge recombination by facilitating electrons to pass through fewer boundaries of nanoparticles, resulting in high power conversion efficiency. The power conversion efficiency was enhanced by more than 40% in comparison with that without polarization-induced electric field. Incorporating functional ferroelectrics into photovoltaic cells would be a good strategy in improving photovoltaic performance and is applicable to other types of photovoltaic devices, such as perovskite solar cells.
Hotspots of recent hybridization between pigs and wild boars in Europe
Authors: Iacolina Laura , Pertoldi Cino , Amills Marcel , Kusza Szilvia , Megens Hendrik-Jan , Bâlteanu Valentin Adrian , Bakan Jana , Cubric-Curik Vlatka , Oja Ragne , Saarma Urmas , Scandura Massimo , Šprem Nikica , Stronen Astrid Vik 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAfter a strong demographic decline before World War II, wild boar populations are expanding and the species is now the second-most abundant ungulate in Europe. This increase raises concerns due to wild boar impact on crops and natural ecosystems and as potential vector of diseases. Additionally, wild boar can hybridize with domestic pigs, which could increase health risks and alter wild boar adaptive potential. We analysed 47,148 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in wild boar from Europe (292) and the Near East (16), and commercial (44) and local (255) pig breeds, to discern patterns of hybridization across Europe. We identified 33 wild boars with more than 10% domestic ancestry in their genome, mostly concentrated in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria and Serbia. This difference is probably due to contrasting practices, with free-ranging vs. industrial farming but more samples would be needed to investigate larger geographic patterns. Our results suggest hybridization has occurred over a long period and is still ongoing, as we observed recent hybrids. Although wild and domestic populations have maintained their genetic distinctiveness, potential health threats raise concerns and require implementation of management actions and farming practices aimed at reducing contact between wild and domestic pigs.
A vector holographic optical trap
Authors: Bhebhe Nkosiphile , Williams Peter A. C. , Rosales-Guzmán Carmelo , Rodriguez-Fajardo Valeria , Forbes Andrew 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe invention of optical tweezers almost forty years ago has triggered applications spanning multiple disciplines and has also found its way into commercial products. A major breakthrough came with the invention of holographic optical tweezers (HOTs), allowing simultaneous manipulation of many particles, traditionally done with arrays of scalar beams. Here we demonstrate a vector HOT with arrays of digitally controlled Higher-Order Poincaré Sphere (HOPS) beams. We employ a simple set-up using a spatial light modulator and show that each beam in the array can be manipulated independently and set to an arbitrary HOPS state, including replicating traditional scalar beam HOTs. We demonstrate trapping and tweezing with customized arrays of HOPS beams comprising scalar orbital angular momentum and cylindrical vector beams, including radially and azimuthally polarized beams simultaneously in the same trap. Our approach is general enough to be easily extended to arbitrary vector beams, could be implemented with fast refresh rates and will be of interest to the structured light and optical manipulation communities alike.
Drama im Aufwachraum: pädiatrisches Emergence-Delir
Authors: Kramer Sylvia , Krebs Martin , Spies Claudia , Ghamari Shahab , Höhne Claudia , Becke Karin , Eich Christoph , Hoeft Andreas , Wermelt Julius , Ellerkmann Richard 
Published: November 2018

ZusammenfassungDas pädiatrische Emergence Delir rückt aufgrund der Debatte um Neurotoxizität von Anästhetika bei kleinen Kindern erneut in den Fokus. Die 2017 von der Europäischen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie (ESA) publizierte Leitlinie zu Prävention und Therapie kann eine sinnvolle Unterstützung der klinischen Tätigkeit sein. Insbesondere die zügige und konsequente Behandlung von Schmerzen bei kleinen Kindern und die konsequente Diagnose eines pädED mittels validierter Skale ermöglicht es- dank der Verbreitung von patient data management systemen- in Zukunft eine reelle Inzidenz des pädEDs anzugeben. In der Prävention des pädED liegt der Schwerpunkt auf der Reduktion der präoperativen Angst der Kinder, egal, ob dies durch ein auf das Kind fokussierte Kinderanästhesieteam zusammen mit den Eltern, Musik, Clowns, smartphones/tablets oder eine medikamentöse Prämedikation erzielt wird. Medikamentöse pädED-Prophylaxe durch perioperative Anwendung von alpha-2-Agonisten und die Verwendung von Propofol als Ausleitungsbolus oder TIVA erscheint gleichzeitg sinnvoll. Postoperativ ermöglicht eine ruhige Aufwachumgebung ein entspanntes delirfreies Aufwachen. Postanästhesiologische Visiten mit strukturiertem Erfassen von Veränderungen des kindlichen Verhaltens respektive schriftliche Fragebögen werden in Zukunft Auskunft über das pädED auf den Normalstationen geben. Strukturierte Nachbefragungen im Verlauf werden auch die Erfassung postoperativen unerwünschten Verhaltensänderungen und deren möglichen Zusammenhang zum pädED ermöglichen.
Reprocessing of flexible endoscopes and endoscopic accessories used in gastrointestinal endoscopy: Position Statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) – Update 2018
Authors: Beilenhoff Ulrike , Biering Holger , Blum Reinhard , Brljak Jadranka , Cimbro Monica , Dumonceau Jean-Marc , Hassan Cesare , Jung Michael , Kampf Birgit , Neumann Christiane , Pietsch Michael , Pineau Lionel , Ponchon Thierry , Rejchrt Stanislav , Rey Jean-François , Schmidt Verona , Tillett Jayne , van Hooft Jeanin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis Position Statement from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and the European Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) sets standards for the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes and endoscopic devices used in gastroenterology. An expert working group of gastroenterologists, endoscopy nurses, chemists, microbiologists, and industry representatives provides updated recommendations on all aspects of reprocessing in order to maintain hygiene and infection control.