bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Waste fat biodegradation and biomodification by Yarrowia lipolytica and a bacterial consortium composed of Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Tzirita Markella , Papanikolaou Seraphim , Chatzifragkou Afroditi , Quilty Bríd 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFats, oils, and greases (FOGs) are a particular environmental threat. Biodegradation of FOGs is a challenge and in this study the biodegradation of waste cooking fats, namely butter and olive oil, was studied using a non‐conventional yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica strain LFMB 20, and a bioaugmentation product consisting of Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas putida CP1 strain. The microorganisms were grown aerobically in shake‐flask experiments in an enriched medium supplemented with ca 0.85% w/v of waste fat. Analysis of the remaining substrate showed a removal of ca 90% of the fat by the yeast at the end of the incubation, while the bacteria removed ca 95% of both fats. Growth rate, biomass production and biomass yield per unit of fat consumed were all higher for the yeast compared to the bacterial consortium. The bacterial consortium exhibited autolysis and a significant decrease in its DCW value at the late growth phases of both fat substrate cultures. The main fatty acids (FAs) present in both fats were linoleic (Δ9,12C18:2), oleic (Δ9C18:1), palmitic (C16:0), palmitoleic (Δ9C16:1) and stearic (C18:0) acid. Both the bacterial consortium and Y. lipolytica preferentially removed Δ9C18:1 from the medium, while a negative selectivity against C18:0 was reported. Both inocula produced microbial mass that contained intra‐cellular lipid quantities, but the bacterial consortium gave significantly higher lipid in DCW values compared with the yeast (maximum values up to ca 63% w/w for the butter and ca 42% w/w for the olive oil while the respective values for both lipids were 22% ± 2% w/w for Y. lipolytica). In all cases, intra‐cellular lipids in DCW values decreased during the late growth phases, while their FA composition differed with those of the substrate fat.
Chronic effects of lead exposure on topsmelt fish (Atherinops affinis): Influence of salinity, organism age, and relative sensitivity to other marine species
Authors: Reynolds Erik J. , Smith D. Scott , Chowdhury M. Jasim , Hoang Tham C. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of salinity and organism age on the chronic toxicity of waterborne lead (Pb) to Atherinops affinis and to compare the relative Pb sensitivity of A. affinis with other marine species. Chronic Pb exposure experiments were conducted in a water flow-through testing system. Survival, standard length, dry weight, and tissue Pb concentration were measured and lethal concentrations (LCs), effect concentrations (ECs), and bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were calculated. In general, increasing salinity and organism age decreased Pb toxicity. The LC50s for larval fish at 14 and 28 ppt salinity were 15.1 and 79.8 μg/L dissolved Pb, respectively; whereas, the LC50 for juvenile fish was 167.6 μg/L dissolved Pb at 28 ppt salinity. Using standard length data, the EC10 values for larval fish were 16.4 and 82.4 μg/L dissolved Pb at 14 and 28 ppt salinity, respectively. The dry weight EC25s for low and high salinity were 15.6 and 61.84 μg/L dissolved Pb, respectively. The BCFs were higher with the lower salinity study (1703) in comparison to the higher salinity study (654). Results of Pb speciation calculation showed higher fraction of Pb2+ in water with lower salinity, explaining the higher observed toxicity of Pb in lower salinity water than higher salinity water. Atherinops affinis is more sensitive to Pb than several other marine species. Evidence of abnormal swimming and skeletal deformities were observed in Pb exposure treatments. Results of the present study are useful for marine biotic ligand modeling and support ecological risk assessment and deriving Pb environmental quality criteria for marine environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2705–2713. © 2018 SETAC
Neuronal activity induces glutathione metabolism gene expression in astrocytes
Authors: McGann James C. , Mandel Gail 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe idea that astrocytes provide support for neurons has a long history, but whether neurons play an instructive role in these processes is poorly understood. To address this question, we co‐culture astrocytes with genetically labeled neurons, permitting their separation by flow cytometry, and test whether the presence of neurons influences the astrocyte transcriptome. We find that numerous pathways are regulated in the co‐cultured astrocytes, in a time‐dependent matter coincident with synaptic maturation. In particular, the induction of glutathione metabolic genes is prominent, resulting in increased glutathione production. We show that the induction of the glutathione pathway is mediated by astrocytic metabotropic glutamate receptors. Using a candidate approach, we identify direct binding of the nuclear factor E2‐related factor, NRF2, to several of the induced genes. Blocking nuclear accumulation of astrocytic NRF2 abolishes neuron‐induced glutathione gene induction and glutathione production. Our results suggest that astrocyte transcriptional and metabolic profiles are tightly coupled to the activity of neurons, consistent with the model that astrocytes dynamically support healthy brain function.
Orthostatic hypotension in patients with late‐life depression: Prevalence and validation of a new screening tool
Authors: Shanbhag Amruta , Awai Helen , Rej Soham , Thomas Alan J. , Puka Klajdi , Vasudev Akshya 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension (OH) in a sample of late life depression (LLD) patients and to determine the validity of a standardized questionnaire, the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ). Secondarily, we wished to assess variables associated with OH.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study on 82 consecutive geriatric outpatients presenting with LLD. OH was defined as a fall in systolic blood pressure of greater than 20 mm Hg and/or 10 mm Hg on diastolic blood pressure on an orthostatic stress test from sitting to standing. Logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with OH.ResultsThe prevalence of OH as measured on the orthostatic stress test and on the OHQ was 28% and 57%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the OHQ were 69.6% (95% CI 47%‐87%), 47.5% (95%CI 34%‐61%), 0.54 (95% CI: 0.43‐0.64), 34% (95%CI 21%‐49%), and 80% (95%CI 63%‐92%), respectively. Females were more likely to have OH (OR: 3.96, 95%CI 1.06‐14.89, P = .041), and those married or in a common‐law relationship were less likely to have OH (OR: 0.25, 95% CI 0.08‐0.72, P = .011).ConclusionsOH is common in patients with LLD conferring them a risk of gait instability and falls. Females had a higher risk of having OH while participants who were married or in a common‐law relationship were less likely to have OH. Although the OHQ is a quick to administer paper‐based screening test, it did not show adequate diagnostic accuracy in patients with LLD seen in a routine psychiatry clinic.
Neuromodulation of reinforced skill learning reveals the causal function of prefrontal cortex
Authors: Dayan Eran , Herszage Jasmine , Laor‐Maayany Rony , Sharon Haggai , Censor Nitzan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAccumulating evidence has suggested functional interactions between prefrontal cortex (PFC) and dissociable large‐scale networks. However, how these networks interact in the human brain to enable complex behaviors is not well‐understood. Here, using a combination of behavioral, brain stimulation and neuroimaging paradigms, we tested the hypothesis that human PFC is required for successful reinforced skill formation. We additionally tested the extent to which PFC‐dependent skill formation is related to intrinsic functional communication with this region. We report that inhibitory noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation over lateral PFC, a hub region with a diverse connectivity profile, causally modulated effective reinforcement‐based motor skill acquisition. Furthermore, PFC‐dependent skill formation was strongly related to the strength of functional connectivity between the PFC and regions in the sensorimotor network. These results point to the involvement of lateral PFC in the neural architecture that underlies the acquisition of complex skills, and suggest that, in relation to skill acquisition, this region may be involved in functional interactions with sensorimotor networks.
How has the global financial crisis affected syndicated loan terms in emerging markets? Evidence from China
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Lodh Suman , Nandy Monomita 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of the recent global financial crisis on the cost of debt capital (syndicated loans) in a leading emerging market, namely China, using the difference‐in‐differences approach. Before the crisis, China adopted banking reforms allowing the entry of foreign banks and more domestic participation in the syndicated loan market. As a result, during the crisis, the volume of syndicated loans grew steadily, in contrast to other countries. In addition, the amount of foreign syndicated loans decreased and average maturity increased compared with the pre‐crisis period. Our findings provide useful information to policy makers for devising effective responses to financial crises.
Comparing Strategies Targeting Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures After an Upper Extremity Fracture (C-STOP Trial): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Majumdar Sumit R , McAlister Finlay A , Johnson Jeffrey A , Rowe Brian H , Bellerose Debbie , Hassan Imran , Lier Douglas A , Li Stephanie , Maksymowych Walter P , Menon Matthew , Russell Anthony S , Wirzba Brian , Beaupre Lauren A 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT

We compared osteoporosis care after upper extremity fragility fracture using a low-intensity Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) versus a high-intensity FLS in a pragmatic patient-level parallel-arm comparative effectiveness trial undertaken at a Canadian academic hospital. A low-intensity FLS (active-control) that identified patients and notified primary care providers was compared to a high-intensity FLS (case manager) where a specially-trained nurse identified patients, investigated bone health, and initiated appropriate treatment. A total of 361 community-dwelling participants 50 years or older with upper extremity fractures who were not on bisphosphonate treatment were included; 350 (97%) participants completed 6-month follow-up undertaken by assessors blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome was difference in bisphosphonate treatment between groups 6 months postfracture; secondary outcomes included differences in bone mineral density (BMD) testing and a predefined composite measure termed “appropriate care” (taking or making an informed decision to decline medication for those with low BMD; not taking bisphosphonate treatment for those with normal BMD). Absolute differences (%), relative risks (RR with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]), number-needed-to-treat (NNT), and direct costs were compared. A total of 181 participants were randomized to active-control and 180 to case-manager using computer-generated randomization; the groups were similar on study entry. At 6 months, 51 (28%) active-control versus 86 (48%) case-manager participants started bisphosphonate treatment (20% absolute difference; RR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.28 to 2.24; p &lt; 0.0001; NNT = 5). Of active-controls, 108 (62%) underwent BMD testing compared to 128 (73%) case-managed patients (11% absolute difference; RR 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.36; p = 0.03). Appropriate care was received by 76 (44%) active-controls and 133 (76%) case-managed participants (32% absolute difference; RR 1.73; 95% CI, 1.43 to 2.09; p &lt; 0.0001). The direct cost per participant was $18 Canadian (CDN) for the active-control intervention compared to $66 CDN for the case-manager intervention. In summary, case-management led to substantially greater improvements in bisphosphonate treatment and appropriate care within 6 months of fracture than the active control. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Retinoic Acid Receptor γ Activity in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulates Endochondral Bone, Angiogenesis, and B Lymphopoiesis
Authors: Green Alanna C , Rudolph-Stringer Victoria , Straszkowski Lenny , Tjin Gavin , Crimeen-Irwin Blessing , Walia Mannu , Martin T John , Sims Natalie A , Purton Louise E 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT

Retinoic acid receptor (RAR) signaling regulates bone structure and hematopoiesis through intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. This study aimed to establish how early in the osteoblast lineage loss of RARγ (Rarg) disrupts the bone marrow microenvironment. Bone structure was analyzed by micro–computed tomography (μCT) in Rarg–/– mice and mice with Rarg conditional deletion in Osterix-Cre–targeted osteoblast progenitors or Prrx1-Cre–targeted mesenchymal stem cells. Rarg–/– tibias exhibited less trabecular and cortical bone and impaired longitudinal and radial growth. The trabecular bone and longitudinal, but not radial, growth defects were recapitulated in Prrx1:RargΔ/Δ mice but not Osx1:RargΔ/Δ mice. Although both male and female Prrx1:RargΔ/Δ mice had low trabecular bone mass, males exhibited increased numbers of trabecular osteoclasts and Prrx1:RargΔ/Δ females had impaired mineral deposition. Both male and female Prrx1:RargΔ/Δ growth plates were narrower than controls and their epiphyses contained hypertrophic chondrocyte islands. Flow cytometry revealed that male Prrx1:RargΔ/Δ bone marrow exhibited elevated pro-B and pre-B lymphocyte numbers, accompanied by increased Cxcl12 expression in bone marrow cells. Prrx1:RargΔ/Δ bone marrow also had elevated megakaryocyte-derived Vegfa expression accompanied by smaller sinusoidal vessels. Thus, RARγ expression by Prrx1-Cre–targeted cells directly regulates endochondral bone formation and indirectly regulates tibial vascularization. Furthermore, RARγ expression by Prrx1-Cre–targeted cells extrinsically regulates osteoclastogenesis and B lymphopoiesis in male mice. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Measuring lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 activity in China: Protocol comparison and recalibration
Authors: Wang Danchen , Guo Xiuzhi , Hou Li'an , Cheng Xinqi , You Tingting , Li Honglei , Xia Liangyu , Yin Yicong , Yu Songlin , Qiu Ling 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundLp‐PLA2 is a novel inflammation marker in cardiovascular disease. While several manufactures have registered Lp‐PLA2 activity reagents, few studies have investigated the consistency among these assays. In this study, we compared and recalibrated Lp‐PLA2 activity assays.MethodsSerum samples from 110 patients and 140 healthy individuals were collected for method comparison and reference interval validation, respectively. Fresh human serum pools (847 and 442 U/L) were used for recalibration. Lp‐PLA2 activity was analyzed using all five assays with a Beckman AU 5800 analyzer. Passing‐Bablok regression equations and Bland‐Altman plots were used to estimate the relationship and bias among the results. A 2.5% confidence interval (CI) and 97.5% CI were used to establish a laboratory reference interval.ResultsAssay imprecision varied from 0.8%‐2.9%, while the overall coincidence rates ranged from 75.5%‐98.2%. Passing‐Bablok regression shows excellent linear correlation between Evermed and Diasys (R2 = 0.999), while that between Diazyme and Evermed was poor (R2 = 0.846). The R2 and correlation coefficient r among assays were 0.846‐0.999 and 0.8947‐0.9993, respectively. The mean bias percentages ranged from −71.5%‐1.6% and −2.0%‐11.6% before and after recalibration. As Diazyme and Diasys were not comparable, the Diazyme assay was not recalibrated. The reference intervals determined for Diasys, Evermed, Hengxiao, and Zybio were 184‐605, 208‐704, 81‐328, and 273‐696 U/L, respectively.ConclusionsOur results indicate that recalibration increased assay agreement and also highlight the need for each laboratory to establish its own reference interval for Lp‐PLA2 activity.
Bright light at night alters the perception of daylength in Indian weaver bird (Ploceus philippinus)
Authors: Kumar Jayant , Malik Shalie , Bhardwaj Sanjay Kumar , Rani Sangeeta 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe brighter nights have posed new challenges to the wild species by affecting their temporal physiology. The present study on Indian weaver bird (Ploceus philippinus) investigated if exposure to bright light at different phases of night affects their clock‐mediated daily functions. Birds were placed individually in specially designed activity cages under short days and long nights (8L:16D; L = 100 lux, D < 0.1 lux) for ∼3 weeks (19 days). Thereafter, they were divided into four groups (n = 6–9), and given ∼2 lux light either for the entire night (ZT 08–24; zeitgeber time 0 = time of light on; pattern A) or for 4 hr (pattern B), placed in 16 hr night such that its onset coincides with the onset of night (early night group, ZT 08–12), its end with the end of night (late night group, ZT 20–24), or the night was interrupted in the middle (midnight group, ZT 14–18). The results showed that bright light in entire night induced early onset of day activity and fragmented rest at night, however, if given at different phases of night, it made the days longer by delaying end (early night group) or advancing onset of daily activity (late night group). It also suppressed the melatonin levels and increased body temperature. These results suggest that bright light at night alters the perception of daylength and affects the underlying physiology. The findings may be useful in adopting a strategy for use of night light without disturbing species fitness in their environment.
Mutational analysis of CCL20 reveals flexibility of N-terminal amino acid composition and length
Authors: Riutta Sarah J , Larsen Olav , Getschman Anthony E , Rosenkilde Mette M , Hwang Sam T , Volkman Brian F 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Chemokine–chemokine receptor (CKR) interactions are traditionally described by a two-step/two-site mechanism that details the major contact points between chemokine ligands and CKRs leading to ligand recognition and receptor activation. Chemokine recognition site 1 (CRS1) encompasses interactions between the CKR N-terminus and the globular chemokine core. Chemokine recognition site 2 (CRS2) includes interactions between the unstructured chemokine N-terminus and the binding pocket of the receptor. The two-step/two-site paradigm has been an adequate framework to study the intricacies of chemokine:CKR interactions, but emerging studies highlight the limitations of this model. Here, we present studies of CRS2 interactions between the chemokine CCL20 and its cognate receptor CCR6 driven by the hypothesis that CCL20 interacts with CCR6 as described by the two-step/two-site model. CCL20 is a chemokine with an unusually short N-terminus of 5 residues (NH2-ASNFD), compared to the average length of 10 residues for chemokine ligands. We have investigated how well CCL20 tolerates manipulation of the N-terminus by monitoring binding affinity of variants and their ability to activate the receptor. We show the CCL20 N-terminus tolerates truncation of up to 3 residues, extension by up to 5 additional residues, and point mutations at 4 of 5 positions with minimal loss of binding affinity and minimal impairment in ability to stimulate calcium mobilization, inositol triphosphate accumulation, chemotaxis, and β-arrestin-2 recruitment. Mutation of the fifth residue, aspartate, to alanine or lysine has a dramatic impact on binding affinity for CCR6 and ligand potency. We postulate CCL20 does not activate CCR6 through the canonical two-step/two-site mechanism of CKR activation.
Systematic structure-function analysis of the CCL20 N-terminus reveals extreme tolerance of N-terminal extension, truncation, or modification to maintain activity at CCR6.
The interplay between neutrophils and microbiota in cancer
Authors: Smith Carolyne K , Trinchieri Giorgio 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe role of the microbiota in many diseases including cancer has gained increasing attention. Paired with this is our expanding appreciation for the heterogeneity of the neutrophil compartment regarding surface marker expression and functionality. In this review, we will discuss the influence of the microbiota on granulopoiesis and consequent activity of neutrophils in cancer. As evidence for this microbiota-neutrophil-cancer axis builds, it exposes new therapeutic targets to improve a cancer patient's outcome.Microbiota influence granulopoiesis, anti-tumor therapies and myeloid cell activation, while early versus late stage tumors effect the switch from anti-tumor (N1) to pro-tumor (N2) neutrophils.
Manipulating the Properties of Poly(1,4‐Cyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate) (PCT) Just by Tuning Steric Configuration of 1.4‐Cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM)
Authors: Wang Jinggang , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhu Jin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe properties of poly(1,4‐cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT) are manipulated only by tuning the steric configuration of 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). The chemical structures and compositions of PCTs are confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR and 13C NMR) before their thermal and mechanical properties are investigated by differential scanning calorimeter, thermogravimetric analyzer, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Results show that the ratio of cis‐ to trans‐CHDM in PCTs has significant influences on their properties. The melting temperature of PCTs is varied from 251 to 313 °C, and the glass transition temperature is increased from 73 to 92 °C when the content of trans‐CHDM in PCTs is increased from 10% to 96%. In addition, the crystallizability of PCT is also increased with the content of trans‐CHDM. However, its thermal stability is decreased seriously when the melting temperature of PCT is higher than 280 °C. It is concluded that when the content of trans‐CHDM is lower than 50% (PCT‐10, PCT‐28, and PCT‐46), the balance of melting temperature, glass transition temperature, and thermal stability for PCT can be achieved. Just by varying the cis/trans ratio of CHDM, rather than the addition of other components, the properties of PCT can be manipulated.