bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbiome-Transcriptome Interactions Related to Severity of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Sonawane Abhijeet R. , Tian Liang , Chu Chin-Yi , Qiu Xing , Wang Lu , Holden-Wiltse Jeanne , Grier Alex , Gill Steven R. , Caserta Mary T. , Falsey Ann R. , Topham David J. , Walsh Edward E. , Mariani Thomas J. , Weiss Scott T. , Silverman Edwin K. , Glass Kimberly , Liu Yang-Yu 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections and hospital visits during infancy and childhood. Although risk factors for RSV infection have been identified, the role of microbial species in the respiratory tract is only partially known. We aimed to understand the impact of interactions between the nasal microbiome and host transcriptome on the severity and clinical outcomes of RSV infection. We used 16 S rRNA sequencing to characterize the nasal microbiome of infants with RSV infection. We used RNA sequencing to interrogate the transcriptome of CD4+ T cells obtained from the same set of infants. After dimension reduction through principal component (PC) analysis, we performed an integrative analysis to identify significant co-variation between microbial clade and gene expression PCs. We then employed LIONESS (Linear Interpolation to Obtain Network Estimates for Single Samples) to estimate the clade-gene association patterns for each infant. Our network-based integrative analysis identified several clade-gene associations significantly related to the severity of RSV infection. The microbial taxa with the highest loadings in the implicated clade PCs included Moraxella, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus. Interestingly, many of the genes with the highest loadings in the implicated gene PCs are encoded in mitochondrial DNA, while others are involved in the host immune response. This study on microbiome-transcriptome interactions provides insights into how the host immune system mounts a response against RSV and specific infectious agents in nasal microbiota.
Multifaceted Changes in Synaptic Composition and Astrocytic Involvement in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Simhal Anish K. , Zuo Yi , Perez Marc M. , Madison Daniel V. , Sapiro Guillermo , Micheva Kristina D. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractFragile X Syndrome (FXS), a common inheritable form of intellectual disability, is known to alter neocortical circuits. However, its impact on the diverse synapse types comprising these circuits, or on the involvement of astrocytes, is not well known. We used immunofluorescent array tomography to quantify different synaptic populations and their association with astrocytes in layers 1 through 4 of the adult somatosensory cortex of a FXS mouse model, the FMR1 knockout mouse. The collected multi-channel data contained approximately 1.6 million synapses which were analyzed using a probabilistic synapse detector. Our study reveals complex, synapse-type and layer specific changes in the neocortical circuitry of FMR1 knockout mice. We report an increase of small glutamatergic VGluT1 synapses in layer 4 accompanied by a decrease in large VGluT1 synapses in layers 1 and 4. VGluT2 synapses show a rather consistent decrease in density in layers 1 and 2/3. In all layers, we observe the loss of large inhibitory synapses. Lastly, astrocytic association of excitatory synapses decreases. The ability to dissect the circuit deficits by synapse type and astrocytic involvement will be crucial for understanding how these changes affect circuit function, and ultimately defining targets for therapeutic intervention.
Circulating exosomes may identify biomarkers for cows at risk for metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Almughlliq Fatema B. , Koh Yong Q. , Peiris Hassendrini N. , Vaswani Kanchan , Holland Olivia , Meier Susanne , Roche John R. , Burke Chris R. , Crookenden Mallory A. , Arachchige Buddhika J. , Reed Sarah , Mitchell Murray D. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractDisease susceptibility of dairy cows is greatest during the transition from pregnancy to lactation. Circulating exosomes may provide biomarkers to detect at-risk cows to enhance health and productivity. From 490 cows, animals at high- (n = 20) or low-risk (n = 20) of transition-related diseases were identified using plasma non-esterified fatty acid and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations and liver triacylglyceride concentrations during the two weeks post-calving. We isolated circulating exosomes from plasma of dairy cows at low-risk (LR-EXO) and high-risk (HR-EXO), and analyzed their proteome profiles to determine markers for metabolic dysfunction. We evaluated the effects of these exosomes on eicosanoid pathway expression by bovine endometrial stromal (bCSC) and epithelial (bEEL) cells. HR-EXO had significantly lower yield of circulating exosomes compared with LR-EXO, and unique proteins were identified in HR-EXO and LR-EXO. Exposure to LR-EXO or HR-EXO differentially regulated eicosanoid gene expression and production in bCSC and bEEL cells. In bCSC, LR-EXO exposure increased PGE2 and PGD2 production, whereas HR-EXO exposure increased PTGS2 gene expression. In bEEL, HR-EXO exposure caused a decrease in PGE2, PGF2α, PGD2, PGFM and TXB2 production. The unique presence of serpin A3-7, coiled-coil domain containing 88A and inhibin/activin β A chain in HR-EXO, indicates potential biomarkers for cows at-risk for metabolic diseases. Our results are in line with the health status of the cow indicating a potential diagnostic role for exosomes in enhancing cows’ health and fertility.
Analysis of the circadian transcriptome of the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba
Authors: Biscontin Alberto , Martini Paolo , Costa Rodolfo , Kramer Achim , Meyer Bettina , Kawaguchi So , Teschke Mathias , De Pittà Cristiano 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAntarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is a high latitude pelagic organism which plays a central role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem. E. superba shows daily and seasonal rhythms in physiology and behaviour, which are synchronized with the environmental cycles of its habitat. Recently, the main components of the krill circadian machinery have been identified and characterized. However, the exact mechanisms through which the endogenous timing system operates the control and regulation of the overt rhythms remains only partially understood. Here we investigate the involvement of the circadian clock in the temporal orchestration of gene expression by using a newly developed version of a krill microarray platform. The analysis of transcriptome data from krill exposed to both light-dark cycles (LD 18:6) and constant darkness (DD), has led to the identification of 1,564 putative clock-controlled genes. A remarkably large proportion of such genes, including several clock components (clock, period, cry2, vrille, and slimb), show oscillatory expression patterns in DD, with a periodicity shorter than 24 hours. Energy-storage pathways appear to be regulated by the endogenous clock in accordance with their ecological relevance in daily energy managing and overwintering. Our results provide the first representation of the krill circadian transcriptome under laboratory, free-running conditions.
A rabbit model for assessing symblepharon after alkali burn of the superior conjunctival sac
Authors: Kang Yanwei , Li Shaowei , Liu Chang , Liu Mintian , Shi Shuai , Xu Man , He Jingliang , Zhang Tao 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSymblepharon due to chemical burns affects ocular surface health, and there are currently no satisfactory treatments. To improve our understanding of symblepharon, an appropriate animal model is urgently needed. We established a rabbit model of superior conjunctival sac alkaline burn to evaluate symblepharon severity. Alkali burns were induced in rabbits by contacting the superior conjunctival sac with 2 N NaOH-soaked semicircle filter paper (10 mm diameter) for 60 s, 90 s or 120 s. Clinical and histological features were examined, symblepharon severity was evaluated via conjunctival sac depth (grade I - IV) and volume measurements (grade a-d) post-injury at 4 weeks. With increasing alkali burn duration, corneal perforation and symblepharon severity increased. The 60 s group manifested a sub-conjunctiva scar. The 90 s group featured localized adhesion. The 120 s group was characterized by extensive scar hyperplasia and adhesion. The rabbit model exhibited stable and reliable symblepharon following an alkali burn of the superior conjunctival sac. For further research, 90 s is a suitable duration for conjunctival sac burn. The volume measured using conjunctival sac casting was considered when developing a successful evaluation system for symblepharon severity.
Prolonged exposure to simulated microgravity diminishes dendritic cell immunogenicity
Authors: Tackett Nichole , Bradley Jillian H. , Moore Emily K. , Baker Stefanie H. , Minter Stephanie L. , DiGiacinto Brian , Arnold Jennifer P. , Gregg Randal K. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractImmune dysfunction due to microgravity remains a hurdle in the next step of human space exploration. Dendritic cells (DC) represent a critical component of immunity, given their role in the detection of invaders and the subsequent task of activating T cells to respond and eliminate the threat. Upon encounter with microbes, DC undergo a process of maturation, whereby the cells upregulate the expression of surface proteins and secrete cytokines, both required for the optimal activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In this study, DC were cultured from 2–14 days in a rotary cell culture system, which generates a simulated microgravity (SMG) environment, and then the cells were assessed for maturation status and the capacity to activate T cells. Short-term culture (<72 h) of DC in SMG resulted in an increased expression of surface proteins associated with maturation and interleukin-6 production. Subsequently, the SMG exposed DC were superior to Static control DC at activating both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as measured by interleukin-2 and interferon-γ production, respectively. However, long-term culture (4–14 d) of DC in SMG reduced the expression of maturation markers and the capacity to activate T cells as compared to Static DC controls.
Inhibition of the right dlPFC by theta burst stimulation does not alter sustainable decision-making
Authors: Langenbach Benedikt P. , Baumgartner Thomas , Cazzoli Dario , Müri René M. , Knoch Daria 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIntergenerational sustainability is probably humankind’s most pressing challenge, exacerbated by the fact that the present generation has to incur costs in order to benefit future generations. However, people often fail to restrict their consumption, despite reporting strong pro-environmental attitudes. Recent theorising sees self-control processes as key component of sustainable decision-making and correlational studies support this view, yet causal evidence is lacking. Using TMS, we here disrupted an area known to be involved in self-control processes, the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), to provide causal evidence as to whether diminished self-control leads to less intergenerational sustainability. Participants then engaged in a behavioural economic paradigm to measure sustainable decision-making towards the next generation. This adequately powered study could not find an effect of inhibiting the right dlPFC on intergenerational sustainability. This result holds when controlling for a number of relevant covariates like gender, trait self-control, pro-environmental attitudes, or cortical thickness at the stimulation site. We seek to explain this result methodologically and theoretically, and speculate about other brain areas that could be more strongly related to intergenerational sustainability, e.g. the mentalising network.
Soil nitrogen dynamics during an oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) growing cycle in a humid Mediterranean climate
Authors: Villar N. , Aranguren M. , Castellón A. , Besga G. , Aizpurua A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractNitrogen budgets help explain the supply pattern of N from the soil to the crop. Through budgeting, an improvement of the N fertilization strategy can be achieved. The objective of the present study, which was carried out under humid Mediterranean climate conditions, was to assess the influence of N fertilization, temperature and soil humidity on soil N dynamics during a whole oilseed rape growing cycle. A field experiment was conducted with two treatments: without N (0 N) and with application of 180 kg N ha−1(180 N). Mineralization was calculated from N balances made throughout the growing cycle, all while taking into account measured N uptake by oilseed rape and N losses by leaching and N2O emissions. Nitrogen net mineralization was negative after fertilization, reaching –6.73 kg N ha−1, day−1, but total net mineralization over the year was similar for the 0 N and 180 N treatments (21 and 8 kg N ha−1, respectively). Temperatures over 5 °C were sufficient for initiating the mineralization processes. In the summer, when the soil water content was below the wilting point, immobilization took place; however, there is a risk of N leaching if rainfall occurs thereafter, mainly in the 180 N treatment.
Plasmon-coupled Charge Transfer in FSZA Core-shell Microspheres with High SERS Activity and Pesticide Detection
Authors: Han Donglai , Yao Jiacheng , Quan Yingnan , Gao Ming , Yang Jinghai 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA commercial SERS substrate does not only require strong enhancement, but also can be reused and recycled in actual application. Herein, Fe3O4/SiO2/ZnO/Ag (FSZA) have been synthesised, which consisted of Fe3O4 core with strong magnetic field response and an intermediate SiO2 layer as an electronic barrier to keep the stability of magnetite particles and outer ZnO and Ag as the effective layers for detecting pollutants. The SERS enhancement factor (EF) of the FSZA was ~8.2 × 105. The enhancement mechanism of the FSZA core-shell microspheres were anatomized. The electromagnetic enhancement of surface deposited Ag, charge transfer, and molecular and exciton resonances act together to cause such high enhancement factors. For practical application, the FSZA core-shell microspheres were also used to detect thiram, moreover, which was collected and separated by an external magnetic field, and maintained the SERS activity without significant decline during multiple tests. So the good enhancement performance and magnetic recyclability make the FSZA core-shell microspheres a promising candidates for practical SERS detection applications.
ELTD1 facilitates glioma proliferation, migration and invasion by activating JAK/STAT3/HIF-1α signaling axis
Authors: Li Junjun , Shen Jianying , Wang Zhen , Xu Hao , Wang Qiangping , Chai Songshan , Fu Peng , Huang Tao , Anas Omarkhalil , Zhao Hongyang , Li Jinsong , Xiong Nanxiang 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe upregulation of ELTD1 ([epidermal growth factor (EGF), latrophilin and seven transmembrane domain-containing 1] on chromosome 1) in tumor cells has been reported in several types of cancer and correlates with poor cancer prognosis. However, the role of ELTD1 in glioma progression remains unknown. In this study, we examined ELTD1 expression levels in human glioma cell lines and in sixteen human gliomas of different grades. The molecular effects of ELTD1 in glioma cells were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, Cell proliferation assays, Matrigel migration and invasion assays and brain orthotopic xenografts. We found that high expression levels of ELTD1 were positively associated with cancer progression and poor prognosis in human glioma. Mechanistically, ELTD1 activated the JAK/STAT3/HIF-1α signaling axis and p-STAT3 bound with HIF-1α. Taken together, our data provide a plausible mechanism for ELTD1-modulated glioma progression and suggest that ELTD1 may represent a potential therapeutic target in the prevention and therapy of glioma.
Direct conversion of fibroblasts into urothelial cells that may be recruited to regenerating mucosa of injured urinary bladder
Authors: Inoue Yuta , Kishida Tsunao , Kotani Shin-ichiro , Akiyoshi Mika , Taga Hideto , Seki Makoto , Ukimura Osamu , Mazda Osam 
Published: September 2019

AbstractUrothelial cells play essential roles in protection of urine exudation and bacterial invasion at the urothelial mucosa, so that defect or damage of urothelial cells associated with urinary tract diseases may cause serious problems. If a sufficient number of functional urothelial cells are prepared in culture and transplanted into the damaged urothelial lesions, such technology may provide beneficial effects to patients with diseases of the urinary tract. Here we found that human adult dermal fibroblasts were converted into urothelial cells by transducing genes for four transcription factors, FOXA1, TP63, MYCL and KLF4 (FTLK). The directly converted urothelial cells (dUCs) formed cobblestone-like colonies and expressed urothelium-specific markers. dUCs were successfully expanded and enriched after serial passages using a specific medium that we optimized for the cells. The passaged dUCs showed similar genome-wide gene expression profiles to normal urothelial cells and had a barrier function. The FTLK-transduced fibroblasts were also converted into urothelial cells in vivo and recruited to the regenerating urothelial tissue after they were transplanted into the bladder of mice with interstitial cystitis. Our technology may provide a promising solution for a number of patients with urinary tract disorders.
Relationship between preoperative high intraocular pressure and retinal nerve fibre layer thinning after glaucoma surgery
Authors: Kim Woo-Jin , Kim Kyoung Nam , Sung Jae Yun , Kim Jung Yeul , Kim Chang-sik 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRecent reports show varying results regarding peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness after intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering glaucoma surgery. We hypothesised that different levels of the preoperative IOP influence RNFL thickness. A total of 60 patients (60 eyes) with glaucoma, who underwent glaucoma surgery and had a stable postoperative mean IOP < 22 mmHg, were enrolled. The RNFL thickness was measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, before and at 3–6 months after surgery. The preoperative peak IOP, 37.4 ± 10.8 mmHg, decreased to a postoperative mean IOP of 14.8 ± 3.5 mmHg (p < 0.001). The average RNFL thickness was significantly reduced from 75.6 ± 17.7 μm to 70.2 ± 15.8 μm (p < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, only patients with a preoperative peak IOP ≥ median value (37 mmHg) exhibited significant RNFL thinning (9.7 ± 6.6 μm, p < 0.001) associated with a higher preoperative peak IOP (r = 0.475, p = 0.008). The RNFL thinning was evident for a few months after glaucoma surgery in patients with a higher preoperative peak IOP, although the postoperative IOP was stable.
Concomitant screening of coronary artery disease and lung cancer with a new ultrafast-low-dose Computed Tomography protocol: A pilot randomised trial
Authors: Gaudio Carlo , Tanzilli Alessandra , Mei Mariachiara , Moretti Andrea , Barillà Francesco , Varveri Antonio , Paravati Vincenzo , Tanzilli Gaetano , Ciccaglioni Antonio , Strano Stefano , Pellegrini Massimo , Barillari Paolo , Pelliccia Francesco 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe performed a pilot randomised study to assess the feasibility and radiation exposure of a new computed tomography (CT) protocol that allows screening of both coronary artery disease (CAD) and lung cancer. Current or former heavy smokers at high lung cancer risk with indication to cardiac CT for suspected or known CAD were randomised to undergo concomitant CT evaluation of either cardiac or thoracic area or cardiac CT only. Out of 129 subjects deemed eligible for the study, 110 agreed to participate and were randomised to simultaneous cardiac and lung CT (Gr.A; n = 55) or cardiac CT only (Gr.B; n = 55). The feasibility (i.e. adequate visualization of coronary artery segments) was noninferior with simultaneous cardiac and lung CT compared with the standard cardiac CT (870 of 889 segments [97%] in Gr.A vs 878/890 segments [99%] in Gr.B; mean difference 2.0% [90% confidence interval: −0.3% to 4.1%]). The safety (i.e. effective radiation dose) of the concomitant cardiac and lung CT protocol was noninferior to the standard cardiac CT (1.5 [95% confidence intervals: 1.2–1.7] vs. 1.4 [95% confidence intervals: 1.1–1.6] mSv; mean difference 0.1 mSv [90% confidence interval: −0.2 to 0.3 mSv]). In the two groups, a total of 25 significant (>70%) coronary stenoses were found at cardiac CT (9/55 cases of Gr.A vs 11/55 cases of Gr.B). Pulmonary nodules >2 mm were detected in 7 of the 55 Gr.A subjects. This pilot randomised study shows that concomitant CAD and lung cancer screening by means of a new CT protocol is both feasible and safe, thus allowing a comprehensive evaluation of both cardiac and thoracic regions during one CT scanning only. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03727958).
Enterovirus D68 Subclade B3 Circulation in Senegal, 2016: Detection from Influenza-like Illness and Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance
Authors: Fall Amary , Ndiaye Ndack , Jallow Mamadou Malado , Barry Mamadou Aliou , Touré Cheikh Saad Bou , Kebe Ousmane , Kiori Davy Evrard , Sy Sara , Dia Mohamed , Goudiaby Déborah , Ndiaye Kader , Niang Mbayame Ndiaye , Dia Ndongo 
Published: September 2019

AbstractFollowing the 2014 outbreak, active surveillance of the EV-D68 has been implemented in many countries worldwide. Despite subsequent EV-D68 outbreaks (2014 and 2016) reported in many areas, EV-D68 circulation remains largely unexplored in Africa except in Senegal, where low levels of EV-D68 circulation were first noted during the 2014 outbreak. Here we investigate subsequent epidemiology of EV-D68 in Senegal from June to September 2016 by screening respiratory specimens from ILI and stool from AFP surveillance. EV-D68 was detected in 7.4% (44/596) of patients; 40 with ILI and 4 with AFP. EV-D68 detection was significantly more common in children under 5 years (56.8%, p = 0.016). All EV-D68 strains detected belonged to the newly defined subclade B3. This study provides the first evidence of EV-D68 B3 subclade circulation in Africa from patients with ILI and AFP during a 2016 outbreak in Senegal. Enhanced surveillance of EV-D68 is needed to better understand the epidemiology of EV-D68 in Africa.