bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heterologous DNA prime-protein boost immunization with RecA and FliD offers cross-clade protection against leptospiral infection
Authors: Raja Veerapandian , Sobana Sankaran , Mercy Charles Solomon Akino , Cotto Bianca , Bora Durlav Prasad , Natarajaseenivasan Kalimuthusamy 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe emergence of >300 serovars ofLeptospiraconfounded the use of generalized bacterin, the whole cell lysate, as vaccines to control leptospirosis. Because of substantial genetic and geographic heterogeneity among circulating serovars, one vaccine strain per serovar cannot be efficacious against all the serovars. We have performed heterologous DNA prime-protein boost vaccination challenge studies in hamsters usingin vivoexpressed, leptospiral recombinase A (RecA) and flagellar hook associated protein (FliD). We prepared the monovalent recombinant protein, plasmid DNA, and DNA prime protein boost adjuvant vaccines. The whole cell bacterin served as a control. Our data show that (i) RecA and FliD have multiple immunogenic B and T-cell epitopes with highly conserved domains among most prevalent pathogenicLeptospiraspp., (ii) humoral and cell mediated immune responses were induced remarkably, (iii) provides significant protection against homologous (Autumnalis strain N2) and cross-clade heterologous (Canicola strain PAI-1) challenge infection for the heterologous prime-protein boost (∼91–100%) and, the DNA vaccine (∼75–83%). Recombinant protein vaccine shows only partial protection (∼58–66%), (iv) RecA prime-protein boost vaccine shows sterilizing immunity, with heterologous protection. This RecA/FliD prime-protein boost strategy holds potential for vaccination against animal leptospirosis and for a better control of zoonotic transmission.
Alternative polyadenylation drives genome-to-phenome information detours in the AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 knockout mice
Authors: Zhang Shuwen , Zhang Yangzi , Zhou Xiang , Fu Xing , Michal Jennifer J. , Ji Guoli , Du Min , Davis Jon F. , Jiang Zhihua 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCurrently available mouse knockout (KO) lines remain largely uncharacterized for genome-to-phenome (G2P) information flows. Here we test our hypothesis that altered myogenesis seen in AMPKα1- and AMPKα2-KO mice is caused by use of alternative polyadenylation sites (APSs). AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 are two α subunits of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which serves as a cellular sensor in regulation of many biological events. A total of 56,483 APSs were derived from gastrocnemius muscles. The differentially expressed APSs (DE-APSs) that were down-regulated tended to be distal. The DE-APSs that were related to reduced and increased muscle mass were down-regulated in AMPKα1-KO mice, but up-regulated in AMPKα2-KO mice, respectively. Five genes: Car3 (carbonic anhydrase 3), Mylk4 (myosin light chain kinase family, member 4), Neb (nebulin), Obscn (obscurin) and Pfkm (phosphofructokinase, muscle) utilized different APSs with potentially antagonistic effects on muscle function. Overall, gene knockout triggers genome plasticity via use of APSs, completing the G2P processes. However, gene-based analysis failed to reach such a resolution. Therefore, we propose that alternative transcripts are minimal functional units in genomes and the traditional central dogma concept should be now examined under a systems biology approach.
Elf3 Contributes to Cartilage Degradation in vivo in a Surgical Model of Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wondimu Elisabeth B. , Culley Kirsty L. , Quinn Justin , Chang Jun , Dragomir Cecilia L. , Plumb Darren A. , Goldring Mary B. , Otero Miguel 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe E-74 like factor 3 (ELF3) is a transcription factor induced by inflammatory factors in various cell types, including chondrocytes. ELF3 levels are elevated in human cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and ELF3 contributes to the IL-1β-induced expression of genes encoding Mmp13, Nos2, and Ptgs2/Cox2 in chondrocytes in vitro. Here, we investigated the contribution of ELF3 to cartilage degradation in vivo, using a mouse model of OA. To this end, we generated mouse strains with cartilage-specific Elf3 knockout (Col2Cre:Elf3f/f) and Comp-driven Tet-off-inducible Elf3 overexpression (TRE-Elf3:Comp-tTA). To evaluate the contribution of ELF3 to OA, we induced OA in 12-week-old Col2Cre:Elf3f/f and 6-month-old TRE-Elf3:Comp-tTA male mice using the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model. The chondrocyte-specific deletion of Elf3 led to decreased levels of IL-1β- and DMM-induced Mmp13 and Nos2 mRNA in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Histological grading showed attenuation of cartilage loss in Elf3 knockout mice compared to wild type (WT) littermates at 8 and 12 weeks following DMM surgery that correlated with reduced collagenase activity. Accordingly, Elf3 overexpression led to increased cartilage degradation post-surgery compared to WT counterparts. Our results provide evidence that ELF3 is a central contributing factor for cartilage degradation in post-traumatic OA in vivo.
The Hippo Signaling Transducer TAZ Regulates Mammary Gland Morphogenesis and Carcinogen-induced Mammary Tumorigenesis
Authors: Denson Kayla E. , Mussell Ashley L. , Shen He , Truskinovsky Alexander , Yang Nuo , Parashurama Natesh , Chen Yanmin , Frangou Costa , Yang Fajun , Zhang Jianmin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHippo signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that controls organ size by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis and stem cell self-renewal. TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with the PDZ-binding motif) is a key downstream effector of the mammalian Hippo pathway. Here, using a transgenic mouse model with mammary-gland-specific expression of constitutively active TAZ, we found that TAZ induction in mammary epithelial cells was associated with an increase in mammary glandular size, which probably resulted from adipocyte hypertrophy. Consistent with its known oncogenic potential, we observed tumor formation in TAZ transgenic mice after administration of the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) and demonstrated that tumorigenesis was reliant on the presence of TAZ. Our findings establish a previously unknown roles of TAZ in regulating both mammary gland morphogenesis as well as carcinogen-induced mammary tumor formation.
Encapsulating Networks of Droplet Interface Bilayers in a Thermoreversible Organogel
Authors: Challita Elio J. , Najem Joseph S. , Monroe Rachel , Leo Donald J. , Freeman Eric C. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe development of membrane-based materials that exhibit the range and robustness of autonomic functions found in biological systems remains elusive. Droplet interface bilayers (DIBs) have been proposed as building blocks for such materials, owing to their simplicity, geometry, and capability for replicating cellular phenomena. Similar to how individual cells operate together to perform complex tasks and functions in tissues, networks of functionalized DIBs have been assembled in modular/scalable networks. Here we present the printing of different configurations of picoliter aqueous droplets in a bath of thermoreversible organogel consisting of hexadecane and SEBS triblock copolymers. The droplets are connected by means of lipid bilayers, creating a network of aqueous subcompartments capable of communicating and hosting various types of chemicals and biomolecules. Upon cooling, the encapsulating organogel solidifies to form self-supported liquid-in-gel, tissue-like materials that are robust and durable. To test the biomolecular networks, we functionalized the network with alamethicin peptides and alpha-hemolysin (αHL) channels. Both channels responded to external voltage inputs, indicating the assembly process does not damage the biomolecules. Moreover, we show that the membrane properties may be regulated through the deformation of the surrounding gel.
Subsurface Endospore-Forming Bacteria Possess Bio-Sealant Properties
Authors: Basha Sreenivasulu , Lingamgunta Lakshman Kumar , Kannali Jayakumar , Gajula Swarna Kumari , Bandikari Ramesh , Dasari Sreenivasulu , Dalavai Veena , Chinthala Paramageetham , Gundala Prasada Babu , Kutagolla Peera , Balaji Vinodh Kumar 
Published: April 2018

AbstractConcrete is a strong and fairly inexpensive building substance, but has several disadvantages like cracking that allows corrosion, thus reducing its lifespan. To mitigate these complications, long-lasting microbial self-healing cement is an alternative that is eco-friendly and also actively repairs cracks. The present paper describes the detailed experimental investigation on compressive strength of cement mortars, mixed with six alkaliphilic bacteria, isolated from subsurface mica mines of high alkalinity. The experiments showed that the addition of alkaliphilic isolates at different cell concentrations (104 and 106 cells/ml) enhanced the compressive strength of cement mortar, because the rapid growth of bacteria at high alkalinity precipitates calcite crystals that lead to filling of pores and densifying the concrete mix. Thus, Bacillus subtilis (SVUNM4) showed the highest compressive strength (28.61%) of cement mortar at 104 cells/ml compared to those of other five alkaliphilic isolates (Brevibacillus sp., SVUNM15-22.1%; P. dendritiformis, SVUNM11-19.9%; B. methylotrophicus, SVUNM9-16%; B. licheniformis, SVUNM14-12.7% and S. maltophilia, SVUNM13-9.6%) and controlled cement mortar as well. This method resulted in the filling of cracks in concrete with calcite (CaCO3), which was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our results showed that the alkaliphilic bacterial isolates used in the study are effective in self-healing and repair of concrete cracks.
Ghost Imaging Based on Deep Learning
Authors: He Yuchen , Wang Gao , Dong Guoxiang , Zhu Shitao , Chen Hui , Zhang Anxue , Xu Zhuo 
Published: April 2018

AbstractEven though ghost imaging (GI), an unconventional imaging method, has received increased attention by researchers during the last decades, imaging speed is still not satisfactory. Once the data-acquisition method and the system parameters are determined, only the processing method has the potential to accelerate image-processing significantly. However, both the basic correlation method and the compressed sensing algorithm, which are often used for ghost imaging, have their own problems. To overcome these challenges, a novel deep learning ghost imaging method is proposed in this paper. We modified the convolutional neural network that is commonly used in deep learning to fit the characteristics of ghost imaging. This modified network can be referred to as ghost imaging convolutional neural network. Our simulations and experiments confirm that, using this new method, a target image can be obtained faster and more accurate at low sampling rate compared with conventional GI method.
Biological Insights Into Muscular Strength: Genetic Findings in the UK Biobank
Authors: Tikkanen Emmi , Gustafsson Stefan , Amar David , Shcherbina Anna , Waggott Daryl , Ashley Euan A. , Ingelsson Erik 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe performed a large genome-wide association study to discover genetic variation associated with muscular strength, and to evaluate shared genetic aetiology with and causal effects of muscular strength on several health indicators. In our discovery analysis of 223,315 individuals, we identified 101 loci associated with grip strength (P <5 × 10−8). Of these, 64 were associated (P < 0.01 and consistent direction) also in the replication dataset (N = 111,610). eQTL analyses highlighted several genes known to play a role in neuro-developmental disorders or brain function, and the results from meta-analysis showed a significant enrichment of gene expression of brain-related transcripts. Further, we observed inverse genetic correlations of grip strength with cardiometabolic traits, and positive correlation with parents’ age of death and education. We also showed that grip strength had shared biological pathways with indicators of frailty, including cognitive performance scores. By use of Mendelian randomization, we provide evidence that higher grip strength is protective of both coronary heart disease (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.60–0.79, P < 0.0001) and atrial fibrillation (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.62–0.90, P = 0.003). In conclusion, our results show shared genetic aetiology between grip strength, and cardiometabolic and cognitive health; and suggest that maintaining muscular strength could prevent future cardiovascular events.
Reversal of memory and neuropsychiatric symptoms and reduced tau pathology by selenium in 3xTg-AD mice
Authors: Van der Jeugd Ann , Parra-Damas Arnaldo , Baeta-Corral Raquel , Soto-Faguás Carlos M. , Ahmed Tariq , LaFerla Frank M. , Giménez-Llort Lydia , D’Hooge Rudi , Saura Carlos A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAccumulation of amyloid-β plaques and tau contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but it is unclear whether targeting tau pathology by antioxidants independently of amyloid-β causes beneficial effects on memory and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Selenium, an essential antioxidant element reduced in the aging brain, prevents development of neuropathology in AD transgenic mice at early disease stages. The therapeutic potential of selenium for ameliorating or reversing neuropsychiatric and cognitive behavioral symptoms at late AD stages is largely unknown. Here, we evaluated the effects of chronic dietary sodium selenate supplementation for 4 months in female 3xTg-AD mice at 12–14 months of age. Chronic sodium selenate treatment efficiently reversed hippocampal-dependent learning and memory impairments, and behavior- and neuropsychiatric-like symptoms in old female 3xTg-AD mice. Selenium significantly decreased the number of aggregated tau-positive neurons and astrogliosis, without globally affecting amyloid plaques, in the hippocampus of 3xTg-AD mice. These results indicate that selenium treatment reverses AD-like memory and neuropsychiatric symptoms by a mechanism involving reduction of aggregated tau and/or reactive astrocytes but not amyloid pathology. These results suggest that sodium selenate could be part of a combined therapeutic approach for the treatment of memory and neuropsychiatric symptoms in advanced AD stages.
Automated sorting of neuronal trees in fluorescent images of neuronal networks using NeuroTreeTracer
Authors: Kayasandik Cihan , Negi Pooran , Laezza Fernanda , Papadakis Manos , Labate Demetrio 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFluorescence confocal microscopy has become increasingly more important in neuroscience due to its applications in image-based screening and profiling of neurons. Multispectral confocal imaging is useful to simultaneously probe for distribution of multiple analytes over networks of neurons. However, current automated image analysis algorithms are not designed to extract single-neuron arbors in images where neurons are not separated, hampering the ability map fluorescence signals at the single cell level. To overcome this limitation, we introduce NeuroTreeTracer – a novel image processing framework aimed at automatically extracting and sorting single-neuron traces in fluorescent images of multicellular neuronal networks. This method applies directional multiscale filters for automated segmentation of neurons and soma detection, and includes a novel tracing routine that sorts neuronal trees in the image by resolving network connectivity even when neurites appear to intersect. By extracting each neuronal tree, NeuroTreetracer enables to automatically quantify the spatial distribution of analytes of interest in the subcellular compartments of individual neurons. This software is released open-source and freely available with the goal to facilitate applications in neuron screening and profiling.
Assessing the benefits of early pandemic influenza vaccine availability: a case study for Ontario, Canada
Authors: Champredon David , Laskowski Marek , Charland Nathalie , Moghadas Seyed M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractNew vaccine production technologies can significantly shorten the timelines for availability of a strain-specific vaccine in the event of an influenza pandemic. We sought to evaluate the potential benefits of early vaccination in reducing the clinical attack rate (CAR), taking into account the timing and speed of vaccination roll-out. Various scenarios corresponding to the transmissibility of a pandemic strain and vaccine prioritization strategies were simulated using an agent-based model of disease spread in Ontario, the largest Canadian province. We found that the relative reduction of the CAR reached 60% (90%CI: 44–100%) in a best-case scenario, in which the pandemic strain was moderately transmissible, vaccination started 4 weeks before the first imported case, the vaccine administration rate was 4 times higher than its average for seasonal influenza, and the vaccine efficacy was up to 90%. But the relative reductions in the CAR decreased significantly when the vaccination campaign was delayed or the administration rate reduced. In urban settings with similar characteristics to our population study, early availability and high rates of vaccine administration has the potential to substantially reduce the number of influenza cases. Low rates of vaccine administration or uptake can potentially offset the benefits of early vaccination.
How experience modulates semantic memory for food: evidence from elderly adults and centenarians
Authors: Vignando Miriam , Aiello Marilena , Foroni Francesco , Marcon Gabriella , Tettamanti Mauro , Rumiati Raffaella I. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn order to make sense of the objects we encounter in everyday life we largely rely on previous knowledge stored in our semantic memory. Semantic memory is considered dependent on lifelong experience and cultural knowledge. So far, a few studies have investigated the role of expertise on the organization of semantic memory, whereas life-long experience has largely been overlooked. In this study, we investigated this issue using food concepts. In particular, we administered different semantic tasks using food (natural and transformed) and non-food (living and non-living things) as stimuli to participants belonging to three different age cohorts (56–74, 75–91, 100–108), who were also asked to report on the dietary habits held throughout their life. In addition, we investigated to what extent psycholinguistic variables influence the semantic performance of different age cohorts. Results showed that Centenarians recognized natural food better than transformed food, while the other two groups showed the opposite pattern. According to our analyses, experience is responsible for this effect in Centenarians, as their dietary habits seem to suggest. Moreover, significant correlations between picture naming and age of acquisition, familiarity and frequency were observed. This study indicates that lifelong experience can shape conceptual knowledge of food concepts, and that semantic memory is less resilient to aging than initially thought.
Environmental Pollution and Related Hazards at Agbara Industrial Area, Ogun State
Authors: Z. O. Ojekunle , O. O. E. Jinadu , T. A. Afolabi , A. M. Taiwo 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study aimed at assessing the environmental pollution and related hazards of industries at Agbara, Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of five sampling points were identified and selected at random. Environmental samples were collected on a weekly basis for duration of 10 weeks. Air pollutants measured were CO2, CO, NO, NOx, VOCs, H2S, SO2, NH3, PM2.5 andPM10 using standard procedure. Dust and plant samples were also collected and analyzed for heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn) using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Data was evaluated for descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS for Windows version 22.0. Air pollution data were also subjected to SPE-risk model. The results of highest measured air parameters were: CO (5.50 ± 2.32 ppm), CO2 (3.00 ± 2.05%), NOx (0.90 ± 0.32 ppm), NO (0.60 ± 0.52 ppm), PM10 (0.40 ± 0.52 mg/m3) and PM2.5 (0.20 ± 0.42 mg/m3). The results of heavy metal concentrations in dust samples were: 57.40 ± 13.28 mg/kg for Cu, 45.36 ± 12.37 mg/kg for Cr, 22.80 ± 17.36 mg/kg for Zn, 13.76 ± 3.08 mg/kg for Pb and 0.32 ± 0.36 mg/kg for Cd. Metal concentrations in plants were: Cu (70.07 ± 16.24 mg/kg), Zn (67.69 ± 14.50 mg/kg), Cr (22.46 ± 9.35 mg/kg), Pb (13.76 ± 3.08 mg/kg) and Cd (2.25 ± 3.04 mg/kg). This study revealed the concentrations of CO2, NOx and NO higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible standards while Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd and Zn values in dust samples were also found above the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the WHO standards. Results of SPE-RISK model indicated that CO2, CO, Pb, Cu and Zn posed the greatest health risks, while the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indentified pollutant sources from industrial and vehicle exhaust.
Adaptive response of neonatal sepsis-derived Group B Streptococcus to bilirubin
Authors: Hansen Richard , Gibson Sophie , De paiva Alves Eduardo , Goddard Mark , MacLaren Andrew , Karcher Anne Marie , Berry Susan , Collie-Duguid Elaina S. R. , El-Omar Emad , Munro Mike , Hold Georgina L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHyperbilirubinemia is so common in newborns as to be termed physiological. The most common bacteria involved in early-onset neonatal sepsis areStreptococcus agalactiae, commonly called Group BStreptococcus(GBS). Whilst previous studies show bilirubin has antioxidant properties and is beneficial in endotoxic shock, little thought has been given to whether bilirubin might have antibacterial properties. In this study, we performed a transcriptomic and proteomic assessment of GBS cultured in the presence/absence of bilirubin. Our analysis revealed that increasing levels of bilirubin (>100 µmol/L) negatively correlated with GBS growth (18% reduction from 0–400 µmol/L on plate model, p < 0.001; 33% reduction from 0–100 µmol/L in liquid model, p = 0.02). Transcriptome analysis demonstrated 19 differentially expressed genes, almost exclusively up-regulated in the presence of bilirubin. Proteomic analysis identified 12 differentially expressed proteins, half over-expressed in the presence of bilirubin. Functional analysis using Gene Ontology and KEGG pathways18revealed a differential expression of genes involved in transport and carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting bilirubin may impact on substrate utilisation. The data improve our understanding of the mechanisms modulating GBS survival in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and suggest physiological jaundice may have an evolutionary role in protection against early-onset neonatal sepsis.