bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of nanometre aggregates from a Bai-Hu-Tang decoction and their antipyretic effect
Authors: Lü Shaowa , Su Hong , Sun Shuang , Guo Yuyan , Liu Ting , Ping Yang , Li Yongji 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn China, a decoction is one of the most common clinical dosage forms. Nanometre aggregates (NAs), which often consist of circular or irregular nanoparticles, have been observed in previous research on decoctions. A Bai-Hu-Tang (BHT) decoction is an ancient clinical dosage form in China. The purpose of this work was to isolate and characterize NAs from BHT and to investigate their antipyretic effect. A BHT decoction was prepared by the traditional method. The mechanism and active components of the aggregates in BHT were investigated by high-speed centrifugation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). In addition to the aggregation, therapeutic activities were evaluated through temperature measurements, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, cellular uptake measurements and fluorescence imaging. The majority of the NAs in BHT had diameters of 100 nm, and the spherical structures contained C, O, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Zn et al. Antipyretic bioactive compounds, such as neomangiferin, mangiferin, glycyrrhizic acid and ammonium glycyrrhizinate, existed in the aggregates. In addition, the NAs in BHT had a better antipyretic effect than the other dispersion phases of BHT. In particular, the nanometre aggregates of Bai-Hu-Tang (N-BHT) were easily taken up by cells, and the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) signals of NAs were more enriched in the lungs and brain than in other organs over time. These results revealed that the antipyretic effect was associated with the NAs in BHT. The discovery of NAs might present a new perspective for understanding BHT decoctions and even lead to the development of a new nanomedicine approach in traditional Chinese medicine (TCMs). Therefore, this topic deserves further study.
Lysines and Arginines play non-redundant roles in mediating chemokine-glycosaminoglycan interactions
Authors: Joseph Prem Raj B. , Sawant Kirti V. , Iwahara Junji , Garofalo Roberto P. , Desai Umesh R. , Rajarathnam Krishna 
Published: August 2018

AbstractGlycosaminoglycans (GAGs) bind a large array of proteins and mediate fundamental and diverse roles in human physiology. Ion pair interactions between protein lysines/arginines and GAG sulfates/carboxylates mediate binding. Neutrophil-activating chemokines (NAC) are GAG-binding proteins, and their sequences reveal high selectivity for lysines over arginines indicating they are functionally not equivalent. NAC binding to GAGs impacts gradient formation, receptor functions, and endothelial activation, which together regulate different components of neutrophil migration. We characterized the consequence of mutating lysine to arginine in NAC CXCL8, a well-characterized GAG-binding protein. We chose three lysines — two highly conserved lysines (K20 and K64) and a CXCL8-specific lysine (K67). Interestingly, the double K64R/K20R and K64R/K67R mutants are highly impaired in recruiting neutrophils in a mouse model. Further, both the mutants bind GAG heparin with higher affinity but show similar receptor activity. NMR and MD studies indicate that the structures are essentially identical to the WT, but the mutations alter the network of intramolecular ion pair interactions. These observations collectively indicate that the reduced in vivo recruitment is due to altered GAG interactions, higher GAG binding affinity can be detrimental, and specificity of lysines fine-tunes in vivo GAG interactions and function.
Electrophysiological correlates of the interplay between low-level visual features and emotional content during word reading
Authors: Schindler Sebastian , Schettino Antonio , Pourtois Gilles 
Published: August 2018

AbstractProcessing affectively charged visual stimuli typically results in increased amplitude of specific event-related potential (ERP) components. Low-level features similarly modulate electrophysiological responses, with amplitude changes proportional to variations in stimulus size and contrast. However, it remains unclear whether emotion-related amplifications during visual word processing are necessarily intertwined with changes in specific low-level features or, instead, may act independently. In this pre-registered electrophysiological study, we varied font size and contrast of neutral and negative words while participants were monitoring their semantic content. We examined ERP responses associated with early sensory and attentional processes as well as later stages of stimulus processing. Results showed amplitude modulations by low-level visual features early on following stimulus onset – i.e., P1 and N1 components –, while the LPP was independently modulated by these visual features. Independent effects of size and emotion were observed only at the level of the EPN. Here, larger EPN amplitudes for negative were observed only for small high contrast and large low contrast words. These results suggest that early increase in sensory processing at the EPN level for negative words is not automatic, but bound to specific combinations of low-level features, occurring presumably via attentional control processes.
Novel phages of healthy skin metaviromes from South Africa
Authors: van Zyl Leonardo Joaquim , Abrahams Yoonus , Stander Emily Amor , Kirby-McCollough Bronwyn , Jourdain Roland , Clavaud Cécile , Breton Lionel , Trindade Marla 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRecent skin metagenomic studies have investigated the harbored viral diversity and its possible influence on healthy skin microbial populations, and tried to establish global patterns of skin-phage evolution. However, the detail associated with the phages that potentially play a role in skin health has not been investigated. While skin metagenome and -metavirome studies have indicated that the skin virome is highly site specific and shows marked interpersonal variation, they have not assessed the presence/absence of individual phages. Here, we took a semi-culture independent approach (metaviromic) to better understand the composition of phage communities on skin from South African study participants. Our data set adds over 130 new phage species of the skin to existing databases. We demonstrated that identical phages were present on different individuals and in different body sites, and we conducted a detailed analysis of the structural organization of these phages. We further found that a bacteriophage related to the Staphylococcus capitis phage Stb20 may be a common skin commensal virus potentially regulating its host and its activities on the skin.
Modelling vaporised hydrogen peroxide efficacy against mono-species biofilms
Authors: Watson F. , Keevil C. W. , Wilks S. A. , Chewins J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis pilot study investigates a novel approach towards efficacy testing of antimicrobial cleaning agents; focusing primarily on hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV). Contaminated surfaces are recognised modes of pathogen transmission within healthcare environments and increase the risk of pathogen acquisition in newly admitted patients. Studies have shown these pathogens can survive on surfaces for extended periods of time in spite of cleaning. This resilience is characteristic of biofilm formation and recent publications have identified their presence in hospitals. In this study, biofilm models comprised of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) were generated using a drip flow reactor and exposed to HPV decontamination. The MDROs included Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Upon exposure, samples were periodically removed and enumerated to generate kill curves for each species. Consequently revealing any inherent resistances; such as catalase-producing organisms which expressed reduced susceptibility. Epifluorescence microscopy revealed an abundance of viable and non-viable microcolonies before and after decontamination, respectively. Greater than 6-Log10 reduction was achieved within a 100 minutes exposure time. This pilot study puts forward a potential methodology for testing antimicrobial agents against biofilms and supports the efficacy of HPV.
Novel Hybrid Energy Conversion and Storage Cell with Photovoltaic and Supercapacitor Effects in Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Kalasina Saran , Phattharasupakun Nutthaphon , Maihom Thana , Promarak Vinich , Sudyoadsuk Taweesak , Limtrakul Jumras , Sawangphruk Montree 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA single hybrid energy conversion and storage (HECS) cell of alpha-cobalt hydroxide (α-Co(OH)2) in ionic liquid was fabricated and operated under light illumination. The α-Co(OH)2, which is unstable in an aqueous electrolyte (i.e. KOH), is surprisingly stable in 1-butyl-1-methyl-pyrrolidinium dicyanamide ionic liquid. The as-fabricated HECS cell provides 100% coulombic efficiency and 99.99% capacity retention over 2000 cycles. Under a photo-charging condition, the dicyanamide anion of ionic liquid can react with a generated α-Co(OH)2+ hole at the positive electrode since the HOMO energy level of the anion is close to the valence band of α-Co(OH)2. The excited photoelectron will transfer to the current collector and move to the negative electrode. At the negative electrode, the 1-butyl-1-methyl-pyrrolidinium cations of ionic liquid do electrostatically adsorb on the surface and intercalate into the interlayer of active material stabilizing the whole cell. The HECS cell having both energy conversion (photovoltaic effect) and energy storage (supercapacitor) properties may be an ideal device for future renewable energy.
Multiple mechanisms contributing to ciprofloxacin resistance among Gram negative bacteria causing infections to cancer patients
Authors: Hamed Samira M. , Elkhatib Walid F. , El-Mahallawy Hadir A. , Helmy Mai M. , Ashour Mohamed S. , Aboshanab Khaled M. A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFluoroquinolones have been used for prophylaxis against infections in cancer patients but their impact on the resistance mechanisms still require further investigation. To elucidate mechanisms underlying ciprofloxacin (CIP) resistance in Gram-negative pathogens causing infections to cancer patients, 169 isolates were investigated. Broth microdilution assays showed high-level CIP resistance in 89.3% of the isolates. Target site mutations were analyzed using PCR and DNA sequencing in 15 selected isolates. Of them, all had gyrA mutations (codons 83 and 87) with parC mutations (codons 80 and 84) in 93.3%. All isolates were screened for plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes and 56.8% of them were positive in this respect. Among PMQR genes, aac(6′)-Ib-cr predominated (42.6%) while qnr genes were harbored by 32.5%. This comprised qnrS in 26.6% and qnrB in 6.5%. Clonality of the qnr-positive isolates using ERIC-PCR revealed that most of them were not clonal. CIP MIC reduction by CCCP, an efflux pump inhibitor, was studied and the results revealed that contribution of efflux activity was observed in 18.3% of the isolates. Furthermore, most fluoroquinolone resistance mechanisms were detected among Gram-negative isolates recovered from cancer patients. Target site mutations had the highest impact on CIP resistance as compared to PMQRs and efflux activity.
Flexible memristive devices based on polyimide:mica nanosheet nanocomposites with an embedded PEDOT:PSS layer
Authors: Choi Myoung Kyun , Kim Woo Kyum , Sung Sihyun , Wu Chaoxing , Kim Hyoun Woo , Kim Tae Whan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFlexible memristive devices with a structure of Al/polyimide:mica/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate/indium-tin-oxide/polyethylene glycol naphthalate showed electrical bistability characteristics. The maximum current margin of the devices with mica nanosheets was much larger than that of the devices without mica nanosheets. For these devices, the current vs. time curves showed nonvolatile characteristics with a retention time of more than 1 × 104 s, and the current vs. number-of-cycles curves demonstrated an endurance for high resistance state/low resistance state switchings of 1 × 102 cycles. As to the operation performance, the “reset” voltage was distributed between 2.5 and 3 V, and the “set” voltage was distributed between −0.7 and −0.5 V, indicative of high uniformity. The electrical characteristics of the devices after full bendings with various radii of curvature were similar to those before bending, which was indicative of devices having ultra-flexibility. The carrier transport and the operation mechanisms of the devices were explained based on the current vs. voltage curves and the energy band diagrams.
Urea influences amino acid turnover in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes, cumulus cells and denuded oocytes, and affects in vitro fertilization outcome
Authors: Kowsar Rasoul , Iranshahi Vahid Norozian , Sadeghi Nima , Riasi Ahmad , Miyamoto Akio 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHigh-protein diets often lead to an increase in urea concentration in follicular fluid of dairy cows, which may reduce oocyte competence. In the present study, maturation media were supplemented with urea (0, 20, 40 mg/dl), and amino acids (AAs) turnover was evaluated in the 24-h spent media of specimens (cell types), bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), cumulus cells (CCs), or denuded oocytes (DOs). The main effects of urea and cell type, and their interaction were significant on the individual turnover (expect threonine, glycine, and tyrosine) and total turnover, depletion, and appearance of AAs. The results showed a high level of urea and DOs increased the depletion of all AAs and that of essential and non-AAs, respectively. Sensitivity analysis revealed the highest sensitivity of isoleucine, lysine, and tryptophan to urea, especially in DOs. Principal component analysis (PCA) evaluated the strong correlations between the turnover of: (1) glutamine, aspartic acid or glycine, and developmental competence and fertilization of COCs; (2) serine, isoleucine, valine or glutamic acid, and cleavage rate of DOs; and (3) serine, glutamine, aspartic acid or alanine, and CCs viability. In conclusion, urea significantly changed the turnover of AAs by COCs, CCs and DOs, and reduced the subsequent developmental competence of bovine oocytes.
Analysis of eIF2B bodies and their relationships with stress granules and P-bodies
Authors: Moon Stephanie L. , Parker Roy 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEukaryotic cells respond to stress and changes in the environment in part by repressing translation and forming cytoplasmic assemblies called stress granules and P-bodies, which harbor non-translating mRNAs and proteins. A third, but poorly understood, assembly called the eIF2B body can form and contains the eIF2B complex, an essential guanine exchange factor for the translation initiation factor eIF2. Hypomorphic EIF2B alleles can lead to Vanishing White Matter Disease (VWMD), a leukodystrophy that causes progressive white matter loss. An unexplored question is how eIF2B body formation is controlled and whether VWMD alleles in EIF2B alter the formation of eIF2B bodies, stress granules, or P-bodies. To examine these issues, we assessed eIF2B body, stress granule, and P-body induction in wild-type yeast cells and cells carrying VWMD alleles in the EIF2B2 (GCD7) and EIF2B5 (GCD6) subunits of eIF2B. We demonstrate eIF2B bodies are rapidly and reversibly formed independently of stress granules during acute glucose deprivation. VWMD mutations had diverse effects on stress-induced assemblies with some alleles altering eIF2B bodies, and others leading to increased P-body formation. Moreover, some VWMD-causing mutations in GCD7 caused hyper-sensitivity to chronic GCN2 activation, consistent with VWMD mutations causing hyper-sensitivity to eIF2α phosphorylation and thereby impacting VWMD pathogenesis.
Improving Stem Cell Delivery to the Trabecular Meshwork Using Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Snider E. J. , Kubelick K. P. , Tweed K. , Kim R. K. , Li Y. , Gao K. , Read A. T. , Emelianov S. , Ethier C. R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractGlaucoma is a major cause of blindness and is frequently associated with elevated intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork (TM), the tissue that primarily regulates intraocular pressure, is known to have reduced cellularity in glaucoma. Thus, stem cells, if properly delivered to the TM, may offer a novel therapeutic option for intraocular pressure control in glaucoma patients. For this purpose, targeted delivery of stem cells to the TM is desired. Here, we used magnetic nanoparticles (Prussian blue nanocubes [PBNCs]) to label mesenchymal stem cells and to magnetically steer them to the TM following injection into the eye’s anterior chamber. PBNC-labeled stem cells showed increased delivery to the TM vs. unlabeled cells after only 15-minute exposure to a magnetic field. Further, PBNC-labeled mesenchymal stem cells could be delivered to the entire circumference of the TM, which was not possible without magnetic steering. PBNCs did not affect mesenchymal stem cell viability or multipotency. We conclude that this labeling approach allows for targeted, relatively high-efficiency delivery of stem cells to the TM in clinically translatable time-scales, which are necessary steps towards regenerative medicine therapies for control of ocular hypertension in glaucoma patients.
In vivo imaging of bacterial colonization of the lower respiratory tract in a baboon model of Bordetella pertussis infection and transmission
Authors: Naninck Thibaut , Coutte Loïc , Mayet Céline , Contreras Vanessa , Locht Camille , Le Grand Roger , Chapon Catherine 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRecent whooping cough (pertussis) outbreaks in many countries highlight the crucial need for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of Bordetella pertussis infection of the respiratory tract. The baboon is a recently described preclinical model for the study of B. pertussis infection and may be ideal for the evaluation of new pertussis vaccines. However, many pathophysiological aspects, including bacterial localization and interactions, have yet to be described in this model. Here, we used a baboon model of infection with a fluorescent GFP-expressing B. pertussis strain, derived from European clinical isolate B1917. Juvenile baboons were used to evaluate susceptibility to infection and transmission. Non-invasive in vivo imaging procedures, using probe-based confocal endomicroscopy coupled with bronchoscopy, were developed to track fluorescent bacterial localization and cellular interactions with host cells in the lower respiratory tract of infected animals. All B1917-GFP-challenged animals developed classical pertussis symptoms, including paroxysmal cough, nasopharyngeal colonization, and leukocytosis. In vivo co-localization with antigen presenting cells and progressive bacterial colonization of the lower airways were also assessed by imaging during the first weeks of infection. Our results demonstrate that in vivo imaging can be used to assess bacterial colonization and to point out interactions in a baboon model of pertussis.
Substrate‐integrated waveguide triple‐band filter with improved frequency and bandwidth allocations
Authors: Zhou Kang , Zhou Chunxia , Wu Wen 
Published: August 2018

Substrate‐integrated waveguide triple‐band bandpass filter composed of two dual‐mode (TE101 and TE201) rectangular cavities coupled with two single‐mode (TE101) ones is synthesised and designed based on dual‐mode resonances and split‐type dual‐band symmetrical frequency response. By applying the dual‐mode frequency and coupling controlling techniques, the centre frequencies and fractional bandwidths (FBWs) of the three passbands can be allocated more flexibly. An experimental prototype centred at 11.578, 12.468 and 14.985 GHz with respective FBWs of 2.21, 2.21 and 2.3% is synthesised, designed, fabricated and measured for demonstration, showing good agreement between the measured and simulation results.
Update Augenheilkunde – Amblyopie und Refraktionsfehler
Authors: Joachimsen Lutz , Gross Nikolai , Lagrèze Wolf 
Published: August 2018

ZusammenfassungDer folgende Beitrag stellt zwei aktuelle Themen der Kinderophthalmologie in den Fokus, die vermutlich auch immer wieder in der kinder- und jugendärztlichen Praxis relevant sein werden: die Amblyopie und ihre Früherkennung inklusive Videorefraktometrie und Refraktionsfehler im Schulkindalter mit Fokus auf Myopie, deren Häufigkeit weltweit zunimmt
Peripher exsudative hämorrhagische Chorioretinopathie: Krankheitsverlauf, Diagnosestellung inklusive Weitwinkelbildgebung der assoziierten Erkrankungen altersabhängige Makuladegeneration und polypoidale Choriovaskulopathie, Therapie
Authors: Seibel Ira , Nürnberg Daniela , Löwen Julia , Winterhalter Sibylle , Zeitz Oliver , Joussen Antonia 
Published: August 2018

ZusammenfassungDie PEHCR (peripher exsudative hämorrhagische Chorioretinopathie) ist eine Erkrankung, die sich klinisch besonders durch subretinale Blutungen, retinale Exsudate, retinale Pigmentepithelabhebungen (RPE-Abhebungen), exsudative Ablatio und Sub-RPE-Blutungen manifestiert. Die PEHCR-Läsion ist oft durch ihr polypoidales Muster charakterisiert, welches den Polypen der PCV (polypoidale Choriovaskulopathie) sehr ähnelt. Die Diagnosestellung erfolgt am besten mit einer Weitwinkel-ICGA (ICGA: Indocyaningrünangiografie). Bei ca. der Hälfte der Patienten werden am betroffenen Auge oder am Partnerauge makuläre Veränderungen in Form von Drusen bis hin zur exsudativen AMD (altersabhängigen Makuladegeneration) detektiert. Da es direkt zur PEHCR nur sehr wenig Literatur gibt, werden in dieser Arbeit zudem die im Rahmen der AMD beschriebenen peripheren Veränderungen, die mit Weitwinkelbildgebung untersucht wurden, diskutiert.
Dual Chronic Ossified Epidural Hematomas Presented with Seizures 23 Years after Head Injury in an Adult Male: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Agrawal Vivek , Giri Pramod 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe authors report a rare case of dual chronic ossified epidural hematomas (EDHs) in a 35-year-old man with complaint of seizures after 23 years of head injury. Ossified EDH is a rare entity, and it commonly presents in pediatric age group. Presenting symptoms include headache and very rarely seizures. Asymptomatic cases may produce symptoms after decades; hence, regular follow-up is required. Treatment includes craniotomy or conservative management.
Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
Authors: Pietrini Sean , Fitzgerald Zachary , Kogut Matthew , Shin David 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAcute lower gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage is a potentially life-threatening event, which requires efficient work-up and effective management. Interventional radiology has an indispensable role in treatment of this serious condition. We review the major causes of acute lower GI bleeding in adults, available diagnostic modalities, and endovascular interventions.
Training citizen translators
Authors: Federici Federico M. , Cadwell Patrick 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Translators and interpreters have been shown to play an important role in supporting the activities of NGOs involved in crisis communication scenarios. However, there is little evidence of whether standardized training materials or technological assistance are required by or would be beneficial to quickly recruited ‘citizen translators’ working in these environments. This article will present a study of the design, delivery, and preliminary evaluation of a set of training materials developed for use in a citizen translation project run by New Zealand Red Cross (NZRC) with the support of the EU H2020-funded International Network on Crisis Translation (INTERACT). The article describes the training materials and discusses the epistemological and didactic issues that were faced in their design and delivery. Findings from the article will be of interest to those seeking to understand citizen translation and issues involved in working with an NGO on translator training.