bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No association between resistance mutations, empiric antibiotic, and mortality in ceftriaxone-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia
Authors: Heng Shi Thong , Chen Swaine L. , Wong Joshua G. X. , Lye David C. , Ng Tat Ming 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to correlate resistance mutations of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC beta-lactamases and virulence factors (VF) with 30-day mortality in patients treated with either piperacillin-tazobactam or carbapenems. A post-hoc analysis on 123 patients with ceftriaxone-resistantEscherichia coliandKlebsiella pneumoniaebacteremia treated empirically with piperacillin-tazobactam and carbapenems was performed. Beta-lactamase resistance mutations and VF were identified by whole genome sequencing (WGS). The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. WGS showed diverse multilocus sequence types (MLST) in 43 K. pneumoniaestrains, while ST131 predominated inE. colistrains (57/80). CTX-M was most commonly detected (76/80 [95%] ofE. coli; 39/43 [91%] ofK pneumoniae.), followed by OXA (53/80 [66%] ofE. coli; 34/43 [79%] ofK. pneumoniae). A significant correlation was found between the number of genes encoding third-generation cephalosporin-resistant beta-lactamases and 30-day mortality (p = 0.045). The positive association was not significant after controlling for empiric carbapenem, Pitt score 3 andK. pneumoniae(OR 2.43, P = 0.073). None of the VF was associated with 30-day mortality. No association was found between 30-day mortality and any ESBL and AmpC beta-lactamases or VF when piperacillin-tazobactam or carbapenems were given. No significant association between 30-day mortality and active empiric therapy was found.
Presence of esterase and laccase in Bacillus subtilis facilitates biodegradation and detoxification of cypermethrin
Authors: Gangola Saurabh , Sharma Anita , Bhatt Pankaj , Khati Priyanka , Chaudhary Parul 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUbiquitous presence of cypermethrin as a contaminant in surface stream and soil necessitates to develop potential bioremediation methods to degrade and eliminate this pollutant from the environment. A cypermethrin utilizing bacterial strain (MIC, 450  ppm) was isolated from the soil of pesticide contaminated agriculture field and characterized by using polyphasic approach. On molecular basis bacterial isolate showed 98% homology with Bacillus subtilis strain 1D. Under optimized growth conditions, bacteria showed 95% degradation of cypermethrin after 15 days and the end products of cypermethrin biodegradation under aerobic conditions were cyclododecylamine, phenol, 3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl 2,2-dimethyl cyclopropane carboxylate,1-decanol,chloroacetic acid, acetic acid, cyclopentan palmitoleic acid, and decanoic acid. Amplification of esterase (700 bp) and laccase (1200 bp) genes was confirmed by PCR which showed a possible role of these enzymes in biodegradation of cypermethrin. In the presence of cypermethrin Km value(s) of both the enzymes was low than the control. A nobel cypermethrin degradation pathway followed by B. subtilis was proposed on the basis of characterization of biodegraded products of cypermethrin using GC-MS. Cypermethrin biodegradation ability of Bacillus subtilis strain 1D without producing any toxic end product reveals the potential of this organism in cleaning of pesticide contaminated soil and water.
Whole-genome sequencing and comparative analysis of two plant-associated strains of Rhodopseudomonas palustris (PS3 and YSC3)
Authors: Lo Kai-Jiun , Lin Shih-Shun , Lu Chia-Wei , Kuo Chih-Horng , Liu Chi-Te 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRhodopseudomonas palustris strains PS3 and YSC3 are purple non-sulfur phototrophic bacteria isolated from Taiwanese paddy soils. PS3 has beneficial effects on plant growth and enhances the uptake efficiency of applied fertilizer nutrients. In contrast, YSC3 has no significant effect on plant growth. The genomic structures of PS3 and YSC3 are similar; each contains one circular chromosome that is 5,269,926 or 5,371,816 bp in size, with 4,799 or 4,907 protein-coding genes, respectively. In this study, a large class of genes involved in chemotaxis and motility was identified in both strains, and genes associated with plant growth promotion, such as nitrogen fixation-, IAA synthesis- and ACC deamination-associated genes, were also identified. We noticed that the growth rate, the amount of biofilm formation, and the relative expression levels of several chemotaxis-associated genes were significantly higher for PS3 than for YSC3 upon treatment with root exudates. These results indicate that PS3 responds better to the presence of plant hosts, which may contribute to the successful interactions of PS3 with plant hosts. Moreover, these findings indicate that the existence of gene clusters associated with plant growth promotion is required but not sufficient for a bacterium to exhibit phenotypes associated with plant growth promotion.
Effect of Kinetic Degrees of Freedom on Multi-Finger Synergies and Task Performance during Force Production and Release Tasks
Authors: Kim Kitae , Xu Dayuan , Park Jaebum 
Published: August 2018

AbstractComplex structures present in a human body has relatively large degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) as compared to the requirement of a particular task. This phenomenon called motor redundancy initially deemed as a computational problem rather can be understood as having the flexibility to perform the certain task successfully. Hence, the purpose of our study was to examine the positive impact of extra DOFs (redundant DOFs) during force production tasks. For this purpose, an experimental setup was designed to simulate archery-like shooting, and purposeful organization of a redundant set of finger forces determined the stability of important performance variables as well as accurate and precise performance. DOFs were adjusted by changing the number of fingers explicitly involved in the task. The concept of motor synergy and computational framework of uncontrolled manifold (UCM) approach was used to quantify stability indices during finger force production. As a result, accuracy and precision of the task improved with an increase in DOFs. Also, the stability indices of net finger forces and moment increased with active DOFs of fingers. We concluded that the controller actively utilizes extra DOFs to increase the stability of the performance, which is associated with the improved accuracy and precision of the task.
Adipokines and inflammatory markers in elderly subjects with high risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Saukkonen Tuula , Mutt Shivaprakash Jagalur , Jokelainen Jari , Saukkonen Anna-Maria , Raza Ghulam Shere , Karhu Toni , Härkönen Pirjo , Eckel Jürgen , Herzig Karl-Heinz , Rajala Ulla , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka 
Published: August 2018

AbstractInflammation plays a significant role in pathogenesis of diabetes and atherosclerosis. Increased adiposity with an upregulation of cytokines in prediabetes has been associated with vascular inflammation and considered a leading causal factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Information on adipokines and inflammatory markers in prediabetes, defined by hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) 5.7–6.4% in addition to impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), are sparse. We conducted a population–based cross-sectional study (part of a follow-up study) of inhabitants of Oulu, Finland, born in 1935. Inflammatory markers and traditional risk markers of 367 subjects were measured. The glucose status was determined by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and HbA1c. Inflammatory markers and glycemic levels were analysed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Of the participants, 193 were normoglycemic, 82 had prediabetes and 40 T2D. Inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in subjects with prediabetes as compared to normoglycemic subjects: IL-4 (14.9 vs 5.9 pg/ml, p = 0.041), IP-10 (251 vs 209 pg/ml, p = 0.05), TNF-α (10.4 vs 6.9 pg/ml, p = 0.027), RANTES (43.3 vs 33.1 pg/ml, p = 0.009), CD40L (3708 vs 1671 pg/ml, p = 0.010) and VEGF (269 vs 174 pg/ml, p = 0.013). These inflammatory cytokines remained significant even after adjustment for waist circumference. The differences in inflammatory markers in prediabetic and T2D subjects were not statistically significant. Prediabetes was associated with low-grade inflammation with increased inflammatory cytokine levels, while the levels in prediabetic subjects were comparable to those in T2D subjects. The associations were independent of visceral adiposity.
Optimizing tissue-clearing conditions based on analysis of the critical factors affecting tissue-clearing procedures
Authors: Kim June Hoan , Jang Min Jee , Choi Jungyoon , Lee Eunsoo , Song Kyung–Deok , Cho Jaeho , Kim Keun-Tae , Cha Hyuk-Jin , Sun Woong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTissue-clearing techniques have received great attention for volume imaging and for the potential to be applied in optical diagnosis. In principle, tissue clearing is achieved by reducing light scattering through a combination of lipid removal, size change, and matching of the refractive index (RI) between the imaging solution and the tissue. However, the contributions of these major factors in tissue clearing have not been systematically evaluated yet. In this study, we experimentally measured and mathematically calculated the contribution of these factors to the clearing of four organs (brain, liver, kidney, and lung). We found that these factors differentially influence the maximal clearing efficacy of tissues and the diffusivity of materials inside the tissue. We propose that these physical properties of organs can be utilized for the quality control (Q/C) process during tissue clearing, as well as for the monitoring of the pathological changes of tissues.
Multiuse of Bar-HRM for Ophiocordyceps sinensis identification and authentication
Authors: Osathanunkul Maslin , Osathanunkul Khukrit , Wongwanakul Sutthipan , Osathanunkul Rossarin , Madesis Panagiotis 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBar-HRM is a hybrid method which combines DNA barcoding and High Resolution Melting analysis. It has proven to be a fast, cost-effective and reliable molecular approach for species identification and authentication. Here, three aspects of the use of Bar-HRM are focused on. First, Bar-HRM is used to discriminate between closely related Ophiocordyceps species. Second, identification of an unknown powder that is claimed to be Ophiocordyceps species using Bar-HRM. Third, authenticating the O. sinensis products sold on the market by the Bar-HRM. Results from HRM analyses with ITS primers shows that the two Ophiocordyceps species (Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Ophiocordyceps militaris) were easily differentiated. Also, an unknown sample was able to be identified in less time compared with using DNA barcoding alone. In addition, the substitution or adulteration of O. sinensis products sold on market was detected via Bar-HRM. The substitution or adulteration of inferior Ophiocordyceps species, particularly O. militaris in high price O. sinensis products has been a concern throughout Asia. Based on our results, the Bar-HRM was again proved to be a promising tool for species identification and authentication.
Protein stabilization with retained function of monellin using a split GFP system
Authors: Weiffert Tanja , Linse Sara 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSweet proteins are an unexploited resource in the search for non-carbohydrate sweeteners mainly due to their low stability towards heating. Variants of the sweet protein monellin, with increased stability, were derived by anin vivoscreening method based on the thermodynamic linkage between fragment complementation and protein stability. This approach depends on the correlation between mutational effects on the affinity between protein fragments and the stability of the intact protein. By linking the two fragments of monellin to the split GFP (green fluorescent protein) system, reconstitution of GFP was promoted and moderately fluorescent colonies were obtained. Two separate random libraries were produced for the monellin chains and the mutant clones were ranked based on fluorescence intensity. Mutants with increased affinity between the fragments, and subsequently increased stability, caused increased fluorescence intensity of split GFP. Single chain monellin variants of the top-ranked mutants for each chain, S76Y in the A-chain and W3C + R39G in the B-chain and all combinations thereof, were expressed and the increase in stability was verified by temperature denaturation studies using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Functionality studies showed that mutant S76Y has retained sweetness and has potential use within the food industry.
Bovine telomere dynamics and the association between telomere length and productive lifespan
Authors: Seeker Luise A. , Ilska Joanna J. , Psifidi Androniki , Wilbourn Rachael V. , Underwood Sarah L. , Fairlie Jennifer , Holland Rebecca , Froy Hannah , Salvo-Chirnside Eliane , Bagnall Ainsley , Whitelaw Bruce , Coffey Mike P. , Nussey Daniel H. , Banos Georgios 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAverage telomere length (TL) in blood cells has been shown to decline with age in a range of vertebrate species, and there is evidence that TL is a heritable trait associated with late-life health and mortality in humans. In non-human mammals, few studies to date have examined lifelong telomere dynamics and no study has estimated the heritability of TL, despite these being important steps towards assessing the potential of TL as a biomarker of productive lifespan and health in livestock species. Here we measured relative leukocyte TL (RLTL) in 1,328 samples from 308 Holstein Friesian dairy cows and in 284 samples from 38 female calves. We found that RLTL declines after birth but remains relatively stable in adult life. We also calculated the first heritability estimates of RLTL in a livestock species which were 0.38 (SE = 0.03) and 0.32 (SE = 0.08) for the cow and the calf dataset, respectively. RLTL measured at the ages of one and five years were positively correlated with productive lifespan (p < 0.05). We conclude that bovine RLTL is a heritable trait, and its association with productive lifespan may be used in breeding programmes aiming to enhance cow longevity.
The osteoprogenitor-specific loss of ephrinB1 results in an osteoporotic phenotype affecting the balance between bone formation and resorption
Authors: Arthur Agnieszka , Nguyen Thao M. , Paton Sharon , Klisuric Ana , Zannettino Andrew C. W. , Gronthos Stan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe present study investigated the effects of conditional deletion of ephrinB1 in osteoprogenitor cells driven by the Osterix (Osx) promoter, on skeletal integrity in a murine model of ovariectomy-induced (OVX) osteoporosis. Histomorphometric and μCT analyses revealed that loss of ephrinB1 in sham Osx:cre-ephrinB1fl/fl mice caused a reduction in trabecular bone comparable to OVX Osx:Cre mice, which was associated with a significant reduction in bone formation rates and decrease in osteoblast numbers. Interestingly, these observations were not exacerbated in OVX Osx:cre-ephrinB1fl/fl mice. Furthermore, sham Osx:cre-ephrinB1fl/fl mice displayed significantly higher osteoclast numbers and circulating degraded collagen type 1 compared to OVX Osx:Cre mice. Confirmation studies found that cultured monocytes expressing EphB2 formed fewer TRAP+ multinucleated osteoclasts and exhibited lower resorption activity in the presence of soluble ephrinB1-Fc compared to IgG control. This inhibition of osteoclast formation and function induced by ephrinB1-Fc was reversed in the presence of an EphB2 chemical inhibitor. Collectively, these observations suggest that ephrinB1, expressed by osteoprogenitors, influences bone loss during the development of osteoporosis, by regulating both osteoblast and osteoclast formation and function, leading to a loss of skeletal integrity.
Animal infection studies of two recently discovered African bat paramyxoviruses, Achimota 1 and Achimota 2
Authors: Barr Jennifer , Todd Shawn , Crameri Gary , Foord Adam , Marsh Glenn , Frazer Leah , Payne Jean , Harper Jenni , Baker Kate S. , Cunningham Andrew A. , Wood James L. N. , Middleton Deborah , Wang Lin-Fa 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBats are implicated as the natural reservoirs for several highly pathogenic viruses that can infect other animal species, including man. Here, we investigate the potential for two recently discovered bat rubulaviruses, Achimota virus 1 (AchPV1) and Achimota virus 2 (AchPV2), isolated from urine collected under urban bat (Eidolon helvum) roosts in Ghana, West Africa, to infect small laboratory animals. AchPV1 and AchPV2 are classified in the family Paramyxoviridae and cluster with other bat derived zoonotic rubulaviruses (i.e. Sosuga, Menangle and Tioman viruses). To assess the susceptibility of AchPV1 and AchPV2 in animals, infection studies were conducted in ferrets, guinea pigs and mice. Seroconversion, immunohistological evidence of infection, and viral shedding were identified in ferrets and guinea pigs, but not in mice. Infection was associated with respiratory disease in ferrets. Viral genome was detected in a range of tissues from ferrets and guinea pigs, however virus isolation was only achieved from ferret tissues. The results from this study indicate Achimota viruses (AchPVs) are able to cross the species barrier. Consequently, vigilance for infection with and disease caused by these viruses in people and domesticated animals is warranted in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula where the reservoir hosts are present.
Electrophilic nitroalkene-tocopherol derivatives: synthesis, physicochemical characterization and evaluation of anti-inflammatory signaling responses
Authors: Rodriguez-Duarte Jorge , Dapueto Rosina , Galliussi Germán , Turell Lucía , Kamaid Andrés , Khoo Nicholas K. H. , Schopfer Francisco J. , Freeman Bruce A. , Escande Carlos , Batthyány Carlos , Ferrer-Sueta Gerardo , López Gloria V. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractInflammation plays a major role in the onset and development of chronic non-communicable diseases like obesity, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Combined, these diseases represent the most common causes of death worldwide, thus development of novel pharmacological approaches is crucial. Electrophilic nitroalkenes derived from fatty acids are formed endogenously and exert anti-inflammatory actions by the modification of proteins involved in inflammation signaling cascades. We have developed novel nitroalkenes derived from α-tocopherol aiming to increase its salutary actions by adding anti-inflammatory properties to a well-known nutraceutical. We synthesized and characterized an α-tocopherol-nitroalkene (NATOH) and two hydrosoluble analogues derived from Trolox (NATxME and NATx0). We analyzed the kinetics of the Michael addition reaction of these compounds with thiols in micellar systems aiming to understand the effect of hydrophobic partition on the reactivity of nitroalkenes. We studied NATxME in vitro showing it exerts non-conventional anti-inflammatory responses by inducing Nrf2-Keap1-dependent gene expression and inhibiting the secretion of NF-κB dependent pro-inflammatory cytokines. NATxME was also effective in vivo, inhibiting neutrophil recruitment in a zebrafish model of inflammation. This work lays the foundation for the rational design of a new therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of metabolic and inflammation-related diseases.
Diatom bloom-derived biotoxins cause aberrant development and gene expression in the appendicularian chordate Oikopleura dioica
Authors: Torres-Águila Nuria P. , Martí-Solans Josep , Ferrández-Roldán Alfonso , Almazán Alba , Roncalli Vittoria , D’Aniello Salvatore , Romano Giovanna , Palumbo Anna , Albalat Ricard , Cañestro Cristian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractInvestigating environmental hazards than could affect appendicularians is of prime ecological interest because they are among the most abundant components of the mesozooplankton. This work shows that embryo development of the appendicularianOikopleura dioicais compromised by diatom bloom-derived biotoxins, even at concentrations in the same range as those measured after blooms. Developmental gene expression analysis of biotoxin-treated embryos uncovers an aberrant golf ball-like phenotype affecting morphogenesis, midline convergence, and tail elongation. Biotoxins induce a rapid upregulation of defensome genes, and considerable delay and silencing of zygotic transcription of developmental genes. Upon a possible future intensification of blooms associated with ocean warming and acidification, our work puts an alert on the potential impact that an increase of biotoxins may have on marine food webs, and points to defensome genes as molecular biosensors that marine ecologists could use to monitor the genetic stress of natural populations exposed to microalgal blooms.
Beiträge zur Vermeidung von Zwang in der Akutpsychiatrie
Authors: Wullschleger Alexandre , Mielau Juliane , Mahler Lieselotte , Vandamme Angelika , Montag Christiane 
Published: August 2018

ZusammenfassungDie berechtigte Forderung nach Vermeidung von Zwang in der der psychiatrischen Behandlung erfordert ein geglücktes Zusammenspiel von Veränderungen struktureller Voraussetzungen und therapeutischer Prozesse, aber auch individueller Haltungen und Fertigkeiten. Der Artikel beschreibt aktuelle therapeutische Ansätze und Möglichkeiten, die Anwendung von Zwangsmaßnahmen zu reduzieren und eine gewaltfreie, partizipative Behandlung psychisch erkrankter Menschen sicherzustellen. Diese werden vor dem Hintergrund rechtlicher und sozialer Aspekte, struktureller Besonderheiten und Personalausstattung, wie auch des subjektiven Erlebens und des Rechts der Betroffenen auf Behandlung und Schutz im Falle einer die freie Selbstbestimmung einschränkenden Erkrankung diskutiert.
Einhaltung der Menschenrechte in der Psychiatrie
Authors: Osterfeld Margarete , Lababidi Hadil , Langfeldt Marina 
Published: August 2018

ZusammenfassungDer Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Entstehung und die praktische Arbeit der von den Vereinten Nationen initiierten nationalen und internationalen Kontrollmechanismen zur Einhaltung der Menschenrechte in der Psychiatrie in Deutschland und weltweit. Einleitend werden die dafür erforderlichen rechtlichen und psychiatriepolitischen Entwicklungen geschildert, ausgehend von Pinel vor 200 Jahren über die Allgemeinen Erklärung der Menschenrechte von 1948 bis hin zu der Antifolterkonvention der Vereinten Nationen (CAT). Sodann wird die in Deutschland eingerichtete Nationale Stelle zur Verhütung von Folter und Misshandlung vorgestellt, die seit ihrem Bestehen fast vierzig Heimeinrichtungen und psychiatrische Kliniken besucht und der Öffentlichkeit darüber berichtet hat. Im Anschluss daran folgt ein Überblick über Besuche des Unterausschusses der Antifolterkonvention, des SPT, in einzelnen Staaten, an denen die Erstautorin teilgenommen hat. Da die Diktion der meisten nationalen und internationalen Berichte unausgesprochen von westlichem Gedankengut geprägt ist, folgt abschließend ein Exkurs über Demenz im islamischen Kulturraum. Ziel des Artikels ist es, einen Anreiz zur Diskussion bioethischer Fragestellungen unter Berücksichtigung mehrerer Perspektiven zu geben. Die Bedeutung zivilgesellschaftlicher Organisationen für die zukünftige Entwicklung eines interdisziplinären und interkulturellen Austausches wird dabei herausgearbeitet.