bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A synthetic bacterial information transfer system functions in the mammalian gut
Authors: Kim Suhyun , Kerns S. Jordan , Ziesack Marika , Bry Lynn , Gerber Georg K. , Way Jeffrey C. , Silver Pamela A. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe gut microbiome is intricately involved with establishing and maintaining the health of the host. Engineering of gut microbes aims to add new functions and expand the scope of control over the gut microbiome. To create systems that can perform increasingly complex tasks in the gut with multiple engineered strains it is necessary to program communication among these bacteria in the gut. Towards this goal, we engineered an information transfer system for inter-cellular communication, using native gutEscherichia coliand attenuatedSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium. Specifically, we have taken two genetic circuits-one for signaling from the quorum sensing system and the other for memory from the bacteriophage genetic switch–and integrated them into a robust system that can report on successful communication in the mammalian gut. Our system provides a basis for the construction of a programmable gut consortia as well as a basis for further understanding of bacterial interactions in an otherwise hard-to-study environment.
Fungal Bioaerosols at Five Dairy Farms: A Novel Approach to Describe Workers’ Exposure
Authors: Mbareche Hamza , Veillette Marc , Bilodeau Guillaume J , Duchaine Caroline 
Published: April 2018

AbstractOccupational exposure to harmful bioaerosols in industrial environments is a real treat to the workers. In particular, dairy-farm workers are exposed to high levels of fungal bioaerosols on a daily basis. Associating bioaerosol exposure and health problems is challenging and adequate exposure monitoring is a top priority for aerosol scientists. Using only culture-based tools do not express the overall microbial diversity and underestimate the large spectrum of microbes in bioaerosols and therefore the identification of new airborne etiological agents. The aim of this study was to provide an in-depth characterization of fungal exposure at Eastern Canadian dairy farms using qPCR and next-generation sequencing methods. Concentrations ofPenicillium/Aspergillusranged from 4.6 × 106to 9.4 × 106gene copies/m3and from 1 × 104gene copies/m3to 4.8 × 105gene copies/m3forAspergillus fumigatus. Differences in the diversity profiles of the five dairy farms support the idea that the novel approach identifies a large number of fungal taxa. These variations may be explained by the presence of different and multiple sources of fungal bioaerosols at dairy farms. The presence of a diverse portrait of fungi in air may represent a health risk for workers who are exposed on a daily basis. In some cases, the allergen/infective activity of the fungi may not be known and can increase the risks to workers. The broad spectrum of fungi detected in this study includes many known pathogens and proves that adequate monitoring of bioaerosol exposure is necessary to evaluate and minimize risks.ImportanceWhile bioaerosols are a major concern for public health, accurately assessing human exposure is challenging. Highly contaminated environments, such as agricultural facilities, contain a broad diversity of aerosolized fungi that may impact human health. Effective bioaerosol monitoring is increasingly recognized as a strategic approach for achieving occupational exposure description. Workers exposure to diverse fungal communities is certain, as fungi are ubiquitous in the environments and the presence of potential sources increase their presence in the air. Applying new molecular approaches to describe occupational exposure is a necessary work around the traditional culture approaches and the biases they introduce to such studies. The importance of the newly developed approach can help to prevent worker’s health problems.
Regulation of transcription factor SP1 by β-catenin destruction complex modulates Wnt response
Authors: Mir Rafeeq , Sharma Ankita , Pradhan Saurabh J. , Galande Sanjeev 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe ubiquitous transcription factor Specificity protein 1 (SP1) is heavily modified post-translationally. These modifications are critical for switching its functions and modulation of its transcriptional activity, DNA-binding and stability. However the mechanism governing the stability of SP1 by cellular signaling pathways is not well understood. Here, we provide biochemical and functional evidences that SP1 is an integral part of the Wnt signaling pathway. We identified a phosphodegron motif in SP1 that is specific to mammals. In absence of Wnt signaling, GSK3β kinase mediated phosphorylation and β-TrCP E3 ubiquitin ligase mediated ubiquitination is required to induce SP1 degradation. When Wnt signaling is on, SP1 is stabilized in β-catenin-dependent manner. SP1 directly interacts with β-catenin and Wnt signaling induces the stabilization of SP1 by impeding its interaction with β-TrCP and AXIN1, components of the destruction complex. Wnt signaling suppresses ubiquitination and subsequent proteosomal degradation of SP1. Furthermore, SP1 regulates Wnt-dependent stability of β-catenin and their mutual stabilization is critical for target gene expression, suggesting a feedback mechanism. Upon stabilization SP1 and β-catenin co-occupy the promoters of TCFL2/β-catenin target genes. Collectively, this study uncovers a direct link between SP1 and β-catenin in Wnt signaling pathway.
Interruption of signaling pathways in lung epithelial cell byMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Hadifar Shima , Behrouzi Ava , Fateh Abolfazl , Khatami Shohreh , Jamnani Fatemeh Rahimi , Siadat Seyed Davar , Vaziri Farzam 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAlveolar epithelial cell (AEC) provides a replication niche forMycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). Based on the role of AEC inM.tbpathogenesis and existence of genetic diversity within this bacterium, we investigated interactions between AEC II and two differentM.tblineages. We have compared the transcriptome and cytokines/chemokines levels of A549 infected byM.tblineage 3 and 4 using qRT-PCR and ELISA arrays, respectively. We showed differentM.tbstrains induced changes in different effectors that involved in TLRs and NF-κB signalling pathways. We observed different reaction of the studied lineages specifically in pathogenesis, immune evasion mechanism, IL-12/IFN-γ axis and autophagy. Similar behaviour was detected in regarding to apoptosis, necroptosis, anti-inflammatory responses and canonical inflammasome. Our findings contribute to elucidate more details in pathogenesis, immune evasion strategies, novel target and druggable pathway for therapeutic intervention and host directed therapy in TB infection. Also, differentM.tblineages-dependent host–pathogen interactions suggested using only one standard strain (e.g. H37Rv) for this kind of research will be controversial.
Genome-wide CRISPR-dCas9 screens inE. coliidentify essential genes and phage host factors
Authors: Rousset François , Cui Lun , Siouve Elise , Depardieu Florence , Bikard David 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHigh-throughput genetic screens are powerful methods to identify genes linked to a given phenotype. The catalytic null mutant of the Cas9 RNA-guided nuclease (dCas9) can be conveniently used to silence genes of interest in a method also known as CRISPRi. Here, we report a genome-wide CRISPR-dCas9 screen using a pool of ~ 92,000 sgRNAs which target random positions in the chromosome ofE. coli. We first investigate the utility of this method for the prediction of essential genes and various unusual features in the genome ofE. coli. We then apply the screen to discoverE. coligenes required by phages λ, T4 and 186 to kill their host. In particular, we show that colanic acid capsule is a barrier to all three phages. Finally, cloning the library on a plasmid that can be packaged by λ enables to identify genes required for the formation of functional λ capsids. This study demonstrates the usefulness and convenience of pooled genome-wide CRISPR-dCas9 screens in bacteria in order to identify genes linked to a given phenotype.
TMS orientation and pulse waveform manipulation activates different neural populations: direct evidence from TMS-EEG
Authors: Pisoni Alberto , Vergallito Alessandra , Mattavelli Giulia , Varoli Erica , Fecchio Matteo , Rosanova Mario , Casali Adenauer G. , Romero Lauro Leonor J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMonophasic and biphasic TMS pulses and coil orientations produce different responses in terms of motor output and sensory perception. Those differences have been attributed to the activation of specific neural populations. However, up to date, direct evidence supporting this hypothesis is still missing since studies were mostly based on indirect measures of cortical activation, i.e., motor evoked potentials or phosphenes. Here, we investigated for the first time the impact of different coil orientations and waveforms on a non-primary cortical area, namely the premotor cortex, by measuring TMS evoked EEG potentials (TEPs). We aimed at determining whether TEPs produced by differently oriented biphasic and monophasic TMS pulses diverge and whether these differences are underpinned by the activation of specific neural populations. To do so, we applied TMS over the right premotor cortex with monophasic or biphasic waveforms oriented perpendicularly (in the anterior-posterior direction and vice-versa) or parallel (latero-medial or medio-laterally) to the target gyrus. EEG was concurrently recorded from 60 electrodes. We analyzed TEPs at the level of EEG sensors and cortical sources both in time and time-frequency domain. Biphasic pulses evoked larger early TEP components, which reflect cortical excitability properties of the underlying cortex, in both parallel directions when compared to the perpendicular conditions. Conversely, monophasic pulses, when oriented perpendicularly to the stimulated gyrus, elicited a greater N100, which is a reliable TEP component linked to GABAb-mediated inhibitory processes, than when parallel to the gyrus. Our results provide direct evidence supporting the hypothesis that TMS pulse waveform and TMS coil orientations affect which neural population is engaged.
Cascaded Processing of Amplitude Modulation for Natural Sound Recognition
Authors: Koumura Takuya , Terashima Hiroki , Furukawa Shigeto 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTemporal variation of sound envelope, or amplitude modulation (AM), is essential for auditory perception of natural sounds. Neural representation of stimulus AM is successively transformed while processed by a cascade of brain regions in the auditory system. Here we sought the functional significance of such cascaded transformation of AM representation. We modelled the function of the auditory system with a deep neural network (DNN) optimized for natural sound recognition. Neurophysiological analysis of the DNN revealed that AM representation similar to the auditory system emerged during the optimization. The better-recognizing DNNs exhibited larger similarity to the auditory system. The control experiments suggest that the cascading architecture, the data structure, and the optimization objective may be essential factors for the lower, middle and higher regions, respectively. The results were consistently observed across independent datasets. These results suggest the emergence of AM representation in the auditory system during optimization for natural sound recognition.
Oscillatory cortical forces promote three dimensional cell intercalations that shape the mandibular arch
Authors: Tao Hirotaka , Zhu Min , Lau Kimberly , Whitley Owen K.W. , Samani Mohammad , Xiao Xiao , Chen Xiao Xiao , Hahn Noah A. , Liu Weifan , Valencia Megan , Wu Min , Wang Xian , Fenelon Kelli D. , Pasiliao Clarissa C. , Hu Di , Wu Jinchun , Spring Shoshana , Ferguson James , Karuna Edith P. , Henkelman R. Mark , Dunn Alexander , Huang Huaxiong , Ho Hsin-Yi Henry , Atit Radhika , Goyal Sidhartha , Sun Yu , Hopyan Sevan 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTMultiple vertebrate embryonic structures such as organ primordia are composed of a volume of confluent cells. Although mechanisms that shape tissue sheets are increasingly understood, those which shape a volume of cells remain obscure. Here we show 3D mesenchymal cell intercalations, rather than cell divisions and biophysical tissue properties, are essential to shape the mandibular arch of the mouse embryo. Using a genetically encoded vinculin tension sensor, we show that cortical force oscillations promote these intercalations. Genetic loss and gain of function approaches show thatWnt5afunctions as a spatial cue to coordinate cell polarity with cytoskeletal oscillation. YAP/TAZ and PIEZO1 serve as downstream effectors ofWnt5a-mediated actomyosin bias and cytosolic calcium transients, respectively, to ensure appropriate tissue form during growth. Our data support oriented 3D cell neighbour exchange as a conserved mechanism driving volumetric morphogenesis.
Transcriptome Analysis of FourArabidopsis thalianaMediator Tail Mutants Reveals Overlapping and Unique Functions in Gene Regulation
Authors: Dolan Whitney L. , Chapple Clint 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTThe Mediator complex is a central component of transcriptional regulation in Eukaryotes. The complex is structurally divided into four modules known as the head, middle, tail and kinase modules, and inArabidopsis thaliana, comprises 28-34 subunits. Here, we explore the functions of four Arabidopsis Mediator tail subunits, MED2, MED5a/b, MED16, and MED23, by comparing the impact of mutations in each on the Arabidopsis transcriptome. We find that these subunits affect both unique and overlapping sets of genes, providing insight into the functional and structural relationships between them. The mutants primarily exhibit changes in the expression of genes related to biotic and abiotic stress. We find evidence for a tissue specific role for MED23, as well as in the production of alternative transcripts. Together, our data help disentangle the individual contributions of these MED subunits to global gene expression and suggest new avenues for future research into their functions.
Poems and pancakes for alcohol harm reduction
Authors: Misell Andrew 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
Programmes to promote alcohol awareness and harm reduction in the general population often take an atomised approach, encouraging individual drinkers to understand their unit intake and adjust it accordingly. Although many public health practitioners harbour doubts about the value of this approach, few clear alternatives have emerged. The purpose of this paper is to provide such an alternative.

Design/methodology/approach
Alcohol Concern’s Communities Together project was rooted in the idea that drinking patterns can only be understood in their social context. It was an attempt to take seriously Harold Holder’s injunction to “cease to focus narrowly on the individual and begin to adopt broader community perspectives on alcohol problems”. The project applied Asset-Based Community Development methods, handing a large degree of control over to the participants, drawing on their own talents and enthusiasms, and recognising their autonomy and their authority as experts in their own lives.

Findings
The project outputs have been described as “community development with an alcohol twist”. They included a range of activities and events that created inclusive and non-judgemental spaces for people to think about alcohol and draw their own conclusions. It was also a lesson in humility for those of us who like to consider ourselves as the experts in public health: we had to learn that we did not have all the answers to questions about other people’s lives.

Practical implications
The project indicates that community development may be a valid alternative to more traditional and more didactic approaches to alcohol harm reduction.

Originality/value
The project may provide an innovative and flexible model that could be applied in various communities in order to address alcohol misuse in an engaging and undogmatic fashion that helps people take more control of their own lives.
Policy analysis and implications of establishing the Caribbean Cannabis Economy (CCE): lessons from Jamaica
Authors: Emanuel Machel Anthony , Haughton Andre Yone , K’nife K’adamawe 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of legislative amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act in 2015 and the establishment of a Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) in Jamaica as the first Caribbean country to decriminalize cannabis and attempt to establish a medical cannabis industry. The research also attempts to understand the perception of key industry players and interest groups to the existing regulatory framework in Jamaica.

Design/methodology/approach
The research reviews local and global trends, the developments in cannabis legislation and conducts questionnaires as well as semi-structured interviews to get feedback from key industry stakeholders and interest groups.

Findings
The findings suggest that there is a lack of confidence in the CLA in Jamaica, who are faced with the task of balancing the emerging medical cannabis industry and formalizing the existing illegal cannabis trade. There appears to be inconsistencies and lack of coordination between the associated ministries, departments and agencies. The CLA in Jamaica has established two separate cannabis models that appear to be incoherent in their approach to policy. On the one hand they are regulating cultivation, processing and supply, and on the other hand, the law remains unclear about the purchase or consumption of cannabis and its by-products.

Practical implications
Countries must learn from Jamaica’s experience if they wish to effectively establish a medical cannabis industry and legitimize existing illegal cannabis economic activities. These countries must ensure they tailor fit the approach of their CLAs to minimize any negative perception from industry players. Laws established to facilitate linkages from the cultivation to processing to packaging to transportation to retail must also include clear laws surrounding the purchase and consumption of cannabis. Jamaica has a far way to go and must continue to learn from other countries and states, for example, Holland, Spain and Uruguay, while at the same time learning from itself.

Originality/value
This paper is novel as it addresses the transition of the legislative process in Jamaica. It also serves as lesson for other countries that seek to engage in the development of their cannabis industries.
Iron deficiency and obesity in pre-school children
Authors: Ibrahim Loay , Allehdan Sabika , Alassaf Abeer , Tayyem Reema 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this review was to highlight the association between ID and obesity in toddlers and preschool children.

Design/methodology/approach
This review aimed to review and evaluate literature of the published research discussing the relationship between ID and overweight and obesity in children under the age of 5 years. Conflicting results of iron status in overweight and obese children under the age of 5 years had been found. However, most articles concluded that ID is associated significantly with overweight and obesity in children because of the systemic inflammatory reaction which is considered the major cause of ID; hepcidin with its resultant effect in decreasing duodenal absorption of iron; in addition to other causes including dietary and genetic factors.

Findings
Conflicting results of iron status in overweight and obese children under the age of 5 years had been found, but most articles concluded that ID is associated significantly with overweight and obesity in children, with systemic inflammatory reaction being the major cause through hepcidin with its resultant effect in decreased duodenal absorption of iron, in addition to other causes including dietary and genetic factors.

Originality/value
Many nutrients have been associated with weight gain and ID development. Unbalanced diet either in excess or shortage may affect weight status and serum iron profile. Future research is needed to study more in depth the association between ID and obesity in toddlers and preschool children and to further explore the various factors involved in pathogenesis of ID.
Consumption of plantain suppresses pain and enhances social behavior in mice
Authors: Erigbali Peter Perebiri , Okon Udemeobong Edet , Ofem Ofem Effiong , Osim Eme Efiom 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
Plantain (Musa paradisiaca), a staple food source for many people especially in the tropics, contains the neurotransmitter, serotonin which has analgesic and antidepressant effects. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of chronic consumption of plantain diet on pain perception and social behavior in mice.

Design/methodology/approach
In the first set of experiments, three groups of mice were either fed rodent chow (control) or 50 or 100 per cent plantain diet, while in a second set of experiments, another three groups of mice were fed either rodent chow (control) or 100 per cent plantain or plantain + ritanserin (serotonin antagonist) for 30 days. Response to pain stimuli was studied by hot plate and formalin tests. Also, the ability of the mice to fluff up suitable beds to build nestle from nesting material was used as an index for social behavior. Serotonin concentration in mice brain was measured using high performance liquid chromatography.

Findings
The results showed that plantain diet-fed mice consumed less food but gained more body weight than control mice. Pain perception was significantly reduced in the plantain diet-fed mice compared to the control. Social behavior was enhanced in the plantain diet-fed mice when compared to control (p < 0.05). There was significant increase in serotonin concentration in the brains of 100 per cent diet-fed mice. Administration of serotonin blocker, ritanserin reversed the effects observed in pain and social behavior tests.

Originality/value
Chronic consumption of plantain diet increases serotonin concentration in the brain, suppresses spontaneous perception of pain and improves social behavior in mice. These actions may involve serotonergic pathway.
Systematic review: resilience enablers to combat
counterfeit medicines
Authors: Lima Flávia Renata Pinho de , Da Silva Andrea Lago , Godinho Filho Moacir , Dias Eduardo Mario 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of resilience enablers in
combating counterfeits in the medicine supply chain based on a Systematic
Literature Review (SLR). The objective is also to help practitioners and
scholars as the review revealed that little research has been conducted on
selecting and implementing practices to improve resilience to
counterfeiting.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the literature review, a content analysis was performed for 84
selected papers to explore the potential relationship among resilience
enablers and counterfeit anti-measures.

Findings
This paper contributes to Supply Chain Resilience (SCR) research by
summarizing the highly fragmented literature concerning how to combat
counterfeiting. The SLR indicated reengineering, collaboration, visibility,
innovation, SCR culture and trust as six key enablers to combat counterfeit
medicines and identified literature gaps. Moreover, the paper discusses
other resilience enablers which have been less studied in the literature and
shows new avenues of research.

Research
limitations/implications
This paper is limited in that it is an exploratory literature review and
focuses only on three databases over the past 15 years. Furthermore,
counterfeit is a rapidly evolving issue and anti-measure studies require
frequent surveillance concerning new discoveries.

Originality/value
The main contribution of this paper is to provide a better understanding of
enablers most often associated with counterfeit anti-measures, which,
therefore, might help to increase resilience to counterfeit medicines.
Moreover, research gaps involving enablers less associated with
anti-measures are presented.