bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequence of an ON1 Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Strain Isolated in Lebanon in 2015
Authors: Ezzeddine Amani , Soudani Nadia , Lee Chun Kiat , Dbaibo Ghassan , Elbahesh Husni , Zaraket Hassan 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT
We report here the complete genome sequence of a human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) strain obtained from an infant who presented to the emergency room with an acute respiratory illness during the 2014/2015 HRSV season in Lebanon. Analysis revealed that this virus belongs to the ON1 genotype that has recently emerged worldwide.
Draft Genome Sequence of Komagataeibacter maltaceti LMG 1529
T
, a Vinegar-Producing Acetic Acid Bacterium Isolated from Malt Vinegar Brewery Acetifiers
Authors: Zhang Qingyang , Poehlein Anja , Hollensteiner Jacqueline , Daniel Rolf 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

We present the genome sequence of
Komagataeibacter maltaceti
LMG 1529
T
, which is a vinegar-producing acetic acid bacterium. The draft genome sequence consists of 3.6 Mb and contains 3,225 predicted protein-encoding genes. In addition, 53 genes encoding potential oxidoreductases were identified.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Heavy-Metal-Tolerant Endophytic Type Strain of
Salinicola tamaricis
Authors: Shang Nianjie , Zhu Qiaoqiao , Dai Meixue , Zhao Guoyan 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

The first complete genome sequence of a recently described
Salinicola tamaricis
species was determined for the strain F01
T
(=CCTCC AB 2015304
T
=KCTC 42855
T
). The strain was isolated from the leaves of wetland plant
Tamarix chinensis
Lour and shows a high tolerance to heavy metals, such as manganese, nickel, lead, and copper ions.
Interlaboratory Comparison of Six Real-Time PCR Assays for Detection of Bovine Leukemia Virus Proviral DNA
Authors: Jaworski J. P. , Pluta A. , Rola-Łuszczak M. , McGowan S. L. , Finnegan C. , Heenemann K. , Carignano H. A. , Alvarez I. , Murakami K. , Willems L. , Vahlenkamp T. W. , Trono K. G. , Choudhury B. , Kuźmak J. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT
Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is increasingly being used for the detection of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) proviral DNA. Nevertheless, quality control for the validation and standardization of such tests is currently lacking. Therefore, the present study was initiated by three Office International des Epizooties (OIE) reference laboratories and three collaborating laboratories to measure the interlaboratory variability of six already developed and available BLV qPCR assays. For that purpose, an international panel of 58 DNA samples reflecting the dynamic range of the majority of the assays was distributed to six testing centers. Based on qualitative results, the overall agreement among all six laboratories was moderate. However, significant variability in the measurement of the BLV proviral DNA copy number was observed among different laboratories. Quantitative PCR assays, even when performed by experienced staff, can yield large variability in BLV proviral DNA copy numbers without harmonization. Further standardization of different factors (i.e., utilization of unified protocols and unique calibrators) should increase interlaboratory agreement.
Effects of Adjuvants on HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein SOSIP Trimers
In Vitro
Authors: Ozorowski Gabriel , Cupo Albert , Golabek Michael , LoPiccolo Michelle , Ketas Thomas A. , Cavallary Matt , Cottrell Christopher A. , Klasse P. J. , Ward Andrew B. , Moore John P. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Native-like, soluble, recombinant SOSIP trimers of various designs and based on several
env
genes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are being tested as immunogens in different animal models. These experiments almost always involve coformulating the trimers with an adjuvant to boost the magnitude of the immune responses. One factor relevant to the choice of an adjuvant is that it should not physically damage the immunogen or impede its ability to present relevant epitopes. As examples, an adjuvant formulation that includes harsh detergents could disrupt the structural integrity of a trimer, and any charged compounds in the formulation could bind to countercharged regions of the trimer and physically occlude nearby epitopes. While a few adjuvants have been tested for their potential effects on SOSIP trimers
in vitro
, there has been no systematic study. Here, we have assessed how nine different adjuvants of various compositions affect SOSIP trimers of the BG505 and B41 genotypes. We used negative-stain electron microscopy, thermal denaturation, and gel electrophoresis to evaluate effects on trimer integrity and immunoassays to measure effects on the presentation of various epitopes. We conclude that most of the tested adjuvants are benign from these perspectives, but some raise grounds for concern. An acidified alum formulation is highly disruptive to trimer integrity, and a DNA-based polyanionic CpG oligodeoxynucleotide adjuvant binds to trimers and occludes the trimer apex epitope for the PGT145 neutralizing antibody. The methods described here should be generalizable to protein subunit vaccines targeting various pathogens.

IMPORTANCE
Adjuvant formulations increase the magnitude of immune responses to vaccine antigens. They are critically important for formulation of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) vaccines intended to induce antibody production, as Env proteins are otherwise only very weakly immunogenic. The HIV-1 vaccine field now uses the well-defined structures of trimeric Env glycoproteins, like SOSIPs, to present multiple known epitopes for broad and potent neutralizing human antibodies in a native-like conformation. Successful adjuvant formulations must not disrupt how the trimers are folded, as that could adversely affect their performance as immunogens. We studied whether the various adjuvants most commonly used in animal experiments affect the integrity of two different SOSIP trimers
in vitro
. Most adjuvant classes are not problematic, but an aluminum sulfate formulation is highly damaging, as it exposes trimers to acidic pH and a nucleic acid-based adjuvant can bind to the trimer and block access to a key neutralizing epitope.
Systematic Review of Acupuncture Placebo Devices with a Focus on the Credibility of Blinding of Healthy Participants And/Or Acupuncturists
Authors: Zhang George Shengxi , Zhang Claire Shuiqing , Tan Hsiewe Ying , Wang Yanyi , DaCosta Cliff , Zhang Anthony Lin , Xue Charlie Changli , Xie Yi Min 
Published: April 2018

Background An ideal placebo design in clinical research should resemble the intervention under investigation to facilitate blinding, yet remain clinically inert. With regard to physical interventions such as acupuncture, a true placebo device has not been developed and validated. Since 1998, researchers have designed several placebo acupuncture devices (PADs). The three most widely used PADs are the Streitberger, the Park and the Takakura device. Aim This review focuses on evaluating studies of these devices, in the context of credibility of blinding (COB), assessment of penetrating pain or sensation, and de qi sensation. Methods Electronic database searches were conducted in four English and two Chinese databases from their inception until November 2016. All studies included in the review were conducted on healthy participants and compared verum manual acupuncture with any of the aforementioned PADs with respect to one or more of the above three outcomes related to blinding effect. Results The synthesised analyses of the 15 included studies showed that the Streitberger and Park placebo devices may not blind participants successfully when tested at a sensitive acupuncture point (LI4). In terms of penetrating sensation, there were significant differences between these two placebo devices and verum acupuncture when applied at this point. The Takakura device was the only PAD that had the potential to blind the acupuncturist. However, the blinding analyses of all outcome measures were inconsistent. Conclusion Overall, there were insufficient data to confirm the blinding effects of these skin-contact PADs as each device was associated with limitations that warrant further design improvements.
Economic evaluation of the Good School Toolkit: an intervention for reducing violence in primary schools in Uganda
Authors: Greco Giulia , Knight Louise , Ssekadde Willington , Namy Sophie , Naker Dipak , Devries Karen 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionThis paper presents the cost and cost-effectiveness of the Good School Toolkit (GST), a programme aimed at reducing physical violence perpetrated by school staff to students in Uganda.MethodsThe effectiveness of the Toolkit was tested with a cluster randomised controlled trial in 42 primary schools in Luwero District, Uganda. A full economic costing evaluation and cost-effectiveness analysis were conducted alongside the trial. Both financial and economic costs were collected retrospectively from the provider’s perspective to estimate total and unit costs.ResultsThe total cost of setting up and running the Toolkit over the 18-month trial period is estimated at US$397 233, excluding process monitor (M&E) activities. The cost to run the intervention is US$7429 per school annually, or US$15 per primary school pupil annually, in the trial intervention schools. It is estimated that the intervention has averted 1620 cases of past-week physical violence during the 18-month implementation period. The total cost per case of violence averted is US$244, and the annual implementation cost is US$96 per case averted during the trial.ConclusionsThe GST is a cost-effective intervention for reducing violence against pupils in primary schools in Uganda. It compares favourably against other violence reduction interventions in the region.
Multidisciplinary approach to improve the quality of below-knee plaster casting
Authors: Williams John Teudar , Kedrzycki Marta , Shenava Yathish 
Published: April 2018

ProblemIn our trauma unit, we noted a high rate of incorrectly applied below-knee casts for ankle fractures, in some cases requiring reapplication. This caused significant discomfort and inconvenience for patients and additional burden on plaster-room services. Our aim was to improve the quality of plaster casts and reduce the proportion that needed to be reapplied.MethodsOur criteria for plaster cast quality were based on the British Orthopaedic Association Casting Standards (2015) and included neutral (plantargrade) ankle position, adequacy of fracture reduction and rate of cast reapplication. Baseline data collection was performed over a 2-month period by two independent reviewers.InterventionsAfter distributing findings and presenting to relevant departments, practical casting sessions with orthopaedic technicians were arranged for the multidisciplinary team responsible for casting. This was later supplemented by new casting guidelines in clinical areas and available online. Postintervention data collection was performed over two separate cycles to assess the effect and permanence of intervention.ResultsData from the preintervention period (n=29) showed median ankle position was 32° plantarflexion (PF), with nine (31%) inadequate reductions and six (20%) backslabs reapplied. Following Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) 1, ankle position was significantly improved (median 25° PF), there were fewer inadequate reductions (12%; 2/17) and a lower rate of reapplication (0%; 0/17). After PDSA 2 (n=16), median ankle position was 21° PF, there was one (6%) inadequate reduction and two (12%) reapplications of casts.ConclusionsFollowing implementation of plaster training sessions for accident and emergency and junior orthopaedic staff, in addition to publishing guidance and new protocol, there has been a sustained improvement in the quality of below-knee backslabs and fewer cast reapplications. These findings justify continuation and expansion of the current programme to include other commonly applied plaster casts.
Cancer mortality in an international cohort of reinforced plastics workers exposed to styrene: a reanalysis
Authors: Loomis Dana , Guha Neela , Kogevinas Manolis , Fontana Vincenzo , Gennaro Valerio , Kolstad Henrik A , McElvenny Damien Martin , Sallmén Markku , Saracci Rodolfo 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the carcinogenicity of styrene by reanalysing data from a previous international cohort study of workers in the reinforced plastics industry.MethodsMortality from cancers of prior interest was analysed with more detailed consideration of exposure–response relations and an updated classification of leukaemias and lymphomas in data from a previous international cohort study of 37 021 reinforced plastics workers exposed to airborne styrene.ResultsIncreased mortality from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) was associated with the mean level of exposure to styrene in air (relative risk (RR) 2.31, 95% CI 1.29 to 4.12 per 100 ppm), but not with cumulative styrene exposure. Similar associations with mean exposure were observed for the oesophagus (RR 2.44, 95% CI 1.11 to 5.36 per 100 ppm) and pancreas (RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.09). Oesophageal cancer mortality was also associated with cumulative styrene exposure lagged 20 years (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.31). No other cancer, including lung cancer, was associated with any indicator of styrene exposure.ConclusionThis reanalysis does not substantially change the conclusions of the original study with respect to NHL or lung cancer but new evidence concerning cancers of the oesophagus and pancreas merits further investigation.
The cross education of strength and skill following unilateral strength training in the upper and lower limbs
Authors: Green Lara A. , Gabriel David A. 
Published: April 2018

Cross education is the strength gain or skill improvement transferred to the contralateral limb following unilateral training or practice. The present study examined the transfer of both strength and skill following a strength training program. Forty participants (20M, 20F) completed a 6-wk unilateral training program of dominant wrist flexion or dorsiflexion. Strength, force variability, and muscle activity were assessed pretraining, posttraining, and following 6 wk of detraining (retention). Analyses of covariance compared the experimental limb (trained or untrained) to the control (dominant or nondominant). There were no sex differences in the training response. Cross education of strength at posttraining was 6% ( P < 0.01) in the untrained arm and 13% ( P < 0.01) in the untrained leg. Contralateral strength continued to increase following detraining to 15% in the arm ( P < 0.01) and 14% in the leg ( P < 0.01). There was no difference in strength gains between upper and lower limbs ( P > 0.05). Cross education of skill (force variability) demonstrated greater improvements in the untrained limbs compared with the control limbs during contractions performed without concurrent feedback. Significant increases in V-wave amplitude ( P = 0.02) and central activation ( P < 0.01) were highly correlated with contralateral strength gains. There was no change in agonist amplitude or motor unit firing rates in the untrained limbs ( P > 0.05). The neuromuscular mechanisms mirrored the force increases at posttraining and retention supporting central drive adaptations of cross education. The continued strength increases at retention identified the presence of motor learning in cross education, as confirmed by force variability. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: We examined cross education of strength and skill following 6 wk of unilateral training and 6 wk of detraining. A novel finding was the continued increase in contralateral strength following both training and detraining. Neuromuscular adaptations were highly correlated with strength gains in the trained and contralateral limbs. Motor learning was evident in the trained and contralateral limbs during contractions performed without concurrent feedback.
Local tuning biases in mouse primary visual cortex
Authors: Jimenez Luis O. , Tring Elaine , Trachtenberg Joshua T. , Ringach Dario L. 
Published: April 2018

Neurons in primary visual cortex are selective to the orientation and spatial frequency of sinusoidal gratings. In the classic model of cortical organization, a population of neurons responding to the same region of the visual field but tuned to all possible feature combinations provides a detailed representation of the local image. Such a functional module is assumed to be replicated across primary visual cortex to provide a uniform representation of the image across the entire visual field. In contrast, it has been hypothesized that the tiling properties of ON- and OFF-center receptive fields in the retina, largely mirrored in the geniculate, may constrain cortical tuning at each location in the visual field. This model predicts the existence of local biases in tuning that vary across the visual field and would prevent the cortex from developing a uniform, modular representation as postulated by the classic model. Here, we confirm the existence of local tuning biases in the primary visual cortex of the mouse, lending support to the notion that cortical tuning may be constrained by signals from the periphery. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Populations of cortical neurons responding to the same part of the visual field are shown to have similar tuning. Such local biases are consistent with the hypothesis that cortical tuning, in mouse primary visual cortex, is constrained by signals from the periphery.
Stepping responses to treadmill perturbations vary with severity of motor deficits in human SCI
Authors: Chu Virginia W. T. , Hornby T. George , Schmit Brian D. 
Published: April 2018

In this study, we investigated the responses to tread perturbations during human stepping on a treadmill. Our approach was to test the effects of perturbations to a single leg using a split-belt treadmill in healthy participants and in participants with varying severity of spinal cord injury (SCI). We recruited 11 people with incomplete SCI and 5 noninjured participants. As participants walked on an instrumented treadmill, the belt on one side was stopped or accelerated briefly during midstance to late stance. A majority of participants initiated an unnecessary swing when the treadmill was stopped in midstance, although the likelihood of initiating a step was decreased in participants with more severe SCI. Accelerating or decelerating one belt of the treadmill during stance altered the characteristics of swing. We observed delayed swing initiation when the belt was decelerated (i.e., the hip was in a more flexed position at time of swing) and advanced swing initiation with acceleration (i.e., hip extended at swing initiation). Furthermore, the timing and leg posture of heel strike appeared to remain constant, reflected by a sagittal plane hip angle at heel strike that remained the same regardless of the perturbation. In summary, our results supported the current understanding of the role of sensory feedback and central drive in the control of stepping in participants with incomplete SCI and noninjured participants. In particular, the observation of unnecessary swing during a stop perturbation highlights the interdependence of central and sensory drive in walking control. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a novel approach with a split-belt treadmill, we tested the effects of hip angle perturbations to a single leg in healthy participants and participants with varying severity of spinal cord injury (SCI). A majority of participants initiated an unnecessary swing when the treadmill was stopped in midstance, although the likelihood of initiating a step decreased with the severity of SCI. Our results demonstrated interdependence of central and sensory drive in walking control.
Silencing of Long Noncoding RNA MIR22HG Triggers Cell Survival/Death Signaling via Oncogenes YBX1, MET, and p21 in Lung Cancer
Authors: Su Wenmei , Feng Shumei , Chen Xiuyuan , Yang Xia , Mao Rui , Guo Chunfang , Wang Zhuwen , Thomas Dafydd G. , Lin Jules , Reddy Rishindra M. , Orringer Mark B. , Chang Andrew C. , Yang Zhixiong , Beer David G. , Chen Guoan 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MIR22HG has previously been identified as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of lncRNA expression profiles from RNA-Seq data and report that MIR22HG plays a similar role in lung cancer. Analysis of 918 lung cancer and normal lung tissues and lung cancer cell lines revealed that MIR22HG was significantly downregulated in lung cancer; this decreased expression was associated with poor patient survival. MIR22HG bound and stabilized the YBX1 protein. Silencing of MIR22HG triggered both cell survival and cell death signaling through dysregulation of the oncogenes YBX1, MET, and p21. In this MIR22HG network, p21 played an oncogenic role by promoting cell proliferation and antiapoptosis in lung cancers. MIR22HG played a tumor-suppressive role as indicated by inhibition of multiple cell cycle–related genes in human primary lung tumors. These data show that MIR22HG has potential as a new diagnostic and prognostic marker and as a therapeutic target for lung cancer.
Significance: The lncRNA MIR22HG functions as a tumor suppressor, with potential use a diagnostic/prognostic marker and therapeutic target in lung cancer. Cancer Res; 78(12); 3207–19. ©2018 AACR.
Recurrent Patterns of Protein Expression Signatures in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Recognition and Therapeutic Guidance
Authors: Hoff Fieke W. , Hu Chenyue W. , Qiu Yihua , Ligeralde Andrew , Yoo Suk-Young , Scheurer Michael E. , de Bont Eveline S.J.M. , Qutub Amina A. , Kornblau Steven M. , Horton Terzah M. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric malignancy, and the second leading cause of pediatric cancer–related death in developed countries. While the cure rate for newly diagnosed ALL is excellent, the genetic heterogeneity and chemoresistance of leukemia cells at relapse makes individualized curative treatment plans difficult. We hypothesize that genetic events would coalesce into a finite number of protein signatures that could guide the design of individualized therapy. Custom reverse-phase protein arrays were produced from pediatric ALL (n = 73) and normal CD34+ (n = 10) samples with 194 validated antibodies. Proteins were allocated into 31 protein functional groups (PFG) to analyze them in the context of other proteins, based on known associations from the literature. The optimal number of protein clusters was determined for each PFG. Protein networks showed distinct transition states, revealing “normal-like” and “leukemia-specific” protein patterns. Block clustering identified strong correlation between various protein clusters that formed 10 protein constellations. Patients that expressed similar recurrent combinations of constellations comprised 7 distinct signatures, correlating with risk stratification, cytogenetics, and laboratory features. Most constellations and signatures were specific for T-cell ALL or pre-B-cell ALL; however, some constellations showed significant overlap. Several signatures were associated with Hispanic ethnicity, suggesting that ethnic pathophysiologic differences likely exist. In addition, some constellations were enriched for “normal-like” protein clusters, whereas others had exclusively “leukemia-specific” patterns.
Implications: Recognition of proteins that have universally altered expression, together with proteins that are specific for a given signature, suggests targets for directed combinatorial inhibition or replacement to enable personalized therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 16(8); 1263–74. ©2018 AACR.
See related article by Hoff et al., p. 1275