bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polarity of CD4+ T cells towards the antigen presenting cell is regulated by the Lck adapter TSAd
Authors: Abrahamsen Greger , Sundvold-Gjerstad Vibeke , Habtamu Meseret , Bogen Bjarne , Spurkland Anne 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPolarization of T cells towards the antigen presenting cell (APC) is critically important for appropriate activation and differentiation of the naïve T cell. Here we used imaging flow cytometry (IFC) and show that the activation induced Lck and Itk adapter T cell specific adapter protein (TSAd), encoded by SH2D2A, modulates polarization of T cells towards the APC. Upon exposure to APC presenting the cognate antigen Id, Sh2d2a−/− CD4+ T cells expressing Id-specific transgenic T cell receptor (TCR), displayed impaired polarization of F-actin and TCR to the immunological synapse (IS). Sh2d2a−/− T-cells that did polarize F-actin and TCR still displayed impaired polarization of PKCξ, PAR3 and the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC). In vitro differentiation of activated Sh2d2a−/− T cells was skewed towards an effector memory (Tem) rather than a central memory (Tcm) phenotype. A similar trend was observed for Id-specific TCR Sh2d2a−/− T cells stimulated with APC and cognate antigen. Taken together our data suggest that TSAd modulates differentiation of experienced T cells possibly through polarization of CD4+ T cells towards the APC.
Searching the second hit in patients with inherited retinal dystrophies and monoallelic variants in ABCA4, USH2A and CEP290 by whole-gene targeted sequencing
Authors: González-del Pozo María , Martín-Sánchez Marta , Bravo-Gil Nereida , Méndez-Vidal Cristina , Chimenea Ángel , Rodríguez-de la Rúa Enrique , Borrego Salud , Antiñolo Guillermo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractInherited Retinal Dystrophies are clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders affecting the photoreceptors. Although NGS has shown to be helpful for the molecular diagnosis of these conditions, some cases remain unsolved. Among these, several individuals harboured monoallelic variants in a recessive gene, suggesting that a comprehensive screening could improve the overall diagnosis. In order to assess the contribution of non-coding variations in a cohort of 29 patients, 25 of them with monoallelic mutations, we performed targeted NGS. The design comprised the entire genomic sequence of three genes (USH2A, ABCA4 and CEP290), the coding exons of 76 genes and two disease-associated intronic regions in OFD1 and PRPF31. As a result, likely causative mutations (8 novel) were identified in 17 probands (diagnostic rate: 58.62%), including two copy-number variations in USH2A (one deletion of exons 22–55 and one duplication of exons 46–47). Possibly damaging deep-intronic mutations were identified in one family, and another with a monoallelic variant harboured causal mutations in a different locus. In conclusion, due to the high prevalence of carriers of IRD mutations and the results obtained here, sequencing entire genes do not seem to be the approach of choice for detecting the second hit in IRD patients with monoallelic variants.
Viral communities associated with porcine respiratory disease complex in intensive commercial farms in Sichuan province, China
Authors: Qin Sinan , Ruan Wenqiang , Yue Hua , Tang Cheng , Zhou Kelei , Zhang Bin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPorcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC), a common piglet disease, causes substantive economic losses in pig farming. To investigate the viral diversity associated with PRDC, the viral communities in serum and nasal swabs from 26 PRDC-affected piglets were investigated using metagenomics. By deep sequencing and de novo assembly, 17 viruses were identified in two pooled libraries (16 viruses from serum, nine from nasal swabs). Porcine circovirus (PCV)-2, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and pseudorabies virus, all commonly associated with PRDC, were identified in the two pooled samples by metagenomics, but most viruses comprised small linear and circular DNAs (e.g. parvoviruses, bocaviruses and circoviruses). PCR was used to compare the detection rates of each virus in the serum samples from 36 PRDC-affected piglets versus 38 location-matched clinically healthy controls. The average virus category per sample was 6.81 for the PRDC-affected piglets and 4.09 for the controls. Single or co-infections with PCV-2 or PRRSV had very high detection rates in the PRDC-affected piglets. Interestingly, porcine parvovirus (PPV)-2, PPV-3, PPV-6 and torque teno sus virus 1a were significantly associated with PRDC. These results illustrate the complexity of viral communities in the PRDC-affected piglets and highlight the candidate viruses associated with it.
Periodontal status and lung function decline in the community: the Hisayama study
Authors: Takeuchi Kenji , Matsumoto Koichiro , Furuta Michiko , Fukuyama Satoru , Takeshita Toru , Ogata Hiroaki , Suma Shino , Shibata Yukie , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Hata Jun , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Nakanishi Yoichi , Inoue Hiromasa , Yamashita Yoshihisa 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to determine whether periodontal status is related to a decline in lung function in a general Japanese population. We followed a total of 1,650 community-dwelling individuals (≥40 years) without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with at least one teeth, for 3 years. Periodontal status was assessed at baseline by clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD) at two sites for each tooth, and the mean values were calculated for each subject. Lung function was measured at baseline and follow-up using spirometry, and longitudinal decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was calculated. Multivariate Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to estimate risk ratio (RR). After adjusting for potential confounders including smoking status, there was a tendency for the adjusted RR of developing rapid lung function decline (≥160 mL/3years, the highest quartile of the distribution of FEV1 declines) to increase as mean CAL levels increased (P trend = 0.039). Likewise, a positive association was observed between mean PPD levels and RR of developing rapid lung function decline (P trend = 0.047). Our findings suggest deterioration of periodontal status could be a risk factor for rapid lung function decline in the general Japanese population.
Association of Kidney Function with Infections by Multidrug-Resistant Organisms: An Electronic Medical Record Analysis
Authors: Su Guobin , Xu Hong , Riggi Emilia , He Zhiren , Lu Liming , Lindholm Bengt , Marrone Gaetano , Wen Zehuai , Liu Xusheng , Johnson David W. , Carrero Juan-Jesus , Lundborg Cecilia Stålsby 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAntibiotic resistance is a major global health threat. High prevalences of colonization and infection with multi-drug resistance organisms (MDROs) have been reported in patients undergoing dialysis. It is unknown if this finding extends to patients with mild and moderate/severe kidney disease. An observational study included all adult incident patients hospitalized with a discharge diagnosis of infection in four hospitals from Guangzhou, China. Inclusion criteria: Serum creatinine measurement at admission together with microbial culture confirmed infections. Exclusion criterion: Undergoing renal replacement therapy. Four categories of Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were compared: eGFR ≥ 105, 60–104 (reference), 30–59, and <30 ml/min/1.73 m2. The odds ratio of MDROs, defined as specific pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp.) resistant to three or more antibiotic classes, were calculated using a multivariable logistic regression model across eGFR strata. Of 94,445 total microbial culture records, 7,288 first positive cultures matched to infection diagnosis were selected. Among them, 5,028 (68.9%) were potential MDROs. The odds of infections by MDROs was 19% and 41% higher in those with eGFR between 30–59 ml/min/1.73 m2 (Adjusted odds ratio, AOR): 1.19, 95% CI:1.02–1.38, P = 0.022) and eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (AOR: 1.41, 95% CI:1.12–1.78, P = 0.004), respectively. Patients with impaired renal function have a higher risk of infections by MDROs. Kidney dysfunction at admission may be an indicator for need of closer attention to microbial culture results requiring subsequent change of antibiotics.
Overexpression of BoNAC019, a NAC transcription factor from Brassica oleracea, negatively regulates the dehydration response and anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Jinfang , Lian Weiran , Cao Yunyun , Wang Xiaoyun , Wang Gongle , Qi Chuandong , Liu Lun , Qin Sijia , Yuan Xiaowei , Li Xingsheng , Ren Shuxin , Guo Yang-Dong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNACs are one of the largest transcription factor families in plants and are involved in the response to abiotic stress. BoNAC019, a homologue of AtNAC019, was isolated from cabbage (Brassica oleracea). BoNAC019 was localized in the nucleus and functioned as a transcriptional activator. The expression of BoNAC019 was induced by dehydration, salt, abscisic acid (ABA), and H2O2 treatments. BoNAC019 overexpressing plants were generated to explore the function of BoNAC019 in response to drought stress. Overexpression (OE) of BoNAC019 reduced drought tolerance with lower survival rate, higher water loss rate, lower proline content and ABA content. The seed germination and root length assays of BoNAC019-OE plants showed decreased sensitivity to ABA. Under drought condition, antioxidant enzymes and anthocyanin content decreased in BoNAC019 -OE plants, resulting in the accumulation of more reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause damage to plants. Several stress-responsive genes, antioxidant enzymatic genes, anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and ABA signaling genes were down-regulated under drought condition while the ABA catabolism genes were induced in BoNAC019-OE plants under both normal and drought conditions. Our results demonstrated that BoNAC019 might participated in regulating drought tolerance by inducing ABA catabolism genes and decreasing ABA content.
Impaired microcirculation after subarachnoid hemorrhage in an in vivo animal model
Authors: Wang Kuo-Chuan , Tang Sung-Chun , Lee Jing-Er , Tsai Jui-Chang , Lai Dar-Ming , Lin Wei-Chou , Lin Chih-Peng , Tu Yong-Kwang , Hsieh Sung-Tsang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe influence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on brain microcirculation has not yet been systematically investigated. We established an animal model to examine (1) the brain surface microcirculation (2) the influences of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from aneurysmal SAH on the brain surface microcirculation. A rat SAH model was induced by injection of autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magnum, and the brain surface microcirculation was evaluated by a capillary videoscope with craniotomy at the fronto-parietal region. CSF from SAH rats and SAH patients was applied on the brain surface of naïve rats to assess the resulting microcirculatory changes. In the SAH rats, diffuse constriction of cortical arterioles within 24 hours of SAH was observed. Similar patterns of microcirculation impairment were induced on normal rat brain surfaces via application of CSF from SAH rats and SAH patients. Furthermore, the proportion of subjects with arteriolar vasoconstriction was significantly higher in the group of SAH patients with delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DIND) than in those without DIND (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated impaired microcirculation on brain surface arterioles in a rat model of SAH. CSF from SAH rats and patients was responsible for impairment of brain surface microcirculation.
Recoil-proton track imaging as a new way for neutron spectrometry measurements
Authors: Hu Jing , Liu Jinliang , Zhang Zhongbing , Chen Liang , Guo Yuhang , He Shiyi , Xu Mengxuan , Zhou Leidang , Yao Zhiming , Yuan Xingqiu , Zhang Qingmin , Ouyang Xiaoping 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRecoil-proton track imaging (RPTI) is an attractive technique to optically record the tracks of recoil protons in scintillation gas by using realtime imaging devices. For the first time, its use as an online nuclear track detector for neutron spectrometry measurements (NSM) is explored. Based on the RPTI methodology for NSM, a very basic detector system is designed, consisting of the neutron-to-proton recoil system and proton track imaging system. Satisfactory performance of the RPTI neutron spectrometer has been examined with a series of Monte Carlo simulations. Moreover, using well-defined line-proton sources from a tandem accelerator, the capability of the detector for imaging proton tracks at the single-particle level in real time has been validated in preliminary experiments. From the clear single proton tracks in the images, the proton ranges were easily distinguished, and precise proton energy spectra were unfolded, laying a solid experimental foundation for the future implementation of NSM.
Biocontrol characteristics of the fruit fly pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) emerging from different hosts
Authors: Chen Jiani , Zhou Sicong , Wang Ying , Shi Min , Chen Xuexin , Huang Jianhua 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTrichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) is an important pupal endoparasitoid of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and some other fruit fly species, such as D. suzukii, a very important invasive and economic pest. Studies of T. drosophilae suggest that this could be a good biological control agent for fruit fly pests. In this research, we compared the parasitic characteristics of T. drosophilae reared in D. melanogaster (TDm) with those reared in D. hydei (TDh). TDh had a larger size than TDm. The number of maximum mature eggs of a female TDh was 133.6 ± 6.9, compared with the significantly lower value of 104.8 ± 11.4 for TDm. Mated TDh female wasp continuously produced female offspring up to 6 days after mating, compared with only 3 days for TDm. In addition, the offspring female ratio of TDh, i.e., 82.32%, was significantly higher than that of TDm, i.e., 61.37%. Under starvation treatment, TDh survived longer than TDm. TDh also survived longer than TDm at high temperatures, such as 37 °C, although they both survived well at low temperatures, such as 18 °C and 4 °C. Old-age TDh females maintained a high parasitism rate and offspring female ratio, while they were declined in old-age TDm. Overall, TDh had an advantage in terms of body size, fecundity, stress resistance ability and the parasitism rate compared with TDm. Therefore, T. drosophilae from D. hydei could improve biocontrol efficacy with enormous economic benefits in the field, especially in the control of many frugivorous Drosophilidae species worldwide.
Habitat environments impacted the gut microbiome of long-distance migratory swan geese but central species conserved
Authors: Wu Yueni , Yang Yuzhan , Cao Lei , Yin Huaqun , Xu Meiying , Wang Zhujun , Liu Yangying , Wang Xin , Deng Ye 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe gut microbime plays an important role in the health of wild animals. This microbial community could be altered by habitat pollution and other human activities that threaten the host organisms. Here, we satellite-tracked a flock of swan geese (Anser cygnoides) migrating from their breeding area (Khukh Lake, Mongolia), with low levels of human activity, to their wintering area (Poyang Lake, China) which has been heavily impacted by human activities. Twenty fecal samples were collected from each site. High-throughput sequencing of 16S and ITS was employed to explore bacterial and fungal composition and diversity of their gut microbiome. Although general composition, alpha-diversity, functional prediction, and the central taxa in the phylogenetic networks showed some similarities between the two habitats, significant divergences were detected in terms of beta-diversity, species abundances, and interaction network topologies. In addition, disease-related and xenobiotic biodegradation pathways, and pathogenic bacteria were significantly increased in bacterial communities from samples at Poyang Lake. Our results reveal that the gut microbiome of swan geese, while somewhat altered after long-distance migration, still maintained a core group of species. We also show that habitat environmental stress could impact these gut microbial communities, suggesting that habitat pollution could indirectly threaten wild animals by altering their gut microbiome.
Spatial-temporal dynamics of carbon emissions and carbon sinks in economically developed areas of China: a case study of Guangdong Province
Authors: Pei Jie , Niu Zheng , Wang Li , Song Xiao-Peng , Huang Ni , Geng Jing , Wu Yan-Bin , Jiang Hong-Hui 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study analysed spatial-temporal dynamics of carbon emissions and carbon sinks in Guangdong Province, South China. The methodology was based on land use/land cover data interpreted from continuous high-resolution satellite images and energy consumption statistics, using carbon emission/sink factor method. The results indicated that: (1) From 2005 to 2013, different land use/land cover types in Guangdong experienced varying degrees of change in area, primarily the expansion of built-up land and shrinkage of forest land and grassland; (2) Total carbon emissions increased sharply, from 76.11 to 140.19 TgC yr−1 at the provincial level, with an average annual growth rate of 10.52%, while vegetation carbon sinks declined slightly, from 54.52 to 53.20 TgC yr−1. Both factors showed significant regional differences, with Pearl River Delta and North Guangdong contributing over 50% to provincial carbon emissions and carbon sinks, respectively; (3) Correlation analysis showed social-economic factors (GDP per capita and permanent resident population) have significant positive impacts on carbon emissions at the provincial and city levels; (4) The relationship between economic growth and carbon emission intensity suggests that carbon emission efficiency in Guangdong improves with economic growth. This study provides new insight for Guangdong to achieve carbon reduction goals and realize low-carbon development.
Aluminum plasmonic waveguides co-integrated with Si3N4 photonics using CMOS processes
Authors: Dabos George , Manolis Athanasios , Tsiokos Dimitris , Ketzaki Dimitra , Chatzianagnostou Evangelia , Markey Laurent , Rusakov Dmitrii , Weeber Jean-Claude , Dereux Alain , Giesecke Anna-Lena , Porschatis Caroline , Wahlbrink Thorsten , Chmielak Bartos , Pleros Nikos 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCo-integrating CMOS plasmonics and photonics became the “sweet spot” to hit in order to combine their benefits and allow for volume manufacturing of plasmo-photonic integrated circuits. Plasmonics can naturally interface photonics with electronics while offering strong mode confinement, enabling in this way on-chip data interconnects when tailored to single-mode waveguides, as well as high-sensitivity biosensors when exposing Surface-Plasmon-Polariton (SPP) modes in aqueous environment. Their synergy with low-loss photonics can tolerate the high plasmonic propagation losses in interconnect applications, offering at the same time a powerful portfolio of passive photonic functions towards avoiding the use of bulk optics for SPP excitation and facilitating compact biosensor setups. The co-integration roadmap has to proceed, however, over the utilization of fully CMOS compatible material platforms and manufacturing processes in order to allow for a practical deployment route. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time Aluminum plasmonic waveguides co-integrated with Si3N4 photonics using CMOS manufacturing processes. We validate the data carrying credentials of CMOS plasmonics with 25 Gb/s data traffic and we confirm successful plasmonic propagation in both air and water-cladded waveguide configurations. This platform can potentially fuel the deployment of co-integrated plasmonic and photonic structures using CMOS processes for biosensing and on-chip interconnect applications.
Convergence of sensory and limbic noxious input into the anterior insula and the emergence of pain from nociception
Authors: Bastuji Hélène , Frot Maud , Perchet Caroline , Hagiwara Koichi , Garcia-Larrea Luis 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTwo parallel di-synaptic routes convey nociceptive input to the telencephalon: the spino-thalamic system projecting principally to the posterior insula, and the spino-parabrachial pathway reaching the amygdalar nucleus. Interplay between the two systems underlies the sensory and emotional aspects of pain, and was explored here in humans with simultaneous recordings from the amygdala, posterior and anterior insulae. Onsets of thermo-nociceptive responses were virtually identical in the posterior insula and the amygdalar complex, but no significant functional connectivity was detected between them using coherence analysis. Anterior insular sectors responded with ~30 ms delay relative to both the posterior insula and the amygdala. While intra-insular functional correlation was significant during the whole analysis period, coherence between the anterior insula and the amygdala became significant after 700 ms of processing. Phase lags indicated information transfer initially directed from the amygdalar complex to the insula. Parallel but independent activation of sensory and limbic nociceptive networks appear to converge in the anterior insula in less than one second. While the anterior insula is often considered as providing input into the limbic system, our results underscore its reverse role, i.e., receiving and integrating very rapidly limbic with sensory input, to initiate a perceptual decision on the stimulus ‘painfulness’.
Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation in Eyes with an Anterior Chamber Depth of Less Than 3 mm: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Kamiya Kazutaka , Shimizu Kimiya , Igarashi Akihito , Kitazawa Yoshihiro , Kojima Takashi , Nakamura Tomoaki , Ichikawa Kazuo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study was aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of Visian ICL (hole ICL; STAAR Surgical, Inc.) implantation for the correction of myopic refractive errors in eyes having an anterior chamber depth (ACD) below the current manufacturer’s recommendation (<3.0 mm). We comprised 365 eyes of 201 consecutive patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 35.7 ± 7.5 years) with spherical equivalents of −8.66 ± 3.54 D. We evaluated the safety, efficacy, predictability, stability, intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell density (ECD), and complications. The safety and efficacy indices were 1.12 ± 0.22 and 0.98 ± 0.22. At 1 year, 90% and 98% of eyes were within ± 0.5 and 1.0 D of the attempted correction, respectively. Changes in the manifest refraction from 1 week to 1 year postoperatively were −0.08 ± 0.34 D. The mean ECD loss was 0.2 ± 8.7%. No eyes showed a significant ECD loss (≥30%). We found no significant correlation between the ACD and the change in ECD (Pearson correlation coefficient r = −0.048, p = 0.360). No significant IOP rise or vision-threatening complication occurred at any time. These findings indicate that the surgical indication of ICL implantation should be reconsidered in terms of ACD.