bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enterococcus faecium strain R30 increases red blood cell velocity and prevents capillary regression in the soleus of hindlimb‐unloaded rats via the eNOS/VEGF pathway
Authors: Hirayama Yusuke , Nakanishi Ryosuke , Tategaki Airo , Maeshige Noriaki , Kondo Hiroyo , Ishihara Akihiko , Roy Roland R. , Fujino Hidemi 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveA chronic decrease in neuromuscular activity results in atrophy and capillary regression in skeletal muscles. The purposes of this study were to determine the effects of Enterococcus faecium strain R30 (R30) administration on (i) the hemodynamics of the rat soleus muscle, and (ii) the capillary regression normally associated with HU.MethodsExperiment 1: The VRBC was measured for up to 1 hour after administration of R30 with or without the β‐blocker propranolol. Experiment 2: R30 was administered daily to control and HU rats for 2 weeks. Mean capillary luminal diameter, volume, and the levels of eNOS and VEGF protein were measured.ResultsExperiment 1: VRBC was faster 20, 40, and 60 minutes after than before the administration of R30: This effect was suppressed by propranolol administration. Experiment 2: R30 administration during HU increased capillary luminal diameter and volume and eNOS and VEGF protein levels in the soleus of HU rats.ConclusionsThe results suggest that R30 increases VRBC in the soleus muscle via muscle sympathetic nerve activity (Experiment 1) and that R30 supplementation lessens the capillary regression normally associated with HU via the eNOS/VEGF pathway (Experiment 2).
A high susceptibility to redox imbalance of the transmissible stages of Plasmodium falciparum revealed with a luciferase‐based mature gametocyte assay
Authors: Siciliano Giulia , Santha Kumar T.R. , Bona Roberta , Camarda Grazia , Calabretta Maria Maddalena , Cevenini Luca , Davioud‐Charvet Elisabeth , Becker Katja , Cara Andrea , Fidock David A. , Alano Pietro 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe goal to prevent Plasmodium falciparum transmission from humans to mosquitoes requires the identification of targetable metabolic processes in the mature (stage V) gametocytes, the sexual stages circulating in the bloodstream. This task is complicated by the apparently low metabolism of these cells, which renders them refractory to most antimalarial inhibitors and constrains the development of specific and sensitive cell‐based assays. Here, we identify and functionally characterize the regulatory regions of the P. falciparum gene PF3D7_1234700, encoding a CPW‐WPC protein and named here Upregulated in Late Gametocytes (ULG8), which we have leveraged to express reporter genes in mature male and female gametocytes. Using transgenic parasites containing a pfULG8‐luciferase cassette, we investigated the susceptibility of stage V gametocytes to compounds specifically affecting redox metabolism. Our results reveal a high sensitivity of mature gametocytes to the glutathione reductase inhibitor and redox cycler drug methylene blue (MB). Using isobologram analysis, we find that a concomitant inhibition of the parasite enzyme glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase‐6‐phosphogluconolactonase, a key component of NADPH synthesis, potently synergizes MB activity. These data suggest that redox metabolism and detoxification activity play an unsuspected yet vital role in stage V gametocytes, rendering these cells exquisitely sensitive to decreases in NADPH concentration.
Lysine acetylation regulates the function of the global anaerobic transcription factor FnrL in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Wei Wei , Liu Tong , Li Xinfeng , Wang Ruofan , Zhao Wei , Zhao Guoping , Zhao Shimin , Zhou Zhihua 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe metabolism of the purple non‐sulfur bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides is versatile and it can grow under various conditions. Here, we report evidence that the anaerobic photosynthetic metabolism of R. sphaeroides is regulated by protein lysine acetylation. Using a proteomic approach, 59 acetylated peptides were detected. Among them is the global anaerobic transcription factor FnrL, which regulates the biosynthetic pathway of tetrapyrroles and synthesis of the photosynthetic apparatus. Lysine 223 of FnrL was identified as acetylated. We show that all three lysines in the DNA binding domain (K223, K213 and K175) of FnrL can be acetylated by acetyl‐phosphate in vitro. A bacterial deacetylase homolog, RsCobB can deacetylate FnrL in vitro. The transcription of genes downstream of FnrL decreased when the DNA binding domain of FnrL was acetylated, as revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and acetylation‐mimicking mutagenesis. An increasing number of acetylated lysines resulted in a further decrease in DNA binding ability. These results demonstrate that the lysine acetylation can fine tune the function of the oxygen‐sensitive FnrL; thus, it might regulate anaerobic photosynthetic metabolism of R. sphaeroides.
Unreasonable Hope: A Critical Evaluation of Thomas Oord's Eschatology
Authors: McLaughlin Ryan Patrick 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDrawing upon his theology of essential kenosis, Thomas Oord maintains that God can effect miracles, resurrect Jesus's body, and redeem the entire created order in a definitive victory over evil without using any form of coercion. The author explores Oord's theology in order to evaluate this claim. Based on the criteria of both internal consistency and rational viability, the author argues that Oord's notion of essential kenosis makes the bodily resurrection of Jesus an extreme case of good fortune for God and thoroughly undermines any reasonable hope in an eschatological future in which all creatures experience resurrection and redemption in an evil‐free existence.
Validation of the Amharic Version of the Brief Pain Inventory for Utility in Ethiopian Cancer Patients
Authors: Anshabo Abel Tesfaye , Migbaru Sefinew , Awoke Dagmawit , Tigeneh Wondemagegnhu , Engidawork Ephrem 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundPain is a highly prevalent and distressing symptom in patients with cancer but at the same time inadequately treated in many of these patients. The major reason for such imbalance is inappropriate pain assessment. To overcome such a barrier, the use of a valid and reliable pain assessment tool in the language the patient understands is invaluable. Unfortunately, until now, no such standardized tool has been utilized in Ethiopian patients with cancer for both clinical and research purposes.ObjectivesThis study tried to validate the Amharic language version of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI‐Am) and evaluate the adequacy of cancer pain management using the Pain Management Index (PMI).MethodsA standard forward/backward translation technique was used for translating the BPI from its original English version into Amharic (BPI‐Am). The BPI‐Am was administered to 291 Ethiopian patients with cancer who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Factor analysis was used to identify the underlying constructs of the tool. Mean comparison was used to confirm the sensitivity of the BPI‐Am to known patient groups that differed based on their performance status. Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation coefficients, respectively, were used to assure internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the BPI‐Am. The PMI was calculated to identify the level of inadequate pain management in the current sample. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify potential predictors of inadequate pain management.ResultsFactor analysis yielded 3 factors—pain severity, physical activity interference, and psychosocial interference—with Cronbach's α coefficients of 0.85, 0.87, and 0.77, respectively. The BPI‐Am showed the capacity to detect higher mean pain severity and mean pain interference scores in patients with poor performance status as compared with those having a good performance status (P < 0.001). Intraclass correlation coefficients for test–retest reliability were 0.75 and 0.78 for the pain severity and pain interference composite scores, respectively. Sixty‐seven percent of patients in the current sample were inadequately treated for their pain according to the PMI. Good performance status (odds ratio [OR] = 2.9, P < 0.01), absence of cancer‐related complications (OR = 2.1, P < 0.05), and being unemployed (OR = 2.6, P < 0.01) were identified as predictors of inadequate pain management.ConclusionThe BPI‐Am is a valid and reliable tool for use in Ethiopian patients with cancer. The inadequacy of cancer pain management in these groups of patients is high, which calls for needed attention.
Dishonest individuals request more frequent mate retention from friends
Authors: PHAM MICHAEL N. , BARBARO NICOLE , NOSER AMY E. , SELA YAEL , SHACKELFORD TODD K. , ZEIGLER‐HILL VIRGIL , WEEGE BETTINA , FINK BERNHARD 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCoalitional mate retention (CMR) occurs when individuals request assistance from a friend to minimize the risk of partner infidelity. We secured reports from men and women in a committed, heterosexual relationship to investigate associations between CMR requests and the sex and personality traits of individuals who request CMR and the sex of their friends. Consistent with our hypothesis, individuals scoring higher in Honesty–Humility requested CMR less frequently. We also documented that individuals higher in Extraversion and lower in Conscientiousness requested CMR more frequently. We address limitations of the research and future research directions, including tests of the hypothesis that CMR involves duplicitous behaviors that are less typical of individual mate retention.
What makes a good pediatric transplant lung: Insights from in vivo lung morphometry with hyperpolarized 3He magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Fishman Emily F. , Quirk James D. , Sweet Stuart C. , Woods Jason C. , Gierada David S. , Conradi Mark S. , Siegel Marilyn J. , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObtaining information on transplanted lung microstructure is an important part of the current care for monitoring transplant recipients. However, until now this information was only available from invasive lung biopsy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of an innovative non‐invasive technique, in vivo lung morphometry with hyperpolarized ³He MRI—to characterize lung microstructure in the pediatric lung transplant population. This technique yields quantitative measurements of acinar airways’ (alveolar ducts and sacs) parameters, such as acinar airway radii and alveolar depth. Six pediatric lung transplant recipients with cystic fibrosis underwent in vivo lung morphometry MRI, pulmonary function testing, and quantitative CT. We found a strong correlation between lung lifespan and alveolar depth—patients with more shallow alveoli were likely to have a negative outcome sooner than those with larger alveolar depth. Combining morphometric results with CT, we also determined mean alveolar wall thickness and found substantial increases in this parameter in some patients that negatively correlated with DLCO. In vivo lung morphometry uniquely provides previously unavailable information on lung microstructure that may be predictive of a negative outcome and has a potential to aid in lung selection for transplantation.
Luciferin‐Regenerating Enzyme Crystal Structure Is Solved but its Function Is Still Unclear
Authors: Hosseinkhani Saman , Emamgholi Zadeh Elaheh , Sahebazzamani Fatemeh , Ataei Farangis , Hemmati Roohullah 
Published: January 2017

AbstractContribution of luciferin‐regenerating enzyme (LRE) for in vitro recycling of D‐luciferin has been reported. According to crystal structure of LRE, it is a beta‐propeller protein which is a type of all β‐protein architecture. In this overview, reinvestigation of the luciferase‐based LRE assays and its function is reported. Until now, sequence of LRE genes from four different species of firefly has been reported. In spite of previous reports, T‐LRE (from Lampyris turkestanicus) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli as well as Pichia pastoris in a nonsoluble form as inclusion body. According to recent investigations, bioluminescent signal of soluble T‐LRE–luciferase‐coupled assay increased and then reached an equilibrium state in the presence of D‐cysteine. In addition, the results revealed that both D‐ and L‐cysteine in the absence of T‐LRE caused a significant increase in bioluminescence intensity of luciferase over a long time. Based on activity measurements and spectroscopic results, D‐cysteine increased the activity of luciferase due to its redox potential and induction of conformational changes in structure and kinetics properties. In conclusion, in spite of previous reports on the effect of LRE (at least T‐LRE) on luciferase activity, most of the increase in luciferase activity is caused by direct effect of D‐cysteine on structure and activity of firefly luciferase. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis cannot support the presence of LRE in peroxisome of photocytes in firefly lanterns.
Tectonic control on deltaic sediment dispersal in the middle to upper Turonian Western Cordilleran Foreland Basin, USA
Authors: Hutsky Andrew J. , Fielding Christopher R. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTectonic forcing of delta progradation is increasingly being invoked to explain stratal stacking patterns in foreland basins. Nonetheless, the recognition of different types of tectonic forcing and their consequences for the spatial and temporal distribution of accommodation often rely on incomplete data sets and indirect sequence stratigraphic criteria. Previous work has concluded that the Cenomanian–Turonian Frontier Formation of northern Utah, north‐west Colorado and south‐west Wyoming (‘Vernal Delta’) owes its origin largely to tectonic overprinting of depositional patterns, although the lack of a comprehensive sequence stratigraphic framework for the unit has hampered evaluation of this claim. This study provides detailed facies and sequence stratigraphic analyses based on outcrop sections and wireline log suites from the Uinta, Piceance and Green River basins. Four genetically related intervals were defined and mapped by using regionally traceable stratigraphic horizons (flooding surfaces and sequence boundaries). Internally, intervals are composed of distal and proximal delta front lithologies, and coastal plain facies. Overall, Intervals 1 to 4 form a major basinward projection of coarse clastic strata generated in response to four separate, high‐frequency regressions. Furthermore, a change through time from southward projection of elongate lobes (Intervals 1 and 2) to eastward dispersal and development of a broad, arcuate planform (Intervals 3 and 4) can be explained in terms of changes in prevailing tectonic forcing mechanisms. North–south trending Sevier Orogeny forebulge structures controlled Intervals 1 and 2. West–east progradation (Intervals 3 and 4) was probably controlled by Proterozoic basement lineament reactivation due to Laramide foreland uplifts. Therefore, this study provides direct geological evidence for the initiation of local Laramide deformation as early as 90 Ma. These findings contribute to a more complete understanding of tectonic forcing of coastal to shallow marine successions in foreland basins and the tectonic evolution of the western USA.
Management of a facial partial thickness chemical burn in a dog caused by bleach
Authors: Kawalilak Lukas T. , Fransson Boel A. , Alessio Terri L. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the management and successful outcome of a late‐recognition partial thickness bleach burn to the face and corneas of a dog.Case SummaryA 1‐year‐old male neutered Fox Terrier mix breed dog was evaluated for sloughing facial epithelium 5 days after coming into contact with an 8.25% household bleach cleaning solution. Severe erythema, edema, and crusting were noted around the muzzle and margins of both eyes, with moderate to severe alopecia in these areas. A partially detached, partial thickness eschar was present on the muzzle, while a firmly attached eschar was present in the region of both frontal sinuses. These injuries were consistent with a focal, superficial, and partial thickness chemical burn. Multiple ocular abnormalities, the most concerning of which was corneal ulceration, were also present. The patient's wounds were managed conservatively with limited surgical debridement of the affected epithelium 11 and 22 days after the initial exposure. Topical ocular medications, corneal debridement, and a superficial keratectomy were also used. All lesions resolved completely by 84 days postexposure, with no residual effects on the patient's quality of life.New InformationChemical burns caused by contact with alkaline agents such as bleach (sodium hypochlorite) result in extensive necrosis of the skin and underlying structures. This is the first report of management alkaline facial burns in a dog. If inadequate or delayed hydrotherapy following exposure has resulted in superficial partial thickness burns, conservative management can be successful when traditional treatments, especially bandaging, are not feasible.
Endothelin‐1 mediates natriuresis but not polyuria during vitamin D‐induced acute hypercalcaemia
Authors: Tokonami Natsuko , Cheval Lydie , Monnay Isabelle , Meurice Guillaume , Loffing Johannes , Feraille Eric , Houillier Pascal 
Published: January 2017

Key points
Hypercalcaemia can occur under various pathological conditions, such as primary hyperparathyroidism, malignancy or granulomatosis, and it induces natriuresis and polyuria in various species via an unknown mechanism.
A previous study demonstrated that hypercalcaemia induced by vitamin D in rats increased endothelin (ET)‐1 expression in the distal nephron, which suggests the involvement of the ET system in hypercalcaemia‐induced effects.
In the present study, we demonstrate that, during vitamin D‐induced hypercalcaemia, the activation of ET system by increased ET‐1 is responsible for natriuresis but not for polyuria.
Vitamin D‐treated hypercalcaemic mice showed a blunted response to amiloride, suggesting that epithelial sodium channel function is inhibited.
We have identified an original pathway that specifically mediates the effects of vitamin D‐induced hypercalcaemia on sodium handling in the distal nephron without affecting water handling.
AbstractAcute hypercalcaemia increases urinary sodium and water excretion; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Because vitamin D‐induced hypercalcaemia increases the renal expression of endothelin (ET)‐1, we hypothesized that ET‐1 mediates the effects of hypercalcaemia on renal sodium and water handling. Hypercalcaemia was induced in 8‐week‐old, parathyroid hormone‐supplemented, male mice by oral administration of dihydrotachysterol (DHT) for 3 days. DHT‐treated mice became hypercalcaemic and displayed increased urinary water and sodium excretion compared to controls. mRNA levels of ET‐1 and the transcription factors CCAAT‐enhancer binding protein β and δ were specifically increased in the distal convoluted tubule and downstream segments in DHT‐treated mice. To examine the role of the ET system in hypercalcaemia‐induced natriuresis and polyuria, mice were treated with the ET‐1 receptor antagonist macitentan, with or without DHT. Mice treated with both macitentan and DHT displayed hypercalcaemia and polyuria similar to that in mice treated with DHT alone; however, no increase in urinary sodium excretion was observed. To identify the affected sodium transport mechanism, we assessed the response to various diuretics in control and DHT‐treated hypercalcaemic mice. Amiloride, an inhibitor of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), increased sodium excretion to a lesser extent in DHT‐treated mice compared to control mice. Mice treated with either macitentan+DHT or macitentan alone had a similar response to amiloride. In summary, vitamin D‐induced hypercalcaemia increases the renal production of ET‐1 and decreases ENaC activity, which is probably responsible for the rise in urinary sodium excretion but not for polyuria.
Subjetividad y tecnologías de la escritura. La formación en tiempos de poshumanismo
Authors: Rueda Ortiz Rocio 
Published: January 2017

<p>Este artículo se sustenta en una investigación cualitativa sobre los procesos de formación subjetiva en las redes sociales digitales. Se parte de una cuestión filosófica fundamental: la formación humana en medio de un mundo altamente tecnologizado o poshumano. En la primera parte se expone brevemente el marco conceptual desde la relación formación-pedagogía- escritura(s), los estudios sociales de ciencia y tecnología y de cultura material. En la segunda, se describen los mecanismos de co-formación en las nuevas formas de socialidad plataformada en la red social Facebook: programabilidad, popularidad, conectividad y dataficación, donde la agencia de humanos y no humanos se pone en juego y donde se producen paradójicos procesos informales de formación individual y colectiva. Esta nueva condición lleva, en la cuarta parte, a retomar la noción de formación como artesanía en tiempos de poshumanismo. </p>
Subinhibitory Concentrations of Bacteriostatic Antibiotics Induce
relA
-Dependent and
relA
-Independent Tolerance to β-Lactams
Authors: Kudrin Pavel , Varik Vallo , Oliveira Sofia Raquel Alves , Beljantseva Jelena , Del Peso Santos Teresa , Dzhygyr Ievgen , Rejman Dominik , Cava Felipe , Tenson Tanel , Hauryliuk Vasili 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

The nucleotide (p)ppGpp is a key regulator of bacterial metabolism, growth, stress tolerance, and virulence. During amino acid starvation, the
Escherichia coli
(p)ppGpp synthetase RelA is activated by deacylated tRNA in the ribosomal A-site. An increase in (p)ppGpp is believed to drive the formation of antibiotic-tolerant persister cells, prompting the development of strategies to inhibit (p)ppGpp synthesis. We show that in a biochemical system from purified
E. coli
components, the antibiotic thiostrepton efficiently inhibits RelA activation by the A-site tRNA. In bacterial cultures, the ribosomal inhibitors thiostrepton, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline all efficiently abolish accumulation of (p)ppGpp induced by the Ile-tRNA synthetase inhibitor mupirocin. This abolishment, however, does not reduce the persister level. In contrast, the combination of dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor trimethoprim with mupirocin, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol leads to ampicillin tolerance. The effect is independent of RelA functionality, specific to β-lactams, and not observed with the fluoroquinolone norfloxacin. These results refine our understanding of (p)ppGpp's role in antibiotic tolerance and persistence and demonstrate unexpected drug interactions that lead to tolerance to bactericidal antibiotics.
Occurrence of
bla
KPC-2
,
bla
CTX-M
, and
mcr-1
in Enterobacteriaceae from Well Water in Rural China
Authors: Sun Pan , Bi Zhenwang , Nilsson Maud , Zheng Beiwen , Berglund Björn , Stålsby Lundborg Cecilia , Börjesson Stefan , Li Xuewen , Chen Baoli , Yin Hong , Nilsson Lennart E. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

We report on the coexistence of
mcr-1
and
bla
CTX-M
in multidrug-resistant, extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing
Escherichia coli
belonging to the sequence type 10 complex isolated from well water in rural China.
Raoultella ornithinolytica
with
bla
KPC-2
was also detected in well water from the same area. This study shows that genes coding for resistance to last-resort antibiotics are present in wells in rural China, indicating a potential source of antibiotic resistance.
Overcoming Hurdles to Development of a Vaccine against Pneumocystis jirovecii
Authors: Garvy Beth A. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Development of
Pneumocystis
pneumonia (PCP) is a common problem among immunosuppressed individuals. There are windows of opportunity in which vaccination would be beneficial, but to date, no vaccines have made it to clinical trials. Significant hurdles to vaccine development include host range specificity, making it difficult to translate from animal models to humans. Discovery of cross-reactive epitopes is critical to moving vaccine candidates from preclinical animal studies to clinical trials.