bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the double burden of malnutrition in food insecure households in Brazil
Authors: Gubert Muriel Bauermann , Spaniol Ana Maria , Segall‐Corrêa Ana Maria , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael 
Published: August 2016

AbstractHousehold food insecurity (HFI) has been associated with both obesity among mothers and undernutrition among children. However, this association has not been well investigated in mother/child pairs living in the same household. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of coexistence of maternal overweight and child stunting with HFI in Brazil. We conducted secondary data analyses of the 2006 Brazilian National Demographic and Health Survey. We analyzed the nutritional status of 4299 pairs of 15–49‐year‐olds mothers and their children under 5 years of age. The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) was defined as the presence of an overweight mother and a stunted child in the same household. HFI was measured with the Brazilian HFI Measurement Scale. The association between DBM and HFI was examined with hierarchical multivariable logistic regression analyses. Severe HFI was associated with DBM after adjusting for macroeconomic and household level socio‐economic and demographic variables (Adjusted OR: 2.65 – CI: 1.17–8.53). Findings suggest that policies and programmes targeting HFI are needed to prevent the coexistence of child chronic undernutrition and maternal overweight/obesity in the same household. These investments are likely to be highly cost‐effective as stunting has been identified as one of the major risk factors for poor child development and adult overweight/obesity and a strong risk factor for the development of costly chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
AvaR2, a pseudo γ‐butyrolactone receptor homologue from Streptomyces avermitilis, is a pleiotropic repressor of avermectin and avenolide biosynthesis and cell growth
Authors: Zhu Jianya , Sun Di , Liu Wenshuai , Chen Zhi , Li Jilun , Wen Ying 
Published: August 2016

SummaryAvermectins produced by Streptomyces avermitilis are effective anthelmintic agents. The autoregulatory signalling molecule that triggers avermectin biosynthesis is a novel butenolide‐type molecule, avenolide, rather than common γ‐butyrolactones (GBLs). We identified AvaR2, a pseudo GBL receptor homologue, as an important repressor of avermectin and avenolide biosynthesis and cell growth. AvaR2 directly repressed transcription of aveR (the ave cluster‐situated activator gene), aco (a key gene for avenolide biosynthesis), its own gene (avaR2) and two other GBL receptor homologous genes (avaR1 and avaR3) by binding to their promoter regions. The aveR promoter had the highest affinity for AvaR2. A consensus 18 bp ARE (autoregulatory element)‐like sequence was found in the AvaR2‐binding regions of these five target genes. Eleven novel AvaR2 targets were identified, including genes involved in primary metabolism, ribosomal protein synthesis, and stress responses. AvaR2 bound and responded to endogenous avenolide and exogenous antibiotics jadomycin B (JadB) and aminoglycosides to modulate its DNA‐binding activity. Our findings help to clarify the roles of pseudo GBL receptors as pleiotropic regulators and as receptors for new type autoregulator and exogenous antibiotic signal. A pseudo GBL receptor‐mediated antibiotic signalling transduction system may be a common strategy that facilitates Streptomyces interspecies communication and survival in complex environments.
Shuttling of (deoxy‐) purine nucleotides between compartments of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Chu Lili , Gruber Ansgar , Ast Michelle , Schmitz‐Esser Stephan , Altensell Jacqueline , Neuhaus Horst Ekkehard , Kroth Peter G. , Haferkamp Ilka 
Published: August 2016

Summary

Diatom plastids show several peculiarities when compared with primary plastids of higher plants or algae. They are surrounded by four membranes and depend on nucleotide uptake because, unlike in plants, nucleotide de novo synthesis exclusively occurs in the cytosol. Previous analyses suggest that two specifically adapted nucleotide transporters (NTTs) facilitate the required passage of nucleotides across the innermost plastid membrane. However, nucleotide transport across the additional plastid membranes remains to be clarified.

Phylogenetic studies, transport assays with the recombinant protein as well as GFP‐based targeting analyses allowed detailed characterization of a novel isoform (PtNTT5) of the six NTTs of Phaeodactylum tricornutum.

PtNTT5 exhibits low amino acid similarities and is only distantly related to all previously characterized NTTs. However, in a heterologous expression system, it acts as a nucleotide antiporter and prefers various (deoxy‐) purine nucleotides as substrates. Interestingly, PtNTT5 is probably located in the endoplasmic reticulum, which in diatoms also represents the outermost plastid membrane.

PtNTT5, with its unusual transport properties, phylogeny and localization, can be taken as further evidence for the establishment of a sophisticated and specifically adapted nucleotide transport system in diatom plastids.
Encounters with an unearthly mudstone: Understanding the first mudstone found on Mars
Authors: Schieber Juergen , Bish David , Coleman Max , Reed Mark , Hausrath Elisabeth M. , Cosgrove John , Gupta Sanjeev , Minitti Michelle E. , Edgett Kenneth S. , Malin Mike 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe Sheepbed mudstone forms the base of the strata examined by the Curiosity rover in Gale Crater on Mars, and is the first bona fide mudstone known on another planet. From images and associated data, this contribution proposes a holistic interpretation of depositional regime, diagenesis and burial history. A lake basin probably received sediment pulses from alluvial fans. Bed cross‐sections show millimetre to centimetre‐scale layering due to distal pulses of fluvial sediment injections (fine‐grained hyperpycnites), fall‐out from river plumes, and some aeolian supply. Diagenetic features include mineralized synaeresis cracks and millimetre‐scale nodules, as well as stratiform cementation. Clay minerals were initially considered due to in situ alteration, but bulk rock chemistry and mineralogy suggests that sediments were derived from variably weathered source rocks that probably contained pre‐existing clay minerals. X‐ray diffraction analyses show contrasting clay mineralogy in closely spaced samples, consistent with at least partial detrital supply of clay minerals. A significant (ca 30 wt%) amorphous component is consistent with little post‐depositional alteration. Theoretical modelling of diagenetic reactions, as well as kinetic considerations, suggest that the bulk of diagenetic clay mineral formation occurred comparatively late in diagenesis. Diagenetic features (synaeresis cracks and nodules) were previously thought to reflect early diagenetic gas formation, but an alternative scenario of synaeresis crack formation via fabric collapse of flocculated clays appears more likely. The observed diagenetic features, such as solid nodules, hollow nodules, matrix cement and ‘raised ridges’ (synaeresis cracks) can be explained with progressive alteration of olivine/glass in conjunction with centrifugal and counter diffusion of reactive species. Anhydrite‐filled fractures in the Sheepbed mudstone occurred late in diagenesis when fluid pressures built up to exceed lithostatic pressure. Generating fluid overpressure by burial to facilitate hydraulic fracturing suggests a burial depth of at least 1000 m for the underlying strata that supplied these fluids.
Evaluation of a deformable registration algorithm for subsequent lung computed tomography imaging during radiochemotherapy
Authors: Stützer Kristin , Haase Robert , Lohaus Fabian , Barczyk Steffen , Exner Florian , Löck Steffen , Rühaak Jan , Lassen‐Schmidt Bianca , Corr Dörte , Richter Christian 
Published: August 2016

Purpose:Rating both a lung segmentation algorithm and a deformable image registration (DIR) algorithm for subsequent lung computed tomography (CT) images by different evaluation techniques. Furthermore, investigating the relative performance and the correlation of the different evaluation techniques to address their potential value in a clinical setting.Methods:Two to seven subsequent CT images (69 in total) of 15 lung cancer patients were acquired prior, during, and after radiochemotherapy. Automated lung segmentations were compared to manually adapted contours. DIR between the first and all following CT images was performed with a fast algorithm specialized for lung tissue registration, requiring the lung segmentation as input. DIR results were evaluated based on landmark distances, lung contour metrics, and vector field inconsistencies in different subvolumes defined by eroding the lung contour. Correlations between the results from the three methods were evaluated.Results:Automated lung contour segmentation was satisfactory in 18 cases (26%), failed in 6 cases (9%), and required manual correction in 45 cases (66%). Initial and corrected contours had large overlap but showed strong local deviations. Landmark‐based DIR evaluation revealed high accuracy compared to CT resolution with an average error of 2.9 mm. Contour metrics of deformed contours were largely satisfactory. The median vector length of inconsistency vector fields was 0.9 mm in the lung volume and slightly smaller for the eroded volumes. There was no clear correlation between the three evaluation approaches.Conclusions:Automatic lung segmentation remains challenging but can assist the manual delineation process. Proven by three techniques, the inspected DIR algorithm delivers reliable results for the lung CT data sets acquired at different time points. Clinical application of DIR demands a fast DIR evaluation to identify unacceptable results, for instance, by combining different automated DIR evaluation methods.
A Novel Spirooxindole Derivative Inhibits the Growth of Leishmania donovani Parasites both
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
by Targeting Type IB Topoisomerase
Authors: Saha Sourav , Acharya Chiranjit , Pal Uttam , Chowdhury Somenath Roy , Sarkar Kahini , Maiti Nakul C. , Jaisankar Parasuraman , Majumder Hemanta K. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Visceral leishmaniasis is a fatal parasitic disease, and there is an emergent need for development of effective drugs against this neglected tropical disease. We report here the development of a novel spirooxindole derivative,
N
-benzyl-2,2′α-3,3′,5′,6′,7′,7α,α′-octahydro-2methoxycarbonyl-spiro[indole-3,3′-pyrrolizidine]-2-one (compound 4c), which inhibits
Leishmania donovani
topoisomerase IB (LdTopIB) and kills the wild type as well as drug-resistant parasite strains. This compound inhibits catalytic activity of LdTopIB in a competitive manner. Unlike camptothecin (CPT), the compound does not stabilize the DNA-topoisomerase IB cleavage complex; rather, it hinders drug-DNA-enzyme covalent complex formation. Fluorescence studies show that the stoichiometry of this compound binding to LdTopIB is 2:1 (mole/mole), with a dissociation constant of 6.65 μM. Molecular docking with LdTopIB using the stereoisomers of compound 4c produced two probable hits for the binding site, one in the small subunit and the other in the hinge region of the large subunit of LdTopIB. This spirooxindole is highly cytotoxic to promastigotes of
L. donovani
and also induces apoptosis-like cell death in the parasite. Treatment with compound 4c causes depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, formation of reactive oxygen species inside parasites, and ultimately fragmentation of nuclear DNA. Compound 4c also effectively clears amastigote forms of wild-type and drug-resistant parasites from infected mouse peritoneal macrophages but has less of an effect on host macrophages. Moreover, compound 4c showed strong antileishmanial efficacies in the BALB/c mouse model of leishmaniasis. This compound potentially can be used as a lead for developing excellent antileishmanial agents against emerging drug-resistant strains of the parasite.
Determining the Optimal Carbapenem MIC That Distinguishes Carbapenemase-Producing and Non-Carbapenemase-Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Tamma Pranita D. , Huang Yanjie , Opene Belita N. A. , Simner Patricia J. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Carbapenemase-producing (CP)
Enterobacteriaceae
are largely responsible for the rapid spread of carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE). Distinguishing CP-CRE from non-CP-CRE has important infection control implications. In a cohort of 198 CRE isolates, for isolates that remained susceptible or intermediate to some carbapenem antibiotics, an ertapenem MIC of 0.5 μg/ml and meropenem, imipenem, and doripenem MICs of 2 μg/ml were best able to distinguish CP-CRE from non-CP-CRE isolates.
First Report of the Globally Disseminated IncX4 Plasmid Carrying the
mcr-1
Gene in a Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 101 Isolate from a Human Infection in Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Miriam R. , McCulloch John A. , Vianello Marco A. , Moura Quézia , Pérez-Chaparro Paula J. , Esposito Fernanda , Sartori Luciana , Dropa Milena , Matté Maria H. , Lira Débora P. A. , Mamizuka Elsa M. , Lincopan Nilton 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

A colistin-resistant
Escherichia coli
strain was recovered from a patient with a diabetic foot infection in Brazil. Whole-genome analysis revealed that the
E. coli
isolate belonged to the widespread sequence type (ST) 101 and harbored the
mcr-1
gene on an IncX4 plasmid that was highly similar to
mcr-1
-bearing IncX4 plasmids that were recently identified in
Enterobacteriaceae
from food, animal, and human samples recovered on different continents. These results suggest that self-transmissible IncX4-type plasmids may represent promiscuous plasmids contributing to the intercontinental spread of the
mcr-1
gene.
Gel-Entrapped Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria as Models of Biofilm Infection Exhibit Growth in Dense Aggregates, Oxygen Limitation, Antibiotic Tolerance, and Heterogeneous Gene Expression
Authors: Pabst Breana , Pitts Betsey , Lauchnor Ellen , Stewart Philip S. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTAn experimental model that mimicked the structure and characteristics ofin vivobiofilm infections, such as those occurring in the lung or in dermal wounds where no biomaterial surface is present, was developed. In these infections, microbial biofilm forms as cell aggregates interspersed in a layer of mucus or host matrix material. This structure was modeled by filling glass capillary tubes with an agarose gel that had been seeded withStaphylococcus aureusbacteria and then incubating the gel biofilm in medium for up to 30 h. Confocal microscopy showed that the bacteria formed in discrete pockets distributed throughout the gel matrix. These aggregates enlarged over time and also developed a size gradient, with the clusters being larger near the nutrient- and oxygen-supplied interface and smaller at greater depths. Bacteria entrapped in gels for 24 h grew slowly (specific growth rate, 0.06 h−1) and were much less susceptible to oxacillin, minocycline, or ciprofloxacin than planktonic cells. Microelectrode measurements showed that the oxygen concentration decreased with depth into the gel biofilm, falling to values less than 3% of air saturation at depths of 500 μm. An anaerobiosis-responsive green fluorescent protein reporter gene for lactate dehydrogenase was induced in the region of the gel where the measured oxygen concentrations were low, confirming biologically relevant hypoxia. These results show that the gel biofilm model captures key features of biofilm infection in mucus or compromised tissue: formation of dense, distinct aggregates, reduced specific growth rates, local hypoxia, and antibiotic tolerance.
The Synergistic Effect of Azoles and Fluoxetine against Resistant Candida albicans Strains Is Attributed to Attenuating Fungal Virulence
Authors: Gu Wenrui , Guo Dongmei , Zhang Liuping , Xu Dongmei , Sun Shujuan 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the synergistic effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, in combination with azoles against
Candida albicans
both
in vitro
and
in vivo
and explored the underlying mechanism. MICs, sessile MICs, and time-kill curves were determined for resistant
C. albicans
.
Galleria mellonella
was used as a nonvertebrate model for determining the efficacy of the drug combinations against
C. albicans
in vivo
. For the mechanism study, gene expression levels of the
SAP
gene family were determined by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, and extracellular phospholipase activities were detected
in vitro
by the egg yolk agar method. The combinations resulted in synergistic activity against
C. albicans
strains, but the same effect was not found for the non-
albicans Candida
strains. For the biofilms formed over 4, 8, and 12 h, synergism was seen for the combination of fluconazole and fluoxetine. In addition, the time-kill curves confirmed the synergism dynamically. The results of the
G. mellonella
studies agreed with the
in vitro
analysis. In the mechanism study, we observed that fluconazole plus fluoxetine caused downregulation of the gene expression levels of
SAP1
to
SAP4
and weakened the extracellular phospholipase activities of resistant
C. albicans
. The combinations of azoles and fluoxetine showed synergistic effects against resistant
C. albicans
may diminish the virulence properties of
C. albicans
.
TPL2 Is an Oncogenic Driver in Keratocanthoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Jun-Han , Lee Joo-Hyung , Lee Sang Hyuk , Do Sung-Im , Cho Sung-Dae , Forslund Ola , Inn Kyung-Soo , Lee Jeong-Sang , Deng Fang-Ming , Melamed Jonathan , Jung Jae U. , Jeong Joseph H. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and keratoacanthoma (KA; SCC/KA) research has been hampered mainly by our lack of understanding the underlying genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with SCC/KA development, as well as the lack of animal models that faithfully recapitulate histopathologic features of human SCC/KA. Here, we show that TPL2 overexpression induced both cell transformation in immortalized human keratinocytes and SCC and KA-like cutaneous SCC (cSCC) development in mice. Mechanistically, activation of TPL2 downstream signaling pathways such as MEK/ERK MAPK, mTOR, NF-κB, and p38 MAPK leads to TPL2-mediated cell transformation in immortalized human keratinocytes and tumorigenesis in mice. Most importantly, TPL2 overexpression is required for iTPL2 TG–driven SCC and KA-like cSCC tumor maintenance, validating TPL2 as a possible drug target for the treatment of SCC/KA. Finally, we verified that TPL2 is overexpressed in human cutaneous metastatic SCC and KA clinical specimens compared with normal skin. Taken together, our results establish TPL2 as an oncogenic driver in SCC/KA development. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6712–22. ©2016 AACR.
Prostaglandin E2 Reduces Cardiac Contractility via EP3 Receptor
Authors: Gu Xiaosong , Xu Jiang , Zhu Liping , Bryson Timothy , Yang Xiao-Ping , Peterson Edward , Harding Pamela 
Published: August 2016

Background—

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE
2
) EP receptors EP3 and EP4 signal via decreased and increased cAMP production, respectively. Previously, we reported that cardiomyocyte-specific EP4 knockout mice develop dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction. Thus, we hypothesized that PGE
2
increases contractility via EP4 but decreases contractility via EP3.

Methods and Results—

The effects of PGE
2
and the EP1/EP3 agonist sulprostone on contractility were examined in the mouse Langendorff preparation and in adult mouse cardiomyocytes. Isolated hearts of adult male C57Bl/6 mice were perfused with PGE
2
(10
−6
M) or sulprostone (10
−6
M) and compared with vehicle. Both PGE
2
and sulprostone decreased +dp/dt (
P
<0.01) and left ventricular developed pressure (
P
<0.001) with reversal by an EP3 antagonist. In contrast, the EP4 agonist had the opposite effect. Adult mouse cardiomyocytes contractility was also reduced after treatment with either PGE
2
or sulprostone for 10 minutes. We then examined the acute effects of PGE
2
, sulprostone, and the EP4 agonist on expression of phosphorylated phospholamban and sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase 2a in adult mouse cardiomyocytes using Western blot. Treatment with either PGE
2
or sulprostone decreased expression of phosphorylated phospholamban corrected to total phospholamban, whereas treatment with the EP4 agonist had the opposite effect. Sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase 2a expression was unaffected. Finally, we examined the effect of these compounds in vivo using pressure–volume loops. Both PGE
2
and sulprostone decreased +dp/dt, whereas the EP4 agonist increased +dp/dt.

Conclusions—
Contractility is reduced via the EP3 receptor but increased via EP4. These effects may be mediated through changes in phospholamban phosphorylation and has relevance to detrimental effects of inflammation.
Community Rates of Breastfeeding Initiation
Authors: Grubesic Tony H. , Durbin Kelly M. 
Published: August 2016

Background: Breastfeeding initiation rates vary considerably across racial and ethnic groups, maternal age, and education level, yet there are limited data concerning the influence of geography on community rates of breastfeeding initiation. Objective: This study aimed to describe how community rates of breastfeeding initiation vary in geographic space, highlighting “hot spots” and “cool spots” of initiation and exploring the potential connections between race, socioeconomic status, and urbanization levels on these patterns. Methods: Birth certificate data from the Kentucky Department of Health for 2004-2010 were combined with county-level geographic base files, Census 2010 demographic and socioeconomic data, and Rural-Urban Continuum Codes to conduct a spatial statistical analysis of community rates of breastfeeding initiation. Results: Between 2004 and 2010, the average rate of breastfeeding initiation for Kentucky increased from 43.84% to 49.22%. Simultaneously, the number of counties identified as breastfeeding initiation hot spots also increased, displaying a systematic geographic pattern in doing so. Cool spots of breastfeeding initiation persisted in rural, Appalachian Kentucky. Spatial regression results suggested that unemployment, income, race, education, location, and the availability of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are connected to breastfeeding initiation. Conclusion: Not only do spatial analytics facilitate the identification of breastfeeding initiation hot spots and cool spots, but they can be used to better understand the landscape of breastfeeding initiation and help target breastfeeding education and/or support efforts.