bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Just Antimicrobial is not Enough: Toward Bifunctional Polymer Surfaces with Dual Antimicrobial and Protein‐Repellent Functionality
Authors: Hartleb Wibke , Saar Julia S. , Zou Peng , Lienkamp Karen 
Published: November 2015

Antimicrobial polymer surfaces often fail because debris of killed bacteria accumulates on the coating, which is then covered and deactivated. To overcome this deficiency, two synthetic approaches are developed that combine polycationic antimicrobial polymers with polyzwitterionic protein‐repellent polymers. In the first approach, these polymers are site‐selectively immobilized on surfaces with a chemical contrast, which is obtained by colloidal lithography. In the second approach, a thin corona of polyzwitterions is grafted onto a carpet of polycationic antimicrobial polymers. Results recently obtained in our laboratory suggest that precisely controlling the surface architecture and geometry can lead to the desired dual functionality.
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Calcium supplementation modulates gut microbiota in a prebiotic manner in dietary obese mice
Authors: Chaplin Alice , Parra Pilar , Laraichi Sarah , Serra Francisca , Palou Andreu 
Published: November 2015

ScopeDietary calcium has been inversely associated with body fat and energy balance. The main scope of this study has been to assess the potential contribution of gut microbiota on energy regulation mediated by calcium.Methods and resultsGut microbiota in C57BL/6J mice receiving calcium supplementation under a high‐fat (HF) diet were analysed by PCR and their relationships with host metabolic parameters were determined. Calcium conferred a prebiotic‐like effect on gut microbiota, and animals presented lower plasmatic endotoxin levels, increased expression of angiopoietin‐like 4 in intestine and lower hepatic lipid content, although increased expression of stress markers in adipose tissue and of inflammation in liver was also found. To determine whether slimming effects could be transferred to obese mice, a faecal microbial transplant (FMT) was carried out, showing that host bacteria grown under a HF diet could not be superseded by those from calcium‐fed animals. Therefore, FMT was not able to transfer the beneficial effects of calcium.ConclusionIn conclusion, calcium modulated gut microbiota in a prebiotic manner, establishing a host cross‐talk and promoting a healthier metabolic profile. However, lack of effectiveness of FMT suggests the need of further appropriate dietary factors in addition to the bacteria per se.
Mortality from cystic fibrosis in Europe: 1994–2010
Authors: Quintana‐Gallego Esther , Ruiz‐Ramos Miguel , Delgado‐Pecellin Isabel , Calero Carmen , Soriano Joan B. , Lopez‐Campos Jose Luis 
Published: November 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo date, available mortality trends due to cystic fibrosis (CF) have been limited to the analysis of certain countries in different parts of the world showing that mortality trends have been constantly decreasing. However, no studies have examined Europe as a whole. The present study aims to analyze CF mortality trends by gender within the European Union (EU) and to quantify potential years of life lost (PYLL).DesignDeaths from the 27 EU countries were obtained from the statistical office of the EU from the years 1994–2010. Crude and age‐standardized mortality rates (ASR) were estimated for women and men using the standard European population, expressed in deaths per 1,000,000 persons. The PYLL from ages 0 up to 30 years were estimated. Trends were studied by a joinpoint regression analysis.ResultsDuring the study period, 5,130 deaths (2,443 in males and 2,687 in females) were identified. Females had a slightly higher mortality rate than males, with a downward trend observed for both genders. In males, the ASR changed from 1.34 in 1994 to 1.03 in 2010. In females, the ASR changed from 1.42 in 1994 to 0.92 in 2010. The mean age at death and PYLL increased for both genders. The joinpoint analysis did not identify any significant joinpoint for either gender for ASR or PYLL.ConclusionsOur data suggest a continued downward trend of CF mortality throughout the EU, with differences by country and gender. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:133–142. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inherited bradyarrhythmia: A diverse genetic background
Authors: Ishikawa Taisuke , Tsuji Yukiomi , Makita Naomasa 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBradyarrhythmia is a common heart rhythm abnormality comprising number of diseases and is associated with decreased heart rate due to the failure of action potential generation and propagation at the sinus node. Permanent pacemaker implantation is often used therapeutically to compensate for decreased heart rate and cardiac output. The vast majority of bradyarrhythmia cases are attributable either to aging or to structural abnormalities of the cardiac conduction system, caused by underlying structural heart disease. However, there is a subset of bradyarrhythmia primarily caused by genetic defects in the absence of aging or underlying structural heart disease. These include several genes that play principal roles in cardiac electrophysiology, heart development, cardioprotection, and the structural integrity of the membrane and sarcomere. Recent advances in the functional analysis of mutations using a heterologous expression system and genetically engineered animal models have provided significant insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for inherited arrhythmia. In this review, current understandings of the genetic and molecular basis of inherited bradyarrhythmia are presented.
Conservative therapy for the management of cardiac implantable electronic device infection
Authors: Sekiguchi Yukio 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAlong with the increased frequency of implantation, the incidence of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection, which can have serious or fatal complications, has also increased. Although several successful conservative therapies for CIED infection have been reported, retained infected devices remain a source of relapse, which is closely related to a higher mortality rate. Presently, complete hardware removal is initially recommended for infected CIED patients, and indications for conservative therapy, including continuous administration of antibiotics, require careful consideration.On the other hand, complete removal is not required for superficial or incisional infection at the device pocket if an infection does not involve the device, but the patient should be closely followed for progression to deeper infection, which would require extraction.
Successful intraprocedural anticoagulation with bivalirudin during pulmonary vein isolation in a patient with known heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia type II
Authors: Bellmann Barbara , Nagel Patrick , Muntean Bogdan G. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe report the case of a 56‐year‐old female who presented with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Anamnestic heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) type II was suspected, and a rapid diagnostic test showed antibodies against platelet factor 4. The heparin‐induced platelet activation‐assay was negative. Radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation with intraprocedural anticoagulation using bivalirudin was ultimately performed. Dosing was controlled by monitoring the activated clotting time. Post‐procedural blood tests were normal. There were no thromboembolic or bleeding events. Bivalirudin is a therapeutic option for anticoagulation during pulmonary vein isolation procedures in patients with a history of HIT type II.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Attenuates the Influence of Amyloid on Cognition
Authors: Schultz Stephanie A. , Boots Elizabeth A. , Almeida Rodrigo P. , Oh Jennifer M. , Einerson Jean , Korcarz Claudia E. , Edwards Dorothy F. , Koscik Rebecca L. , Dowling Maritza N. , Gallagher Catherine L. , Bendlin Barbara B. , Christian Bradley T. , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Asthana Sanjay , Hermann Bruce P. , Sager Mark A. , Johnson Sterling C. , Stein James H. , Okonkwo Ozioma C. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine cross-sectionally whether higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) might favorably modify amyloid-β (Aβ)-related decrements in cognition in a cohort of late-middle-aged adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Sixty-nine enrollees in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention participated in this study. They completed a comprehensive neuropsychological exam, underwent 11C Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB)-PET imaging, and performed a graded treadmill exercise test to volitional exhaustion. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) during the exercise test was used as the index of CRF. Forty-five participants also underwent lumbar puncture for collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, from which Aβ42 was immunoassayed. Covariate-adjusted regression analyses were used to test whether the association between Aβ and cognition was modified by CRF. There were significant VO2peak*PiB-PET interactions for Immediate Memory (p=.041) and Verbal Learning & Memory (p=.025). There were also significant VO2peak*CSF Aβ42 interactions for Immediate Memory (p<.001) and Verbal Learning & Memory (p<.001). Specifically, in the context of high Aβ burden, that is, increased PiB-PET binding or reduced CSF Aβ42, individuals with higher CRF exhibited significantly better cognition compared with individuals with lower CRF. In a late-middle-aged, at-risk cohort, higher CRF is associated with a diminution of Aβ-related effects on cognition. These findings suggest that exercise might play an important role in the prevention of AD. (JINS, 2015, 21, 841–850)
Discrete roles of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling in hematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis
Authors: Famili F , Naber B A E , Vloemans S , de Haas E F E , Tiemessen M M , Staal F J T 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe mechanisms that regulate proliferation, fate decisions and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and thymic stem cells are highly complex. Several signaling pathways including Wnt signaling have important roles during these processes. Both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling are important in normal and malignant hematopoiesis and lymphoid development, yet their precise roles are controversial. In a side-by-side comparison, we investigated the roles of the canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathway in hematopoiesis and thymopoiesis. As complete loss-of-function models for non-canonical Wnt signaling are not yet available and highly complex for canonical Wnt signaling, we decided to use a gain-of-function approach. To this end, Wnt3a and Wn5a, two well-known prototypical canonical and non-canonical Wnt ligands were produced in hematopoiesis supporting stromal assays. High levels of Wnt3a signaling blocked T-cell development at early stages, whereas intermediate levels accelerated T-cell development. In contrast, Wnt5a signaling prompted apoptosis in developing thymocytes, without affecting differentiation at a particular stage. To explore the role of Wnt3a and Wnt5a in vivo, we transduced HSCs isolated from fetal liver, transduced with Wnt3a and Wnt5a vectors, and performed reconstitution assays in irradiated C57Bl/6 mice. Wnt3a overexpression led to increased lymphopoiesis, whereas Wnt5a augments myelopoiesis in the bone marrow (BM) and spleen. Thus, the canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling have discrete roles in hematopoiesis and thymopoiesis, and understanding their right dose of action is crucial for prospective translational applications.
Membrane-bound and soluble Fas ligands have opposite functions in photoreceptor cell death following separation from the retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Matsumoto H , Murakami Y , Kataoka K , Notomi S , Mantopoulos D , Trichonas G , Miller J W , Gregory M S , Ksander B R , Marshak-Rothstein A , Vavvas D G 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFas ligand (FasL) triggers apoptosis of Fas-positive cells, and previous reports described FasL-induced cell death of Fas-positive photoreceptors following a retinal detachment. However, as FasL exists in membrane-bound (mFasL) and soluble (sFasL) forms, and is expressed on resident microglia and infiltrating monocyte/macrophages, the current study examined the relative contribution of mFasL and sFasL to photoreceptor cell death after induction of experimental retinal detachment in wild-type, knockout (FasL−/−), and mFasL-only knock-in (ΔCS) mice. Retinal detachment in FasL−/− mice resulted in a significant reduction of photoreceptor cell death. In contrast, ΔCS mice displayed significantly more apoptotic photoreceptor cell death. Photoreceptor loss in ΔCS mice was inhibited by a subretinal injection of recombinant sFasL. Thus, Fas/FasL-triggered cell death accounts for a significant amount of photoreceptor cell loss following the retinal detachment. The function of FasL was dependent upon the form of FasL expressed: mFasL triggered photoreceptor cell death, whereas sFasL protected the retina, indicating that enzyme-mediated cleavage of FasL determines, in part, the extent of vision loss following the retinal detachment. Moreover, it also indicates that treatment with sFasL could significantly reduce photoreceptor cell loss in patients with retinal detachment.
Smad4 represses the generation of memory-precursor effector T cells but is required for the differentiation of central memory T cells
Authors: Cao J , Zhang X , Wang Q , Qiu G , Hou C , Wang J , Cheng Q , Lan Y , Han H , Shen H , Zhang Y , Yang X , Shen B , Zhang J 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe transcriptional regulation underlying the differentiation of CD8+ effector and memory T cells remains elusive. Here, we show that 18-month-old mice lacking the transcription factor Smad4 (homolog 4 of mothers against decapentaplegic, Drosophila), a key intracellular signaling effector for the TGF-β superfamily, in T cells exhibited lower percentages of CD44hiCD8+ T cells. To explore the role of Smad4 in the activation/memory of CD8+ T cells, 6- to 8-week-old mice with or without Smad4 in T cells were challenged with Listeria monocytogenes. Smad4 deficiency did not affect antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell expansion but led to partially impaired cytotoxic function. Less short-lived effector T cells but more memory-precursor effector T cells were generated in the absence of Smad4. Despite that, Smad4 deficiency led to reduced memory CD8+ T-cell responses. Further exploration revealed that the generation of central memory T cells was impaired in the absence of Smad4 and the cells showed survival issue. In mechanism, Smad4 deficiency led to aberrant transcriptional programs in antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. These findings demonstrated an essential role of Smad4 in the control of effector and memory CD8+ T-cell responses to infection.
Controllable Synthesis of Tetraethylenepentamine Modified Graphene Foam (TEPA-GF) for the Removal of Lead ions
Authors: Han Zhuo , Tang Zhihong , Sun Yuhang , Yang Junhe , Zhi Linjie 
Published: November 2015

Abstract3D graphene foam for water purification has become pervasive recently, not only because it has high specific surface area for adsorption capacity, but also it is easily separated from solution after adsorption. However, it is still challenging because it is hard to improve the adsorption capacity as well as maintain the high mechanical strength. To overcome the challenge, Tetraethylenepentamine modified Graphene Foam (TEPA-GF) was synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method by using GO and TEPA as raw materials. TEPA acted as both cross-linker to combine GO sheets together and reductant of GO during hydrothermal process. Results indicated that the resultant hydrogel’s formation was highly dependent on the mass ratio of TEPA to GO, they cross-linked into a stable hydrogel with perfect cylindrical only when MTEPA: MGO ≥ 1. What’s more, the highest mechanical strength of GF happened at the mass ratio of MTEPA: MGO = 3, which was up to 0.58 kPa. It was worth noting that TEPA-GF demonstrated high adsorption capacity for lead ions, which reached as high as 304.9 mg g−1, much higher than that of other absorbents. Furthermore, TEPA-GF was easily separated from water after adsorption of Pb2+, making it a great potential material for water purification.
El Niño-Southern Oscillation, local weather and occurrences of dengue virus serotypes
Authors: Huang Xiaodong , Clements Archie C.A. , Williams Gail , Devine Gregor , Tong Shilu , Hu Wenbiao 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSevere dengue fever is usually associated with secondary infection by a dengue virus (DENV) serotype (1 to 4) that is different to the serotype of the primary infection. Dengue outbreaks only occur following importations of DENV in Cairns, Australia. However, the majority of imported cases do not result in autochthonous transmission in Cairns. Although DENV transmission is strongly associated with the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate cycle and local weather conditions, the frequency and potential risk factors of infections with the different DENV serotypes, including whether or not they differ, is unknown. This study used a classification tree model to identify the hierarchical interactions between Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), local weather factors, the presence of imported serotypes and the occurrence of the four autochthonous DENV serotypes from January 2000–December 2009 in Cairns. We found that the 12-week moving average of SOI and the 2-week moving average of maximum temperature were the most important factors influencing the variation in the weekly occurrence of the four DENV serotypes, the likelihoods of the occurrence of the four DENV serotypes may be unequal under the same environmental conditions and occurrence may be influenced by changes in global and local environmental conditions in Cairns.
The Specification and Maturation of Nociceptive Neurons from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Boisvert Erin M. , Engle Sandra J. , Hallowell Shawn E. , Liu Ping , Wang Zhao-Wen , Li Xue-Jun 
Published: November 2015

AbstractNociceptive neurons play an essential role in pain sensation by transmitting painful stimuli to the central nervous system. However, investigations of nociceptive neuron biology have been hampered by the lack of accessibility of human nociceptive neurons. Here, we describe a system for efficiently guiding human embryonic stem cells into nociceptive neurons by first inducing these cells to the neural lineage. Subsequent addition of retinoic acid and BMP4 at specific time points and concentrations yielded a high population of neural crest progenitor cells (AP2α+, P75+), which further differentiated into nociceptive neurons (TRKA+, Nav1.7+, P2X3+). The overexpression of Neurogenin 1 (Neurog1) promoted the neurons to express genes related to sensory neurons (Peripherin, TrkA) and to further mature into TRPV1+ nociceptive neurons. Importantly, the overexpression of Neurog1 increased the response of these neurons to capsaicin stimulation, a hallmark of mature functional nociceptive neurons. Taken together, this study reveals the important role that Neurog1 plays in generating functional human nociceptive neurons.
Origami rules for the construction of localized eigenstates of the Hubbard model in decorated lattices
Authors: Dias R. G. , Gouveia J. D. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe present a method of construction of exact localized many-body eigenstates of the Hubbard model in decorated lattices, both for U = 0 and U → ∞. These states are localized in what concerns both hole and particle movement. The starting point of the method is the construction of a plaquette or a set of plaquettes with a higher symmetry than that of the whole lattice. Using a simple set of rules, the tight-binding localized state in such a plaquette can be divided, folded and unfolded to new plaquette geometries. This set of rules is also valid for the construction of a localized state for one hole in the U → ∞ limit of the same plaquette, assuming a spin configuration which is a uniform linear combination of all possible permutations of the set of spins in the plaquette.
Effect of exercise on fluoride metabolism in adult humans: a pilot study
Authors: V. Zohoori Fatemeh , Innerd Alison , Azevedo Liane B. , Whitford Gary M. , Maguire Anne 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAn understanding of all aspects of fluoride metabolism is critical to identify its biological effects and avoid fluoride toxicity in humans. Fluoride metabolism and subsequently its body retention may be affected by physiological responses to acute exercise. This pilot study investigated the effect of exercise on plasma fluoride concentration, urinary fluoride excretion and fluoride renal clearance following no exercise and three exercise intensity conditions in nine healthy adults after taking a 1-mg Fluoride tablet. After no, light, moderate and vigorous exercise, respectively, the mean (SD) baseline-adjusted i) plasma fluoride concentration was 9.6(6.3), 11.4(6.3), 15.6(7.7) and 14.9(10.0) ng/ml; ii) rate of urinary fluoride excretion over 0–8 h was 46(15), 44(22), 34(17) and 36(17) μg/h; and iii) rate of fluoride renal clearance was 26.5(9.0), 27.2(30.4), 13.1(20.4) and 18.3(34.9) ml/min. The observed trend of a rise in plasma fluoride concentration and decline in rate of fluoride renal clearance with increasing exercise intensity needs to be investigated in a larger trial. This study, which provides the first data on the effect of exercise with different intensities on fluoride metabolism in humans, informs sample size planning for any subsequent definitive trial, by providing a robust estimate of the variability of the effect.
High carbohydrate intake from starchy foods is positively associated with metabolic disorders: a Cohort Study from a Chinese population
Authors: Feng Rennan , Du Shanshan , Chen Yang , Zheng Sining , Zhang Wei , Na Guanqiong , Li Ying , Sun Changhao 
Published: November 2015

AbstractStarchy foods are the main sources of carbohydrates; however, there is limited information on their metabolic impact. Therefore, we assessed the association between carbohydrates from starchy foods (Carb-S) intakes and the metabolic disorders of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hyperlipidemia. In this study, 4,154 participants from Northern China were followed up for 4.2 years. Carb-S included rice, refined wheat, tubers and their products. Multivariable regression models were used to calculate risk ratios (RRs) for MetS and hyperlipidemia from Carb-S, total carbohydrates and carbohydrates from other food sources (Carb-O). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine a Carb-S cut-off value. High total carbohydrate intake was associated with increased risks of MetS (RR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.00–5.03) and hyperlipidemia (RR: 3.05, 95% CI: 1.25–7.45), compared with the first quartile. High Carb-S intake (fourth quartile) was significantly associated with MetS (RR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.01–2.69) and hyperlipidemia (RR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.05–3.35). No associations with Carb-O were observed. Visceral adiposity, triglyceride levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly contributed to the metabolic disorders. The Carb-S cut-off value was 220 g. Both high total carbohydrate and Carb-S intakes were associated with hyperlipidemia and MetS; Carb-S appears to contribute more to these disorders.