bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The SALAMANDER project: SALivAry bioMarkers of mediterraneAN Diet associated with long‐tERm protection against type 2 diabetes
Authors: Proctor G. B. , André P. , Lopez‐Garcia E. , Gomez Cabrero Lopez D. , Neyraud E. , Feart C. , Rodriguez Artalejo F. , García‐Esquinas E. , Morzel M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSaliva offers the advantages of simple and non‐invasive sampling and a rich source of biomarkers due to the high diversity of its microbiome, proteome and metabolome. The main objective of the SALivAry bioMarkers of mediterraneAN Diet associated with long‐tERm protection against type 2 diabetes (SALAMANDER) project is to identify and validate salivary signatures indicative of healthy dietary choices (adoption of a Mediterranean diet) with a positive long‐term health outcome (protection against type 2 diabetes) throughout adult life. The project will utilise the UK Biobank, a bank of saliva samples with dietary, lifestyle and health‐associated data from 85 000 donors, collected during 2006–2010. UK Biobank data will enable SALAMANDER project researchers to relate past salivary composition and dietary patterns to health status several years later, in order to ascertain the validity of various biomarkers. All subjects will be healthy at baseline and categorised as either healthy (H+) or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (H−) at follow‐up. Compliance (or not) to the Mediterranean diet (D+, D−) will be evaluated with appropriate adjustment factors (e.g. physical activity, use of dietary supplements). Within each of the four D/H groups, 50 subjects will be randomly selected and their salivary microbiome, proteome and metabolome will be analysed by 16SrDNA analyses, nano‐LC‐MS/MS of tryptic digests and 1H NMR, respectively. Integration of analytical data will then be performed to define a multimarker signature of a healthy diet associated with protection against type 2 diabetes. The data obtained from UK Biobank samples will be validated using two other population‐based cohorts of older subjects in Spain (ENRICA) and France (3‐City Bordeaux), enabling verification of whether the identified signatures of biomarkers are conserved as ageing proceeds. The SALAMANDER project aims to advance current knowledge and methods in nutritional epidemiology by identifying objective and non‐invasive biomarkers of compliance to a diet associated with prevention of a diet‐related disease. It will also provide information on an ageing population, the salivary profiles of which are poorly documented, especially in relation to diet and health.
Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome: mouse passive‐transfer model illuminates disease pathology and facilitates testing therapeutic leads
Authors: Meriney Stephen D. , Tarr Tyler B. , Ojala Kristine S. , Wu Man , Li Yizhi , Lacomis David , Garcia‐Ocaña Adolfo , Liang Mary , Valdomir Guillermo , Wipf Peter 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies directed against the voltage‐gated calcium channels that provide the calcium ion flux that triggers acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. To study the pathophysiology of LEMS and test candidate therapeutic strategies, a passive‐transfer animal model has been developed in mice, which can be created by daily intraperitoneal injections of LEMS patient serum or IgG into mice for 2–4 weeks. Results from studies of the mouse neuromuscular junction have revealed that each synapse has hundreds of transmitter release sites but that the probability for release at each one is likely to be low. LEMS further reduces this low probability such that transmission is no longer effective at triggering a muscle contraction. The LEMS‐mediated attack reduces the number of presynaptic calcium channels, disorganizes transmitter release sites, and results in the homeostatic upregulation of other calcium channel types. Symptomatic treatment is focused on increasing the probability of release from dysfunctional release sites. Current treatment uses the potassium channel blocker 3,4‐diaminopyridine (DAP) to broaden the presynaptic action potential, providing more time for calcium channels to open. Current research is focused on testing new calcium channel gating modifiers that work synergistically with DAP.
Oxidative stress‐triggered interactions between the succinyl‐ and acetyl‐proteomes of rice leaves
Authors: Zhou Heng , Finkemeier Iris , Guan Wenxue , Tossounian Maria‐Armineh , Wei Bo , Young David , Huang Jingjing , Messens Joris , Yang Xibin , Zhu Jun , Wilson Michael H. , Shen Wenbiao , Xie Yanjie , Foyer Christine H. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractProtein lysine acylations, such as succinylation and acetylation, are important post‐translational modification (PTM) mechanisms, with key roles in cellular regulation. Antibody‐based affinity enrichment, high‐resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis, and integrated bioinformatics analysis were used to characterize the lysine succinylome (Ksuc) and acetylome (Kace) of rice leaves. In total, 2,593 succinylated and 1,024 acetylated proteins were identified, of which 723 were simultaneously acetylated and succinylated. Proteins involved in photosynthetic carbon metabolism such as the large and small subunits of RuBisCO, ribosomal functions, and other key processes were subject to both PTMs. Preliminary insights into oxidant‐induced changes to the rice acetylome and succinylome were gained from treatments with hydrogen peroxide. Exposure to oxidative stress did not regulate global changes in the rice acetylome or succinylome but rather led to modifications on a specific subset of the identified sites. De‐succinylation of recombinant catalase (CATA) and glutathione S‐transferase (OsGSTU6) altered the activities of these enzymes showing that this PTM may have a regulatory function. These findings not only greatly extend the list of acetylated and/or succinylated proteins but they also demonstrate the close cooperation between these PTMs in leaf proteins with key metabolic functions.
Overexpression of SDH confers tolerance to salt and osmotic stress, but decreases ABA sensitivity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shi X.‐P. , Ren J.‐J. , Yu Q. , Zhou S.‐M. , Ren Q.‐P. , Kong L.‐J. , Wang X.‐L. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) catalyses the reversible oxidation of sorbitol, xylitol and ribitol to their corresponding ketoses. In this study, we investigated the expression and role of Arabidopsis SDH in salt and osmotic stress tolerance, and abscisic acid (ABA) response.

The expression patterns of SDH were investigated using transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing beta‐glucuronidase (GUS) under control of the promoter with the first intron of SDH. qRT‐PCR and histochemical assay of GUS activity were used to study SDH expression regulation by ABA, salt and osmotic stress. SDH‐overexpression lines of Arabidopsis were used to investigate the role of SDH in salt and osmotic stress, and ABA response.

Arabidopsis SDH was predominantly expressed in source organs such as green cotyledons, fully expanded leaves and sepals, especially in vascular tissues of theses organs. SDH expression was inhibited by NaCl and mannitol treatments. Seed germination and post‐germination growth of SDH‐overexpressing lines exhibited decreased sensitivity to salt and osmotic stress compared to WT plants. The transcript of SDH was induced by ABA. Overexpression of SDH decreased sensitivity to ABA during seed germination and post‐germination growth. Expression of AAO3 increased but ABI5 and MYB2 decreased in SDH‐overexpressing lines after ABA treatment.

This study demonstrates that expression of SDH is regulated by ABA, salt and osmotic stress. SDH functions in plant tolerance to salt and osmotic stress, and ABA response via specific regulating gene expression of ABA synthesis and signalling in Arabidopsis.
Outbreak of invasive aspergillosis in heart transplant recipients: The role of screening computed tomography scans in asymptomatic patients and universal antifungal prophylaxis
Authors: Kabbani Dima , Goldraich Livia , Ross Heather , Rotstein Coleman , Husain Shahid 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundDelays in diagnosing pulmonary invasive aspergillosis (IA), a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among heart transplant recipients (HTRs), may impact on successful treatment. The appropriate screening strategy for IA in these patients remains undefined, particularly in the setting of nosocomial outbreaks. We describe our experience employing chest computed tomography (CT) scans as a screening method for IA. In addition, we comment on antimicrobial prophylaxis in HTRs in the setting of an outbreak.MethodsScreening CT scans of the chest and serum galactomannan (GM) were performed in HTRs during an outbreak that followed the index case of IA. Abnormal CT findings prompted a diagnostic workup. Antimicrobial prophylaxis for new transplants recipients included intravenous micafungin while hospitalized, followed by outpatient inhaled amphotericin B for up to 3 months.ResultsDuring a 10‐month period, five cases of IA were identified among HTRs. Two additional asymptomatic patients were diagnosed with IA among 15 asymptomatic HTRs who underwent screening chest CT scans. Among the five cases of IA in HTRs, two of five (40%) had a partial response and the other three failed voriconazole therapy. Complete response to voriconazole therapy assessed at 12 weeks was achieved in these two asymptomatic HTRs diagnosed via screening CTs. Serum GM was positive only in one of the symptomatic cases. The negative predictive value of CT scans was 100% (95% confidence interval, 71.5%‐100%).ConclusionsIn an outbreak setting, screening CT scans of the chest may aid in early detection of asymptomatic HTRs with IA and improve outcome.
Comparing the behavioural impact of a nudge‐based handwashing intervention to high‐intensity hygiene education: a cluster‐randomised trial in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Grover Elise , Hossain Mohammed Kamal , Uddin Saker , Venkatesh Mohini , Ram Pavani K. , Dreibelbis Robert 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the impact of environmental nudges on handwashing behaviours among primary school children as compared to a high‐intensity hygiene education intervention.MethodsIn a cluster‐randomised trial (CRT), we compared the rates of handwashing with soap (HWWS) after a toileting event among primary school students in rural Bangladesh. Eligible schools (government run, on‐site sanitation and water, no hygiene interventions in last year, fewer than 450 students) were identified, and 20 schools were randomly selected and allocated without blinding to one of four interventions, five schools per group: simultaneous handwashing infrastructure and nudge construction, sequential infrastructure then nudge construction, simultaneous infrastructure and high‐intensity hygiene education (HE) and sequential handwashing infrastructure and HE. The primary outcome, incidence of HWWS after a toileting event, was compared between the intervention groups at different data collection points with robust‐Poisson regression analysis with generalised estimating equations, adjusting for school‐level clustering of outcomes.ResultsThe nudge intervention and the HE intervention were found to be equally effective at sustained impact over 5 months post‐intervention (adjusted IRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.61–1.09). When comparing intervention delivery timing, the simultaneous delivery of the HE intervention significantly outperformed the sequential HE delivery (adjusted IRR 1.58 CI 1.20–2.08), whereas no significant difference was observed between sequential and simultaneous nudge intervention delivery (adjusted IRR 0.75, 95% CI 0.48–1.17).ConclusionOur trial demonstrates sustained improved handwashing behaviour 5 months after the nudge intervention. The nudge intervention's comparable performance to a high‐intensity hygiene education intervention is encouraging.
Diluted seawater affects phytohormone receptors and maintains the protonema stage in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Zheng Zhenbing , Gao Shan , Huan Li , Wang Guang‐Ce 
Published: November 2017

SummaryDue to its highly efficient homologous recombination ability and unusual evolutionary position, the moss Physcomitrella patens has begun to attract more attention in genetic and evolutionary studies. Protonema, the filament stage of the gametophyte, is of great significance in P. patens protoplast isolation. Moreover, protonema is widely used in genetic engineering. However, difficulties in the induction and state maintenance of protonema restrict its wider application. In this work, protonema was induced efficiently in a diluted seawater medium, and the filamentous state was maintained without further cell differentiation. The developmental process of the protonema resumed, progressing to bud assembly and gametophore formation after transfer to freshwater medium. In addition, a transcriptome analysis showed that plant hormone signal transduction pathways were downregulated when protonema was grown in diluted seawater medium. Consistent with the transcriptome results, the protonema failed to respond to the addition of indole‐3‐acetic acid and 6‐benzylaminopurine to the diluted seawater medium. Based on these results, we concluded that diluted seawater medium blocks the differentiation of protonema. This result could provide a novel insight to benefit future protonema production.
Synchrotron X-Ray Investigation of Membrane Water Distribution in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Banerjee Rupak , Han Chuzhang , Ge Nan , Bazylak Aimy 
Published: November 2017

Water management is a critical component of extracting optimum performance and efficiency from polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. During fuel cell operation, a balance needs to be maintained between excess water blocking the reactant pathways through the gas diffusion layer, and the requirement for membrane hydration. The ionic conductivity through the membrane depends strongly on the hydration of the membrane.
The reactant gases in a PEM fuel cell are supplied through a humidification system to maintain appropriate levels of hydration in the membrane. The removal of the anode humidifier would significantly reduce the balance of plant costs and reduce the volume required for the fuel cell in an automotive setting. However, removing the anode humidification system could have adverse effects on membrane hydration and on fuel cell performance.
In this study, the anode humidification was varied and the cell performance and the membrane resistance were monitored. Synchrotron X-ray radiography was conducted simultaneously to visualize the water distribution in the membrane, the gas diffusion layer, and the associated interfaces. It was observed that the anode humidification had a strong impact on the performance of the fuel cell, with the dry condition leading to voltage instability at a current density below 1.0 A/cm2. The membrane water content was observed to decrease with increases in operating current density.
First Draft Genome Sequences of Three Strains of Francisella tularensis subsp.
holarctica
, Isolated from Hares and a Tick in France
Authors: Madani Nora , Giraud Philippe , Mendy Christiane , Colaneri Cécile , Cherchame Emeline , Cherfa Moulay-Ali , Richomme Céline , Decors Anouk , Girault Guillaume 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the complete genome sequences of three strains of
Francisella tularensis
subsp.
holarctica
(11-789-5S, 11-935-13S, and 11-930-9S), isolated from brown hares and a tick during a tularemia outbreak in France, where tularemia is endemic.
Genome Sequences of 12 Cluster AN
Arthrobacter
Phages
Authors: Lee-Soety Julia Y. , Bhatt Shantanu , Adair Tamarah L. , Bonilla J. Alfred , Klyczek Karen K. , Harrison Melinda ,   Saint Joseph’s University SEA-PHAGES,   Baylor University SEA-PHAGES,   University of Wisconsin-River Falls SEA-PHAGES,   Cabrini University SEA-PHAGES, Garlena Rebecca A. , Bowman Charles A. , Russell Daniel A. , Pope Welkin H. , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Cresawn Steven G. , Hatfull Graham F. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Twelve siphoviral phages isolated using
Arthrobacter
sp. strain ATCC 21022 were sequenced. The phages all have relatively small genomes, ranging from 15,319 to 15,556 bp. All 12 phages are closely related to previously described cluster AN
Arthrobacter
phages.
Genome Sequences of Three Cluster AU
Arthrobacter
Phages, Caterpillar, Nightmare, and Teacup
Authors: Adair Tamarah L. , Stowe Emily , Pizzorno Marie C. , Krukonis Gregory , Harrison Melinda ,   Baylor University SEA-PHAGES,   Bucknell University SEA-PHAGES,   Cabrini University SEA-PHAGES, Cresawn Steven G. , Garlena Rebecca A. , Russell Daniel A. , Pope Welkin H. , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Hatfull Graham F. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Caterpillar, Nightmare, and Teacup are cluster AU siphoviral phages isolated from enriched soil on
Arthrobacter
sp. strain ATCC 21022. These genomes are 58 kbp long with an average G+C content of 50%. Sequence analysis predicts 86 to 92 protein-coding genes, including a large number of small proteins with predicted transmembrane domains.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus thermophilus Strain B59671, Which Naturally Produces the Broad-Spectrum Bacteriocin Thermophilin 110
Authors: Renye John A. , Needleman David S. , Somkuti George A. , Steinberg Dennis H. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus thermophilus
strain B59671 is a Gram-positive lactic acid bacterium that naturally produces a broad-spectrum bacteriocin, thermophilin 110, and is capable of producing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The complete genome sequence for this strain contains 1,821,173 nucleotides, 1,936 predicted genes, and an average G+C content of 39.1%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus altitudinis Type Strain SGAir0031 Isolated from Tropical Air Collected in Singapore
Authors: Vettath Vineeth Kodengil , Junqueira Ana Carolina M. , Uchida Akira , Purbojati Rikky W. , Houghton James N. I. , Chénard Caroline , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Wong Anthony , Kolundžija Sandra , Clare Megan E. , Lau Kenny J. X. , Gaultier Nicolas E. , Heinle Cassie E. , Premkrishnan Balakrishnan N. V. , Gusareva Elena S. , Acerbi Enzo , Yang Liang , Schuster Stephan C. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Bacillus altitudinis
strain SGAir0031 (
Firmicutes
) was isolated from tropical air samples collected in Singapore. Its genome was assembled using short reads and single-molecule real-time sequencing, comprising one chromosome with 3.81 Mb and one plasmid with 32 kb. The genome consists of 3,820 protein-coding genes, 81 tRNAs, and 24 rRNAs.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of a Human Clinical Isolate of emm28 Streptococcus pyogenes Causing Necrotizing Fasciitis Acquired Contemporaneously with Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Long S. Wesley , Kachroo Priyanka , Musser James M. , Olsen Randall J. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

We discovered an emm28
Streptococcus pyogenes
isolate causing necrotizing fasciitis in a patient exposed to the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey in the Houston, TX, metropolitan area in August 2017. The Oxford Nanopore MinION instrument provided sufficient genome sequence data within 1 h of beginning sequencing to close the genome.
Clinical prediction rule for neurological sequelae due to acute encephalopathy: a medical community-based validation study in Harima, Japan
Authors: Sasaki Kaori , Nagase Hiroaki , Maruyama Azusa , Fujita Kyoko , Nishiyama Masahiro , Tanaka Tsukasa , Nukina Sadayuki , Takumi Toru , Takenaka Kanae , Oyazato Yoshinobu , Nishiyama Atsushi , Kawata Tomoko , Saeki Keisuke , Takami Yuichi , Satake-Inoue Eriko , Iijima Kazumoto , Morioka Ichiro , Uetani Yoshiyuki 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesThis study aimed to verify the screening performance of our clinical prediction rule for neurological sequelae due to acute encephalopathy (NSAE-CPR), which previously identified the following three variables as predictive of poor outcomes: (1) refractory status epilepticus; (2) consciousness disturbance and/or hemiplegia at 6 hours from onset and (3) aspartate aminotransferase >90 IU/L within 6 hours of onset.DesignMedical community-based multicentre retrospective cohort study.SettingSix regional hospitals in Harima and one tertiary centre in Kobe, Japan, from 2008 to 2012.ParticipantsWe enrolled a total of 1612 patients aged <16 years who met the diagnostic criteria for an initial diagnosis of complex febrile seizure. Patients with a history of neurological disease and those included in the derivation cohort were excluded.Primary outcome measuresUnivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between each of the three predictor variables and poor AE outcome (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category score ≥2). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was also performed to assess the screening performance of the NSAE-CPR.ResultsThe ROC analysis identified at least one of the three predictive variables as an optimal cut-off point, with an area under the curve of 0.915 (95% CI 0.825 to 1.000). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios and Matthews correlation coefficient were 0.867, 0.954, 0.149, 0.999, 18.704, 0.140 and 0.349, respectively.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the NSAE-CPR can be used for the screening and identification of patients with poor outcomes due to acute encephalopathy within 6 hours of onset.
Risk of sudden cardiac death in relation to season-specific cold spells: a case–crossover study in Finland
Authors: Ryti Niilo R I , Mäkikyrö Elina M S , Antikainen Harri , Hookana Eeva , Junttila M Juhani , Ikäheimo Tiina M , Kortelainen Marja-Leena , Huikuri Heikki V , Jaakkola Jouni J K 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveTo testa priorihypothesis of an association between season-specific cold spells and sudden cardiac death (SCD).MethodsWe conducted a case–crossover study of 3614 autopsy-verified cases of SCD in the Province of Oulu, Finland (1998–2011). Cold spell was statistically defined by applying an individual frequency distribution of daily temperatures at the home address during the hazard period (7 days preceding death) and 50 reference periods (same calendar days of other years) for each case using the home coordinates. Conditional logistic regression was applied to estimate ORs for the association between the occurrence of cold spells and the risk of SCD after controlling for temporal trends.ResultsThe risk of SCD was associated with a preceding cold spell (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.00, 1.78). A greater number of cold days preceding death increased the risk of SCD approximately 19% per day (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.32). The association was strongest during autumn (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.27 to 4.96) and winter (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.13 to 2.55) and lowest during summer (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.15 to 1.18) and spring (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.45 to 1.79). The association was stronger for ischaemic (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.13) than for non-ischaemic SCD (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.32 to 1.45) verified by medicolegal autopsy.ConclusionsOur results indicate that there is an association between cold spells and SCD, that this association is strongest during autumn, when the weather event is prolonged, and with cases suffering ischaemic SCD. These findings are subsumed with potential prevention via weather forecasting, medical advice and protective behaviour.