bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Composition of salivary microbiota in elderly subjects
Authors: Ogawa Taiji , Hirose Yujiro , Honda-Ogawa Mariko , Sugimoto Minami , Sasaki Satoshi , Kibi Masahito , Kawabata Shigetada , Ikebe Kazunori , Maeda Yoshinobu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractFrailty is gaining attention worldwide with the aging of society. Despite the potential lethality and multiple signs and symptoms in affected individuals, preclinical detection of early manifestations leading to frailty syndrome have not been established. We speculated that the composition of the oral microbiota is associated with general frailty, as well as a relationship between gut microbiota and general health condition. In the present study, we investigated the salivary microbiota composition in samples from healthy and frail elderly individuals using 16S rRNA sequencing analysis for characterization. We found a significant difference in diversity between elderly individuals living in a nursing home (EN) and healthy control (HC) subjects, as well as in the microbiota composition at the phyla level. A supervised orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) revealed a significant difference in clear classification trend between the EN and HC groups, with all observations falling within the Hotellings T2 (0.95) ellipse, with model fitness parameters of R2(cum) = 0.937 and Q2(cum) = 0.888, respectively. In addition, the score plots by unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) showed a clear classification trend in both groups. Our findings suggest that general frailty is associated with oral microbiota composition and formation.
Comparison Long-term Outcome of Definitive Radiotherapy plus Different Chemotherapy Schedules in Patients with Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yi-Chun , Wang Wen-Yi , Twu Chih-Wen , Jiang Rong-San , Liang Kai-Li , Lin Po-Ju , Lin Jing-Wei , Lin Jin-Ching 
Published: January 2018

AbstractConcurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the current standard of care for advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We hypothesize that shifting CCRT to neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (NeoCT-RT) is an alternative option. From December 2004 to January 2009, 256 NPC patients with stage II-IVB were treated by either CCRT or NeoCT-RT. All patients received the same dosage and fractionation schedule of RT. After long-term follow-up, 26.8% (34/127) and 23.3% (30/129) of patients who received CCRT and NeoCT-RT respectively, developed a tumor relapse (P = 0.6134). Overall survival (HR = 1.52, 95%CI = 0.91–2.55, P = 0.1532) and progression-free survival (HR = 1.22, 95%CI = 0.75–1.99, P = 0.4215) were similar in both groups. However, acute toxicities during RT period revealed a significant reduction of grade 3/4 vomiting (23% vs. 0%, P < 0.0001), mucositis (55% vs. 16%, P < 0.0001), and neck dermatitis (31% vs. 16%, P = 0.0041) in the NeoCT-RT group, resulting in fewer emergency room visits (10.2% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.0071). Severe treatment-related late toxicity (15% vs. 14%, P = 0.9590) and the occurrence of second malignancy (3.9% vs. 5.4%, P = 0.7887) also showed no differences. We concluded that NeoCT-RT could be an attractive alternative option of CCRT for advanced NPC.
Cooperative standing-horizontal-standing reentrant transition for numerous solid particles under external vibration
Authors: Takatori Satoshi , Baba Hikari , Ichino Takatoshi , Shew Chwen-Yang , Yoshikawa Kenichi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe report the collective behavior of numerous plastic bolt-like particles exhibiting one of two distinct states, either standing stationary or horizontal accompanied by tumbling motion, when placed on a horizontal plate undergoing sinusoidal vertical vibration. Experimentally, we prepared an initial state in which all of the particles were standing except for a single particle that was placed at the center of the plate. Under continuous vertical vibration, the initially horizontal particle triggers neighboring particles to fall over into a horizontal state through tumbling-induced collision, and this effect gradually spreads to all of the particles, i.e., the number of horizontal particles is increased. Interestingly, within a certain range of vibration intensity, almost all of the horizontal particles revert back to standing in association with the formation of apparent 2D hexagonal dense-packing. Thus, phase segregation between high and low densities, or crystalline and disperse domains, of standing particles is generated as a result of the reentrant transition. The essential features of such cooperative dynamics through the reentrant transition are elucidated with a simple kinetic model. We also demonstrate that an excitable wave with the reentrant transition is observed when particles are situated in a quasi-one-dimensional confinement on a vibrating plate.
Frequent implementation of interventions may increase HIV infections among MSM in China
Authors: Sun Xiaodan , Xiao Yanni , Peng Zhihang , Wang Ning 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntervention measures among men who have sex with men (MSM) are usually designed to reduce the frequency of high risk behaviors (within-community level), but unfortunately may change the contact network and consequently increase the opportunity for them to have sex with new partners (between-community level). A multi-community periodic model on complex network is proposed to study the two-side effects of interventions on HIV transmission among MSM in China, in which the wanning process of the impacts of interventions are modelled. The basic reproduction number for the multi-community periodic system is defined and calculated numerically. Based on the number of annual reported HIV/AIDS cases among MSM in China, the unknown parameters are estimated by using MCMC method and the basic reproduction number is estimated as 3.56 (95%CI [3.556, 3.568]). Our results show that strong randomness of the community-connection networks leads to more new infections and more HIV/AIDS cases. Moreover, main conclusion indicates that implementation of interventions may induce more new infections, depending on relative level of between- and within-community impacts, and the frequency of implementation of interventions. The findings can help to guide the policy maker to choose the appropriate intervention measures, and to implement the interventions with proper frequency.
Biotransformation and tissue distribution of protopine and allocryptopine and effects of Plume Poppy Total Alkaloid on liver drug-metabolizing enzymes
Authors: Huang Ya-Jun , Cheng Pi , Zhang Zhuo-Yi , Tian Shi-Jie , Sun Zhi-Liang , Zeng Jian-Guo , Liu Zhao-Ying 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this study, the biotransformation in the plasma, urine and feces of rats following oral administration of protopine (PRO) and allocryptopine (ALL)were explored using HPLC-QqTOF MS. An HPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of tissues was developed and applied to the tissue distribution study in rats following intragastric administration of Plume Poppy Total Alkaloid for 3 weeks. A total of ten PRO metabolites and ten ALL metabolites were characterized in rats in vivo. Among these metabolites, six PRO metabolites and five ALL metabolites were reported for the first time. The predicated metabolic pathways including ring cleavage, demethylation following ring cleavage, and glucuronidation were proposed. The low-concentration residue of PRO and ALL in various tissues was detected at 24 h and 48 h after dosing, which indicated that both compounds could be widely distributed in tissues and exist as low levels of residue. The activities of erythromycin N-demethylase, aminopyrine N-demethylase and NAD (P)H quinone oxidoreductase in female rats can be induced post-dose, but these activities were inhibited in male rats. The proposed biotransformation and residues of PRO and ALL and their effects on enzymes may provide a basis for clarifying the metabolism and interpreting pharmacokinetics.
Baseline IL-2 and the AIH score can predict the response to standard therapy in paediatric autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Diestelhorst Jana , Junge Norman , Jonigk Danny , Schlue Jerome , Falk Christine S. , Manns Michael P. , Baumann Ulrich , Jaeckel Elmar , Taubert Richard 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAlthough autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) can be treated with corticosteroid-based first-line therapy, incomplete remission is associated with progressive liver fibrosis. So far accepted predictors of the subsequent treatment response of AIH patients are lacking. Therefore, we analysed baseline parameters, including iron homeostasis and cytokine levels, in 60 children with paediatric AIH (pAIH). In contrast to adults, elevated serum markers indicating iron overload were not commonly found in children. Therefore, ferritin was not predictive of the treatment response in pAIH. Although baseline immunoglobulins were lower in pAIH children with subsequent complete biochemical remission (BR) upon standard first-line therapy, only lower AIH scores (≤16 points) could predict BR upon standard therapy in our training and validation cohorts. Additionally, higher baseline IL-2 and MCP-1/CCL2 levels were associated with BR in a sub-cohort. A combined score of IL-2 level and a simplified AIH score predicted treatment response more precisely than both parameter alone in this sub-cohort. In conclusion, the baseline AIH score could be validated as a predictor of treatment response in pAIH. Additionally, low baseline IL-2 may help identify children who need salvage therapy. This could be important because the use of low-dose IL-2 therapies is being tested in various autoimmune diseases.
Electroporation of mice zygotes with dual guide RNA/Cas9 complexes for simple and efficient cloning-free genome editing
Authors: Teixeira Marie , Py Bénédicte F. , Bosc Christophe , Laubreton Daphné , Moutin Marie-Jo , Marvel Jacqueline , Flamant Frédéric , Markossian Suzy 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this report, we present an improved protocol for CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in mice. The procedure consists in the electroporation of intact mouse zygotes with ribonucleoprotein complexes prepared in vitro from recombinant Cas9 nuclease and synthetic dual guide RNA. This simple cloning-free method proves to be extremely efficient for the generation of indels and small deletions by non-homologous end joining, and for the generation of specific point mutations by homology-directed repair. The procedure, which avoids DNA construction, in vitro transcription and oocyte microinjection, greatly simplifies genome editing in mice.
Characterization of a new Pm2 allele associated with broad-spectrum powdery mildew resistance in wheat line Subtil
Authors: Jin Yuli , Xu Hongxing , Ma Pengtao , Fu Xiaoyi , Song Liping , Xu Yunfeng , Zhang Xiaotian , An Diaoguo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWheat powdery mildew is a severe disease affecting yield and quality. Host resistance was proved to be effective and environment-friendly. Wheat line Subtil is an elite germplasm resource resistant to 28 of 30 tested Bgt isolates. Genetic analysis showed that the powdery mildew resistance in Subtil was conferred by a single dominant gene, temporarily designated PmSub. Using bulked segregant analysis, PmSub was mapped to chromosome arm 5DS, and flanked by the markers Bwm16 and Cfd81/Bwm21 at 5.0 and 0.9 cM, respectively. Allelism tests further confirmed PmSub was allelic with documented Pm2 alleles. Then, homologous sequences of Pm2a related sequence was cloned from Subtil and Chinese Spring. It was completely identical to the reported Pm2a sequence, but significantly different from that of Chinese Spring. A marker SWGI067 was developed based on the sequence divergence of homologous sequence in Subtil and Chinese Spring. SWGI067 was closely linked to PmSub, indicating that the gene PmSub itself was different from the cloned Pm2a related sequence. Meanwhile, Subtil produced significantly different reaction pattern compared with other genotypes with Pm genes at or near Pm2 locus. Therefore, PmSub was most likely a new allele of Pm2. PmSub has opportunities for marker-assisted selecting for high-efficiency wheat improvement.
A set of synthetic versatile genetic control elements for the efficient expression of genes in Actinobacteria
Authors: Horbal Lilya , Siegl Theresa , Luzhetskyy Andriy 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe design and engineering of secondary metabolite gene clusters that are characterized by complicated genetic organization, require the development of collections of well-characterized genetic control elements that can be reused reliably. Although a few intrinsic terminators and RBSs are used routinely, their translation and termination efficiencies have not been systematically studied in Actinobacteria. Here, we analyzed the influence of the regions surrounding RBSs on gene expression in these bacteria. We demonstrated that inappropriate RBSs can reduce the expression efficiency of a gene to zero. We developed a genetic device – an in vivo RBS-selector – that allows selection of an optimal RBS for any gene of interest, enabling rational control of the protein expression level. In addition, a genetic tool that provides the opportunity for measurement of termination efficiency was developed. Using this tool, we found strong terminators that lead to a 17–100-fold reduction in downstream expression and are characterized by sufficient sequence diversity to reduce homologous recombination when used with other elements. For the first time, a C-terminal degradation tag was employed for the control of protein stability in Streptomyces. Finally, we describe a collection of regulatory elements that can be used to control metabolic pathways in Actinobacteria.
Exploring the utility of alcohol flushing as an instrumental variable for alcohol intake in Koreans
Authors: Cho Yoonsu , Kwak Soyoung , Lewis Sarah J. , Wade Kaitlin H. , Relton Caroline L. , Smith George Davey , Shin Min-Jeong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPrevious studies have indicated an association of higher alcohol intake with cardiovascular disease and related traits, but causation has not been definitively established. In this study, the causal effect of alcohol intake on hypertension in 2,011 men and women from the Ansan-Ansung cohort was estimated using an instrumental variable (IV) approach, with both a phenotypic and genotypic instrument for alcohol intake: alcohol flushing and the rs671 genotype (in the alcohol dehydrogenase 2 [ALDH2] gene), respectively. Both alcohol flushing and the rs671 genotype were associated with alcohol intake (difference in alcohol intake with alcohol flushers vs. non-flushers: −9.07 g/day; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −11.12, −7.02; P-value: 8.3 × 10−18 and with the rs671 GA + AA vs. GG genotype: −7.94 g/day; 95% CI: −10.20, −5.69; P-value: 6.1 × 10−12). An increase in alcohol intake, as predicted by both the absence of alcohol flushing and the presence of the rs671 GG genotype in the IV analyses, was associated with an increase in blood pressure in men from this Korean population. In conclusion, this study supports a causal effect of alcohol intake on hypertension and indicated that alcohol flushing may be a valid proxy for the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism, which influences alcohol intake in this Korean population.
Microbial synthesis of a useful optically active (+)-isomer of lactone with bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane structure
Authors: Boratyński Filip , Janik-Polanowicz Agata , Szczepańska Ewa , Olejniczak Teresa 
Published: January 2018

AbstractLactone 2a of a bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane structure is a good starting material for synthesis of many attractive compounds. Enantiomerically enriched (−)-(3aR,7aS)-lactone 2a is produced by whole cells of bacteria. In order to examine the impact of the absolute configuration on biological activity we evaluated the process affording the opposite isomer. To this purpose Candida pelliculosa ZP22 characterized by high dehydrogenase activity was used. The goal of presented work was to perform bioreactor scale microbial one-pot oxidation of diol with selected yeast strain C. pelliculosa ZP22 to obtain chiral (+)-(3aS,7aR)-lactone 2a. The idea was to influence on alcohol dehydrogenase activity by increasing the activity of pro-(+)-ADH and simultanously diminishing the activity of pro-(−)-ADH. The optimization of biotransformation conditions involved the manipulation of the nutritional and physical parameters. Selection of the optimal medium in order to improve yield and process enantioselectivity was based on a two-level factorial design methodology. We have also studied the relationship between microbial growth and biosynthesis of lactone 2a. Preparative oxidation of diol 3a (400 mg/L, 2.9 mM) catalyzed by C. pelliculosa ZP22 in an optimized conditions afforded enantiomerically enriched (+)-(3aS,7aR)-isomer of lactone 2a with the isolated yield (30%).
Low amounts of dietary fibre increase in vitro production of short-chain fatty acids without changing human colonic microbiota structure
Authors: Sasaki Daisuke , Sasaki Kengo , Ikuta Naoko , Yasuda Takahiro , Fukuda Itsuko , Kondo Akihiko , Osawa Ro 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of various prebiotics (indigestible dextrin, α-cyclodextrin, and dextran) on human colonic microbiota at a dosage corresponding to a daily intake of 6 g of prebiotics per person (0.2% of dietary intake). We used an in vitro human colonic microbiota model based on batch fermentation starting from a faecal inoculum. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that addition of 0.2% prebiotics did not change the diversity and composition of colonic microbiota. This finding coincided with results from a clinical study showing that the microbiota composition of human faecal samples remained unchanged following administration of 6 g of prebiotics over seven days. However, compared to absence of prebiotics, their addition reduced the pH and increased the generation of acetate and propionate in the in vitro system. Thus, even at such relatively low amounts, prebiotics appear capable of activating the metabolism of colonic microbiota.
Neither action nor phonological video games make dyslexic children read better
Authors: Łuniewska Magdalena , Chyl Katarzyna , Dębska Agnieszka , Kacprzak Agnieszka , Plewko Joanna , Szczerbiński Marcin , Szewczyk Jakub , Grabowska Anna , Jednoróg Katarzyna 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe prevalence and long-term consequences of dyslexia make it crucial to look for effective and efficient ways of its therapy. Action video games (AVG) were implied as a possible remedy for difficulties in reading in Italian and English-speaking children. However, the studies examining the effectiveness of AVG application in dyslexia suffered from significant methodological weaknesses such as small sample sizes and lack of a control group with no intervention. In our study, we tested how two forms of training: based on AVG and on phonological non-action video games (PNAVG), affect reading in a group of fifty-four Polish children with dyslexia. Both speed and accuracy of reading increased in AVG as much as in PNAVG group. Moreover, both groups improved in phonological awareness, selective attention and rapid naming. Critically, the reading progress in the two groups did not differ from a dyslexic control group which did not participate in any training. Thus, the observed improvement in reading in AVG and PNAVG can be attributed either to the normal reading development related to schooling or to test practice effect. Overall, we failed to replicate previous studies: Neither AVG nor PNAVG remedy difficulties in reading in school children.
Crystallization and Polymorphism of Organic Semiconductor in Thin Film Induced by Surface Segregated Monolayers
Authors: Izawa Seiichiro , Nakano Kyohei , Suzuki Kaori , Chen Yujiao , Kikitsu Tomoka , Hashizume Daisuke , Koganezawa Tomoyuki , Nguyen Thuc-Quyen , Tajima Keisuke 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPreparation of highly crystalline organic semiconductor films is vital to achieving high performance in electronic devices. Here we report that surface segregated monolayers (SSMs) on top of phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) thin films induce crystal growth in the bulk, resulting in a dramatic change in the structure to form a new crystal phase. Highly ordered crystalline films with large domain sizes of several hundreds of nanometers are formed with uniaxial orientation of the crystal structure perpendicular to the substrate. The molecular rearrangements in SSMs trigger the nucleation at a lower temperature than that for the spontaneous nucleation in PCBM. The vertical charge mobility in the SSM-induced crystal domains of PCBM is five times higher than in the ordinary polycrystalline domains. Using surface monolayers may be a new strategy for controlling crystal structures and obtaining high-quality organic thin films by post-deposition crystallization.
Outcomes of ureteroscopy miniaturization on tissue damage and tissue hypoxia in a pig model
Authors: Caballero-Romeu Juan P. , Galán-Llopis Juan A. , Soria Federico , Morcillo-Martín Esther , Caballero-Pérez Pablo , De La Cruz-Conty Julia E. , Romero-Maroto Jesús 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMiniaturization of ureteroscopy materials is intended to decrease tissue damage. However, tissue hypoxia and the gross and microscopic effects on tissue have not been adequately assessed. We compared the gross and microscopic effects of micro-ureteroscopy (m-URS) and conventional ureteroscopy (URS) on the urinary tract. We employed 14 pigs of the Large White race. URS was performed in one of the ureters with an 8/9.8 F ureteroscope, while a 4.85 F m-URS sheath was used in the contralateral ureter. Gross assessment of ureteral wall damage and ureteral orifice damage was performed. For microscopic assessment hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for detection of tissue hypoxia were conducted. Regarding the macroscopic assessment of ureteral damage, substantial and significant differences were recorded using URS (C = 0.8), but not with m-URS. Microscopic assessment after staining with hematoxylin-eosin revealed greater epithelial desquamation in the URS group (p < 0.05). Pimonidazole staining revealed greater hypoxia in the epithelial cells than in the remainder of the ureteral layers. We conclude that m-URS causes less damage to the ureteral orifice than URS. Histopathological findings show m-URS reduces ureteral epithelial damage compared with conventional ureteroscopy. Both URS and m-URS cause cellular hypoxia.
Impacts of simulated erosion and soil amendments on greenhouse gas fluxes and maize yield in Miamian soil of central Ohio
Authors: Liang Yanru , Lal Rattan , Guo Shengli , Liu Ruiqiang , Hu Yaxian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractErosion-induced topsoil loss is a threat to sustainable productivity. Topsoil removal from, or added to, the existing surface is an efficient technique to simulate on-site soil erosion and deposition. A 15-year simulated erosion was conducted at Waterman Farm of Ohio State University to assess impacts of topsoil depth on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maize yield. Three topsoil treatments were investigated: 20 cm topsoil removal, 20 cm topsoil addition, and undisturbed control. Results show that the average global warming potential (GWP) (Mg CO2 Eq ha−1 growing season−1) from the topsoil removal plot (18.07) exhibited roughly the same value as that from the undisturbed control plot (18.11), but declined evidently from the topsoil addition plot (10.58). Maize yield decreased by 51% at the topsoil removal plot, while increased by 47% at the topsoil addition plot, when compared with the undisturbed control (7.45 Mg ha−1). The average GWP of erosion-deposition process was 21% lower than that of the undisturbed control, but that greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) was 22% higher due to lower yields from the topsoil removal plot. Organic manure application enhanced GWP by 15%, and promoted maize yield by 18%, but brought a small reduction GHGI (3%) against the N-fertilizer application.