bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colonic Fermentation Promotes Decompression sickness in Rats
Authors: de Maistre Sébastien , Vallée Nicolas , Gempp Emmanuel , Lambrechts Kate , Louge Pierre , Duchamp Claude , Blatteau Jean-Eric 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMassive bubble formation after diving can lead to decompression sickness (DCS). During dives with hydrogen as a diluent for oxygen, decreasing the body’s H2 burden by inoculating hydrogen-metabolizing microbes into the gut reduces the risk of DCS. So we set out to investigate if colonic fermentation leading to endogenous hydrogen production promotes DCS in fasting rats. Four hours before an experimental dive, 93 fasting rats were force-fed, half of them with mannitol and the other half with water. Exhaled hydrogen was measured before and after force-feeding. Following the hyperbaric exposure, we looked for signs of DCS. A higher incidence of DCS was found in rats force-fed with mannitol than in those force-fed with water (80%, [95%CI 56, 94] versus 40%, [95%CI 19, 64], p < 0.01). In rats force-fed with mannitol, metronidazole pretreatment reduced the incidence of DCS (33%, [95%CI 15, 57], p = 0.005) at the same time as it inhibited colonic fermentation (14 ± 35 ppm versus 118 ± 90 ppm, p = 0.0001). Pre-diveingestion of mannitol increased the incidence of DCS in fasting rats when colonic fermentation peaked during the decompression phase. More generally, colonic fermentation in rats on a normal diet could promote DCS through endogenous hydrogen production.
Changes in heterosubtypic antibody responses during the first year of the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza pandemic
Authors: Freidl Gudrun S. , van den Ham Henk-Jan , Boni Maciej F. , de Bruin Erwin , Koopmans Marion P.G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSeropositivity to avian influenza (AI) via low-level antibody titers has been reported in the general population and poultry-exposed individuals, raising the question whether these findings reflect true infection with AI or cross-reactivity. Here we investigated serological profiles against human and avian influenza viruses in the general population using a protein microarray platform. We hypothesized that higher antibody diversity across recent H1 and H3 influenza viruses would be associated with heterosubtypic reactivity to older pandemic- and AI viruses. We found significant heterogeneity in antibody profiles. Increased antibody diversity to seasonal influenza viruses was associated with low-level heterosubtypic antibodies to H9 and H7, but not to H5 AI virus. Individuals exposed to the recent 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic showed higher heterosubtypic reactivity. We show that there is a complex interplay between prior exposures to seasonal and recent pandemic influenza viruses and the development of heterosubtypic antibody reactivity to animal influenza viruses.
Bioluminescent imaging of ABCG2 efflux activity at the blood-placenta barrier
Authors: Kumar Jeyan S. , Wei Bih-Rong , Madigan James P. , Simpson R. Mark , Hall Matthew D. , Gottesman Michael M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPhysiologic barriers such as the blood placenta barrier (BPB) and the blood brain barrier protect the underlying parenchyma from pathogens and toxins. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are transmembrane proteins found at these barriers and function to efflux xenobiotics and maintain chemical homeostasis. Despite the plethora of ex vivo and in vitro data showing the function and expression of ABC transporters, no imaging modality exists to study ABC transporter activity in vivo at the BPB. In the present study, we show that in vitro models of the placenta possess ABCG2 activity and can specifically transport D-luciferin, the endogenous substrate of firefly luciferase. To test ABCG2 transport activity at the BPB, we devised a breeding strategy to generate a bioluminescent pregnant mouse model to demonstrate transporter function in vivo. We found that coadministering the ABCG2 inhibitors Ko143 and gefitinib with D-luciferin increased bioluminescent signal from fetuses and placentae, whereas the control P-gp inhibitor DCPQ had no effect. We believe that our bioluminescent pregnant mouse model will facilitate greater understanding of the BPB and ABCG2 activity in health and disease.
A Novel PET Imaging Probe for the Detection and Monitoring of Translocator Protein 18 kDa Expression in Pathological Disorders
Authors: Perrone Mara , Moon Byung Seok , Park Hyun Soo , Laquintana Valentino , Jung Jae Ho , Cutrignelli Annalisa , Lopedota Angela , Franco Massimo , Kim Sang Eun , Lee Byung Chul , Denora Nunzio 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA new fluorine-substituted ligand, compound 1 (CB251), with a very high affinity (Ki = 0.27 ± 0.09 nM) and selectivity for the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), is presented as an attractive biomarker for the diagnosis of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and tumour progression. To test compound 1 as a TSPO PET imaging agent in vivo, 2-(2-(4-(2-[18F]fluoroethoxy)phenyl)-6,8-dichloroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)-N,N-dipropylacetamide ([18F]1; [18F]CB251) was synthesized by nucleophilic aliphatic substitution in a single-step radiolabelling procedure with a 11.1 ± 3.5% (n = 14, decay corrected) radiochemical yield and over 99% radiochemical purity. In animal PET imaging studies, [18F]CB251 provided a clearly visible image of the inflammatory lesion with the binding potential of the specifically bound radioligand relative to the non-displaceable radioligand in tissue (BPND 1.83 ± 0.18), in a neuroinflammation rat model based on the unilateral stereotaxic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), comparable to that of [11C]PBR28 (BPND 1.55 ± 0.41). [18F]CB251 showed moderate tumour uptake (1.96 ± 0.11%ID/g at 1 h post injection) in human glioblastoma U87-MG xenografts. These results suggest that [18F]CB251 is a promising TSPO PET imaging agent for neuroinflammation and TSPO-rich cancers.
Transcription Factor RFX2 Is a Key Regulator of Mouse Spermiogenesis
Authors: Wu Yujian , Hu Xiangjing , Li Zhen , Wang Min , Li Sisi , Wang Xiuxia , Lin Xiwen , Liao Shangying , Zhang Zhuqiang , Feng Xue , Wang Si , Cui Xiuhong , Wang Yanling , Gao Fei , Hess Rex A. , Han Chunsheng 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe regulatory factor X (RFX) family of transcription factors is crucial for ciliogenesis throughout evolution. In mice, Rfx1-4 are highly expressed in the testis where flagellated sperm are produced, but the functions of these factors in spermatogenesis remain unknown. Here, we report the production and characterization of the Rfx2 knockout mice. The male knockout mice were sterile due to the arrest of spermatogenesis at an early round spermatid step. The Rfx2-null round spermatids detached from the seminiferous tubules, forming large multinucleated giant cells that underwent apoptosis. In the mutants, formation of the flagellum was inhibited at its earliest stage. RNA-seq analysis identified a large number of cilia-related genes and testis-specific genes that were regulated by RFX2. Many of these genes were direct targets of RFX2, as revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR assays. These findings indicate that RFX2 is a key regulator of the post-meiotic development of mouse spermatogenic cells.
Comparative analyses of fungicide sensitivity and SSR marker variations indicate a low risk of developing azoxystrobin resistance in Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Qin Chun-Fang , He Meng-Han , Chen Feng-Ping , Zhu Wen , Yang Li-Na , Wu E-Jiao , Guo Zheng-Liang , Shang Li-Ping , Zhan Jiasui 
Published: February 2016

AbstractKnowledge of the evolution of fungicide resistance is important in securing sustainable disease management in agricultural systems. In this study, we analyzed and compared the spatial distribution of genetic variation in azoxystrobin sensitivity and SSR markers in 140 Phytophthora infestans isolates sampled from seven geographic locations in China. Sensitivity to azoxystrobin and its genetic variation in the pathogen populations was measured by the relative growth rate (RGR) at four fungicide concentrations and determination of the effective concentration for 50% inhibition (EC50). We found that all isolates in the current study were sensitive to azoxystrobin and their EC50 was similar to that detected from a European population about 20 years ago, suggesting the risk of developing azoxystrobin resistance in P. infestans populations is low. Further analyses indicate that reduced genetic variation and high fitness cost in resistant mutations are the likely causes for the low evolutionary likelihood of developing azoxystrobin resistance in the pathogen. We also found a negative correlation between azoxystrobin tolerance in P. infestans populations and the mean annual temperature of collection sites, suggesting that global warming may increase the efficiency of using the fungicide to control the late blight.
Novel Osteogenic Ti-6Al-4V Device For Restoration Of Dental Function In Patients With Large Bone Deficiencies: Design, Development And Implementation
Authors: Cohen D. J. , Cheng A. , Kahn A. , Aviram M. , Whitehead A. J. , Hyzy S. L. , Clohessy R. M. , Boyan B. D. , Schwartz Z. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCustom devices supporting bone regeneration and implant placement are needed for edentulous patients with large mandibular deficiencies where endosteal implantation is not possible. We developed a novel subperiosteal titanium-aluminum-vanadium bone onlay device produced by additive manufacturing (AM) and post-fabrication osteogenic micro-/nano-scale surface texture modification. Human osteoblasts produced osteogenic and angiogenic factors when grown on laser-sintered nano-/micro-textured surfaces compared to smooth surfaces. Surface-processed constructs caused higher bone-to-implant contact, vertical bone growth into disk pores (microCT and histomorphometry) and mechanical pull-out force at 5 and 10 w on rat calvaria compared to non surface-modified constructs, even when pre-treating the bone to stimulate osteogenesis. Surface-modified wrap-implants placed around rabbit tibias osseointegrated by 6 w. Finally, patient-specific constructs designed to support dental implants produced via AM and surface-processing were implanted on edentulous mandibular bone. 3 and 8 month post-operative images showed new bone formation and osseointegration of the device and indicated stability of the dental implants.
Sustainability of Transient Kinetic Regimes and Origins of Death
Authors: Zubarev Dmitry Yu. , Pachón Leonardo A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIt is generally recognized that a distinguishing feature of life is its peculiar capability to avoid equilibration. The origin of this capability and its evolution along the timeline of abiogenesis is not yet understood. We propose to study an analog of this phenomenon that could emerge in non-biological systems. To this end, we introduce the concept of sustainability of transient kinetic regimes. This concept is illustrated via investigation of cooperative effects in an extended system of compartmentalized chemical oscillators under batch and semi-batch conditions. The computational study of a model system shows robust enhancement of lifetimes of the decaying oscillations which translates into the evolution of the survival function of the transient non-equilibrium regime. This model does not rely on any form of replication. Rather, it explores the role of a structured effective environment as a contributor to the system-bath interactions that define non-equilibrium regimes. We implicate the noise produced by the effective environment of a compartmentalized oscillator as the cause of the lifetime extension.
Serological Evaluation of Immunity to the Varicella-Zoster Virus Based on a Novel Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Liu Jian , Ye Xiangzhong , Jia Jizong , Zhu Rui , Wang Lina , Chen Chunye , Yang Lianwei , Wang Yongmei , Wang Wei , Ye Jianghui , Li Yimin , Zhu Hua , Zhao Qinjian , Cheng Tong , Xia Ningshao 
Published: February 2016

AbstractVaricella-zoster virus (VZV) is a highly contagious agent of varicella and herpes zoster. Varicella can be lethal to immunocompromised patients, babies, HIV patients and other adults with impaired immunity. Serological evaluation of immunity to VZV will help determine which individuals are susceptible and evaluate vaccine effectiveness. A collection of 110 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were obtained by immunization of mice with membrane proteins or cell-free virus. The mAbs were well characterized and a competitive sandwich ELISA (capture mAb: 8H6; labelling mAb: 1B11) was established to determine neutralizing antibodies in human serum with reference to the FAMA test. A total of 920 human sera were evaluated. The competitive sandwich ELISA showed a sensitivity of 95.6%, specificity of 99.77% and coincidence of 97.61% compared with the fluorescent-antibody-to-membrane-antigen (FAMA) test. The capture mAb 8H6 was characterized as a specific mAb for VZV ORF9, a membrane-associated tegument protein that interacts with glycoprotein E (gE), glycoprotein B (gB) and glycoprotein C (gC). The labelling mAb 1B11 was characterized as a complement-dependent neutralizing mAb specific for the immune-dominant epitope located on gE, not on other VZV glycoproteins. The established competitive sandwich ELISA could be used as a rapid and high-throughput method for evaluating immunity to VZV.
The relationship between the preoperative plasma level of HIF-1α and clinic pathological features, prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: He Jiabei , Hu Ying , Hu Mingming , Zhang Siyi , Li Baolan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractStudies have found that hypoxia is the most common feature in all of solid tumor progression, thus it has become a central issue in tumor physiology and cancer treatment. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) could make the tumor produce adaptive biological response to hypoxia and become more aggressive. In this paper, we used enzyme linked immune sorbent assay to detect the plasma level of HIF-1α in patients with NSCLC and healthy volunteers. The results indicated that the 5-year survival rate of patients with squamous cell carcinomas is negatively correlated with the plasma level of HIF-1α and the 5-year survival rate of patients with low level of HIF-1α is higher than those with high level of HIF-1α. The plasma level of HIF-1α in patients with NSCLC is significantly higher than healthy volunteers. There is no significant correlation between the plasma level of HIF-1α and clinical features of NSCLC patients. In a word, there is no connection between the plasma level of HIF-1α and the clinical features of NSCLC patients as well as their prognosis. In stratified analysis, the plasma level of HIF-1α in patients with squamous cell carcinoma is associated with regional lymph node status.
Doubly Resonant Optical Periodic Structure
Authors: Alagappan G. , Png C. E. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPeriodic structures are well known in various branches of physics for their ability to provide a stopband. In this article, using optical periodic structures we showed that, when a second periodicity – very closed to the original periodicity is introduced, large number of states appears in the stopband corresponding to the first periodicity. In the limit where the two periods matches, we have a continuum of states and the original stopband completely disappears. This intriguing phenomena is uncovered by noticing that, regardless of the proximities of the two periodicities, there is an array of spatial points where the dielectric functions corresponding to the two periodicities interfere destructively. These spatial points mimic photonic atoms by satisfying the standards equations of quantum harmonic oscillators and exhibit lossless, atom-like dispersions.
Joint estimation over multiple individuals improves behavioural state inference from animal movement data
Authors: Jonsen Ian 
Published: February 2016

AbstractState-space models provide a powerful way to scale up inference of movement behaviours from individuals to populations when the inference is made across multiple individuals. Here, I show how a joint estimation approach that assumes individuals share identical movement parameters can lead to improved inference of behavioural states associated with different movement processes. I use simulated movement paths with known behavioural states to compare estimation error between nonhierarchical and joint estimation formulations of an otherwise identical state-space model. Behavioural state estimation error was strongly affected by the degree of similarity between movement patterns characterising the behavioural states, with less error when movements were strongly dissimilar between states. The joint estimation model improved behavioural state estimation relative to the nonhierarchical model for simulated data with heavy-tailed Argos location errors. When applied to Argos telemetry datasets from 10 Weddell seals, the nonhierarchical model estimated highly uncertain behavioural state switching probabilities for most individuals whereas the joint estimation model yielded substantially less uncertainty. The joint estimation model better resolved the behavioural state sequences across all seals. Hierarchical or joint estimation models should be the preferred choice for estimating behavioural states from animal movement data, especially when location data are error-prone.
Using shared needles for subcutaneous inoculation can transmit bluetongue virus mechanically between ruminant hosts
Authors: Darpel Karin E. , Barber James , Hope Andrew , Wilson Anthony J. , Gubbins Simon , Henstock Mark , Frost Lorraine , Batten Carrie , Veronesi Eva , Moffat Katy , Carpenter Simon , Oura Chris , Mellor Philip S. , Mertens Peter P. C. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBluetongue virus (BTV) is an economically important arbovirus of ruminants that is transmitted byCulicoides spp. biting midges. BTV infection of ruminants results in a high viraemia, suggesting that repeated sharing of needles between animals could result in its iatrogenic transmission. Studies defining the risk of iatrogenic transmission of blood-borne pathogens by less invasive routes, such as subcutaneous or intradermal inoculations are rare, even though the sharing of needles is common practice for these inoculation routes in the veterinary sector. Here we demonstrate that BTV can be transmitted by needle sharing during subcutaneous inoculation, despite the absence of visible blood contamination of the needles. The incubation period, measured from sharing of needles, to detection of BTV in the recipient sheep or cattle, was substantially longer than has previously been reported after experimental infection of ruminants by either direct inoculation of virus, or through blood feeding by infectedCulicoides. Although such mechanical transmission is most likely rare under field condition, these results are likely to influence future advice given in relation to sharing needles during veterinary vaccination campaigns and will also be of interest for the public health sector considering the risk of pathogen transmission during subcutaneous inoculations with re-used needles.
Cross-talk between freezing response and signaling for regulatory transcriptions of MIR475b and its targets by miR475b promoter in Populus suaveolens
Authors: Niu Jun , Wang Jia , Hu Huiwen , Chen Yinlei , An Jiyong , Cai Jian , Sun Runze , Sheng Zhongting , Liu Xieping , Lin Shanzhi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that play important roles in post-transcriptional regulation of their target genes, yet the transcriptional regulation of plant miRNAs by promoter is poorly understood. Here, we firstly clone pri-miR475b cDNA and its native promoter from P. suaveolens and characterize Psu-MIR475b as class-II gene transcribed by RNA polymerase II. By 5′ deletion analysis of Psu-miR475b promoter in a series of promoter-GUS chimeric vectors, we functionally identify three positive regulatory regions and multiple cis-acting elements responsible for Psu-miR475b promoter activity in response to freezing stress and exogenous hormone treatment. Moreover, the Psu-miR475b promoter activity displays a tissue-specific manner, negatively regulated by freezing stress and positively by MeJA, SA or GA treatment. Importantly, we comparatively analyze the time-course transcriptional profiles of Psu-miR475b and its targets in Psu-miR475b over-expression transgenic plants controlled by Psu-miR475b-specific promoter or CaMV 35S constitutive promoter and explore the regulatory mechanism of Psu-miR475b promoter controlling transcriptional expressions of Psu-MIR475b and its targets in response to freezing stress and exogenous hormone treatment. Our results reveal that Psu-miR475b promoter-mediated transcriptions of Psu-MIR475b and its targets in response to freezing stress may be involved in a cross-talk between freezing response and stress signaling process.
Generation of TALE nickase-mediated gene-targeted cows expressing human serum albumin in mammary glands
Authors: Luo Yan , Wang Yongsheng , Liu Jun , Cui Chenchen , Wu Yongyan , Lan Hui , Chen Qi , Liu Xu , Quan Fusheng , Guo Zekun , Zhang Yong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTargeting exogenous genes at milk protein loci via gene-targeting technology is an ideal strategy for producing large quantities of pharmaceutical proteins. Transcription- activator-like effector (TALE) nucleases (TALENs) are an efficient genome-editing tool. However, the off-target effects may lead to unintended gene mutations. In this study, we constructed TALENs and TALE nickases directed against exon 2 of the bovine β-lactoglobulin (BLG) locus. The nickases can induce a site-specific DNA single-strand break, without inducing double-strand break and nonhomologous end joining mediated gene mutation, and lower cell apoptosis rate than TALENs. After co-transfecting the bovine fetal fibroblasts with human serum albumin (HSA) gene-targeting vector and TALE nickase expression vectors, approximately 4.8% (40/835) of the cell clones contained HSA at BLG locus. Unexpectedly, one homozygous gene-targeted cell clone (1/835, 0.1%) was obtained by targeting both alleles of BLG in a single round of transfection. The recombinant protein mimicking the endogenous BLG was highly expressed and correctly folded in the mammary glands of the targeted cows, and the expression level of HSA was significantly increased in the homozygous targeted cows. Results suggested that the combination of TALE nickase-mediated gene targeting and somatic cell nuclear transfer is a feasible and safe approach in producing gene-targeted livestock.
Human milk miRNAs primarily originate from the mammary gland resulting in unique miRNA profiles of fractionated milk
Authors: Alsaweed Mohammed , Lai Ching Tat , Hartmann Peter E. , Geddes Donna T. , Kakulas Foteini 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHuman milk (HM) contains regulatory biomolecules including miRNAs, the origin and functional significance of which are still undetermined. We used TaqMan OpenArrays to profile 681 mature miRNAs in HM cells and fat, and compared them with maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma, and bovine and soy infant formulae. HM cells and PBMCs (292 and 345 miRNAs, respectively) had higher miRNA content than HM fat and plasma (242 and 219 miRNAs, respectively) (p < 0.05). A strong association in miRNA profiles was found between HM cells and fat, whilst PBMCs and plasma were distinctly different to HM, displaying marked inter-individual variation. Considering the dominance of epithelial cells in mature milk of healthy women, these results suggest that HM miRNAs primarily originate from the mammary epithelium, whilst the maternal circulation may have a smaller contribution. Our findings demonstrate that unlike infant formulae, which contained very few human miRNA, HM is a rich source of lactation-specific miRNA, which could be used as biomarkers of the performance and health status of the lactating mammary gland. Given the recently identified stability, uptake and functionality of food- and milk-derived miRNA in vivo, HM miRNA are likely to contribute to infant protection and development.