bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of cholinergic and adenosinergic systems on the branchial immune response of experimentally infected silver catfish with Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Baldissera M D , Souza C F , Doleski P H , Moreira K L S , da Veiga M L , da Rocha M I U M , Santos R C V , Baldisserotto B 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIt has been recognized that the cholinergic and adenosinergic systems have an essential role in immune and inflammatory responses during bacterial fish pathogens, such as the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), which are responsible for catalysis of the anti‐inflammatory molecules acetylcholine (ACh) and adenosine (Ado) respectively. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of the cholinergic and adenosinergic systems on the immune response and inflammatory process in gills of experimentally infected Rhamdia quelen with Streptococcus agalactiae. Acetylcholinesterase activity decreased, while ACh levels increased in gills of infected animals compared to uninfected animals. On the other hand, a significant increase in ADA activity with a concomitant decrease in Ado levels was observed in infected animals compared to uninfected animals. Based on this evidence, we concluded that infection by S. agalactiae in silver catfish alters the cholinergic and adenosinergic systems, suggesting the involvement of AChE and ADA activities on immune and inflammatory responses, regulating the ACh and Ado levels. In summary, the downregulation of AChE activity exerts an anti‐inflammatory profile in an attempt to reduce or prevent the tissue damage, while the upregulation of ADA activity exerts a pro‐inflammatory profile, contributing to disease pathophysiology.
Interleukin‐10 release from astrocytes suppresses neuronal apoptosis via the TLR2/NFκB pathway in a neonatal rat model of hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage
Authors: He Mu Lan , Lv Ze Yu , Shi Xia , Yang Ting , Zhang Yun , Li Ting‐Yu , Chen Jie 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe biological function of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and the relationship between IL‐10 secretion and the Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression levels in the central nervous system following hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage (HIBD) are poorly understood. Here, we intend to elucidate the biological function and mechanism of IL‐10 secretion following HIBD. In this study, we used a neonatal rat model of HIBD and found that rats injected with adeno‐associated virus‐IL‐10‐shRNA (short hairpin RNA) exhibited partially impaired learning and memory function compared to rats administered adeno‐associated virus‐control‐shRNA. In vitro oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) induced IL‐10 release from astrocytes but not from neurons. Pretreatment with exogenous recombinant IL‐10 alleviated OGD‐mediated apoptosis of neurons but not astrocytes. In addition, we also observed that hypoxic injury induced a marked increase in IL‐10 expression in astrocytes as a result of activation of the TLR2/phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p‐NFκB) p65 signaling cascade; furthermore, this effect disappeared upon small interfering RNA targeting rat TLR2 gene (siTLR2) treatment. Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of NFκB activation, reduced the IL‐10 expression levels in both OGD‐injured astrocytes in vitro and the hippocampi of HIBD rats in vivo but did not significantly affect TLR2 expression. Furthermore, a luciferase assay revealed that p‐NFκB p65 could bind the −1700/−1000 bp proximal region of the IL‐10 gene promoter to regulate IL‐10 secretion from astrocytes and that this interaction could be controlled by OGD treatment. These data suggest that HIBD induces IL‐10 secretion from astrocytes to exert a paracrine‐induced anti‐apoptotic effect on injured neurons via the TLR2/NFκB signaling pathway, which may improve learning and memory dysfunction after ischemic injury.
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An integrative review of supports, facilitators and barriers to patient‐centred nursing in the intensive care unit
Authors: Jakimowicz Samantha , Perry Lin , Lewis Joanne 
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectivesTo systematically review the literature describing factors perceived by nurses as impacting the provision of patient‐centred nursing in the intensive care unit.BackgroundPatient‐centred nursing in critical care differs from other healthcare areas, and the aggressive curative environment of the ICU has potential to compromise some of its elements. Understanding critical care, nurses’ perceptions of promoting and deterrent factors may inform development of strategies to support effective patient‐centred nursing and job satisfaction in this workforce.DesignAn integrative literature review.Review methodWhittemore and Knafl's method was used with “best‐fit” framework synthesis. CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline and EMBASE were searched for 2000–2016 literature using search terms drawn from the ICU patient‐centred framework.ResultsIn total, 3,079 papers were identified, with 23 retained after applying eligibility criteria. Five themes were identified: Nurse identity; Organisation; Communication; Relationships; and Ideology of ICU. Almost every theme and related categories referred to factors acting as barriers to patient‐centred nursing in the ICU; only four referred to supports/facilitators. Findings showed that provision of patient‐centred nursing may be compromised by some factors of the critical care environment, and illustrate the challenges and complexity of providing effective patient‐centred nursing in this environment.ConclusionFindings should be applied to address barriers and to enhance facilitators of effective patient‐centred nursing in critical care. The emotional and physical demands of critical care nursing are major considerations; supporting these nurses to fulfil their challenging role may empower them in their professional quality of life and provide a basis for workforce retention as well as delivery of effective patient‐centred nursing.Relevance to clinical practiceMeasures to enhance patient‐centred nursing could promote critical care nurses’ job satisfaction and workforce retention, and be applied more broadly and collaboratively to promote multidisciplinary patient‐centred care.
An alternative method for the analysis of melanin production in Cryptococcus neoformans sensu lato and Cryptococcus gattii sensu lato
Authors: Brilhante Raimunda S. N. , España Jaime D. A. , de Alencar Lucas P. , Pereira Vandbergue S. , Castelo‐Branco Débora de S. C. M. , Pereira‐Neto Waldemiro de A. , Cordeiro Rossana de A. , Sidrim José J. C. , Rocha Marcos F. G. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryMelanin is an important virulence factor for several microorganisms, including Cryptococcus neoformans sensu lato and Cryptococcus gattii sensu lato, thus, the assessment of melanin production and its quantification may contribute to the understanding of microbial pathogenesis. The objective of this study was to standardise an alternative method for the production and indirect quantification of melanin in C. neoformans sensu lato and C. gattii sensu lato. Eight C. neoformans sensu lato and three C. gattii sensu lato, identified through URA5 methodology, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019 (negative control) and one Hortaea werneckii (positive control) were inoculated on minimal medium agar with or without L‐DOPA, in duplicate, and incubated at 35°C, for 7 days. Pictures were taken from the third to the seventh day, under standardised conditions in a photographic chamber. Then, photographs were analysed using grayscale images. All Cryptococcus spp. strains produced melanin after growth on minimal medium agar containing L‐DOPA. C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019 did not produce melanin on medium containing L‐DOPA, while H. werneckii presented the strongest pigmentation. This new method allows the indirect analysis of melanin production through pixel quantification in grayscale images, enabling the study of substances that can modulate melanin production.
Non‐ketotic hyperosmolar coma after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in an advanced stage of progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Tadokoro Koh , Sato Kota , Morihara Ryuta , Shang Jingwei , Takemoto Mami , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Hishikawa Nozomi , Abe Koji 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPatients with progressive supranuclear palsy often suffer from dysphagia, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a treatment option for the advanced stage of this disease. The present percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy patient had slightly impaired glucose tolerance, but the condition became considerably worse with normal nutrients due to limited activity and an infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, resulting in a non‐ketotic hyperosmolar coma. After receiving supplementary fluid, intravenous insulin, antibiotics and endotracheal intubation, the patient recovered from the non‐ketotic hyperosmolar coma state. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement at an advanced stage of a neurodegenerative disorder, such as progressive supranuclear palsy, should have a careful follow‐up, especially when glucose tolerance worsens.
Regulation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) drought responses by mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade‐mediated phosphorylation of GhWRKY59
Authors: Li Fangjun , Li Maoying , Wang Ping , Cox Kevin L. , Duan Liusheng , Dever Jane K. , Shan Libo , Li Zhaohu , He Ping 
Published: July 2017

Summary

Drought is a key limiting factor for cotton (Gossypium spp.) production, as more than half of the global cotton supply is grown in regions with high water shortage. However, the underlying mechanism of the response of cotton to drought stress remains elusive.

By combining genome‐wide transcriptome profiling and a loss‐of‐function screen using virus‐induced gene silencing, we identified Gossypium hirsutum GhWRKY59 as an important transcription factor that regulates the drought stress response in cotton.

Biochemical and genetic analyses revealed a drought stress‐activated mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade consisting of GhMAP3K15–Mitogen‐activated Protein Kinase Kinase 4 (GhMKK4)–Mitogen‐activated Protein Kinase 6 (GhMPK6) that directly phosphorylates GhWRKY59 at residue serine 221. Interestingly, GhWRKY59 is required for dehydration‐induced expression of GhMAPK3K15, constituting a positive feedback loop of GhWRKY59‐regulated MAP kinase activation in response to drought stress. Moreover, GhWRKY59 directly binds to the W‐boxes of DEHYDRATION‐RESPONSIVE ELEMENT‐BINDING PROTEIN 2 (GhDREB2), which encodes a dehydration‐inducible transcription factor regulating the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA)‐independent drought response.

Our study identified a complete MAP kinase cascade that phosphorylates and activates a key WRKY transcription factor, and elucidated a regulatory module, consisting of GhMAP3K15‐GhMKK4‐GhMPK6‐GhWRKY59‐GhDREB2, that is involved in controlling the cotton drought response.
CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing Reveals That the Intron Is Not Essential for
var2csa
Gene Activation or Silencing in
Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Bryant Jessica M. , Regnault Clément , Scheidig-Benatar Christine , Baumgarten Sebastian , Guizetti Julien , Scherf Artur 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Plasmodium falciparum
relies on monoallelic expression of 1 of 60
var
virulence genes for antigenic variation and host immune evasion. Each
var
gene contains a conserved intron which has been implicated in previous studies in both activation and repression of transcription via several epigenetic mechanisms, including interaction with the
var
promoter, production of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and localization to repressive perinuclear sites. However, functional studies have relied primarily on artificial expression constructs. Using the recently developed
P. falciparum
clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system, we directly deleted the
var2csa P. falciparum
3D7_1200600 (Pf3D7_1200600) endogenous intron, resulting in an intronless
var
gene in a natural, marker-free chromosomal context. Deletion of the
var2csa
intron resulted in an upregulation of transcription of the
var2csa
gene in ring-stage parasites and subsequent expression of the PfEMP1 protein in late-stage parasites. Intron deletion did not affect the normal temporal regulation and subsequent transcriptional silencing of the
var
gene in trophozoites but did result in increased rates of
var
gene switching in some mutant clones. Transcriptional repression of the intronless
var2csa
gene could be achieved via long-term culture or panning with the CD36 receptor, after which reactivation was possible with chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) panning. These data suggest that the
var2csa
intron is not required for silencing or activation in ring-stage parasites but point to a subtle role in regulation of switching within the
var
gene family.

IMPORTANCE
Plasmodium falciparum
is the most virulent species of malaria parasite, causing high rates of morbidity and mortality in those infected. Chronic infection depends on an immune evasion mechanism termed antigenic variation, which in turn relies on monoallelic expression of 1 of ~60
var
genes. Understanding antigenic variation and the transcriptional regulation of monoallelic expression is important for developing drugs and/or vaccines. The
var
gene family encodes the antigenic surface proteins that decorate infected erythrocytes. Until recently, studying the underlying genetic elements that regulate monoallelic expression in
P. falciparum
was difficult, and most studies relied on artificial systems such as episomal reporter genes. Our study was the first to use CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for the functional study of an important, conserved genetic element of
var
genes—the intron—in an endogenous, episome-free manner. Our findings shed light on the role of the
var
gene intron in transcriptional regulation of monoallelic expression.
Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Viruses Compensate for Microbial Metabolism in Virus-Host Interactions
Authors: He Tianliang , Li Hongyun , Zhang Xiaobo 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
Viruses are believed to be responsible for the mortality of host organisms. However, some recent investigations reveal that viruses may be essential for host survival. To date, it remains unclear whether viruses are beneficial or harmful to their hosts. To reveal the roles of viruses in the virus-host interactions, viromes and microbiomes of sediment samples from three deep-sea hydrothermal vents were explored in this study. To exclude the influence of exogenous DNAs on viromes, the virus particles were purified with nuclease (DNase I and RNase A) treatments and cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation. The metagenomic analysis of viromes without exogenous DNA contamination and microbiomes of vent samples indicated that viruses had compensation effects on the metabolisms of their host microorganisms. Viral genes not only participated in most of the microbial metabolic pathways but also formed branched pathways in microbial metabolisms, including pyrimidine metabolism; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; nitrogen metabolism and assimilation pathways of the two-component system; selenocompound metabolism; aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis; and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism. As is well known, deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems exist in relatively isolated environments which are barely influenced by other ecosystems. The metabolic compensation of hosts mediated by viruses might represent a very important aspect of virus-host interactions.

IMPORTANCE
Viruses are the most abundant biological entities in the oceans and have very important roles in regulating microbial community structure and biogeochemical cycles. The relationship between virus and host microbes is broadly thought to be that of predator and prey. Viruses can lyse host cells to control microbial population sizes and affect community structures of hosts by killing specific microbes. However, viruses also influence their hosts through manipulation of bacterial metabolism. We found that viral genes not only participated in most microbial metabolic pathways but also formed branched pathways in microbial metabolisms. The metabolic compensation of hosts mediated by viruses may help hosts to adapt to extreme environments and may be essential for host survival.
Retrospective economic analysis of the transfer of services from hospitals to the community: an application to an enhanced eye care service
Authors: Mason Thomas , Jones Cheryl , Sutton Matt , Konstantakopoulou Evgenia , Edgar David F , Harper Robert A , Birch Stephen , Lawrenson John G 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveThis research aims to evaluate the wider health system effects of the introduction of an intermediate-tier service for eye care.SettingThis research employs the Minor Eye Conditions Scheme (MECS), an intermediate-tier eye care service introduced in two London boroughs, Lewisham and Lambeth, in April 2013.DesignRetrospective difference-in-differences analysis comparing changes over time in service use and costs between April 2011 and October 2014 in two commissioning areas that introduced an intermediate-tier service programme with changes in a neighbouring area that did not introduce the programme.Data sourcesMECS audit data; unit costs for MECS visits; volumes of first and follow-up outpatient attendances to hospital ophthalmology; the national schedule of reference costs.Main outcome measuresVolumes and costs of patients treated.ResultsIn one intervention area (Lewisham), general practitioner (GP) referrals to hospital ophthalmology decreased differentially by 75.2% (95% CI −0.918% to −0.587%) for first attendances, and by 40.3% for follow-ups (95% CI −0.489% to −0.316%). GP referrals to hospital ophthalmology decreased differentially by 30.2% (95% CI −0.468% to −0.137%) for first attendances in the other intervention area (Lambeth). Costs increased by 3.1% in the comparison area between 2011/2012 and 2013/2014. Over the same period, costs increased by less (2.5%) in one intervention area and fell by 13.8% in the other intervention area.ConclusionsIntermediate-tier services based in the community could potentially reduce volumes of patients referred to hospitals by GPs and provide replacement services at lower unit costs.
A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the impact of sexual health clinic based automated text message reminders on testing of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men in China: protocol for the T2T Study
Authors: Zou Huachun , Meng Xiaojun , Grulich Andrew , Huang Shujie , Jia Tianjian , Zhang Xuan , Luo Zhenzhou , Ding Yi , Yang Ligang , Han Jinmei , Chen Weiying , Zheng Heping , Yang Bin 
Published: July 2017

IntroductionThe frequency of screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) is still low in China.Methods and analysisA sexual health clinic based randomised controlled trial will be conducted in Guangzhou, Wuxi and Shenzhen, China, enrolling 600 MSM. Eligibility will be judged by the pre-programed iPad based questionnaire: (1) age ≥18 years and (2) have had two or more male anal sex partners, or condomless anal sex with a casual male sex partner, or an STI history, in the past 6 months, and (3) provides a valid mobile phone number. Eligible men will be randomly allocated 1:1 to the intervention arm (with monthly text messages reminding them to test for HIV/STIs) or to the control arm (with no reminders). Men in both arms will complete a questionnaire onsite at enrolment and after 12 months, and another questionnaire online at 6 months. Men in both arms will be tested for HIV, syphilis, anal gonorrhoea/chlamydia and penile gonorrhoea/chlamydia at enrolment and at 12 months. The primary outcome is the rate and frequency of HIV testing within the 12 months after enrolment. The secondary outcome is the rate of unprotected anal intercourse. An assessment of the cost effectiveness of this intervention is also planned.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the ethical review committees of the University of New South Wales, Australia (HC16803), the Guangdong Provincial Centre for Skin Disease and STI Control (GDDHLS-20160926) and the Wuxi Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (WXCDC2016009), China. Study findings will be submitted to academic journals and disseminated to local health authorities.Trial registration numberChinese Clinical Trial Registry at:http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=15752and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform at:http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=ChiCTR-IOR-16009304.
Acute mountain sickness, arterial oxygen saturation and heart rate among Tibetan students who reascend to Lhasa after 7 years at low altitude: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gonggalanzi  , Labasangzhu  , Bjertness Espen , Wu Tianyi , Stigum Hein , Nafstad Per 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to estimate the incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and address the changes in arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and heart rate (HR) in native Tibetans who reascend to the high-altitude city of Lhasa (3658 m) after a 7-year stay at low altitude.MethodsWe followed two cohorts of students aged 17–21 years (859 Native Tibetan and 801 Han Chinese), travelling from lowland China until 3 days after their arrival in highland city of Lhasa. Questionnaire information of the symptoms of AMS using the Lake Louise Scoring System, resting SaO2and HR were assessed both before leaving the lowland and after arriving in Lhasa. Linear regression was performed to compare changes in SaO2and HR levels from low to high altitude in Tibetan and Han Chinese.ResultsNew cases of AMS occurred in only 1.2% (95% CI 0.4% to 2.0%) of the Tibetan students who came to Lhasa by train compared with 32.7% (95% CI 28.0% to 37.3%) and 42.9% (95% CI 38.0% to 47.7%) of the Han Chinese students who came to Lhasa by train and by air, respectively. Tibetan students had less changes in SaO2(−2.95 percentage points, 95% CI −3.24% to −2.65%) and HR (10.89 beats per minute (bpm), 95% CI 9.62 to 12.16 bpm) from low to high altitude compared with Han Chinese students, although measurements did not differ between the two groups when measured at low altitude.ConclusionsHealthy Tibetans are mostly protected against AMS and primarily maintain their good adaptation to high altitude, even after a long period of stay at low altitude.