bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial behaviour throughout the lytic cycle of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Ovciarikova Jana , Lemgruber Leandro , Stilger Krista L. , Sullivan William J. , Sheiner Lilach 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMitochondria distribution in cells controls cellular physiology in health and disease. Here we describe the mitochondrial morphology and positioning found in the different stages of the lytic cycle of the eukaryotic single-cell parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The lytic cycle, driven by the tachyzoite life stage, is responsible for acute toxoplasmosis. It is known that whilst inside a host cell the tachyzoite maintains its single mitochondrion at its periphery. We found that upon parasite transition from the host cell to the extracellular matrix, mitochondrion morphology radically changes, resulting in a reduction in peripheral proximity. This change is reversible upon return to the host, indicating that an active mechanism maintains the peripheral positioning found in the intracellular stages. Comparison between the two states by electron microscopy identified regions of coupling between the mitochondrion outer membrane and the parasite pellicle, whose features suggest the presence of membrane contact sites, and whose abundance changes during the transition between intra- and extra-cellular states. These novel observations pave the way for future research to identify molecular mechanisms involved in mitochondrial distribution in Toxoplasma and the consequences of these mitochondrion changes on parasite physiology.
From Initial Nucleation to Cassie-Baxter State of Condensed Droplets on Nanotextured Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Lv Cunjing , Zhang Xiwen , Niu Fenglei , He Feng , Hao Pengfei 
Published: February 2017

AbstractUnderstanding how droplet condensation happens plays an essential role for our fundamental insights of wetting behaviors in nature and numerous applications. Since there is a lack of study of the initial formation and growing processes of condensed droplets down to nano-/submicroscale, relevant underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. We report an in situ observation of vapor condensation on nano-/microtextured superhydrophobic surfaces using optical microscopy. An interesting picture of the vapor condensation, from the initial appearance of individual small droplets (≤1 μm) to a Cassie-Baxter wetting state (>30 μm), are exhibited. It is found that individual droplets preferentially nucleate at the top and the edge of single micropillars with very high apparent contact angles on the nanotextures. Scenarios of two distinguished growing modes are reported statistically and the underlying mechanisms are discussed in the view of thermodynamics. We particularly reveal that the formation of the Cassie-Baxter wetting state is a result of a continuous coalescence of individual small droplets, in which the nanotexture-enhanced superhydrophobicity plays a crucial role. We envision that these fundamental findings can deepen our understanding of the nucleation and development of condensed droplets in nanoscale, so as to optimize design strategies of superhydrophobic materials for a broad range of water-harvesting and heat-transfer systems.
Removal of silver nanoparticles by mussel-inspired Fe3O4@ polydopamine core-shell microspheres and its use as efficient catalyst for methylene blue reduction
Authors: Wu Maoling , Li Yinying , Yue Rui , Zhang Xiaodan , Huang Yuming 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe removal of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from water is highly needed because of their increasing use and potential risk to the environment due to their toxic effects. Catalysis over AgNPs has received significant attention because of their highly catalytic performance. However, their use in practical applications is limited due to high cost and limited resources. Here, we present for the first time that the mussel-inspired Fe3O4@polydopamine (Fe3O4@PDA) nanocomposite can be used for efficient removal and recovery of AgNPs. Adsorption of AgNPs over Fe3O4@PDA was confirmed by TEM, FT-IR, XRD, TGA and magnetic property. The adsorption efficiency of AgNPs by Fe3O4@PDA was investigated as a function of pH, contact time, ionic strength and concentration of AgNPs. The kinetic data were well fitted to a pseudo-second order kinetic model. The isotherm data were well described by Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 169.5 mg/g, which was higher than those by other adsorbents. Notably, the obtained AgNPs-Fe3O4@PDA exhibited highly catalytic activity for methylene blue reduction by NaBH4 with a rate constant of 1.44 × 10−3/s, which was much higher than those by other AgNPs catalysts. The AgNPs-Fe3O4@PDA promised good recyclability for at least 8 cycles and acid resistant with good stability.
Calpain-1 deletion impairs mGluR-dependent LTD and fear memory extinction
Authors: Zhu Guoqi , Briz Victor , Seinfeld Jeff , Liu Yan , Bi Xiaoning , Baudry Michel 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRecent studies indicate that calpain-1 is required for the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) elicited by theta-burst stimulation in field CA1 of hippocampus. Here we determined the contribution of calpain-1 in another type of synaptic plasticity, the long-term depression (LTD) elicited by activation of type-I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR-LTD). mGluR-LTD was associated with calpain-1 activation following T-type calcium channel opening, and resulted in the truncation of a regulatory subunit of PP2A, B56α. This signaling pathway was required for both the early and late phase of Arc translation during mGluR-LTD, through a mechanism involving mTOR and ribosomal protein S6 activation. In contrast, in hippocampal slices from calpain-1 knock-out (KO) mice, application of the mGluR agonist, DHPG, did not result in B56α truncation, increased Arc synthesis and reduced levels of membrane GluA1-containing AMPA receptors. Consistently, mGluR-LTD was impaired in calpain-1 KO mice, and the impairment could be rescued by phosphatase inhibitors, which also restored Arc translation in response to DHPG. Furthermore, calpain-1 KO mice exhibited impairment in fear memory extinction to tone presentation. These results indicate that calpain-1 plays a critical role in mGluR-LTD and is involved in many forms of synaptic plasticity and learning and memory.
BAR502, a dual FXR and GPBAR1 agonist, promotes browning of white adipose tissue and reverses liver steatosis and fibrosis
Authors: Carino Adriana , Cipriani Sabrina , Marchianò Silvia , Biagioli Michele , Santorelli Chiara , Donini Annibale , Zampella Angela , Monti Maria Chiara , Fiorucci Stefano 
Published: February 2017

AbstractNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease. Here, we have investigated whether BAR502, a non-bile acid, steroidal dual ligand for FXR and GPBAR1, reverses steato-hepatitis in mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) and fructose. After 9 week, mice on HFD gained ≈30% of b.w (P < 0.01 versus naïve) and were insulin resistant. These overweighting and insulin resistant mice were randomized to receive HFD or HFD in combination with BAR502. After 18 weeks, HFD mice developed NASH like features with severe steato-hepatitis and fibrosis, increased hepatic content of triacylglycerol and cholesterol and expression of SREPB1c, FAS, ApoC2, PPARα and γ, α-SMA, α1 collagen and MCP1 mRNAs. Treatment with BAR502 caused a ≈10% reduction of b.w., increased insulin sensitivity and circulating levels of HDL, while reduced steatosis, inflammatory and fibrosis scores and liver expression of SREPB1c, FAS, PPARγ, CD36 and CYP7A1 mRNA. BAR502 increased the expression of SHP and ABCG5 in the liver and SHP, FGF15 and GLP1 in intestine. BAR502 promoted the browning of epWAT and reduced liver fibrosis induced by CCl4. In summary, BAR502, a dual FXR and GPBAR1 agonist, protects against liver damage caused by HFD by promoting the browning of adipose tissue.
Deciphering the distance to antibiotic resistance for the pneumococcus using genome sequencing data
Authors: Mobegi Fredrick M. , Cremers Amelieke J. H. , de Jonge Marien I. , Bentley Stephen D. , van Hijum Sacha A. F. T. , Zomer Aldert 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAdvances in genome sequencing technologies and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have provided unprecedented insights into the molecular basis of microbial phenotypes and enabled the identification of the underlying genetic variants in real populations. However, utilization of genome sequencing in clinical phenotyping of bacteria is challenging due to the lack of reliable and accurate approaches. Here, we report a method for predicting microbial resistance patterns using genome sequencing data. We analyzed whole genome sequences of 1,680 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from four independent populations using GWAS and identified probable hotspots of genetic variation which correlate with phenotypes of resistance to essential classes of antibiotics. With the premise that accumulation of putative resistance-conferring SNPs, potentially in combination with specific resistance genes, precedes full resistance, we retrogressively surveyed the hotspot loci and quantified the number of SNPs and/or genes, which if accumulated would confer full resistance to an otherwise susceptible strain. We name this approach the ‘distance to resistance’. It can be used to identify the creep towards complete antibiotics resistance in bacteria using genome sequencing. This approach serves as a basis for the development of future sequencing-based methods for predicting resistance profiles of bacterial strains in hospital microbiology and public health settings.
Exposure to tobacco smoke and childhood rhinitis: a population-based study
Authors: Yao Tsung-Chieh , Chang Su-Wei , Chang Wei-Chiao , Tsai Ming-Han , Liao Sui-Ling , Hua Man-Chin , Lai Shen-Hao , Yeh Kuo-Wei , Tseng Yu-Lun , Lin Wan-Chen , Tsai Hui-Ju , Huang Jing-Long 
Published: February 2017

AbstractExposure to tobacco smoke has been associated with harmful effects on child health. The association between tobacco smoke exposure and childhood rhinitis has not been established in developed or developing countries. We investigated the association between serum cotinine levels and rhinitis in a population sample of 1,315 Asian children. Serum cotinine levels were positively associated with rhinitis ever (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–7.60) and current rhinitis (AOR = 2.71; 95% CI: 1.07–6.89), while the association for physician-diagnosed rhinitis approaching borderline significance (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI: 0.88–5.83). Stratified analyses demonstrated significant association of serum cotinine levels with current rhinitis among children without allergic sensitization (AOR = 6.76; 95% CI: 1.21–37.74), but not among those with allergic sensitization. Serum cotinine levels were positively associated with rhinitis ever (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.05–10.61) and current rhinitis (AOR = 4.23; 95% CI: 1.28–13.97) among adolescents but not in children aged less than 10 years. This population-based study demonstrates supportive evidence for positive association of tobacco smoke exposure with rhinitis, while the effect is mainly confined to non-allergic rhinitis and more pronounced in adolescents than in young children, highlighting the need for raising public health awareness about the detrimental effects of tobacco smoke exposure on children’s respiratory health.
Evaporation of inclined water droplets
Authors: Kim Jin Young , Hwang In Gyu , Weon Byung Mook 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWhen a drop is placed on a flat substrate tilted at an inclined angle, it can be deformed by gravity and its initial contact angle divides into front and rear contact angles by inclination. Here we study on evaporation dynamics of a pure water droplet on a flat solid substrate by controlling substrate inclination and measuring mass and volume changes of an evaporating droplet with time. We find that complete evaporation time of an inclined droplet becomes longer as gravitational influence by inclination becomes stronger. The gravity itself does not change the evaporation dynamics directly, whereas the gravity-induced droplet deformation increases the difference between front and rear angles, which quickens the onset of depinning and consequently reduces the contact radius. This result makes the evaporation rate of an inclined droplet to be slow. This finding would be important to improve understanding on evaporation dynamics of inclined droplets.
Cryogel-supported stem cell factory for customized sustained release of bispecific antibodies for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Aliperta Roberta , Welzel Petra B. , Bergmann Ralf , Freudenberg Uwe , Berndt Nicole , Feldmann Anja , Arndt Claudia , Koristka Stefanie , Stanzione Marcello , Cartellieri Marc , Ehninger Armin , Ehninger Gerhard , Werner Carsten , Pietzsch Jens , Steinbach Jörg , Bornhäuser Martin , Bachmann Michael P. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCombining stem cells with biomaterial scaffolds provides a promising strategy for the development of drug delivery systems. Here we propose an innovative immunotherapeutic organoid by housing human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), gene-modified for the secretion of an anti-CD33-anti-CD3 bispecific antibody (bsAb), in a small biocompatible star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol)-heparin cryogel scaffold as a transplantable and low invasive therapeutic machinery for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The macroporous biohybrid cryogel platform displays effectiveness in supporting proliferation and survival of bsAb-releasing-MSCs overtime in vitro and in vivo, avoiding cell loss and ensuring a constant release of sustained and detectable levels of bsAb capable of triggering T-cell-mediated anti-tumor responses and a rapid regression of CD33+ AML blasts. This therapeutic device results as a promising and safe alternative to the continuous administration of short-lived immunoagents and paves the way for effective bsAb-based therapeutic strategies for future tumor treatments.
β-globin gene cluster haplotypes in ethnic minority populations of southwest China
Authors: Sun Hao , Liu Hongxian , Huang Kai , Lin Keqin , Huang Xiaoqin , Chu Jiayou , Ma Shaohui , Yang Zhaoqing 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe genetic diversity and relationships among ethnic minority populations of southwest China were investigated using seven polymorphic restriction enzyme sites in the β-globin gene cluster. The haplotypes of 1392 chromosomes from ten ethnic populations living in southwest China were determined. Linkage equilibrium and recombination hotspot were found between the 5′ sites and 3′ sites of the β-globin gene cluster. 5′ haplotypes 2 (+−−−), 6 (−++−+), 9 (−++++) and 3′ haplotype FW3 (−+) were the predominant haplotypes. Notably, haplotype 9 frequency was significantly high in the southwest populations, indicating their difference with other Chinese. The interpopulation differentiation of southwest Chinese minority populations is less than those in populations of northern China and other continents. Phylogenetic analysis shows that populations sharing same ethnic origin or language clustered to each other, indicating current β-globin cluster diversity in the Chinese populations reflects their ethnic origin and linguistic affiliations to a great extent. This study characterizes β-globin gene cluster haplotypes in southwest Chinese minorities for the first time, and reveals the genetic variability and affinity of these populations using β-globin cluster haplotype frequencies. The results suggest that ethnic origin plays an important role in shaping variations of the β-globin gene cluster in the southwestern ethnic populations of China.
Circulating miR-155, miR-145 and let-7c as diagnostic biomarkers of the coronary artery disease
Authors: Faccini Julien , Ruidavets Jean-Bernard , Cordelier Pierre , Martins Frédéric , Maoret Jean-José , Bongard Vanina , Ferrières Jean , Roncalli Jérôme , Elbaz Meyer , Vindis Cécile 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCoronary artery disease (CAD) is the most prevalent cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and the number of individuals at risk is increasing. To better manage cardiovascular diseases, improved tools for risk prediction including the identification of novel accurate biomarkers are needed. MicroRNA (miRNA) are essential post-transcriptional modulators of gene expression leading to mRNA suppression or translational repression. Specific expression profiles of circulating miRNA have emerged as potential noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers of diseases. The aim of this study was to identify the potential diagnostic value of circulating miRNA with CAD. Circulating miR-145, miR-155, miR-92a and let-7c were selected and validated by quantitative PCR in 69 patients with CAD and 30 control subjects from the cross-sectional study GENES. The expression of miR-145, miR-155 and let-7c showed significantly reduced expression in patients with CAD compared to controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that low levels of circulating let-7c, miR-145 and miR-155 were associated with CAD. Receiver operating curves analysis showed that let-7c, miR-145 or miR-155 were powerful markers for detecting CAD. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the combination of the three circulating miRNA managed to deliver a specific signature for diagnosing CAD.
Simvastatin pre-treatment improves survival and mitochondrial function in a 3-day fluid-resuscitated rat model of sepsis
Authors: Morel Jerome , Hargreaves Iain , Brealey David , Neergheen Viruna , Backman Janne T. , Lindig Sandro , Bläss Marcus , Bauer Michael , McAuley Daniel F. , Singer Mervyn 
Published: February 2017

Statins may offer protective effects in sepsis through anti-inflammatory, mitochondrial protection and other actions. We thus evaluated the effects of simvastatin on survival, organ and mitochondrial function, tissue and plasma ubiquinone levels and liver transcriptomics in a 3-day rat model of sepsis. Comparisons of rat plasma simvastatin and ubiquinone levels were made against levels sampled in blood from patients with acute lung injury (ALI) enrolled into a trial of statin therapy. Animals received simvastatin by gavage either pre- or post-induction of faecal peritonitis. Control septic animals received vehicle alone. Seventy-two-hour survival was significantly greater in statin pre-treated animals (43.7%) compared with their statin post-treated (12.5%) and control septic (25%) counterparts (P&lt;0.05). Sepsis-induced biochemical derangements in liver and kidney improved with statin therapy, particularly when given pre-insult. Both simvastatin pre- and post-treatment prevented the fall in mitochondrial oxygen consumption in muscle fibres taken from septic animals at 24 h. This beneficial effect was paralleled by recovery of genes related to fatty acid metabolism. Simvastatin pre-treatment resulted in a significant decrease in myocardial ubiquinone. Patients with ALI had a marked variation in plasma simvastatin acid levels; however, their ubiquinone/low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ratio did not differ regardless of whether they were receiving statin or placebo. In summary, despite protective effects seen with statin treatment given both pre- and post-insult, survival benefit was only seen with pre-treatment, reflecting experiences in patient studies.
Preoperative Embolization for Skull Base Meningiomas
Authors: Nagaishi Masaya , Matsumoto Yoshiyuki , Fujii Yoshiko , Inoue Yuki , Sugiura Yoshiki , Hirata Koji , Suzuki Ryotaro , Kawamura Yosuke , Nakae Ryuta , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Hyodo Akio , Suzuki Kensuke 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe results of preoperative embolization for skull base meningiomas were retrospectively evaluated to confirm the efficacy of this procedure. Skull base meningiomas that were treated with preoperative embolization were evaluated in 20 patients. The occluded arteries, embolic materials, treatment time, excision rate, neurologic manifestations, and complications were analyzed. The embolic material was 80% liquid, 30% coils, and 15% particles. The surgery was normally completed within 3 to 5 hours. Blood loss was normally approximately 250 mL, excluding four patients having the following conditions: malignant meningioma, a large tumor located on the medial side of the sphenoidal ridge, the petroclival tumor, and infiltrated tumor into the sigmoid sinus. The mean excision rate was 90%, achieving a Simpson grade III, but 10% were graded as Simpson grade IV. No permanent complications due to the preoperative embolization occurred. No neurologic symptoms occurred after excision. Current cerebral endovascular treatment is sophisticated, and the complication rate has markedly decreased. Although it was impossible to compare directly with or without operative embolization, preoperative embolization should be actively used as part of the treatment for this benign tumor, with better understanding of dangerous anastomosis.
Subjektive Arbeitsbelastung, Arbeitszufriedenheit, Work-Life-Balance von Ärzten und Pflegekräften eines Kommunalklinikums im ländlichen Raum im Vergleich zu einem großstädtischen Universitätsklinikum
Authors: Körber Michael , Schmid Klaus , Drexler Hans , Kiesel Johannes 
Published: February 2017

Zusammenfassung
Der Ärzte- und Pflegekräftemangel im ländlichen Raum stellt ein aktuelles und ernst zu nehmendes gesundheitspolitisches Problem dar. Die medizinische Versorgung der Landbevölkerung ist als gefährdet einzustufen. Diese Untersuchung vergleicht die empfundene Arbeitsbelastung, die Arbeitszufriedenheit, die Work-Life-Balance sowohl von Ärzten als auch von Pflegekräften an einer Klinik im ländlichen Raum mit 2 Kliniken eines Universitätsklinikums.
Die Ärzte sowie die Pflegekräfte wurden schriftlich und anonym mit einem standardisierten Fragebogeninstrument u. a. zur Arbeitsbelastung, Arbeitszufriedenheit und Work-Life-Balance befragt.
Die Rücklaufquote betrug im Universitätsklinikum wie auch im Kommunalklinikum knapp 50%. Im Universitätsklinikum nahmen 32 Ärzte und 54 Pflegekräfte teil, im kommunalen Haus 18 Ärzte und 137 Pflegekräfte. Die Pflegekräfte des Universitätsklinikums beurteilen die Organisation des Tagesablaufes mit 94.1% besser als die Pflegekräfte des kommunalen Hauses (82,4%, p=0,03). Die Ärzte des Universitätsklinikums können Erlerntes an einer Universitätsklinik mit 87,5% besser in die Praxis umzusetzen als ihre Kollegen an der Kommunalklinik (55,5%, p=0,02). Die Ärzte an der Universitätsklinik schätzen im Gegensatz zu ihren Kollegen an der Kommunalklinik die subjektive Arbeitsbelastung nur zu 50% als gerade richtig ein (kommunal 83,3%, p=0,02) und geben zu 96,9% an „täglich“ oder „mehrmals pro Woche“ unter Zeitdruck zu stehen (kommunal 50%, p<0,01). Die Pflegekräfte beider Häuser geben überwiegend an, ausreichend Möglichkeit zu haben, Familie und Beruf vereinbaren zu können(Uniklinik 62,9%, Kommunalklinik 72,8%). Hingegen sehen die Ärzte des Universitätsklinikums nur zu 20% ausreichend Möglichkeiten, Beruf und Familie zu vereinbaren, bei den Ärzten des kommunalen Klinikums sind es zumindest 42,9% (p=0,13).
Die Rücklaufquote mit knapp 50% ist als gut zu bezeichnen. Aufgrund der kleinen Fallzahlen bei den Ärzten, vor allem im kommunalen Haus, kann vermutet werden, dass interessante Unterschiede teilweise nicht erkannt werden konnten. Bei den Pflegekräften zeigen sich in beiden Kliniken nur geringe Unterschiede. Im Gegensatz dazu sind bei den Ärzten die subjektive Arbeitsbelastung sowie die Werte bei den Beanspruchungsfaktoren am Uniklinikum deutlich höher als bei den Kollegen an der Kommunalklinik. Wie in der Einleitung vermutet, kann trotz der besseren work-life-balance im Kommunalklinikum eine freie Arztstelle nicht besetzt werden.
Die Attraktivität einer Arztstelle hängt derzeit von den guten Karrierechancen und der Arbeit auf wissenschaftlich höchstem Niveau ab.