bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Signaling Nucleotides Inhibit Yeast Cell Growth by Impacting Mitochondrial and Other Specifically Eukaryotic Functions
Authors: Hesketh Andy , Vergnano Marta , Wan Chris , Oliver Stephen G. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

We have engineered
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
to inducibly synthesize the prokaryotic signaling nucleotides cyclic di-GMP (cdiGMP), cdiAMP, and ppGpp in order to characterize the range of effects these nucleotides exert on eukaryotic cell function during bacterial pathogenesis. Synthetic genetic array (SGA) and transcriptome analyses indicated that, while these compounds elicit some common reactions in yeast, there are also complex and distinctive responses to each of the three nucleotides. All three are capable of inhibiting eukaryotic cell growth, with the guanine nucleotides exhibiting stronger effects than cdiAMP. Mutations compromising mitochondrial function and chromatin remodeling show negative epistatic interactions with all three nucleotides. In contrast, certain mutations that cause defects in chromatin modification and ribosomal protein function show positive epistasis, alleviating growth inhibition by at least two of the three nucleotides. Uniquely, cdiGMP is lethal both to cells growing by respiration on acetate and to obligately fermentative petite mutants. cdiGMP is also synthetically lethal with the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) inhibitor hydroxyurea. Heterologous expression of the human ppGpp hydrolase Mesh1p prevented the accumulation of ppGpp in the engineered yeast and restored cell growth. Extensive
in vivo
interactions between bacterial signaling molecules and eukaryotic gene function occur, resulting in outcomes ranging from growth inhibition to death. cdiGMP functions through a mechanism that must be compensated by unhindered RNR activity or by functionally competent mitochondria. Mesh1p may be required for abrogating the damaging effects of ppGpp in human cells subjected to bacterial infection.

IMPORTANCE
During infections, pathogenic bacteria can release nucleotides into the cells of their eukaryotic hosts. These nucleotides are recognized as signals that contribute to the initiation of defensive immune responses that help the infected cells recover. Despite the importance of this process, the broader impact of bacterial nucleotides on the functioning of eukaryotic cells remains poorly defined. To address this, we genetically modified cells of the eukaryote
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
(baker’s yeast) to produce three of these molecules (cdiAMP, cdiGMP, and ppGpp) and used the engineered strains as model systems to characterize the effects of the molecules on the cells. In addition to demonstrating that the nucleotides are each capable of adversely affecting yeast cell function and growth, we also identified the cellular functions important for mitigating the damage caused, suggesting possible modes of action. This study expands our understanding of the molecular interactions that can take place between bacterial and eukaryotic cells.
Positive Autoregulation of an Acyl-Homoserine Lactone Quorum-Sensing Circuit Synchronizes the Population Response
Authors: Scholz Rebecca L. , Greenberg E. Peter 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Many proteobacteria utilize acyl-homoserine lactone quorum-sensing signals. At low population densities, cells produce a basal level of signal, and when sufficient signal has accumulated in the surrounding environment, it binds to its receptor, and quorum-sensing-dependent genes can be activated. A common characteristic of acyl-homoserine lactone quorum sensing is that signal production is positively autoregulated. We have examined the role of positive signal autoregulation in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. We compared population responses and individual cell responses in populations of wild-type
P. aeruginosa
to responses in a strain with the signal synthase gene controlled by an arabinose-inducible promoter so that signal was produced at a constant rate per cell regardless of cell population density. At a population level, responses of the wild type and the engineered strain were indistinguishable, but the responses of individual cells in a population of the wild type showed greater synchrony than the responses of the engineered strain. Although sufficient signal is required to activate expression of quorum-sensing-regulated genes, it is not sufficient for activation of certain genes, the late genes, and their expression is delayed until other conditions are met. We found that late gene responses were reduced in the engineered strain. We conclude that positive signal autoregulation is not a required element in acyl-homoserine lactone quorum sensing, but it functions to enhance synchrony of the responses of individuals in a population. Synchrony might be advantageous in some situations, whereas a less coordinated quorum-sensing response might allow bet hedging and be advantageous in other situations.

IMPORTANCE
There are many quorum-sensing systems that involve a transcriptional activator, which responds to an acyl-homoserine lactone signal. In all of the examples studied, the gene coding for signal production is positively autoregulated by the signal, and it has even been described as essential for a quorum-sensing response. We have used the opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
as a model to show that positive autoregulation is not required for a robust quorum-sensing response. We also show that positive autoregulation of signal production enhances the synchrony of the response. This information enhances our general understanding of the biological significance of how acyl-homoserine lactone quorum-sensing circuits are arranged.
Can’t see the woods for the trees: exploring the range and connection of tobacco industry argumentation in the 2012 UK standardised packaging consultation
Authors: Lie Jessamina Lih Yan , Fooks Gary , de Vries Nanne K , Heijndijk Suzanne M , Willemsen Marc C 
Published: July 2017

IntroductionTransnational tobacco company (TTC) submissions to the 2012 UK standardised packaging consultation are studied to examine TTC argumentation in the context of Better Regulation practices.MethodsA content analysis was conducted of Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco submissions to the 2012 UK consultation. Industry arguments concerning expected costs and (contested) benefits of the policy were categorised into themes and frames. The inter-relationship between frames through linked arguments was mapped to analyse central arguments using an argumentation network.Results173 arguments were identified. Arguments fell into one of five frames: ineffectiveness, negative economic consequences, harm to public health, increased crime or legal ramifications. Arguments highlighted high costs to a wide range of groups, including government, general public and other businesses. Arguments also questioned the public health benefits of standardised packaging and highlighted the potential benefits to undeserving groups. An increase in illicit trade was the most central argument and linked to the greatest variety of arguments.ConclusionsIn policy-making systems characterised by mandatory impact assessments and public consultations, the wide range of cost (and contested benefits) based arguments highlights the risk of TTCs overloading policy actors and causing delays in policy adoption. Illicit trade related arguments are central to providing a rationale for these arguments, which include the claim that standardised packaging will increase health risks. The strategic importance of illicit trade arguments to industry argumentation in public consultations underlines the risks of relying on industry data relating to the scale of the illicit trade.
Spatially and spectrally resolved ultra-narrowband TE-polarization absorber based on the guide-mode resonance
Authors: Liao Yan-Lin , Zhao Yan , Zhang Xingfang , Zhang Wen , Wang Zhongzhu 
Published: July 2017

A spatially and spectrally resolved ultra-narrowband absorber with a dielectric grating and metal substrate has been reported. The absorber shows that the absorption rate is more than 0.99 with the absorption bandwidth less than 1.5 nm at normal incidence for TE polarization (electric field is parallel to grating grooves). The angular width of the absorption is about 0.27[Formula: see text]. The wavelength-angle sensitivity and absorption-angle sensitivity are 13.4 nm per degree and 296.3% per degree, respectively. The simulation results also show the spatially and spectrally resolved ultra-narrowband absorption is originated from the guide-mode resonance. In addition, the wavelength-angle sensitivity can be improved by enlarging the grating period according to the guide-mode resonance mechanism. The proposed absorber has potential applications in optical filters, angle measurement and thermal emitters.
Network activity influences the subthreshold and spiking visual responses of pyramidal neurons in the three-layer turtle cortex
Authors: Wright Nathaniel C. , Wessel Ralf 
Published: July 2017

A primary goal of systems neuroscience is to understand cortical function, typically by studying spontaneous and stimulus-modulated cortical activity. Mounting evidence suggests a strong and complex relationship exists between the ongoing and stimulus-modulated cortical state. To date, most work in this area has been based on spiking in populations of neurons. While advantageous in many respects, this approach is limited in scope: it records the activity of a minority of neurons and gives no direct indication of the underlying subthreshold dynamics. Membrane potential recordings can fill these gaps in our understanding, but stable recordings are difficult to obtain in vivo. Here, we recorded subthreshold cortical visual responses in the ex vivo turtle eye-attached whole brain preparation, which is ideally suited for such a study. We found that, in the absence of visual stimulation, the network was “synchronous”; neurons displayed network-mediated transitions between hyperpolarized (Down) and depolarized (Up) membrane potential states. The prevalence of these slow-wave transitions varied across turtles and recording sessions. Visual stimulation evoked similar Up states, which were on average larger and less reliable when the ongoing state was more synchronous. Responses were muted when immediately preceded by large, spontaneous Up states. Evoked spiking was sparse, highly variable across trials, and mediated by concerted synaptic inputs that were, in general, only very weakly correlated with inputs to nearby neurons. Together, these results highlight the multiplexed influence of the cortical network on the spontaneous and sensory-evoked activity of individual cortical neurons. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Most studies of cortical activity focus on spikes. Subthreshold membrane potential recordings can provide complementary insight, but stable recordings are difficult to obtain in vivo. Here, we recorded the membrane potentials of cortical neurons during ongoing and visually evoked activity. We observed a strong relationship between network and single-neuron evoked activity spanning multiple temporal scales. The membrane potential perspective of cortical dynamics thus highlights the influence of intrinsic network properties on visual processing.
α-Motoneurons maintain biophysical heterogeneity in obesity and diabetes in Zucker rats
Authors: MacDonell Christopher W. , Chopek Jeremy W. , Gardiner Kalan R. , Gardiner Phillip F. 
Published: July 2017

Small-diameter sensory dysfunction resulting from diabetes has received much attention in the literature, whereas the impact of diabetes on α-motoneurons (MN) has not. In addition, the chance of developing insulin resistance and diabetes is increased in obesity. No study has examined the impact of obesity or diabetes on the biophysical properties of MN. Lean Zucker rats and Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were separated into lean, obese (ZDF fed standard chow), and diabetic (ZDF fed high-fat diet that led to diabetes) groups. Glass micropipettes recorded hindlimb MN properties from identified flexor and extensor MN. MN were separated within their groups on the basis of input conductance, which created high- and low-input conductance subpopulations for each. A significant shorter (20%) afterhyperpolarization half-decay (AHP1/2) was found in low-conductance MN for the diabetic group only, whereas AHP½ tended to be shorter in the obese group (19%). Significant positive correlations were found among rheobase and input conductance for both lean and obese animals. No differences were found between the groups for afterhyperpolarization amplitude (AHPamp), input conductance, rheobase, or any of the rhythmic firing properties (frequency-current slope and spike-frequency adaptation index). MN properties continue to be heterogeneous in obese and diabetic animals. Obesity does not seem to influence lumbar MN. Despite the resistance of MN to the impact of diabetes, the reduced AHP1/2 decay and the tendency for a reduction in AHPamp may be the first sign of change to MN function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Knowledge about the impact of obesity and diabetes on the biophysical properties of motoneurons is lacking. We found that diabetes reduces the duration of the afterhyperpolarization and that motoneuron function is unchanged by obesity. A reduced afterhyperpolarization may impact discharge characteristics and may be the first sign of change to motoneuron function.
Evaluation of the Impact of Cognitive Training on Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Grasso Maria Grazia , Broccoli Marco , Casillo Paolo , Catani Sheila , Pace Luca , Pompa Alessandra , Rizzi Francesco , Troisi Elio 
Published: July 2017

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Thirty-four patients were included in this study and randomly allocated either to treatment with multidisciplinary rehabilitation plus cognitive training or to treatment with multidisciplinary rehabilitation alone. <b><i>Results:</i></b> After 3 months of cognitive treatment, the patients assigned to the rehabilitation plus cognitive training group displayed an improvement in the cognitive test of executive function and a marked improvement in quality of life (QoL). The patients treated with multidisciplinary rehabilitation without cognitive training improved in the physical composite score alone. Both groups of patients displayed an improvement in depression, though the improvement was confirmed at the 6-month follow-up examination (<i>p</i> = 0.036) only in patients treated with multidisciplinary rehabilitation plus cognitive training. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Our results indicate that the multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment is the best approach to treat MS. The specific effect of each treatment needs to be assessed to be able to determine its role within a multidisciplinary approach. Cognitive rehabilitation is an important aspect of this multidisciplinary approach insofar as it may improve the QoL of MS people.
<b>Re-collection of the Black Catchfly <I>Silene nigrescens</I> (Caryophyllales: Caryophyllaceae) after 130 years from Indian western Himalaya</b>
Authors: Chandra Satish , Rawat D. S. , Pusalkar P. K. 
Published: July 2017

Silene nigrescens has been re-collected after a gap of 130 years from Pangarchulla area of District Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India. This species was earlier collected by J.F. Duthie from the above-mentioned location in 1885. On the basis of J.F. Duthie’s collection this species is known from only two localities (Pangarchula area and Nila valley) in western Himalaya. Due to a dispersed type of distribution, extremely rare occurrence and poor herbarium history, this species should be considered as a conservation dependent species in the western Himalaya.
<b>New records of hover wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Stenogastrinae) from Bhutan</b>
Authors: Nidup Tshering , Klein Wim , Dorji Phurpa 
Published: July 2017

Two species of the subfamily Stenogastrinae, Parischnogaster mellyi (de Saussure, 1852) and (Bingham, 1897), are reported from the subtropical region of Bhutan for the first time. Distribution supported with GPS positions and main identification characters supported with micrographs have been given for the observed species. Notes on the nest structure and location of P. mellyi (de Saussure, 1852) are provided as observed from the active nest.
Outcomes of Patients Presenting With Clinical Indices of Spontaneous Reperfusion in ST‐Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Deferred Angiography
Authors: Fefer Paul , Beigel Roy , Atar Shaul , Aronson Doron , Pollak Arthur , Zahger Doron , Asher Elad , Iakobishvili Zaza , Shlomo Nir , Alcalai Ronny , Einhorn‐Cohen Michal , Segev Amit , Goldenberg Ilan , Matetzky Shlomi ,   the ACSIS (Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey) Study Group
Published: July 2017

Background

Few data are available regarding the optimal management of ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients with clinically defined spontaneous reperfusion (
SR
). We report on the characteristics and outcomes of patients with
SR
in the primary percutaneous coronary intervention era, and assess whether immediate reperfusion can be deferred.

Methods and Results

Data were drawn from a prospective nationwide survey,
ACSIS
(Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey). Definition of
SR
was predefined as both (1) ≥70% reduction in
ST
‐segment elevation on consecutive
ECG
s and (2) ≥70% resolution of pain. Of 2361 consecutive ST‐elevation–acute coronary syndrome patients in Killip class 1, 405 (17%) were not treated with primary reperfusion therapy because of
SR
. Intervention in
SR
patients was performed a median of 26 hours after admission. These patients were compared with the 1956 ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients who underwent primary reperfusion with a median door‐to‐balloon of 66 minutes (interquartile range 38–106). Baseline characteristics were similar except for slightly higher incidence of renal dysfunction and prior angina pectoris in
SR
patients. Time from symptom onset to medical contact was significantly greater in
SR
patients. Patients with
SR
had significantly less in‐hospital heart failure (4% versus 11%) and cardiogenic shock (0% versus 2%) (
P
<0.01 for all). No significant differences were found in in‐hospital mortality (1% versus 2%), 30‐day major cardiac events (4% versus 4%), and mortality at 30 days (1% versus 2%) and 1 year (4% versus 4%).

Conclusions

Patients with clinically defined
SR
have a favorable prognosis. Deferring immediate intervention seems to be safe in patients with clinical indices of spontaneous reperfusion.
ISAR‐PEBIS (Paclitaxel‐Eluting Balloon Versus Conventional Balloon Angioplasty for In‐Stent Restenosis of Superficial Femoral Artery): A Randomized Trial
Authors: Ott Ilka , Cassese Salvatore , Groha Philipp , Steppich Birgit , Voll Felix , Hadamitzky Martin , Ibrahim Tareq , Kufner Sebastian , Dewitz Karl , Wittmann Theresa , Kasel Albert Markus , Laugwitz Karl‐Ludwig , Schunkert Heribert , Kastrati Adnan , Fusaro Massimiliano 
Published: July 2017

Background

Paclitaxel‐eluting balloon (
PEB
) angioplasty has superior efficacy compared with conventional balloon angioplasty (
BA
) for de novo lesions of superficial femoral artery (
SFA
). Studies investigating the angiographic and clinical performance of PEB angioplasty versus
BA
for in‐stent restenosis of
SFA
are limited. We performed a randomized trial to investigate angiographic and clinical performance of
PEB
versus
BA
for in‐stent restenosis of
SFA
.

Methods and Results

Patients with symptomatic in‐stent restenosis of
SFA
were randomly assigned to either
PEB
or
BA
at 2 centers in Munich, Germany. The primary end point was the percentage diameter stenosis at 6‐ to 8‐month follow‐up angiography. Secondary end points were the rate of binary restenosis at follow‐up angiography and target lesion revascularization, target vessel thrombosis, ipsilateral amputation, bypass surgery of the affected limb, and all‐cause mortality at 24‐month follow‐up. Seventy patients were assigned to
PEB
(n=36) or
BA
(n=34). Mean lesion length was 139±67 mm, and roughly one third of lesions were completely occluded at the time of the index procedure. At control angiography, the percentage diameter stenosis (44±33% versus 65±33%,
P
=0.01) and binary restenosis were significantly reduced with
PEB
versus
BA
(30% versus 59%,
P
=0.03). At 24‐month follow‐up,
PEB
was associated with a significant reduction of target lesion revascularization in comparison to
BA
(19% versus 50%,
P
=0.007). There was no difference with respect to other outcomes of interest.

Conclusions

In patients with in‐stent restenosis of
SFA
, a percutaneous therapy with
PEB
compared with
BA
has superior angiographic performance at 6 to 8 months and improved clinical efficacy up to 24‐month follow‐up.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01083394.
A new species and a key to species of the genus Coptotettix Bolivar, 1887 from India (Orthoptera: Tetrigoidea, Tetrigidae)
Authors: GUPTA SUNIL KUMAR , CHANDRA KAILASH 
Published: July 2017

A new species of genus Coptotettix korbensis sp. nov. is described from Korba, Chhattisgarh, India. A key to known species of the genus Coptotettix from the Indian subcontinent is provided. The genus Coptotettix is the most diverse genus of Tetrigidae erected by Bolivar, 1887. This genus includes 79 species and subspecies from globally (Eades, et al., 2016), of which, 12 species are reported from India (Shishodia et al., 2010) i.e. Coptotettix annandalei Hancock, 1915 from West Bengal, Darjeeling, Singla; C. conspersus Hancock, 1915 from West Bengal, Siliguri; C. fossulatus Bolivar,1887 from Sri Lanka; C. indicus Hancock, 1912 from Bihar: Chapra; C. latifrons Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1893 from Myanmar, Palon (Pegu); C. lohitensis Shishodia, 1991 from Arunachal Pradesh: Lohit; C. manipurensis Shishodia, 1991 from Manipur: New Churachandpur; C. retractus Hancock, 1915 from Bihar: Pusa; C. hancocki Kirby, 1910 new name for Loxilobus rugosus Hancock, 1904 from Sri Lanka: Pundaluoya; C. testaceous Bolivar from Sri Lanka; C. tricarinatus Shishodia, 1991 from West Bengal: Darjeeling; C. tuberculatus Bolivar, 1887 from Malesia: Borneo. (Here only type locality provided)