bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and molecular comparison of bacterial and eukaryotic trigger factors
Authors: Ries Fabian , Carius Yvonne , Rohr Marina , Gries Karin , Keller Sandro , Lancaster C. Roy D. , Willmund Felix 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA considerably small fraction of approximately 60–100 proteins of all chloroplast proteins are encoded by the plastid genome. Many of these proteins are major subunits of complexes with central functions within plastids. In comparison with other subcellular compartments and bacteria, many steps of chloroplast protein biogenesis are not well understood. We report here on the first study of chloroplast-localised trigger factor. In bacteria, this molecular chaperone is known to associate with translating ribosomes to facilitate the folding of newly synthesized proteins. Chloroplast trigger factors of the unicellular green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the vascular land plant Arabidopsis thaliana were characterized by biophysical and structural methods and compared to the Escherichia coli isoform. We show that chloroplast trigger factor is mainly monomeric and displays only moderate stability against thermal unfolding even under mild heat-stress conditions. The global shape and conformation of these proteins were determined in solution by small-angle X-ray scattering and subsequent ab initio modelling. As observed for bacteria, plastidic trigger factors have a dragon-like structure, albeit with slightly altered domain arrangement and flexibility. This structural conservation despite low amino acid sequence homology illustrates a remarkable evolutionary robustness of chaperone conformations across various kingdoms of life.
Mutation E87Q of the β1-subunit impairs the maturation of the cardiac voltage-dependent sodium channel
Authors: Baroni Debora , Picco Cristiana , Moran Oscar 
Published: August 2017

AbstractVoltage-dependent sodium channels are responsible of the rising phase of the action potential in excitable cells. These membrane integral proteins are composed by a pore-forming α-subunit, and one or more auxiliary β subunits. Mutation E87Q of the β1 subunit is correlated with Brugada syndrome, a genetic disease characterised by ventricular fibrillation, right precordial ST segment elevation on ECG and sudden cardiac death. Heterologous expression of E87Q-β1 subunit in CHO cells determines a reduced sodium channel functional expression. The effect the E87Q mutation of the β1 subunit on sodium currents and α protein expression is correlated with a reduced availability of the mature form of the α subunit in the plasma membrane. This finding offers a new target for the treatment of the Brugada syndrome, based on protein maturation management. This work highlights the role played by the β1 subunit in the maturation and expression of the entire sodium channel complex and underlines how the defective interaction between the sodium channel constituents could lead to a disabling pathological condition.
Carnot efficiency is reachable in an irreversible process
Authors: Lee Jae Sung , Park Hyunggyu 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn thermodynamics, there exists a conventional belief that “the Carnot efficiency is reachable only in the reversible (zero entropy production) limit of nearly reversible processes.” However, there is no theorem proving that the Carnot efficiency is unattainable in an irreversible process. Here, we show that the Carnot efficiency is reachable in an irreversible process through investigation of the Feynman-Smoluchowski ratchet (FSR). We also show that it is possible to enhance the efficiency by increasing the irreversibility. Our result opens a new possibility of designing an efficient heat engine in a highly irreversible process and also answers the long-standing question of whether the FSR can operate with the Carnot efficiency.
Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: A Metabolomic, Biophysical, Biochemical, Electron Microscopic and Histopathological Characterization
Authors: Narayanan Aswath , Khanchandani Prakash , Borkar Roshan M. , Ambati Chandrashekar Reddy , Roy Arun , Han Xu , Bhoskar Ritesh N , Ragampeta Srinivas , Gannon Francis , Mysorekar Vijaya , Karanam Balasubramanyam , V Sai Muthukumar , Sivaramakrishnan Venketesh 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAvascular necrosis of the femur head (AVNFH) is a debilitating disease caused due to the use of alcohol, steroids, following trauma or unclear (idiopathic) etiology, affecting mostly the middle aged population. Clinically AVNFH is associated with impaired blood supply to the femoral head resulting in bone necrosis and collapse. Although Homocysteine (HC) has been implicated in AVNFH, levels of homocysteine and its associated pathway metabolites have not been characterized. We demonstrate elevated levels of homocysteine and concomitantly reduced levels of vitamins B6 and B12, in plasma of AVNFH patients. AVNFH patients also had elevated blood levels of sodium and creatinine, and reduced levels of random glucose and haemoglobin. Biophysical and ultrastructural analysis of AVNFH bone revealed increased remodelling and reduced bone mineral density portrayed by increased carbonate to phosphate ratio and decreased Phosphate to amide ratio together with disrupted trabeculae, loss of osteocytes, presence of calcified marrow, and elevated expression of osteocalcin in the osteoblasts localized in necrotic regions. Taken together, our studies for the first time characterize the metabolomic, pathophysiological and morphometric changes associated with AVNFH providing insights for development of new markers and therapeutic strategies for this debilitating disorder.
FUT2 non-secretor status is associated with altered susceptibility to symptomatic enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection in Bangladeshis
Authors: Mottram Lynda , Wiklund Gudrun , Larson Göran , Qadri Firdausi , Svennerholm Ann-Mari 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPolymorphisms of the FUT2 gene alters glycan ABO(H) blood group and Lewis antigen expression (commonly known as non-secretor status) in the small intestinal mucosa. Whilst non-secretor status affects 20% of the population worldwide, it has been reported to be present in up to 40% of all Bangladeshis. Furthermore, Bangladeshi children are reportedly more susceptible to symptomatic enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection if they are non-secretors. Therefore, in an attempt to identify a non-secretor status genotypic biomarker of altered susceptibility to ETEC infection, we used the 1000 Genomes Project to identify three population related non-synonymous FUT2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We then assessed the genotypic frequency of these SNPs in Bangladeshi children who had been clinically monitored for ETEC infection. One novel missense FUT2 SNP, rs200157007-TT and the earlier established rs601338-AA SNP were shown to be causing non-secretor status, with these SNPs being associated with symptomatic but not asymptomatic ETEC infection. Moreover, rs200157007-TT and rs601338-AA were associated with symptomatic but not asymptomatic ETEC infection irrespective of the child’s Lewis secretor status, suggesting FUT2, the regulator of Lewis and ABO(H) antigens in the intestinal mucosa, could be a host genotypic feature affecting susceptibility to ETEC infection.
Effects of Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction on Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Gong Shun , Lin Chao , Zhang Danfeng , Kong Xiangyi , Chen Jigang , Wang Chunhui , Li Zhenxing , Chen Rongbin , Sheng Ping , Dong Yan , Hou Lijun 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCurrent opinions about the effect of intensive blood pressure (BP) reduction for acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intensive BP reduction for acute ICH by analyzing data from several recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs). There were six eligible studies that met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 4,385 acute ICH patients in this meta-analysis. After analyzing these data, we found differences between intensive and standard BP lowering treatment groups in total mortality rates, unfavorable outcomes, hematoma expansion, neurologic deterioration, and severe hypotension were not significant. Moreover, compared with the standard treatment, the rate of renal adverse event in intensive treatment group was significantly higher. The intensive treatment approach was recommended in the following situations: (1) longer prehospital duration; (2) lower National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score; (3) no hypertension history.
Two-dimensional photonic crystal Bragg lasers with triangular lattice for monolithic coherent beam combining
Authors: Zhu Yeyu , Zhao Yunsong , Zhu Lin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe demonstrate an electrically pumped, single-mode, large area, edge-emitting InGaAsP/InP two-dimensional photonic crystal (PC) Bragg laser with triangular lattice. The laser operates in the single transverse and longitudinal modes with a single lobe, near-diffraction-limited far field. We compare the performance of the triangular-lattice PC Bragg laser with the rectangular-lattice PC Bragg laser fabricated from the same wafer and find that their performances are comparable. Then, we combine two single triangular-lattice PC Bragg lasers that tilt to opposite directions by taking advantage of the symmetry of the single emitter cavity mode. The measurement results show that the combined PC Bragg lasers provide the near-diffraction-limited output beam, and the single wavelength operation is also maintained in the coherently combined broad-area PC Bragg lasers.
Calcium ion regulation by BAPTA-AM and ruthenium red improved the fertilisation capacity and developmental ability of vitrified bovine oocytes
Authors: Wang Na , Hao Hai-Sheng , Li Chong-Yang , Zhao Ya-Han , Wang Hao-Yu , Yan Chang-Liang , Du Wei-Hua , Wang Dong , Liu Yan , Pang Yun-Wei , Zhu Hua-Bin , Zhao Xue-Ming 
Published: August 2017

AbstractVitrification reduces the fertilisation capacity and developmental ability of mammalian oocytes; this effect is closely associated with an abnormal increase of cytoplasmic free calcium ions ([Ca2+]i). However, little information about the mechanism by which vitrification increases [Ca2+]i levels or a procedure to regulate [Ca2+]i levels in these oocytes is available. Vitrified bovine oocytes were used to analyse the effect of vitrification on [Ca2+]i, endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ (ER Ca2+), and mitochondrial Ca2+ (mCa2+) levels. Our results showed that vitrification, especially with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), can induce ER Ca2+ release into the cytoplasm, consequently increasing the [Ca2+]i and mCa2+ levels. Supplementing the cells with 10 μM 1,2-bis (o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM or BAPTA) significantly decreased the [Ca2+]i level and maintained the normal distribution of cortical granules in the vitrified bovine oocytes, increasing their fertilisation ability and cleavage rate after in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Treating vitrified bovine oocytes with 1 μM ruthenium red (RR) significantly inhibited the Ca2+ flux from the cytoplasm into mitochondria; maintained normal mCa2+ levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP content; and inhibited apoptosis. Treating vitrified oocytes with a combination of BAPTA and RR significantly improved embryo development and quality after IVF.
Spectral control of elastic dynamics in metallic nano-cavities
Authors: Ulrichs Henning , Meyer Dennis , Döring Florian , Eberl Christian , Krebs Hans-Ulrich 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe show how the elastic response of metallic nano-cavities can be tailored by tuning the interplay with an underlying phononic superlattice. In particular, we exploit ultrafast optical excitation in order to address a resonance mode in a tungsten thin film, grown on top of a periodic MgO/ZrO2 multilayer. Setting up a simple theoretical model, we can explain our findings by the coupling of the resonance in the tungsten to an evanescent surface mode of the superlattice. To demonstrate a second potential benefit of our findings besides characterization of elastic properties of multilayer samples, we show by micromagnetic simulation how a similar structure can be utilized for magneto-elastic excitation of exchange-dominated spin waves.
Limited locomotive ability relaxed selective constraints on molluscs mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Sun Shao’e , Li Qi , Kong Lingfeng , Yu Hong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMollusca are the second largest phylum in the animal kingdom with different types of locomotion. Some molluscs are poor-migrating, while others are free-moving or fast-swimming. Most of the energy required for locomotion is provided by mitochondria via oxidative phosphorylation. Here, we conduct a comparative genomic analysis of 256 molluscs complete mitochondrial genomes and evaluate the role of energetic functional constraints on the protein-coding genes, providing a new insight into mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) evolution. The weakly locomotive molluscs, compared to strongly locomotive molluscs, show significantly higher Ka/Ks ratio, which suggest they accumulated more nonsynonymous mutations in mtDNA and have experienced more relaxed evolutionary constraints. Eleven protein-coding genes (CoxI, CoxII, ATP6, Cytb, ND1-6, ND4L) show significant difference for Ka/Ks ratios between the strongly and weakly locomotive groups. The relaxation of selective constraints on Atp8 arise in the common ancestor of bivalves, and the further relaxation occurred in marine bivalves lineage. Our study thus demonstrates that selective constraints relevant to locomotive ability play an essential role in evolution of molluscs mtDNA.
High expression FUT1 and B3GALT5 is an independent predictor of postoperative recurrence and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kuo Huan-Hsien , Lin Ruey-Jen , Hung Jung-Tung , Hsieh Chung-Bao , Hung Tsai-Hsien , Lo Fei-Yun , Ho Ming-Yi , Yeh Chau-Ting , Huang Yen-Lin , Yu John , Yu Alice L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCancer may arise from dedifferentiation of mature cells or maturation-arrested stem cells. Previously we reported that definitive endoderm from which liver was derived, expressed Globo H, SSEA-3 and SSEA-4. In this study, we examined the expression of their biosynthetic enzymes, FUT1, FUT2, B3GALT5 and ST3GAL2, in 135 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues by qRT-PCR. High expression of either FUT1 or B3GALT5 was significantly associated with advanced stages and poor outcome. Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed significantly shorter relapse-free survival (RFS) for those with high expression of either FUT1 or B3GALT5 (P = 0.024 and 0.001, respectively) and shorter overall survival (OS) for those with high expression of B3GALT5 (P = 0.017). Combination of FUT1 and B3GALT5 revealed that high expression of both genes had poorer RFS and OS than the others (P < 0.001). Moreover, multivariable Cox regression analysis identified the combination of B3GALT5 and FUT1 as an independent predictor for RFS (HR: 2.370, 95% CI: 1.505–3.731, P < 0.001) and OS (HR: 2.153, 95% CI: 1.188–3.902, P = 0.012) in HCC. In addition, the presence of Globo H, SSEA-3 and SSEA-4 in some HCC tissues and their absence in normal liver was established by immunohistochemistry staining and mass spectrometric analysis.
The environmental impacts of one of the largest tailing dam failures worldwide
Authors: Hatje Vanessa , Pedreira Rodrigo M. A. , de Rezende Carlos Eduardo , Schettini Carlos Augusto França , de Souza Gabriel Cotrim , Marin Danieli Canaver , Hackspacher Peter Christian 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe impacts of the SAMARCO iron tailing spill along more than 650 km, between the dam and the plume of the Doce River in the Atlantic, were assessed by the determination of toxic metals. The tailing spill caused a substantial increase in suspended sediment loads (up to 33,000 mg L−1), in addition to large depositions of waste along the Doce basin. The highest estimated transport of dissolved metals was observed for Fe (58.8 μg s−1), Ba (37.9 μg s−1) and Al (25.0 μg s−1). Sediments reached the highest enrichment factors (EFs) for Hg (4,234), Co (133), Fe (43), and Ni (16), whereas As (55), Ba (64), Cr (16), Cu (17), Mn (41), Pb (38) and Zn (82) highest EFs were observed for suspended particulate matter (SPM). Iron, As, Hg, Mn exceeded sediment quality guidelines. Therefore, the risk of occurrence of adverse effects is highly possible, not only due to the dam failure, but also due to the Fe mining and the artisan Au mining. Heavy rain episodes will likely cause enhanced erosion, remobilization, and transport of contaminated particles, sustaining high inputs of SPM and metals for the years to come and threatening the ecosystem services.
Simultaneous measurement of transverse load and temperature using hybrid structured fiber-optic Fabry–Perot interferometer
Authors: Wu Yongfeng , Zhang Yundong , Wu Jing , Yuan Ping 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe experimentally demonstrated a novel fiber-optic hybrid structured Fabry–Perot interferometer with special air-cavity for simultaneous measurement of transverse load and temperature. By the linear phase finite impulse response filters, the transverse load sensitivities of the air-cavity and the silica-cavity are 1272.71 pm/N and −53.07 pm/N, respectively, and temperature sensitivities of the air-cavity and silica-cavity are 1.1 pm/°C and 14 pm/°C. Thus, the different sensitivities of silica-cavity and air-cavity to transverse load and temperature indicate that such a structure can be used to simultaneously measure transverse load and temperature.
Creation of a multi-segmented optical needle with prescribed length and spacing using the radiation pattern from a sectional-uniform line source
Authors: Yu Yanzhong , Huang Han , Zhou Mianmian , Zhan Qiwen 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper presents a method to generate a multi-segmented optical needle with a strong longitudinally polarized field, uniform intensity along the optical axis, and a transverse size (~0.36λ). The length of each segment in the optical needle and the spacing between adjacent segments are controllable by reversing and focusing the radiation pattern from a sectional-uniform line source antenna to the focal volume of a 4Pi focusing system. By solving the inverse problem, we can obtain the required incident field distribution at the pupil plane to create the multi-segmented optical needle. Numerical examples demonstrate that a multi-segmented optical needle with variable focal depth, adjustable interval, narrow lateral width, homogeneous intensity, and high longitudinal polarization purity can be formed using the proposed approach. The length of each needle segment is approximately equal to the length of the corresponding sectional uniform line source. The multi-segmented optical needle may be employed in applications such as multi-particle acceleration, multi-particle trapping and manipulation, laser machining, and laser material processing.
Oral Desensitization to Penicillin for the Treatment of Pregnant Women with Syphilis: A Successful Program
Authors: Dallé Jéssica , Ramos Mauro Cunha , Jimenez Mirela Foresti , Escobar Fernanda Garcia , Antonello Vicente Sperb 
Published: August 2017

AbstractGestational syphilis is a prevalent disease in Brazil and other low and medium income countries. Desensitization to penicillin is recommended for pregnant women with syphilis who are allergic to β-lactams. This is a descriptive study utilizing outpatient medical records from 2011 to 2015 from a mother and child hospital that is part of the national healthcare system in the South of Brazil, which performs an average of 3,600 birth assistances per year. All cases of pregnant women with syphilis and presumptive diagnosis of β-lactam allergy during the study period were included. The patients referred for desensitization originated from the hospital prenatal care service, as well as from municipal/state antenatal care services. Oral desensitization was performed in the obstetric emergency room, and adult and pediatric intensive care units were available at all times. Ten patients underwent desensitization during the period of study. Personal history of urticaria was the most common reaction that demanded desensitization. All patients tolerated the procedure well, and showed no adverse reactions. We report a successful program of oral desensitization. None of the patients presented adverse reactions or complications, a fact that corroborates the feasibility and safety of the desensitization protocol. Oral administration of penicillin comes at a low cost, and optimizes the use of time and resources.
Intestinal Perforation during the Stabilization Period in a Preterm Infant with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Straňák Zbyněk , Pýcha Karel , Feyereislova Simona , Feyereisl Jaroslav , Rygl Michal 
Published: August 2017

Background Delayed surgery after stabilization of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is an accepted strategy. However, the evidence favoring delayed versus immediate surgical repair is limited. We present an extremely rare case of a very low-birth-weight infant with prenatally diagnosed left-sided CDH and unexpected transmural bowel perforations developing within the postnatal stabilization period.
Case Report A neonate born at 31st week of gestation with a birth weight of 1,470 g with antenatally diagnosed left-sided CDH presented with bowel dilation leading to transmural bowel perforations on the 2nd day of life. Meconium pleuroperitonitis resulted in severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, multiple organ failure, and death.
Conclusion In neonates with CDH deteriorating under standard postnatal management, intestinal perforation, and early surgical intervention should be considered.
Die Gesundheitssysteme im nachkolonialen Afrika als Spiegel der sozialpolitischen Situation
Authors: Bofinger F. 
Published: August 2017

ZusammenfassungDie ärztliche Tätigkeit in Subsahara-Afrika ist eine tropenmedizinische Herausforderung und stellt erhöhte Ansprüche an die physischen und psychischen Fähigkeiten des Teams. Dazu gehören auch Kenntnisse über die politischen, ökonomischen und gesellschaftlichen Verhältnisse dieses Kontinents, besonders vor dem Hintergrund der kolonialen Vergangenheit der europäischen Mächte in Afrika.Angesichts der Statistiken zu Krankheit, Tod und unzureichender Patientenversorgung in Afrika bekommen Fragen zum Gesundheitswesen zwangsläufig politische Dimensionen.Ein kurzer Abriss über die Geschichte und die sozioökonomischen Zustände in Subsahara-Afrika soll diese Zusammenhänge erläutern.