bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia‐enhanced adhesion of red blood cells in microscale flow
Authors: Kim Myeongseop , Alapan Yunus , Adhikari Anima , Little Jane A. , Gurkan Umut A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe advancement of microfluidic technology has facilitated the simulation of physiological conditions of the microcirculation, such as oxygen tension, fluid flow, and shear stress in these devices. Here, we present a micro‐gas exchanger integrated with microfluidics to study RBC adhesion under hypoxic flow conditions mimicking postcapillary venules.MethodsWe simulated a range of physiological conditions and explored RBC adhesion to endothelial or subendothelial components (FN or LN). Blood samples were injected into microchannels at normoxic or hypoxic physiological flow conditions. Quantitative evaluation of RBC adhesion was performed on 35 subjects with homozygous SCD.ResultsSignificant heterogeneity in RBC adherence response to hypoxia was seen among SCD patients. RBCs from a HEA population showed a significantly greater increase in adhesion compared to RBCs from a HNA population, for both FN and LN.ConclusionsThe approach presented here enabled the control of oxygen tension in blood during microscale flow and the quantification of RBC adhesion in a cost‐efficient and patient‐specific manner. We identified a unique patient population in which RBCs showed enhanced adhesion in hypoxia in vitro. Clinical correlates suggest a more severe clinical phenotype in this subgroup.
Epsilonproteobacterial hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (εHao): characterization of a ‘missing link’ in the multihaem cytochrome c family
Authors: Haase Doreen , Hermann Bianca , Einsle Oliver , Simon Jörg 
Published: April 2017

SummaryMembers of the multihaem cytochrome c family such as pentahaem cytochrome c nitrite reductase (NrfA) or octahaem hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (Hao) are involved in various microbial respiratory electron transport chains. Some members of the Hao subfamily, here called εHao proteins, have been predicted from the genomes of nitrate/nitrite‐ammonifying bacteria that usually lack NrfA. Here, εHao proteins from the host‐associated Epsilonproteobacteria Campylobacter fetus and Campylobacter curvus and the deep‐sea hydrothermal vent bacteria Caminibacter mediatlanticus and Nautilia profundicola were purified as εHao‐maltose binding protein fusions produced in Wolinella succinogenes. All four proteins were able to catalyze reduction of nitrite (yielding ammonium) and hydroxylamine whereas hydroxylamine oxidation was negligible. The introduction of a tyrosine residue at a position known to cause covalent trimerization of Hao proteins did neither stimulate hydroxylamine oxidation nor generate the Hao‐typical absorbance maximum at 460 nm. In most cases, the εHao‐encoding gene haoA was situated downstream of haoC, which predicts a tetrahaem cytochrome c of the NapC/NrfH family. This suggested the formation of a membrane‐bound HaoCA assembly reminiscent of the menaquinol‐oxidizing NrfHA complex. The results indicate that εHao proteins form a subfamily of ammonifying cytochrome c nitrite reductases that represents a ‘missing link’ in the evolution of NrfA and Hao enzymes.
Novel conformation‐selective alpha‐synuclein antibodies raised against different in vitro fibril forms show distinct patterns of Lewy pathology in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Covell D. J. , Robinson J. L. , Akhtar R. S. , Grossman M. , Weintraub D. , Bucklin H. M. , Pitkin R. M. , Riddle D. , Yousef A. , Trojanowski J. Q. , Lee V. M.‐Y. 
Published: April 2017

AimsThe aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that different conformations of misfolded α‐synuclein (α‐syn) are present in Parkinson's disease (PD) brain.MethodsUsing two previously characterized conformations of α‐syn fibrils, we generated new conformation‐selective α‐syn monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We then interrogated multiple brain regions in a well‐characterized autopsy cohort of PD patients (n = 49) with these mAbs, Syn7015 and Syn9029.ResultsSyn7015 detects Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) formed by pathological α‐syn in all brain regions tested, and is particularly sensitive to LNs and small Lewy dots, inclusions believed to form early in the disease. Further, we observed colocalization between Syn7015 and an early marker of α‐syn pathology formation, phospho‐Ser129‐α‐syn, and a lack of extensive colocalization with markers of more mature pathology. In comparison, Syn9029 detects Lewy pathology in all regions examined, but indicates significantly fewer LNs than Syn7015. In addition, colocalization of Syn9029 with later markers of α‐syn pathology maturation (ubiquitin and P62) suggests that the pathology detected by Syn9029 is older. Semiquantitative scoring of both LN and LB pathology in nine brain regions further established this trend, with Syn7015 LN scores consistently higher than Syn9029 LN scores.ConclusionsOur data indicate that different conformations of α‐syn pathology are present in PD brain and correspond to different stages of maturity for Lewy pathology. Regional analysis of Syn7015 and Syn9029 immunostaining also provides support for the Braak hypothesis that α‐syn pathology advances through the brain.
Practical issues in using eculizumab for children with atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome in the acute phase: A review of four patients
Authors: Terano Chikako , Ishikura Kenji , Hamada Riku , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Kubota Wataru , Okuda Yusuke , Shinozuka Shunsuke , Harada Ryoko , Iyoda Sunao , Fujimura Yoshihiro , Hamasaki Yuko , Hataya Hiroshi , Honda Masataka 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimRecently eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody to C5, was found to improve the disease course of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) and has been recommended as the first line treatment by an international consensus guideline. However, several practical issues in the use of eculizumab for the acute phase of aHUS have yet to be resolved.MethodsChildren who received eculizumab with diagnosis of aHUS between March 2010 and December 2015 at Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center were enrolled. aHUS was diagnosed according to the haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) criteria after excluding Shiga toxin‐inducing Escherichia coli (STEC) ‐associated HUS and thrombocytopaenic purpura. We retrieved and analyzed data from the electronic medical records at our institution.ResultsWe reviewed four patients with suspected aHUS. Eculizumab was discontinued in one patient in whom STEC‐HUS was later diagnosed. Treatment was continued in the remaining three patients without recurrence. Practical issues included difficulty in diagnosing aHUS, particularly in the acute phase, risk of infection by encapsulated organisms, especially Neisseria meningitis, and infusion reaction. In addition to issues relating to the acute phase, discontinuing eculizumab in stable patients in the chronic phase must be considered.ConclusionEculizumab, the first line treatment for children with aHUS, is usually effective. However, certain problems associated with its use require caution to be exercised. As clinical information on eculizumab are still very limited, and the rationale for its long‐term use has yet to be established, physicians are advised to exercise care when using eculizumab to manage aHUS.
Characterization of a Chlorophyta microalga isolated from a microbial mat in Salar de Atacama (northern Chile) as a potential source of compounds for biotechnological applications
Authors: Hayashida Gladys , Schneider Carlos , Espíndola Liliana , Arias Diana , Riquelme Carlos , Wulff‐Zottele Cristian , Díaz‐Palma Paula , Rivas Mariella 
Published: April 2017

SUMMARYMicroalgae are an important source of unsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, glycolipids, and carotenes, which are useful compounds for the food and pharmaceutical industries. The Atacama Desert of northern Chile is one of the driest deserts on Earth and, as such, it is a great natural laboratory in which to study new microorganisms adapted to extreme environments. A microalgal strain, referred to here asCH03, was isolated from a microbial mat in salt flat water in Salar de Atacama. Genetic analysis of the 18S ribosomalRNAgene showed that the strain had homology with other known sequences of the speciesChlorella sorokiniana. Our results revealed the adaptability of this microalga to freshwater medium under laboratory conditions, despite coming from an extremely high‐salinity environment. The fatty acid profile ofCH03(A) newly isolated in Bold's basal medium differed from that ofCH03(B) culturedin vitroin modified F/2 medium and from another five strains ofC. sorokinianaand three strains ofChlorella vulgarisin that it had a high stearic acid content and had no polyunsaturated fatty acids. The major biochemical components observed in this strain were proteins (64.3–73.6%) and lipids (26.6–32.6%). This study suggests that the strainCH03 could be a protein source and that this oleaginous microalga is easy to growin vitroas a biological model for future studies.
Immune balance in Hepatitis B Infection: Present and Future Therapies
Authors: Vyas A. K. , Jindal A. , Hissar S. , Ramakrishna G. , Trehanpati N. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractChronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects millions of people worldwide and about half a million people die every year. India represents the second largest pool of chronic HBV infections with an estimated 40 million chronically infected patients. Persistence or clearance of HBV infection mainly depends upon host immune responses. Chronically infected individuals remain in immune tolerant phase unless HBV flares and leads to the development of chronic active hepatitis or acute‐on‐chronic liver failure. Strategies based on inhibition of viral replication (nucleoside analogues) or immune modulation (interferons) as monotherapy, or in combination in sequential therapies, are currently being used globally for reducing HBV viral load and mediating HBsAg clearance. However, the immune status and current therapies for promoting sustained virological responses in HBV‐infected patients remain suboptimal. Elimination of cccDNA is major challenge for future therapies, and new molecules such as NTCP, Toll‐like receptor (TLR)7 agonist (GS9620) and cyclophilin have emerged as potential targets for preventing HBV entry and replication. Other than these, HBV cccDNA elimination is the major target for future therapies.
Effect of Pet Dogs on Children's Perceived Stress and Cortisol Stress Response
Authors: Kertes Darlene A. , Liu Jingwen , Hall Nathan J. , Hadad Natalie A. , Wynne Clive D. L. , Bhatt Samarth S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe present study tested whether pet dogs have stress‐buffering effects for children during a validated laboratory‐based protocol, the Trier Social Stress Test for Children (TSST‐C). Participants were 101 children aged 7–12 years with their primary caregivers and pet dogs. Children were randomly assigned in the TSST‐C to a pet present condition or one of two comparison conditions: parent present or no support figure present. Baseline, response, and recovery indices of perceived stress and cortisol levels were computed based on children's self‐reported feelings of stress and salivary cortisol. Results indicated that in the alone (no social support) condition, children showed the expected rise for both perceived stress and cortisol response to stress. Pet dog presence significantly buffered the perceived stress response in comparison to children in the alone and parent present conditions. No main condition effect was observed for cortisol; however, for children experiencing the stressor with their pet present, lower cortisol response to stress was associated with more child‐initiated petting and less dog proximity‐seeking behavior. The results support the notion that pet dogs can provide socio‐emotional benefits for children via stress buffering.
High‐quality genome assembly of Capsella bursa‐pastoris reveals asymmetry of regulatory elements at early stages of polyploid genome evolution
Authors: Kasianov Artem S. , Klepikova Anna V. , Kulakovskiy Ivan V. , Gerasimov Evgeny S. , Fedotova Anna V. , Besedina Elizaveta G. , Kondrashov Alexey S. , Logacheva Maria D. , Penin Aleksey A. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryPolyploidization and subsequent sub‐ and neofunctionalization of duplicated genes represent a major mechanism of plant genome evolution. Capsella bursa‐pastoris, a widespread ruderal plant, is a recent allotetraploid and, thus, is an ideal model organism for studying early changes following polyploidization. We constructed a high‐quality assembly of C. bursa‐pastoris genome and a transcriptome atlas covering a broad sample of organs and developmental stages (available online at http://travadb.org/browse/Species=Cbp). We demonstrate that expression of homeologs is mostly symmetric between subgenomes, and identify a set of homeolog pairs with discordant expression. Comparison of promoters within such pairs revealed emerging asymmetry of regulatory elements. Among them there are multiple binding sites for transcription factors controlling the regulation of photosynthesis and plant development by light (PIF3, HY5) and cold stress response (CBF). These results suggest that polyploidization in C. bursa‐pastoris enhanced its plasticity of response to light and temperature, and allowed substantial expansion of its distribution range.
The plasticity of descending controls in pain: translational probing
Authors: Bannister Kirsty , Dickenson A. H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDescending controls, comprising pathways that originate in midbrain and brainstem regions and project onto the spinal cord, have long been recognised as key links in the multiple neural networks that interact to produce the overall pain experience. There is clear evidence from preclinical and clinical studies that both peripheral and central sensitisation play important roles in determining the level of pain perceived. Much emphasis has been put on spinal cord mechanisms in central excitability, but it is now becoming clear that spinal hyperexcitability can be regulated by descending pathways from the brain that originate from predominantly noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. One pain can inhibit another. In this respect diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC) are a unique form of endogenous descending inhibitory pathway since they can be easily evoked and quantified in animals and man. The spinal pharmacology of pathways that subserve DNIC are complicated; in the normal situation these descending controls produce a final inhibitory effect through the actions of noradrenaline at spinal α2‐adrenoceptors, although serotonin, acting on facilitatory spinal 5‐HT3 receptors, influences the final expression of DNIC also. These descending pathways are altered in neuropathy and the effects of excess serotonin may now become inhibitory through activation of spinal 5‐HT7 receptors. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is the human counterpart of DNIC and requires a descending control also. Back and forward translational studies between DNIC and CPM, gauged between bench and bedside, are key for the development of analgesic therapies that exploit descending noradrenergic and serotonergic control pathways.
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Draft Genome Sequences of Two Clinical Isolates of Burkholderia mallei Obtained from Nasal Swabs of Glanderous Equines in India
Authors: Singha Harisankar , Malik Praveen , Saini Sheetal , Khurana Sandip K. , Elschner Mandy C. , Mertens Katja , Barth Stefanie A. , Tripathi Bhupendra N. , Singh Raj K. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Burkholderia mallei
is a Gram-negative coccobacillus which causes glanders—a fatal disease of equines that may occasionally be transmitted to humans. Several cases of outbreaks have been reported from India since 2006. This paper presents draft genome sequences of two
B. mallei
strains isolated from equines affected by glanders in India.
Complete Genome Sequence of Ralstonia solanacearum FJAT-1458, a Potential Biocontrol Agent for Tomato Wilt
Authors: Chen Deju , Liu Bo , Zhu Yujing , Wang Jieping , Chen Zheng , Che Jiamei , Zheng Xuefang , Chen Xiaoqiang 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

An avirulent strain of
Ralstonia solanacearum
FJAT-1458 was isolated from a living tomato. Here, we report the complete
R. solanacearum
FJAT-1458 genome sequence of 6,059,899 bp and 5,241 genes. This bacterial strain is a potential candidate as a biocontrol agent in the form of a plant vaccine for bacterial wilt.
Genome Sequence of a Toxin-Positive Clostridium difficile Strain Isolated from Murine Feces
Authors: Etienne-Mesmin Lucie , Chassaing Benoit , Adekunle Oluwaseyi , Mattei Lisa M. , Edwards Adrianne N. , McBride Shonna M. , Bushman Frederic D. , Gewirtz Andrew T. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Herein, we report the genome sequence of a
Clostridium difficile
strain isolated from the feces of antibiotic-treated C57BL/6 mice. We have named this strain, which differs considerably from those of the previously sequenced
C. difficile
strains, LEM1.
Draft Genome Sequences of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp.
actinidiae
ICMP 19971 and ICMP 19972, Two Strains Isolated from
Actinidia chinensis
with Symptoms of Summer Canker in South Korea
Authors: Visnovsky Sandra B. , Panda Preetinanda , Taylor Robert , Pitman Andrew R. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Pectobacterium carotovorum
subsp.
actinidiae
is the causal agent of summer canker in kiwifruit plants in South Korea. We report here the draft genome sequences of two
P. carotovorum
subsp.
actinidiae
strains, ICMP 19971 and ICMP 19972, which were originally isolated from
Actinidia chinensis
with symptoms of summer canker. These genome sequences will aid in the identification of genetic traits associated with their unusual capacity to cause canker and help understanding of the threat these exotic enterobacteria pose to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry.
Permanent Draft Genome Sequence of
Ensifer
sp. Strain LCM 4579, a Salt-Tolerant, Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium Isolated from Senegalese Soil
Authors: Diagne Nathalie , Swanson Erik , Pesce Céline , Fall Fatoumata , Diouf Fatou , Bakhoum Niokhor , Fall Dioumacor , Ndigue Faye Mathieu , Oshone Rediet , Simpson Stephen , Morris Krystalynne , Thomas W. Kelley , Moulin Lionel , Diouf Diegane , Tisa Louis S. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

The genus
Ensifer
(formerly
Sinorhizobium
) contains many species able to form nitrogen-fixing nodules on plants of the legume family. Here, we report the 6.1-Mb draft genome sequence of
Ensifer
sp. strain LCM 4579, with a G+C content of 62.4% and 5,613 candidate protein-encoding genes.
The Sec Pathways and Exportomes of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Miller Brittany K. , Zulauf Katelyn E. , Braunstein Miriam 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

All bacteria utilize pathways to export proteins from the cytoplasm to the bacterial cell envelope or extracellular space. Many exported proteins function in essential physiological processes or in virulence. Consequently, the responsible protein export pathways are commonly essential and/or are important for pathogenesis. The general Sec protein export pathway is conserved and essential in all bacteria, and it is responsible for most protein export. The energy for Sec export is provided by the SecA ATPase. Mycobacteria and some Gram-positive bacteria have two SecA paralogs: SecA1 and SecA2. SecA1 is essential and works with the canonical Sec pathway to perform the bulk of protein export. The nonessential SecA2 exports a smaller subset of proteins and is required for the virulence of pathogens such as
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. In this article, we review our current understanding of the mechanism of the SecA1 and SecA2 export pathways and discuss some of their better-studied exported substrates. We focus on proteins with established functions in
M. tuberculosis
pathogenesis and proteins that suggest potential roles for SecA1 and SecA2 in
M. tuberculosis
dormancy.
Mycobacterium marinum
Authors: Aubry Alexandra , Mougari Faiza , Reibel Florence , Cambau Emmanuelle 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium marinum
is a well-known pathogenic mycobacterium for skin and soft tissue infections and is associated with fishes and water. Among nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), it is the leading cause of extrarespiratory human infections worldwide. In addition, there is a specific scientific interest in
M. marinum
because of its genetic relatedness to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and because experimental infection of
M. marinum
in fishes mimics tuberculosis pathogenesis. Microbiological characteristics include the fact that it grows in 7 to 14 days with photochromogenic colonies and is difficult to differentiate from
Mycobacterium ulcerans
and other mycolactone-producing NTM on a molecular basis. The diagnosis is highly suspected by the mode of infection, which is related to the hobby of fishkeeping, professional handling of marine shells, or swimming in nonchlorinated pools. Clinics distinguished skin and soft tissue lesions (typically sporotrichoid or subacute hand nodules) and lesions disseminated to joint and bone, often related with the local use of corticosteroids. In clinical microbiology, microscopy and culture are often negative because growth requires low temperature (30°C) and several weeks to succeed in primary cultivation. The treatment is not standardized, and no randomized control trials have been done. Therapy is a combination of surgery and antimicrobial agents such as cyclines and rifampin, with successful outcome in most of the skin diseases but less frequently in deep tissue infections. Prevention can be useful with hand protection recommendations for professionals and all persons manipulating fishes or fish tank water and use of alcohol disinfection after contact.
Chemotherapy of Tuberculosis
Authors: Dobbs Thomas E. , Webb Risa M. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

The management of tuberculosis (TB) can be a challenging process that has implications both for the affected patient and public health. Effective anti-TB chemotherapy both cures and renders the patient noncontagious. Biological factors specific to
M. tuberculosis
necessitate the use of multiple drugs for prolonged durations to adequately eradicate infection. Recommended regimens address the complexities of eliminating organisms from diverse reservoirs while preventing the emergence of drug resistance. First-line anti-TB therapy for drug susceptible disease effectively cures almost all patients within 6–9 months. The loss of first-line agents, due to resistance or intolerance, necessitates lengthy treatment courses, frequently 12–18 months or longer. Due to the long treatment times and the implications of missed doses, directly-observed therapy (DOT) is considered the standard of care. Drugs used for the treatment of TB have serious potential toxicities that require close monitoring and prompt response. A strong public health infrastructure and robust social supports are important elements to assure successful treatment. These numerous factors compel public health entities to take a lead role in the management of TB, either through the direct management of TB treatment or by assuring the activities of partner organizations.