bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mosquito community influences West Nile virus seroprevalence in wild birds: implications for the risk of spillover into human populations
Authors: Martínez-de la Puente Josué , Ferraguti Martina , Ruiz Santiago , Roiz David , Llorente Francisco , Pérez-Ramírez Elisa , Jiménez-Clavero Miguel Ángel , Soriguer Ramón , Figuerola Jordi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMosquito community composition plays a central role in the transmission of zoonotic vector-borne pathogens. We evaluated how the mosquito community affects the seroprevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) in house sparrows along an urbanisation gradient in an area with the endemic circulation of this virus. We sampled 2544 birds and 340829 mosquitoes in 45 localities, analysed in 15 groups, each containing one urban, one rural and one natural area. WNV seroprevalence was evaluated using an epitope-blocking ELISA kit and a micro virus-neutralization test (VNT). The presence of WNV antibodies was confirmed in 1.96% and 0.67% of birds by ELISA and VNT, respectively. The VNT-seropositive birds were captured in rural and natural areas, but not in urban areas. Human population density was zero in all the localities where VNT-positive birds were captured, which potentially explains the low incidence of human WNV cases in the area. The prevalence of neutralizing antibodies against WNV was positively correlated with the abundance of the ornithophilic Culex perexiguus but negatively associated with the abundance of the mammophilic Ochlerotatus caspius and Anopheles atroparvus. These results suggest that the enzootic circulation of WNV in Spain occurs in areas with larger populations of Cx. perexiguus and low human population densities.
Africa-wide evaluation of host biomarkers in QuantiFERON supernatants for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Chegou Novel N. , Sutherland Jayne S. , Namuganga Anna-Ritah , Corstjens Paul LAM , Geluk Annemieke , Gebremichael Gebremedhin , Mendy Joseph , Malherbe Stephanus , Stanley Kim , van der Spuy Gian D. , Kriel Magdalena , Loxton Andre G. , Kriel Belinda , Simukonda Felanji , Bekele Yonas , Sheehama Jacob A. , Nelongo Josefina , van der Vyver Marieta , Gebrexabher Atsbeha , Hailu Habteyes , Esterhuyse Maria M. , Rosenkrands Ida , Aagard Claus , Kidd Martin , Kassa Desta , Mihret Adane , Howe Rawleigh , Cliff Jacqueline M. , Crampin Amelia C. , Mayanja-Kizza Harriet , Kaufmann Stefan H. E. , Dockrell Hazel M. , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , Walzl Gerhard ,   AE-TBC consortium, McAnda Shirley P. , Owolabi Olumuyiwa , Sillah Abdou , Gindeh Awa , Donkor Simon , Togun Toyin , Ota Martin , Muzanye Grace , Nsereko Mary , Peters Pierre , Tjon Kon Fat Elisa M. , de Dood Claudia J. , Franken Kees , van der Ploeg-van Schip Jolien J. , Gebrezgeabher Atsbeha , Mesfin Getnet , Belay Yohannes , Alemayehu Yodit , Amberbir Alemayehu , Chilongo Femia , Houben Rein , Tessema Bamlak , Yamuah Lawrence , Amutenya Faustina N. , Monye Lidia , Iipinge Scholastica 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe investigated host-derived biomarkers that were previously identified in QuantiFERON supernatants, in a large pan-African study. We recruited individuals presenting with symptoms of pulmonary TB at seven peripheral healthcare facilities in six African countries, prior to assessment for TB disease. We then evaluated the concentrations of 12 biomarkers in stored QuantiFERON supernatants using the Luminex platform. Based on laboratory, clinical and radiological findings and a pre-established algorithm, participants were classified as TB disease or other respiratory diseases(ORD). Of the 514 individuals included in the study, 179(34.8%) had TB disease, 274(51.5%) had ORD and 61(11.5%) had an uncertain diagnosis. A biosignature comprising unstimulated IFN-γ, MIP-1β, TGF-α and antigen-specific levels of TGF-α and VEGF, identified on a training sample set (n = 311), validated by diagnosing TB disease in the test set (n = 134) with an AUC of 0.81(95% CI, 0.76–0.86), corresponding to a sensitivity of 64.2%(95% CI, 49.7–76.5%) and specificity of 82.7%(95% CI, 72.4–89.9%). Host biomarkers detected in QuantiFERON supernatants can contribute to the diagnosis of active TB disease amongst people presenting with symptoms requiring investigation for TB disease, regardless of HIV status or ethnicity in Africa.
Impact of different ionization states of phosphorylated Serine-65 on ubiquitin structure and interactions
Authors: Kazansky Yaniv , Lai Ming-Yih , Singh Rajesh K. , Fushman David 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe covalent attachment of ubiquitin (Ub) or Ub chains to cellular proteins is a versatile post-translational modification involved in a variety of eukaryotic cellular events. Recently, the post-translational modification of Ub itself by phosphorylation has emerged as an important component of the Ub-signaling system. Specifically, Ub phosphorylation at serine-65 was shown to activate parkin-mediated mitochondrial quality control. However, the impact of phosphorylation on Ub structure and interactions is poorly understood. Here we investigate the recently reported structural changes in Ub upon serine-65 phosphorylation, namely, the equilibrium between a native-like and a novel, alternate conformer of phosphorylated Ub (pUb). We show that this equilibrium is pH-dependent, and the two pUb conformers are linked to the different charge states of the phosphate group. We examined pUb binding to a known Ub-receptor and found that the alternate conformer is binding incompetent. Furthermore, serine-65 phosphorylation affects the conformational equilibrium of K48-linked Ub dimers. Lastly, our crystal structure of S65D Ub and NMR data indicate that phosphomimetic mutations do not adequately reproduce the salient features of pUb. Our results suggest that the pH-dependence of the conformations and binding properties of phosphorylated Ub and polyUb could provide an additional level of modulation in Ub-mediated signaling.
Electrically tunable perfect light absorbers as color filters and modulators
Authors: Mirshafieyan Seyed Sadreddin , Gregory Don A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMethods for spectrally controlling light absorption in optoelectronic devices have attracted considerable attention in recent years. It is now well known that a Fabry-Perot nanocavity comprising thin semiconductor and metal films can be used to absorb light at selected wavelengths. The absorption wavelength is controlled by tailoring the thickness of the nanocavity and also by nanostructure patterning. However, the realization of dynamically tuning the absorption wavelength without changing the structural geometry remains a great challenge in optoelectronic device development. Here it is shown how an ultrathin n-type doped indium antimonide integrated into a subwavelength-thick optical nanocavity can result in an electrically tunable perfect light absorber in the visible and near infrared range. These absorbers require simple thin-film fabrication processes and are cost effective for large-area devices without resorting to sophisticated nanopatterning techniques. In the visible range, a 40 nm spectral shift can be attained by applying a reasonable bias voltage to effect the color change. It is also shown that these electrically tunable absorbers may be used as optical modulators in the infrared. The predicted (up to) 95.3% change in reflectance, transforming the device from perfectly absorbing to highly reflective, should make this technology attractive to the telecommunication (switching) industry.
Mediators of episodic memory decay across the adult life span
Authors: Cansino Selene , Torres-Trejo Frine , Estrada-Manilla Cinthya , Hernández-Ramos Evelia , Martínez-Galindo Joyce Graciela , Gómez-Fernández Tania , Ayala-Hernández Mariana , Ramírez-González María Dolores , Ruiz-Velasco Silvia 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe ability to remember the details of our own experiences declines gradually as we get old. The reason for this decay has been attributed to several factors besides age, such as education, nutrient intake and health status. However, the influence of these factors has mainly been examined individually and rarely together. Here we identify those factors that jointly act as mediators of episodic memory decay across the adult life span. We examined source memory in a lifespan sample of 1557 healthy adults. A total of 70 physical, biological and lifestyle variables were measured and introduced into a structural equation model as potential mediators that intervene between age and source memory. Only 14 mediator variables reliably mediated source memory decay; notably, eight of these variables have an effect on the cardiovascular system. The model unequivocally highlights that the mediators that may impair cardiovascular functioning also impact brain resources involved in episodic memory. We identified the factors that are relevant to episodic memory decline when they interact together as occurs in real life.
Micronization potentiates curcumin’s anti-seizure effect and brings an important advance in epilepsy treatment
Authors: Bertoncello Kanandra Taisa , Aguiar Gean Pablo S. , Oliveira J. Vladimir , Siebel Anna Maria 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEpilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases, and current antiepileptic drugs fail to suppress seizure occurrence in around one third of epileptic patients. Curcumin is a phytochemical with promising effects on epilepsy treatment. However, its application has been hindered by its low bioavailability. In order to improve curcumin’s anti-seizure properties, increasing its bioavailability, here we proposed to micronize the compound through supercritical carbon dioxide processing, a suitable green chemistry technique to prepare and modify material properties. Here we investigated the anti-seizure potential of the classical antiepileptic drug valproate, curcumin in its natural state, and micronized curcumin in a PTZ-induced seizure model in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Concerning seizure development, valproate, curcumin and micronized curcumin showed protective effects, slowing seizure development both in larvae and adult animals. Nevertheless, considering the occurrence of the tonic-clonic seizure stage, only valproate and micronized curcumin reduced it, both in larvae and adult zebrafish, unlike non-processed curcumin. Our obtained results are very promising, since micronized curcumin showed effects that are similar to a classic antiepileptic drug, reducing seizure occurrence and slowing seizure progression.
Large uniaxial magnetostriction with sign inversion at the first order phase transition in the nanolaminated Mn2GaC MAX phase
Authors: Novoselova Iuliia P. , Petruhins Andrejs , Wiedwald Ulf , Ingason Árni Sigurdur , Hase Thomas , Magnus Fridrik , Kapaklis Vassilios , Palisaitis Justinas , Spasova Marina , Farle Michael , Rosen Johanna , Salikhov Ruslan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn 2013, a new class of inherently nanolaminated magnetic materials, the so called magnetic MAX phases, was discovered. Following predictive material stability calculations, the hexagonal Mn2GaC compound was synthesized as hetero-epitaxial films containing Mn as the exclusive M-element. Recent theoretical and experimental studies suggested a high magnetic ordering temperature and non-collinear antiferromagnetic (AFM) spin states as a result of competitive ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic exchange interactions. In order to assess the potential for practical applications of Mn2GaC, we have studied the temperature-dependent magnetization, and the magnetoresistive, magnetostrictive as well as magnetocaloric properties of the compound. The material exhibits two magnetic phase transitions. The Néel temperature isTN ~ 507 K, at which the system changes from a collinear AFM state to the paramagnetic state. AtTt = 214 K the material undergoes a first order magnetic phase transition from AFM at higher temperature to a non-collinear AFM spin structure. Both states show large uniaxialc-axis magnetostriction of 450 ppm. Remarkably, the magnetostriction changes sign, being compressive (negative) aboveTtand tensile (positive) below theTt. The sign change of the magnetostriction is accompanied by a sign change in the magnetoresistance indicating a coupling among the spin, lattice and electrical transport properties.
Notch signaling regulates Hey2 expression in a spatiotemporal dependent manner during cardiac morphogenesis and trabecular specification
Authors: Miao Lianjie , Li Jingjing , Li Jun , Tian Xueying , Lu Yangyang , Hu Saiyang , Shieh David , Kanai Ryan , Zhou Bo-yang , Zhou Bin , Liu Jiandong , Firulli Anthony B. , Martin James F. , Singer Harold , Zhou Bin , Xin Hongbo , Wu Mingfu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHey2 gene mutations in both humans and mice have been associated with multiple cardiac defects. However, the currently reported localization of Hey2 in the ventricular compact zone cannot explain the wide variety of cardiac defects. Furthermore, it was reported that, in contrast to other organs, Notch doesn’t regulate Hey2 in the heart. To determine the expression pattern and the regulation of Hey2, we used novel methods including RNAscope and a Hey2
CreERT2
knockin line to precisely determine the spatiotemporal expression pattern and level of Hey2 during cardiac development. We found that Hey2 is expressed in the endocardial cells of the atrioventricular canal and the outflow tract, as well as at the base of trabeculae, in addition to the reported expression in the ventricular compact myocardium. By disrupting several signaling pathways that regulate trabeculation and/or compaction, we found that, in contrast to previous reports, Notch signaling and Nrg1/ErbB2 regulate Hey2 expression level in myocardium and/or endocardium, but not its expression pattern: weak expression in trabecular myocardium and strong expression in compact myocardium. Instead, we found that FGF signaling regulates the expression pattern of Hey2 in the early myocardium, and regulates the expression level of Hey2 in a Notch1 dependent manner.
Long-Term Study of Heart Rate Variability Responses to Changes in the Solar and Geomagnetic Environment
Authors: Alabdulgader Abdullah , McCraty Rollin , Atkinson Michael , Dobyns York , Vainoras Alfonsas , Ragulskis Minvydas , Stolc Viktor 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis long-term study examined relationships between solar and magnetic factors and the time course and lags of autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses to changes in solar and geomagnetic activity. Heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded for 72 consecutive hours each week over a five-month period in 16 participants in order to examine ANS responses during normal background environmental periods. HRV measures were correlated with solar and geomagnetic variables using multivariate linear regression analysis with Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons after removing circadian influences from both datasets. Overall, the study confirms that daily ANS activity responds to changes in geomagnetic and solar activity during periods of normal undisturbed activity and it is initiated at different times after the changes in the various environmental factors and persist over varying time periods. Increase in solar wind intensity was correlated with increases in heart rate, which we interpret as a biological stress response. Increase in cosmic rays, solar radio flux, and Schumann resonance power was all associated with increased HRV and parasympathetic activity. The findings support the hypothesis that energetic environmental phenomena affect psychophysical processes that can affect people in different ways depending on their sensitivity, health status and capacity for self-regulation.
Acidic organelles mediate TGF-β1-induced cellular fibrosis via (pro)renin receptor and vacuolar ATPase trafficking in human peritoneal mesothelial cells
Authors: Oba-Yabana Ikuko , Mori Takefumi , Takahashi Chika , Hirose Takuo , Ohsaki Yusuke , Kinugasa Satoshi , Muroya Yoshikazu , Sato Emiko , Nguyen Geneviève , Piedagnel Rémi , Ronco Pierre M. , Totsune Kazuhito , Ito Sadayoshi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTGF-β1, which can cause renal tubular injury through a vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase)-mediated pathway, is induced by the glucose degradation product methylglyoxal to yield peritoneal injury and fibrosis. The present study investigated the roles of V-ATPase and its accessory protein, the (pro)renin receptor, in peritoneal fibrosis during peritoneal dialysis. Rats daily administered 20 mM methylglyoxal intraperitoneally developed significant peritoneal fibrosis after 7 days with increased expression of TGF-β and V-ATPase, which was reduced by the inhibition of V-ATPase with co-administration of 100 mM bafilomycin A1. The (pro)renin receptor and V-ATPase were expressed in acidic organelles and cell membranes of human peritoneal mesothelial cells. TGF-β1 upregulated the expression of collagens, α-SMA, and EDA-fibronectin, together with ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which was reduced by inhibition of V-ATPase, (pro)renin receptor, or the MAPK pathway. Fibronectin and the soluble (pro)renin receptor were excreted from cells by acidic organelle trafficking in response to TGF-β1; this excretion was also suppressed by inhibition of V-ATPase. Soluble (pro)renin receptor concentrations in effluents of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis were associated with the dialysate-to-plasma ratio of creatinine. Together, these results demonstrate a novel fibrosis mechanism through the (pro)renin receptor and V-ATPase in the acidic organelles of peritoneal mesothelial cells.
Evolution of enzymes with new specificity by high-throughput screening using DmpR-based genetic circuits and multiple flow cytometry rounds
Authors: Kwon Kil Koang , Lee Dae-Hee , Kim Su Jin , Choi Su-Lim , Rha Eugene , Yeom Soo-Jin , Subhadra Bindu , Lee Jinhyuk , Jeong Ki Jun , Lee Seung-Goo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGenetic circuit-based biosensors are useful in detecting target metabolites orin vivoenzymes using transcription factors (Tx) as a molecular switch to express reporter signals, such as cellular fluorescence and antibiotic resistance. Herein, a phenol-detecting Tx (DmpR) was employed as a critical tool for enzyme engineering, specifically for the rapid analysis of numerous mutants with multiple mutations at the active site of tryptophan-indole lyase (TIL, EC 4.1.99.1). Cellular fluorescence was monitored cell-by-cell using flow cytometry to detect the creation of phenolic compounds by a new tyrosine-phenol-lyase (TPL, EC 4.1.99.2). In the TIL scaffold, target amino acids near the indole ring (Asp137, Phe304, Val394, Ile396and His463) were mutated randomly to construct a large diversity of specificity variations. Collection of candidate positives by cell sorting using flow cytometry and subsequent shuffling of beneficial mutations identified a critical hit with four mutations (D137P, F304D, V394L, and I396R) in the TIL sequence. The variant displayed one-thirteenth the level of TPL activity, compared with native TPLs, and completely lost the original TIL activity. The findings demonstrate that hypersensitive, Tx-based biosensors could be useful critically to generate new activity from a related template, which would alleviate the current burden to high-throughput screening.
The model of circulating immune complexes and interleukin-6 improves the prediction of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Thanadetsuntorn Chokchai , Ngamjanyaporn Pintip , Setthaudom Chavachol , Hodge Kenneth , Saengpiya Nisara , Pisitkun Prapaporn 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease resulting in autoantibody production, immune complex deposition, and complement activation. The standard biomarkers such as anti-dsDNA and complements (C3 and C4) do not always correlate with active clinical SLE. The heterogeneity of SLE patients may require additional biomarkers to designate disease activity. Ninety SLE patients participated in this study. Evaluation of disease activity was achieved with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and modified SLEDAI-2K. The measured serum biomarkers were anti-dsDNA, C3, C4, ESR, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and circulating immune complexes (CIC). IL-6, ESR and CIC significantly increased in active clinical SLE. Complement, anti-dsDNA, ESR and CIC correlated with SLEDAI-2K while only anti-dsDNA, CIC, ESR and IL-6 correlated with modified SLEDAI-2K. A combination of biomarkers gave a higher odds ratio (OR) than any single biomarker. A combination of IL-6 or CIC exhibited the highest OR (OR = 7.27, 95%CI (1.99–26.63), p = 0.003) while either complement or anti-dsDNA showed a moderate odds ratio (OR = 3.14, 95%CI (1.16–8.48), p = 0.024) of predicting clinical active SLE. The combination of CIC and IL-6 strongly predicts active clinical SLE. CIC and IL-6 can be used in addition to standard biomarkers to determine SLE activity.
Evaluating the potential of endothelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells to form microvascular networks in 3D cultures
Authors: Bezenah Jonathan R. , Kong Yen P. , Putnam Andrew J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA major translational challenge in the fields of therapeutic angiogenesis and regenerative medicine is the need to create functional microvasculature. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a potentially autologous endothelial cell (EC) source derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-ECs) can form the same robust, stable microvasculature as previously documented for other sources of ECs. We utilized a well-established in vitro assay, in which endothelial cell-coated (iPSC-EC or HUVEC) beads were co-embedded with fibroblasts in a 3D fibrin matrix to assess their ability to form stable microvessels. iPSC-ECs exhibited a five-fold reduction in capillary network formation compared to HUVECs. Increasing matrix density reduced sprouting, although this effect was attenuated by distributing the NHLFs throughout the matrix. Inhibition of both MMP- and plasmin-mediated fibrinolysis was required to completely block sprouting of both HUVECs and iPSC-ECs. Further analysis revealed MMP-9 expression and activity were significantly lower in iPSC-EC/NHLF co-cultures than in HUVEC/NHLF co-cultures at later time points, which may account for the observed deficiencies in angiogenic sprouting of the iPSC-ECs. Collectively, these findings suggest fundamental differences in EC phenotypes must be better understood to enable the promise and potential of iPSC-ECs for clinical translation to be realized.
The anti-mycobacterial activity of the cytochrome bcc inhibitor Q203 can be enhanced by small-molecule inhibition of cytochrome bd
Authors: Lu Ping , Asseri Amer H. , Kremer Martijn , Maaskant Janneke , Ummels Roy , Lill Holger , Bald Dirk 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMycobacterial energy metabolism currently attracts strong attention as new target space for development of anti-tuberculosis drugs. The imidazopyridine Q203 targets the cytochrome bcc complex of the respiratory chain, a key component in energy metabolism. Q203 blocks growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis at nanomolar concentrations, however, it fails to actually kill the bacteria, which may limit the clinical applicability of this candidate drug. In this report we show that inhibition of cytochrome bd, a parallel branch of the mycobacterial respiratory chain, by aurachin D invoked bactericidal activity of Q203. In biochemical assays using inverted membrane vesicles from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis we found that inhibition of respiratory chain activity by Q203 was incomplete, but could be enhanced by inactivation of cytochrome bd, either by genetic knock-out or by inhibition with aurachin D. These results indicate that simultaneously targeting the cytochrome bcc and the cytochrome bd branch of the mycobacterial respiratory chain may turn out as effective strategy for combating M. tuberculosis.