bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of a Neutral Community Model To Assess Structuring of the Human Lung Microbiome
Authors: Venkataraman Arvind , Bassis Christine M. , Beck James M. , Young Vincent B. , Curtis Jeffrey L. , Huffnagle Gary B. , Schmidt Thomas M. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
DNA from phylogenetically diverse microbes is routinely recovered from healthy human lungs and used to define the lung microbiome. The proportion of this DNA originating from microbes adapted to the lungs, as opposed to microbes dispersing to the lungs from other body sites and the atmosphere, is not known. We use a neutral model of community ecology to distinguish members of the lung microbiome whose presence is consistent with dispersal from other body sites and those that deviate from the model, suggesting a competitive advantage to these microbes in the lungs. We find that the composition of the healthy lung microbiome is consistent with predictions of the neutral model, reflecting the overriding role of dispersal of microbes from the oral cavity in shaping the microbial community in healthy lungs. In contrast, the microbiome of diseased lungs was readily distinguished as being under active selection. We also assessed the viability of microbes from lung samples by cultivation with a variety of media and incubation conditions. Bacteria recovered by cultivation from healthy lungs represented species that comprised 61% of the 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequences derived from bronchoalveolar lavage samples.

IMPORTANCE
Neutral distribution of microbes is a distinguishing feature of the microbiome in healthy lungs, wherein constant dispersal of bacteria from the oral cavity overrides differential growth of bacteria. No bacterial species consistently deviated from the model predictions in healthy lungs, although representatives of many of the dispersed species were readily cultivated. In contrast, bacterial populations in diseased lungs were identified as being under active selection. Quantification of the relative importance of selection and neutral processes such as dispersal in shaping the healthy lung microbiome is a first step toward understanding its impacts on host health.
RovS and Its Associated Signaling Peptide Form a Cell-To-Cell Communication System Required for Streptococcus agalactiae Pathogenesis
Authors: Pérez-Pascual David , Gaudu Philippe , Fleuchot Betty , Besset Colette , Rosinski-Chupin Isabelle , Guillot Alain , Monnet Véronique , Gardan Rozenn 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Bacteria can communicate with each other to coordinate their biological functions at the population level. In a previous study, we described a cell-to-cell communication system in streptococci that involves a transcriptional regulator belonging to the Rgg family and short hydrophobic peptides (SHPs) that act as signaling molecules.
Streptococcus agalactiae
, an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium responsible for fatal infections in neonates and immunocompromised adults, has one copy of the
shp/rgg
locus. The SHP-associated Rgg is called RovS in S. agalactiae. In this study, we found that the SHP/RovS cell-to-cell communication system is active in the strain NEM316 of S. agalactiae, and we identified different partners that are involved in this system, such as the Eep peptidase, the PptAB, and the OppA1-F oligopeptide transporters. We also identified a new target gene controlled by this system and reexamined the regulation of a previously proposed target gene,
fbsA
, in the context of the SHP-associated RovS system. Furthermore, our results are the first to indicate the SHP/RovS system specificity to host liver and spleen using a murine model, which demonstrates its implication in streptococci virulence. Finally, we observed that SHP/RovS regulation influences S. agalactiae’s ability to adhere to and invade HepG2 hepatic cells. Hence, the SHP/RovS cell-to-cell communication system appears to be an essential mechanism that regulates pathogenicity in S. agalactiae and represents an attractive target for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

IMPORTANCE
Rgg regulators and their cognate pheromones, called small hydrophobic peptides (SHPs), are present in nearly all streptococcal species. The general pathways of the cell-to-cell communication system in which Rgg and SHP take part are well understood. However, many other players remain unidentified, and the direct targets of the system, as well as its link to virulence, remain unclear. Here, we identified the different players involved in the SHP/Rgg system in S. agalactiae, which is the leading agent of severe infections in human newborns. We have identified a direct target of the Rgg regulator in S. agalactiae (called RovS) and examined a previously proposed target, all in the context of associated SHP. For the first time, we have also demonstrated the implication of the SHP/RovS mechanism in virulence, as well as its host organ specificity. Thus, this cell-to-cell communication system may represent a future target for S. agalactiae disease treatment.
Rapid and Sensitive RT-QuIC Detection of Human Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Using Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Orrú Christina D. , Groveman Bradley R. , Hughson Andrew G. , Zanusso Gianluigi , Coulthart Michael B. , Caughey Byron 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Fast, definitive diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is important in assessing patient care options and transmission risks. Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assays of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and nasal-brushing specimens are valuable in distinguishing CJD from non-CJD conditions but have required 2.5 to 5 days. Here, an improved RT-QuIC assay is described which identified positive CSF samples within 4 to 14 h with better analytical sensitivity. Moreover, analysis of 11 CJD patients demonstrated that while 7 were RT-QuIC positive using the previous conditions, 10 were positive using the new assay. In these and further analyses, a total of 46 of 48 CSF samples from sporadic CJD patients were positive, while all 39 non-CJD patients were negative, giving 95.8% diagnostic sensitivity and 100% specificity. This second-generation RT-QuIC assay markedly improved the speed and sensitivity of detecting prion seeds in CSF specimens from CJD patients. This should enhance prospects for rapid and accurate
ante mortem
CJD diagnosis.

IMPORTANCE
A long-standing problem in dealing with various neurodegenerative protein misfolding diseases is early and accurate diagnosis. This issue is particularly important with human prion diseases, such as CJD, because prions are deadly, transmissible, and unusually resistant to decontamination. The recently developed RT-QuIC test allows for highly sensitive and specific detection of CJD in human cerebrospinal fluid and is being broadly implemented as a key diagnostic tool. However, as currently applied, RT-QuIC takes 2.5 to 5 days and misses 11 to 23% of CJD cases. Now, we have markedly improved RT-QuIC analysis of human CSF such that CJD and non-CJD patients can be discriminated in a matter of hours rather than days with enhanced sensitivity. These improvements should allow for much faster, more accurate, and practical testing for CJD. In broader terms, our study provides a prototype for tests for misfolded protein aggregates that cause many important amyloid diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and tauopathies.
Cigarette smoking and pulmonary tuberculosis in northern California
Authors: Smith Geneé S , Van Den Eeden Stephen K , Baxter Roger , Shan Jun , Van Rie Annelies , Herring Amy H , Richardson David B , Emch Michael , Gammon Marilie D 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundA positive association between smoking and increased risk of tuberculosis disease is well documented for populations outside the USA. However, it is unclear whether smoking increases risk of tuberculosis in the USA, where both smoking prevalence and disease rates are much lower than in the countries where previous studies have been conducted.MethodsTo explore the tuberculosis–smoking association in a more generalisable US population-based sample, we conducted a nested case–control study among members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). We identified all newly diagnosed cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) disease between 1996 and 2010. Each of the 2380 cases were individually matched to two controls by age, gender and race/ethnicity. ORs and 95% CIs for the association between smoking status and PTB were calculated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for all matching factors.ResultsIncreased PTB risk was observed among ever-smokers (OR=1.35; 95% CI 1.19 to 1.53), as well as current (OR=1.26; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.48) and past (OR=1.43; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.67) smokers, compared with never-smokers. Increased intensity and duration of smoking were also positively associated with PTB risk.ConclusionsOur findings among a more generalisable US population support the hypothesis that smoking increases risk of PTB, underscoring the importance of tobacco cessation and prevention programmes in eliminating tuberculosis.
Cancer Stem Cells: Targeting the Roots of Cancer, Seeds of Metastasis, and Sources of Therapy Resistance
Authors: Adorno-Cruz Valery , Kibria Golam , Liu Xia , Doherty Mary , Junk Damian J. , Guan Dongyin , Hubert Chris , Venere Monica , Mulkearns-Hubert Erin , Sinyuk Maksim , Alvarado Alvaro , Caplan Arnold I. , Rich Jeremy , Gerson Stanton L. , Lathia Justin , Liu Huiping 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
With the goal to remove the roots of cancer, eliminate metastatic seeds, and overcome therapy resistance, the 2014 inaugural International Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Conference at Cleveland, OH, convened together over 320 investigators, including 55 invited world-class speakers, 25 short oral presenters, and 100 poster presenters, to gain an in-depth understanding of CSCs and explore therapeutic opportunities targeting CSCs. The meeting enabled intriguing discussions on several topics including: genetics and epigenetics; cancer origin and evolution; microenvironment and exosomes; metabolism and inflammation; metastasis and therapy resistance; single cell and heterogeneity; plasticity and reprogramming; as well as other new concepts. Reports of clinical trials targeting CSCs emphasized the urgent need for strategically designing combinational CSC-targeting therapies against cancer. Cancer Res; 75(6); 924–9. ©2015 AACR.
MicroRNA-200c Contributes to Injury From Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia by Targeting Reelin
Authors: Stary Creed M. , Xu Lijun , Sun Xiaoyun , Ouyang Yi-Bing , White Robin E. , Leong Jason , Li John , Xiong Xiaoxing , Giffard Rona G. 
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose—
MicroRNA (miR)-200c increases rapidly in the brain after transient cerebral ischemia but its role in poststroke brain injury is unclear. Reelin, a regulator of neuronal migration and synaptogenesis, is a predicted target of miR-200c. We hypothesized that miR-200c contributes to injury from transient cerebral ischemia by targeting reelin.

Methods—
Brain infarct volume, neurological score and levels of miR-200c, reelin mRNA, and reelin protein were assessed in mice subjected to 1 hour of middle cerebral artery occlusion with or without intracerebroventricular infusion of miR-200c antagomir, mimic, or mismatch control. Direct targeting of reelin by miR-200c was assessed in vitro by dual luciferase assay and immunoblot.

Results—
Pretreatment with miR-200c antagomir decreased post–middle cerebral artery occlusion brain levels of miR-200c, resulting in a significant reduction in infarct volume and neurological deficit. Changes in brain levels of miR-200c inversely correlated with reelin protein expression. Direct targeting of the Reln 3′ untranslated region by miR-200c was verified with dual luciferase assay. Inhibition of miR-200c resulted in an increase in cell survival subsequent to in vitro oxidative injury. This effect was blocked by knockdown of reelin mRNA, whereas application of reelin protein afforded protection.

Conclusions—
These findings suggest that the poststroke increase in miR-200c contributes to brain cell death by inhibiting reelin expression, and that reducing poststroke miR-200c is a potential target to mitigate stroke-induced brain injury.
Wave Boundary Layer Turbulence over Surface Waves in a Strongly Forced Condition
Authors: Hara Tetsu , Sullivan Peter P. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAccurate predictions of the sea state–dependent air–sea momentum flux require a thorough understanding of the wave boundary layer turbulence over surface waves. A set of momentum and energy equations is derived to formulate and analyze wave boundary layer turbulence. The equations are written in wave-following coordinates, and all variables are decomposed into horizontal mean, wave fluctuation, and turbulent fluctuation. The formulation defines the wave-induced stress as a sum of the wave fluctuation stress (because of the fluctuating velocity components) and a pressure stress (pressure acting on a tilted surface). The formulations can be constructed with different choices of mapping. Next, a large-eddy simulation result for wind over a sinusoidal wave train under a strongly forced condition is analyzed using the proposed formulation. The result clarifies how surface waves increase the effective roughness length and the drag coefficient. Specifically, the enhanced wave-induced stress close to the water surface reduces the turbulent stress (satisfying the momentum budget). The reduced turbulent stress is correlated with the reduced viscous dissipation rate of the turbulent kinetic energy. The latter is balanced by the reduced mean wind shear (satisfying the energy budget), which causes the equivalent surface roughness to increase. Interestingly, there is a small region farther above where the turbulent stress, dissipation rate, and mean wind shear are all enhanced. The observed strong correlation between the turbulent stress and the dissipation rate suggests that existing turbulence closure models that parameterize the latter based on the former are reasonably accurate.
Adjusting the mechanical behavior of embroidered scaffolds to lapin anterior cruciate ligaments by varying the thread materials
Authors: Hahner Judith , Hinüber Claudia , Breier Annette , Siebert Tobias , Brünig Harald , Heinrich Gert 
Published: January 2015

Traumatic rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can cause local destabilization and loss of mobility. Reconstruction using engineered ACL grafts is rarely successful due to sub-optimal material choice and mechanical performance. Thus, the presented work demonstrates the fabrication of various embroidered single- and bi-component scaffolds made of two commercially available monofilament threads (polydioxanone, poly(lactic acid-co-ɛ- caprolactone)) as well as a novel melt spun poly(L-lactic acid) multifilament and their mechanical analysis by tensile tests and under cyclic loading. Selected scaffolds, adjusted by material composition and textile parameters, revealed a load–strain behavior comparable to native lapin ACL tissue exhibiting a sufficient amount of elastic deformation within the toe-region of 1.7%, scaffold stiffness of 123 N/mm and adequate maximum tensile load (300 N) and strain (20%). Therefore, the design of resorbable embroidered bi-component scaffolds represents a promising approach to replace artificial non-resorbable ligament grafts and allows for innovative tissue engineering strategies.
Culturally Tailored Diabetes Prevention in the Workplace
Authors: Brown Sharon A. , García Alexandra A. , Steinhardt Mary A. , Guevara Henry , Moore Claire , Brown Adama , Winter Mary A. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose The purpose was to conduct focus groups with Hispanic employees to obtain input into adaptation of previous DSME interventions for use as a workplace diabetes prevention program. Methods From a list of interested Hispanic employees who attended a local health fair (n = 68), 36 were randomly selected to participate in focus groups held during supper mealtime breaks. An experienced bilingual moderator directed the sessions, using interview guidelines developed by the research team. Results Participants’ ages ranged from 22 to 65 years (mean = 50.4, n = 36, SD = 10.7), 7 males and 29 females attended, and 53% had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Employees expressed a keen interest in diabetes classes and recommended a focus on preparing healthier Hispanic foods. Primary barriers to promoting healthier lifestyles were work schedules; many employees worked 2 part-time or full-time jobs. Administrators and direct supervisors of the employees were highly supportive of a workplace diabetes prevention program. Conclusions The consistent message was that a workplace program would be the ideal solution for Hispanic employees to learn about diabetes and healthy behaviors, given their busy schedules, family responsibilities, and limited resources. If found to be effective, such a workplace program would be generalizable to other service employees who have disproportionate diabetes rates.
Out-of-the-box
Authors: James Roger 
Published: January 2015

Whilst my objective in Out-of-the-Box is to discuss the exciting new technologies set to transform our lives, we are never far from the real story which is about people. It is people who are variously flummoxed, fooled, facilitated or fascinated by the (technological) tools they use. Indeed the best definition of advanced technology is the technology that was introduced after you started work. There is a heady pace of technology advancement and a recurrent theme of the tensions as the technology clock and human clock move out of sync. In this article I take a look back at around half a professional life and, in a performance coach review, look at what we have achieved to help calibrate the challenges ahead. The centrepiece of this story is one of the editors of Business Information Review – Sandra Ward. Our joint history suggests the interleaved prospects for information science and information technology and the shape of things to come.
Effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation combined with virtual reality for improving gait in children with spastic diparetic cerebral palsy: a pilot, randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial
Authors: Collange Grecco Luanda André , de Almeida Carvalho Duarte Natália , Mendonça Mariana E , Galli Manuela , Fregni Felipe , Oliveira Claudia Santos 
Published: January 2015

Objective: To compare the effects of anodal vs. sham transcranial direct current stimulation combined with virtual reality training for improving gait in children with cerebral palsy. Design: A pilot, randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial. Setting: Rehabilitation clinics. Subjects: A total of 20 children with diparesis owing to cerebral palsy. Interventions: The experimental group received anodal stimulation and the control group received sham stimulation over the primary motor cortex during virtual reality training. All patients underwent the same training programme involving a virtual reality (10 sessions). Evaluations were performed before and after the intervention as well as at the one-month follow-up and involved gait analysis, the Gross Motor Function Measure, the Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory and the determination of motor evoked potentials. Results: The experimental group had a better performance regarding gait velocity (experimental group: 0.63 ±0.17 to 0.85 ±0.11 m/s; control group: 0.73 ±0.15 to 0.61 ±0.15 m/s), cadence (experimental group: 97.4 ±14.1 to 116.8 ±8.7 steps/minute; control group: 92.6 ±10.4 to 99.7 ±9.7 steps/minute), gross motor function (dimension D experimental group: 59.7 ±12.8 to 74.9 ±13.8; control group: 58.9 ±10.4 to 69.4 ±9.3; dimension E experimental group: 59.0 ±10.9 to 79.1 ±8.5; control group: 60.3 ±10.1 to 67.4 ±11.4) and independent mobility (experimental group: 34.3 ±5.9 to 43.8 ±75.3; control group: 34.4 ±8.3 to 37.7 ±7.7). Moreover, transcranial direct current stimulation led to a significant increase in motor evoked potential (experimental group: 1.4 ±0.7 to 2.6 ±0.4; control group: 1.3 ±0.6 to 1.6 ±0.4). Conclusion: These preliminary findings support the hypothesis that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation combined with virtual reality training could be a useful tool for improving gait in children with cerebral palsy.
Osteogenic cell sheets reinforced with photofunctionalized micro-thin titanium
Authors: Ishijima Manabu , Hirota Makoto , Park Wonhee , Honda Masaki J , Tsukimura Naoki , Isokawa Keitaro , Ishigami Tomohiko , Ogawa Takahiro 
Published: January 2015

Cell sheet technology has been used to deliver cells in single-sheet form with an intact extracellular matrix for soft tissue repair and regeneration. Here, we hypothesized that titanium-reinforced cell sheets could be constructed for bone tissue engineering and regeneration. Fifty-µm-thick titanium plates containing apertures were prepared and roughened by acid etching, some of which were photofunctionalized with 12 min of UV light treatment. Cell sheets were prepared by culturing rat calvarial periosteum-derived cells on temperature-responsive culture dishes and attached to titanium plates. Titanium-reinforced osteogenic cell sheet construction was conditional on various technical and material factors: cell sheets needed to be double-sided and sandwich the titanium plate, and the titanium plates needed to be micro thin and contain apertures to allow close apposition of the two cell sheets. Critically, titanium plates needed to be UV-photofunctionalized to ensure adherence and retention of cell sheets. Single-sided cell sheets or double-sided cell sheets on as-made titanium contracted and deformed within 4 days of incubation. Titanium-reinforced cell sheets on photofunctionalized titanium were structurally stable at least up to 14 days, developed the expected osteogenic phenotypes (ALP production and mineralization), and maintained structural integrity without functional degradation. Successful construction of titanium-reinforced osteogenic cell sheets was associated with increased cell attachment, retention, and expression of vinculin, an adhesion protein by photofunctionalization. This study identified the technical and material requirements for constructing titanium-reinforced osteogenic cell sheets. Future in vivo studies are warranted to test these titanium-reinforced cell sheets as stably transplantable, mechanically durable, and shape controllable osteogenic devices.
CD24hiCD27+ and plasmablast-like regulatory B cells in human chronic graft-versus-host disease
Authors: de Masson Adèle , Bouaziz Jean-David , Le Buanec Hélène , Robin Marie , O’Meara Alix , Parquet Nathalie , Rybojad Michel , Hau Estelle , Monfort Jean-Benoît , Branchtein Mylène , Michonneau David , Dessirier Valérie , Sicre de Fontbrune Flore , Bergeron Anne , Itzykson Raphaël , Dhédin Nathalie , Bengoufa Djaouida , Peffault de Latour Régis , Xhaard Aliénor , Bagot Martine , Bensussan Armand , Socié Gérard 
Published: January 2015

Key PointsChronic graft-versus-host disease is associated with a global Breg defect. This defect is particularly accentuated in the CD24hiCD27+ Breg compartment.
IRF8 acts in lineage-committed rather than oligopotent progenitors to control neutrophil vs monocyte production
Authors: Yáñez Alberto , Ng Madelena Y. , Hassanzadeh-Kiabi Nargess , Goodridge Helen S. 
Published: January 2015

Key Points
IRF8 does not instruct monocytic lineage specification in oligopotent granulocyte-monocyte progenitors. IRF8 regulates the survival and differentiation of lineage-committed progenitors to promote monocyte and suppress neutrophil production.