bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro synergistic activity of colistin and teicoplanin combination against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp
Authors: Rady Osama Mohamed Samy Mohamed , El-Attar Laila , Amine Amira 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDrug combinations may have a crucial role in treating infections due to multidrug resistant Acinetobacter spp. One suggested combination is colistin with teicoplanin. The effect of colistin on Acinetobacter spp. outer membrane can permit teicoplanin to its target in the cell wall. The aim of this study was to evaluate the synergistic activity of colistin and teicoplanin combination against 29 multidrug resistant isolates of Acinetobacter spp. The antimicrobial activity of colistin alone and in combination with teicoplanin was assessed using MIC and time–kill assays. The combination of 1 mg/l colistin and 10 mg/l teicoplanin showed in vitro synergism against all tested Acinetobacter isolates except one (Acinetobacter lowffii). The combination of 1 mg/l colistin and 10 mg/l teicoplanin was bactericidal at 6 h against 100% of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates with no bacterial regrowth at 24 h. The same combination was bactericidal against three out of seven non-baumannii Acinetobacter isolates. The increased concentration of teicoplanin (20 mg/l) was synergistic but still not bactericidal against the four remaining isolates. The combination of colistin and teicoplanin was synergistic against all tested Acinetobacter spp It is therefore recommended that clinical trials are conducted to clarify the therapeutic potential of the combination.
A novel variant in SMG9 causes intellectual disability, confirming a role for nonsense-mediated decay components in neurocognitive development
Authors: Rahikkala Elisa , Urpa Lea , Ghimire Bishwa , Topa Hande , Kurki Mitja I. , Koskela Maryna , Airavaara Mikko , Hämäläinen Eija , Pylkäs Katri , Körkkö Jarmo , Savolainen Helena , Suoranta Anu , Bertoli-Avella Aida , Rolfs Arndt , Mattila Pirkko , Daly Mark , Palotie Aarno , Pietiläinen Olli , Moilanen Jukka , Kuismin Outi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBiallelic loss-of-function variants in the SMG9 gene, encoding a regulatory subunit of the mRNA nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) machinery, are reported to cause heart and brain malformation syndrome. Here we report five patients from three unrelated families with intellectual disability (ID) and a novel pathogenic SMG9 c.551 T > C p.(Val184Ala) homozygous missense variant, identified using exome sequencing. Sanger sequencing confirmed recessive segregation in each family. SMG9 c.551T > C p.(Val184Ala) is most likely an autozygous variant identical by descent. Characteristic clinical findings in patients were mild to moderate ID, intention tremor, pyramidal signs, dyspraxia, and ocular manifestations. We used RNA sequencing of patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls to assess the effect of the variant. RNA sequencing revealed that the SMG9 c.551T > C variant did not affect the splicing or expression level of SMG9 gene products, and allele-specific expression analysis did not provide evidence that the nonsense mRNA-induced NMD was affected. Differential gene expression analysis identified prevalent upregulation of genes in patients, including the genes SMOX, OSBP2, GPX3, and ZNF155. These findings suggest that normal SMG9 function may be involved in transcriptional regulation without affecting nonsense mRNA-induced NMD. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the SMG9 c.551T > C missense variant causes a neurodevelopmental disorder and impacts gene expression. NMD components have roles beyond aberrant mRNA degradation that are crucial for neurocognitive development.
Host receptor-targeted therapeutic approach to counter pathogenic New World mammarenavirus infections
Authors: Hickerson Brady T. , Daniels-Wells Tracy R. , Payes Cristian , Clark Lars E. , Candelaria Pierre V. , Bailey Kevin W. , Sefing Eric J. , Zink Samantha , Ziegenbein James , Abraham Jonathan , Helguera Gustavo , Penichet Manuel L. , Gowen Brian B. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFive New World mammarenaviruses (NWMs) cause life-threatening hemorrhagic fever (HF). Cellular entry by these viruses is mediated by human transferrin receptor 1 (hTfR1). Here, we demonstrate that an antibody (ch128.1/IgG1) which binds the apical domain of hTfR1, potently inhibits infection of attenuated and pathogenic NWMs in vitro. Computational docking of the antibody Fab crystal structure onto the known structure of hTfR1 shows an overlapping receptor-binding region shared by the Fab and the viral envelope glycoprotein GP1 subunit that binds hTfR1, and we demonstrate competitive inhibition of NWM GP1 binding by ch128.1/IgG1 as the principal mechanism of action. Importantly, ch128.1/IgG1 protects hTfR1-expressing transgenic mice against lethal NWM challenge. Additionally, the antibody is well-tolerated and only partially reduces ferritin uptake. Our findings provide the basis for the development of a novel, host receptor-targeted antibody therapeutic broadly applicable to the treatment of HF of NWM etiology.
A general synthesis of azetidines by copper-catalysed photoinduced anti-Baldwin radical cyclization of ynamides
Authors: Jacob Clément , Baguia Hajar , Dubart Amaury , Oger Samuel , Thilmany Pierre , Beaudelot Jérôme , Deldaele Christopher , Peruško Stefano , Landrain Yohann , Michelet Bastien , Neale Samuel , Romero Eugénie , Moucheron Cécile , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Theunissen Cédric , Evano Gwilherm 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA general anti-Baldwin radical 4-exo-dig cyclization from nitrogen-substituted alkynes is reported. Upon reaction with a heteroleptic copper complex in the presence of an amine and under visible light irradiation, a range of ynamides were shown to smoothly cyclize to the corresponding azetidines, useful building blocks in natural product synthesis and medicinal chemistry, with full control of the regioselectivity of the cyclization resulting from a unique and underrated radical 4-exo-dig pathway.
Depletion of mitochondrial methionine adenosyltransferase α1 triggers mitochondrial dysfunction in alcohol-associated liver disease
Authors: Barbier-Torres Lucía , Murray Ben , Yang Jin Won , Wang Jiaohong , Matsuda Michitaka , Robinson Aaron , Binek Aleksandra , Fan Wei , Fernández-Ramos David , Lopitz-Otsoa Fernando , Luque-Urbano Maria , Millet Oscar , Mavila Nirmala , Peng Hui , Ramani Komal , Gottlieb Roberta , Sun Zhaoli , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Seki Ekihiro , Van Eyk Jennifer E. , Mato Jose M. , Lu Shelly C. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMATα1 catalyzes the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, the principal biological methyl donor. Lower MATα1 activity and mitochondrial dysfunction occur in alcohol-associated liver disease. Besides cytosol and nucleus, MATα1 also targets the mitochondria of hepatocytes to regulate their function. Here, we show that mitochondrial MATα1 is selectively depleted in alcohol-associated liver disease through a mechanism that involves the isomerase PIN1 and the kinase CK2. Alcohol activates CK2, which phosphorylates MATα1 at Ser114 facilitating interaction with PIN1, thereby inhibiting its mitochondrial localization. Blocking PIN1-MATα1 interaction increased mitochondrial MATα1 levels and protected against alcohol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and fat accumulation. Normally, MATα1 interacts with mitochondrial proteins involved in TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid β-oxidation. Preserving mitochondrial MATα1 content correlates with higher methylation and expression of mitochondrial proteins. Our study demonstrates a role of CK2 and PIN1 in reducing mitochondrial MATα1 content leading to mitochondrial dysfunction in alcohol-associated liver disease.
Phloem iron remodels root development in response to ammonium as the major nitrogen source
Authors: Liu Xing Xing , Zhang Hai Hua , Zhu Qing Yang , Ye Jia Yuan , Zhu Ya Xin , Jing Xiang Ting , Du Wen Xin , Zhou Miao , Lin Xian Yong , Zheng Shao Jian , Jin Chong Wei 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPlants use nitrate and ammonium as major nitrogen (N) sources, each affecting root development through different mechanisms. However, the exact signaling pathways involved in root development are poorly understood. Here, we show that, in Arabidopsis thaliana, either disruption of the cell wall-localized ferroxidase LPR2 or a decrease in iron supplementation efficiently alleviates the growth inhibition of primary roots in response to NH4+ as the N source. Further study revealed that, compared with nitrate, ammonium led to excess iron accumulation in the apoplast of phloem in an LPR2-dependent manner. Such an aberrant iron accumulation subsequently causes massive callose deposition in the phloem from a resulting burst of reactive oxygen species, which impairs the function of the phloem. Therefore, ammonium attenuates primary root development by insufficiently allocating sucrose to the growth zone. Our results link phloem iron to root morphology in response to environmental cues.
Structure of Vibrio collagenase VhaC provides insight into the mechanism of bacterial collagenolysis
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Peng , Cao Hai-Yan , Ding Hai-Tao , Su Hai-Nan , Liu Shi-Cheng , Liu Guangfeng , Zhang Xia , Li Chun-Yang , Peng Ming , Li Fuchuan , Li Shengying , Chen Yin , Chen Xiu-Lan , Zhang Yu-Zhong 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe collagenases of Vibrio species, many of which are pathogens, have been regarded as an important virulence factor. However, there is little information on the structure and collagenolytic mechanism of Vibrio collagenase. Here, we report the crystal structure of the collagenase module (CM) of Vibrio collagenase VhaC and the conformation of VhaC in solution. Structural and biochemical analyses and molecular dynamics studies reveal that triple-helical collagen is initially recognized by the activator domain, followed by subsequent cleavage by the peptidase domain along with the closing movement of CM. This is different from the peptidolytic mode or the proposed collagenolysis of Clostridium collagenase. We propose a model for the integrated collagenolytic mechanism of VhaC, integrating the functions of VhaC accessory domains and its collagen degradation pattern. This study provides insight into the mechanism of bacterial collagenolysis and helps in structure-based drug design targeting of the Vibrio collagenase.
Supercurrent decay in ballistic magnetic Josephson junctions
Authors: Ness Hervé , Sadovskyy Ivan A. , Antipov Andrey E. , van Schilfgaarde Mark , Lutchyn Roman M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe investigate transport properties of ballistic magnetic Josephson junctions and establish that suppression of supercurrent is an intrinsic property of the junctions, even in absence of disorder. By studying the role of ferromagnet thickness, magnetization, and crystal orientation we show how the supercurrent decays exponentially with thickness and identify two mechanisms responsible for the effect: (i) large exchange splitting may gap out minority or majority carriers leading to the suppression of Andreev reflection in the junction, (ii) loss of synchronization between different modes due to the significant dispersion of the quasiparticle velocity with the transverse momentum. Our results for Nb/Ni/Nb junctions are in good agreement with recent experimental studies. Our approach combines density functional theory and the Bogoliubov-de Gennes model and opens a path for material composition optimization in magnetic Josephson junctions and superconducting magnetic spin valves.
Numerical characterization of astronaut CaOx renal stone incidence rates to quantify in-flight and post-flight relative risk
Authors: Goodenow-Messman Debra A. , Gokoglu Suleyman A. , Kassemi Mohammad , Myers Jerry G. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractChanges in urine chemistry potentially alter the risk of renal stone formation in astronauts. Quantifying spaceflight renal stone incidence risk compared to pre-flight levels remains a significant challenge for assessing the appropriate vehicle, mission, and countermeasure design. A computational biochemistry model representing CaOx crystal precipitation, growth, and agglomeration is combined with a probabilistic analysis to predict the in- and post-flight CaOx renal stone incidence risk ratio (IRR) relative to pre-flight values using 1517 astronaut 24-h urine chemistries. Our simulations predict that in-flight fluid intake alone would need to increase from current prescriptions of 2.0–2.5 L/day to ~3.2 L/day to approach the CaOx IRR of the pre-flight population. Bone protective interventions would reduce CaOx risk to pre-flight levels if Ca excretion alone is reduced to <150 mg/day or if current levels are diminished to 190 mg/day in combination with increasing fluid intake to 2.5–2.7 L/day. This analysis provides a quantitative risk assessment that can influence the critical balance between engineering and astronaut health requirements.
Prioritising primary care respiratory research needs: results from the 2020 International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) global e-Delphi exercise
Authors: Abdel-Aal Arwa , Lisspers Karin , Williams Siân , Adab Peymané , Adams Rachel , Agarwal Dhiraj , Barnard Amanda , Bouloukaki Izolde , van Boven Job F. M. , Chavannes Niels , Dickens Andrew P. , van Gemert Frederik , Escarrer Mercedes , Haroon Shamil , Kayongo Alex , Kirenga Bruce , Kocks Janwillem W. H. , Kotz Daniel , Newby Chris , McNulty Cliodna , Metting Esther , Moral Luis , Papadakis Sophia , Pinnock Hilary , Price David , Ryan Dermot , Singh Sally J. , Correia de Sousa Jaime , Ställberg Björn , Szefler Stanley J. , Taylor Stephanie J. C. , Tsiligianni Ioanna , Turner Alice , Weller David , Yusuf Osman , Tabyshova Aizhamal K. , Jordan Rachel E. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractRespiratory diseases remain a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality and primary care plays a central role in their prevention, diagnosis and management. An e-Delphi process was employed to identify and prioritise the current respiratory research needs of primary care health professionals worldwide. One hundred and twelve community-based physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals from 27 high-, middle- and low-income countries suggested 608 initial research questions, reduced after evidence review by 27 academic experts to 176 questions covering diagnosis, management, monitoring, self-management and prognosis of asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions (including infections, lung cancer, tobacco control, sleep apnoea). Forty-nine questions reached 80% consensus for importance. Cross-cutting themes identified were: a need for more effective training of primary care clinicians; evidence and guidelines specifically relevant to primary care, adaption for local and low-resource settings; empowerment of patients to improve self-management; and the role of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Picosecond pulsed laser illumination: an ultimate solution for photonic versus thermal processes’ contest in SOI photo-activated modulator
Authors: Glukhov David , Zalevsky Zeev , Karsenty Avi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe functionality of a nanoscale silicon-based optoelectronic modulator is deeply analyzed while it appears that two competing processes, thermal and photonic, are occurring at the same time, and are preventing the optimization of the electro-optics coupling. While an incident illumination-beam first process is translated into photons, generating pairs of electrons–holes, a second process of thermal generation, creating phonons enables a loss of energy. Complementary studies, combining strong analytical models and numerical simulations, enabled to better understand this competition between photonic and thermal activities, in order to optimize the modulator. Moreover, in order to prevent unnecessary heating effects and to present a proposed solution, a picosecond pulsed laser is suggested and demonstrated as the ultimate solution so no energy will be wasted in heat, and still the photonic energy will be fully used. First ever-analytical solution to the heating produced due to the laser illumination applied on a nano-photonic device, while the illumination is produced in a periodic time changing function, e.g. a pulsed illumination, is presented. The present case study and proposed adapted solution can serve as a basis of generic approach in sensors’ activation towards optimized photonics absorption.
Endoscopy applications for the second law analysis in hydromagnetic peristaltic nanomaterial rheology
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Shoaib Muhammad , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Arif Saba , Malik Muhammad Yousaf , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Ismail Khadiga Ahmed 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn current study, analysis is presented for peristaltic motion of applied magnetic field and entropy generation within couple stress (Cu/H2O) nanofluid through an endoscope. An endoscope contains two coaxial cylindrical tubes in which the internal tube is nonflexible while the external tube has sinusoidal wave passing through the boundary. Influences of mixed convection along with applied magnetic field are encountered as well. Formulated governing model is fabricated introducing long wavelength and creeping Stokesian flow approximation which are then analyzed numerically by utilizing Adams Bashforth method. For a physical insight, results are demonstrated to examine the behaviors of flow profiles and entropy generation number for emerging flow parameters with the help of graphs, bar-charts and tables.
Facile fabrication of flexible metal grid transparent electrode using inkjet-printed dot array as sacrificial layer
Authors: Kim Chaewon , An Kunsik , Kang Mingu , Won Phillip , Park Jung-Jae , Cho Kwan Hyun , Ko Seung Hwan , Ju Byeong-Kwon , Kang Kyung-Tae 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this study, we introduce a flexible metal grid transparent electrode fabricated using a lift-off process. This transparent electrode consisting of metal thin film with punched-like pattern by hole array was fabricated with 8 um separations. The separation of inkjet-printed etching resistant ink droplets was controlled in order to investigate the relationship between its electrical and optical properties of the electrodes. The aluminum areal density was defined to predict the electrical and optical properties of different arrays. A high and uniform transmittance spectrum appears to extend broadly into the UV region. The figure of merit of the transparent electrode was investigated in order to determine its performance as a transparent electrode. Moreover, there was no significant change in the resistance after 7000 bending cycles, indicating that the array conductor had superior stability. We also demonstrate transparent touch screen panels fabricated using the transparent electrode.
Critical behavior of nonequilibrium depinning transitions for vortices driven by current and vortex density
Authors: Kaji T. , Maegochi S. , Ienaga K. , Kaneko S. , Okuma S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe study the critical dynamics of vortices associated with dynamic disordering near the depinning transitions driven by dc force (dc current I) and vortex density (magnetic field B). Independent of the driving parameters, I and B, we observe the critical behavior of the depinning transitions, not only on the moving side, but also on the pinned side of the transition, which is the first convincing verification of the theoretical prediction. Relaxation times, $$\tau (I)$$

τ
(
I
)

and $$\tau (B)$$

τ
(
B
)

, to reach either the moving or pinned state, plotted against I and B, respectively, exhibit a power-law divergence at the depinning thresholds. The critical exponents of both transitions are, within errors, identical to each other, which are in agreement with the values expected for an absorbing phase transition in the two-dimensional directed-percolation universality class. With an increase in B under constant I, the depinning transition at low B is replaced by the repinning transition at high B in the peak-effect regime. We find a trend that the critical exponents in the peak-effect regime are slightly smaller than those in the low-B regime and the theoretical one, which is attributed to the slight difference in the depinning mechanism in the peak-effect regime.
Comparative genomic analysis of plasmids encoding metallo-β-lactamase NDM-5 in Enterobacterales Korean isolates from companion dogs
Authors: Kyung Su Min , Choi Sung-Woon , Lim Jaewon , Shim Soojin , Kim Suji , Im Young Bin , Lee Na-Eun , Hwang Cheol-Yong , Kim Donghyuk , Yoo Han Sang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCarbapenems are broad-spectrum antibiotics widely used for the treatment of human infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. However, emerging carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are rising as a public threat to human and animal health. We screened clinical bacterial isolates from 241 dogs and 18 cats hospitalized at Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Seoul National University, from 2018 to 2020 for carbapenemase production. In our study, 5 strains of metallo-β-lactamase NDM-5-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated from 4 different dogs. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) results showed that all E. coli strains were ST410 and all K. pneumoniae strains were ST378. Whole genome analysis of the plasmid showed that blaNDM-5 is carried on a IncX3 plasmid, showing a high concordance rate with plasmids detected worldwide in human and animal isolates. The blaNDM gene was associated with the bleMBL gene and the ISAba125 element, truncated with the IS5 element. The results of this study show that CPE has already become as a threat to both animals and humans in our society, posing the necessity to solve it in terms of "One Health". Therefore, preventive strategies should be developed to prevent the spread of CPE in animal and human societies.
Inventory reveals wide biodiversity of edible insects in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Ishara Jackson , Ayagirwe Rodrigue , Karume Katcho , Mushagalusa Gustave N. , Bugeme David , Niassy Saliou , Udomkun Patchimaporn , Kinyuru John 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn response to growing food demand, edible insects are perceived as an opportunity to alleviate food insecurity. With its wide edible insects’ biodiversity, the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of Africa’s most critical entomophagous. This study aimed at giving a first insight on inventory showing diversity, perception, consumption, availability, host plants, harvesting techniques and processing techniques of edible insects in South-Kivu, DRC. It recorded twenty-three edible insects belonging to nine families and five orders, some of which are consumed in the larval, adult, egg and pupa stages. Rhyncophorus phoenicis, Alphitobius diaperinus, Macrotermes subhyalinus and Acheta domesticus were the most preferred edible insects in Fizi Territory, Ruspolia differens and Apis mellifera larvae in Kabare Territory, Imbrasia oyemensis, Imbrasia epimethea, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus and Rhyncophorus phoenicis in Mwenga Territory, Ruspolia differens, Macrotermes subhyalinus, Gryllotalpa africana, Nsike, Nomadacris septemfasciata and A. mellifera larvae in Walungu Territory. Ruspolia differens, I. oyemensis, A. mellifera larvae, G. africana and Nsike, were preferred for their taste. Acheta domesticus, A. diaperinus and A. mellifera larvae were abundant throughout the year, while others were only available for 9 months or less per year. Numerous plants have been recorded as their hosts, including plants used for food and income. Harvesting strategies and period, processing methods and preservation techniques depend on insect species, local knowledge and practices. These findings suggest similar and thorough studies on entomophagy across the country while encouraging the rearing of edible insects to address their existing high demand and environmental concerns.