bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plantaricin A reverses resistance to ciprofloxacin of multidrug‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus by inhibiting efflux pumps
Authors: Meng Fanqiang , Nie Ting , Lyu Yunbin , Lyu Fengxia , Bie Xiaomei , Lu Yingjian , Zhao Mingwen , Lu Zhaoxin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractOverexpression of Staphylococcus aureus efflux pumps is commonly associated with antibiotic resistance, causing conventional antibiotics to be unsuccessful in combating multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections. Reducing the activity of the efflux pump is an urgently required to tackle this problem. Here, we found that plantaricin A (PlnA), an antimicrobial peptide derived from Lactobacillus plantarum, had a synergistic effect with ciprofloxacin (CIP), reducing the IC90 of CIP by eight times. Subsequently, changes in membrane permeability, membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined; changes that did not explain the synergistic effect were previously observed. Ethidium bromide intake and efflux experiments showed that PlnA inhibited the function of the efflux pump by binding it and altering the structure of MepA, NorA, and LmrS. Then, a series of PlnA mutants were designed to explore the underlying mechanism; they showed that the charge and foaming of PlnA were the predominant factors affecting the structure of NorA. In a skin wound infection model, PlnA significantly reduced the dose of CIP, relieved inflammation, and promoted wound healing, indicating that PlnA and CIP synergy persisted in vivo. Overall, PlnA reduced the use of CIP for combination therapy, and allowing the continued used of CIP to kill MDR S. aureus. Multidrug‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus threatens our life as a tenacious pathogen, which causes infections in hospitals, communities and animal husbandry. Various studies have showed that efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) have been considered potential therapeutic agents for rejuvenating the activity of antibiotics. Unfortunately, small molecule EPIs exhibit several side effects that limit their use for clinical application. The present study showed a new EPI (plantaricin A) produced by Lactobacillus plantarum, which has low cytotoxicity and haemolysis and powerful inhibitory activity on efflux pumps. Therefore, it helps the design of new EPIs and controls the infection of MDR S. aureus.
Nectar resources affect bird‐dispersed microbial metacommunities in suburban and rural gardens
Authors: Donald Marion L. , Galbraith Josie A. , Erastova Daria A. , Podolyan Anastasija , Miller Tom E. X. , Dhami Manpreet K. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAs cities expand, understanding how urbanization affects biodiversity is a key ecological goal. Yet, little is known about how host‐associated microbial diversity responds to urbanization. We asked whether communities of microbial (bacterial and fungal) in floral nectar and sugar‐water feeders and vectored by nectar‐feeding birds—thus forming a metacommunity—differed in composition and diversity between suburban and rural gardens. Compared to rural birds, we found that suburban birds vectored different and more diverse bacterial communities. These differences were not detected in the nectar of common plant species, suggesting that nectar filters microbial taxa and results in metacommunity convergence. However, when considering all the nectar sources present, suburban beta diversity was elevated compared to rural beta diversity due to turnover of bacterial taxa across a plant species and sugar‐water feeders. While fungal metacommunity composition and beta diversity in nectar were similar between suburban and rural sites, alpha diversity was elevated in suburban sites, which mirrored the trend of increased fungal alpha diversity on birds. These results emphasize the interdependence of host, vector, and microbial diversity and demonstrate that human decisions can shape nectar microbial diversity in contrasting ways for bacteria and fungi.
Psychometric properties of patient‐reported outcomes measures used to assess upper limb pathology: a systematic review
Authors: Abbot Samuel , Proudman Susanna , Sim Yih Ping , Williams Nicole 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundWith the continued development of patient‐centred healthcare models, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly used to evaluate outcomes in patients with upper limb pathology. The aim was to identify valid, reliable and responsive PROMs used to assess outcomes following upper limb pathology, and ascertain how their psychometric properties had been established. A secondary aim was to identify PROMs that have been validated to assess upper limb pathology in the paediatric population.MethodsA review of the Medline and EMBASE database was performed. Articles that analysed the validity of an established PROM used for upper limb pathology were included. Extracted study data included: author, country, PROM(s) investigated, year of publication, study type, sample size, demographics and duration of follow‐up.ResultsTwenty‐five articles were included, which together investigated the psychometric properties of 23 different PROMs that have been used to assess outcomes in adults following upper limb pathology. No study evaluated the psychometric properties of PROMs used in the paediatric population. Among PROMs that have been used in adults, the Quick‐Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) had strong content‐ and construct‐validity, reliability and responsiveness in comparison to others.ConclusionThere are currently no studies that have analysed the content validity of PROMs used to assess upper limb pathology in the paediatric population. Prospective studies are required for the development of PROMs that can be utilized in children to assess upper limb pathology.
Innovative experimental animal models for real‐time comparison of antithrombogenicity between two oxygenators using dual extracorporeal circulation circuits and indocyanine green fluorescence imaging
Authors: Sakurai Hironobu , Fujiwara Tatsuki , Ohuchi Katsuhiro , Hijikata Wataru , Inoue Yusuke , Maruyama Osamu , Tahara Tomoki , Yokota Sachie , Tanaka Yui , Takewa Yoshiaki , Mizuno Tomohiro , Arai Hirokuni 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundAntithrombogenicity of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) devices, particularly oxygenators, is a current problem, with numerous studies and developments underway. However, there has been limited progress in developing methods to accurately compare the antithrombogenicity of oxygenators. Animal experiments are commonly conducted to evaluate the antithrombogenicity of devices; however, it is challenging to maintain a steady experimental environment. We propose an innovative experimental animal model to evaluate different devices in a constant experimental environment in real‐time.MethodsThis model uses two venous–arterial ECMO circuits attached to one animal (one by jugular vein and carotid artery, one by femoral vein and artery) and real‐time assessment of thrombus formation in the oxygenator by indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. Comparison studies were conducted using three pigs: one to compare different oxygenators (MERA vs. CAPIOX) (Case 1), and two to compare antithrombotic properties of the oxygenator (QUADROX) when used under different hydrodynamic conditions (continuous flow vs. pulsatile flow) (Cases 2 and 3).ResultsThrombi, visualized using ICG imaging, appeared as black dots on a white background in each oxygenator. In Case 1, differences in the site of thrombus formation and rate of thrombus growth were observed in real‐time in two oxygenators. In Case 2 and 3, the thrombus region was smaller in pulsatile than in continuous conditions.ConclusionsWe devised an innovative experimental animal model for comparison of antithrombogenicity in ECMO circuits. This model enabled simultaneous evaluation of two different ECMO circuits under the same biological conditions and reduced the number of sacrificed experimental animals.
Computational cardiac physiology for new modelers: Origins, foundations, and future
Authors: Koivumäki Jussi T. , Hoffman Johan , Maleckar Mary M. , Einevoll Gaute T. , Sundnes Joakim 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMathematical models of the cardiovascular system have come a long way since they were first introduced in the early 19th century. Driven by a rapid development of experimental techniques, numerical methods, and computer hardware, detailed models that describe physical scales from the molecular level up to organs and organ systems have been derived and used for physiological research. Mathematical and computational models can be seen as condensed and quantitative formulations of extensive physiological knowledge and are used for formulating and testing hypotheses, interpreting and directing experimental research, and have contributed substantially to our understanding of cardiovascular physiology. However, in spite of the strengths of mathematics to precisely describe complex relationships and the obvious need for the mathematical and computational models to be informed by experimental data, there still exist considerable barriers between experimental and computational physiological research. In this review, we present a historical overview of the development of mathematical and computational models in cardiovascular physiology, including the current state of the art. We further argue why a tighter integration is needed between experimental and computational scientists in physiology, and point out important obstacles and challenges that must be overcome in order to fully realize the synergy of experimental and computational physiological research.
Laparoscopic closure of Roux limb perforation during double‐balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with laparoscopy‐assisted endoscopic hepatolithectomy 30 years after congenital biliary dilatation radical surgery: A case report
Authors: Nakagawa Yoichi , Uchida Hiroo , Hinoki Akinari , Shirota Chiyoe , Sumida Wataru , Makita Satoshi , Masamune Okamoto , Ogata Seiya , Takimoto Aitaro , Takada Shunya , Kato Daiki , Gohda Yousuke 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWe report a case of hepatolithiasis 30 years after congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) surgery. A 31‐year‐old woman presented with fever and epigastric pain. She had a history of radical surgery for type I CBD at the age of 1 year and had no significant symptoms for approximately 30 years after surgery. Laboratory and imaging results showed hepatolithiasis at the common trunk of segments II and III with cholangitis. She was admitted to our hospital for antibiotics and underwent double‐balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (DBERC) to treat the hepatolithiasis. Roux‐limb jejunum was perforated during DBERC; hence, emergent laparoscopic perforation site closure and simultaneous endoscopic lithotomy through the Roux‐limb jejunum with exteriorization via umbilical incision were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged without any complications.
Neural Network on Interval-Censored Data with Application to the Prediction of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Sun Tao , Ding Ying 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and polygenic disorder that affects millions of individuals each year. Given that there have been few effective treatments yet for AD, it is highly desirable to develop an accurate model to predict the full disease progression profile based on an individual's genetic characteristics for early prevention and clinical management. This work uses data composed of all four phases of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study, including 1740 individuals with 8 million genetic variants. We tackle several challenges in this data, characterized by large-scale genetic data, interval-censored outcome due to intermittent assessments, and left truncation in one study phase (ADNIGO). Specifically, we first develop a semiparametric transformation model on interval-censored and left-truncated data and estimate parameters through a sieve approach. Then we propose a computationally efficient generalized score test to identify variants associated with AD progression. Next, we implement a novel neural network on interval-censored data (NN-IC) to construct a prediction model using top variants identified from the genome-wide test. Comprehensive simulation studies show that the NN-IC outperforms several existing methods in terms of prediction accuracy. Finally, we apply the NN-IC to the full ADNI data and successfully identify subgroups with differential progression risk profiles. Data used in the preparation of this article were obtained from the ADNI database.
Nickel allergy is associated with a broad spectrum cytokine response
Authors: De Graaf Niels P. J. , Roffel Sanne , Gibbs Susan , Kleverlaan Cees J. , Lopez Gonzalez Marta , Rustemeyer Thomas , Feilzer Albert J. , Bontkes Hetty J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundNickel‐induced proliferation or cytokine release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells may be used for in vitro diagnosis of nickel allergy.ObjectivesAim of this study was to explore the nickel‐specific cytokine profile to further elucidate the pathogenesis of nickel allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and to identify potential new biomarkers for nickel ACD.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients and controls were cultured with T‐cell skewing cytokine cocktails and/or nickel. Cytokine and chemokine concentrations were assessed in culture supernatants using validated multiplex assays. Specific cytokine production was related to history of nickel allergy and patch‐test results.ResultsTwenty‐one of the 33 analytes included in the analysis were associated with nickel allergy and included type1 (TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, TNF‐β), type 2 (IL‐3, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13), type 1/2 (IL‐2, IL‐10), type 9 (IL‐9), type 17/1 (IL‐17A[F], GM‐CSF, IL‐21) and type 22 (IL‐22) derived cytokines as well as the T‐cell/antigen presentation cell derived factors Thymus and activation regulated chemokine (TARC), IL‐27 and IP‐10. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis showed that IL‐5 was the strongest biomarker for nickel allergy.ConclusionsA broad spectrum of 33 cytokines and chemokines is involved in the allergen‐specific immune response in nickel allergic patients. IL‐5 remains, next to the lymphocyte proliferation test, the strongest biomarker for nickel allergy.
Is conventional transbronchial lung biopsy out: The evaluation of clinical value in diffuse parenchymal lung disease
Authors: Zhou Lefei , Wang Feng , Xu Xiaoguang , Xu Lili , Wang Zhen , Tong Zhaohui 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionTransbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is a relatively safe technique routinely employed by pulmonologists for the diagnosis of diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD). Cryobiopsy is associated with higher diagnostic yield and a favorable risk/benefit ratio. Nevertheless, TBLB remains the representative method for definite diagnosis in developing countries.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate whether the results obtained from TBLB had clinical value to pulmonologists in the management of DPLD.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent conventional TBLB for the diagnosis of DPLD from May 1, 2017, to April 30, 2019, at the Beijing Chao‐yang Hospital, Capital Medical University. The clinical value of TBLB was defined as leading to a specific histopathological diagnosis or being consistent with the clinical and radiological data.ResultsSeven hundred and forty‐three patients with suspected DPLD were recruited. Conventional TBLB was considered clinically valuable in 439 procedures (59.1%), including 360 cases provided with definitive histopathological diagnoses, and 79 cases that were consistent with the working diagnoses. Among the 439 cases of clinically valuable TBLBs, 88 (20.0%), 37, 77 (10.7%), and 61 (13.9%) cases were diagnosed as connective tissue disease‐related interstitial lung disease, definite histopathological diagnoses, malignancies, and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, respectively.ConclusionsConventional TBLB served as a key determinant or provided supplementary information in the final diagnosis of non‐infectious DPLDs. TBLB decision‐making should therefore be based on clinical and radiological data.
Fuelling the urban economy: A comparative study of energy in the Low Countries, 1600–1850
Authors: Ryckbosch Wouter , Saelens Wout 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWhat was the role of energy in shaping modern economies and fuelling the transition to sustained economic growth? In the historiography on the industrial revolution, the transition to fossil energy carriers plays a central role. Despite recent efforts to gather new empirical evidence, long‐term comparative studies on energy transitions and their economic impact before and during the first industrial revolution remain rare. As a contribution to this literature, this article presents new quantitative data on energy consumption from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries in the Low Countries. To explore differences in the chronology and impact of energy transitions, we compare the total levels of energy consumption, the energy mix, and the prices of fuels between two cities in the northern and southern Low Countries: Leiden and Ghent. This analysis enables us to explore more clearly which factors played a key role in the interaction between energy, economic growth, and industrialisation. The transition towards a cheap‐energy economy in Holland was associated with economic growth, but not with mechanisation. On the other hand, the rapid mechanisation process in Ghent was associated not with a cheap‐energy economy (relative to that of Leiden), but more specifically with a cheap‐coal economy.
Association between serum uric acid to serum creatinine ratio and poor functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Gong Yong , Tian Xue , Zhou Yilun , Qin Xu , Meng Xia , Chen Pan , Wang Anxin , Wang Yongjun 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeThe role of serum uric acid (SUA) in prognosis is controversial because SUA levels largely depend on renal clearance function. This study aimed to investigate the association between renal function‐normalized SUA (SUA to serum creatinine [SCr] ratio [SUA/SCr ratio]) and poor functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsAll patients were recruited from the Third China National Stroke Registry. Poor functional outcomes were defined by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 3–6 or 2‐6 at 3 months and 1 year.ResultsAmong 8169 enrolled patients, the median (interquartile range) SUA/SCr ratio was 4.19 (3.47–5.08). Compared with patients in the fourth quintile group, those in the first quintile group had higher proportions of mRS scores 3–6 (odds ratio [OR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–1.93) and mRS scores 2–6 (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.08–1.53) at 3 months. The addition of SUA/SCr ratio to the conventional risk model had a greater incremental value than the addition of either SUA or SCr alone. Subgroup analysis showed that the association was only significant in patients with normal kidney function (p for interaction<0.05). Similar results were found for outcomes at 1 year.ConclusionsA lower SUA/SCr ratio was associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with AIS at 3 months and at 1 year, suggesting the potential use of SUA/SCr ratio in clinical practice as a preferable marker for stroke outcomes.
Differential proteomic expression in indolent vulvar lichen sclerosus, transforming vulvar lichen sclerosus and normal vulvar tissue
Authors: Gleue Casey A. , Xie Fangyi , Deschaine Maria , Dasari Surendra , Sartori‐Valinotti Julio C. , Torgerson Rochelle R. , Davis Mark D. P. , Charlesworth M. Cristine , Meves Alexander , Lehman Julia S. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractVulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) confers approximately 3% risk of malignant transformation to vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). We used unbiased proteomic methods to identify differentially expressed proteins in tissue of patients with VLS who developed VSCC compared to those who did not. We used laser capture microdissection‐ and nanoLC‐tandem mass spectrometry to assess protein expression in individuals in normal vulvar tissue (NVT, n = 4), indolent VLS (no VSCC after at least 5 years follow‐up, n = 5) or transforming VSCC (preceding VSCC, n = 5). Interferon‐γ and antigen‐presenting pathways are overexpressed in indolent and transforming VLS compared to NVT. There was differential expression of malignancy‐related proteins in transforming VLS compared to indolent VLS (CAV1 overexpression, AKAP12 underexpression), particularly in the EIF2 translation pathway, which has been previously implicated in carcinogenesis. Results of this study provide additional molecular evidence supporting the concept that VLS is a risk factor for VSCC and highlights possible future biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets.
Potential di‐genic contribution to guttate leukoderma as the predominant feature of epidermolysis bullosa simplex
Authors: Koren Tamar , Zagairy Fadia , Tatour Yasmin , Belhanes‐Peled Hila , Khayat Morad , Krausz Judit , Danial‐Farran Nada , Ziv Michael , Cohen‐Barak Eran 
Published: August 2022

AbstractInherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) simplex is a heterogeneous group of skin fragility disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding cell‐cell or cell‐matrix adhesion proteins. A recently identified, rare subtype of EB simplex is due to bi‐allelic mutations in the EXPH5 gene, which encodes exophilin5, an effector protein of the Rab27B GTPase involved in intracellular vesicle trafficking and exosome secretion. The EXPH5 EB subtype is characterized by early‐onset skin blisters and scars, mainly on extremities, and varying degrees of pigmentary alterations. Here, we present a 31‐year‐old female with diffuse guttate hypopigmentation on the trunk and extremities since early childhood, with no apparent blisters or scars. We employed whole exome sequencing of germline DNA extracted from the patient's leukocytes to determine the genetic aetiology of the phenotype. A novel homozygous variant in EXPH5, c.1153C>T causing a premature stop codon at amino acid Glutamine 385, was identified. Histologic examination after skin pricking disclosed focal keratinocyte detachment typical to EB. Additionally, we identified a deleterious‐predicted variant in ENPP1, a gene associated with disturbed transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes in Cole disease. Our report expands the clinical spectrum of inherited EB simplex with a possible di‐genic synergism contributing to co‐presentation with guttate leukoderma.
Immunomodulatory effect of IL‐35 gene‐transfected mesenchymal stem cells on allergic asthma
Authors: Bao Xiang‐hua , Gao Feng , Athari Seyyed Shamsadin , Wang Hongqun 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAsthma is a common respiratory disease that has no definitive treatment at now. Immune response shifting from T helper (Th)1 to the Th2 is a main problem in asthma, and immunomodulation can help to control asthma. IL‐35 and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have regulatory effect on the immune system and may have the ability to control asthma pathology. After culturing MSCs, expression vector of IL‐35 (pUNO1‐mIL35elasti) was transduced to the MSCs, and then, asthmatic mice were treated with MSCs, MSCs‐vector, MSCs‐vector‐IL‐35, and no treatment. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), levels of the cytokines, total and ovalbumin (OVA) specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E, LTB4, and LTC4 were measured. Lung tissue histopathology was also done. MSCs were successfully transduced by pUNO1‐mIL35elasti vector, and IL‐35 was produced in transduced cells. AHR, levels of the cytokines, IgEs, LTs, goblet cell hyperplasia, mucus secretion, peribronchial, and perivascular inflammation were controlled by MSCs therapy. In MSCs‐IL‐35 group, these controls were stronger than MSCs without IL‐35 group. MSCs had strong effect on control of asthma. Transfected MSCs by expressing IL‐35 gene could significantly better control allergic asthma symptoms than MSCs without IL‐35. In the future, identification of the IL‐35 mechanism of action would be useful to improve cytokine‐cell based therapies.