bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yes-associated protein contributes to magnesium alloy-derivedinflammation in endothelial cells
Authors: Yu Hongchi , Hou Zhe , Chen Nuoya , Luo Rifang , Yang Li , Miao Michael , Ma Xiaoyi , Zhou Lifeng , He Fugui , Shen Yang , Liu Xiaoheng , Wang Yunbing 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Magnesium alloy (Mg alloy) has attracted massive attention in the potential applications of cardiovascular stents because of its good biocompatibility and degradability. However, whether and how the Mg alloy induces inflammation in endothelial cells remains unclear. In the present work, we investigated the activation of Yes-associated protein (YAP) upon Mg alloy stimuli and unveiled the transcriptional function in Mg alloy-induced inflammation. Quantitative RT–PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining showed that Mg alloy inhibited the Hippo pathway to facilitate nuclear shuttling and activation of YAP in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed sequencing was carried out to explore the transcriptional function of YAP in Mg alloy-derived inflammation. This led to the observation that nuclear YAP further bonded to the promoter region of inflammation transcription factors and co-transcription factors. This binding event activated their transcription and modified mRNA methylation of inflammation-related genes through regulating the expression of N6-methyladenosine modulators (METTL3, METTL14, FTO and WTAP). This then promoted inflammation-related gene expression and aggravated inflammation in HCAECs. In YAP deficiency cells, Mg alloy-induced inflammation was reduced. Collectively, our data suggest that YAP contributes to the Mg alloy-derived inflammation in HCAECs and may provide a potential therapeutic target that alleviates inflammation after Mg alloy stent implantation.
Quality Improvement Intervention Bundle Using the PUPPIES Acronym Reduces Pressure Injury Incidence in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: McLaughlin Jillian M. , Tran Jacquelynn P. , Hameed Samee A. , Roach Dell E. , Andersen Clark R. , Zhu Victor Z. , Sparks Blake B. , Phillips Linda G. , Koutrouvelis Aristides P. , Tyler Douglas S. 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
To assess whether a quality improvement bundle focusing on prevention is effective in reducing pressure injury (PI) incidence or costs or delaying PI onset.

METHODS
A combined retrospective/prospective cohort study was performed at an academic tertiary care ICU on all patients admitted with a length of stay longer than 48 hours and Braden scale score of 18 or less. Following retrospective data collection (preintervention), a multimodal quality improvement bundle focusing on PI prevention through leadership initiatives, visual tools, and staff/patient education was developed, and data were prospectively collected (postintervention).

RESULTS
Statistical and cost analyses were performed comparing both cohorts. A total of 930 patients met the study inclusion criteria (preintervention, n = 599; postintervention, n = 331). A significant decrease in PI incidence was observed from preintervention (n = 37 [6%]) to postintervention (n = 7 [2%], P = .005). This led to a predicted yearly cost savings of $826,810. Further, a significant increase in time to PI occurrence was observed from preintervention (mean, 5 days) to postintervention (mean, 9 days; P = .04). Staff were compliant with the bundle implementation 80% of the time.

CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of the quality improvement bundle focused on multimodal PI prevention in critically ill patients led to a significant reduction in PI incidence, increased time to PI occurrence, and was cost-effective.
Weight Surveillance and Heart Failure Self-assessment in Patients with Chronic Leg Wounds: A Pilot Study
Authors: Stecker Julia , Schwinck Jessica 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
To determine if a weight check and heart failure symptom evaluation with each wound care visit could impact wound healing in patients with heart failure and chronic leg wounds.

METHODS
This was a descriptive, correlational study at an outpatient wound healing center in the Pacific Northwest. A convenience sample of individuals currently enrolled at the center with leg wounds and heart failure was identified from standardized electronic medical records. The comparison group received standard care. The intervention group received a body weight check via digital scale and heart failure self-assessment via a standardized assessment tool. Outcome measures included healing rates with weight exacerbation, number of referrals, and hospitalizations for exacerbations.

RESULTS
A total of four participants received the intervention, and three were in the control group. Descriptive analysis showed no significant differences between groups or between weight and left ventricle ejection fraction to wound surface area change. A significant positive correlation was observed between past referrals and past hospitalization (r
s = 0.79; P = .033; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.97). The intervention group had abnormal spikes in wound size that coincided with weight gain. There were no referrals or hospitalizations during the intervention phase, and it is possible that heart failure self-assessment with every wound care visit prevented exacerbations.

CONCLUSIONS
Despite the use of an evaluation tool, the intervention and comparison groups had no significantly different outcomes. It is unclear if the intervention was not effective because of the methodology or study limitations. Further research with a larger sample, standardized tools for wound assessment, and a lengthier intervention phase is recommended.
A residual marker of cognitive reserve is associated with resting-state intrinsic functional connectivity along the Alzheimer’s disease continuum
Authors: Ersoezlue Ersin , Perneczky Robert , Tatò Maia , Utecht Julia , Kurz Carolin , Häckert Jan , Guersel Selim , Burow Lena , Koller Gabriele , Stöcklein Sophia , Keeser Daniel , Papazov Boris , Totzke Marie , Ballarini Tommaso , Brosseron Frederic , Buerger Katharina , Dechent Peter , Dobisch Laura , Ewers Michael , Fliessbach Klaus , Glanz Wenzel , Haynes John Dylan , Heneka Michael T , Janowitz Daniel , Kilimann Ingo , Kleineidam Luca , Laske Christoph , Maier Franziska , Munk Matthias H , Peters Oliver , Priller Josef , Ramirez Alfredo , Röske Sandra , Roy Nina , Scheffler Klaus , Schneider Anja , Schott Björn H , Spottke Annika , Spruth Eike Jakob , Teipel Stefan , Unterfeld Chantal , Wagner Michael , Wang Xiao , Wiltfang Jens , Wolfsgruber Steffen , Yakupov Renat , Düzel Emrah , Jessen Frank , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan ,   DELCODE study group
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundCognitive reserve (CR) explains interindividual differences in the impact of neurodegenerative burden on cognitive and daily functioning. A residual model was proposed to estimate CR more accurately compared to static measures, such as years of education. However, the functional brain correlates of residual CR markers (CRM) remain unexplored.MethodsFrom the DELCODE cohort, 318 participants with resting-state functional and structural MRI data were included and stratified using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers according to the A(myloid-β, Aβ)/T(au)/N(eurodegeneration) classification scheme, resulting in 112 Aβ-negative healthy controls and 206 Aβ-positive patients in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) spectrum.. CRM was calculated utilizing residuals obtained from a multilinear regression model using global cognition as dependent variable and demographic and disease burden measures as predictors. Associations between the CRM and intrinsic network connectivity (INC) in resting-state networks associated with cognition were explored, including the default mode network (DMN), frontoparietal network (FPN), salience network (SAL) and dorsal attention network (DAN). Moreover, the association between memory performance-associated regional INC and CRM was assessed.ResultsCRM was positively associated with INC in the DMN in the entire cohort. In a subgroup analysis, the A+T+N+ group revealed an anti-correlation between SAL and DMN. Furthermore, CRM was positively associated with the anti-correlation between the memory-related regions in the FPN and the DMN in the A+ and A+T/N+ subgroups.ConclusionsCRM is associated with alterations of functional connectivity in resting-state networks of cognitive function, particularly the DMN and the FPN. Our results provide evidence on individual functional network differences associated with CRM in the AD continuum.
Joint embedding of biological networks for cross-species functional alignment
Authors: Li Lechuan , Dannenfelser Ruth , Zhu Yu , Hejduk Nathaniel , Segarra Santiago , Yao Vicky 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTModel organisms are widely used to better understand the molecular causes of human disease. While sequence similarity greatly aids this transfer, sequence similarity does not imply functional similarity, and thus, several current approaches incorporate protein-protein interactions (PPIs) to help map findings between species. Existing transfer methods either formulate the alignment problem as a matching problem which pits network features against known orthology, or more recently, as a joint embedding problem. Here, we propose a novel state-of-the-art joint embedding solution: Embeddings to Network Alignment (ETNA). More specifically, ETNA generates individual network embeddings based on network topological structures and then uses a Natural Language Processing-inspired cross-training approach to align the two embeddings using sequence orthologs. The final embedding preserves both within and between species gene functional relationships, and we demonstrate that it captures both pairwise and group functional relevance. In addition, ETNA’s embeddings can be used to transfer genetic interactions across species and identify phenotypic alignments, laying the groundwork for potential opportunities for drug repurposing and translational studies.
The two-component system ChvGI maintains cell envelope homeostasis in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Quintero-Yanes Alex , Mayard Aurélie , Hallez Régis 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTwo-component systems (TCS) are often used by bacteria to rapidly assess and respond to environmental changes. The ChvG/ChvI (ChvGI) TCS conserved in α-proteobacteria is known for regulating expression of genes related to exopolysaccharide production, virulence and growth. The sensor kinase ChvG autophosphorylates upon yet unknown signals and phosphorylates the response regulator ChvI to regulate transcription. Recent studies in Caulobacter crescentus showed that chv mutants are sensitive to vancomycin treatment and fail to grow in synthetic minimal media. In this work, we identified the osmotic imbalance as the main cause of growth impairment in synthetic minimal media. We also determined the ChvI regulon and found that ChvI regulates cell envelope architecture by controlling outer membrane, peptidoglycan assembly/recycling and inner membrane proteins. In addition, we found that ChvI phosphorylation is also activated upon antibiotic treatment with vancomycin. We also challenged chv mutants with other cell envelope related stress and found that treatment with antibiotics targeting transpeptidation of peptidoglycan during cell elongation impairs growth of the mutant. Moreover, these antibiotics activate expression of the chvIG-hprK operon. Finally, we observed that the sensor kinase ChvG relocates from a patchy-spotty distribution to distinctive foci after transition from complex to synthetic minimal media. Interestingly, this pattern of (re)location has been described for proteins involved in cell growth control and peptidoglycan synthesis upon osmotic shock. Overall, our data support that the ChvGI TCS is mainly used to monitor and respond to osmotic imbalances and damages in the peptidoglycan layer to maintain cell envelope homeostasis.ImportanceThe cell envelope is the first barrier protecting cells from harsh environmental conditions, such as temperature, pH, oxidative and osmotic imbalances. It is also an obstacle for the intake of antibiotics targeting essential cellular processes. Therefore, molecular components and systems responding to cell envelope stress and maintaining cell envelope homeostasis are important targets for drug therapy. Here we show that the two-component system ChvGI, highly conserved in free-living and pathogenic α-proteobacteria, is activated upon osmotic upshift and treatment with antibiotics targeting peptidoglycan synthesis to activate the transcription of multiple genes involved in cell envelope homeostasis in Caulobacter crescentus. We also show that the kinase sensor ChvG displays a dynamic localisation pattern that changes depending on osmotic imbalance. To our knowledge this is the first two-component system reported to change his cellular localisation upon environmental stress.
T cell response following anti COVID-19 BNT162b2 vaccination is maintained against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron B.1.1.529 variant of concern
Authors: Cohen Hila , Rotem Shahar , Elia Uri , Bilinsky Gal , Levy Itzchak , Chitlaru Theodor , Bar-Haim Erez 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe progression of the COVID-19 pandemic leads to the emergence of variants of concern (VOC), which may compromise the efficacy of the currently administered vaccines. Antigenic drift can potentially bring about a reduced protective T cell immunity and consequently to more severe disease manifestations. To assess this possibility, the T cell responses to the wild-type, Wuhan-1 SARS-CoV-2 ancestral spike protein and Omicron B.1.1.529 spike protein were compared. Accordingly, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 8 healthy volunteers 4-5 months following a third vaccination with BNT162b2, and stimulated with overlapping peptide libraries representing the spike of either the ancestral or Omicron SARS-CoV- 2 virus variants. Quantification of the specific T cells was carried out by a fluorescent ELISPOT assay, monitoring interferon-gamma (IFNg), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) secreting cells. For all the examined individuals, comparable level of reactivity to both forms of spike protein were determined. In addition, a dominant Th1 response was observed, manifested mainly by IFNg secreting cells and only limited numbers of IL-10 and IL-4 secreting cells. The data demonstrates a stable T cell activity to the emerging Omicron variant in the tested individuals, therefore the protective immunity to the variant following BNT162b2 vaccination is not significantly affected.
Dopamine ameliorates hyperglycemic memory-induced vascular dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Lee Yeon-Ju , Jeon Hye-Yoon , Lee Ah-Jun , Kim Minsoo , Ha Kwon-Soo 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTDopamine is a neurotransmitter that mediates visual function in the retina, and hyperglycemic memory (HGM) is a pivotal phenomenon in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR); however, the role of dopamine in HGM-induced retinal vascular dysfunction remains unclear. Here, we report a mechanism of HGM-induced retinal vascular dysfunction and the protective effect of dopamine against the HGM-induced DR. HGM induces retinal vascular lesions through persistent oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and microvascular abnormalities after blood glucose normalization, and dopamine ameliorates this HGM-induced retinopathy. HGM induced persistent oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and fission, and adherens junction disassembly and subsequent vascular leakage in the mouse retinas. These persistent hyperglycemic stresses were inhibited by dopamine treatment in human retinal endothelial cells and by intravitreal injection of levodopa in the retinas of HGM mice. Our findings suggest that dopamine alleviates HGM-induced retinal vascular dysfunction by inhibiting persistent mitochondrial dysfunction and microvascular abnormalities.
Novel Internalin P homologs in Listeria
Authors: Conner Kayla N , Burke Joseph T , Ravi Janani , Hardy Jonathan W 
Published: January 2022

AbstractListeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a bacterial pathogen that causes listeriosis in immunocompromised individuals, particularly pregnant women. Several virulence factors support the intracellular lifecycle of Lm and facilitate cell-to-cell spread, allowing it to occupy multiple niches within the host and cross protective barriers, including the placenta. One family of virulence factors, internalins, contributes to Lm pathogenicity by inducing specific uptake and conferring tissue tropism. Over 25 internalins have been identified thus far, but only a few have been extensively studied. Internalins contain leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains which enable protein-protein interactions, allowing Lm to bind host proteins. Notably, other Listeria species express internalins but cannot colonize human hosts, prompting questions regarding the evolution of internalins within the genus Listeria. Internalin P (InlP) promotes placental colonization through interaction with the host protein afadin. Though prior studies of InlP have begun to elucidate its role in Lm pathogenesis, there remains a lack of information regarding homologs in other Listeria species. Here, we have used a computational evolutionary approach to identify InlP homologs in additional Listeria species. We found that L. ivanovii londoniensis (Liv) and L. seeligeri (Ls) encode InlP homologs. We also found InlP-like homologs in L. innocua and the recently identified species L. costaricensis. All newly identified homologs lack the full-length LRR6 and LRR7 domains found in Lm’s InlP. These findings inform on the evolution of one key Lm virulence factor, InlP, and serve as a springboard for future evolutionary studies of Lm pathogenesis as well as mechanistic studies of Listeria internalins.Impact StatementThe intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes can breach protective barriers in the pregnant host, allowing for the colonization of the placenta in pregnant women and resulting in numerous adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies aimed at delineating the mechanisms behind placental colonization of L. monocytogenes identified a key virulence factor, internalin P (InlP). The internalin family of proteins has been studied extensively due to their conservation in the Listeria genus and their contribution to virulence and pathogenicity in L. monocytogenes. Still, many questions remain regarding the evolution of internalins and their potential roles in non-pathogenic Listeria. Our work addresses this gap in knowledge by 1) identifying additional InlP homologs in Listeria, including L. ivanovii, L. seeligeri, L. innocua, and L. costaricensis, and 2) characterizing these homologs using computational evolutionary methods to compare their primary sequences, domain architectures, and structural models. Together, our findings contribute to the field by providing insights into the evolution of one key member of the internalin family as well as serving as a catalyst for future studies of InlP and its role in Listeria pathogenesis.
CFD investigation of shock boundary layer interaction in hypersonic flow and flow control using micro ramps
Authors: Gupta Gautam , Ashok Kumar Akshay , Sivakumar R. , Kandasamy Jayaraman 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the prevalence of shock boundary layer interaction (SBLI) in air-breathing intake system is highly undesirable since this leads to high pressure gradients, typical stream mutilation and pressure drop. A novel flow control mechanism is incorporated in this research holding an array configuration of passive flow control device (micro ramps [MR]) that is adapted to improve the boundary layer stability.

Design/methodology/approach
Two geometric variants of the MR, namely, MR40 and MR80 is considered which reduce the pressure drop during SBLI. The incidence oblique shock wave angle of 34° is considered for the modelling. Large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model was used with subgrid models of Wall modelled LES, Smagorinsky–Lilly to compute the unsteady effects of SBLI control using micro vortex generators. The unsteady results are compared with steady Reynold’s average Naviers–Stoke’s equation for calibrating the turbulence models.

Findings
The array configuration of MR80 reduces the pressure drop by 22% as compared with no ramp configuration and also reduces the flow distortion in hypersonic inlet. The most affected region of the MR is in the vicinity of center-line. Quantitative results prove that the upstream influence of the shock waves has been largely reduces by MR80 array configuration as compared to single MR80 pattern configuration. Different vortex structures found in the experiments was exclusively predicted using LES.

Originality/value
This paper substantiates the requirement of MR array configuration for transferring the momentum from free stream to the boundary layer and thereby energizing the boundary layer. This process of energization delays the flow separation in hypersonic flow.
Research status of supercritical aviation kerosene and a convection heat transfer considering thermal pyrolysis
Authors: Li Yong , Zhang Yingchun , Xie Gongnan , Sunden Bengt Ake 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to comprehensively clarify the research status of thermal transport of supercritical aviation kerosene, with particular interests in the effect of cracking on heat transfer.

Design/methodology/approach
A brief review of current research on supercritical aviation kerosene is presented in views of the surrogate model of hydrocarbon fuels, chemical cracking mechanism of hydrocarbon fuels, thermo-physical properties of hydrocarbon fuels, turbulence models, flow characteristics and thermal performances, which indicates that more efforts need to be directed into these topics. Therefore, supercritical thermal transport of n-decane is then computationally investigated in the condition of thermal pyrolysis, while the ASPEN HYSYS gives the properties of n-decane and pyrolysis products. In addition, the one-step chemical cracking mechanism and SST k-ω turbulence model are applied with relatively high precision.

Findings
The existing surrogate models of aviation kerosene are limited to a specific scope of application and their thermo-physical properties deviate from the experimental data. The turbulence models used to implement numerical simulation should be studied to further improve the prediction accuracy. The thermal-induced acceleration is driven by the drastic density change, which is caused by the production of small molecules. The wall temperature of the combustion chamber can be effectively reduced by this behavior, i.e. the phenomenon of heat transfer deterioration can be attenuated or suppressed by thermal pyrolysis.

Originality/value
The issues in numerical studies of supercritical aviation kerosene are clearly revealed, and the conjugation mechanism between thermal pyrolysis and convective heat transfer is initially presented.