ALBERT

All Library Books, journals and Electronic Records Telegrafenberg

Your email was sent successfully. Check your inbox.

An error occurred while sending the email. Please try again.

Proceed reservation?

Export
Filter
  • Public Library of Science (PLoS)
  • Springer Science + Business Media
  • 1
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In:  EPIC3PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), 18(8), pp. e0290437-e0290437, ISSN: 1932-6203
    Publication Date: 2023-08-31
    Description: Due to its involvement in numerous feedbacks, sea ice plays a crucial role not only for polar climate but also at global scale. We analyse state-of-the-art observed, reconstructed, and modelled sea-ice concentration (SIC) together with sea surface temperature (SST) to disentangle the influence of different forcing factors on the variability of these coupled fields. Canonical Correlation Analysis provides distinct pairs of coupled Arctic SIC–Atlantic SST variability which are linked to prominent oceanic and atmospheric modes of variability over the period 1854–2017. The first pair captures the behaviour of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) while the third and can be associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in a physically consistent manner. The dominant global SIC–Atlantic SST coupled mode highlights the contrast between the responses of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice to changes in AMOC over the 1959–2021 period. Model results indicate that coupled SST–SIC patterns can be associated with changes in ocean circulation. We conclude that a correct representation of AMOC-induced coupled SST–SIC variability in climate models is essential to understand the past, present and future sea-ice evolution.
    Repository Name: EPIC Alfred Wegener Institut
    Type: Article , isiRev
    Format: application/pdf
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 2
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In:  EPIC3PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), 18(7), pp. e0286036-e0286036, ISSN: 1932-6203
    Publication Date: 2023-08-01
    Description: Euphausia superba is a key species of the Southern Ocean, impacted by climate change and human exploitation. Understanding how these changes affect the distribution and abundance of krill is crucial for generating projections of change for Southern Ocean ecosystems. Krill growth is an important indicator of habitat suitability and a series of models have been developed and used to examine krill growth potential at different spatial and temporal scales. The available models have been developed using a range of empirical and mechanistic approaches, providing alternative perspectives and comparative analyses of the key processes influencing krill growth. Here we undertake an intercomparison of a suite of the available models to understand their sensitivities to major driving variables. This illustrates that the results are strongly determined by the model structure and technical characteristics, and the data on which they were developed and validated. Our results emphasize the importance of assessing the constraints and requirements of individual krill growth models to ensure their appropriate application. The study also demonstrates the value of the development of alternative modelling approaches to identify key processes affecting the dynamics of krill. Of critical importance for modelling the growth of krill is appropriately assessing and accounting for differences in estimates of food availability resulting from alternative methods of observation. We suggest that an intercomparison approach is particularly valuable in the development and application of models for the assessment of krill growth potential at circumpolar scales and for future projections. As another result of the intercomparison, the implementations of the models used in this study are now publicly available for future use and analyses.
    Repository Name: EPIC Alfred Wegener Institut
    Type: Article , isiRev
    Format: application/pdf
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 3
    Publication Date: 2024-02-28
    Description: The superfamily Orthalicoidea comprises approximately 2,000 species of terrestrial gastropods, mostly concentrated in the Neotropics but also present in southern Africa and Oceania. We provide a multi-marker molecular phylogeny of this superfamily, reassessing its \nfamily- and genus-level classification. We exclude two families from the group, Odontostomidae and Vidaliellidae, transferring them to Rhytidoidea based on their phylogenetic relationships as recovered herein. Two new families are recognized herein as members of \nOrthalicoidea, Tomogeridae and Cyclodontinidae fam. nov. The family Megaspiridae and \nthe subfamily Prestonellinae are paraphyletic but are retained herein for taxonomic stability. \nThe subfamily Placostylinae is synonymized with Bothriembryontinae. The new genera \nAlterorhinus gen. nov. and Sanniostracus gen. nov. containing some Brazilian species are \ndescribed here to better reflect the phylogeny. The fossil record and paleobiogeographic \nhistory of the group is explored under the new phylogenetic framework.
    Repository Name: National Museum of Natural History, Netherlands
    Type: info:eu-repo/semantics/article
    Format: application/pdf
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 4
    Publication Date: 2024-03-08
    Description: Biodiversity loss is a major global challenge and minimizing extinction rates is the goal of \nseveral multilateral environmental agreements. Policy decisions require comprehensive, \nspatially explicit information on species\xe2\x80\x99 distributions and threats. We present an analysis of \nthe conservation status of 14,669 European terrestrial, freshwater and marine species (ca. \n10% of the continental fauna and flora), including all vertebrates and selected groups of \ninvertebrates and plants. Our results reveal that 19% of European species are threatened \nwith extinction, with higher extinction risks for plants (27%) and invertebrates (24%) compared to vertebrates (18%). These numbers exceed recent IPBES (Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) assumptions of extinction risk. Changes in \nagricultural practices and associated habitat loss, overharvesting, pollution and development are major threats to biodiversity. Maintaining and restoring sustainable land and water \nuse practices is crucial to minimize future biodiversity declines.
    Repository Name: National Museum of Natural History, Netherlands
    Type: info:eu-repo/semantics/article
    Format: application/pdf
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 5
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In:  PLOS Computational Biology vol. 19 no. 10, pp. e1011541-e1011541
    Publication Date: 2024-03-12
    Description: Insect population numbers and biodiversity have been rapidly declining with time, and monitoring \nthese trends has become increasingly important for conservation measures to be \neffectively implemented. But monitoring methods are often invasive, time and resource \nintense, and prone to various biases. Many insect species produce characteristic sounds \nthat can easily be detected and recorded without large cost or effort. Using deep learning \nmethods, insect sounds from field recordings could be automatically detected and classified \nto monitor biodiversity and species distribution ranges. We implement this using recently \npublished datasets of insect sounds (up to 66 species of Orthoptera and Cicadidae) and \nmachine learning methods and evaluate their potential for acoustic insect monitoring. We \ncompare the performance of the conventional spectrogram-based audio representation \nagainst LEAF, a new adaptive and waveform-based frontend. LEAF achieved better classification \nperformance than the mel-spectrogram frontend by adapting its feature extraction \nparameters during training. This result is encouraging for future implementations of deep \nlearning technology for automatic insect sound recognition, especially as larger datasets \nbecome available.
    Repository Name: National Museum of Natural History, Netherlands
    Type: info:eu-repo/semantics/article
    Format: application/pdf
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 6
    Publication Date: 2023-06-21
    Description: Multiomics approaches need to be applied in the central Arctic Ocean to benchmark biodiversity change and to identify novel species and their genes. As part of MOSAiC, EcoOmics will therefore be essential for conservation and sustainable bioprospecting in one of the least explored ecosystems on Earth.
    Repository Name: EPIC Alfred Wegener Institut
    Type: Article , NonPeerReviewed
    Format: application/pdf
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 7
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In:  EPIC3PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), 17(9), pp. e0273623-e0273623, ISSN: 1932-6203
    Publication Date: 2023-10-23
    Description: While the output of a team is evident, the productivity of each team member is typically not readily identifiable. In this paper we consider the problem of measuring the productivity of team members. We propose a new concept of coworker productivity, which we refer to as eigenvalue productivity (EVP). We demonstrate the existence and uniqueness of our concept and show that it possesses several desirable properties. Also, we suggest a procedure for specifying the required productivity matrix of a team, and illustrate the operational practicability of EVP by means of three examples representing different types of available data.
    Repository Name: EPIC Alfred Wegener Institut
    Type: Article , peerRev
    Format: application/pdf
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 8
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In:  EPIC3PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), 15(8), pp. e0237704-e0237704, ISSN: 1932-6203
    Publication Date: 2023-06-21
    Description: Since plastics degrade very slowly, they remain in the environment on much longer timescales than most natural organic substrates and provide a novel habitat for colonization by bacterial communities. The spectrum of relationships between plastics and bacteria, however, is little understood. The first objective of this study was to examine plastics as substrates for communities of Bacteria in estuarine surface waters. We used next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize communities from plastics collected in the field, and over the course of two colonization experiments, from biofilms that developed on plastic (low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene) and glass substrates placed in the environment. Both field sampling and colonization experiments were conducted in estuarine tributaries of the lower Chesapeake Bay. As a second objective, we concomitantly analyzed biofilms on plastic substrates to ascertain the presence and abundance of Vibrio spp. bacteria, then isolated three human pathogens, V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus, and determined their antibiotic-resistant profiles. In both components of this study, we compared our results with analyses conducted on paired samples of estuarine water. This research adds to a nascent literature that suggests environmental factors govern the development of bacterial communities on plastics, more so than the characteristics of the plastic substrates themselves. In addition, this study is the first to culture three pathogenic vibrios from plastics in estuaries, reinforcing and expanding upon earlier reports of plastic pollution as a habitat for Vibrio species. The antibiotic resistance detected among the isolates, coupled with the longevity of plastics in the aqueous environment, suggests biofilms on plastics have potential to persist and serve as focal points of potential pathogens and horizontal gene transfer.
    Repository Name: EPIC Alfred Wegener Institut
    Type: Article , NonPeerReviewed
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 9
    Publication Date: 2022-01-31
    Description: Aquatic ecosystems worldwide continue to experience unprecedented warming and ecological change. Warming increases metabolic rates of animals, plants, and microbes, accelerating their use of energy and materials, their population growth, and interaction rates. At a much larger biological scale, warming accelerates ecosystem-level processes, elevating fluxes of carbon and oxygen between biota and the atmosphere. Although these general effects of temperature at finer and broader biological scales are widely observed, they can lead to contradictory predictions for how warming affects the structure and function of ecological communities at the intermediate scale of biological organization. We experimentally tested the hypothesis that the presence of predators and their associated species interactions modify the temperature dependence of net ecosystem oxygen production and respiration. We tracked a series of independent freshwater ecosystems (370 L) over 9 weeks, and we found that at higher temperatures, cascading effects of predators on zooplankton prey and algae were stronger than at lower temperatures. When grazing was weak or absent, standing phytoplankton biomass declined by 85%–95% (〈1-fold) over the temperature gradient (19–30 °C), and by 3-fold when grazers were present and lacked predators. These temperature-dependent species interactions and consequent community biomass shifts occurred without signs of species loss or community collapse, and only modestly affected the temperature dependence of net ecosystem oxygen fluxes. The exponential increases in net ecosystem oxygen production and consumption were relatively insensitive to differences in trophic interactions among ecosystems. Furthermore, monotonic declines in phytoplankton standing stock suggested no threshold effects of warming across systems. We conclude that local changes in community structure, including temperature-dependent trophic cascades, may be compatible with prevailing and predictable effects of temperature on ecosystem functions related to fundamental effects of temperature on metabolism.
    Type: Article , PeerReviewed
    Format: text
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 10
    Publication Date: 2023-03-09
    Description: Almost all animals and plants are inhabited by diverse communities of microorganisms, the microbiota, thereby forming an integrated entity, the metaorganism. Natural selection should favor hosts that shape the community composition of these microbes to promote a beneficial host-microbe symbiosis. Indeed, animal hosts often pose selective environments, which only a subset of the environmentally available microbes are able to colonize. How these microbes assemble after colonization to form the complex microbiota is less clear. Neutral models are based on the assumption that the alternatives in microbiota community composition are selectively equivalent and thus entirely shaped by random population dynamics and dispersal. Here, we use the neutral model as a null hypothesis to assess microbiata composition in host organisms, which does not rely on invoking any adaptive processes underlying microbial community assembly. We show that the overall microbiota community structure from a wide range of host organisms, in particular including previously understudied invertebrates, is in many cases consistent with neutral expectations. Our approach allows to identify individual microbes that are deviating from the neutral expectation and are therefore interesting candidates for further study. Moreover, using simulated communities, we demonstrate that transient community states may play a role in the deviations from the neutral expectation. Our findings highlight that the consideration of neutral processes and temporal changes in community composition are critical for an in-depth understanding of microbiota-host interactions.
    Type: Article , PeerReviewed
    Format: text
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 11
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Cedric Alaux, Samuel Soubeyrand, Alberto Prado, Mathilde Peruzzi, Alban Maisonnasse, Julien Vallon, Julie Hernandez, Pascal Jourdan, Yves Le Conte Honeybee colonies are increasingly exposed to environmental stress factors, which can lead to their decline or failure. However, there are major gaps in stressor risk assessment due to the difficulty of assessing the honeybee colony state and detecting abnormal events. Since stress factors usually induce a demographic disturbance in the colony (e.g. loss of foragers, early transition from nurse to forager state), we suggest that disturbances could be revealed indirectly by measuring the age- and task-related physiological state of bees, which can be referred to as biological age (an indicator of the changes in physiological state that occur throughout an individual lifespan). We therefore estimated the biological age of bees from the relationship between age and biomarkers of task specialization (vitellogenin and the adipokinetic hormone receptor). This relationship was determined from a calibrated sample set of known-age bees and mathematically modelled for biological age prediction. Then, we determined throughout the foraging season the evolution of the biological age of bees from colonies with low (conventional apiary) or high Varroa destructor infestation rates (organic apiary). We found that the biological age of bees from the conventional apiary progressively decreased from the spring (17 days) to the fall (6 days). However, in colonies from the organic apiary, the population aged from spring (13 days) to summer (18.5 days) and then rejuvenated in the fall (13 days) after Varroa treatment. Biological age was positively correlated with the amount of brood (open and closed cells) in the apiary with low Varroa pressure, and negatively correlated with Varroa infestation level in the apiary with high Varroa pressure. Altogether, these results show that the estimation of biological age is a useful and effective method for assessing colony demographic state and likely detrimental effects of stress factors.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 12
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Maganizo B. Chagomerana, William C. Miller, Jennifer H. Tang, Irving F. Hoffman, Bryna J. Harrington, Bethany DiPrete, Shaphil Wallie, Allan Jumbe, Laura Limarzi, Mina C. Hosseinipour Background In Malawi’s PMTCT Option B+ program, HIV-infected pregnant women who are already receiving ART are continued on their current therapy regimen without testing for treatment failure at the first antenatal care (ANC) visit. HIV RNA screening at ANC may identify women with treatment failure and ensure that viral suppression is maintained throughout the pregnancy. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of HIV-infected pregnant women who had been receiving ART for at least 6 months at the first ANC visit under the PMTCT Option B+ program at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi from June 2015 to December 2017. Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to investigate the predictors of ART treatment failure defined as viral load ≥1000 copies/ml. Results The median age of 864 women tested for ART failure was 31.1 years (interquartile range: 26.9–34.5). The prevalence of treatment failure was 7.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.0–9.6). CD4 cell count (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.50–0.65) was strongly associated with treatment failure. Conclusion The low prevalence of treatment failure among women presenting for their first ANC in urban Malawi demonstrates success of Option B+ in maintaining viral suppression and suggests progress towards the last 90% of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. Women failing on ART should be identified early for adherence counseling and may require switching to an alternative ART regimen.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 13
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Rie Matsushima-Nishiwaki, Noriko Yamada, Kouki Fukuchi, Osamu Kozawa A bioactive lipid, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), acts extracellularly as a potent mediator, and is implicated in the progression of various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). S1P exerts its functions by binding to five types of specific receptors, S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1), S1PR2, S1PR3, S1PR4 and S1PR5 on the plasma membrane. However, the exact roles of S1P and each S1PR in HCC cells remain to be clarified. In the present study, we investigated the effect of S1P on the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced migration of human HCC-derived HuH7 cells, and the involvement of each S1PR. S1P dose-dependently reduced the HGF-induced migration of HuH7 cells. We found that all S1PRs exist in the HuH7 cells. Among each selective agonist for five S1PRs, CYM5520, a selective S1PR2 agonist, significantly suppressed the HGF-induced HuH7 cell migration whereas selective agonists for S1PR1, S1PR3, S1PR4 or S1PR5 failed to affect the migration. The reduction of the HGF-induced migration by S1P was markedly reversed by treatment of JTE013, a selective antagonist for S1PR2, and S1PR2- siRNA. These results strongly suggest that S1P reduces the HGF-induced HCC cell migration via S1PR2. Our findings may provide a novel potential of S1PR2 to therapeutic strategy for metastasis of HCC.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 14
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Mircea Zloteanu, Nigel Harvey, David Tuckett, Giacomo Livan The Sharing Economy (SE) is a growing ecosystem focusing on peer-to-peer enterprise. In the SE the information available to assist individuals (users) in making decisions focuses predominantly on community-generated trust and reputation information. However, how such information impacts user judgement is still being understood. To explore such effects, we constructed an artificial SE accommodation platform where we varied the elements related to hosts’ digital identity, measuring users’ perceptions and decisions to interact. Across three studies, we find that trust and reputation information increases not only the users’ perceived trustworthiness, credibility, and sociability of hosts, but also the propensity to rent a private room in their home. This effect is seen when providing users both with complete profiles and profiles with partial user-selected information. Closer investigations reveal that three elements relating to the host’s digital identity are sufficient to produce such positive perceptions and increased rental decisions, regardless of which three elements are presented. Our findings have relevant implications for human judgment and privacy in the SE, and question its current culture of ever increasing information-sharing.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 15
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Tucker Maxson, Candace D. Blancett, Amanda S. Graham, Christopher P. Stefan, Timothy D. Minogue Development and implementation of rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing is critical for guiding patient care and improving clinical outcomes, especially in cases of sepsis. One approach to reduce the time-to-answer for antimicrobial susceptibility is monitoring the inhibition of DNA production, as differences in DNA concentrations are more quickly impacted compared to optical density changes in traditional antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Here, we use real-time PCR to rapidly determine antimicrobial susceptibility after short incubations with antibiotic. Application of this assay to a collection of 144 isolates in mock blood culture, covering medically relevant pathogens displaying high rates of resistance, provided susceptibility data in under 4 hours. This assay provided categorical agreement with a reference method in 96.3% of cases across all species. Sequencing of a subset of PCR amplicons showed accurate genus level identification. Overall, implementation of this method could provide accurate susceptibility results with a reduced time-to-answer for a number of medically relevant bacteria commonly isolated from blood culture.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 16
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Ágota Nagy, Levente Kovács, Zoltán Lipinszki, Margit Pál, Péter Deák In most Eukaryotes, ubiquitin either exists as free monoubiquitin or as a molecule that is covalently linked to other proteins. These two forms cycle between each other and due to the concerted antagonistic activity of ubiquitylating and deubiquitylating enzymes, an intracellular ubiquitin equilibrium is maintained that is essential for normal biological function. However, measuring the level and ratio of these forms of ubiquitin has been difficult and time consuming. In this paper, we have adapted a simple immunoblotting technique to monitor ubiquitin content and equilibrium dynamics in different developmental stages and tissues of Drosophila . Our data show that the level of total ubiquitin is distinct in different developmental stages, lowest at the larval-pupal transition and in three days old adult males, and highest in first instar larvae. Interestingly, the ratio of free mono-ubiquitin remains within 30–50% range of the total throughout larval development, but peaks to 70–80% at the larval-pupal and the pupal-adult transitions. It stays within the 70–80% range in adults. In developmentally and physiologically active tissues, the ratio of free ubiquitin is similarly high, most likely reflecting a high demand for ubiquitin availability. We also used this method to demonstrate the disruption of the finely tuned ubiquitin equilibrium by the abolition of proteasome function or the housekeeping deubiquitylase, Usp5. Our data support the notion that the ubiquitin equilibrium is regulated by tissue- and developmental stage-specific mechanisms.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 17
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Huirong Cheng, Pei Hu, Weihua Wen, Ling Liu Three arsenic species in urine are measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RT-PCR is performed to detect the expression levels of AS3MT, 3 miRNAs, and 17 relative mRNAs in 43 workers producing arsenic trioxide, 36 workers who stopped exposure to arsenic for 85 days, and 24 individuals as the control group. The concentrations of urinary arsenic are very high in workers. A negative correlation between AS3MT and MiR-5 48c-3p is found. There exist significant changes for most selected miRNAs and mRNAs in workers. There are no significant differences between workers who stopped exposure to arsenic and the control group for most miRNAs and mRNAs, but the MiR-5 48c-3p levels show significant changes. Similar positive correlations between the expression of AS3MT and all selected mRNAs are found. Negative correlations between the expression of MiR-5 48c-3p and many relative mRNAs are found as well. AS3MT and MiR-5 48c-3p may regulate arsenic methylation jointly, which when involved in a group of relative mRNAs may play roles in arsenic metabolism and epigenetic changes caused by this metabolism.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 18
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Stefanie Hoehl, Gabriela Markova Infants’ cognitive development and learning rely profoundly on their interactions with other people. In the first year, infants become increasingly sensitive to others’ gaze and use it to focus their own attention on relevant visual input. However, infants are not passive observers in early social interactions, and these exchanges are characterized by high levels of contingency and reciprocity. Wass and colleagues offer first insights into the neurobehavioral dynamics of caregiver–infant interactions, demonstrating that caregivers’ scalp-recorded theta band activity responds to their infant’s changes in attention, and parental brain activation is associated with infants’ sustenance of attention. This research opens up entirely new ways of exploring caregiver–infant interactions and to understand early social attention as a reciprocal and dynamic process.
    Print ISSN: 1544-9173
    Electronic ISSN: 1545-7885
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 19
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Xinyi Liu, Diane L. Lister, Zhijun Zhao, Cameron A. Petrie, Xiongsheng Zeng, Penelope J. Jones, Richard A. Staff, Anil K. Pokharia, Jennifer Bates, Ravindra N. Singh, Steven A. Weber, Giedre Motuzaite Matuzeviciute, Guanghui Dong, Haiming Li, Hongliang Lü, Hongen Jiang, Jianxin Wang, Jian Ma, Duo Tian, Guiyun Jin, Liping Zhou, Xiaohong Wu, Martin K. Jones
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 20
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Itamar Daniel Landau, Haim Sompolinsky We present a simple model for coherent, spatially correlated chaos in a recurrent neural network. Networks of randomly connected neurons exhibit chaotic fluctuations and have been studied as a model for capturing the temporal variability of cortical activity. The dynamics generated by such networks, however, are spatially uncorrelated and do not generate coherent fluctuations, which are commonly observed across spatial scales of the neocortex. In our model we introduce a structured component of connectivity, in addition to random connections, which effectively embeds a feedforward structure via unidirectional coupling between a pair of orthogonal modes. Local fluctuations driven by the random connectivity are summed by an output mode and drive coherent activity along an input mode. The orthogonality between input and output mode preserves chaotic fluctuations by preventing feedback loops. In the regime of weak structured connectivity we apply a perturbative approach to solve the dynamic mean-field equations, showing that in this regime coherent fluctuations are driven passively by the chaos of local residual fluctuations. When we introduce a row balance constraint on the random connectivity, stronger structured connectivity puts the network in a distinct dynamical regime of self-tuned coherent chaos. In this regime the coherent component of the dynamics self-adjusts intermittently to yield periods of slow, highly coherent chaos. The dynamics display longer time-scales and switching-like activity. We show how in this regime the dynamics depend qualitatively on the particular realization of the connectivity matrix: a complex leading eigenvalue can yield coherent oscillatory chaos while a real leading eigenvalue can yield chaos with broken symmetry. The level of coherence grows with increasing strength of structured connectivity until the dynamics are almost entirely constrained to a single spatial mode. We examine the effects of network-size scaling and show that these results are not finite-size effects. Finally, we show that in the regime of weak structured connectivity, coherent chaos emerges also for a generalized structured connectivity with multiple input-output modes.
    Print ISSN: 1553-734X
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7358
    Topics: Biology , Computer Science
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 21
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Maria E. Sousa, Michael H. Farkas
    Print ISSN: 1553-7390
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7404
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 22
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Jonas R. Kunst, Esther N. Phillibert It is well-established that experiences of discrimination influence immigrants’ acculturation. Yet, whereas a large body of research has demonstrated the role of discrimination by members of the dominant societal group, surprisingly little is known about how being discriminated by members of one’s own group relates to the way immigrants acculturate. With a sample of 162 African first- and second-generation immigrants living in Norway, the present research investigated the relationship between both types of discrimination, acculturation and psychological well-being. It did so, focusing on discrimination based on one’s skin tone, a type of discrimination Africans can experience from White as well as African individuals. Results showed that skin-tone discrimination by Whites was associated with a lower host culture orientation. By contrast, skin-tone discrimination by Africans was associated with a lower heritage culture orientation. Mediation analyses showed that the positive relationship of skin-tone discrimination by Whites and Africans with life satisfaction was mediated by a lower host and heritage culture orientation respectively. This indirect relationship did not reach significance with self-esteem as dependent variable. Participants’ actual skin tone was unrelated to experiences of skin-tone discrimination. We discuss our results in light of previous research and highlight potential limitations.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 23
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Christian Agebratt, Edvin Ström, Thobias Romu, Olof Dahlqvist-Leinhard, Magnus Borga, Per Leandersson, Fredrik H. Nystrom
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 24
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Heïdi Serra, Kyuha Choi, Xiaohui Zhao, Alexander R. Blackwell, Juhyun Kim, Ian R. Henderson During meiosis, chromosomes undergo DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which can be repaired using a homologous chromosome to produce crossovers. Meiotic recombination frequency is variable along chromosomes and tends to concentrate in narrow hotspots. We mapped crossover hotspots located in the Arabidopsis thaliana RAC1 and RPP13 disease resistance genes, using varying haplotypic combinations. We observed a negative non-linear relationship between interhomolog divergence and crossover frequency within the hotspots, consistent with polymorphism locally suppressing crossover repair of DSBs. The fancm , recq4a recq4b , figl1 and msh2 mutants, or lines with increased HEI10 dosage, are known to show increased crossovers throughout the genome. Surprisingly, RAC1 crossovers were either unchanged or decreased in these genetic backgrounds, showing that chromosome location and local chromatin environment are important for regulation of crossover activity. We employed deep sequencing of crossovers to examine recombination topology within RAC1 , in wild type, fancm , recq4a recq4b and fancm recq4a recq4b backgrounds. The RAC1 recombination landscape was broadly conserved in the anti-crossover mutants and showed a negative relationship with interhomolog divergence. However, crossovers at the RAC1 5'-end were relatively suppressed in recq4a recq4b backgrounds, further indicating that local context may influence recombination outcomes. Our results demonstrate the importance of interhomolog divergence in shaping recombination within plant disease resistance genes and crossover hotspots.
    Print ISSN: 1553-7390
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7404
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 25
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Enrico Lavezzo, Michele Berselli, Ilaria Frasson, Rosalba Perrone, Giorgio Palù, Alessandra R. Brazzale, Sara N. Richter, Stefano Toppo G-quadruplexes are non-canonical nucleic-acid structures that control transcription, replication, and recombination in organisms. G-quadruplexes are present in eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses. In the latter, mounting evidence indicates their key biological activity. Since data on viruses are scattered, we here present a comprehensive analysis of potential quadruplex-forming sequences (PQS) in the genome of all known viruses that can infect humans. We show that occurrence and location of PQSs are features characteristic of each virus class and family. Our statistical analysis proves that their presence within the viral genome is orderly arranged, as indicated by the possibility to correctly assign up to two-thirds of viruses to their exact class based on the PQS classification. For each virus we provide: i) the list of all PQS present in the genome (positive and negative strands), ii) their position in the viral genome, iii) the degree of conservation among strains of each PQS in its genome context, iv) the statistical significance of PQS abundance. This information is accessible from a database to allow the easy navigation of the results: http://www.medcomp.medicina.unipd.it/main_site/doku.php?id=g4virus. The availability of these data will greatly expedite research on G-quadruplex in viruses, with the possibility to accelerate finding therapeutic opportunities to numerous and some fearsome human diseases.
    Print ISSN: 1553-734X
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7358
    Topics: Biology , Computer Science
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 26
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-12-14
    Description: by Motoyasu Honma, Yuri Masaoka, Shinichi Koyama, Takeshi Kuroda, Akinori Futamura, Azusa Shiromaru, Yasuo Terao, Kenjiro Ono, Mitsuru Kawamura Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with various cognitive impairments. However, the nature of cognitive modification in patients with PD remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined whether patients with PD could correct and maintain subjective time duration and line length estimation. After training sessions, in which participants repeatedly memorized either a duration or a length, we compared a learning performance in 20 PD patients with 20 healthy controls. In the case of duration in the PD patients, the learned durations immediately returned to baseline of pre-training within a few minutes. However, the patients’ ability to learn length estimation remained unimpaired. In contrast, healthy controls were able to retain the learned duration and length estimations. Time compression in PD's internal clock may become entrained to their altered duration estimation even after learning of accurate time duration. These deficits may be associated with disrupting cognitive modification in PD.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 27
    Publication Date: 2018-03-13
    Description: by Anne Keitel, Joachim Gross, Christoph Kayser During online speech processing, our brain tracks the acoustic fluctuations in speech at different timescales. Previous research has focused on generic timescales (for example, delta or theta bands) that are assumed to map onto linguistic features such as prosody or syllables. However, given the high intersubject variability in speaking patterns, such a generic association between the timescales of brain activity and speech properties can be ambiguous. Here, we analyse speech tracking in source-localised magnetoencephalographic data by directly focusing on timescales extracted from statistical regularities in our speech material. This revealed widespread significant tracking at the timescales of phrases (0.6–1.3 Hz), words (1.8–3 Hz), syllables (2.8–4.8 Hz), and phonemes (8–12.4 Hz). Importantly, when examining its perceptual relevance, we found stronger tracking for correctly comprehended trials in the left premotor (PM) cortex at the phrasal scale as well as in left middle temporal cortex at the word scale. Control analyses using generic bands confirmed that these effects were specific to the speech regularities in our stimuli. Furthermore, we found that the phase at the phrasal timescale coupled to power at beta frequency (13–30 Hz) in motor areas. This cross-frequency coupling presumably reflects top-down temporal prediction in ongoing speech perception. Together, our results reveal specific functional and perceptually relevant roles of distinct tracking and cross-frequency processes along the auditory–motor pathway.
    Print ISSN: 1544-9173
    Electronic ISSN: 1545-7885
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 28
    Publication Date: 2018-03-13
    Description: by Hao Ge, Pingping Wu, Hong Qian, Sunney Xiaoliang Xie Within an isogenic population, even in the same extracellular environment, individual cells can exhibit various phenotypic states. The exact role of stochastic gene-state switching regulating the transition among these phenotypic states in a single cell is not fully understood, especially in the presence of positive feedback. Recent high-precision single-cell measurements showed that, at least in bacteria, switching in gene states is slow relative to the typical rates of active transcription and translation. Hence using the lac operon as an archetype, in such a region of operon-state switching, we present a fluctuating-rate model for this classical gene regulation module, incorporating the more realistic operon-state switching mechanism that was recently elucidated. We found that the positive feedback mechanism induces bistability (referred to as deterministic bistability), and that the parameter range for its occurrence is significantly broadened by stochastic operon-state switching. We further show that in the absence of positive feedback, operon-state switching must be extremely slow to trigger bistability by itself. However, in the presence of positive feedback, which stabilizes the induced state, the relatively slow operon-state switching kinetics within the physiological region are sufficient to stabilize the uninduced state, together generating a broadened parameter region of bistability (referred to as stochastic bistability). We illustrate the opposite phenotype-transition rate dependence upon the operon-state switching rates in the two types of bistability, with the aid of a recently proposed rate formula for fluctuating-rate models. The rate formula also predicts a maximal transition rate in the intermediate region of operon-state switching, which is validated by numerical simulations in our model. Overall, our findings suggest a biological function of transcriptional “variations” among genetically identical cells, for the emergence of bistability and transition between phenotypic states.
    Print ISSN: 1553-734X
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7358
    Topics: Biology , Computer Science
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 29
    Publication Date: 2018-03-13
    Description: by Gerry Q. Tonkin-Hill, Leily Trianty, Rintis Noviyanti, Hanh H. T. Nguyen, Boni F. Sebayang, Daniel A. Lampah, Jutta Marfurt, Simon A. Cobbold, Janavi S. Rambhatla, Malcolm J. McConville, Stephen J. Rogerson, Graham V. Brown, Karen P. Day, Ric N. Price, Nicholas M. Anstey, Anthony T. Papenfuss, Michael F. Duffy Within the human host, the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is exposed to multiple selection pressures. The host environment changes dramatically in severe malaria, but the extent to which the parasite responds to—or is selected by—this environment remains unclear. From previous studies, the parasites that cause severe malaria appear to increase expression of a restricted but poorly defined subset of the PfEMP1 variant, surface antigens. PfEMP1s are major targets of protective immunity. Here, we used RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to analyse gene expression in 44 parasite isolates that caused severe and uncomplicated malaria in Papuan patients. The transcriptomes of 19 parasite isolates associated with severe malaria indicated that these parasites had decreased glycolysis without activation of compensatory pathways; altered chromatin structure and probably transcriptional regulation through decreased histone methylation; reduced surface expression of PfEMP1; and down-regulated expression of multiple chaperone proteins. Our RNAseq also identified novel associations between disease severity and PfEMP1 transcripts, domains, and smaller sequence segments and also confirmed all previously reported associations between expressed PfEMP1 sequences and severe disease. These findings will inform efforts to identify vaccine targets for severe malaria and also indicate how parasites adapt to—or are selected by—the host environment in severe malaria.
    Print ISSN: 1544-9173
    Electronic ISSN: 1545-7885
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 30
    Publication Date: 2018-03-13
    Description: by Michael Pablo, Samuel A. Ramirez, Timothy C. Elston Polarity establishment, the spontaneous generation of asymmetric molecular distributions, is a crucial component of many cellular functions. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) undergoes directed growth during budding and mating, and is an ideal model organism for studying polarization. In yeast and many other cell types, the Rho GTPase Cdc42 is the key molecular player in polarity establishment. During yeast polarization, multiple patches of Cdc42 initially form, then resolve into a single front. Because polarization relies on strong positive feedback, it is likely that the amplification of molecular-level fluctuations underlies the generation of multiple nascent patches. In the absence of spatial cues, these fluctuations may be key to driving polarization. Here we used particle-based simulations to investigate the role of stochastic effects in a Turing-type model of yeast polarity establishment. In the model, reactions take place either between two molecules on the membrane, or between a cytosolic and a membrane-bound molecule. Thus, we developed a computational platform that explicitly simulates molecules at and near the cell membrane, and implicitly handles molecules away from the membrane. To evaluate stochastic effects, we compared particle simulations to deterministic reaction-diffusion equation simulations. Defining macroscopic rate constants that are consistent with the microscopic parameters for this system is challenging, because diffusion occurs in two dimensions and particles exchange between the membrane and cytoplasm. We address this problem by empirically estimating macroscopic rate constants from appropriately designed particle-based simulations. Ultimately, we find that stochastic fluctuations speed polarity establishment and permit polarization in parameter regions predicted to be Turing stable. These effects can operate at Cdc42 abundances expected of yeast cells, and promote polarization on timescales consistent with experimental results. To our knowledge, our work represents the first particle-based simulations of a model for yeast polarization that is based on a Turing mechanism.
    Print ISSN: 1553-734X
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7358
    Topics: Biology , Computer Science
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 31
    Publication Date: 2018-03-13
    Description: by Britta U. Westner, Sarang S. Dalal, Simon Hanslmayr, Tobias Staudigl Single-trial analyses have the potential to uncover meaningful brain dynamics that are obscured when averaging across trials. However, low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can impede the use of single-trial analyses and decoding methods. In this study, we investigate the applicability of a single-trial approach to decode stimulus modality from magnetoencephalographic (MEG) high frequency activity. In order to classify the auditory versus visual presentation of words, we combine beamformer source reconstruction with the random forest classification method. To enable group level inference, the classification is embedded in an across-subjects framework. We show that single-trial gamma SNR allows for good classification performance (accuracy across subjects: 66.44%). This implies that the characteristics of high frequency activity have a high consistency across trials and subjects. The random forest classifier assigned informational value to activity in both auditory and visual cortex with high spatial specificity. Across time, gamma power was most informative during stimulus presentation. Among all frequency bands, the 75 Hz 95 Hz band was the most informative frequency band in visual as well as in auditory areas. Especially in visual areas, a broad range of gamma frequencies (55 Hz 125 Hz) contributed to the successful classification. Thus, we demonstrate the feasibility of single-trial approaches for decoding the stimulus modality across subjects from high frequency activity and describe the discriminative gamma activity in time, frequency, and space.
    Print ISSN: 1553-734X
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7358
    Topics: Biology , Computer Science
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 32
    Publication Date: 2018-03-13
    Description: by Moran Brenner, Lior Lobel, Ilya Borovok, Nadejda Sigal, Anat A. Herskovits Listeria monocytogenes ( Lm ) is a saprophyte and intracellular pathogen. Transition to the pathogenic state relies on sensing of host-derived metabolites, yet it remains unclear how these are recognized and how they mediate virulence gene regulation. We previously found that low availability of isoleucine signals Lm to activate the virulent state. This response is dependent on CodY, a global regulator and isoleucine sensor. Isoleucine-bound CodY represses metabolic pathways including branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) biosynthesis, however under BCAA depletion, as occurs during infection, BCAA biosynthesis is upregulated and isoleucine-unbound CodY activates virulence genes. While isoleucine was revealed as an important input signal, it was not identified how internal levels are controlled during infection. Here we show that Lm regulates BCAA biosynthesis via CodY and via a riboregulator located upstream to the BCAA biosynthesis genes, named Rli60. rli60 is transcribed when BCAA levels drop, forming a ribosome-mediated attenuator that cis -regulates the downstream genes according to BCAA supply. Notably, we found that Rli60 restricts BCAA production, essentially starving Lm , a mechanism that is directly linked to virulence, as it controls the internal isoleucine pool and thereby CodY activity. This controlled BCAA auxotrophy likely evolved to enable isoleucine to serve as a host signal and virulence effector.
    Print ISSN: 1553-7390
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7404
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 33
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Edvin Fuglebakk, Nathalie Reuter With remarkable spatial and temporal specificities, peripheral membrane proteins bind to biological membranes. They do this without compromising solubility of the protein, and their binding sites are not easily distinguished. Prototypical peripheral membrane binding sites display a combination of patches of basic and hydrophobic amino acids that are also frequently present on other protein surfaces. The purpose of this contribution is to identify simple but essential components for membrane binding, through structural criteria that distinguish exposed hydrophobes at membrane binding sites from those that are frequently found on any protein surface. We formulate the concepts of protruding hydrophobes and co-insertability and have analysed more than 300 families of proteins that are classified as peripheral membrane binders. We find that this structural motif strongly discriminates the surfaces of membrane-binding and non-binding proteins. Our model constitutes a novel formulation of a structural pattern for membrane recognition and emphasizes the importance of subtle structural properties of hydrophobic membrane binding sites.
    Print ISSN: 1553-734X
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7358
    Topics: Biology , Computer Science
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 34
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Hugo Cruces-Solís, Zhizi Jing, Olga Babaev, Jonathan Rubin, Burak Gür, Dilja Krueger-Burg, Nicola Strenzke, Livia de Hoz Detecting regular patterns in the environment, a process known as statistical learning, is essential for survival. Neuronal adaptation is a key mechanism in the detection of patterns that are continuously repeated across short (seconds to minutes) temporal windows. Here, we found in mice that a subcortical structure in the auditory midbrain was sensitive to patterns that were repeated discontinuously, in a temporally sparse manner, across windows of minutes to hours. Using a combination of behavioral, electrophysiological, and molecular approaches, we found changes in neuronal response gain that varied in mechanism with the degree of sound predictability and resulted in changes in frequency coding. Analysis of population activity (structural tuning) revealed an increase in frequency classification accuracy in the context of increased overlap in responses across frequencies. The increase in accuracy and overlap was paralleled at the behavioral level in an increase in generalization in the absence of diminished discrimination. Gain modulation was accompanied by changes in gene and protein expression, indicative of long-term plasticity. Physiological changes were largely independent of corticofugal feedback, and no changes were seen in upstream cochlear nucleus responses, suggesting a key role of the auditory midbrain in sensory gating. Subsequent behavior demonstrated learning of predictable and random patterns and their importance in auditory conditioning. Using longer timescales than previously explored, the combined data show that the auditory midbrain codes statistical learning of temporally sparse patterns, a process that is critical for the detection of relevant stimuli in the constant soundscape that the animal navigates through.
    Print ISSN: 1544-9173
    Electronic ISSN: 1545-7885
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 35
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Greg Holmes, Lening Zhang, Joshua Rivera, Ryan Murphy, Claudia Assouline, Lorraine Sullivan, Todd Oppeneer, Ethylin Wang Jabs Activating mutations of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are a major cause of skeletal dysplasias, and thus they are potential targets for pharmaceutical intervention. BMN 111, a C-type natriuretic peptide analog, inhibits FGFR signaling at the level of the RAF1 kinase through natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) and has been shown to lengthen the long bones and improve skull morphology in the Fgfr3 Y367C/+ thanatophoric dysplasia mouse model. Here we report the effects of BMN 111 in treating craniosynostosis and aberrant skull morphology in the Fgfr2c C342Y/+ Crouzon syndrome mouse model. We first demonstrated that NPR2 is expressed in the murine coronal suture and spheno-occipital synchondrosis in the newborn period. We then gave Fgfr2c C342Y/+ and Fgfr2c +/+ (WT) mice once-daily injections of either vehicle or reported therapeutic levels of BMN 111 between post-natal days 3 and 31. Changes in skeletal morphology, including suture patency, skull dimensions, and long bone length, were assessed by micro-computed tomography. Although BMN 111 treatment significantly increased long bone growth in both WT and mutant mice, skull dimensions and suture patency generally were not significantly affected. A small but significant increase in the relative length of the anterior cranial base was observed. Our results indicate that the differential effects of BMN 111 in treating various skeletal dysplasias may depend on the process of bone formation targeted (endochondral or intramembranous), the specific FGFR mutated, and/or the specific signaling pathway changes due to a given mutation.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 36
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Irineu Loturco, Bret Contreras, Ronaldo Kobal, Victor Fernandes, Neilton Moura, Felipe Siqueira, Ciro Winckler, Timothy Suchomel, Lucas Adriano Pereira The capacity to rapidly generate and apply a great amount of force seems to play a key role in sprint running. However, it has recently been shown that, for sprinters, the technical ability to effectively orient the force onto the ground is more important than its total amount. The force-vector theory has been proposed to guide coaches in selecting the most adequate exercises to comprehensively develop the neuromechanical qualities related to the distinct phases of sprinting. This study aimed to compare the relationships between vertically-directed (loaded and unloaded vertical jumps, and half-squat) and horizontally-directed (hip-thrust) exercises and the sprint performance of top-level track and field athletes. Sixteen sprinters and jumpers (including three Olympic athletes) executed vertical jumps, loaded jump squats and hip-thrusts, and sprinting speed tests at 10-, 20-, 40-, 60-, 100-, and 150-m. Results indicated that the hip-thrust is more associated with the maximum acceleration phase (i.e., from zero to 10-m; r = 0.93), whereas the loaded and unloaded vertical jumps seem to be more related to top-speed phases (i.e., distances superior to 40-m; r varying from 0.88 to 0.96). These findings reinforce the mechanical concepts supporting the force-vector theory, and provide coaches and sport scientists with valuable information about the potential use and benefits of using vertically- or horizontally-based training exercises.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 37
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Pei-Chun Kao, Michaela A. Pierro, Konstantina Booras Cognitive-motor interference, a negative influence on the performance of one or both tasks, is manifested when simultaneously performing a cognitive and a motor task. Motor fatigue reduces the ability of generating a required force level. However, little is known about the effects of motor fatigue on the cognitive-motor dual-tasking performance, an important capability during our daily lives. This study investigated how motor fatigue affects dual-task walking performance. Eighteen healthy younger adults walked on a treadmill under three different conditions: walking only, walking while receiving the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) or a modified Stroop test before and after a lower-extremity fatiguing exercise. We computed dynamic margins of stability (MOS), step and joint kinematic variability, and short-term local divergence exponent (LDE) of the trunk motion. We found that subjects had similar values of short-term LDE during all conditions, indicating that local stability was not affected by the motor fatigue or dual-task conditions. Compared to the baseline, subjects had significantly greater mean MOS after the fatiguing exercise by walking with greater step length and width while having significantly greater gait variability. In contrast, subjects walked with similar mean MOS but significantly less gait variability during the dual-task conditions, indicating that subjects used different adaptive strategies when walking with motor fatigue and during dual-task conditions. There were no significant differences in the number of errors for the two cognitive tests before and after the fatiguing exercise. The current findings demonstrate that motor fatigue does not affect cognitive but motor performance in younger adults.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 38
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Insu Lee, Daegyu Kim, Ga-Lahm Park, Tae-Joon Jeon, Sun Min Kim When living tissues are injured, they undergo a sequential process of homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation and maturation, which is called wound healing. The working mechanism of wound healing has not been wholly understood due to its complex environments with various mechanical and chemical factors. In this study, we propose a novel in vitro wound healing model using a microfluidic system that can manipulate the topography of the wound bed. The topography of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the wound bed is one of the most important mechanical properties for rapid and effective wound healing. We focused our work on the topographical factor which is one of crucial mechanical cues in wound healing process by using various nano-patterns on the cell attachment surface. First, we analyzed the cell morphology and dynamic cellular behaviors of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts on the nano-patterned surface. Their morphology and dynamic behaviors were investigated for relevance with regard to the recovery function. Second, we developed a highly reproducible and inexpensive research platform for wound formation and the wound healing process by combining the nano-patterned surface and a microfluidic channel. The effect of topography on wound recovery performance was analyzed. This in vitro wound healing research platform will provide well-controlled topographic cue of wound bed and contribute to the study on the fundamental mechanism of wound healing.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 39
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Tilen Koklic, Iztok Urbančič, Irena Zdovc, Majda Golob, Polona Umek, Zoran Arsov, Goran Dražić, Štefan Pintarič, Martin Dobeic, Janez Štrancar Bacterial infections acquired in healthcare facilities including hospitals, the so called healthcare acquired or nosocomial infections, are still of great concern worldwide and represent a significant economical burden. One of the major causes of morbidity is infection with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which has been reported to survive on surfaces for several months. Bactericidal activity of copper-TiO 2 thin films, which release copper ions and are deposited on glass surfaces and heated to high temperatures, is well known even when illuminated with very weak UVA light of about 10 μW/cm 2 . Lately, there is an increased intrerest for one-dimensional TiO 2 nanomaterials, due to their unique properties, low cost, and high thermal and photochemical stability. Here we show that copper doped TiO 2 nanotubes produce about five times more ·OH radicals as compared to undoped TiO 2 nanotubes and that effective surface disinfection, determined by a modified ISO 22196:2011 test, can be achieved even at low intensity UVA light of 30 μW/cm 2 . The nanotubes can be deposited on a preformed surface at room temperature, resulting in a stable deposition resistant to multiple washings. Up to 10 3 microorganisms per cm 2 can be inactivated in 24 hours, including resistant strains such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli ( E . coli ESBL). This disinfection method could provide a valuable alternative to the current surface disinfection methods.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 40
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Tim J. Sloan, Jonna Jalanka, Giles A. D. Major, Shanthi Krishnasamy, Sue Pritchard, Salah Abdelrazig, Katri Korpela, Gulzar Singh, Claire Mulvenna, Caroline L. Hoad, Luca Marciani, David A. Barrett, Miranda C. E. Lomer, Willem M. de Vos, Penny A. Gowland, Robin C. Spiller Background & aims Ingestion of poorly digested, fermentable carbohydrates (fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols; FODMAPs) have been implicated in exacerbating intestinal symptoms and the reduction of intake with symptom alleviation. Restricting FODMAP intake is believed to relieve colonic distension by reducing colonic fermentation but this has not been previously directly assessed. We performed a randomised controlled trial comparing the effect of a low FODMAP diet combined with either maltodextrin or oligofructose on colonic contents, metabolites and microbiota. Methods A parallel randomised controlled trial in healthy adults (n = 37). All subjects followed a low FODMAP diet for a week and supplemented their diet with either maltodextrin (MD) or oligofructose (OF) 7g twice daily. Fasted assessments performed pre- and post-diet included MRI to assess colonic volume, breath testing for hydrogen and methane, and stool collection for microbiota analysis. Results The low FODMAP diet was associated with a reduction in Bifidobacterium and breath hydrogen, which was reversed by oligofructose supplementation. The difference in breath hydrogen between groups post-intervention was 27ppm (95% CI 7 to 50, P
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 41
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Geethika Reddi, Kali Pruss, Kathryn L. Cottingham, Ronald K. Taylor, Salvador Almagro-Moreno Vibrio cholerae O1, the etiological agent of cholera, is a natural inhabitant of aquatic ecosystems. Motility is a critical element for the colonization of both the human host and its environmental reservoirs. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the chemotactic response of V . cholerae in the presence of some of its environmental reservoirs. We found that, from the several oligosaccharides found in mucin, two specifically triggered motility of V . cholerae O1: N -acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and N -acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). We determined that the compounds need to be internally catabolized in order to trigger motility of V . cholerae . Interestingly, the catabolism of Neu5Ac and GlcNAc converges and the production of one molecule common to both pathways, glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN-6P), is essential to induce motility in the presence of both compounds. Mutants unable to produce GlcN-6P show greatly reduced motility towards mucin. Furthermore, we determined that the production of GlcN-6P is necessary to induce motility of V . cholerae in the presence of some of its environmental reservoirs such as crustaceans or cyanobacteria, revealing a molecular link between the two distinct modes of the complex life cycle of V . cholerae . Finally, cross-species comparisons revealed varied chemotactic responses towards mucin, GlcNAc, and Neu5Ac for environmental (non-pathogenic) strains of V . cholerae , clinical and environmental isolates of the human pathogens Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus , and fish and squid isolates of the symbiotic bacterium Vibrio fischeri . The data presented here suggest nuance in convergent strategies across species of the same bacterial family for motility towards suitable substrates for colonization.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 42
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Anne C. Wheeler, Camila V. Ventura, Ty Ridenour, Danielle Toth, Lucélia Lima Nobrega, Lana Claudia Silva de Souza Dantas, Camilla Rocha, Donald B. Bailey Jr., Liana O. Ventura The recent Zika outbreak and its link to microcephaly and other birth defects in infants exposed in utero have garnered widespread international attention. Based on the severity of birth defects the extent of impairment in these infants is expected to be profound; however, virtually nothing is known regarding the developmental and behavioral sequela of congenital Zika syndrome. This pilot study collected parent-reported patterns of development and sleep in 47 infants with confirmed congenital Zika syndrome who are being followed for clinical services at the Altino Ventura Foundation (FAV) in Recife, Brazil. With assistance from clinicians at FAV, caregivers completed Brazilian Portuguese versions of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 3 rd edition (ASQ-3) and the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ). All infants were between 13–22 months of age at the time of the assessment. At 16 months of age, none of the children displayed age appropriate developmental skills. Most (~ 75%) mastered some communication and gross motor skills at around a 6–8-month level. Communication and gross motor skills were relative strengths for the sample, while problem-solving and fine motor skills were relative weaknesses. Sleep was noted to be a problem for around 18% of the sample. In utero exposure to the Zika virus will have lifelong consequences for affected children and their families. Understanding the developmental and behavioral trajectories of affected infants will help identify appropriate family supports to improve quality of life.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 43
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Veronique Deschodt-Arsac, Romain Lalanne, Beatrice Spiluttini, Claire Bertin, Laurent M. Arsac Introduction Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BFB) training, a method whereby one controls an unusually low breathing rate to reach cardiac coherence, has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve cardiac autonomic markers in diseased people, but much less is known about HRV-BFB benefits in healthy people. Here we investigated potential benefits in young competitors experiencing stress during university examinations as well as persistence of benefits after HRV-BFB training cessation. Methods A group of sports students (n = 12) practiced 5-min HRV-BFB training twice a day for 5-weeks using URGOfeel ® (URGOTECH) and was compared to a control group (n = 6). University examinations occurred immediately after HRV-BFB training (Exam1), then 12-weeks later (Exam2). Anxiety markers and cardiac autonomic markers were assessed at baseline, Exam1 and Exam2. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) that combined all these markers were computed at Exam1 and Exam2 to emphasize covariations. Results At Exam 1, immediately after HRV-BFB training cessation, the experimental group demonstrated greater autonomic markers but similar states of anxiety when compared to the Control group. Twelve weeks later at Exam2, autonomic markers were greater and anxiety scores were lesser among the experimental group. PCA highlighted covariations only within cardiac autonomic markers at Exam1. Rather, variations in cardiac markers were associated with anxiety markers at Exam2. Conclusion Short sessions of HRV-BFB training for a brief period of 5 weeks bring substantial benefits to autonomic markers and anxiety levels in young competitors. Here beneficial effects persisted for 12 weeks. Dissociated profiles of anxiety and cardiac autonomic adaptations shed new light on the role of the amygdala in heart-brain interactions after cardiac coherence training.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 44
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Karina T. Barretto, Calvin M. Swanson, Christopher L. Nguyen, Douglas S. Annis, Stephane J. Esnault, Deane F. Mosher, Mats W. Johansson Periostin, which is induced by interleukin (IL)-13, is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that supports α M β 2 integrin-mediated adhesion and migration of IL-5-stimulated eosinophils. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced protein (TGFBI) is a widely expressed periostin paralog known to support monocyte adhesion. Our objective was to compare eosinophil adhesion and migration on TGFBI and periostin in the presence of IL-5-family cytokines. Eosinophil adhesion after 1 h and random motility over 20 h in the presence of various concentrations of IL-5, IL-3, or granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were quantified in wells coated with various concentrations of TGFBI or periostin. Results were compared to video microscopy of eosinophils. Cytokine-stimulated eosinophils adhered equivalently well to TGFBI or periostin in a coating concentration-dependent manner. Adhesion was blocked by anti-α M β 2 and stimulated at the lowest concentration by GM-CSF. In the motility assay, periostin was more potent than TGFBI, the coating-concentration effect was bimodal, and IL-3 was the most potent cytokine. Video microscopy revealed that under the optimal coating condition of 5 μg/ml periostin, most eosinophils migrated persistently and were polarized and acorn-shaped with a ruffling forward edge and granules gathered together, in front of the nucleus. On 10 μg/ml periostin or TGFBI, more eosinophils adopted a flattened pancake morphology with dispersed granules and nuclear lobes, and slower migration. Conversion between acorn and pancake morphologies were observed. We conclude that TGFBI or periostin supports two modes of migration by IL-5 family cytokine-activated eosinophils. The rapid mode is favored by intermediate protein coatings and the slower by higher coating concentrations. We speculate that eosinophils move by haptotaxis up a gradient of adhesive ECM protein and then slow down to surveil the tissue.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 45
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Lemmy Schakel, Dieuwke S. Veldhuijzen, Henriët van Middendorp, Pieter Van Dessel, Jan De Houwer, Rafael Bidarra, Andrea W. M. Evers There is initial support for the effectiveness of approach-avoidance trainings in altering food-related health behaviors. Furthermore, outcome expectancies induced by verbal suggestions might optimize the effectiveness of these interventions, as shown in placebo research. The present study investigated the effectiveness of a gamified approach-avoidance training on food-related outcomes and whether verbal suggestions could strengthen those effects. A total of 120 participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 conditions: serious gaming only, verbal suggestions only, serious gaming combined with verbal suggestions, or a gaming control condition. Virtual food preference and food choice were assessed with a food choice task, with pairs differing in healthiness or in healthiness and attractiveness. Implicit food preference was assessed with an Implicit Association Test and food intake with a bogus taste test. Participants in both serious gaming conditions made healthier food choices for pairs differing in healthiness and attractiveness and had healthier implicit food preferences compared to gaming control. No effects were found on food intake. These findings provide the first preliminary support for the effects of a gamified approach-avoidance training on virtual food choice and implicit food preference. Future studies should further elucidate these effects, also in other health domains such as physical activity.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 46
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Juan M. Castellote, Markus Kofler Objective To provide a neurophysiological tool for assessing sensorimotor pathways, which may differ for those involving distal muscles in simple tasks from those involving distal muscles in a kinetic chain task, or proximal muscles in both. Methods We compared latencies and magnitudes of motor responses in a reaction time paradigm in a proximal (biceps brachii, BB) and a distal (first dorsal interosseous, FDI) muscle following electrical stimuli used as imperative signal (IS) delivered to the index finger. These stimuli were applied during different motor tasks: simple tasks involving either one muscle, e.g. flexing the elbow for BB (FLEX), or pinching a pen for FDI (PINCH); combined tasks engaging both muscles by pinching and flexing simultaneously (PINCH-FLEX). Stimuli were of varying intensity and occasionally elicited a startle response, and a StartReact effect. Results In BB, response latencies decreased gradually and response amplitudes increased progressively with increasing IS intensities for non-startling trials, while for trials containing startle responses, latencies were uniformly shortened and response amplitudes similarly augmented across all IS intensities in both FLEX and PINCH-FLEX. In FDI, response latencies decreased gradually and response amplitudes increased progressively with increasing IS intensities in both PINCH and PINCH-FLEX for non-startling trials, but, unlike in BB for the simple task, in PINCH for trials containing startle responses as well. In PINCH-FLEX, FDI latencies were uniformly shortened and amplitudes similarly increased across all stimulus intensities whenever startle signs were present. Conclusions Our results suggest the presence of different sensorimotor pathways supporting a dissociation between simple tasks that involve distal upper limb muscles (FDI in PINCH) from simple tasks involving proximal muscles (BB in FLEX), and combined tasks that engage both muscles (FDI and BB in PINCH-FLEX), all in accordance with differential importance in the control of movements by cortical and subcortical structures. Significance Simple assessment tools may provide useful information regarding the differential involvement of sensorimotor pathways in the control of both simple and combined tasks that engage proximal and distal muscles.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 47
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Yuki Ideno, Kunihiko Hayashi, Junko Nakajima-Shimada, Yoko Onizuka, Mikiko Kishi, Tomomi Ueno, Shigeto Uchiyama Equol is one of the most active soy isoflavones. When the association between soy food intake in daily life and health outcomes is examined in epidemiological studies, it is important to define the equol-producing status of each individual. However, few studies have assessed equol-producing status without a soy challenge test. To determine a robust cutoff criterion for equol producer classification in observational studies, we conducted a urinary isoflavone concentration survey in daily life among women. Furthermore, we examined the association between eating habits regarding soy foods and equol-producing status. A total of 4,412 participants were included in the analyses. Urinary isoflavones were analyzed using a high-performance liquid chromatography method. We examined the distribution of the log 10 equol/daidzein ratios, finding a mixture of two normal distributions, corresponding to equol producer and non-producer subpopulations. Applying a finite mixture model, we estimated the means, standard deviations, and mixing proportions of these two distributions. The estimation was carried out using the SAS NLIN procedure. The optimal cutoff point for the log 10 equol/daidzein ratio in the study population was determined to be −1.42, according to the estimated parameters of the mixture distribution. Based on this criterion, 1,830 (41.5%) of the participants were identified as equol producers. Compared with non-consumers of soy foods, consumers of soy foods had significantly higher odds of being equol producers. Using log 10 -transformed equol/daidzein ratios ≥ −1.42 to define equol producers among Japanese women is reasonable and suitable for determining equol-producing status in epidemiological studies. We found that soy food eating habits were associated with equol-producing status. Further investigation is required to evaluate associations between equol-producing status in daily life and health outcomes. The results of this study suggest the best cutoff point to use in the definition of equol-producing status in daily life.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 48
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Ehsan Mirzakhalili, Bogdan I. Epureanu, Eleni Gourgou We propose a mathematical and computational model that captures the stimulus-generated Ca 2+ transients in the C . elegans ASH sensory neuron. The rationale is to develop a tool that will enable a cross-talk between modeling and experiments, using modeling results to guide targeted experimental efforts. The model is built based on biophysical events and molecular cascades known to unfold as part of neurons' Ca 2+ homeostasis mechanism, as well as on Ca 2+ signaling events. The state of ion channels is described by their probability of being activated or inactivated, and the remaining molecular states are based on biochemically defined kinetic equations or known biochemical motifs. We estimate the parameters of the model using experimental data of hyperosmotic stimulus-evoked Ca 2+ transients detected with a FRET sensor in young and aged worms, unstressed and exposed to oxidative stress. We use a hybrid optimization method composed of a multi-objective genetic algorithm and nonlinear least-squares to estimate the model parameters. We first obtain the model parameters for young unstressed worms. Next, we use these values of the parameters as a starting point to identify the model parameters for stressed and aged worms. We show that the model, in combination with experimental data, corroborates literature results. In addition, we demonstrate that our model can be used to predict ASH response to complex combinations of stimulation pulses. The proposed model includes for the first time the ASH Ca 2+ dynamics observed during both "on" and "off" responses. This mathematical and computational effort is the first to propose a dynamic model of the Ca 2+ transients' mechanism in C . elegans neurons, based on biochemical pathways of the cell's Ca 2+ homeostasis machinery. We believe that the proposed model can be used to further elucidate the Ca 2+ dynamics of a key C . elegans neuron, to guide future experiments on C . elegans neurobiology, and to pave the way for the development of more mathematical models for neuronal Ca 2+ dynamics.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 49
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Brittney M. Donovan, Nichole L. Nidey, Elizabeth A. Jasper, Jennifer G. Robinson, Wei Bao, Audrey F. Saftlas, Kelli K. Ryckman Biomarkers commonly assessed in prenatal screening have been associated with a number of adverse perinatal and birth outcomes. However, it is not clear whether first trimester measurements of prenatal screening biomarkers are associated with subsequent risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed to systematically review and statistically summarize studies assessing the relationship between first trimester prenatal screening biomarker levels and GDM development. We comprehensively searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus (from inception through January 2018) and manually searched the reference lists of all relevant articles. We included original, published, observational studies examining the association of first trimester pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and/or free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG) levels with GDM diagnosis. Mean differences were calculated comparing PAPP-A and free β-hCG multiples of median (MoM) levels between women who developed GDM and those who did not and were subsequently pooled using two-sided random-effects models. Our meta-analysis of 13 studies on PAPP-A and nine studies on free β-hCG indicated that first trimester MoM levels for both biomarkers were lower in women who later developed GDM compared to women who remained normoglycemic throughout pregnancy (MD -0.17; 95% CI -0.24, -0.10; MD -0.04; 95% CI -0.07–0.01). There was no evidence for between-study heterogeneity among studies on free β-hCG (I 2 = 0%). A high level of between-study heterogeneity was detected among the studies reporting on PAPP-A (I 2 = 90%), but was reduced after stratifying by geographic location, biomarker assay method, and timing of GDM diagnosis. Our meta-analysis indicates that women who are diagnosed with GDM have lower first trimester levels of both PAPP-A and free β-hCG than women who remain normoglycemic throughout pregnancy. Further assessment of the predictive capacity of these biomarkers within large, diverse populations is needed.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 50
    Publication Date: 2018-07-27
    Description: by Hsin-Hua Chen, Wen-Cheng Chao, Tsai-Ling Liao, Ching-Heng Lin, Der-Yuan Chen Objective To estimate the relative risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), Sjogren’s syndrome (SS), dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM), among patients with palindromic rheumatism (PR) compared with non-PR individuals. Methods The study utilized 2003–2013 claims data from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database. We identified 4,421 cases of PR from 2007 to 2012 and randomly chose 44,210 non-PR individuals who matched (1:10) for age, sex and the year of index date without prior history of RA, SLE, SSc, SS, DM, or PM. After adjusting for age, sex, and the Charlson comorbidity index, we calculated the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Cox proportional hazard model to quantify the risk of RA, SLE, SS, DM and PM in PR patients compared with that in matched non-PR individuals. Results Among the 4,421 patients with PR, 569 (12.87%) developed RA, 269 (6.08%) developed SS, 113 (2.56%) developed SLE, 5 (0.11%) developed SSc, 8 (0.18%) developed PM, and 1 (0.02%) developed DM. After adjusting for potential confounders, the patients with PR had an increased risk of RA (HR, 118.76; 95% CI, 89.81–157.04), SS (HR, 59.57; 95% CI, 43.87–80.88), SLE (HR, 51.56; 95% CI, 32.96–80.66) PM (HR, 57.38; 95% CI, 6.90–476.83), and SSc (HR, 13.42; 95% CI, 3.79–47.55) but not of DM (HR, 3.44; 95% CI, 0.34–34.59). Conclusion Patients with PR had an increased risk of developing RA, SS, SLE, PM, and SSc.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 51
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Keira Sztukowski, Kaila Nip, Paige N. Ostwald, Matheus F. Sathler, Julianna L. Sun, Jiayi Shou, Emily T. Jorgensen, Travis E. Brown, John H. Elder, Craig Miller, Franz Hofmann, Sue VandeWoude, Seonil Kim Over half of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) suffer from HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs), yet the molecular mechanisms leading to neuronal dysfunction are poorly understood. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) naturally infects cats and shares its structure, cell tropism, and pathology with HIV, including wide-ranging neurological deficits. We employ FIV as a model to elucidate the molecular pathways underlying HIV-induced neuronal dysfunction, in particular, synaptic alteration. Among HIV-induced neuron-damaging products, HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 triggers elevation of intracellular Ca 2+ activity in neurons, stimulating various pathways to damage synaptic functions. We quantify neuronal Ca 2+ activity using intracellular Ca 2+ imaging in cultured hippocampal neurons and confirm that FIV envelope glycoprotein gp95 also elevates neuronal Ca 2+ activity. In addition, we reveal that gp95 interacts with the chemokine receptor, CXCR4, and facilitates the release of intracellular Ca 2+ by the activation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated Ca 2+ channels, inositol triphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), and synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs), similar to HIV gp120. This suggests that HIV gp120 and FIV gp95 share a core pathological process in neurons. Significantly, gp95’s stimulation of NMDARs activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase II (cGKII) through the activation of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-cGMP pathway, which increases Ca 2+ release from the ER and promotes surface expression of AMPA receptors, leading to an increase in synaptic activity. Moreover, we culture feline hippocampal neurons and confirm that gp95-induced neuronal Ca 2+ overactivation is mediated by CXCR4 and cGKII. Finally, cGKII activation is also required for HIV gp120-induced Ca 2+ hyperactivation. These results thus provide a novel neurobiological mechanism of cGKII-mediated synaptic hyperexcitation in HAND.
    Print ISSN: 1544-9173
    Electronic ISSN: 1545-7885
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 52
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Weilong Chen, Yuanyuan Qin, Dong Wang, Lei Zhou, Yin Liu, Sheng Chen, Liang Yin, Yaoxing Xiao, Xiao-Hong Yao, Xiaoli Yang, Wei Ma, Weifeng Chen, Xueyan He, Lixing Zhang, Qifeng Yang, Xiuwu Bian, Zhi-ming Shao, Suling Liu Chemotherapeutic resistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has brought great challenges to the improvement of patient survival. The mechanisms of taxane chemoresistance in TNBC have not been well investigated. Our results illustrated C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) was significantly elevated during taxane-containing chemotherapy in breast cancer patients with nonpathologic complete response. Furthermore, CCL20 promoted the self-renewal and maintenance of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) or breast cancer stem-like cells through protein kinase Cζ (PKCζ) or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated activation of p65 nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, significantly increasing the frequency and taxane resistance of BCSCs. Moreover, CCL20-promoted NF-κB activation increased ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1)/multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) expression, leading to the extracellular efflux of taxane. These results suggested that chemotherapy-induced CCL20 mediated chemoresistance via up-regulating ABCB1. In addition, NF-κB activation increased CCL20 expression, forming a positive feedback loop between NF-κB and CCL20 pathways, which provides sustained impetus for chemoresistance in breast cancer cells. Our results suggest that CCL20 can be a novel predictive marker for taxane response, and the blockade of CCL20 or its downstream pathway might reverse the taxane resistance in breast cancer patients.
    Print ISSN: 1544-9173
    Electronic ISSN: 1545-7885
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 53
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Luigi Acerbi, Kalpana Dokka, Dora E. Angelaki, Wei Ji Ma The precision of multisensory perception improves when cues arising from the same cause are integrated, such as visual and vestibular heading cues for an observer moving through a stationary environment. In order to determine how the cues should be processed, the brain must infer the causal relationship underlying the multisensory cues. In heading perception, however, it is unclear whether observers follow the Bayesian strategy, a simpler non-Bayesian heuristic, or even perform causal inference at all. We developed an efficient and robust computational framework to perform Bayesian model comparison of causal inference strategies, which incorporates a number of alternative assumptions about the observers. With this framework, we investigated whether human observers’ performance in an explicit cause attribution and an implicit heading discrimination task can be modeled as a causal inference process. In the explicit causal inference task, all subjects accounted for cue disparity when reporting judgments of common cause, although not necessarily all in a Bayesian fashion. By contrast, but in agreement with previous findings, data from the heading discrimination task only could not rule out that several of the same observers were adopting a forced-fusion strategy, whereby cues are integrated regardless of disparity. Only when we combined evidence from both tasks we were able to rule out forced-fusion in the heading discrimination task. Crucially, findings were robust across a number of variants of models and analyses. Our results demonstrate that our proposed computational framework allows researchers to ask complex questions within a rigorous Bayesian framework that accounts for parameter and model uncertainty.
    Print ISSN: 1553-734X
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7358
    Topics: Biology , Computer Science
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 54
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Simon Heilbronner, Ian R. Monk, Jeremy R. Brozyna, David E. Heinrichs, Eric P. Skaar, Andreas Peschel, Timothy J. Foster
    Print ISSN: 1553-7390
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7404
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 55
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Ida Friis, Ilia A. Solov’yov The non-homologous end joining of a DNA double strand break is initiated by the MRE11-NBS1-RAD50 complex whose subunits are the first three proteins to arrive to the breakage site thereby making the recruitment time of MRE11, NBS1 and RAD50 essential for cell survival. In the present investigation, the nature of MRE11 and NBS1 transportation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, hosting the damaged DNA strand, is hypothesized to be a passive diffusive process. The feasibility of such a mechanism is addressed through theoretical and computational approaches which permit establishing the characteristic recruitment time of MRE11 and NBS1 by the nucleus. A computational model of a cell is constructed from a set of biological parameters and the kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm is used to simulate the diffusing MRE11 and NBS1 particles as a random walk process. To accurately describe the experimented data, it is discovered that MRE11 and NBS1 should start diffusion from significantly different starting positions which suggests that diffusion might not be the only transport mechanism of repair protein recruitment to the DNA break.
    Print ISSN: 1553-734X
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7358
    Topics: Biology , Computer Science
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 56
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Lin Yang, Xiaoyan Kong, Shuli Yang, Xinxing Dong, Jianfa Yang, Xiao Gou, Hao Zhang The Tibetan horse is a species endemic to the Tibetan plateau, with considerable economic value in the region. However, we currently have little genetic evidence to verify whether the breed originated in Tibet or if it entered the area via an ancient migratory route. In the present study, we analyzed the hypervariable segment I sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in 2,050 horses, including 290 individuals from five Tibetan populations and 1,760 from other areas across Asia. Network analysis revealed multiple maternal lineages in the Tibetan horse. Component analysis of sub-lineage F3 indicated that it decreased in frequency from east to west, a trend reflected both southward and northward from Inner Mongolia. Analysis of population genetics showed that the Deqen horse of eastern Tibet was more closely related to the Ningqiang horse of northern China than to other Tibetan horses or the Yunnan horse. These results indicated that the Tibetan horse migrated first from Central Asia to Mongolia, moved south to eastern Tibet (near Deqen), then finally westward to other regions of Tibet. We also identified a novel lineage K that mainly comprises Tibetan and Yunnan horses, suggesting autochthonous domesticated origin for some Tibetan horse breeds from local wild horses. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that modern Tibetan horse breeds originated from the introgression of local wild horses with exotic domesticated populations outside China.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 57
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Marya Plotkin, Dunstan Bishanga, Hussein Kidanto, Mary Carol Jennings, Jim Ricca, Amasha Mwanamsangu, Gaudiosa Tibaijuka, Ruth Lemwayi, Benny Ngereza, Mary Drake, Jeremie Zougrana, Neena Khadka, James A. Litch, Barbara Rawlins Background Globally, an estimated 2.7 million babies die in the neonatal period annually, and of these, about 0.7 million die from intrapartum-related events. In Tanzania 51,000 newborn deaths and 43,000 stillbirths occur every year. Approximately two-thirds of these deaths could be potentially prevented with improvements in intrapartum and neonatal care. Routine measurement of fetal intrapartum deaths and newborn deaths that occur in health facilities can help to evaluate efforts to improve the quality of intrapartum care to save lives. However, few examples exist of indicators on perinatal mortality in the facility setting that are readily available through health management information systems (HMIS). Methods From November 2016 to April 2017, health providers at 10 government health facilities in Kagera region, Tanzania, underwent refresher training on perinatal death classification and training on the use of handheld Doppler devices to assess fetal heart rate upon admission to maternity services. Doppler devices were provided to maternity services at the study facilities. We assessed the validity of an indicator to measure facility-based pre-discharge perinatal mortality by comparing perinatal outcomes extracted from the HMIS maternity registers to a gold standard perinatal death audit. Results Sensitivity and specificity of the HMIS neonatal outcomes to predict gold standard audit outcomes were both over 98% based on analysis of 128 HMIS–gold standard audit pairs. After this validation, we calculated facility perinatal mortality indicator from HMIS data using fresh stillbirths and pre-discharge newborn death as the numerator and women admitted in labor with positive fetal heart tones as the denominator. Further emphasizing the validity of the indicator, FPM values aligned with expected mortality by facility level, with lowest rates in health centers (range 0.3%– 0.5%), compared to district hospitals (1.5%– 2.9%) and the regional hospital (4.2%). Conclusion This facility perinatal mortality indicator provides an important health outcome measure that facilities can use to monitor levels of perinatal deaths occurring in the facility and evaluate impact of quality of care improvement activities.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 58
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Seung-Heon Shin, Mi-Kyung Ye, Dong-Won Lee, Mi-Hyun Che The essential oil of Chamaecyparis obtusa ( C . obtusa ), which is used in soap, toothpaste, and aromatic agents, has been known to have anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of microencapsulated C . obtusa essential oil on airborne fungus-induced dendritic cell (DC) activation and Th immune responses. We stimulated monocyte-derived DCs with Alternaria alternate and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). To determine the anti-inflammatory effects, we pre-treated DCs with various concentrations of microencapsulated C . obtusa essential oil and collected the supernatants to measure interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and we determined the expression of cell surface molecules. The effects of the essential oil on CD4 + T cells polarization was determine by culturing stimulated DCs and autologous CD4 + T cells. Alternaria enhanced the production of IL-6 and TNF-α from DCs, and pretreating DCs with 0.001, 0.01, and 0.05% of the essential oil significantly inhibited their production. Increased CD80 and CD86 expression by Alternaria was significantly inhibited with 0.05% of the essential oil. Alternaria -induced IL-5, IL-10, and interferon-gamma from CD4 + T cells were significantly inhibited with C . obtusa essential oil in a dose dependent manner. C . obtusa influenced both Alternaria - and LPS-induced Th1 and Th2 polarization of CD4 + T cells. These results suggest a novel pharmacological use for C . obtusa essential oil to treat inflammatory airway diseases.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 59
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by P. Susthitha Menon, Fairus Atida Said, Gan Siew Mei, Dilla Duryha Berhanuddin, Akrajas Ali Umar, Sahbudin Shaari, Burhanuddin Yeop Majlis This work investigates the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) response of 50-nm thick nano-laminated gold film using Kretschmann-based biosensing for detection of urea and creatinine in solution of various concentrations (non-enzymatic samples). Comparison was made with the presence of urease and creatininase enzymes in the urea and creatinine solutions (enzymatic samples), respectively. Angular interrogation technique was applied using optical wavelengths of 670 nm and 785 nm. The biosensor detects the presence of urea and creatinine at concentrations ranging from 50–800 mM for urea samples and 10–200 mM for creatinine samples. The purpose of studying the enzymatic sample was mainly to enhance the sensitivity of the sensor towards urea and creatinine in the samples. Upon exposure to 670 nm optical wavelength, the sensitivity of 1.4°/M was detected in non-enzymatic urea samples and 4°/M in non-enzymatic creatinine samples. On the other hand, sensor sensitivity as high as 16.2°/M in urea-urease samples and 10°/M in creatinine-creatininase samples was detected. The enhanced sensitivity possibly attributed to the increase in refractive index of analyte sensing layer due to urea-urease and creatinine-creatininase coupling activity. This work has successfully proved the design and demonstrated a proof-of-concept experiment using a low-cost and easy fabrication of Kretschmann based nano-laminated gold film SPR biosensor for detection of urea and creatinine using urease and creatininase enzymes.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 60
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by David A. Eavarone, Linah Al-Alem, Alexey Lugovskoy, Jillian M. Prendergast, Rawan I. Nazer, Jenna N. Stein, Daniel T. Dransfield, Jeff Behrens, Bo R. Rueda The expression of Sialyl-Tn (STn) in tumors is associated with metastatic disease, poor prognosis, and reduced overall survival. STn is expressed on ovarian cancer biomarkers including CA-125 (MUC16) and MUC1, and elevated serum levels of STn in ovarian cancer patients correlate with lower five-year survival rates. In the current study, we humanized novel anti-STn antibodies and demonstrated the retention of nanomolar (nM) target affinity while maintaining STn antigen selectivity. STn antibodies conjugated to Monomethyl Auristatin E (MMAE-ADCs) demonstrated in vitro cytotoxicity specific to STn-expressing ovarian cancer cell lines and tumor growth inhibition in vivo with both ovarian cancer cell line- and patient-derived xenograft models. We further validated the clinical potential of these STn-ADCs through tissue cross-reactivity and cynomolgus monkey toxicity studies. No membrane staining for STn was present in any organs of human or cynomolgus monkey origin, and the toxicity profile was favorable and only revealed MMAE-class associated events with none being attributed to the targeting of STn. The up-regulation of STn in ovarian carcinoma in combination with high affinity and STn-specific selectivity of the mAbs presented herein warrant further investigation for anti-STn antibody-drug conjugates in the clinical setting.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 61
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Laura K. Borkenhagen, Kerry A. Mallinson, Rick W. Tsao, Siaw-Jing Ha, Wei-Honn Lim, Teck-Hock Toh, Benjamin D. Anderson, Jane K. Fieldhouse, Sarah E. Philo, Kuek-Sen Chong, William G. Lindsley, Alejandro Ramirez, James F. Lowe, Kristen K. Coleman, Gregory C. Gray Background The large livestock operations and dense human population of Southeast Asia are considered a hot-spot for emerging viruses. Objectives To determine if the pathogens adenovirus (ADV), coronavirus (CoV), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), enterovirus (EV), influenza A-D (IAV, IBV, ICV, and IDV), porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), and porcine rotaviruses A and C (RVA and RVC), are aerosolized at the animal-interface, and if humans working in these environments are carrying these viruses in their nasal airways. Study This cross-sectional study took place in Sarawak, Malaysia among 11 pig farms, 2 abattoirs, and 3 animal markets in June and July of 2017. Pig feces, pig oral secretions, bioaerosols, and worker nasal wash samples were collected and analyzed via rPCR and rRT-PCR for respiratory and diarrheal viruses. Results In all, 55 pig fecal, 49 pig oral or water, 45 bioaerosol, and 78 worker nasal wash samples were collected across 16 sites. PCV2 was detected in 21 pig fecal, 43 pig oral or water, 3 bioaerosol, and 4 worker nasal wash samples. In addition, one or more bioaerosol or pig samples were positive for EV, IAV, and RVC, and one or more worker samples were positive for ADV, CoV, IBV, and IDV. Conclusions This study demonstrates that nucleic acids from a number of targeted viruses were present in pig oral secretions and pig fecal samples, and that several viruses were detected in bioaerosol samples or in the nasal passages of humans with occupational exposure to pigs. These results demonstrate the need for future research in strengthening viral surveillance at the human-animal interface, specifically through expanded bioaerosol sampling efforts and a seroepidemiological study of individuals with exposure to pigs in this region for PCV2 infection.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 62
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Vasileios Stavropoulos, Stefanos Mastrotheodoros, Tyrone L. Burleigh, Nicole Papadopoulos, Rapson Gomez Romantic development is a distinctive characteristic of puberty. However, a significant proportion of adolescents present with avoidant romantic attachment (ARA) tendencies, which have significant impact on their general adaptation. ARA variations have been suggested in relation to age, gender, engagement with a romantic partner and Excessive Internet Use (EIU) behaviours. In this longitudinal, two-wave study of a normative sample of 515 Greek adolescents at 16 and 18 years, ARA was assessed with the relevant subscale of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised and EIU with the Internet Addiction Test. A three-level hierarchical linear model found ARA tendencies to decrease between 16 and 18 while engagement in a romantic relationship and EIU were associated with lower and higher ARA tendencies respectively. Gender did not differentiate ARA severity either at the age of 16 or its changes over time. Results highlight the need of adopting a longitudinal-contextualized approach and provide implications for prevention and intervention initiatives in relation to the romantic development of adolescents.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 63
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Emma C. Johnson, Luke M. Evans, Matthew C. Keller Inbreeding increases the risk of certain Mendelian disorders in humans but may also reduce fitness through its effects on complex traits and diseases. Such inbreeding depression is thought to occur due to increased homozygosity at causal variants that are recessive with respect to fitness. Until recently it has been difficult to amass large enough sample sizes to investigate the effects of inbreeding depression on complex traits using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data in population-based samples. Further, it is difficult to infer causation in analyses that relate degree of inbreeding to complex traits because confounding variables (e.g., education) may influence both the likelihood for parents to outbreed and offspring trait values. The present study used runs of homozygosity in genome-wide SNP data in up to 400,000 individuals in the UK Biobank to estimate the proportion of the autosome that exists in autozygous tracts—stretches of the genome which are identical due to a shared common ancestor. After multiple testing corrections and controlling for possible sociodemographic confounders, we found significant relationships in the predicted direction between estimated autozygosity and three of the 26 traits we investigated: age at first sexual intercourse, fluid intelligence, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Our findings corroborate those of several published studies. These results may imply that these traits have been associated with Darwinian fitness over evolutionary time. However, some of the autozygosity-trait relationships were attenuated after controlling for background sociodemographic characteristics, suggesting that alternative explanations for these associations have not been eliminated. Care needs to be taken in the design and interpretation of ROH studies in order to glean reliable information about the genetic architecture and evolutionary history of complex traits.
    Print ISSN: 1553-7390
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7404
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 64
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by David M. Brown, Sarah Jones, Zoe C. T. R. Daniel, Madelaine C. Brearley, Jo E. Lewis, Francis J. P. Ebling, Tim Parr, John M. Brameld Previously, we highlighted induction of an integrated stress response (ISR) gene program in skeletal muscle of pigs treated with a beta-adrenergic agonist. Hence we tested the hypothesis that the ER-stress inhibitor, sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA), would inhibit Clenbuterol-mediated muscle growth and reduce expression of genes that are known indicators of an ISR in mice. Clenbuterol (1mg/kg/day) administered to C57BL6/J mice for 21 days increased body weight ( p
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 65
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Charlotte Avet, Chantal Denoyelle, David L’Hôte, Florence Petit, Céline J. Guigon, Joëlle Cohen-Tannoudji, Violaine Simon Reproductive function is under the control of the neurohormone GnRH, which activates a G-protein-coupled receptor (GnRHR) expressed in pituitary gonadotrope cells. GnRHR activates a complex signaling network to regulate synthesis and secretion of the two gonadotropin hormones, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, both regulating gametogenesis and steroidogenesis in gonads. Recently, in an attempt to identify the mechanisms underlying GnRHR signaling plasticity, we identified the first interacting partner of GnRHR, the proto-oncogene SET. We showed that SET binds to intracellular domains of GnRHR to enhance its coupling to cAMP pathway in αT3-1 gonadotrope cells. Here, we demonstrate that SET protein is rapidly regulated by GnRH, which increases SET phosphorylation state and decreases dose-dependently SET protein level. Our results highlight a post-translational regulation of SET protein involving the proteasome pathway. We determined that SET phosphorylation upon GnRH stimulation is mediated by PKC and that PKC mediates GnRH-induced SET down-regulation. Phosphorylation on serine 9 targets SET for degradation into the proteasome. Furthermore, a non-phosphorylatable SET mutant on serine 9 is resistant to GnRH-induced down-regulation. Altogether, these data suggest that GnRH-induced SET phosphorylation on serine 9 mediates SET protein down-regulation through the proteasome pathway. Noteworthy, SET down-regulation was also observed in response to pulsatile GnRH stimulation in LβT2 gonadotrope cells as well as in vivo in prepubertal female mice supporting its physiological relevance. In conclusion, this study highlights a regulation of SET protein by the neurohormone GnRH and identifies some of the mechanisms involved.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 66
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Wilson Mendoza, Dominick Mendola, Jang Kim, Charles Yarish, Alyssa Velloze, B. Greg Mitchell
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 67
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Àngel Oliveras, Aina Baró, Laura Montesinos, Esther Badosa, Emilio Montesinos, Lidia Feliu, Marta Planas A collection of 36 lipopeptides were designed from the cecropin A-melittin hybrid peptide BP100 (H-Lys-Lys-Leu-Phe-Lys-Lys-Ile-Leu-Lys-Tyr-Leu-NH 2 ) previously described with activity against phytopathogenic bacteria. These lipopeptides were synthesized on solid-phase and screened for their antimicrobial activity, toxicity and proteolytic stability. They incorporated a butanoyl, a hexanoyl or a lauroyl group at the N-terminus or at the side chain of a lysine residue placed at each position of the sequence. Their antimicrobial activity and hemolysis depended on the fatty acid length and its position. In particular, lipopeptides containing a butanoyl or a hexanoyl chain exhibited the best biological activity profile. In addition, we observed that the incorporation of the acyl group did not induce the overexpression of defense-related genes in tomato. Best lipopeptides were BP370, BP378, BP381, BP387 and BP389, which were highly active against all the pathogens tested (minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.8 to 12.5 μM), low hemolytic, low phytotoxic and significantly stable to protease degradation. This family of lipopeptides might be promising functional peptides useful for plant protection.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 68
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by The PLOS ONE staff
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 69
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Fausto Petrelli, Chiara Lazzari, Raffaele Ardito, Karen Borgonovo, Alessandra Bulotta, Barbara Conti, Mary Cabiddu, Jody Filippo Capitanio, Matteo Brighenti, Mara Ghilardi, Luca Gianni, Sandro Barni, Vanesa Gregorc Background Patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearranged (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a higher risk of developing brain metastases (BMs) than patients with other NSCLC sub-types. ALK inhibitors have activity in BMs due to ALK+ NSCLC. We performed a systematic review of the literature with the aim of assessing the efficacy of ALK inhibitors on BMs. Material and methods A systematic search of the literature was performed using the databases Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS. Relevant publications reporting activity of ALK inhibitors in NSCLC BMs were retrieved. Data were pooled using the number of events/number of evaluable patients according to fixed or random effect models. Intracranial tumour response was assessed through overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR: ORR + stable disease rate), median progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The primary endpoint was intracranial overall response rate (IC ORR). Results A total of 1,016 patients with BMs from 21 studies were analysed. In patients receiving ALK inhibitors in the first line setting, the pooled IC ORR was 39.17% (95%CI 13.1–65.2%), while the pooled IC ORR observed in further lines was 44.2% (95%CI 33.3–55.1%). Intracranial disease control rate (IC DCR) was 70.3% and 78.2% in naïve and pre-treated patients, respectively. Patients who had not received brain radiation attained an IC ORR of 49.0%. Conclusions Based on these data, ALK inhibitors are effective in both naive and pre-treated patients with similar IC ORR and IC DCR, irrespective of the line of therapy.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 70
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Steven Denyer, Abhiraj D. Bhimani, Steven Papastefan, Pouyan Kheirkhah, Tania Aguilar, Jack Zakrzewski, Clayton L. Rosinski, Akash S. Patel, Saavan Patel, Victoria Zakrzewski, Akop Seksenyan, Gail S. Prins, Ankit I. Mehta Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) caused by metastatic malignancies or osteoporosis are devastating injuries with debilitating outcomes for patients. Minimally invasive kyphoplasty is a common procedure used for symptomatic amelioration. However, it fails in treating the underlying etiologies of VCFs. Use of systemic therapy is limited due to low perfusion to the spinal column and systemic toxicity. Localized delivery of drugs to the vertebral column can provide a promising alternative approach. A porcine kyphoplasty model was developed to study the magnetically guided drug delivery of systemically injected magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Jamshidi cannulated pedicle needles were placed into the thoracic vertebra and, following inflatable bone tamp expansion, magnetic bone cement was injected to the vertebral body. Histological analysis was performed after intravenous injection of MNPs. Qualitative analysis of harvested tissues revealed successful placement of magnetic cement into the vertebral body. Further quantitative analysis of histological sections of several vertebral bodies demonstrated enhanced accumulation of MNPs to regions that had magnetic cement injected during kyphoplasty compared to those that did not. By modifying the kyphoplasty bone cement to include magnets, thereby providing a guidance stimulus and a localizer, we were successfully able to guide intravenously injected magnetic nanoparticles to the thoracic vertebra. These results demonstrate an in-vivo proof of concept of a novel drug delivery strategy that has the potential to treat the underlying causes of VCFs, in addition to providing symptomatic support.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 71
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Maria Frølund, Arne Wikström, Peter Lidbrink, Waleed Abu Al-Soud, Niels Larsen, Christoffer Bugge Harder, Søren Johannes Sørensen, Jørgen Skov Jensen, Peter Ahrens Background Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is a common syndrome in men. NGU may have several causes, but many cases are caused by sexually transmitted infections that may also cause complications in their female partners. Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium are the most common causes of NGU, but in up to 35% of the cases, none of the known viral or bacterial causes are found. Traditionally, pathogens have been detected using various culture techniques that may not identify all species present in the urethra. To address this, we used culture-independent methods for analysis of the male urethral microbiota. Methods This case-control study analysed first void urine samples, collected at STD clinics in Stockholm, Sweden from men with idiopathic urethritis (IU), i.e. negative for Neisseria gonorrhoeae , Chlamydia trachomatis , Mycoplasma genitalium , Ureaplasma urealyticum , Trichomonas vaginalis , adenovirus, and herpes simplex virus type 1 and -2 together with samples from men without urethritis. Forty-six controls and 39 idiopathic urethritis patients were analysed. Results The microbiota was highly diverse: None of the 302 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) found in negative controls and IU patients were found in all of the samples or even in all of the samples in one group. More than 50% of the OTUs were only found in one or two of the total of 85 samples. Still the most dominant 1/6 of the genera constituted 79% of the sequences.Hierarchical clustering in a heatmap showed no specific clustering of patients or controls.A number of IU patient samples were dominated by a single genus previously related to urethritis ( Gardnerella , Haemophilus , Ureaplasma ). Conclusion The male urethra contain a very diverse composition of bacteria, even in healthy controls. NGU may be caused by a number of different bacteria but more studies including a higher number of samples are needed for elucidation of the role of each species.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 72
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Yves Jackson, Adeline Paignon, Hans Wolff, Noelia Delicado Background Undocumented migrants endure adverse living conditions while facing barriers to access healthcare. Evidence is lacking regarding their healthcare needs, notably in regards to chronic diseases. Our goal was to investigate health conditions in undocumented migrants attended in primary care setting. Methods This study was conducted at the primary care outpatient clinic, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland. We retrospectively recorded and coded all medical conditions of a random sample of 731 undocumented migrants using the International Classification of Primary Care, 2nd version (ICPC-2). We dichotomized conditions as chronic or non-chronic and considered multimorbidity in the presence of three or more chronic conditions. Results Participants originated from 72 countries and were mainly female (65.5%) with a mean age of 42.4 (standard deviation [SD]: 11.4) years. They presented a mean of 2.9 (SD: 2.1; range: 1–17) health conditions. In multivariable analysis, the number of conditions was associated with female gender (p = 0.011) and older age (p
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 73
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Kine Andenæs, Ida G. Lunde, Naiyereh Mohammadzadeh, Christen P. Dahl, Jan Magnus Aronsen, Mari E. Strand, Sheryl Palmero, Ivar Sjaastad, Geir Christensen, Kristin V. T. Engebretsen, Theis Tønnessen Pressure overload of the heart leads to cardiac remodeling that may progress into heart failure, a common, morbid and mortal condition. Increased mechanistic insight into remodeling is instrumental for development of novel heart failure treatment. Cardiac remodeling comprises cardiomyocyte hypertrophic growth, extracellular matrix alterations including fibrosis, and inflammation. Fibromodulin is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan that regulates collagen fibrillogenesis. Fibromodulin is expressed in the cardiac extracellular matrix, however its role in the heart remains largely unknown. We investigated fibromodulin levels in myocardial biopsies from heart failure patients and mice, subjected fibromodulin knock-out (FMOD-KO) mice to pressure overload by aortic banding, and overexpressed fibromodulin in cultured cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts using adenovirus. Fibromodulin was 3-10-fold upregulated in hearts of heart failure patients and mice. Both cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts expressed fibromodulin, and its expression was increased by pro-inflammatory stimuli. Without stress, FMOD-KO mice showed no cardiac phenotype. Upon aortic banding, left ventricles of FMOD-KO mice developed mildly exacerbated hypertrophic remodeling compared to wild-type mice, with increased cardiomyocyte size and altered infiltration of leukocytes. There were no differences in mortality, left ventricle dilatation, dysfunction or expression of heart failure markers. Although collagen amount and cross-linking were comparable in FMOD-KO and wild-type, overexpression of fibromodulin in cardiac fibroblasts in vitro decreased their migratory capacity and expression of fibrosis-associated molecules, i.e. the collagen-cross linking enzyme lysyl oxidase, transglutaminase 2 and periostin. In conclusion, despite a robust fibromodulin upregulation in clinical and experimental heart failure, FMOD-KO mice showed a relatively mild hypertrophic phenotype. In cultured cardiac fibroblasts, fibromodulin has anti-fibrotic effects.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 74
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Bruno Rossitto De Marchi, Tonny Kinene, James Mbora Wainaina, Renate Krause-Sakate, Laura Boykin The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci , is a species complex of more than 40 cryptic species and a major agricultural pest. It causes extensive damage to plants mainly by transmitting plant viruses. There is still a lack of genomic data available for the different whitefly species found in Brazil and their bacterial endosymbionts. Understanding the genetic and transcriptomic composition of these insect pests, the viruses they transmit and the microbiota is crucial to sustainable solutions for farmers to control whiteflies. Illumina RNA-Seq was used to obtain the transcriptome of individual whiteflies from 10 different populations from Brazil including Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), Mediterranean (MED) and New World 2 (NW2). Raw reads were assembled using CLC Genomics Workbench and subsequently mapped to reference genomes. We obtained whitefly complete mitochondrial genomes and draft genomes from the facultative bacterial endosymbiont Hamiltonella for further phylogenetic analyses. In addition, nucleotide sequences of the GroEL chaperonin gene from Hamiltonella from different populations were obtained and analysed. There was concordance in the species clustering using the whitefly complete mitogenome and the mtCOI gene tree. On the other hand, the phylogenetic analysis using the 12 ORF’s of Hamiltonella clustered the native species NW2 apart from the exotics MEAM1 and MED. In addition, the amino acid analysis of GroEL chaperonin revealed a deletion only in Hamiltonella infecting NW2 among whiteflies populations analysed which was further confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. The genomic data obtained in this study will aid understanding the functions that Hamiltonella may have in whitefly biology and serve as a reference for further studies regarding whiteflies in Brazil.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 75
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Wen-Kai Yang, An-Di Hsu, Chao-Kai Kang, Ivan Pochou Lai, Pei-Shao Liao, Tsung-Han Lee FXYD proteins are the regulators of sodium-potassium ATPase (Na + /K + -ATPase, NKA). In teleosts, NKA is a primary driving force for the operation of many ion transport systems in the osmoregulatory organs (e.g. intestines). Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the expression of FXYD proteins and NKA α-subunit in the intestines of two closely related medakas ( Oryzias dancena and O . latipes ), which came from different salinity habitats and have diverse osmoregulatory capabilities, to illustrate the association between NKA and FXYD proteins of two medaka species in response to salinity changes. The results showed that the fxyd12 mRNA was the most predominant in the intestines of both medakas. The association of FXYD12 and NKA in the intestines of the two medaka species was demonstrated via double immunofluorescent staining and co-immunoprecipitation. Upon salinity challenge, the localization of FXYD12 and NKA was similar in the intestines of the two medaka species. However, the expression profiles of intestinal FXYD12 and NKA (mRNA and protein levels), as well as NKA activity differed between the medakas. These results showed that FXYD12 may play a role in modulating NKA activity in the intestines of the two medakas following salinity changes in the maintenance of internal homeostasis. These findings contributed to knowledge of the expression and potential role of vertebrate FXYD12, the regulators of NKA, upon salinity challenge.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 76
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Raissa Prior Migliorini, Felipe Bortolotto Peters, Marina Ochoa Favarini, Carlos Benhur Kasper Information about resource partitioning among small cat species that live in sympatry in South America is fairly incomplete. Knowledge about feeding habits is essential for understanding the role of these predators in the environment, the impact on prey populations, and potential competition among themselves and with other carnivores. This study aimed to describe and compare the diet of four sympatric small cats in the grasslands of southern Brazil. We analysed the stomach contents of 37 Geoffroy’s cats ( Leopardus geoffroyi ), 27 margays ( Leopardus wiedii ), 14 pampas cats ( Leopardus colocola ), and 20 jaguarundis ( Herpailurus yagouaroundi ) obtained as road kill in the Brazilian Pampa in southern Brazil. Small mammals were the most representative class consumed by all cats, followed by Aves, Reptilia, and Amphibia. Some items, such as rodents Cavia aperea , Akodon sp., Oligoryzomys sp. and Passeriformes were consumed by all cat species. Niche overlap varied widely, from 10% (margay x jaguarundi) to 92% (jaguarundi x pampas cat). Niche breadth indicated that jaguarundi were the most specialized of the cats ( B sta = 0.24) in this region, with a diet closely associated to C . aperea . Margay consumed more items associated with arboreal behaviour than other cat species, but consumed more terrestrial items than arboreal ones. The pampas cat consumed mostly terrestrial species associated with open fields. Geoffroy’s cat consumed mammals found in a diversity of habitats, indicating high ecological flexibility. Species with more similarity in diet such as jaguarundi and pampas cat probably present temporal segregation in activity. In conclusion, despite their habitat and diet similarities, these four species explore distinct microhabitats by foraging different prey groups, what favor them to live in sympatry.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 77
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Cagan Urkup, Burcin Bozkaya, F. Sibel Salman The rapid growth of mobile payment and geo-aware systems as well as the resulting emergence of Big Data present opportunities to explore individual consuming patterns across space and time. Here we analyze a one-year transaction dataset of a leading commercial bank to understand to what extent customer mobility behavior and financial indicators can predict the use of a target product, namely the Individual Consumer Loan product. After data preprocessing, we generate 13 datasets covering different time intervals and feature groups, and test combinations of 3 feature selection methods and 10 classification algorithms to determine, for each dataset, the best feature selection method and the most influential features, and the best classification algorithm. We observe the importance of spatio-temporal mobility features and financial features, in addition to demography, in predicting the use of this exemplary product with high accuracy (AUC = 0.942). Finally, we analyze the classification results and report on most interesting customer characteristics and product usage implications. Our findings can be used to potentially increase the success rates of product recommendation systems.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 78
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Amparo Lázaro, Asier R. Larrinaga Seed size is a fundamental life-history trait for plants. A seed number/size trade-off is assumed because the resources invested in reproduction are limited; however, such a trade-off is not always observed. This could be a consequence of the method used for testing it, where the null hypothesis is dictated by common statistical practice, rather than being based on any underlying theory. Alternatively, there might be some population- and species-dependent variables that affect resource availability and, in turn, influence the presence and intensity of this trade-off. Using data on 42 herbs from two communities (lowland and alpine) from Southern Norway, we tested the validity of the classical linear model vs. two previously proposed models, based on resource competition, when assessing the existence of this trade-off at different levels. We also evaluated whether some species- (fruit aggregation, ovules/flower) and population-dependent (pollen limitation) variables could affect this trade-off. Classical linear modelling outperformed the other proposed functional models. Significant seed number/size relationships were negative in single-fruited species, whereas they were positive in species with infructescences of one-seeded fruits. Concordantly, fruit organization was the most influencing variable for the intra-specific trade-off in the lowland community. In the alpine community, species suffering higher pollen limitation showed more strongly negative slopes between seed size and seed number at the fruit/infructescence level. Across species, seed size and number were negatively related, although the relationship was significant in only one of the communities. No evidence of trade-off was found at the plant level. Linear models provide a flexible framework that allows coping with the variability in the seed number/size relationship. The emergence of the intra-specific relationship between seed number and size depends on species- and population-dependent variables, related to resource allocation and the pollination environment.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 79
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Sunitha Kodidela, Sabina Ranjit, Namita Sinha, Carole McArthur, Anil Kumar, Santosh Kumar Cytokines and chemokines circulate in plasma and may be transferred to distant sites, via exosomes. HIV infection is associated with dysregulation of cytokines and chemokines, which subsequently contribute to the pathogenesis of HIV. Alcohol and tobacco exposure, which are prevalent in HIV-infected individuals, may induce changes in the expression of cytokines and chemokines. Therefore, our aim in this study was to quantify plasma exosomal cytokines and chemokines that we expect to exacerbate toxicity or disease progression in HIV-positive drug abusers. We measured the levels of cytokines and chemokines in the plasma and plasma exosomes of 39 patients comprising six groups: HIV-negative and HIV-positive non drug abusers, HIV-negative and HIV-positive alcohol users, and HIV-negative and HIV positive tobacco smokers. We measured six cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, IL-1ra, IL-10) and two chemokines (MCP-1 and RANTES). All were present in exosomes of healthy subjects, but their levels varied between different study groups. HIV-positive alcohol drinkers had higher levels of plasma IL-8 compared to those of HIV-positive non-drinkers. The IL-1ra level was significantly higher in exosomes of non-HIV-infected alcohol drinkers compared to those of HIV-positive alcohol drinkers. Interestingly, the IL-10 level was higher in exosomes compared with their respective plasma levels in all study groups except HIV-positive non-alcohol drinkers. IL-10 was completely packaged in exosomes of HIV-positive smokers. HIV-positive smokers had significantly higher levels of plasma IL-8 compared with HIV-positive non-smokers and significantly higher exosomal IL-6 levels compared with HIV-negative subjects. HIV-positive smokers had significantly increased plasma levels of IL-1ra compared to HIV-positive non-smokers. The MCP-1 levels in the plasma of HIV-positive smokers was significantly higher than in either HIV-positive non-drug abusers or HIV-negative smokers. Overall, the findings suggest that plasma cytokines and chemokines are packaged in exosomes at varying degrees in different study groups. Exosomal cytokines and chemokines are likely to have a significant biological role at distant sites including cells in the brain.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 80
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Mian Zhou, Monowar Aziz, Manhendar Ochani, Weng-Lang Yang, Archna Sharma, Ping Wang Decrease of CD4 T cell numbers causes immunosuppression in sepsis. We previously showed the beneficial role of ghrelin in sepsis. We hypothesize that the protective outcome of ghrelin in sepsis is mediated partially through the restoration of CD4 T cells’ proliferation. Sepsis was induced in mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The percentage of CD4 T cells in spleen was assessed by flow cytometry and their proliferation was determined by carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CSFE). Compared to sham mice, the percentages of splenic CD4 T cells were reduced by 20%, 21%, and 29% at day 1, 2 and 3 after CLP, respectively. Human ghrelin was given to 3 day septic mice by s . c . injection at 5 and 24 h after CLP. Treatment with ghrelin restored the loss of CD4 T cells by increasing their proliferation in septic mice. The expression of cyclin D1 and B1 was significantly increased, while the expression of p57 was decreased in ghrelin-treated mice compared to vehicle-treated mice in sepsis. Treatment with human ghrelin significantly increased the p-AKT levels in the spleen compared to vehicle-treated septic mice. Human ghrelin plays an important role in reestablishing the proliferation of CD4 T cells and serves as a promising therapeutic agent in sepsis.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 81
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Ann Machablishvili, Giorgi Chakhunashvili, Khatuna Zakhashvili, Irakli Karseladze, Olgha Tarkhan-Mouravi, Mari Gavashelidze, Tamar Jashiashvili, Lela Sabadze, Paata Imnadze, Rodney S. Daniels, Burcu Ermetal, John W. McCauley Background Influenza epidemiological and virologic data from Georgia are limited. We aimed to present Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) surveillance data and characterize influenza viruses circulating in the country over three influenza seasons. Methods We analyzed sentinel site ILI and SARI data for the 2014–2017 seasons in Georgia. Patients’ samples were screened by real-time RT-PCR and influenza viruses isolated were characterized antigenically by haemagglutination inhibition assay and genetically by sequencing of HA and NA genes. Results 32% (397/1248) of ILI and 29% (581/1997) of SARI patients tested were positive for influenza viruses. In 2014–2015 the median week of influenza detection was week 7/2015 with B/Yamagata lineage viruses dominating (79%); in 2015–2016—week 5/2016 was the median with A/H1N1pdm09 viruses prevailing (83%); and in 2016–2017 a bimodal distribution of influenza activity was observed—the first wave was caused by A/H3N2 (55%) with median week 51/2016 and the second by B/Victoria lineage viruses (45%) with median week 9/2017. For ILI, influenza virus detection was highest in children aged 5–14 years while for SARI patients most were aged 〉15 years and 27 (4.6%) of 581 SARI cases died during the three seasons. Persons aged 30–64 years had the highest risk of fatal outcome, notably those infected with A/H1N1pdm09 (OR 11.41, CI 3.94–33.04, p
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 82
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Juan Pablo Gutierrez, Sebastian Garcia-Saiso, Belkis M. Aracena Objective This study aimed to estimate the magnitude of the association between overall household health expenditures & the presence of members with a chronic disease in the household. Research design & methods This was a cross-sectional analysis of a probabilistic household survey, which gathered data on previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension as well as health expenditure in Mexico. From an analytic sample of 44,000 households, we identified those having at least one member with diabetes or hypertension and determined their health expenditure. Using matching procedures, we compared these data with those of households lacking such individuals. Results We found that 24% of the households had at least one member who had been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, or both. Households with such members reported health expenditures that were 25%–34% ( P
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 83
    Publication Date: 2018-07-28
    Description: by Hong Li, Manuel Zeitelhofer, Ingrid Nilsson, Xicong Liu, Laura Allan, Benjamin Gloria, Angelo Perani, Carmel Murone, Bruno Catimel, A. Munro Neville, Fiona E. Scott, Andrew M. Scott, Ulf Eriksson PDGF-CC is a member of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family that stimulates PDGFRα phosphorylation and thereby activates intracellular signalling events essential for development but also in cancer, fibrosis and neuropathologies involving blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. In order to elucidate the biological and pathological role(s) of PDGF-CC signalling, we have generated high affinity neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) recognizing human PDGF-CC. We determined the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of the selected clones, and mapped the binding epitope for clone 6B3. Using the monoclonal 6B3, we determined the expression pattern for PDGF-CC in different human primary tumours and control tissues, and explored its ability to neutralize PDGF-CC-induced phosphorylation of PDGFRα. In addition, we showed that PDGF-CC induced disruption of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) was significantly reduced upon intraperitoneal administration of a chimeric anti-PDGF-CC antibody. In summary, we report on high affinity monoclonal antibodies against PDGF-CC that have therapeutic efficacy in vivo .
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 84
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Fergal M. Waldron, Graham N. Stone, Darren J. Obbard RNA interference (RNAi)-related pathways target viruses and transposable element (TE) transcripts in plants, fungi, and ecdysozoans (nematodes and arthropods), giving protection against infection and transmission. In each case, this produces abundant TE and virus-derived 20-30nt small RNAs, which provide a characteristic signature of RNAi-mediated defence. The broad phylogenetic distribution of the Argonaute and Dicer-family genes that mediate these pathways suggests that defensive RNAi is ancient, and probably shared by most animal (metazoan) phyla. Indeed, while vertebrates had been thought an exception, it has recently been argued that mammals also possess an antiviral RNAi pathway, although its immunological relevance is currently uncertain and the viral small RNAs (viRNAs) are not easily detectable. Here we use a metagenomic approach to test for the presence of viRNAs in five species from divergent animal phyla (Porifera, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, and Annelida), and in a brown alga—which represents an independent origin of multicellularity from plants, fungi, and animals. We use metagenomic RNA sequencing to identify around 80 virus-like contigs in these lineages, and small RNA sequencing to identify viRNAs derived from those viruses. We identified 21U small RNAs derived from an RNA virus in the brown alga, reminiscent of plant and fungal viRNAs, despite the deep divergence between these lineages. However, contrary to our expectations, we were unable to identify canonical (i.e. Drosophila- or nematode-like) viRNAs in any of the animals, despite the widespread presence of abundant micro-RNAs, and somatic transposon-derived piwi-interacting RNAs. We did identify a distinctive group of small RNAs derived from RNA viruses in the mollusc. However, unlike ecdysozoan viRNAs, these had a piRNA-like length distribution but lacked key signatures of piRNA biogenesis. We also identified primary piRNAs derived from putatively endogenous copies of DNA viruses in the cnidarian and the echinoderm, and an endogenous RNA virus in the mollusc. The absence of canonical virus-derived small RNAs from our samples may suggest that the majority of animal phyla lack an antiviral RNAi response. Alternatively, these phyla could possess an antiviral RNAi response resembling that reported for vertebrates, with cryptic viRNAs not detectable through simple metagenomic sequencing of wild-type individuals. In either case, our findings show that the antiviral RNAi responses of arthropods and nematodes, which are highly divergent from each other and from that of plants and fungi, are also highly diverged from the most likely ancestral metazoan state.
    Print ISSN: 1553-7390
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7404
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 85
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Sofia Shevtsov, Keren Nevo-Dinur, Lior Faigon, Laure D. Sultan, Michal Zmudjak, Mark Markovits, Oren Ostersetzer-Biran Mitochondria are key sites for cellular energy metabolism and are essential to cell survival. As descendants of eubacterial symbionts (specifically α-proteobacteria), mitochondria contain their own genomes (mtDNAs), RNAs and ribosomes. Plants need to coordinate their energy demands during particular growth and developmental stages. The regulation of mtDNA expression is critical for controlling the oxidative phosphorylation capacity in response to physiological or environmental signals. The mitochondrial transcription termination factor (mTERF) family has recently emerged as a central player in mitochondrial gene expression in various eukaryotes. Interestingly, the number of mTERFs has been greatly expanded in the nuclear genomes of plants, with more than 30 members in different angiosperms. The majority of the annotated mTERFs in plants are predicted to be plastid- or mitochondria-localized. These are therefore expected to play important roles in organellar gene expression in angiosperms. Yet, functions have been assigned to only a small fraction of these factors in plants. Here, we report the characterization of mTERF22 (At5g64950) which functions in the regulation of mtDNA transcription in Arabidopsis thaliana . GFP localization assays indicate that mTERF22 resides within the mitochondria. Disruption of mTERF22 function results in reduced mtRNA accumulation and altered organelle biogenesis. Transcriptomic and run-on experiments suggest that the phenotypes of mterf22 mutants are attributable, at least in part, to altered mitochondria transcription, and indicate that mTERF22 affects the expression of numerous mitochondrial genes in Arabidopsis plants.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 86
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Akram Bakkour, Rotem Botvinik-Nezer, Neta Cohen, Ashleigh M. Hover, Russell A. Poldrack, Tom Schonberg The maintenance of behavioral change over the long term is essential to achieve public health goals such as combatting obesity and drug use. Previous work by our group has demonstrated a reliable shift in preferences for appetitive foods following a novel non-reinforced training paradigm. In the current studies, we tested whether distributing training trials over two consecutive days would affect preferences immediately after training as well as over time at a one-month follow-up. In four studies, three different designs and an additional pre-registered replication of one sample, we found that spacing of cue-approach training induced a shift in food choice preferences over one month. The spacing and massing schedule employed governed the long-term changes in choice behavior. Applying spacing strategies to training paradigms that target automatic processes could prove a useful tool for the long-term maintenance of health improvement goals with the development of real-world behavioral change paradigms that incorporate distributed practice principles.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 87
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by David E. Goldsbury, Sarsha Yap, Marianne F. Weber, Lennert Veerman, Nicole Rankin, Emily Banks, Karen Canfell, Dianne L. O’Connell Background Cancer care represents a substantial and rapidly rising healthcare cost in Australia. Our aim was to provide accurate population-based estimates of the health services cost of cancer care using large-scale linked patient-level data. Methods We analysed data for incident cancers diagnosed 2006–2010 and followed to 2014 among 266,793 eligible participants in the 45 and Up Study. Health system costs included Medicare and pharmaceutical claims, inpatient hospital episodes and emergency department presentations. Costs for cancer cases and matched cancer-free controls were compared, to estimate monthly/annual excess costs of cancer care by cancer type, before and after diagnosis and by phase of care (initial, continuing, terminal). Total costs incurred in 2013 were also estimated for all people diagnosed in Australia 2009–2013. Results 7624 participants diagnosed with cancer were matched with up to three controls. The mean excess cost of care per case was AUD$1,622 for the year before diagnosis, $33,944 for the first year post-diagnosis and $8,796 for the second year post-diagnosis, with considerable variation by cancer type. Mean annual cost after the initial treatment phase was $4,474/case and the mean cost for the last year of life was $49,733/case. In 2013 the cost for cancers among people in Australia diagnosed during 2009–2013 was ~$6.3billion (0.4% of Gross Domestic Product; $272 per capita), with the largest costs for colorectal cancer ($1.1billion), breast cancer ($0.8billion), lung cancer ($0.6billion) and prostate cancer ($0.5billion). Conclusions The cost of cancer care is substantial and varies by cancer type and time since diagnosis. These findings emphasise the economic importance of effective primary and secondary cancer prevention strategies.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 88
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Zachary L. Fuller, Christopher J. Leonard, Randee E. Young, Stephen W. Schaeffer, Nitin Phadnis Understanding the role of chromosomal inversions in speciation is a fundamental problem in evolutionary genetics. Here, we perform a comprehensive reconstruction of the evolutionary histories of the chromosomal inversions in Drosophila persimilis and D . pseudoobscura . We provide a solution to the puzzling origins of the selfish Sex-Ratio arrangement in D . persimilis and uncover surprising patterns of phylogenetic discordance on this chromosome. These patterns show that, contrary to widely held views, all fixed chromosomal inversions between D . persimilis and D . pseudoobscura were already present in their ancestral population long before the species split. Our results suggest that patterns of higher genomic divergence and an association of reproductive isolation genes with chromosomal inversions may be a direct consequence of incomplete lineage sorting of ancestral polymorphisms. These findings force a reconsideration of the role of chromosomal inversions in speciation, not as protectors of existing hybrid incompatibilities, but as fertile grounds for their formation.
    Print ISSN: 1553-7390
    Electronic ISSN: 1553-7404
    Topics: Biology
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 89
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Yi Guo, Jiang Bian, Qian Li, Trevor Leavitt, Eric I. Rosenberg, Thomas W. Buford, Megan D. Smith, Heather K. Vincent, François Modave Background Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is the only major risk factor that is not routinely assessed in the clinical setting, for preventive medicine. A valid and practical CRF test is needed for use in the clinics. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the validity of a 3-minute squat test to assess CRF in primary care. Methods A cross-sectional study in which the participants performed both the Ruffier squat test and the Balke maximal treadmill test. The study was conducted in a clinical setting from September 2016 to March 2017. We recruited a convenient sample of 40 adults between 18 and 64 years from the general U.S. population. Participants completed 30 squats in 45 seconds, paced by a metronome. Heart rate was measured at rest (P1), immediately after the test (P2), one minute after the test (P3). V˙O2max was measured using the Balke maximal treadmill fitness test. Results Of the 40 participants, there were 18 men and 22 women. Mean age was 31.2 years (SD = 9.9). We found that the best V˙O2max predictors were HR features P 1/ height and ( P 2– P 3)/ age 3 . Our best-performing model using these two features predicted individuals’ CRF levels with an adjusted R 2 of 0.637, sensitivity of 0.79, and specificity of 0.56. Conclusions The study provided strong evidence for the validity of the squat test in the clinical setting. Further, the equation of our model along with V˙O2max normative tables provides an efficient and easy way to assess CRF in a primary care setting.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 90
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Primo Proietti, Massimo Trabalza Marinucci, Alberto Marco Del Pino, Roberto D’Amato, Luca Regni, Gabriele Acuti, Elisabetta Chiaradia, Carlo Alberto Palmerini Selenium (Se) is an essential element in human and animal diets, based upon a widespread range of beneficial effects that are primarily due to its antioxidant properties. While Se can be associated to anti-cancer and anti-diabetic activities, reproductive efficiency, and enhancement of the immune system, the mechanistic details of the corresponding biological processes are still largely elusive. To avoid deficiencies and increase bioavailability, Se it is generally supplied to livestock through Se-supplemented feeds or forage plants fertilized with inorganic Se. While the relationship between Ca 2+ and ROS (reactive oxygen species) is well known, only a few studies have addressed the possible involvement of Se in the control of cytosolic Ca 2+ in oxidative stress. The results on Ca 2+ homeostasis were obtained adding exogenous Se in the form of SeO 4 2- to sheep lymphomonocytes cultured in vitro . In particular, Se strongly attenuated 1mM H 2 O 2 -induced alteration of intracellular [Ca 2+ ] C as well as the entry of extracellular Ca 2+ into the cells with comparable EC50 values for sodium selenate accounting to 1.72 and 2.28 mM, respectively. In an ex vivo trial, it was observed that Ca 2+ homeostasis can effectively be rescued in sheep lymphomonocytes exposed in vivo to a Se concentration of approximately 1.9 mM, that was achieved by feeding sheep with olive leaves previously sprayed with 500 mg/plant Na-selenate. Thus the results obtained suggest that the mode of action of selenium markedly influenced Ca 2+ -related signaling events. Furthermore, results clearly reveal that the protective effect of Se on Ca 2+ homeostasis under oxidative challenge can be clearly and effectively achieved through an appropriate dietary regimen obtained also in a circular economy logic using pruning of olive trees treated to reduce tree drought stress.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 91
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Rabab Rashwan, Julius F. Varano della Vergiliana, Sally M. Lansley, Hui Min Cheah, Natalia Popowicz, James C. Paton, Grant W. Waterer, Tiffany Townsend, Ian Kay, Jeremy S. Brown, Y. C. Gary Lee Pleural infection/empyema is common and its incidence continues to rise. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the commonest bacterial cause of empyema in children and among the commonest in adults. The mesothelium represents the first line of defense against invading microorganisms, but mesothelial cell responses to common empyema pathogens, including S . pneumoniae , have seldom been studied. We assessed mesothelial cell viability in vitro following exposure to common empyema pathogens. Clinical isolates of S . pneumoniae from 25 patients with invasive pneumococcal disease and three reference strains were tested. All potently induced death of cultured mesothelial cells (MeT-5A) in a dose- and time-dependent manner (〉90% at 10 7 CFU/mL after 24 hours). No significant mesothelial cell killing was observed when cells were co-cultured with Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus milleri group bacteria. S . pneumoniae induced mesothelial cell death via secretory product(s) as cytotoxicity could be: i) reproduced using conditioned media derived from S . pneumoniae and ii) in transwell studies when the bacteria and mesothelial cells were separated. No excess cell death was seen when heat-killed S . pneumoniae were used. Pneumolysin, a cytolytic S . pneumoniae toxin, induced cell death in a time- and dose-dependent manner. S . pneumoniae lacking the pneumolysin gene (D39 ΔPLY strain) failed to kill mesothelial cells compared to wild type (D39) controls, confirming the necessity of pneumolysin in D39-induced mesothelial cell death. However, pneumolysin gene mutation in other S . pneumoniae strains (TIGR4, ST3 and ST23F) only partly abolished their cytotoxic effects, suggesting different strains may induce cell death via different mechanisms.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 92
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Ming-Tzer Lin, Chao-Lun Lai, Pei-Lin Lee, Min-Huei Shen, Chong-Jen Yu, Chi-Tai Fang, Chi-Ling Chen Background The present study aimed to test if the temporal sequence between sleep apnea (SA) diagnosis and incident myocardial infarction (MI) was associated with the long-term mortality and cardiovascular event in a community-based cohort. Methods We retrieved data from 9,453 incident MI patients between Jan. 1 st 2000 and Dec. 31 st 2012 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The study subjects included 207 MI patients with SA (SA-MI), further stratified into 110 with pre-existing SA before MI (SA-bMI) and 96 diagnosed with SA after MI (SA-pMI). The median follow-up period was 4.2 years. Propensity-score-matched controls were selected from 9,246 non-SA MI patients (non-SA-MI). The association of SA and outcomes including all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) were analyzed by a Cox proportional hazards model. Results The result showed that SA was not associated with mortality regardless of the timing of SA diagnosis. SA-pMI was associated with increased risk of MACCEs (Hazard ratio [HR]: 1.412, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.037~1.923, p = 0.029) including re-MI or revascularization and ischemic heart disease hospitalization. Such an association was most significant for SA diagnosed within one year after MI (HR: 2.029, 95% CI: 1.265~3.254, p = 0.003), which was not seen in patients treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Conclusion The temporal sequence and the time interval between SA diagnosis and incident MI was associated with the cardiovascular events after MI, especially within one year after MI. Early assessment for the presence of SA after incident MI and early CPAP intervention may reduce the risk of further adverse cardiovascular events.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 93
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Thomas LeBrun, Peter Schuck, Ren Wei, Justine S. Yoon, Xianghui Dong, Nicole Y. Morgan, Jeffrey Fagan, Huaying Zhao Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) is a first-principles based method for studying macromolecules and particles in solution by monitoring the evolution of their radial concentration distribution as a function of time in the presence of a high centrifugal field. In sedimentation velocity experiments, hydrodynamic properties relating to size, shape, density, and solvation of particles can be measured, at a high hydrodynamic resolution, on polydisperse samples. In a recent multilaboratory benchmark study including data from commercial analytical ultracentrifuges in 67 laboratories, the calibration accuracy of the radial dimension was found to be one of the dominant factors limiting the accuracy of AUC. In the present work, we develop an artifact consisting of an accurately calibrated reflective pattern lithographically deposited onto an AUC window. It serves as a reticle when scanned in AUC control experiments for absolute calibration of radial magnification. After analysis of the pitch between landmarks in scans using different optical systems, we estimate that the residual uncertainty in radial magnification after external calibration with the radial scale artifact is ≈0.2 %, of similar magnitude to other important contributions after external calibration such as the uncertainty in temperature and time. The previous multilaboratory study had found many instruments with errors in radial measurements of 1 % to 2 %, and a few instruments with errors in excess of 15 %, meaning that the use of the artifact developed here could reduce errors by 5-to 10-fold or more. Adoption of external radial calibration is thus an important factor for assuring accuracy in studies related to molecular hydrodynamics and particle size measurements by AUC.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 94
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Giorgi Chakhunashvili, Abram L. Wagner, Laura E. Power, Cara B. Janusz, Ann Machablishvili, Irakli Karseladze, Olgha Tarkhan-Mouravi, Khatuna Zakhashvili, Paata Imnadze, Gregory C. Gray, Benjamin Anderson, Matthew L. Boulton Background Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) causes substantial mortality and morbidity worldwide. The country of Georgia conducts sentinel surveillance to monitor SARI activity and changes in its infectious etiology. This study characterizes the epidemiology of SARI in Georgia over the 2015/16 and 2016/17 influenza seasons, compares clinical presentations by etiology, and estimates influenza vaccine effectiveness using a test-negative design. Methods SARI cases were selected through alternate day systematic sampling between September 2015 and March 2017 at five sentinel surveillance inpatient sites. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested for respiratory viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae using a multiplex diagnostic system. We present SARI case frequencies by demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, and clinical presentation, and used logistic regression to estimate influenza A vaccine effectiveness. Results 1,624 patients with SARI were identified. More cases occurred in February (28.7%; 466/1624) than other months. Influenza was the dominant pathogen in December-February, respiratory syncytial virus in March-May, and rhinovirus in June-November. Serious clinical symptoms including breathing difficulties, ICU hospitalization, and artificial ventilation were common among influenza A and human metapneumovirus cases. For influenza A/H3, a protective association between vaccination and disease status was observed when cases with unknown vaccination status were combined with those who were unvaccinated (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.97). Conclusions Multi-pathogen diagnostic testing through Georgia’s sentinel surveillance provides useful information on etiology, seasonality, and demographic associations. Influenza A and B were associated with more severe outcomes, although the majority of the population studied was unvaccinated. Findings from sentinel surveillance can assist in prevention planning.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 95
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Qian Cai, Fang Li, Yunxian Zhou Background Despite the increasing number of Crohn's disease patients self-administering nasogastric feeding as enteral nutrition support therapy, no studies have reported the experiences of self-administering nasogastric feeding from the perspective of these patients. Objectives To explore the initial trigger factors for the self-administration of nasogastric feeding by Crohn’s disease patients and to understand the experiences of self-administration of nasogastric feeding, its effects on various aspects of life and work, and relevant challenges and coping mechanisms encountered during this therapy in order to improve the understanding of this group of patients among medical staff and the public. Design This study adopted a descriptive qualitative method. Crohn's disease patients from several tertiary hospitals in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, were recruited to participate through purposive sampling combined with maximum variation and the snowballing technique. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the conventional content analysis method. Results A total of 11 Crohn's disease patients were interviewed. Four themes and eight subthemes emerged from the analysis: rejecting the self-administration of nasogastric feeding (being afraid of inserting the nasogastric tube, having concerns about nasogastric feeding), accepting the reality of nasogastric feeding (health being the most important, followed by having sources of support), nasogastric feeding as a double-edged sword (the disturbances and efficacies of nasogastric feeding), and nasogastric feeding as a part of life (becoming accustomed to tube insertion and taking nasogastric feeding for granted). Conclusions Apart from suffering from physical discomfort, diet and body image disturbances, and inconveniences in daily life, Crohn's disease patients who self-administered nasogastric feeding faced many psychological challenges. Many of these patients eventually adjusted to a life with nasogastric feeding, but not everyone achieved this state. Therefore, health care providers, including physicians and nurses, and the general public should collaborate to help these patients adapt to their “new lives” as soon as possible.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 96
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Tao Li, Hongyun Wang, Xiubo Xia, Shoujun Cao, Jiangang Yao, Lili Zhang Root-knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.) are obligate endoparasites that infect many crops and cause severe yield losses. In this research, we studied the effect of Welsh onion, grown as a companion plant, on the resistance of cucumber plants to RKN infection and analyzed the most abundant components of Welsh onion root exudates. The results showed that, when grown with Welsh onion as a companion plant, cucumber roots had 77.0% fewer root knots and egg masses than the control cucumber roots. Welsh onion root exudates were collected and extracted with chloroform, ethyl ether, n -butanol and ethyl acetate. High concentrations of the extracts from the Welsh onion root exudates decreased the hatchability of RKN eggs. In particular, the inhibitory effect of the n -butanol extract was significant and the hatchability of RKN eggs did not exceed 10%. Gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis revealed that the most abundant component in the n -butanol extract was 4-hydroxy-benzeneethanol. Treatment with 1.2 mM 4-hydroxy-benzeneethanol decreased egg hatchability to 40%, whereas treatment with 9.6 mM or a higher concentration of 4-hydroxy-benzeneethanol decreased egg hatchability to less than 10%. In addition, 1.2 mM or a higher concentration of 4-hydroxy-benzeneethanol decreased the activity of the second-stage juvenile (J2). Higher 4-hydroxy-benzeneethanol concentrations (9.8 and 19.2 mM) were lethal to RKNs to some extent, with death rates greater than 50% at 48 h of treatment. The present results suggest that cultivation with Welsh onion as a companion plant may represent an alternative to the application of synthetic nematicides, with fewer side effects. We confirmed that 4-hydroxy-benzeneethanol is a natural effective nematicide.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 97
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Puja Kohli, Pedro V. Staziaki, Sumbal A. Janjua, Daniel A. Addison, Travis R. Hallett, Orla Hennessy, Richard A. P. Takx, Michael T. Lu, Florian J. Fintelmann, Marc Semigran, Robert S. Harris, Bartolome R. Celli, Udo Hoffmann, Tomas G. Neilan Heart Failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are morbid diseases that often coexist. In patients with coexisting disease, COPD is an independent risk factor for readmission and mortality. However, spirometry is often inaccurate in those with active heart failure. Therefore, we investigated the association between the presence of emphysema on computed tomography (CT) and readmission rates in smokers admitted with heart failure (HF). The cohort included a consecutive group of smokers discharged with HF from a tertiary center between January 1, 2014 and April 1, 2014 who also had a CT of the chest for dyspnea. The primary endpoint was any readmission for HF before April 1, 2016; secondary endpoints were 30-day readmission for HF, length of stay and all-cause mortality. Over the study period, there were 225 inpatient smokers with HF who had a concurrent chest CT (155 [69%] males, age 69±11 years, ejection fraction [EF] 46±18%, 107 [48%] LVEF of 〈 50%). Emphysema on CT was present in 103 (46%) and these were older, had a lower BMI, more pack-years, less diabetes and an increased afterload. During a follow-up of 2.1 years, there were 110 (49%) HF readmissions and 55 (24%) deaths. When separated by emphysema on CT, any readmission, 30-day readmission, length of stay and mortality were higher among HF patients with emphysema. In multivariable regression, emphysema by CT was associated with a two-fold higher (adjusted HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.41–3.15, p 〈 0.001) risk of readmission and a trend toward increased mortality (adjusted HR 1.70 95% CI 0.86–3.34, p = 0.12). In conclusion, emphysema by CT is a frequent finding in smokers hospitalized with HF and is associated with adverse outcomes in HF. This under recognized group of patients with both emphysema and heart failure may benefit from improved recognition and characterization of their co-morbid disease processes and optimization of therapies for their lung disease.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 98
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Christian Akem Dimala, Hannah Blencowe, Simeon Pierre Choukem Background With increasing adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in HIV/AIDS patients, the possible contribution of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to the prevailing CVD epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through its effect on CVD risk factors has rather been under investigated. This study aimed to assess the extent to which ART is associated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM) and dyslipidemia in SSA. Methods This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from SSA, published between January 1946 and December 2017, from Medline, Embase, Africa-wide Information, the Cochrane library, African Index and Medicus databases. Both observational and interventional studies with comparable ART-treated and ART-naïve populations were selected and data was extracted from eligible studies. Pooled estimates of the effect of ART on the outcomes of interest (hypertension, diabetes and abnormal lipid profiles) were obtained using random effects meta-analysis, and meta-regression analysis was used to explore between-study heterogeneity. Results Twenty cross-sectional studies were included involving 5386 participants. There was no association between ART use and hypertension (OR: 1.9, 95%CI: 0.96–3.76, n = 8, I 2 = 73.8%) and DM (OR: 2.53, 95%CI: 0.87–7.35, n = 8, I 2 = 73.8%). ART use was associated with high total cholesterol (OR: 3.85, 95%CI: 2.45–6.07, n = 8, I 2 = 67.0%), high triglycerides (OR: 1.46, 95%CI: 1.21–1.75, n = 14, I 2 = 10.0%) and high LDL-cholesterol (OR: 2.38, 95%CI: 1.43–3.95, n = 11, I 2 = 87.6%). ART was associated with rather lower odds of having low HDL-cholesterol (OR: 0.53, 95%CI: 0.32–0.87, n = 8, I 2 = 78.2%). There was evidence of between-study heterogeneity for all outcomes except high triglycerides. Conclusions ART appears to be associated with CVD risk in HIV/AIDS patients in SSA only through dyslipidemia but not through hypertension and DM, however, high quality and robust research in SSA is mandated to accurately ascertain the actual contribution of ART to the CVD burden in this part of the world. Nevertheless, HIV/AIDS patients should still benefit from systematic CVD screening alongside their regular care services. Trial registration Prospero Registration - CRD42016042306.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 99
    facet.materialart.
    Unknown
    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    In: PLoS ONE
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Glenn D. Bell, Yi Yang, Euphemia Leung, Geoffrey W. Krissansen Messenger RNA (mRNA) transfection is a developing field that has applications in research and gene therapy. Potentially, mRNA transfection can be mediated efficiently by cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) as they may be modified to target specific tissues. However, whilst CPPs are well-documented to transfect oligonucleotides and plasmids, mRNA transfection by CPPs has barely been explored. Here we report that peptides, including a truncated form of protamine and the same peptide fused to the CPP Xentry (Xentry-protamine; XP), can transfect mRNAs encoding reporter genes into human cells. Further, this transfection is enhanced by the anti-malarial chloroquine (CQ) and the toll-like receptor antagonist E6446 (6-[3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propoxy)-2-(4-(3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propoxy)phenyl]benzo[d]oxazole), with E6446 being 〉5-fold more potent than CQ at enhancing this transfection. Finally, E6446 facilitated the transfection by XP of mRNA encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, the protein mutated in cystic fibrosis. As such, these findings introduce E6446 as a novel transfection enhancer and may be of practical relevance to researchers seeking to improve the mRNA transfection efficiency of their preferred CPP.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 100
    Publication Date: 2018-07-31
    Description: by Alexandra Grosse, Claudia Grosse, Irene Lang Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the vascular and parenchymal CT imaging findings, including vessel and cardiac chamber diameter measurements, in patients newly diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The CT imaging findings were correlated with hemodynamic measurements and patient outcome. Methods Vascular and parenchymal CT findings were assessed on retrospectively ECG-gated MDCT angiography scans in 76 patients newly diagnosed with CTEPH. The diameters of the right and left ventricle (dRV, dLV), the right and left atrium (dRA, dLA), the ascending aorta (dAA), the right and left pulmonary arteries (drPA, dlPA), and the main pulmonary artery (dPA) were measured on axial CT scans. The CT imaging findings were correlated with demographic and hemodynamic data and adverse patient outcome due to right heart failure (RHF). Results The majority of patients showed chronic PE, mosaic perfusion, disparity in segmental vessel size, parenchymal densities, bronchial dilatation, and bronchial collaterals in CT. Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was not significantly different in patients with and those without chronic PE, mosaic perfusion, disparity in segmental vessel size, parenchymal densities, bronchial dilatation, and bronchial collaterals. Mean PAP showed significant correlations with the CT metrics of dRV/dLV ratio, dRA, dRV, dPA and dPA/dAA ratio, but no correlation with the central thrombi score. By backward linear regression, the dPA/dAA ratio independently correlated with mPAP. Patients who died of RHF tended to have a higher frequency of exclusively chronic peripheral PE and greater dRV/dLV ratios on presenting CT scans compared with survivors. Conclusion The majority of patients newly diagnosed with CTEPH show vascular signs of chronic PE, mosaic perfusion, parenchymal densities, disparity in segmental vessel size, bronchial dilatation, and bronchial collaterals on presenting CT scans. Particularly CTEPH patients with exclusively chronic peripheral PE and increased dRV/dLV ratios seem to be at risk of adverse outcome due to RHF.
    Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
    Topics: Medicine , Natural Sciences in General
    Location Call Number Expected Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
Close ⊗
This website uses cookies and the analysis tool Matomo. More information can be found here...