bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological Membrane-Packed Mesenchymal Stem Cells Treat Acute Kidney Disease by Ameliorating Mitochondrial-Related Apoptosis
Authors: Geng Xiaodong , Hong Quan , Wang Weiwei , Zheng Wei , Li Ou , Cai Guangyan , Chen Xiangmei , Wu Di
Published: January 2017

The mortality of rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI remains high because no effective therapy exists. We investigated a new therapeutic method using MSCs. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential and anti-apoptotic mechanisms of action of MSCs in the treatment of AKI induced by glycerol in vivo and in vitro. We used Duragen as a biological membrane to pack MSCs on the glycerol-injured renal tissue in vivo. The anti-apoptotic mechanism was investigated. In vitro, HK-2 cells were incubated with ferrous myoglobin and MSCs-conditioned medium, followed by cell proliferation and apoptosis assays. We founded that packing MSCs on the injured renal tissue preserved renal function, ameliorated renal tubular lesions, and reduced apoptosis in the mice with glycerol-induced AKI. The MSC-conditioned medium improved HK-2 cell viability and inhibited apoptosis. These effects were reversed by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Biological membrane packing of MSCs on the renal tissue has a therapeutic rescue function by inhibiting cell apoptosis in vivo. MSCs protect renal cells from apoptosis induced by myoglobin in vitro. We have thus demonstrated MSCs reduced rhabdomyolysis-associated renal injury and cell apoptosis by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibiting apoptosis.
Determining the Photoisomerization Quantum Yield of Photoswitchable Molecules in Solution and in the Solid State
Authors: Stranius K. , Börjesson K.
Published: January 2017

Photoswitchable molecules are able to isomerize between two metastable forms through light stimuli. Originally being studied by photochemists, this type of molecule has now found a wide range of applications within physics, chemistry and biology. The extensive usage of photochromic molecules is due to the two isomers having fundamentally different physical and chemical properties. The most important attribute of a photoswitch is the photoisomerization quantum yield, which defines the efficiency of the photoisomerization event. Here we show how to determine the photoisomerization quantum yield in the solid state and in solution when taking thermal processes into account. The described method together with provided software allows for rapid and accurate determination of the isomerization process for this important class of molecules.
Highly Sensitive Marker Panel for Guidance in Lung Cancer Rapid Diagnostic Units
Authors: Blanco-Prieto Sonia , De Chiara Loretta , Rodríguez-Girondo Mar , Vázquez-Iglesias Lorena , Rodríguez-Berrocal Francisco Javier , Fernández-Villar Alberto , Botana-Rial María Isabel , de la Cadena María Páez
Published: January 2017

While evidence for lung cancer screening implementation in Europe is awaited, Rapid Diagnostic Units have been established in many hospitals to accelerate the early diagnosis of lung cancer. We seek to develop an algorithm to detect lung cancer in a symptomatic population attending such unit, based on a sensitive serum marker panel. Serum concentrations of Epidermal Growth Factor, sCD26, Calprotectin, Matrix Metalloproteinases −1, −7, −9, CEA and CYFRA 21.1 were determined in 140 patients with respiratory symptoms (lung cancer and controls with/without benign pathology). Logistic Lasso regression was performed to derive a lung cancer prediction model, and the resulting algorithm was tested in a validation set. A classification rule based on EGF, sCD26, Calprotectin and CEA was established, able to reasonably discriminate lung cancer with 97% sensitivity and 43% specificity in the training set, and 91.7% sensitivity and 45.4% specificity in the validation set. Overall, the panel identified with high sensitivity stage I non-small cell lung cancer (94.7%) and 100% small-cell lung cancers. Our study provides a sensitive 4-marker classification algorithm for lung cancer detection to aid in the management of suspicious lung cancer patients in the context of Rapid Diagnostic Units.
CuMnOS Nanoflowers with Different Cu+/Cu2+ Ratios for the CO2-to-CH3OH and the CH3OH-to-H2 Redox Reactions
Authors: Chen Xiaoyun , Abdullah Hairus , Kuo Dong-Hau
Published: January 2017

A conservative CO2-Methanol (CH3OH) regeneration cycle, to capture and reutilize the greenhouse gas of CO2 by aqueous hydrogenation for industry-useful CH3OH and to convert aqueous CH3OH solution by dehydrogenation for the clean energy of hydrogen (H2), is demonstrated at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) with two kinds of CuMnOS nanoflower catalysts. The [Cu+]-high CuMnOS led to a CH3OH yield of 21.1 mmol·g−1catal.·h−1 in the CuMnOS-CO2-H2O system and the other [Cu+]-low one had a H2 yield of 7.65 mmol·g−1catal.·h−1 in the CuMnOS-CH3OH-H2O system. The successful redox reactions at NTP rely on active lattice oxygen of CuMnOS catalysts and its charge (hole or electron) transfer ability between Cu+ and Cu2+. The CO2-hydrogenated CH3OH in aqueous solution is not only a fuel but also an ideal liquid hydrogen storage system for transportation application.
RNA interference-mediated knockdown of the hydroxyacid-oxoacid transhydrogenase gene decreases thiamethoxam resistance in adults of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Yang Xin , Xie Wen , Li Ru-mei , Zhou Xiao-mao , Wang Shao-li , Wu Qing-jun , Yang Ni-na , Xia Ji-xing , Yang Ze-zong , Guo Li-tao , Liu Ya-ting , Zhang You-jun
Published: January 2017

Bemisia tabaci has developed a high level of resistance to thiamethoxam, a second generation neonicotinoid insecticide that has been widely used to control this pest. In this study, we investigated whether hydroxyacid-oxoacid transhydrogenase (HOT) is involved in resistance to the neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam in the whitefly. We cloned the full-length gene that encodes HOT in B. tabaci. Its cDNA contains a 1428-bp open reading frame encoding 475 amino acid residues. Then we evaluated the mRNA expression level of HOT in different developmental stages, and found HOT expression was significantly greater in thiamethoxam resistance adults than in thiamethoxam susceptible adults. Subsequently, seven field populations of B. tabaci adults were sampled, the expression of mRNA level of HOT significant positive correlated with thiamethoxam resistance level. At last, we used a modified gene silencing system to knock-down HOT expression in B. tabaci adults. The results showed that the HOT mRNA levels decreased by 57% and thiamethoxam resistance decreased significantly after 2 days of feeding on a diet containing HOT dsRNA. The results indicated that down-regulation of HOT expression decreases thiamethoxam resistance in B. tabaci adults.
The green microalga Tetraselmis suecica reduces oxidative stress and induces repairing mechanisms in human cells
Authors: Sansone Clementina , Galasso Christian , Orefice Ida , Nuzzo Genoveffa , Luongo Elvira , Cutignano Adele , Romano Giovanna , Brunet Christophe , Fontana Angelo , Esposito Francesco , Ianora Adrianna
Published: January 2017

Green microalgae contain many active pigments such as carotenoids having antioxidant and protective activity on human cells. Here we investigate the biological activity of an ethanol/water extract of the marine green microalga Tetraselmis suecica containing high levels of carotenoids such as the xanthophylls lutein, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, antheraxanthin and loroxanthin esters. This extract has a strong antioxidant and repairing activity in the human lung cancer cell line (A549) as shown by the increased expression of dehydrocholesterol reductase-24 (DHCR24) and prostaglandin reductase 1 (PTGR1) genes and proteins. The extract also reduces prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in cells damaged by H2O2 and has tissue repairing effects on reconstructed human epidermal tissue cells (EpiDermTM) indicating a potential cosmeceutical activity of this microalgal species.
A Rechargeable Li-Air Fuel Cell Battery Based on Garnet Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Sun Jiyang , Zhao Ning , Li Yiqiu , Guo Xiangxin , Feng Xuefei , Liu Xiaosong , Liu Zhi , Cui Guanglei , Zheng Hao , Gu Lin , Li Hong
Published: January 2017

Non-aqueous Li-air batteries have been intensively studied in the past few years for their theoretically super-high energy density. However, they cannot operate properly in real air because they contain highly unstable and volatile electrolytes. Here, we report the fabrication of solid-state Li-air batteries using garnet (i.e., Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12, LLZTO) ceramic disks with high density and ionic conductivity as the electrolytes and composite cathodes consisting of garnet powder, Li salts (LiTFSI) and active carbon. These batteries run in real air based on the formation and decomposition at least partially of Li2CO3. Batteries with LiTFSI mixed with polyimide (PI:LiTFSI) as a binder show rechargeability at 200 °C with a specific capacity of 2184 mAh g−1carbon at 20 μA cm−2. Replacement of PI:LiTFSI with LiTFSI dissolved in polypropylene carbonate (PPC:LiTFSI) reduces interfacial resistance, and the resulting batteries show a greatly increased discharge capacity of approximately 20300 mAh g−1carbon and cycle 50 times while maintaining a cutoff capacity of 1000 mAh g−1carbon at 20 μA cm−2 and 80 °C. These results demonstrate that the use of LLZTO ceramic electrolytes enables operation of the Li-air battery in real air at medium temperatures, leading to a novel type of Li-air fuel cell battery for energy storage.
Time-of-Day Dictates Transcriptional Inflammatory Responses to Cytotoxic Chemotherapy
Authors: Borniger Jeremy C. , Walker II William H. , Gaudier-Diaz Monica M. , Stegman Curtis J. , Zhang Ning , Hollyfield Jennifer L. , Nelson Randy J. , DeVries A. Courtney
Published: January 2017

Many cytotoxic chemotherapeutics elicit a proinflammatory response which is often associated with chemotherapy-induced behavioral alterations. The immune system is under circadian influence; time-of-day may alter inflammatory responses to chemotherapeutics. We tested this hypothesis by administering cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin (Cyclo/Dox), a common treatment for breast cancer, to female BALB/c mice near the beginning of the light or dark phase. Mice were injected intravenously with Cyclo/Dox or the vehicle two hours after lights on (zeitgeber time (ZT2), or two hours after lights off (ZT14). Tissue was collected 1, 3, 9, and 24 hours later. Mice injected with Cyclo/Dox at ZT2 lost more body mass than mice injected at ZT14. Cyclo/Dox injected at ZT2 increased the expression of several pro-inflammatory genes within the spleen; this was not evident among mice treated at ZT14. Transcription of enzymes within the liver responsible for converting Cyclo/Dox into their toxic metabolites increased among mice injected at ZT2; furthermore, transcription of these enzymes correlated with splenic pro-inflammatory gene expression when treatment occurred at ZT2 but not ZT14. The pattern was reversed in the brain; pro-inflammatory gene expression increased among mice injected at ZT14. These data suggest that inflammatory responses to chemotherapy depend on time-of-day and are tissue specific.
Dopaminergic modulation of performance monitoring in Parkinson’s disease: An event-related potential study
Authors: Seer Caroline , Lange Florian , Loens Sebastian , Wegner Florian , Schrader Christoph , Dressler Dirk , Dengler Reinhard , Kopp Bruno
Published: January 2017

Monitoring one’s actions is essential for goal-directed performance. In the event-related potential (ERP), errors are followed by fronto-centrally distributed negativities. These error(-related) negativity (Ne/ERN) amplitudes are often found to be attenuated in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) compared to healthy controls (HC). Although Ne/ERN has been proposed to be related to dopaminergic neuronal activity, previous research did not find evidence for effects of dopaminergic medication on Ne/ERN amplitudes in PD. We examined 13 PD patients “on” and “off” dopaminergic medication. Their response-locked ERP amplitudes (obtained on correct [Nc/CRN] and error [Ne/ERN] trials of a flanker task) were compared to those of 13 HC who were tested twice as well, without receiving dopaminergic medication. While PD patients committed more errors than HC, error rates were not significantly modulated by dopaminergic medication. PD patients showed reduced Ne/ERN amplitudes relative to HC; however, this attenuation of response-locked ERP amplitudes was not specific to errors in this study. PD-related attenuation of response-locked ERP amplitudes was most pronounced when PD patients were on medication. These results suggest overdosing of dopaminergic pathways that are relatively spared in PD, but that are related to the generation of the Ne/ERN, notably pathways targeted on the medial prefrontal cortex.
Using the MitoB method to assess levels of reactive oxygen species in ecological studies of oxidative stress
Authors: Salin Karine , Auer Sonya K. , Villasevil Eugenia M. , Anderson Graeme J. , Cairns Andrew G. , Mullen William , Hartley Richard C. , Metcalfe Neil B.
Published: January 2017

In recent years evolutionary ecologists have become increasingly interested in the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the life-histories of animals. ROS levels have mostly been inferred indirectly due to the limitations of estimating ROS from in vitro methods. However, measuring ROS (hydrogen peroxide, H2O2) content in vivo is now possible using the MitoB probe. Here, we extend and refine the MitoB method to make it suitable for ecological studies of oxidative stress using the brown trout Salmo trutta as model. The MitoB method allows an evaluation of H2O2 levels in living organisms over a timescale from hours to days. The method is flexible with regard to the duration of exposure and initial concentration of the MitoB probe, and there is no transfer of the MitoB probe between fish. H2O2 levels were consistent across subsamples of the same liver but differed between muscle subsamples and between tissues of the same animal. The MitoB method provides a convenient method for measuring ROS levels in living animals over a significant period of time. Given its wide range of possible applications, it opens the opportunity to study the role of ROS in mediating life history trade-offs in ecological settings.
The relationship between vacuolation and initiation of PCD in rice (Oryza sativa) aleurone cells
Authors: Zheng Yan , Zhang Heting , Deng Xiaojiang , Liu Jing , Chen Huiping
Published: January 2017

Vacuole fusion is a necessary process for the establishment of a large central vacuole, which is the central location of various hydrolytic enzymes and other factors involved in death at the beginning of plant programmed cell death (PCD). In our report, the fusion of vacuoles has been presented in two ways: i) small vacuoles coalesce to form larger vacuoles through membrane fusion, and ii) larger vacuoles combine with small vacuoles when small vacuoles embed into larger vacuoles. Regardless of how fusion occurs, a large central vacuole is formed in rice (Oryza sativa) aleurone cells. Along with the development of vacuolation, the rupture of the large central vacuole leads to the loss of the intact plasma membrane and the degradation of the nucleus, resulting in cell death. Stabilizing or disrupting the structure of actin filaments (AFs) inhibits or promotes the fusion of vacuoles, which delays or induces PCD. In addition, the inhibitors of the vacuolar processing enzyme (VPE) and cathepsin B (CathB) block the occurrence of the large central vacuole and delay the progression of PCD in rice aleurone layers. Overall, our findings provide further evidence for the rupture of the large central vacuole triggering the PCD in aleruone layers.
Calcium-independent disruption of microtubule dynamics by nanosecond pulsed electric fields in U87 human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Carr Lynn , Bardet Sylvia M. , Burke Ryan C. , Arnaud-Cormos Delia , Leveque Philippe , O’Connor Rodney P.
Published: January 2017

High powered, nanosecond duration, pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) cause cell death by a mechanism that is not fully understood and have been proposed as a targeted cancer therapy. Numerous chemotherapeutics work by disrupting microtubules. As microtubules are affected by electrical fields, this study looks at the possibility of disrupting them electrically with nsPEF. Human glioblastoma cells (U87-MG) treated with 100, 10 ns, 44 kV/cm pulses at a frequency of 10 Hz showed a breakdown of their interphase microtubule network that was accompanied by a reduction in the number of growing microtubules. This effect is temporally linked to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and independent of cellular swelling and calcium influx, two factors that disrupt microtubule growth dynamics. Super-resolution microscopy revealed microtubule buckling and breaking as a result of nsPEF application, suggesting that nsPEF may act directly on microtubules.
Production of functional human nerve growth factor from the saliva of transgenic mice by using salivary glands as bioreactors
Authors: Zeng Fang , Li Zicong , Zhu Qingchun , Dong Rui , Zhao Chengcheng , Li Guoling , Li Guo , Gao Wenchao , Jiang Gelong , Zheng Enqin , Cai Gengyuan , Moisyadi Stefan , Urschitz Johann , Yang Huaqiang , Liu Dewu , Wu Zhenfang
Published: January 2017

The salivary glands of animals have great potential to act as powerful bioreactors to produce human therapeutic proteins. Human nerve growth factor (hNGF) is an important pharmaceutical protein that is clinically effective in the treatment of many human neuronal and non-neuronal diseases. In this study, we generated 18 transgenic (TG) founder mice each carrying a salivary gland specific promoter-driven hNGF transgene. A TG mouse line secreting high levels of hNGF protein in its saliva (1.36 μg/mL) was selected. hNGF protein was successfully purified from the saliva of these TG mice and its identity was verified. The purified hNGF was highly functional as it displayed the ability to induce neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells. Furthermore, it strongly promoted proliferation of TF1 cells, above the levels observed with mouse NGF. Additionally, saliva collected from TG mice and containing unpurified hNGF was able to significantly enhance the growth of TF1 cells. This study not only provides a new and efficient approach for the synthesis of therapeutic hNGF but also supports the concept that salivary gland from TG animals is an efficient system for production of valuable foreign proteins.
Tryptophan-2,3-Dioxygenase (TDO) deficiency is associated with subclinical neuroprotection in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lanz Tobias V. , Williams Sarah K. , Stojic Aleksandar , Iwantscheff Simeon , Sonner Jana K. , Grabitz Carl , Becker Simon , Böhler Laura-Inés , Mohapatra Soumya R. , Sahm Felix , Küblbeck Günter , Nakamura Toshikazu , Funakoshi Hiroshi , Opitz Christiane A. , Wick Wolfgang , Diem Ricarda , Platten Michael
Published: January 2017

The catabolism of tryptophan to immunosuppressive and neuroactive kynurenines is a key metabolic pathway regulating immune responses and neurotoxicity. The rate-limiting step is controlled by indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO). IDO is expressed in antigen presenting cells during immune reactions, hepatic TDO regulates blood homeostasis of tryptophan and neuronal TDO influences neurogenesis. While the role of IDO has been described in multiple immunological settings, little is known about TDO’s effects on the immune system. TDO-deficiency is neuroprotective in C. elegans and Drosophila by increasing tryptophan and specific kynurenines. Here we have determined the role of TDO in autoimmunity and neurodegeneration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis. We created reporter-TDO mice for in vivo imaging to show that hepatic but not CNS TDO expression is activated during EAE. TDO deficiency did not influence myelin-specific T cells, leukocyte infiltration into the CNS, demyelination and disease activity. TDO-deficiency protected from neuronal loss in the spinal cord but not in the optic nerves. While this protection did not translate to an improved overt clinical outcome, our data suggest that spatially distinct neuroprotection is conserved in mammals and support TDO as a potential target for treatment of diseases associated with neurodegeneration.
Quantification of spatiotemporal patterns of Ras isoform expression during development
Authors: Newlaczyl Anna U. , Coulson Judy M. , Prior Ian A.
Published: January 2017

Ras proteins are important signalling hubs frequently dysregulated in cancer and in a group of developmental disorders called Rasopathies. Three Ras genes encode four proteins that differentially contribute to these phenotypes. Using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) we have measured the gene expression profiles of each of the Ras isoforms in a panel of mouse tissues derived from a full developmental time course spanning embryogenesis through to adulthood. In most tissues and developmental stages we observe a relative contribution of KRas4B > > NRas ≥ KRas4A > HRas to total Ras expression with KRas4B typically representing 60–99% of all Ras transcripts. KRas4A is the most dynamically regulated Ras isoform with significant up-regulation of expression observed pre-term in stomach, intestine, kidney and heart. The expression patterns assist interpretation of the essential role of KRas in development and the preponderance of KRas mutations in cancer.
Impairment of blood-brain barrier is an early event in R6/2 mouse model of Huntington Disease
Authors: Di Pardo Alba , Amico Enrico , Scalabrì Francesco , Pepe Giuseppe , Castaldo Salvatore , Elifani Francesca , Capocci Luca , De Sanctis Claudia , Comerci Laura , Pompeo Francesco , D’Esposito Maurizio , Filosa Stefania , Crispi Stefania , Maglione Vittorio
Published: January 2017

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, due to the concomitant disruption of the tight junctions (TJs), normally required for the maintenance of BBB function, and to the altered transport of molecules between blood and brain and vice-versa, has been suggested to significantly contribute to the development and progression of different brain disorders including Huntington’s disease (HD). Although the detrimental consequence the BBB breakdown may have in the clinical settings, the timing of its alteration remains elusive for many neurodegenerative diseases. In this study we demonstrate for the first time that BBB disruption in HD is not confined to established symptoms, but occurs early in the disease progression. Despite the obvious signs of impaired BBB permeability were only detectable in concomitance with the onset of the disease, signs of deranged TJs integrity occur precociously in the disease and precede the onset of overt symptoms. To our perspective this finding may add a new dimension to the horizons of pathological mechanisms underlying this devastating disease, however much remains to be elucidated for understanding how specific BBB drug targets can be approached in the future.
Giant Flexoelectro-optic Effect with Liquid Crystal Dimer CB7CB
Authors: Varanytsia Andrii , Chien Liang-Chy
Published: January 2017

We demonstrate a giant flexoelectro-optic behavior of liquid crystal dimer CB7CB. Flexoelectric properties of CB7CB experimentally characterized by measured angle of an in-plane rotation of helical axis (HA) in polymer stabilized uniform lying helix cholesteric liquid crystal. The 45° rotation of HA providing full intensity modulation of transmitted through a pair of crossed polarizers light, is achieved with 4.5 V/μm with a sub-millisecond electro-optic switching time. Reported properties enable application of CB7CB in applications of the flexoelectric effect in fast switching photonic and electro-optic devices.
The genetic overlap between mood disorders and cardiometabolic diseases: a systematic review of genome wide and candidate gene studies
Authors: Amare A T , Schubert K O , Klingler-Hoffmann M , Cohen-Woods S , Baune B T
Published: January 2017

Meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies (meta-GWASs) and candidate gene studies have identified genetic variants associated with cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases and mood disorders. Although previous efforts were successful for individual disease conditions (single disease), limited information exists on shared genetic risk between these disorders. This article presents a detailed review and analysis of cardiometabolic diseases risk (CMD-R) genes that are also associated with mood disorders. First, we reviewed meta-GWASs published until January 2016, for the diseases ‘type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension’ and/or for the risk factors ‘blood pressure, obesity, plasma lipid levels, insulin and glucose related traits’. We then searched the literature for published associations of these CMD-R genes with mood disorders. We considered studies that reported a significant association of at least one of the CMD-R genes and ‘depression’ or ‘depressive disorder’ or ‘depressive symptoms’ or ‘bipolar disorder’ or ‘lithium treatment response in bipolar disorder’, or ‘serotonin reuptake inhibitors treatment response in major depression’. Our review revealed 24 potential pleiotropic genes that are likely to be shared between mood disorders and CMD-Rs. These genes includeMTHFR,CACNA1D,CACNB2,GNAS,ADRB1,NCAN,REST,FTO,POMC,BDNF,CREB,ITIH4,LEP,GSK3B,SLC18A1,TLR4,PPP1R1B,APOE,CRY2,HTR1A,ADRA2A,TCF7L2,MTNR1BandIGF1. A pathway analysis of these genes revealed significant pathways:corticotrophin-releasing hormone signaling,AMPK signaling,cAMP-mediated or G-protein coupled receptor signaling,axonal guidance signaling,serotonin or dopamine receptors signaling, dopamine-DARPP32 feedback in cAMP signaling,circadian rhythm signalingandleptin signaling. Our review provides insights into the shared biological mechanisms of mood disorders and cardiometabolic diseases.
Early onset of inflammation during ontogeny of bipolar disorder: the NLRP2 inflammasome gene distinctly differentiates between patients and healthy controls in the transition between iPS cell and neural stem cell stages
Authors: Vizlin-Hodzic D , Zhai Q , Illes S , Södersten K , Truvé K , Parris T Z , Sobhan P K , Salmela S , Kosalai S T , Kanduri C , Strandberg J , Seth H , Bontell T O , Hanse E , Ågren H , Funa K
Published: January 2017

Neuro-inflammation and neuronal communication are considered as mis-regulated processes in the aetiology and pathology of bipolar disorder (BD). Which and when specific signal pathways become abnormal during the ontogeny of bipolar disorder patients is unknown. To address this question, we applied induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology followed by cortical neural differentiation on adipocyte-derived cells from BD type I patients (with psychotic episodes in psychiatric history) and healthy volunteers (controls). RNA sequencing in iPSC and cortical neural stem cell (NSC) lines were used to examine alterations between the transcriptomes from BD I and control samples during transition from the pluripotent stage towards the neural developmental stage. At the iPSC stage, the most highly significant differentially expressed gene (DEG) was the NLRP2 inflammasome (P=2.66 × 10−10). Also among 42 DEGs at the NSC stage, NLRP2 showed the strongest statistical significance (P=3.07 × 10−19). In addition, we have also identified several cytoskeleton-associated genes as DEGs from the NSC stage, such as TMP2, TAGLN and ACTA2; the former two genes are recognised for the first time to be associated with BD. Our results also suggest that iPSC-derived BD-cortical NSCs carry several abnormalities in dopamine and GABA receptor canonical pathways, underlining that our in vitro BD model reflects pathology in the central nervous system. This would indicate that mis-regulated gene expression of inflammatory, neurotransmitter and cytoskeletal signalling occurs during early fetal brain development of BD I patients.
MiR-137-derived polygenic risk: effects on cognitive performance in patients with schizophrenia and controls
Authors: Cosgrove D , Harold D , Mothersill O , Anney R , Hill M J , Bray N J , Blokland G , Petryshen T ,   The Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium, Donnelly Peter , Bates Lesley , Barroso Ines , Blackwell Jenefer M , Bramon Elvira , Brown Matthew A , Casas Juan P , Corvin Aiden , Deloukas Panos , Duncanson Audrey , Jankowski Janusz , Markus Hugh S , Mathew Christopher G , Palmer Colin N A , Plomin Robert , Rautanen Anna , Sawcer Stephen J , Trembath Richard C , Viswanathan Ananth C , Wood Nicholas W , Spencer Chris C A , Band Gavin , Bellenguez Céline , Freeman Colin , Hellenthal Garrett , Giannoulatou Eleni , Hopkins Lucinda , Pirinen Matti , Pearson Richard , Strange Amy , Su Zhan , Vukcevic Damjan , Langford Cordelia , Hunt Sarah E , Edkins Sarah , Gwilliam Rhian , Blackburn Hannah , Bumpstead Suzannah J , Dronov Serge , Gillman Matthew , Gray Emma , Hammond Naomi , Jayakumar Alagurevathi , McCann Owen T , Liddle Jennifer , Potter Simon C , Ravindrarajah Radhi , Ricketts Michelle , Waller Matthew , Weston PaulWeston , Widaa SaraWidaa , Whittaker Pamela , Richards A , Mantripragada K , Owen M , O'Donovan M C , Gill M , Corvin A , Morris D W , Donohoe G
Published: January 2017

Variants at microRNA-137 (MIR137), one of the most strongly associated schizophrenia risk loci identified to date, have been associated with poorer cognitive performance. As microRNA-137 is known to regulate the expression of ~1900 other genes, including several that are independently associated with schizophrenia, we tested whether this gene set was also associated with variation in cognitive performance. Our analysis was based on an empirically derived list of genes whose expression was altered by manipulation of MIR137 expression. This list was cross-referenced with genome-wide schizophrenia association data to construct individual polygenic scores. We then tested, in a sample of 808 patients and 192 controls, whether these risk scores were associated with altered performance on cognitive functions known to be affected in schizophrenia. A subgroup of healthy participants also underwent functional imaging during memory (n=108) and face processing tasks (n=83). Increased polygenic risk within the empirically derived miR-137 regulated gene score was associated with significantly lower performance on intelligence quotient, working memory and episodic memory. These effects were observed most clearly at a polygenic threshold of P=0.05, although significant results were observed at all three thresholds analyzed. This association was found independently for the gene set as a whole, excluding the schizophrenia-associated MIR137 SNP itself. Analysis of the spatial working memory fMRI task further suggested that increased risk score (thresholded at P=10−5) was significantly associated with increased activation of the right inferior occipital gyrus. In conclusion, these data are consistent with emerging evidence that MIR137 associated risk for schizophrenia may relate to its broader downstream genetic effects.
Ab initio molecular dynamics relaxation and intersystem crossing mechanisms of 5-azacytosine
Authors: Carlos Borin Antonio , Mai Sebastian , Marquetand Philipp , González Leticia
Published: January 2017

Nonadiabatic SHARC dynamics simulations reveal the molecular deformations involved in the photodeactivation pathways of 5-azacytosine.
Alpha-tocopherol inhibits pore formation in oxidized bilayers
Authors: Boonnoy Phansiri , Karttunen Mikko , Wong-ekkabut Jirasak
Published: January 2017

Alpha-tocopherols (α-toc; vitamin E) play a crucial role in protecting biological membranes from free radicals.
Nature of the C2-methylation effect on the properties of imidazolium ionic liquids
Authors: Rodrigues Ana S. M. C. , Lima Carlos F. R. A. C. , Coutinho João A. P. , Santos Luís M. N. B. F.
Published: January 2017

Methylation at the C2 position of 1,3-disubstituted imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) is one of the structural features that has gained attention due to its drastic impact on thermophysical and transport properties.
Recent advances in organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Mao Zhu , Xie Zongliang , Zhang Yi , Liu Siwei , Zhao Juan , Xu Jiarui , Chi Zhenguo , Aldred Matthew P.
Published: January 2017

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence: harvesting dark triplet excitons to generate bright emissive singlet excitons.
Protective effect of isoliquiritin against corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells
Authors: Zhou Yu-zhi , Li Xiao , Gong Wen-xia , Tian Jun-sheng , Gao Xiao-xia , Gao Li , Zhang Xiang , Du Guan-hua , Qin Xue-mei
Published: January 2017

Isoliquiritin, a flavonoid glycoside compound from licorice, possesses a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-depression activities.
Temperature controlled tensiometry using droplet microfluidics
Authors: Lee Doojin , Fang Cifeng , Ravan Aniket S. , Fuller Gerald G. , Shen Amy Q.
Published: January 2017

Schematic of the temperature controlled microfluidic tensiometer.
Pipetting-driven microfluidic immunohistochemistry to facilitate enhanced immunoreaction and effective use of antibodies
Authors: Kim Segi , Kwon Seyong , Cho Chang Hyun , Park Je-Kyun
Published: January 2017

An immunoreaction for immunohistochemistry is enhanced by pipetting-driven bidirectional flows in a microfluidic device.
Copper binding and redox chemistry of the Aβ16 peptide and its variants: insights into determinants of copper-dependent reactivity
Authors: Yako Nineveh , Young Tessa R. , Cottam Jones Jade M. , Hutton Craig A. , Wedd Anthony G. , Xiao Zhiguang
Published: January 2017

The Aβ peptide binds Cu(ii) with multiple binding modes in equilibrium, the position of which is sensitive to the pH of the medium and the coordination nature of the first two N-terminal residues. The reactivity of the copper centres varies considerably with different binding modes.
Enzyme and pH-responsive nanovehicles for intracellular drug release and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhang Ting , Huang Shiying , Lin Huiming , An Na , Tong Ruihan , Chen Yuhua , Wang Ying , Qu Fengyu
Published: January 2017

An enzyme and pH-responsive nanocomposite was constructed for sensitive intracellular drug release and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The novel nanoplatforms provide the potential application in cancer treatment.
Gold(i)-catalyzed addition of carboxylic acids to internal alkynes in aqueous medium
Authors: González-Liste Pedro J. , García-Garrido Sergio E. , Cadierno Victorio
Published: January 2017

A broad scope catalytic system for the intermolecular addition of carboxylic acids to internal alkynes, in water under mild conditions, has been developed.
Chiral GAP catalysts of phosphonylated imidazolidinones and their applications in asymmetric Diels–Alder and Friedel–Crafts reactions
Authors: Qiao Shuo , Mo Junming , Wilcox Cody B. , Jiang Bo , Li Guigen
Published: January 2017

Chiral recoverable/re-usable GAP catalysts based on phosphonylated imidazolidinones have been designed, synthesized and applied for asymmetric Diels–Alder and Friedel–Crafts reactions.
Molecular dynamic simulations on TKX-50/HMX cocrystal
Authors: Xiong Shuling , Chen Shusen , Jin Shaohua , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Yan , Li Lijie
Published: January 2017

TKX-50/HMX cocrystal model was established and calculated using PCFF force field by molecular dynamics simulations.
Neutral plane control by using polymer/graphene flake composites for flexible displays
Authors: Hwang B. , Lim S. , Park M. , Han S. M.
Published: January 2017

PMMA/graphene composites with varying graphene content can control the modulus and thus the neutral plane of flexible displays while enhancing barrier properties.
Rapid fabrication of robust, washable, self-healing superhydrophobic fabrics with non-iridescent structural color by facile spray coating
Authors: Zeng Qi , Ding Chen , Li Qingsong , Yuan Wei , Peng Yu , Hu Jianchen , Zhang Ke-Qin
Published: January 2017

An amorphous photonic structure dyeing system has been fabricated which endows non-iridescent color fabrics with color-tunable, robust, washable, self-healing and superhydrophobic properties by spray coating technique and heat treatment.
Biological degradation of potato pulp waste and microbial community structure in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Tian Yushi , Mei Xiaoxue , Liang Qing , Wu Di , Ren Nanqi , Xing Defeng
Published: January 2017

The syntrophic interactions between polysaccharide-degrading bacteria and exoelectrogens drove simultaneous alternative energy production and degradation of potato pulp waste in microbial fuel cells.
Phytate extraction from coproducts of the dry-grind corn ethanol process
Authors: He Qiyang , Rodrigues Reis Cristiano E. , Wang Fei , Hu Bo
Published: January 2017

Distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGSs), the major coproduct of dry-grind ethanol production, are being increasingly used in the global market as animal feeds for both energy and protein supplement.
Photoinduced structural changes of cationic azo dyes confined in a two dimensional nanospace by two different mechanisms
Authors: Okada Tomohiko , Nozaki Nozomi , Seo Jangwon , Kwon Ji Eon , Park Soo Young , Hashizume Hideo , Sasaki Takayoshi , Ogawa Makoto
Published: January 2017

By UV irradiation, the interlayer space of a dried phenylazonaphthalene–magadiite diminished, while that of the phenylazobenzene-form expanded under high humidity.
Magnetorheology of a magnetic fluid based on Fe3O4immobilized SiO2core–shell nanospheres: experiments and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Pei Lei , Pang Haoming , Ruan Xiaohui , Gong Xinglong , Xuan Shouhu
Published: January 2017

The MR effect of an Fe3O4-immobilized-SiO2-nanosphere based magnetic fluid was 25 times larger than that of an Fe3O4based magnetic fluid.
Hydroxybenzylidene-indolinones, c-di-AMP synthase inhibitors, have antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities and also re-sensitize resistant bacteria to methicillin and vancomycin
Authors: Opoku-Temeng Clement , Dayal Neetu , Miller Jacob , Sintim Herman O.
Published: January 2017

Hydroxybenzylidene-indolinones, newly identified inhibitors of c-di-AMP synthases, inhibit biofilm formation, Gram-positive bacterial growth and sensitize resistant bacteria to methicillin and vancomycin.
Influence of a compact CdS layer on the photovoltaic performance of perovskite-based solar cells
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Li , Liu Shurong , Yang Lihua , Zhang Bowen , Feng Shuang , Yang Jiandong , Meng Xianwei , Fu Wuyou , Yang Haibin
Published: January 2017

The growth of a CdS layer has a great influence on the interfacial properties of CdS/perovskite and performance of PSCs.
Band-aligned C3N4−xS3x/2stabilizes CdS/CuInGaS2photocathodes for efficient water reduction
Authors: Wang Danping , Wang Chongwu , García de Arquer F. Pelayo , Zhong Juhua , Qian Ling , Fang Lijun , Liu Pengfei , Pang Yuanjie , Liu Min , Liu Mengxia , Zheng Gengfeng , Sinton David , Sargent Edward H. , Yang Huagui , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2017

The band-aligned C3N4−xS3x/2enhanced 20% absorption of incident photon and increased the stability of CdS/CIGS.
Polyoxometalate modified pine cone biochar carbon for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Genovese M. , Lian K.
Published: January 2017

Pine cones were used as a biomass template for the synthesis of activated carbons with high specific surface area (up to 2450 m2 g−1) and a pore structure optimized for the adsorption of redox active polyoxometalate (POM) clusters.
Graphene-coated hybrid electrocatalysts derived from bimetallic metal–organic frameworks for efficient hydrogen generation
Authors: Li Xiao , Yang Liu , Su Tan , Wang Xinlong , Sun Chunyi , Su Zhongmin
Published: January 2017

This is the first example of a Ni and Mo2C nanocomposite derived from a bimetallicNiMo-MOFthat demonstrates excellent electrocatalytic activity and remarkable durability as long as 10 h for HER under acidic and basic conditions.
High-performance urea electrolysis towards less energy-intensive electrochemical hydrogen production using a bifunctional catalyst electrode
Authors: Liu Danni , Liu Tingting , Zhang Lixue , Qu Fengli , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: January 2017

Ni2P nanoflake arrays on carbon cloth act as an efficient and durable catalyst electrode for the urea oxidation reaction (UOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Its two-electrode alkaline electrolyzer needs 1.35 V for 50 mA cm−2, which is 0.58 V less than that required for pure water splitting.
Condensed-phase biogenic–anthropogenic interactions with implications for cold cloud formation
Authors: Charnawskas Joseph C. , Alpert Peter A. , Lambe Andrew T. , Berkemeier Thomas , O’Brien Rachel E. , Massoli Paola , Onasch Timothy B. , Shiraiwa Manabu , Moffet Ryan C. , Gilles Mary K. , Davidovits Paul , Worsnop Douglas R. , Knopf Daniel A.
Published: January 2017

Anthropogenic and biogenic gas emissions contribute to the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). When present, soot particles from fossil fuel combustion can acquire a coating of SOA. We investigate SOA–soot biogenic–anthropogenic interactions and their impact on ice nucleation in relation to the particles’ organic phase state. SOA particles were generated from the OH oxidation of naphthalene, α-pinene, longifolene, or isoprene, with or without the presence of sulfate or soot particles. Corresponding particle glass transition (Tg) and full deliquescence relative humidity (FDRH) were estimated using a numerical diffusion model. Longifolene SOA particles are solid-like and all biogenic SOA sulfate mixtures exhibit a core–shell configuration (i.e.a sulfate-rich core coated with SOA). Biogenic SOA with or without sulfate formed ice at conditions expected for homogeneous ice nucleation, in agreement with respectiveTgand FDRH. α-pinene SOA coated soot particles nucleated ice above the homogeneous freezing temperature with soot acting as ice nuclei (IN). At lower temperatures the α-pinene SOA coating can be semisolid, inducing ice nucleation. Naphthalene SOA coated soot particles acted as ice nuclei above and below the homogeneous freezing limit, which can be explained by the presence of a highly viscous SOA phase. Our results suggest that biogenic SOA does not play a significant role in mixed-phase cloud formation and the presence of sulfate renders this even less likely. However, anthropogenic SOA may have an enhancing effect on cloud glaciation under mixed-phase and cirrus cloud conditions compared to biogenic SOA that dominate during pre-industrial times or in pristine areas.
Reduction of adhesion formation after knee surgery in a rat model by botulinum toxin A
Authors: Gao Zheng-Yu , Wu Ji-Xia , Liu Wei-Bo , Sun Jin-Ke
Published: January 2017

Adhesion of the knee is a major concern after knee surgery, the treatment of which is difficult. Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection is demonstrated as efficient in treating knee adhesion after surgery. However, the treatment outcomes and the mechanism of action are not yet determined. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects and molecular mechanism of a BTX-A treatment in preventing adhesion of the knee. Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into a BTX-A treatment group and a control group. BTX-A or saline was injected into the cavity of the knee in the BTX-A treatment or control group respectively. Gross and histopathological examinations of interleukin 1 (IL-1) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) levels, as well as fibroblast cell numbers, were assessed in the knee intra-articular adhesions in each group 6 weeks after recovery from the surgery. Macroscopic observations showed a significant reduction in adhesion severity in the BTX-A treatment group compared with the control group. In addition, the levels of IL-1 and FGF were lower and the number of fibroblasts was smaller in the BTX-A treatment group compared with those in the control group. BTX-A prevented intra-articular adhesion of knee in the rats, which might be associated with reduced expressions of IL-1 and FGF.
Allergic environment enhances airway epithelial pro-inflammatory responses to rhinovirus infection
Authors: Herbert Cristan , Do Kimchi , Chiu Vincent , Garthwaite Linda , Chen Yifan , Young Paul M. , Traini Daniela , Kumar Rakesh K.
Published: January 2017

Airway epithelial cells (AEC) exhibit a pro-inflammatory phenotype in patients with allergic asthma. We examined the effect of an allergic cytokine environment on the response of AEC to rhinovirus (RV), the most common trigger of acute exacerbations of asthma. Calu-3 cells, a well-differentiated human AEC line, were cultured with or without the T-helper type 2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, then stimulated with a toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 agonist (poly I:C, dsRNA) or a TLR7 agonist (imiquimod), or infected with RV 16. Expression of pro-inflammatory and antiviral mediators, and of viral pattern-recognition molecules, was assessed using nCounter assays, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and protein immunoassays. Both dsRNA and imiquimod stimulated expression of mRNA for IL6 and IL8 whereas expression of several chemokines and antiviral response genes was induced only by dsRNA. Conversely, expression of other cytokines and growth factors was induced only by imiquimod. RV infection not only stimulated expression of the inflammation-related genes induced by dsRNA, but also of complement factor B and the novel pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-32. In the T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine environment, several mediators exhibited significantly enhanced expression, whereas expression of interferons was either unchanged or enhanced. The allergic environment also increased expression of pattern-recognition receptors and of intercellular adhesion molecule 1, the cell surface receptor for RV. We conclude that Th2 cytokines promote increased production of pro-inflammatory mediators by AEC following infection with RV. Increased viral entry or enhanced signalling via pattern-recognition receptors could also contribute to the exaggerated inflammatory response to RV observed in allergic asthmatics.
Nonlinear parameter for nonlinear phenomenon: acute emotional stress
Authors: Garzón‐Rey J.M. , Aguiló J. , Segura‐Quijano F.
Published: January 2017

To study acute emotional stress, a linear approach may not correspond to the non‐deterministic variation due to aetiology of the stress phenomenon itself. Besides that, assuming a linear model such as classic heart rate variability analysis usually has high computational cost and high artefact dependency. A nonlinear approach based on Chaos theory using Higuchi fractal dimension (HFD) is presented to define a measurement methodology for acute emotional stress. HFD was computed for a set of electrophysiological signals recorded during relax and stress states of an ad hoc experiment. Results show that for most of the signals HFD is able to differentiate among relax and stress states. This approach applied to electrocardiogram signals is not affected by the sample rate and does not need pre‐process filtering. Photo‐plethysmography data is only significant in the highest stress state. So, it can be used to evaluate stress levels higher than those had in this experiment.