bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glochidion ellipticum Wight extracts ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice by modulating nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signalling pathway
Authors: Hossen Imam , Hua Wu , Mehmood Arshad , Raka Rifat Nowshin , Jingyi Song , Jian-Ming Jin , Min Xu , Shakoor Ashbala , Yanping Cao , Wang Chengtao , Junsong Xiao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Glochidion ellipticum Wight is a medicinal plant, rich in polyphenols, frequently used by the indigenous communities of Bangladesh and possess with multiple health benefits. It exerts anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal properties, but the detailed chemical constituents are yet to be elucidated.

Methods
Glochidion ellipticum extracts were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and then tested by both lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation of Raw 264.7 macrophage cells and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced acute colitis model. Blood serum was taken for fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran (FITC-dextran) measurement and tissue samples were used to perform histology, RT-PCR and Western blotting.

Key findings
The extracts could lower the levels of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines significantly in LPS induced macrophage cells. The extracts could also reduce disease activity index (DAI) score, restore antioxidants and pro-oxidants and improve macroscopic and microscopic features of colonic tissues in DSS induced mice. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in protein level was markedly diminished (up to 51.21% and 71.11%, respectively) in the treatment groups compared to the model group of colitic mice.

Conclusions
Our findings suggested that G. ellipticum extracts ameliorate DSS colitis via blocking nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which make them to be potential candidates for further research against inflammation and colitis.
The methanol extract of red algae, Dichotomaria obtusata, from Persian Gulf promotes in vitro osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells; a biological and phytochemical study
Authors: Nekooei Maryam , Shafiee Sayed Mohammad , Zahiri Maria , Maryamabadi Ammar , Nabipour Iraj 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Osteoporosis is a major public health problem that is appeared with increasing age. This study evaluated the effect of the algae Dichotomaria obtusata methanol extract on osteogenic differentiation of the cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) in vitro and analyzed the algae methanol extract to find out the potent beneficial components.

Methods
Dichotomaria obtusata were collected from the coastal area of Bushehr City in the Persian Gulf, Iran. The expression of osteogenesis-related genes was examined using real-time PCR. The formation of calcium deposits in differentiated MSCs was examined by Alizarin R staining. Analyses of algae extract ingredients were performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS).

Key findings
Methanol extract of the algae caused the up-regulation of osteogenic genes that were significant for Osteopontin and Osteocalcin (P &lt; 0.05) and also led to an increase in calcium deposits and matrix mineralization in BMMSCs. The GC–MS analyses of the algae extracts resulted in the identification of steroids and essential fatty acids.

Conclusion
The results of the study indicated that the methanol extract of D. obtusata may possess significant potentials for the prevention of osteoporosis in vitro.
Gallic acid attenuates isoniazid and rifampicin-induced liver injury by improving hepatic redox homeostasis through influence on Nrf2 and NF-κB signalling cascades in Wistar Rats
Authors: Sanjay Sukumaran , Girish Chandrashekaran , Toi Pampa Ch , Bobby Zachariah 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Anti-TB drugs-isoniazid and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity present a significant clinical problem. We aimed to evaluate the beneficial effect of gallic acid in anti-TB drug-induced liver injury in vivo and for the mechanism of action, we explored the influence of gallic acid on Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways.

Methods
We assessed serum liver function tests and histopathological analysis for the preventive effect of gallic acid on liver injury. For exploring the beneficial mechanism, we studied Nrf2 and NF-κB signalling pathways using molecular assays. Subsequently, we conducted in vitro cytotoxicity assays with Nrf2(ML385) and NF-κB(BAY 11–7085) antagonists.

Key findings
Gallic acid co-administration attenuated the elevation of liver function enzymes, hepatic necrosis and inflammation compared to the anti-TB drug treatment alone. Mechanistic investigations reveal that gallic acid increased Nrf2 activation and induction of its downstream targets, preventing cytotoxicity by isoniazid and rifampicin. The protective effect of gallic acid diminished in the presence of Nrf2 antagonists in vitro. Furthermore, we found that gallic acid treatment inhibited NF-κB/TLR-4 axis upregulated by the anti-TB drugs.

Conclusions
Gallic acid is effective in preventing isoniazid and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in vivo by improving the redox homeostasis by activating Nrf2 and inhibiting NF-κB signalling pathways.
Epigallocatechin gallate alters leukotoxin secretion and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans virulence
Authors: Chang En Hyung , Brown Angela C 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objectives
We and others have previously shown that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) inhibits the activity of an important virulence factor, leukotoxin (LtxA), produced by the oral bacterium Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, suggesting the potential use of this molecule as an anti-virulence strategy to treat periodontal infections. Here, we sought to better understand the effects of EGCg on toxin secretion and A. actinomycetemcomitans pathogenicity in a co-culture model.

Methods
We used a quantitative immunoblot assay to determine the concentrations of LtxA in the bacterial supernatant and on the bacterial cell surface. Using a co-culture model, consisting of A. actinomycetemcomitans and THP-1 cells, we studied the impact of EGCg-mediated changes in LtxA secretion on the toxicity of A. actinomycetemcomitans.

Key findings
EGCg increased production of LtxA and changed the localization of secreted LtxA from the supernatant to the surface of the bacterial cells. In the co-culture model, a single low dose of EGCg did not protect host THP-1 cells from A. actinomycetemcomitans-mediated cytotoxicity, but a multiple dosing strategy had improved effects.

Conclusions
Together, these results demonstrate that EGCg has important, but complicated, effects on toxin secretion and activity; new dosing strategies and comprehensive model systems may be required to properly develop these anti-virulence activities.
Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of amlodipine
Authors: Alam Mohd Aftab , Bin Jardan Yousef A , Alzenaidy Bader , Raish Mohammad , Al-Mohizea Abdullah M , Ahad Abdul , Al-Jenoobi Fahad Ibrahim 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To study the effect of Zingiber officinale and Hibiscus sabdariffa on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of amlodipine.

Methods
Hypertension was induced in rats (SBP 173.2 ± 1.7 mmHg, mean, 1–24 h). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) of group-I (amlodipine treated), group-II (Z. officinale, and Z. officinale + amlodipine) and group-III (H. sabdariffa, and H. sabdariffa + amlodipine) animals were measured by “tail-cuff system”. Pharmacokinetics of amlodipine with and without herbs (Z. officinale or H. sabdariffa) was also investigated.

Results
Z. officinale as well as H. sabdariffa decreased the SBP, DBP and MBP. Concurrent treatment with Z. officinale + amlodipine (SBP 129.4 ± 4.5) or H. sabdariffa + amlodipine (SBP 130.4 ± 3.9) showed higher decrease in BP (mean, 1–24h), than individually administered amlodipine (SBP 149.5 ± 2.4) or Z. officinale (SBP 150.2 ± 3.1) or H. sabdariffa (SBP 139.1 ± 1.2). These herbs also influenced the Cmax, AUC0-t, and Tmax of amlodipine. H. sabdariffa increased AUC0-t of amlodipine from 81.8 ± 14.7 to 125.0 ± 10.6 (ng h/mL).

Conclusion
Simultaneous administration of Z. officinale or H. sabdariffa with amlodipine, improves its pharmacodynamic response.
Jatrorrhizine: a review of its pharmacological effects
Authors: Rolle Janiqua , Asante Dorothy O , Kok-Fong Linsey L , Boucetta Hamza , Seidu Theodora A , Tai Lesieli L K , Alolga Raphael N 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Jatrorrhizine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in medicinal plants. It is the main bioactive compound of the Chinese herbs, Coptis chinensis, Rhizoma coptidis, and Phellodendron chinense Schneid, plants that are predominantly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of metabolic disorders, gastritis, stomachache among a host of others. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive review of the pharmacological effects of jatrorrhizine, proffer suggestions on research areas that need redress and potentially serve as a reference for future studies.

Key findings
Published scientific literature was therefore retrieved from all credible sources including Pubmed, Elsevier, Research Gate, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Europe PMC and Wiley Online library using key words such as ‘jatrorrhizine’, ‘botanical sources’, ‘pharmacology’, ‘toxicology’, ‘pharmacokinetics’ or their combinations. A cursory examination of relevant scientific literature using the aforementioned key words produced more than 400 publications.

Conclusions
Using an inclusion/exclusion criteria the subject matter of this review was adequately addressed. It is our hope that this review will provide a good platform for further research on fully harnessing the potential of this bioactive compound.
Propolis antiviral and immunomodulatory activity: a review and perspectives for COVID-19 treatment
Authors: Ripari Nicolas , Sartori Arthur Alves , da Silva Honorio Mariana , Conte Fernanda Lopes , Tasca Karen Ingrid , Santiago Karina Basso , Sforcin José Maurício 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Viral outbreaks are a frequent concern for humans. A great variety of drugs has been used to treat viral diseases, which are not always safe and effective and may induce adverse effects, indicating the need for new antiviral drugs extracted from natural sources. Propolis is a bee-made product exhibiting many biological properties. An overview of viruses, antiviral immunity, propolis safety and its immunomodulatory and antiviral action is reported, as well as perspectives for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment. PubMed platform was used for data collection, searching for the keywords “propolis”, “virus”, “antiviral”, “antimicrobial” and “coronavirus”.

Key findings
Propolis is safe and exerts antiviral and immunomodulatory activity; however, clinical trials should investigate its effects on individuals with viral diseases, in combination or not with antiviral drugs or vaccines.

Summary
Regarding COVID-19, the effects of propolis should be investigated directly on the virus in vitro or on infected individuals alone or in combination with antiviral drugs, due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action. Propolis administration simultaneously with vaccines should be analyzed, due to its adjuvant properties, to enhance the individuals’ immune response. The search for therapeutic targets may be useful to find out how propolis can help to control COVID-19.
Anti-Aβ-scFv-loaded polymeric nano-micelles with enhanced plasma stability
Authors: Sotoudegan Farnaz , Sotoudegan Farzaneh , Talebkhan Garoosi Yeganeh , Afshar Sahar H , Barkhordari Farzaneh , Davami Fatemeh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Immunotherapy using recombinant monoclonal antibodies specifically Anti-amyloid-beta (Anti-Aβ) scFv is envisaged as an appropriate therapeutic for Alzheimer through reduction of amyloid-beta aggregation. The solubilization of therapeutics using polymeric micelles facilitates an improved bioavailability and extended blood half-life. In this study, the optimum production condition for Anti-amyloid-beta (Anti-Aβ) scFv was obtained. To increase the stability of plasma, Anti-Aβ-loaded polymeric micelles were synthesized.

Methods
Escherichia coli SHuffle expression strain was used and purified by Ni-NTA. Pluronics P85 and F127 micelles were used for the Anti-Aβ delivery and were characterized in terms of morphology, drug loading and drug release in phosphate buffer and artificial cerebrospinal fluid. The stability profile was quantified at 4°C over a 30 days storage period. The stability in human plasma was also evaluated.

Key findings
Proteins expressed in SHuffle resulted in increased levels of protein expression and solubility. Low critical micelle concentration value and high micelle encapsulation efficiency (&lt;200 nm) achieved via direct dissolution method. Anti-Aβ-loaded micelles were around 2.2-fold more stable than Anti-Aβ in plasma solution. A sustained in-vitro release of Anti-Aβ from micelles was observed.

Conclusions
Results confirmed that Pluronic-micelles pose benefits as a nano-carrier to increase the stability of Anti-Aβ scFvin in the plasma.
Sodium hydrogen sulfide upregulates cystathionine β-synthase and protects striatum against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced neurotoxicity in rats
Authors: Mohammed Reham A , Mansour Suzan M 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a neuromodulator that plays a protective role in multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s (PD). However, the precise mechanisms underlying its effects against Huntington’s disease (HD) are still questioned.
This study aimed to examine the neuroprotective effects of sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS; H2S donor) against 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP)-induced HD like pathology in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups; (1) normal control receiving saline; (2) NaHS control receiving (0.5 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 14 days; (3,4) receiving 3NP (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 14 days, with NaHS 30 min later in group 4.

Key findings
NaHS improved cognitive and locomotor deficits induced by 3NP as confirmed by the striatal histopathological findings. These former events were biochemically supported by the increment in cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) gene expression, reduction of glutamate (Glu), dopamine (DA), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), cytochrome-c, cleaved caspase-3 and pc-FOS indicating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-apoptotic effects. Furthermore, NaHS pretreatment improved cholinergic dysfunction and increased brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2).

Conclusions
These findings suggest that appropriate protection with H2S donors might represent a novel approach to slow down HD-like symptoms.
Balloon bursting: transurethral puncture of a Foley catheter balloon
Authors: Smith Stephanie F , Sengupta Anup 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe describe the case of a 76-year-old male who presented with a retained Foley catheter. On the initial attempt to deflate the Foley catheter with a syringe attached to the inflation port, no fluid was aspirated. Using a flexible cystoscope passed alongside the catheter, the balloon was punctured under direct vision with an intravesical needle passed through the cystoscope working channel. We discuss this innovative and safe method for balloon puncture via the transurethral route that can be achieved in the urology outpatient or endoscopy suite.
SN 2014C: VLBI image shows a shell structure and decelerated expansion
Authors: Bietenholz Michael F , Bartel Norbert , Kamble Atish , Margutti Raffaella , Matthews David Jacob , Milisavljevic Danny 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
We report on new Very Long Baseline Interferometry radio measurements of supernova (SN) 2014C in the spiral galaxy NGC 7331, made with the European VLBI Network ∼5 yr after the explosion, as well as on flux density measurements made with the Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). SN 2014C was an unusual SN, initially of Type Ib, but over the course of ∼1 yr, it developed strong H α lines, implying the onset of strong interaction with some H-rich circumstellar medium (CSM). The expanding shock-front interacted with a dense shell of circumstellar material during the first year, but has now emerged from the dense shell and is expanding into the lower density CSM beyond. Our new VLBI observations show a relatively clear shell structure and continued expansion with some deceleration, with a suggestion that the deceleration is increasing at the latest times. Our multifrequency VLA observations show a relatively flat power-law spectrum with Sν ∝ ν−0.56 ± 0.03, and show no decline in the radio luminosity since t ∼ 1 yr.
KINESIN-12E regulates metaphase spindle flux and helps control spindle size in Arabidopsis
Authors: Herrmann Arvid , Livanos Pantelis , Zimmermann Steffi , Berendzen Kenneth , Rohr Leander , Lipka Elisabeth , Müller Sabine 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe bipolar mitotic spindle is a highly conserved structure among eukaryotes that mediates chromosome alignment and segregation. Spindle assembly and size control are facilitated by force-generating microtubule-dependent motor proteins known as kinesins. In animals, kinesin-12 cooperates with kinesin-5 to produce outward-directed forces necessary for spindle assembly. In plants, the relevant molecular mechanisms for spindle formation are poorly defined. While an Arabidopsis thaliana kinesin-5 ortholog has been identified, the kinesin-12 ortholog in plants remains elusive. In this study, we provide experimental evidence for the function of Arabidopsis KINESIN-12E in spindle assembly. In kinesin-12e mutants, a delay in spindle assembly is accompanied by the reduction of spindle size, demonstrating that KINESIN-12E contributes to mitotic spindle architecture. Kinesin-12E localization is mitosis-stage specific, beginning with its perinuclear accumulation during prophase. Upon nuclear envelope breakdown, KINESIN-12E decorates subpopulations of microtubules in the spindle and becomes progressively enriched in the spindle midzone. Furthermore, during cytokinesis, KINESIN-12E shares its localization at the phragmoplast midzone with several functionally diversified Arabidopsis KINESIN-12 members. Changes in the kinetochore and in prophase and metaphase spindle dynamics occur in the absence of KINESIN-12E, suggest it might play an evolutionarily conserved role during spindle formation similar to its spindle-localized animal kinesin-12 orthologs.
Mutation of the imprinted geneOsEMF2ainduces autonomous endosperm development and delayed cellularization in rice
Authors: Tonosaki Kaoru , Ono Akemi , Kunisada Megumi , Nishino Megumi , Nagata Hiroki , Sakamoto Shingo , Kijima Saku T , Furuumi Hiroyasu , Nonomura Ken-Ichi , Sato Yutaka , Ohme-Takagi Masaru , Endo Masaki , Comai Luca , Hatakeyama Katsunori , Kawakatsu Taiji , Kinoshita Tetsu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn angiosperms, endosperm development comprises a series of developmental transitions controlled by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that are initiated after double fertilization. Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a key component of these mechanisms that mediate histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3); the action of PRC2 is well described in Arabidopsis thaliana but remains uncertain in cereals. In this study, we demonstrate that mutation of the rice (Oryza sativa) gene EMBRYONIC FLOWER2a (OsEMF2a), encoding a zinc-finger containing component of PRC2, causes an autonomous endosperm phenotype involving proliferation of the central cell nuclei with separate cytoplasmic domains, even in the absence of fertilization. Detailed cytological and transcriptomic analyses revealed that the autonomous endosperm can produce storage compounds, starch granules, and protein bodies specific to the endosperm. These events have not been reported in Arabidopsis. After fertilization, we observed an abnormally delayed developmental transition in the endosperm. Transcriptome and H3K27me3 ChIP-seq analyses using endosperm from the emf2a mutant identified downstream targets of PRC2. These included &gt;100 transcription factor genes such as type-I MADS-box genes, which are likely required for endosperm development. Our results demonstrate that OsEMF2a-containing PRC2 controls endosperm developmental programs before and after fertilization.
A systems genetics approach to deciphering the effect of dosage variation on leaf morphology inPopulus
Authors: Bastiaanse Héloïse , Henry Isabelle M , Tsai Helen , Lieberman Meric , Canning Courtney , Comai Luca , Groover Andrew 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGene copy number variation is frequent in plant genomes of various species, but the impact of such gene dosage variation on morphological traits is poorly understood. We used a large population of Populus carrying genomically characterized insertions and deletions across the genome to systematically assay the effect of gene dosage variation on a suite of leaf morphology traits. A systems genetics approach was used to integrate insertion and deletion locations, leaf morphology phenotypes, gene expression, and transcriptional network data, to provide an overview of how gene dosage influences morphology. Dosage-sensitive genomic regions were identified that influenced individual or pleiotropic morphological traits. We also identified cis-expression quantitative trait loci (QTL) within these dosage QTL regions, a subset of which modulated trans-expression QTL as well. Integration of data types within a gene co-expression framework identified co-expressed gene modules that are dosage sensitive, enriched for dosage expression QTL, and associated with morphological traits. Functional description of these modules linked dosage-sensitive morphological variation to specific cellular processes, as well as candidate regulatory genes. Together, these results show that gene dosage variation can influence morphological variation through complex changes in gene expression, and suggest that frequently occurring gene dosage variation has the potential to likewise influence quantitative traits in nature.
Enhanced nucleotide analysis enables the quantification of deoxynucleotides in plants and algae revealing connections between nucleoside and deoxynucleoside metabolism
Authors: Straube Henryk , Niehaus Markus , Zwittian Sarah , Witte Claus-Peter , Herde Marco 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Detecting and quantifying low-abundance (deoxy)ribonucleotides and (deoxy)ribonucleosides in plants remains difficult; this is a major roadblock for the investigation of plant nucleotide (NT) metabolism. Here, we present a method that overcomes this limitation, allowing the detection of all deoxy- and ribonucleotides as well as the corresponding nucleosides from the same plant sample. The method is characterized by high sensitivity and robustness enabling the reproducible detection and absolute quantification of these metabolites even if they are of low abundance. Employing the new method, we analyzed Arabidopsis thaliana null mutants of CYTIDINE DEAMINASE, GUANOSINE DEAMINASE, and NUCLEOSIDE HYDROLASE 1, demonstrating that the deoxyribonucleotide (dNT) metabolism is intricately interwoven with the catabolism of ribonucleosides (rNs). In addition, we discovered a function of rN catabolic enzymes in the degradation of deoxyribonucleosides in vivo. We also determined the concentrations of dNTs in several mono- and dicotyledonous plants, a bryophyte, and three algae, revealing a correlation of GC to AT dNT ratios with genomic GC contents. This suggests a link between the genome and the metabolome previously discussed but not experimentally addressed. Together, these findings demonstrate the potential of this new method to provide insight into plant NT metabolism.