bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production of Digoxigenin‐Labeled Riboprobes for In Situ Hybridization Experiments
Authors: Barratt Kristen S. , Arkell Ruth M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractExperiments that visualize gene expression in intact tissues or organisms are fundamental to studies of gene function. These experiments, called in situ hybridization, require the production of a riboprobe, which is a labeled antisense RNA corresponding to a particular gene. The most commonly used system for visualizing gene expression via in situ hybridization is the incorporation of a digoxigenin label into an in vitro−transcribed RNA probe. After hybridization of the riboprobe to a target mRNA, its location can be detected via a high‐affinity α‐digoxigenin antibody conjugated to an alkaline‐phosphatase enzyme. The article describes the design and production of digoxigenin‐labeled riboprobes transcribed in vitro from template DNA (either plasmid or PCR amplicon). These riboprobes are suitable for use in tissue and whole‐mount in situ hybridization protocols. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Basic Protocol 1: Plasmid‐derived riboprobesAlternate Protocol: PCR‐derived riboprobesBasic Protocol 2: Riboprobe synthesis with DIG label
Serum concentrations, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling, and effects of dexamethasone on inflammatory mediators following intravenous and oral administration to exercised horses
Authors: Knych Heather K. , Weiner Daniel , Arthur Rick M. , Baden Russell , McKemie Daniel S. , Kass Philip H. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCorticosteroids are potent anti‐inflammatory drugs and as such are commonly administered to performance and racehorses. The objectives of the current study were to describe blood and urine concentrations and the pharmacokinetics and effects on cortisol and inflammatory mediator concentrations, following intravenous and oral administration to 12 exercised horses. Horses received an intravenous administration of 40 mg of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and 20 mg of dexamethasone tablets with a 4 week washout in between administrations. Blood and urine samples were collected prior to and for up to 96 hours post drug administration. Whole blood samples were collected at various time points and challenged with lipopolysaccharide or calcium ionophore to induce ex vivo synthesis of eicosanoids. The concentrations of dexamethasone and eicosanoids were measured using LC–MS/MS and the concentrations from both routes of administration fit simultaneously using a three‐compartment pharmacokinetic model. A turnover model with inhibition of Kin gave an adequate fit to the dexamethasone‐cortisol PKPD data. Serum and urine dexamethasone concentrations were at the limit of quantitation at 96 and 48 hours post administration, respectively. The volume of distribution, systemic clearance, and terminal half‐life was 0.907 L/kg, 7.89 mL/h/kg, and 1.34 h, respectively. The IC50 for cortisol suppression was 0.007 ng/mL. Stimulation of dexamethasone treated blood with lipopolysaccharide and calcium ionophore resulted in an inhibition of inflammatory biomarker production for a prolonged period of time post drug administration. The results of this study suggest that dexamethasone has a prolonged anti‐inflammatory effect following intravenous or oral administration to horses.
Functional significance of phylogeographic structure in a toxic benthic marine microbial eukaryote over a latitudinal gradient along the East Australian Current
Authors: Verma Arjun , Hughes David J. , Harwood D. Tim , Suggett David J. , Ralph Peter J. , Murray Shauna A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGenetic diversity in marine microbial eukaryotic populations (protists) drives their ecological success by enabling diverse phenotypes to respond rapidly to changing environmental conditions. Despite enormous population sizes and lack of barriers to gene flow, genetic differentiation that is associated with geographic distance, currents, and environmental gradients has been reported from planktonic protists. However, for benthic protists, which have reduced dispersal opportunities, phylogeography and its phenotypic significance are little known. In recent years, the East Australian Current (EAC) has intensified its southward flow, associated with the tropicalization of temperate waters. Benthic harmful algal species have been increasingly found in south‐eastern Australia. Yet little is known about the potential of these species to adapt or extend their range in relation to changing conditions. Here, we examine genetic diversity and functional niche divergence in a toxic benthic dinoflagellate, Ostreopsis cf. siamensis, along a 1,500 km north–south gradient in southeastern Australia. Sixty‐eight strains were established from eight sampling sites. The study revealed long‐standing genetic diversity among strains established from the northern‐most sites, along with large phenotypic variation in observed physiological traits such as growth rates, cell volume, production of palytoxin‐like compounds, and photophysiological parameters. Strains from the southern populations were more uniform in both genetic and functional traits, and have possibly colonized their habitats more recently. Our study reports significant genetic and functional trait variability in a benthic harmful algal species, indicative of high adaptability, and a possible climate‐driven range extension. The observed high trait variation may facilitate development of harmful algal blooms under dynamic coastal environmental conditions.
Prevention and treatment of COVID‐19 disease by controlled modulation of innate immunity
Authors: Schijns Virgil , Lavelle Ed C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) poses an enormous threat to global public health and economies. Human coronaviruses normally cause no or mild respiratory disease but in the past two decades, potentially fatal coronavirus infections have emerged, causing respiratory tract illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis. These include severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV), followed by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV), and recently the SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus outbreak that emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Currently, most COVID‐19 patients receive traditional supportive care including breathing assistance. To halt the ongoing spread of the pandemic SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus and rescue individual patients, established drugs and new therapies are under evaluation. Since it will be some time until a safe and effective vaccine will be available, the immediate priority is to harness innate immunity to accelerate early antiviral immune responses. Second, since excessive inflammation is a major cause of pathology, targeted anti‐inflammatory responses are being evaluated to reduce inflammation‐induced damage to the respiratory tract and cytokine storms. Here, we highlight prominent immunotherapies at various stages of development that aim for augmented anti‐coronavirus immunity and reduction of pathological inflammation.
Dynamic pH barrage junction focusing of amino acids, peptides, and digested monoclonal antibodies in capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Lingyu , Cheng Jianhui , McNutt Julie E. , Morin Gregg B. , Chen David D. Y. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDynamic pH barrage junction focusing in CE enables effective signal enhancement, quantitative capture efficiencies, and straightforward optimization. The method is a technical variant of dynamic pH junction focusing. CE separation with dynamic pH barrage junction focusing is compatible with both optical and mass spectrometric detection. We developed a CE–MS/MS method using hydrophilic polyethyleneimine‐coated capillaries and validated it for the qualitative analysis of amino acids, peptides, and tryptic peptides of digested monoclonal antibodies. The S/N of extracted ion electropherograms of zwitterionic analytes were enhanced by approximately two orders of magnitude with a tradeoff of a shortened separation window. Online focusing improved the MS signal intensity of a diluted antibody digest, enabling more precursor ions to be analyzed with subsequent tandem mass spectrometric identification. It also broadened the concentration range of protein digest samples for which adequate sequence coverage data can be obtained. With only 0.9 ng of digested infliximab sample loaded into the capillary, 76% and 100% sequence coverage was realized for antibody heavy and light chains, respectively, after online focusing. Full coverage was achieved with 9 ng of injected digest.
Resistance of salt marsh substrates to near‐instantaneous hydrodynamic forcing
Authors: Brooks Helen , Möller Iris , Carr Simon , Chirol Clementine , Christie Elizabeth , Evans Ben , Spencer Kate L. , Spencer Tom , Royse Katherine 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSalt marshes deliver vital ecosystem services by providing habitats, storing pollutants and atmospheric carbon, and reducing flood and erosion risk in the coastal hinterland. Net losses in salt marsh areas, both modelled globally and measured regionally, are therefore of concern. Amongst other controls, the persistence of salt marshes in any one location depends on the ability of their substrates to resist hydrodynamic forcing at the marsh front, along creek margins and on the vegetated surface. Where relative sea level is rising, marsh elevation must keep pace with sea‐level rise and landward expansion may be required to compensate for areal loss at exposed margins. This paper reviews current understanding of marsh substrate resistance to the near‐instantaneous (seconds to hours) forcing induced by hydrodynamic processes. It outlines how variability in substrate properties may affect marsh substrate stability, explores current understanding of the interactions between substrate properties and erosion processes, and how the cumulative impact of these interactions may affect marsh stability over annual to decadal timescales.Whilst important advances have been made in understanding how specific soil properties affect near‐instantaneous marsh substrate stability, less is known about how these properties interact and alter bulk substrate resistance to hydrodynamic forcing. Future research requires a more systematic approach to quantifying biological and sedimentological marsh substrate properties. These properties must then be linked to specific observable erosion processes, particularly at the marsh front and along creek banks. A better understanding of the intrinsic dynamics and processes acting on, and within, salt marsh substrates will facilitate improved prediction of marsh evolution under future hydrodynamic forcing scenarios. Notwithstanding the additional complications that arise from morphodynamic feedbacks, this would allow us to more accurately model the future potential protection from flooding and erosion afforded by marshes, while also increasing the effectiveness of salt marsh restoration and recreation schemes. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Repeated administration of a flavonoid‐based formulated extract from citrus peels significantly reduces peripheral inflammation‐induced pain in the rat
Authors: Iannitti Tommaso , Di Cerbo Alessandro , Loschi Anna Rita , Rea Stefano , Suzawa Michiko , Morales‐Medina Julio César 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDepression‐related disorders are the first cause of disability worldwide according to the World Health Organization, and there is limited availability of effective antidepressant medications without side effects. Similarly, pain management is a public health concern particularly due to the increase in use of opioid medications, which have a significant side effect profile. Flavonoids can modulate numerous physiological functions including emotional and anti‐nociceptive processes. Gold lotion (GL) is a natural product based on the extract of six citrus peels rich in flavonoids (0.45 mg/ml) with numerous reported biological activities. In the present study, we investigated the effect of repeated administration of GL in a battery of behavioral tests, including the open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), and von Frey test (vFT), in rats. While the OFT measured anxiolytic‐related effects, the FST evaluated depression‐related behavior. The vFT evaluated mechanical allodynia in two rat models of peripheral inflammation induced by carrageenan or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) administration. Treatment with GL reduced mechanical allodynia after either carrageenan or CFA administration. On the other hand, repeated GL administration did not modulate any behavior evaluated by OFT or FST. Consumption of GL inhibits behavioral signs of inflammatory pain. Therefore, GL may be a valuable analgesic product to be used for inflammatory pain.
Year around distilled water production, energy, and economic analysis of solar stills—A comparative study
Authors: Muthu Manokar A. , Vimala M. , Prince Winston D. , Rajendran D. R. , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar , Kabeel A. E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this paper, a year around energy efficiency (EnE) and economic analysis of single slope solar still (SSSS), the single slope solar still with glass cooling (SSSSGC), the single slope solar still with basin heating (SSSSBH), and the single slope solar still with glass cooling and basin heating (SSSSGCBH) was carried out based on the distilled water production. The annual yield production from the SSSS, SSSSGC, SSSSBH, and SSSSGCBH were 476.16, 637.44, 970.24, and 1167.36 kg, respectively. The yearly yield produced from the SSSSBH and SSSSGCBH was increased by 50.92% and 59.21%, respectively, as compared with the SSSS. Moreover, the annual EnE of the SSSSGCBH was 28.75%. However, the EnE of the SSSS was 11.73%. Also, freshwater making cost is found to be 18.9, 24.9, 37.9, and 45.6 Rs/day for the SSSS, SSSSGC, SSSSBH, and SSSSGCBH, respectively, if the buying cost of freshwater is Rs 10.
Dehydroascorbic acid, the oxidized form of vitamin C, improves renal histology and function in old mice
Authors: Forman Katherine , Martínez Fernando , Cifuentes Manuel , Fernández Marcos , Bertinat Romina , Torres Pablo , Salazar Katterine , Godoy Alejandro , Nualart Francisco 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOxidative stress and inflammation are crucial factors that increase with age. In the progression of multiple age‐related diseases, antioxidants and bioactive compounds have been recognized as useful antiaging agents. Oxidized or reduced vitamin C exerts different actions on tissues and has different metabolism and uptake. In this study, we analyzed the antiaging effect of vitamin C, both oxidized and reduced forms, in renal aging using laser microdissection, quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemical analyses. In the kidneys of old SAM mice (10 months of age), a model of accelerated senescence, vitamin C, especially in the oxidized form (dehydroascorbic acid [DHA]) improves renal histology and function. Serum creatinine levels and microalbuminuria also decrease after treatment with a decline in azotemia. In addition, sodium‐vitamin C cotransporter isoform 1 levels, which were increased during aging, are normalized. In contrast, the pattern of glucose transporter 1 expression is not affected by aging or vitamin C treatment. We conclude that oxidized and reduced vitamin C are potent antiaging therapies and that DHA reverses the kidney damage observed in senescence‐accelerated prone mouse 8 to a greater degree.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as game‐changing tools in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease: Mirage or reality?
Authors: Yousefi Niloufar , Abdollahii Shahla , Kouhbanani Mohammad Amin Jadidi , Hassanzadeh Ali 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBased on investigations, there exist tight correlations between neurodegenerative diseases' incidence and progression and aberrant protein aggregreferates in nervous tissue. However, the pathology of these diseases is not well known, leading to an inability to find an appropriate therapeutic approach to delay occurrence or slow many neurodegenerative diseases' development. The accessibility of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in mimicking the phenotypes of various late‐onset neurodegenerative diseases presents a novel strategy for in vitro disease modeling. The iPSCs provide a valuable and well‐identified resource to clarify neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, as well as prepare a promising human stem cell platform for drug screening. Undoubtedly, neurodegenerative disease modeling using iPSCs has established innovative opportunities for both mechanistic types of research and recognition of novel disease treatments. Most important, the iPSCs have been considered as a novel autologous cell origin for cell‐based therapy of neurodegenerative diseases following differentiation to varied types of neural lineage cells (e.g. GABAergic neurons, dopamine neurons, cortical neurons, and motor neurons). In this review, we summarize iPSC‐based disease modeling in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Moreover, we discuss the efficacy of cell‐replacement therapies for neurodegenerative disease.
LINC01121 induced intervertebral disc degeneration via modulating miR‐150‐5p/MMP16 axis
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Zheng , Xu Derong , Li Shugang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundGrowing evidence indicates that Long noncoding RNAs contribute to cell differentiation, invasion, metabolism, proliferation and metastasis. However, the potential role of LINC01121 in progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remains unclear.MethodsLINC01121, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)‐16 and miR‐150‐5p expression was determined by a quantitative‐reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction assay. Inflammatory cytokines level was measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and cell counting kit‐8 analysis was used to assess cell proliferation. MMP‐16‐specific binding with miR‐150‐5p was verified with a luciferase reporter assay.ResultsWe noted that interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α treatment enhanced LINC01121 and MMP‐16 expression in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. LINC01121 was higher in IDD specimens compared to that in control specimens. Higher expression of LINC01121 was correlated with disc degeneration degree. Ectopic expression of LINC01121 enhanced cell proliferation and promoted ki‐67, MMP‐3 and ADAMTS5 expression and also suppressed collagen II expression in NP cells. We observed that overexpression of LINC01121 increased the secretion of three inflammatory cytokines, including IL‐6, TNF‐α and IL‐1β. We found that ectopic expression of LINC01121 decreased the miR‐150‐5p level in NP cells. Luciferase reporter data confirmed that MMP‐16 was one direct target of miR‐150‐5p. Overexpression of miR‐150‐5p inhibited MMP‐16 level and elevated the expression of LINC01121 enhanced MMP‐16 level. We also found that MMP‐16 was up‐regulated in IDD specimens compared to that in control specimens. Higher expression of MMP‐16 was correlated with disc degeneration degree. Interestingly, MMP‐16 expression was positively related to LINC01121 in IDD specimens. Finally, overexpression of LINC01121 regulated cell growth, extracellular matrix degradation and inflammatory cytokine secretion via modulating MMP‐16.Conclusionsour data suggested LINC01121 may be a new therapeutic target for IDD.
Porphyromonas gingivalis coinfects with KSHV in oral cavities of HIV+ patients and induces viral lytic reactivation
Authors: Dai Lu , Barrett Lindsey , Plaisance‐Bonstaff Karlie , Post Steven R. , Qin Zhiqiang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractKaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection causes several human cancers, including Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), one of the most common AIDS‐associated tumors. The involvement of the oral cavity represents one common clinical manifestation of AIDS‐KS individuals with periodontal diseases and an oral carriage of a variety of pathogenic bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis. In the current study, we report the clinical relevance of P. gingivalis and KSHV coinfection in the oral cavity of a cohort of HIV+ patients. Furthermore, we found that P. gingivalis conditioned medium or derived lipopolysaccharide effectively induced KSHV lytic reactivation from infected oral cells. This reactivation requires TLR4 as well as the activities of p38 and Jun N‐terminal kinase‐ mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Our findings reveal the mechanisms through which coinfected periodontal pathogens potentially promote oncogenic virus pathogenesis in the unique niche of immunocompromised patients.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of discharged patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 on the Qinghai Plateau
Authors: Xi Aiqi , Zhuo Ma , Dai Jingtao , Ding Yuehe , Ma Xiuzhen , Ma Xiaoli , Wang Xiaoyi , Shi Lianmeng , Bai Huanying , Zheng Hongying , Nuermberger Eric , Xu Jian 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSince the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) was first reported in Wuhan, a series of confirmed cases of COVID‐19 were found on the Qinghai‐Tibet plateau. We aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of all confirmed cases in Qinghai, a province at high altitude. The region had no sustained local transmission. Of all 18 patients with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, 15 patients comprising four transmission clusters were identified. Three patients were infected by direct contact without travel history to Wuhan. Of 18 patients, 10 patients showed bilateral pneumonia and two patients showed no abnormalities. Three patients with comorbidities such as hypertension, liver diseases, or diabetes developed severe illness. High C‐reactive protein levels and elevations of both alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were observed in three severely ill patients on admission. All 18 patients were eventually discharged, including the three severe patients who recovered after treatment with noninvasive mechanical ventilation, convalescent plasma, and other therapies. Our findings confirmed human‐to‐human transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 in clusters. Patients with comorbidities are more likely to develop severe illness.
New materials for hip and knee joint replacement: What's hip and what's in kneed?
Authors: Mihalko William M. , Haider Hani , Kurtz Steven , Marcolongo Michele , Urish Kenneth 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOver the last three decades there have been significant advancements in the knee and hip replacement technology that has been driven by an issue in the past concerning adverse local tissue reactions, aseptic and septic loosening. The implants and the materials we utilize have improved over the last two decades and in knee and hip replacement there has been a decrease in the failures attributed to wear and osteolysis. Despite these advancements there are still issues with patient satisfaction and early revisions due to septic and aseptic loosening in knee replacement patients. This article reviews the state of current implant material technology in hip and knee replacement surgery, discusses some of the unmet needs we have in biomaterials, and reviews some of the current biomaterials and technology that may be able to solve the most common issues in the knee and hip replacement surgery.