bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil extracellular trap-enriched supernatants carry microRNAs able to modulate TNF-α production by macrophages
Authors: Linhares-Lacerda Leandra , Temerozo Jairo Ramos , Ribeiro-Alves Marcelo , Azevedo Estefania P. , Mojoli Andres , Nascimento Michelle T. C. , Silva-Oliveira Gustavo , Savino Wilson , Foguel Debora , Bou-Habib Dumith Chequer , Saraiva Elvira M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) emerge from the cell as a DNA scaffold associated with cytoplasmic and granular proteins, able to immobilize and kill pathogens. This association occurs following nuclear and granular membrane disintegration, allowing contact with the decondensed chromatin. Thus, it is reasonable to speculate that the DNA can also mix with miRNAs and carry them in NETs. Here, we report for the first time the presence of the miRNA carriers associated with NETs and miRNAs present in NET-enriched supernatants (NET-miRs), thus adding a novel class of molecules and new proteins that can be released and transported in the NET platform. We observed that the majority of NET-miRs were common to all four stimuli used (PMA, interleukin-8, amyloid fibrils andLeishmania), and that miRNA-142-3p carried by NETs down-modulates protein kinase Cα and regulates TNF-α production in macrophages upon NET interaction with these cells. Our findings unveil a novel role for NETs in the cell communication processes, allowing the conveyance of miRNA from neutrophils to neighboring cells.
Similar genomic patterns of clinical infective endocarditis and oral isolates of Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus gordonii
Authors: Iversen Katrine Højholt , Rasmussen Louise Hesselbjerg , Al-Nakeeb Kosai , Armenteros Jose Juan Almagro , Jensen Christian Salgård , Dargis Rimtas , Lukjancenko Oksana , Justesen Ulrik Stenz , Moser Claus , Rosenvinge Flemming S. , Nielsen Xiaohui Chen , Christensen Jens Jørgen , Rasmussen Simon 
Published: February 2020

AbstractStreptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis belong to the Mitis group streptococci, which mostly are commensals in the human oral cavity. Though they are oral commensals, they can escape their niche and cause infective endocarditis, a severe infection with high mortality. Several virulence factors important for the development of infective endocarditis have been described in these two species. However, the background for how the commensal bacteria, in some cases, become pathogenic is still not known. To gain a greater understanding of the mechanisms of the pathogenic potential, we performed a comparative analysis of 38 blood culture strains, S. sanguinis (n = 20) and S. gordonii (n = 18) from patients with verified infective endocarditis, along with 21 publicly available oral isolates from healthy individuals, S. sanguinis (n = 12) and S. gordonii (n = 9). Using whole genome sequencing data of the 59 streptococci genomes, functional profiles were constructed, using protein domain predictions based on the translated genes. These functional profiles were used for clustering, phylogenetics and machine learning. A clear separation could be made between the two species. No clear differences between oral isolates and clinical infective endocarditis isolates were found in any of the 675 translated core-genes. Additionally, random forest-based machine learning and clustering of the pan-genome data as well as amino acid variations in the core-genome could not separate the clinical and oral isolates. A total of 151 different virulence genes was identified in the 59 genomes. Among these homologs of genes important for adhesion and evasion of the immune system were found in all of the strains. Based on the functional profiles and virulence gene content of the genomes, we believe that all analysed strains had the ability to become pathogenic.
The effects of a multispecies synbiotic on microbiome-related side effects of long-term proton pump inhibitor use: A pilot study
Authors: Horvath Angela , Leber Bettina , Feldbacher Nicole , Steinwender Markus , Komarova Irina , Rainer Florian , Blesl Andreas , Stadlbauer Vanessa 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSide effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) can be linked to the changes in the intestinal microbiome that occur during therapy, especially in long-term users. Therefore, the microbiome might also be a key player in the reduction of PPI side effects. We tested the effects of a three-month intervention with a multispecies synbiotic on intestinal inflammation, gut barrier function, microbiome composition, routine laboratory parameters and quality of life in patients with long-term PPI therapy. Thirty-six patients received a daily dose of a multispecies synbiotic for three months and were clinically observed without intervention for another three months. After intervention 17% of patients reached normal calprotectin levels; the overall reduction did not reach statistical significance (−18.8 ng/mg; 95%CI: −50.5; 12.9, p = 0.2). Elevated zonulin levels could be significantly reduced (−46.3 ng/mg; 95%CI: −71.4; −21.2; p < 0.001). The abundance of Stomatobaculum in the microbiome was reduced and Bacillus increased during the intervention. Furthermore, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and thrombocyte count were significantly increased and aspartate transaminase was significantly decreased during intervention. Gastrointestinal quality of life showed significant improvements. In conclusion, microbiome-related side effects of long-term PPI use can be substantially reduced by synbiotic intervention. Further studies are warranted to optimize dosage and duration of the intervention.
Generation of Schubert polynomial series via nanometre-scale photoisomerization in photochromic single crystal and double-probe optical near-field measurements
Authors: Uchiyama Kazuharu , Suzui Hirotsugu , Nakagomi Ryo , Saigo Hayato , Uchida Kingo , Naruse Makoto , Hori Hirokazu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGeneration of irregular time series based on physical processes is indispensable in computing and artificial intelligence. In this report, we propose and demonstrate the generation of Schubert polynomials, which are the foundation of versatile permutations in mathematics, via optical near-field processes introduced in a photochromic crystal of diarylethene combined with a simple photon detection protocol. Optical near-field excitation on the surface of a photochromic single crystal yields a chain of local photoisomerization, forming a complex pattern on the opposite side of the crystal. The incoming photon travels through the nanostructured photochromic crystal, and the exit position of the photon exhibits a versatile pattern. We emulated trains of photons based on the optical pattern experimentally observed through double-probe optical near-field microscopy, where the detection position was determined based on a simple protocol, leading to Schubert matrices corresponding to Schubert polynomials. The versatility and correlations of the generated Schubert matrices could be reconfigured in either a soft or hard manner by adjusting the photon detection sensitivity. This is the first study of Schubert polynomial generation via physical processes or nanophotonics, paving the way for future nano-scale intelligence devices and systems.
Breast Arterial Calcification is Associated with the Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Asymptomatic Women: A Preliminary Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yoon Yeonyee Elizabeth , Kim Kyoung Min , Lee Wonjae , Han Jong Soo , Chun Eun Ju , Ahn Soyeon , Choi Sang Il , Yun Bo La , Suh Jung-Won 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe evaluated whether breast arterial calcification (BAC) is associated with the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic women. This retrospective observational cohort study analysed asymptomatic women from the BBC registry. In 126 consecutive women (age, 54.5 ± 7.0 years) who underwent BAC evaluation and repeated coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) examinations, the coronary arterial calcification score (CACS) and segment stenosis score (SSS) were evaluated to assess the progression of coronary arterial calcification (CAC) and coronary atherosclerotic plaque (CAP). CAC and CAP progression were observed in 42 (33.3%) and 26 (20.6%) women, respectively (median interscan time, 4.3 years), and were associated with the presence of BAC and a higher BAC score at baseline. Women with BAC demonstrated higher CAC and CAP progression rates and showed higher chances for CAC and CAP progression during follow-up (p < 0.001 for both). In multivariable analyses, the BAC score remained independently associated with both CAC and CAP progression rates after adjustment for clinical risk factors (β = 0.087, p = 0.029; and β = 0.020, p = 0.010, respectively) and with additional adjustment for baseline CACS (β = 0.080, p = 0.040; and β = 0.019, p = 0.012, respectively) or SSS (β = 0.079, p = 0.034; and β = 0.019, p = 0.011, respectively). Thus, BAC may be related to the progression of coronary atherosclerosis and its evaluation may facilitate decision-making.
Associations of unhealthy lifestyles with metabolic syndrome in Chinese rural aged females
Authors: Wang Yuming , Tu Runqi , Yuan Huijuan , Shen Lijun , Hou Jian , Liu Xiaotian , Niu Miaomiao , Zhai Zhihan , Pan Mingming , Wang Chongjian 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to update the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and explore to identify the susceptible populations. A total of 38208 subjects aged 18 to 79 years were obtained from the Henan Rural Cohort Study (n = 39259). Five criteria (ATP β, IDF, JIS, CDS, EGIR) were used to estimate the prevalence of MetS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of potential risk factors with MetS. The age-standardized prevalence of MetS were 27.87%, 24.63%, 27.40%, 18.00% and 8.91% according to the standard of ATP β, IDF, JIS, CDS, and EGIR, respectively. After adjusted for the potential confounding factors, aging, females, physical activity and the state of drinking were independent risk factors of MetS. MetS is positively associated with stroke and coronary heart disease in all five criteria (P < 0.01). The current data identify a high prevalence of MetS among Chinese rural adults. Especially for aged females with unhealthy lifestyle had a higher risk for MetS.
Analyses of crystal growth, optical, electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of an excellent detector-grade Cd0.9Mn0.1Te: V crystal
Authors: Luan Lijun , Gao Li , Lv Haohao , Yu Pengfei , Wang Tao , He Yi , Zheng Dan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA high-quality cadmium manganese tellurium (Cd0.9Mn0.1Te: V or VCMT) crystal was successfully grown via modified Te solution vertical Bridgman method with vanadium doping. The crystal structure and quality were evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. An infrared transmission spectroscope measured the transmittance of the crystal at 64%, which would suggest that the grown crystal possessed high purity and crystallinity. Ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectroscopy analysis obtained the forbidden band width of approximately 1.577 eV. The current-voltage test indicated that the VCMT crystal had a high resistivity of 2.07 × 1010 Ω·cm. Mechanical properties were measured by a Vickers microhardness tester. Crack surface morphology around the indentation was recorded. Furthermore, mechanical properties, such as microhardness, fracture toughness, brittleness index and yield strength were investigated and discussed. The thermal stability of the VCMT single crystal was determined by thermogravimetric analysis. A VCMT detector was fabricated with planar configuration structure, which showed a resolution of 11.62% of the 241Am at 59.5 keV peak.
An ultrasound-based referential of body height-adjusted normal liver organometry in school children from Bokito in rural Cameroon
Authors: Kamdem Severin Donald , Kuemkon Erve Martial , Kamguia Leonel Meyo , Tchanana Gladys K. , Konhawa Francis , Nche Frungwa , Oumarou Alim , Hamza Mamadou , Essomba René Ghislain , Kengne Michel , Ondigui Bienvenu Etogo , Assoumou Marie Claire Okomo , Brombacher Frank , Nono Justin Komguep 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe grading system for ultrasonographic assessment of Schistosoma mansoni morbidity is crucial for evaluation of control programs. This requires prior definition of normal liver organometric ranges in the population from the endemic area. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a S. mansoni endemic area in rural Cameroon. 1002 Participants were screened and 234 of them, free from all common liver-affecting diseases in the area (schistosomiasis, malaria, hepatitis B and C) and with no ultrasonographic signs of liver disease were selected and their liver parameters measured by ultrasonography. All statistics were considered significant for p-values < 0.05. Normal dimensions of livers lobe sizes, portal vein wall thickness and portal vein diameters are reported. The liver organometric data are presented for the entire study population as a whole and separately for males and females as prediction plots, with observed values and fitted regression line with 95% confidence. Reference ranges for liver parameters (size, portal vein thickness and diameter) adjusted for body height established in the current study are novel for Cameroon. The prediction plots generated should improve the accuracy of the assessment of liver morbidity by ultrasonography in the region.
Circadian and Genetic Modulation of Visually-Guided Navigation in Drosophila Larvae
Authors: Asirim Ece Z. , Humberg Tim-Henning , Maier G. Larisa , Sprecher Simon G. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOrganisms possess an endogenous molecular clock which enables them to adapt to environmental rhythms and to synchronize their metabolism and behavior accordingly. Circadian rhythms govern daily oscillations in numerous physiological processes, and the underlying molecular components have been extensively described from fruit flies to mammals. Drosophila larvae have relatively simple nervous system compared to their adult counterparts, yet they both share a homologous molecular clock with mammals, governed by interlocking transcriptional feedback loops with highly conserved constituents. Larvae exhibit a robust light avoidance behavior, presumably enabling them to avoid predators and desiccation, and DNA-damage by exposure to ultraviolet light, hence are crucial for survival. Circadian rhythm has been shown to alter light-dark preference, however it remains unclear how distinct behavioral strategies are modulated by circadian time. To address this question, we investigate the larval visual navigation at different time-points of the day employing a computer-based tracking system, which allows detailed evaluation of distinct navigation strategies. Our results show that due to circadian modulation specific to light information processing, larvae avoid light most efficiently at dawn, and a functioning clock mechanism at both molecular and neuro-signaling level is necessary to conduct this modulation.
VEGF and bFGF induction by nitric oxide is associated with hyperbaric oxygen-induced angiogenesis and muscle regeneration
Authors: Yamamoto Naoki , Oyaizu Takuya , Enomoto Mitsuhiro , Horie Masaki , Yuasa Masato , Okawa Atsushi , Yagishita Kazuyoshi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment promotes early recovery from muscle injury. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) upregulation is a key mechanism of HBO, which produces high O2 content in tissues through increased dissolution of oxygen at high pressure. Nitric oxide (NO), a type of ROS, generally stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α and stimulates secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) from endothelial cells and macrophages, which then induces angiogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether HBO could promote angiogenesis via induction of NO and induce muscle regeneration in contused rat skeletal muscles. The HBO protocol consisted of 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) 100% oxygen for 120 minutes, once a day for 5 consecutive days. We also evaluated the effects of a ROS inhibitor (NAC) or NOS-specific inhibitor (L-NAME) on HBO. HBO significantly increased NO3−, VEGF, and bFGF levels and stabilized HIF1α within 1 day. HBO promoted blood vessel formation at 3–7 days and muscle healing at 5–7 days after contusion. Administration of both NAC and L-NAME before HBO suppressed angiogenesis and muscle regeneration even after HBO. HBO thus promoted angiogenesis and muscle regeneration mainly through generation of NO in the early phase after muscle contusion injury.
A Long-Term Pilot Study on Sex and Spinal Cord Injury Shows Sexual Dimorphism in Functional Recovery and Cardio-Metabolic Responses
Authors: Ghnenis Adel B. , Burns Daniel T. , Osimanjiang Wupu , He Guanglong , Bushman Jared S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMore than a quarter of a million individuals in the US live with spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI disrupts neural circuitry to vital organs in the body. Despite severe incidences of long-term peripheral complications from SCI, the cardio-metabolic consequences and divergences in sex-related responses are not well described. We examined the effects of SCI on functional recovery, cardiac structure and function, body composition, and glucose metabolism on adult female and male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. SCI was induced at T10 via contusion. Measured outcomes include behavioral assessment, body weight, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for body composition, echocardiography for cardiac structure and function, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) for glucose metabolism, insulin tolerance test (ITT), and histology of cardiac structure at the endpoint. There was a decrease in body fat percentage in both sexes, with SCI females disproportionately affected in percent body fat change. Left ventricular internal diameter during systole (LVIDs) was decreased in SCI females more than in SCI males. No significant differences in glucose metabolism were observed up to 20 weeks post-injury (PI). These data show significant cardio-metabolic differences as a consequence of SCI and, furthermore, that sex is an underlying factor in these differences.
Outdoor open pond batch production of green microalga Botryococcus braunii for high hydrocarbon production: enhanced production with salinity
Authors: Ruangsomboon Suneerat , Dimak Jantra , Jongput Buppha , Wiwatanaratanabutr Itsanun , Kanyawongha Pornthiwa 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe aim of this work was to enhance the biodiesel quality and hydrocarbon content of green microalgaB.brauniistrain KMITL 2 cultivated outdoor under several salinity conditions in a batch production. The enhancement would be such that the microalgal biodiesel qualities met or exceeded the current standard so that it would be a good raw material for biodiesel production. The microalga production was in 300 L open oval ponds, among various salinity levels tested (0–20 ppt), 5 ppt was the best for hydrocarbon production, yielding 54.2 ± 0.9% hydrocarbon content and 5.1 ± 0.4 g L−1biomass. As the microalga production was scaled up by cultivation in 3,675 L open raceway pond under the 5 ppt condition, the microalga yielded a bit higher hydrocarbon content (58.8 ± 2.9%) but much lower biomass (2.5 ± 0.5 g L−1). The production in both oval and raceway ponds yielded a nearly identical biodiesel property (61.06–67.42 cetane number) which exceeded the value specified in international standards. Therefore, it was concluded thatB.brauniistrain KMITL 2 can be batch cultivated in an open pond at optimum salinity to yield sufficient hydrocarbon and biomass for biodiesel production.
Influence of the human papillomavirus on the radio-responsiveness of cancer stem cells in head and neck cancers
Authors: Reid Paul , Staudacher Alexander H. , Marcu Loredana G. , Olver Ian , Moghaddasi Leyla , Brown Michael P. , Bezak Eva 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA growing proportion of head and neck cancers (HNC) result from HPV infection. Between HNC aetiological groups (HPV positive and HPV negative) clinical evidence demonstrates significantly better treatment response among HPV positive cancers. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are identified in HNC tumour populations as agents of treatment resistance and a target for tumour control. This study examines dynamic responses in populations of a CSC phenotype in HNC cell lines following X-irradiation at therapeutic levels, and comparing between HPV statuses. Variations in CSC density between HPV groups showed no correlation with better clinical outcomes seen in the HPV positive status. CSC populations in HPV positive cell lines ranged from 1.9 to 4.8%, and 2.6 to 9.9% for HPV negative. Following 4 Gy X- irradiation however, HPV negative cell lines demonstrated more frequent and significantly greater escalation in CSC proportions, being 3-fold that of the HPV positive group at 72 hours post irradiation. CSC proportions of tumour populations are not fixed but subject to change in response to radiation at therapeutic dose levels. These findings imply a potential effect of aetiology on radio-responsiveness in CSCs, illustrating that clonogen treatment response may be more informative of therapy outcomes than inherent population density alone.
Spheroscope: A custom-made miniaturized microscope for tracking tumour spheroids in microfluidic devices
Authors: Rodríguez-Pena A. , Uranga-Solchaga J. , Ortiz-de-Solórzano C. , Cortés-Domínguez I. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract3D cell culture models consisting of self-assembled tumour cells in suspension, commonly known as tumour spheroids, are becoming mainstream for high-throughput anticancer drug screening. A usual measurable outcome of screening studies is the growth rate of the spheroids in response to treatment. This is commonly quantified on images obtained using complex, expensive, optical microscopy systems, equipped with high-quality optics and customized electronics. Here we present a novel, portable, miniaturized microscope made of low-cost, mass-producible parts, which produces both fluorescence and phase-gradient contrast images. Since phase-gradient contrast imaging is based on oblique illumination, epi-illumination is used for both modalities, thus simplifying the design of the system. We describe the system, characterize its performance on synthetic samples and show proof-of-principle applications of the system consisting in imaging and monitoring the formation and growth of lung and pancreas cancer tumour spheroids within custom made microfluidic devices.
Genome-wide and expression pattern analysis of JAZ family involved in stress responses and postharvest processing treatments in Camellia sinensis
Authors: Zheng Yucheng , Chen Xuejin , Wang Pengjie , Sun Yun , Yue Chuan , Ye Naixing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe JASMONATE-ZIM DOMAIN (JAZ) family genes are key repressors in the jasmonic acid signal transduction pathway. Recently, the JAZ gene family has been systematically characterized in many plants. However, this gene family has not been explored in the tea plant. In this study, 13 CsJAZ genes were identified in the tea plant genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the JAZ proteins from tea and other plants clustered into 11 sub-groups. The CsJAZ gene transcriptional regulatory network predictive and expression pattern analyses suggest that these genes play vital roles in abiotic stress responses, phytohormone crosstalk and growth and development of the tea plant. In addition, the CsJAZ gene expression profiles were associated with tea postharvest processing. Our work provides a comprehensive understanding of the CsJAZ family and will help elucidate their contributions to tea quality during tea postharvest processing.