bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and functional similarities and differences in nucleolar Pumilio RNA-binding proteins between Arabidopsis and Charophyte Chara corallina
Authors: Park Su Hyun , im Hyung-Sae , Kalita Prakash Jyoti , Choi Sang-Bong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Pumilio RNA-binding proteins are evolutionarily conserved throughout all eukaryotes and are involved in RNA decay, transport, and translation repression in the cytoplasm. Even though a majority of Pumilio proteins function in the cytoplasm, two nucleolar forms have been reported to have a function in rRNA processing in Arabidopsis. Chara is known to be most closely related to land plants as it shares several characteristics with modern embryophytes. Results: In this study, we identified two putative nucleolar Pumilio protein genes, ChPUM2 and ChPUM3 , from the transcriptome of Chara corallina . Of the two ChPUM proteins, ChPUM2 was the most similar to Arabidopsis APUM23 in the amino acid sequence (27% identity and 45% homology) and the predicted protein structure, while ChPUM3 was similar to APUM24 (35% identity and 54% homology). The transient expression of 35S:ChPUM2-RFP and 35S:ChPUM3-RFP showed nucleolar localization of fusion proteins in tobacco leaf cells, similar to the expression of APUM23-GFP and APUM24-GFP. Moreover, 35S:ChPUM2 complemented the morphological defects of the apum23 phenotypes but not those of apum24, while 35S:ChPUM3 could not complement the apum23 and apum24 mutants. Similarly, the 35S:ChPUM2/apum23 plants rescued the pre-rRNA processing defect of apum23 , but 35S:ChPUM3/apum24 +/- plants did not rescue that of apum24 . Consistent with these complementation results, a known target RNA-binding sequence at the end of the 18S rRNA (5'-GAAUUGACGG) for APUM23 was conserved in Arabidopsis and Chara, whereas a target region of ITS2 pre-rRNA for APUM24 was 156 nt longer in Chara than in Arabidopsis. Moreover, ChPUM2 and APUM23 were predicted to have nearly identical structures, but ChPUM3 and APUM24 have different structures in the 5th C-terminal Puf RNA-binding domain as ChPUM3 has a long random coil in this domain. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ChPUM2 has evolutionarily maintained functions in Arabidopsis, while ChPUM3 is not functional in Arabidopsis, most likely due to the long target ITS2 sequence of Arabidopsis and the distinct tertiary structure from Arabidopsis homologue APUM24.
Nitrogen and phosphorus co-starvation inhibits anthocyanin synthesis in the callus of grape berry skin
Authors: Zheng Hui-Zhen , Wei Huan , Guo Shui-Huan , Feng Ming-Xin , Jin Xu-Qiao , Fang Yu-Lin , Zhang Zhen-Wen , Xu Teng-Fei , Meng Jiang-Fei 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Anthocyanins are a type of natural pigment that have high potential for development and utilization in regions like food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, with nitrogen and phosphorus starvation possibly promoting their accumulation in grapes. However, it remains unclear whether such starvation impacts the grape callus, or how the co-starvation of nitrogen and phosphorus affects the biosynthesis of anthocyanins. Here, we investigated how nitrogen starvation, phosphorus starvation, and the co-starvation of these two elements affects the synthesis of anthocyanins in the callus of grape skin. We also evaluated how these parameters participate in the Abscisic acid signaling pathway. Results: Separate starvation of nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as nitrogen and phosphorus co-starvation, inhibited callus growth, while significantly promoting the accumulation of anthocyanins. However, co-starvation did not facilitate anthocyanin biosynthesis during the later stages of callus growth. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of VvUFGT and VvmybA1 was closely related to anthocyanin accumulation in the callus under nitrogen and phosphorus starvation. Besides, we also confirmed that the abscisic acid signaling pathway was involved in anthocyanin accumulation as well as callus resistance under adverse conditions. Conclusions: This study demonstrated how nitrogen and phosphorus starvation contribute to the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in the callus of grapes. This information provides a basis for investigating the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin synthesis in grapes, as well as theoretical support for the production of anthocyanins by callus culture. Keywords: grape; callus; anthocyanin; nitrogen starvation; phosphorus starvation; co-starvation
A Multivariate Multilevel Analysis of the Risk Factors Associated with Anthropometric Indices in Iranian mid-adolescents
Authors: Heydari Seyyed Taghi , Alamolhoda Marizeh , Ayatollahi Seyyed Mohammad Taghi , Tabrizi Reza , Akbari Maryam 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background The present study was conducted to assess some specific factors related to anthropometric indices in a representative sample of Iranian mid-adolescents. It also aimed to investigate the relationship between three anthropometric indices using a multivariate multilevel approach.Methods This study was conducted among 2538 students (1286 boys) aged 14 - 20 years old, who were randomly selected among 16 high schools by multi-stage random sampling procedure from 4 education districts of Shiraz, Iran. Data on demographic characteristics and anthropometric measures were collected. Anthropometric indices were estimated by the calibrated tools. A multivariate multilevel model was used to assess the predictor variables associated with obesity measures of the triceps (TST), abdominal (AST), and subscapular (SST) skinfold thickness.Results In this study, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was estimated to be 10.2 and 5.1%, respectively. Hierarchical models showed that, the outcome variables were correlated at the child and district levels. Positive associations were observed between the sex, family history of obesity, and moderate and high Socio-Economic Status (SES) with three anthropometric indices. Moreover, there were positive associations between moderate to vigorous physical activities with AST and SST, but they were not statistically significant at a significance level of 0.05.Conclusions Our findings revealed that, TST, AST, and SST could be useful indices for measuring the adiposity in mid-adolescents. In addition, the effect of the district level on the predictor variables highlights the important role of the environmental factors on the childhood obesity.
The prostate cancer drug enzalutamide shortens anogenital distance in male rat offspring by blocking the androgen receptor
Authors: Schwartz Camilla Lindgren , Svingen Terje , Taxvig Camilla , Christiansen Sofie , Pedersen Mikael , Frandsen Henrik Lauritz , Gøttsche Annemette Fribo , Frederiksen Katrine Ankjær , Johansson Hanna Katarina Lilith , Vinggaard Anne Marie 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Enzalutamide is a non-steroidal anti-androgen drug used to treat prostate cancer. It is a potent androgen receptor (AR) antagonist, with an in vitro Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC) of 0.05 μM. In this study, we wanted to assess its utility as a model compound for future mechanistic studies aimed at delineating mechanism-of-action of anti-androgenic effects in the developing fetus. Methods: Enzalutamide in vitro activity was tested using an Androgen receptor reporter assay (AR-EcoScreenTM) and a steroidogenesis assay (H295R assay). For in vivo characterization, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 10 mg/kg bw/day enzalutamide from gestational day 7-21. At gestational day 21, enzalutamide exposure concentrations were measured both in amniotic fluids and fetal plasma, alongside Anogenital distance (AGD). Fetal testes were collected and for testosterone measurements and gene expression profiling. Results: Enzalutamide was a strong AR antagonist in vitro and we also observed disrupted androgen synthesis in the H295R steroidogenic assay with a LOEC of 3.1 μM. In utero exposure resulted in about 20% shorter anogenital distance (AGD) in male fetuses., as well as signs of dysregulated expression of the steroidogenic genes Star, Cyp11a1 and Cyp17a1 in the fetal testes at gestational day 21. Intra-testicular testosterone levels were unaffected. Conclusions: Based on these observations, together with in vitro LOECs and the fetal plasma levels of enzalutamide, we propose that the effect on male AGD was caused by AR antagonism rather than suppressed androgen synthesis. Due to the characteristic mechanism of action of enzalutamide, we suggest to use it as a new model compound in research on anti-androgenic environmental chemicals.
Diagnostic performance of pulmonary ultrasonography and a clinical score for the evaluation of hydration status in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Bobot Mickaël , Zieleskiewicz Laurent , Jourde-Chiche Noémie , Kotze Clarissa Von , Ebersolt Manon , Dussol Bertrand , Sallée Marion , Chopinet Sophie , Berland Yvon , Brunet Philippe , Robert Thomas 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no feasible benchmark in daily routine to estimate the hydration status of haemodialysis patients, which is essential to their management. We performed a retrospective study in HD patients to assess the diagnostic performance of pulmonary ultrasound and clinical examination for the evaluation of fluid overload using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as a gold standard. METHODS 31 patients receiving chronic HD were included. Evaluation of hydration status was assessed weekly before haemodialysis sessions using clinical and Echo Comet Scores from pulmonary ultrasound and TTE (reference method). RESULTS Five patients had a TTE overload. Compared with TTE, the diagnostic performance of the clinical overload score has a sensitivity (Se) of 100%, a specificity (Sp) of 77%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 50% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% with a κ of 0.79. Only orthopnoea (P=0.008), jugular turgor (P=0.005) and hepatic-jugular reflux (P=0.008) were significantly associated with TTE overload diagnosis. The diagnostic performance of Echo Comet Score by pulmonary ultrasound has a Se of 80%, a Sp of 58%, a PPV of 26% and a NPV of 94%. Ten patients (32.3%) had an increase of extravascular pulmonary water without evidence of TTE or clinical overload. CONCLUSIONS Our clinical score has a convincing diagnostic performance compared to TTE and could be easily used in daily clinical routine to adjust dry weight. The evaluation of the overload using pulmonary ultrasound seems poorly correlated with the overload evaluated by TTE. The presence of extravascular pulmonary water undetected by clinical examination and TTE remains a parameter which requires further investigation.
Prdx1 Promotes the Loss of Primary Cilia in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gong Fanghua , Chen Qiongzhen , Li Jinmeng , Yang Xiaoning , Ma Junfeng , Liu Yu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Loss of primary cilia is frequently observed in tumor cells, suggesting that the absence of this organelle may promote tumorigenesis through aberrant signal transduction, the inability to exit the cell cycle, and promotion of tumor cell invasion. Primary cilia loss also occurs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells, but the molecular mechanisms that explain how ESCC cells lose primary cilia remain poorly understood. Methods: Inhibiting the expression of Prdx1 in the ESCC cells to detect the up-regulated genes related to cilium regeneration and down-regulated genes related to cilium disassembly by Gene chip. And, mice and cell experiments were carried to confirm the role of the HEF1-Aurora A-HDAC6 signaling axis in ESCC. Results: In this study, we found that silencing Peroxiredoxin 1 (Prdx1) restores primary cilia formation, and over-expressing Prdx1 induces primary cilia loss in ESCC cells. We also showed that the expression of Prdx1 regulates the action of the HEF1-Aurora A-HDAC6 signaling axis to promote the disassembly of primary cilia, and suppression of Prdx1 results in decreased tumor formation and tumor mass volume in vivo. Conclusions: These results suggest that Prdx1 is a novel regulator of primary cilia formation in ESCC cells.
Serum Levels of Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) Predicts Hemodialysis After Coronary Angiography in High Risk Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.
Authors: Reyes Luis Felipe , Bustamante Carlos A. , Severiche-Bueno Diego Fernando , Murillo Sixta , Soni Nilam J. , Poveda Marcela , Gomez Efrain , Buitrago Ricardo , Rodriguez Alejandro 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Aim To determine the association of serum the Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) levels and the need for hemodialysis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Design This is a prospective, observational study.Setting A cardiovascular and University referral hospital.Patients Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) that underwent PCI, during two consecutive years were enrolled in our study.Main variables of interest NGAL levels were measured using ELISA. Blood samples were obtained within the first 6 hours of hospital admission, and 12 and 24 hours after contrast exposure from angiography. The primary outcome was the requirement of hemodialysis. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U Test was used to test for differences in median serum levels of NGAL. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was developed to assess the accuracy of NGAL to predict need for hemodialysis after PCI.Results A total of 2,875 were screened; however, 45 patients with ACS that underwent PCI were included. All patients were at high risk of developing Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) defined by Mehran score >11 points. The median (IQR) serum concentration of NGAL was significantly higher in patients that required versus did not require hemodialysis (340 [83-384] vs. 169 [100-210], p=0.01). Elevated serum levels of NGAL predicted the need for hemodialysis with an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.66-1.00).Conclusions In patients with ACS undergoing PCI and high risk of developing CIN, an elevated serum level of NGAL 6 hours after contrast exposure predicts development of acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis.
The role of Trx/TBP-2 in oxidative stress induced autophagy in human lens epithelial cells
Authors: Hu Jianghua , Shen Lifang , Zhang Chengshou , Yao Ke , Yu Yibo 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress plays an important role in age-related cataract development. The cellular antioxidant protein thioredoxin (Trx) and its negative regulator, thioredoxin binding protein-2 (TBP-2), maintain the intracellular redox balance upon oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to investigate role of Trx and TBP-2 in human lens epithelial cells (LECs) under oxidative stress. Methods: LECs were treated with 50 μM of H2O2 serum-free medium for different duration, and the mRNA and protein levels of Trx-1, Trx-2 and TBP-2 were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Trx-1 activity was evaluated by Thioredoxin Activity Fluorescent Assay. The subcellular localization of Trx-1, Trx-2 and TBP-2 was evaluated by cellular immunofluorescence. The cell viability was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and the LC3-II protein level was detected to evaluate the autophagy level. The interaction between Trx-2 and TBP-2 was examined by Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: The results showed that the mRNA levels of the Trx-1, Trx-2 and TBP-2 were kinetically changed after treatment with 50 μM of H2O2 for different duration. Exposure to H2O2 increased the expression of Trx-2 and TBP-2 but not Trx-1, while the exposure inhibited Trx-1 activity. TBP-2 was co-localized with Trx-1 and Trx-2, exposure to H2O2 enriched co-localization of TBP-2 to Trx-1 but not Trx-2, and increased the interaction between TBP-2 and Trx-1. Under normal circumstances, Trx-1 over-expression enhanced autophagic response and mainly regulates autophagy in the initiation. Conclusions: This study demonstrates differential roles of Trx-1 and Trx-2 in cellular response to oxidative stress, and oxidative stress increased Trx-1 interacting to TBP-2 and Trx-1 regulating autophagic response.
How to Optimally Estimate Malaria Readiness Indicators at the Health district Level? Findings from the Burkina Faso Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) Cross-Sectional Data
Authors: Rouamba Toussaint , Samadoulougou Sekou Ouindpanga , Compaoré Cheick Saïd , Tinto Halidou , Gaudart Jean , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: One of the major causes of malaria-related deaths in Sub-Saharan African countries is the limited accessibility to quality care. In these countries, malaria control activities are implemented at the health district level. However, malaria indicators are often regionally representative. This paper provides an approach for estimating health district-level malaria readiness indicators from survey data designed to provide regionally representative estimates. Methods: A binomial hierarchical Bayesian spatial prediction method was applied to Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) survey data to provide estimates of essential equipment availability and readiness to provide malaria care at the health district level. Predicted values of each indicator were adjusted by the type of health facility, location, and population density. Then, a health district composite readiness profile was built via hierarchical ascendant classification. Results: All surveyed health-facilities were mandated to manage malaria. The spatial distribution of essential equipment and malaria readiness was heterogeneous. Around 62.9% of health districts had a high level of readiness to provide malaria care and prevention during pregnancy. Low-performance scores for managing malaria were found in big cities located in the central and Haut-Bassins regions. The health districts with low coverage for both first-line antimalarial drugs and rapid diagnostic tests were Baskuy, Bogodogo, Boulmiougou, Nongr-Massoum, Sig-Nonghin, Dafra, and Do. Conclusion: We provide health district estimates and reveal gaps in basic equipment and malaria management resources in some districts that need to be filled. By providing local-scale estimates, this approach could be replicated for other types of indicators to inform decision-makers and health program managers and to identify priority areas.
Assessing energy performance and critical issues of a large wastewater treatment plant through full-scale data benchmarking
Authors: di Cicco Maria Rosa , Spagnuolo Antonio , Masiello Antonio , Vetromile Carmela , Nappa Mariano , Corbo Gaetano , Lubritto Carmine 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The wastewater sector accounts for 25% of the global energy demand in the water sector. Since this consumption is expected to increase in the forthcoming years, energy optimization strategies are needed. A truly effective planning of energy improvement measures requires a detailed knowledge of a system, which can only be achieved through energy audit and real-time monitoring. In order to improve the identification of critical issues related to the use of energy resources within a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), the paper shows the results of a monitoring campaign performed on a large WWTP in southern Italy. Data obtained for the audit cover a 4-year timeframe (2014–2017). Energy–environmental performance has been evaluated through the benchmarking of: system variables, specific consumptions, and operational indicators. Moreover, by using a real-time data measurement and acquisition system it has been possible to evaluate the real performance of the most energy-intensive apparatus of the plant (a turbo-blower), over a period of 8 months. The main results indicate that (a) the plant is mainly affected by a massive capture of infiltrations, working in conditions close to the maximum hydraulic capacity, (b) real-time energy measurements are necessary to accurately characterize plant consumptions and adequately assess their critical aspects.
Possibilities of single-photon emission computed tomography for the assessment of cardiac global and regional sympathetic activity in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Minin S. , Nikitin N. , Pokushalov E. , Romanov A. 
Published: November 2019

Aim. To evaluate global and regional sympathetic activity in patients with atrial fibrillation using 123I-metaiodbenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy before and after catheter ablation.
Methods. A total of 45 patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (mean age, 55 ± 10 years; 44% women) followed up till catheter ablation were included in the study. All study participants underwent 123I-MIBG scintigraphy within 1–2 days before and 5–7 days after catheter ablation. The global myocardial sympathetic activity was estimated by calculating the ratio of 123I-MIBG uptake in the heart and mediastinum in the early and delayed phases (H/Me and H/Md), as well as the 123I-MIBG wash out rate in 4 h (WR). Regional sympathetic activity was estimated by semiquantitative analysis of the 123I-MIBG uptake in the myocardium of the left ventricle.
Results. Baseline 123I-MIBG scintigraphy showed the difference between paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation patients in WR only (19.2 ± 6.4 and 23.9 ± 7.2, respectively; p = 0.03). A statistically significant decrease of H/Md in average of 0.1 (95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.2; p = 0.02) was found in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and a decrease of WR in average of 3.7% (95% confidence interval, −7% to −0.4%; p = 0.03) after catheter ablation. No statistically significant changes of H/Md and WR were found in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation. The analysis of regional 123I-MIBG uptake in the left ventricular myocardium did not show any statistically significant changes in the regional sympathetic activity after catheter ablation compared with that at baseline.
Conclusion. The differences in WR only were found between patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation. Significant changes in myocardial sympathetic activity after catheter ablation were found only in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, a finding that may be associated with a large number of active sympathetic nerve endings in the myocardium compared with patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02914860

Received 23 April 2019. Accepted 26 May 2019.

Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding: The study is a part of a research project supported of a grant of the Russian Science Foundation No. 17-75-20118.