bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Juice of Citrullus lanatus var. citroides (wild watermelon) inhibits the entry and propagation of influenza viruses in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Morimoto Ryosuke , Yoshioka Kae , Nakayama Miyu , Nagai Emiko , Okuno Yoshinobu , Nakashima Ayaka , Ogawa Taro , Suzuki Kengo , Enomoto Toshiki , Isegawa Yuji 
Published: November 2020

AbstractVaccines and various anti‐influenza drugs are clinically used to prevent and treat influenza infections. However, with the antigenic mismatch of vaccines and the emergence of drug‐resistant viral strains, new approaches for treating influenza are warranted. This study focused on natural foods as potential candidates for the development of new treatment options for influenza infections. The screening of plants from the Cucurbitaceae family revealed that the juice of Citrullus lanatus var. citroides (wild watermelon) had the strongest ability to inhibit the replication of influenza virus in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. The results of a time‐of‐addition assay indicated that wild watermelon juice (WWMJ) inhibits the adsorption and late stages of viral replication, suggesting that WWMJ contains multiple constituents with effective anti‐influenza activity. A viral adsorption analysis showed that WWMJ reduces the amount of viral RNA in the cells at 37°C but not at 4°C, confirming that WWMJ inhibits viral entry into the host cells at 37°C. These results suggest that a mechanism other than the inhibition of viral attachment is involved in the anti‐influenza action of WWMJ, which is perhaps responsible for a reduction in internalization of the virus. Administration of WWMJ into the nasal mucosa of BALB/c mice infected with the A/PR/8/34 mouse‐adapted influenza virus was seen to significantly improve the survival rate. The findings of this study, therefore, demonstrate the anti‐influenza potential of WWMJ in vitro and in vivo, thereby suggesting the candidature of WWMJ as a functional food product that can be used to develop anti‐influenza agents and drugs.
Cuprizone‐induced demyelination triggers a CD8‐pronounced T cell recruitment
Authors: Kaddatz Hannes , Joost Sarah , Nedelcu Julia , Chrzanowski Uta , Schmitz Christoph , Gingele Stefan , Gudi Viktoria , Stangel Martin , Zhan Jiangshan , Santrau Emily , Greiner Theresa , Frenz Julia , Müller‐Hilke Brigitte , Müller Michael , Amor Sandra , van der Valk Paul , Kipp Markus 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe loss of myelinating oligodendrocytes is a key characteristic of many neurological diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In progressive MS, where effective treatment options are limited, peripheral immune cells can be found at the site of demyelination and are suggested to play a functional role during disease progression. In this study, we hypothesize that metabolic oligodendrocyte injury, caused by feeding the copper chelator cuprizone, is a potent trigger for peripheral immune cell recruitment into the central nervous system (CNS). We used immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry to evaluate the composition, density, and activation status of infiltrating T lymphocytes in cuprizone‐intoxicated mice and post‐mortem progressive MS tissues. Our results demonstrate a predominance of CD8+ T cells along with high proliferation rates and cytotoxic granule expression, indicating an antigenic and pro‐inflammatory milieu in the CNS of cuprizone‐intoxicated mice. Numbers of recruited T cells and the composition of lymphocytic infiltrates in cuprizone‐intoxicated mice were found to be comparable to those found in progressive MS lesions. Finally, amelioration of the cuprizone‐induced pathology by treating mice with laquinimod significantly reduces the number of recruited T cells. Overall, this study provides strong evidence that toxic demyelination is a sufficient trigger for T cells to infiltrate the demyelinated CNS. Further investigation of the mode of action and functional consequence of T cell recruitment might offer promising new therapeutic approaches for progressive MS.
Instability of PVDF Binder in the LiFePO4versus Li4Ti5O12 Li‐Ion Battery Cell
Authors: Leanza Daniela , Vaz C. A. F. , Novák Petr , El Kazzi Mario 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe conventional formulation of electrodes used in Li‐ion batteries consists of a mixture of three components: an active material, a conductive additive (carbon), and an organic binder. While the first encompasses a broad spectrum of chemistries, the carbon and the binder are often standard elements of the composite, with the latter being, in most of the cathode cases, the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The high (electro‐)chemical inertia spanning over a broad range of oxidative and reductive potentials gives grounds for this choice. Herein, we demonstrate, contrary to electrochemical expectations, that the PVDF is electrochemically unstable at relatively low potentials. We consider in this study the LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode cycled versus Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) anode as a representative low‐voltage battery cell system. The binder degradation process starts upon charge on the LFP electrode at 3.45 V vs. Li+/Li when the PVDF binder reacts with lithium and forms LiF. The latter does not precipitate on the LFP but migrates/diffuses towards the LTO counter‐electrode, following the Li‐ions’ trajectory. X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy complemented with the high lateral resolution of X‐ray photoemission electron microscopy disclosed the formation of a thin layer of LiF homogenously distributed across the LTO electrode, which partially dissolves (or decomposes) upon discharge. The degradation of the PVDF and the deposition and dissolution (and/or decomposition) of the LiF layer continue over subsequent charge and discharge cycles. The process is augmented when the cycling temperature is increased to 80 °C. The results shown in this work are crucial to interpret electrochemical data, such as specific charge decay or impedance rise, and have relevance for all PVDF‐based electrodes, especially when employed in high‐voltage battery cells where the more extreme cycling conditions exacerbate electrode components’ stability.
From Spontaneous to Photo‐Triggered and Photo‐Calibrated Nitric Oxide Donors
Authors: Zhang Ziqian , Luo Xiao , Yang Youjun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNO donors have found wide medical use long before the biorelevance of nitric oxide (NO) was unveiled. From glyceryl trinitrate, amyl nitrite and nitroprusside, to nitrosothiols, NONOates and more, a wide variety of chemicals have been employed as nitric oxide donors for treating pathological conditions and investigating the NO biology. Yet, the release kinetics of these classic NO donors are hard‐to‐define and hard‐to‐monitor in biological milieu. Novel NO donors with robustly defined NO release profiles are sought after. These endeavours have introduced a plethora of novel NO donors, including stimulus‐triggered NO donors, fluorophore‐labeled NO donors. The field also sees a recent addition, i. e. photo‐triggered and photo‐calibrated NO donors, whose NO release is photo‐controlled and further accompanied by a fluorescence turn‐on as a built‐in calibration mechanism of NO release. This review provides an overview of the NO biochemistry, as a roadmap for the chemistry of NO donors. The design rationale and the release mechanism of different classes of NO donors were discussed. Some interesting and notable applications were briefly discussed, e. g. super‐resolution localization microscopic imaging of cell structures, and photo‐acoustic probes for disease diagnosis. With joint‐force, these NO donors constitutes a group of indispensable molecular tools of chemical biology and medicine in real applications.
Structure, catalysis, and inhibition mechanism of prenyltransferase
Authors: Chang Hsin‐Yang , Cheng Tien‐Hsing , Wang Andrew H.‐J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIsoprenoids, also known as terpenes or terpenoids, represent a large family of natural products composed of five‐carbon isopentenyl diphosphate or its isomer dimethylallyl diphosphate as the building blocks. Isoprenoids are structurally and functionally diverse and include dolichols, steroid hormones, carotenoids, retinoids, aromatic metabolites, the isoprenoid side‐chain of ubiquinone, and isoprenoid attached signaling proteins. Productions of isoprenoids are catalyzed by a group of enzymes known as prenyltransferases, such as farnesyltransferases, geranylgeranyltransferases, terpenoid cyclase, squalene synthase, aromatic prenyltransferase, and cis‐ and trans‐prenyltransferases. Because these enzymes are key in cellular processes and metabolic pathways, they are expected to be potential targets in new drug discovery. In this review, six distinct subsets of characterized prenyltransferases are structurally and mechanistically classified, including (1) head‐to‐tail prenyl synthase, (2) head‐to‐head prenyl synthase, (3) head‐to‐middle prenyl synthase, (4) terpenoid cyclase, (5) aromatic prenyltransferase, and (6) protein prenylation. Inhibitors of those enzymes for potential therapies against several diseases are discussed. Lastly, recent results on the structures of integral membrane enzyme, undecaprenyl pyrophosphate phosphatase, are also discussed.
Ca2+‐regulated cell migration revealed by optogenetically engineered Ca2+ oscillations
Authors: Lai Yi‐Shyun , Chang Ya‐Han , Chen Yong‐Yi , Xu Jixuan , Yu Chi‐Sian , Chang Su‐Jing , Chen Pai‐Sheng , Tsai Shaw‐Jenq , Chiu Wen‐Tai 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe ability of a single Ca2+ ion to play an important role in cell biology is highlighted by the need for cells to form Ca2+ signals in the dimensions of space, time, and amplitude. Thus, spatial and temporal changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration are important for determining cell fate. Optogenetic technology has been developed to provide more precise and targeted stimulation of cells. Here, U2OS cells overexpressing Ca2+ translocating channelrhodopsin (CatCh) were used to mediate Ca2+ influx through blue light illumination with various parameters, such as intensity, frequency, duty cycle, and duration. We identified that several Ca2+‐dependent transcription factors and certain kinases can be activated by specific Ca2+ waves. Using a wound‐healing assay, we found that low‐frequency Ca2+ oscillations increased cell migration through the activation of NF‐κB. This study explores the regulation of cell migration by Ca2+ signals. Thus, we can choose optical parameters to modulate Ca2+ waves and achieve activation of specific signaling pathways. This novel methodology can be applied to clarify related cell‐signaling mechanisms in the future.
Myosteatosis rather than sarcopenia associates with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease preclinical models
Authors: Nachit Maxime , De Rudder Maxime , Thissen Jean‐Paul , Schakman Olivier , Bouzin Caroline , Horsmans Yves , Vande Velde Greetje , Leclercq Isabelle Anne 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundNon‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. While most subjects have ‘inert’ NAFL, a subset will progress to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and its life‐threatening complications. A substantial body of literature supports that a low muscle mass, low strength, and/or muscle fatty infiltration (myosteatosis) are associated with NAFLD severity. Here, we evaluated the muscle compartment in NASH preclinical models to decipher the kinetics of muscle alterations in relation with liver disease progression.MethodsWe developed and validated a micro‐computed tomography‐based methodology to prospectively study skeletal muscle mass and density in muscle and liver (i.e. reflecting fatty infiltration) in a high‐throughput and non‐invasive manner in three preclinical NAFLD/NASH rodent models: fat aussie (FOZ) mice fed a high‐fat diet (FOZ HF), wild‐type (WT) mice fed a high‐fat high‐fructose diet (WT HFF), and WT mice fed a high‐fat diet (WT HF). We compared them with WT mice fed a normal diet (WT ND) used as controls.Results‐FOZ HF with fibrosing NASH had sarcopenia characterized by a reduced muscle strength when compared with WT HF and WT HFF with early NASH and WT ND controls (165.2 ± 5.2 g vs. 237.4 ± 11.7 g, 256 ± 5.7 g, and 242.9 ± 9.3 g, respectively, P 60; 0.001). Muscle mass or strength was not lower in FOZ HF, WT HF, and WT HFF with early NASH than in controls. Myosteatosis was present in FOZ HF with fibrosing NASH, but also in FOZ HF, WT HF, and WT HFF with early NASH (muscle density = 0.50 ± 0.02, 0.62 ± 0.02, 0.70 ± 0.05, and 0.75 ± 0.03, respectively, with P 60; 0.001 when compared with respective controls). Myosteatosis degree was strongly correlated with NAFLD activity score (r = −0.87, n = 67, P 60; 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the association between myosteatosis and NASH was independent from homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and visceral fat area (P 60; 0.05). Myosteatosis degree powerfully discriminated NASH from benign NAFL and normal liver (area under the receiver operating characteristic = 0.96, n = 67, P 60; 0.001).ConclusionsTaken together, our data support that there is no sarcopenia in obese mice with early NASH. In contrast, the severity of myosteatosis reflects on hepatocellular damage and inflammation during early NASH development. This observation prompts us to exploit myosteatosis as a novel non‐invasive marker of NASH.
Mo‐doped TiO2 using plasma in contact with liquids: advantages and limitations
Authors: Khlyustova Anna , Sirotkin Nikolay , Kraev Anton , Kusova Tatiana , Titov Valery , Agafonov Alexander 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe presented work focuses on the comparison of sorption and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 doped with molybdenum using different methods of Mo loading. The structural and photocatalytic characteristics of doped TiO2 are determined by the method of synthesis and loading of the dopant element. As an alternative to simple wet chemical loading, three types of low‐temperature plasma in contact with liquid are considered: atmospheric pressure glow discharge, underwater diaphragm discharge, and underwater plasma.RESULTSThe results show that the introduction of Mo, regardless of the doping method, leads to a decrease in the band gap. The surface characteristics of powders depend on the doping method. The sorption capacity increases two to three times, and the efficiency of photodestruction increases from 52% to 96% when exposed to visible light for 60 min.CONCLUSIONSA comparison of the sorption and photocatalytic activity of Mo‐doped TiO2 showed the inexpediency of using a glow discharge for doping. The synthesis of a highly efficient sorbent or photocatalyst can be determined by the type of underwater plasma. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
“I don't think the problem's the student…I think it's us”: Engaging faculty in curriculum innovation
Authors: Kornegay Elizabeth C. , Jackson Tate H. , LaGarry‐Cahoon Alison , Reside Jonathan M. , Wolcott Michael D. , Quinonez Rocio B. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPurposeThe need to innovate predoctoral dental education is well established; however, there are few recent reports to guide substantial curriculum transformation. The purpose of this study was to describe faculty perspectives on their vision of future graduates, curriculum needs, and potential barriers to a successful redesign. This information would be used to inform strategic planning for the predoctoral curriculum transformation.MethodsEighty full‐time faculty from the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry participated in 60‐minute focus groups in March 2018. Focus group questions were developed to elicit perceptions about the current curriculum, what the dental graduate should know in 2040, and what is needed to engage faculty in curriculum change. Transcripts of the focus group sessions were analyzed by a third‐party research group using qualitative thematic analysis to identify pertinent themes shared by participants.ResultsFaculty identified that developing clinical skill that engages multiple specialties, student time to engage in advocacy activities, and opportunities to integrate biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences as critical features of the curriculum. They believed the 2040 graduate should be able to critically evaluate literature, exhibit strong leadership skills, and adapt to the changing healthcare environment. To better engage faculty in curriculum change, there needs to be dedicated time, sufficient resources, a clear plan, and greater collaboration across the school.ConclusionWhen embarking on curriculum transformation, engagement with faculty is a critical component of the change process. Focus groups can be used as a technique to better understand faculty perspectives about curricular needs and the overall vision.
Communication about positive BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test results and uptake of testing in relatives in a diverse Asian setting
Authors: Lee Daphne S.‐C. , Meiser Bettina , Mariapun Shivaani , Hassan Tiara , Yip Cheng‐Har , Mohd Taib Nur A. , Teo Soo‐Hwang , Thong Meow‐Keong , Yoon Sook‐Yee 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe vast majority of studies assessing communication of BRCA1/2 results with relatives and family uptake of BRCA1/2 testing have been conducted in Western societies, and a dearth of studies have been conducted in Asia among relatives of diverse carriers of pathogenic BRCA1/2 germline variants. This study aimed to present rates of BRCA1/2 result disclosure by probands and probands’ motivators and barriers of family communication and predictive testing uptake among eligible relatives. It also examined patterns of disclosure and testing uptake among different types of relatives. Eighty‐seven carriers with either breast or ovarian cancer, who had previously been found to be carriers of a pathogenic variant in BRCA1/2, were interviewed over the phone using a semi‐structured interview guide. Fifty‐six percent of patients were Chinese, 21% were Indian, and 23% were Malay. It was found that 62.0% of eligible first‐ and second‐degree relatives were informed by the proband about the testing result and that 11.5% of eligible first‐ and second‐degree relatives had genetic testing. First‐degree relatives were more likely to have been informed and tested compared to second‐degree relatives, as were sisters compared to brothers. The low rates of family communication and testing uptake documented in this study suggest that interventions should focus on encouraging probands to inform male and second‐degree relatives and targeting such relatives to increase informed decisions and accessibility to testing. Promotion strategies should be culturally sensitive to optimize outcomes.
Deficit of Cross‐Frequency Integration in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: A Multilayer Network Approach
Authors: Wang Xiaoyue , Cui Xiaohong , Ding Congli , Li Dandan , Cheng Chen , Wang Bin , Xiang Jie 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundStudies at specific frequencies have shown abnormalities in brain functional networks among mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Previous studies have failed to take into account the possibility that optimal cognitive integration requires interactions between different frequency bands.PurposeTo study whether there is abnormal cross‐frequency integration in patients' brains during disease progression.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationForty‐six normal control (NC), 85 patients withMCI,and 31 patients withAD.Field Strength/Sequence3T.AssessmentMultilayer network models were constructed for NC, MCI, and AD, and multilayer participation coefficient (MPC) was used to study the changes of the interlayer relationship in the course of disease development. In addition, MPC and an overlapping degree were combined to classify nodes in the network, and the role of key nodes in the interlayer interaction was mainly observed. Finally, the correlation between multilayer network measures and cognitive function was investigated.Statistical TestsPearson chi‐squared two‐tailed test, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), nonparametric Spearman correlation coefficientr, and the false discovery rate.ResultsThe MPC of the network decreased significantly in MCI (P < 0.05) and AD (P < 0.05). The number of intralayer nodes increased significantly (MCI [P < 0.05], AD [P < 0.05]) and the number of interlayer nodes decreased significantly. Centrality loss between frequencies of a large number of hub nodes, among which the damaged hub nodes included the left hippocampus, left precuneus, right precuneus, left posterior cingulate gyrus, left precentral gyrus, right precentral gyrus, left medial superior frontal gyrus, and right postcentral gyrus. MPC was significantly associated with memory impairment in patients (AD [Spearman'sr =0.526,P < 0.05], MCI [Spearman'sr =0.229,P < 0.05]), and these related regions included damaged hub nodes in patients.Data ConclusionIn the multilayer networks of patients, there was an obvious deficit in cross‐frequency integration and the hub nodes were preferentially damaged. Moreover, these vulnerable hubs are associated with patients' cognitive scores.Level of Evidence1Technical Efficacy Stage3
Using Bayesian statistics to detect trends in Alaskan precipitation
Authors: White James H.R. , Walsh John E. , Thoman Richard L. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAir temperature has exhibited a clear positive trend over the past several decades throughout the arctic, including Alaska. Other variables, such as precipitation, have much more uncertain trends due to inhomogeneities in measurement and high internal variability. The use of linear regression to analyse precipitation in Alaska has resulted in often contradictory results. This paper proposes the use of Bayesian models such as the R package Rbeast to allow for the more nuanced analysis. The examples given in this paper show how Bayesian analysis can be used to detect subtle changes and better constrain the disagreement between data sources. Applied to gridded data, Bayesian analysis shows how precipitation has changed overtime across Alaska. Change has accelerated over the past decade, but only precipitation increase on the North Slope can be assigned high confidence. Overall, this analysis highlights how Bayesian techniques may be uniquely useful to climate research in regions with heterogeneous data sources and substantial internal variability.