bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of blood-induced Anopheles gambiae midgut proteins and sexual stage Plasmodium falciparum interaction reveals mosquito genes important for malaria transmission
Authors: Cui Yingjun , Niu Guodong , Li Vincent L. , Wang Xiaohong , Li Jun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPlasmodium invasion of mosquito midguts is a mandatory step for malaria transmission. The roles of mosquito midgut proteins and parasite interaction during malaria transmission are not clear. This study aims to identify mosquito midgut proteins that interact with and affect P. falciparum invasion. Based on gene expression profiles and protein sequences, 76 mosquito secretory proteins that are highly expressed in midguts and up-regulated by blood meals were chosen for analysis. About 61 candidate genes were successfully cloned from Anopheles gambiae and expressed in insect cells. ELISA analysis showed that 25 of the insect cell-expressed recombinant mosquito proteins interacted with the P. falciparum-infected cell lysates. Indirect immunofluorescence assays confirmed 17 of them interacted with sexual stage parasites significantly stronger than asexual stage parasites. Knockdown assays found that seven candidate genes significantly changed mosquitoes' susceptibility to P. falciparum. Four of them (AGAP006268, AGAP002848, AGAP006972, and AGAP002851) played a protective function against parasite invasion, and the other three (AGAP008138, FREP1, and HPX15) facilitated P. falciparum transmission to mosquitoes. Notably, AGAP008138 is a unique gene that only exists in Anopheline mosquitoes. These gene products are ideal targets to block malaria transmission.
Applied machine learning for predicting the lanthanide-ligand binding affinities
Authors: Chaube Suryanaman , Goverapet Srinivasan Sriram , Rai Beena 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBinding affinities of metal–ligand complexes are central to a multitude of applications like drug design, chelation therapy, designing reagents for solvent extraction etc. While state-of-the-art molecular modelling approaches are usually employed to gather structural and chemical insights about the metal complexation with ligands, their computational cost and the limited ability to predict metal–ligand stability constants with reasonable accuracy, renders them impractical to screen large chemical spaces. In this context, leveraging vast amounts of experimental data to learn the metal-binding affinities of ligands becomes a promising alternative. Here, we develop a machine learning framework for predicting binding affinities (logK1) of lanthanide cations with several structurally diverse molecular ligands. Six supervised machine learning algorithms—Random Forest (RF), k-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR), Multi Layered Perceptrons (MLP) and Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost)—were trained on a dataset comprising thousands of experimental values oflogK1and validated in an external 10-folds cross-validation procedure. This was followed by a thorough feature engineering and feature importance analysis to identify the molecular, metallic and solvent features most relevant to binding affinity prediction, along with an evaluation of performance metrics against the dimensionality of feature space. Having demonstrated the excellent predictive ability of our framework, we utilized the best performing AdaBoost model to predict thelogK1values of lanthanide cations with nearly 71 million compounds present in the PubChem database. Our methodology opens up an opportunity for significantly accelerating screening and design of ligands for various targeted applications, from vast chemical spaces.
ARID1A protein expression is retained in ovarian endometriosis with ARID1A loss-of-function mutations: implication for the two-hit hypothesis
Authors: Yachida Nozomi , Yoshihara Kosuke , Suda Kazuaki , Nakaoka Hirofumi , Ueda Haruka , Sugino Kentaro , Yamaguchi Manako , Mori Yutaro , Yamawaki Kaoru , Tamura Ryo , Ishiguro Tatsuya , Isobe Masanori , Motoyama Teiichi , Inoue Ituro , Enomoto Takayuki 
Published: August 2020

AbstractARID1A loss-of-function mutation accompanied by a loss of ARID1A protein expression is considered one of the most important driver events in endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. Although our recent genomic study clarified that ARID1A loss-of-function mutations were detected in 13% of ovarian endometriosis, an association between the ARID1A mutation status and ARID1A protein expression in ovarian endometriosis remains unclear. We performed immunohistochemical staining for ARID1A in 78 ovarian endometriosis samples and 99 clear cell carcinoma samples. We revealed that not only 70 endometriosis samples without ARID1A mutations but also eight endometriosis samples with ARID1A loss-of-function mutations retained ARID1A protein expression. On the other hand, most of clear cell carcinomas with ARID1A loss-of-function mutations showed a loss of ARID1A protein expression. In particular, clear cell carcinoma samples which harbor multiple ARID1A loss-of-function mutations or both a single ARID1A loss-of-function mutation and ARID1A allelic imbalance lost ARID1A protein expression. However, ARID1A protein expression was retained in seven clear cell carcinomas with ARID1A loss-of-function mutations. These results suggest that a single ARID1A loss-of-function mutation is insufficient for ARID1A loss in ovarian endometriosis and some clear cell carcinoma. Further driver events may be needed for the malignant transformation of ovarian endometriosis with ARID1A loss-of-function mutations.
Signal amplification by reversible exchange for COVID-19 antiviral drug candidates
Authors: Jeong Hye Jin , Min Sein , Chae Heelim , Kim Sarah , Lee Gunwoo , Namgoong Sung Keon , Jeong Keunhong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSeveral drug candidates have been proposed and tested as the latest clinical treatment for coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19). Chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, ritonavir/lopinavir, and favipiravir are under trials for the treatment of this disease. The hyperpolarization technique has the ability to further provide a better understanding of the roles of these drugs at the molecular scale and in different applications in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance/magnetic resonance imaging. This technique may provide new opportunities in diagnosis and research of COVID-19. Signal amplification by reversible exchange-based hyperpolarization studies on large-sized drug candidates were carried out. We observed hyperpolarized proton signals from whole structures, due to the unprecedented long-distance polarization transfer by para-hydrogen. We also found that the optimal magnetic field for the maximum polarization transfer yield was dependent on the molecular structure. We can expect further research on the hyperpolarization of other important large molecules, isotope labeling, as well as polarization transfer on nuclei with a long spin relaxation time. A clinical perspective of these features on drug molecules can broaden the application of hyperpolarization techniques for therapeutic studies.
Prevalence, virulence genes, and antimicrobial resistance of Vibrio species isolated from diseased marine fish in South China
Authors: Deng Yiqin , Xu Liwen , Chen Haoxiang , Liu Songlin , Guo Zhixun , Cheng Changhong , Ma Hongling , Feng Juan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHere, 70 potential Vibrio pathogens belonging to nine species, dominated by Vibrio harveyi, were isolated and identified from diseased aquacultured marine fish in South China. Subsequently, the prevalence of 11 virulence genes and the resistance to 15 antibiotics in these strains were determined. Most strains possessed atypical virulence genes in addition to typical virulence genes. Notably, hflk and chiA originating from V. harveyi, and flaC associated with V. anguillarum were detected in more than 40% of atypical host strains. Multidrug resistance was widespread: 64.29% strains were resistant to more than three antibiotics, and the multi-antibiotic resistance index ranged from 0.00 to 0.60. The proportions of strains resistant to the antibiotics vancomycin, amoxicillin, midecamycin, and furazolidone all exceeded 50%; nevertheless, all strains were sensitive to florfenicol, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. Furthermore, both virulence genes and antibiotic resistance were more prevalent in Hainan than in Guangdong, owing to the warmer climate and longer annual farming time in Hainan. These results therefore suggest that warming temperatures and overuse of antibiotics are probably enhancing antibiotic resistance and bacterial infection. This study reveals that pathogenic Vibrio spp. with multi-antibiotic resistance are highly prevalent among marine fish in South China and thus warrant further attention. The results will provide helpful guidance for ecological regulation and local antibiotic use in the control of marine fish farming’ Vibrio diseases in South China, facilitating the implementation of national green and healthful aquaculture.
Electro-optical effects of organic N-benzyl-2-methyl-4-nitroaniline dispersion in nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Selvaraj Pravinraj , Subramani Karthick , Srinivasan Brahadeeswaran , Hsu Che-Ju , Huang Chi-Yen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe dispersion of organic N-benzyl-2-methyl-4-nitroaniline (BNA) in nematic liquid crystals (LCs) is studied. BNA doping decreases the threshold voltage of cell because of the reduced splay elastic constant and increased dielectric anisotropy of the LC mixture. When operated in the high voltage difference condition, the BNA-doped LC cell has a fall time that is five times faster than that of the pure one because of the decrements in the threshold voltage of the cell and rotational viscosity of the LC mixture. The additional restoring force induced by the BNA’s spontaneous polarization electric field (SPEF) also assists to decrease the fall time of the LC cell. The decreased viscosity can be deduced from the decrements in phase transition temperature and associated order parameter of the LC mixture. Density functional theory calculation demonstrates that the BNA dopant strengthens the absorbance for blue light, enhances the molecular interaction energy and dipole moment, decreases the molecular energy gap, and thus increases the permittivity of the LC mixture. The calculation also shows that the increased dipole moment, polarizability, and polarizability anisotropy increase the dielectric anisotropy of the LC mixture, which agrees with the experimental results well. BNA doping has a promising application to the fields of LC devices and displays.
Profiling and bioinformatics analyses reveal differential circular RNA expression in NK/T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome
Authors: Man Changfeng , Fan Yu , Yin Guangli , Huang Jiayu , Wang Jujuan , Qiu Hongxia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) may be potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets of hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) due to their high stability, covalently closed structure and implicated roles in gene regulation. The aim of the present study was to determine and characterize the circRNAs from natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (NK/T-LAHS). CircRNA in NK/T-LAHS and healthy control patient serum were assessed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). One hundred and forty-three differentially expressed circRNAs of which 114 were up-regulated and 29 were down-regulated in NK/T-LAHS patients were identified. Next, Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses to explore the roles of these circRNAs were utilized, and a microRNA (miRNA) target gene prediction software to predict the interaction of circRNAs and miRNAs was used. Moreover, five circRNAs were then selected as NK/T-LAHS candidate circRNAs which were related to tumors and contained NK/T-LAHS-related miRNA-binding sites. Using real-time PCR, the significant up-regulation of these five circRNAs in NK/T-LAHS patient serum were verified. Together these results show that circRNAs may serve as valuable diagnostic biomarkers of early NK/T-LAHS, with potential therapeutic targets in disease progression.
Suppression of oral cancer by induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis using Juniperus communis extract
Authors: Lee Ching-Chang , Hsiao Chih-Yen , Lee Shan-Chih , Huang Xiao-Fan , Chang Kai-Fu , Lee Ming-Shih , Hsieh Ming-Chang , Tsai Nu-Man 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The oral cancer incidence rate is slowly increasing and is now the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death due to its high metastasis and recurrence rate. Juniperus communis is used as a traditional Chinese medicine and has been proven to have anti-cancer activity against neuroblastomas. In the present study, we further investigated the anti-cancer mechanisms of J. communis extract (JCo) on oral cancer and evaluated the synergistic effects of JCo combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). We found that JCo inhibited oral cancer cell growth, and that JCo might be less cytotoxic to normal cells than to cancer cells. After JCo treatment, cell cycle arrest was observed at the G0/G1 phase through modulation of p53/p21 and Rb signaling. JCo also caused an increase in the sub-G1 phase and cell apoptosis via the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. JCo combined with 5-FU presented a synergistic effect to reduce cell viability. In conclusion, JCo inhibited oral cancer cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and activating cell apoptosis, and JCo significantly synergized with 5-FU. JCo might have the potential to be an adjuvant and a new therapeutic drug for oral cancer treatment.
High-cholesterol diet during pregnancy induces maternal vascular dysfunction in mice: potential role for oxidized LDL-induced LOX-1 and AT1 receptor activation
Authors: Sáez Tamara , Spaans Floor , Kirschenman Raven , Sawamura Tatsuya , Davidge Sandra T. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe lectin-like oxidized low-density-lipoprotein (oxLDL) receptor-1 (LOX-1) has been shown to induce angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT1) activation, contributing to vascular dysfunction. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by vascular dysfunction and increased LOX-1 and AT1 activation; however, whether LOX-1 and AT1 activity contributes to vascular dysfunction in preeclampsia is unknown. We hypothesized that increased oxLDL levels during pregnancy lead to LOX-1 activation and subsequent AT1 activation, resulting in vascular dysfunction. Pregnant wild-type (WT) and transgenic LOX-1 overexpressing (LOX-1tg) mice were fed a control diet (CD) or high-cholesterol diet (HCD, to impair vascular function) between gestational day (GD) 13.5-GD18.5. On GD18.5, AngII-induced vasoconstriction and methylcholine (MCh)-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation responses were assessed in aortas and uterine arteries. HCD decreased fetal weight and increased circulating oxLDL/cholesterol levels in WT, but not in LOX-1tg mice. HCD did not alter AngII responsiveness or AT1 expression in both vascular beds; however, AngII responsiveness and AT1 expression were lower in aortas from LOX-1tg compared with WT mice. In aortas from WT-CD mice, acute oxLDL exposure induced AT1-mediated vasoconstriction via LOX-1. HCD impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation and increased superoxide levels in WT aortas, but not uterine arteries. Moreover, in WT-CD mice oxLDL decreased MCh sensitivity in both vascular beds, partially via LOX-1. In summary, HCD impaired pregnancy outcomes and vascular function, and oxLDL-induced LOX-1 activation may contribute to vascular dysfunction via AT1. Our study suggests that LOX-1 could be a potential target to prevent adverse outcomes associated with vascular dysfunction in preeclampsia.
TRAIL treatment prevents renal morphological changes and TGF-β-induced mesenchymal transition associated with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Toffoli Barbara , Tonon Federica , Tisato Veronica , Michelli Andrea , Zauli Giorgio , Secchiero Paola , Fabris Bruno , Bernardi Stella 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has attracted attention not only as an anti-cancer agent, but also as a potential treatment for diabetes. Animal studies have shown that TRAIL delivery ameliorated glucose control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is currently unknown whether TRAIL positive effects are maintained in more severe forms of type 2 diabetes, and whether they include renoprotection. Our study aimed at evaluating TRAIL effects in a severe form of type 2 diabetes with nephropathy.
Materials and methods: A total of 20 db/db mice were treated with saline or TRAIL twice per week for 12 weeks. In parallel, renal tubular epithelial cells were cultured with TGF-β1 in the presence and absence of TRAIL, with and without silencing TRAIL-specific receptor (DR5) and leptin receptor.
Results: TRAIL did not improve glucose control, but it significantly reduced circulating interleukin (IL)-6 and resistin. In the kidney, TRAIL treatment significantly ameliorated glomerular and tubular morphology with an improvement in kidney function, but no effect on proteinuria. Our in vitro studies on TGF-β1-treated cells, showed that by binding to DR5, TRAIL rescued normal tubular cell morphology, increasing E-cadherin and reducing α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression, with no effects on cell viability. Interestingly, both in vivo and in vitro, TRAIL reduced the accumulation of the autophagy substrate p62.
Conclusions: Our data confirm TRAIL protective effects against organ damage and shed light on to promising anti-fibrotic actions, which are independent of glucose control. TRAIL anti-fibrotic actions might be due to the rescue of autophagy in diabetes.
On attempting to automate the identification of mixed dipole modes for subgiant stars
Authors: Appourchaux T. 
Published: August 2020

Context. The existence of mixed modes in stars is a marker of stellar evolution. Their detection serves for a better determination of stellar age.
Aims. The goal of this paper is to identify the dipole modes in an automatic manner without human intervention.
Methods. I used the power spectra obtained by the Kepler mission for the application of the method. I computed asymptotic dipole mode frequencies as a function of the coupling factor and dipole period spacing, as well as other parameters. For each star, I collapsed the power in an echelle diagramme aligned onto the monopole and dipole mixed modes. The power at the null frequency was used as a figure of merit. Using a genetic algorithm, I then optimised the figure of merit by adjusting the location of the dipole frequencies in the power spectrum. Using published frequencies, I compared the asymptotic dipole mode frequencies with published frequencies. I also used published frequencies to derive the coupling factor and dipole period spacing using a non-linear least squares fit. I used Monte-Carlo simulations of the non-linear least square fit to derive error bars for each parameter.
Results. From the 44 subgiants studied, the automatic identification allows one to retrieve within 3 μHz, at least 80% of the modes for 32 stars, and within 6 μHz, at least 90% of the modes for 37 stars. The optimised and fitted gravity-mode period spacing and coupling factor are in agreement with previous measurements. Random errors for the mixed-mode parameters deduced from the Monte-Carlo simulation are about 30−50 times smaller than previously determined errors, which are in fact systematic errors.
Conclusions. The period spacing and coupling factors of mixed modes in subgiants are confirmed. The current automated procedure will need to be improved upon using a more accurate asymptotic model and/or proper statistical tests.
Use of Polydioxanone Threads as an Alternative in Nonsurgical Procedures in Facial Rejuvenation
Authors: Cobo Roxana 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMinimally invasive cosmetic procedures are in increasing demand worldwide. Patients are constantly searching for office-based techniques that can help improve the signs of aging but without the morbidity of a surgical procedure. Thread lifting with polydioxanone (PDO) sutures is a cosmetic procedure where lax tissue is lifted and repositioned trying to create a more youthful looking facial contour. The threads are absorbable and come in different shapes and lengths. The rate of complications and the downtime of the procedure are low, which are something patients are looking for. Ideally, these procedures should be performed by trained specialists who have complete knowledge of the facial anatomy, thus enhancing and improving results. Thread lifting with PDO absorbable threads has become an excellent option for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedures with a high satisfaction among patients and very few complications. It is a new tool that can be introduced in the armamentarium of specialists who work in the field of facial plastic surgery and who can offer this option to their patients with improved outcomes.
A-03 The Brain–Body Connection in Aging Neurological Populations: Examining the Impact of Exercise and Sedentary Behavior on Brain Structure and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Roman C , Arnett P 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
Advancements in treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) have led to an increase in the number of older adults living with the disease. Exercise has been shown to be remarkably beneficial for “healthy aging,” while sedentary behavior has proved to have more deleterious effects. Despite evidence for the impact of these factors, their influence on older adults with MS is largely unknown. The current study utilizes volumetric measures and graph theory to investigate the relationship between physical activity/sedentary behavior, structural brain indices, and cognition in older adults with MS.

Method
Twenty-seven older adults (55+) with MS were scanned during a structural MRI protocol and cognitively evaluated using the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite and Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Graph theory metrics were calculated to examine white matter network properties. FreeSurfer was used to calculate volumes for subcortical structures. Exercise was quantified as the ‘days per week engaged in moderate activity,’ while sedentary behavior was measured as ‘hours per day sitting.’

Results
Multiple regression interaction analyses were conducted. Results showed an exercise by age interaction, such that exercise protected against the negative effects of age on thalamic volume and assortivity. Hours sitting per day was shown to add to the negative effects of aging on structural networks even after controlling for exercise. Lastly, exercise was observed to be protective against age-related cognitive decline in this sample.

Conclusions
This is one of the first studies to examine exercise/sedentariness and brain indices in older adults with MS, pointing to possible brain altering and protective interventions for this group.