bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Avian eggshell biomineralization: an update on its structure, mineralogy and protein tool kit
Authors: Gautron J. , Stapane L. , Le Roy N. , Nys Y. , Rodriguez-Navarro A. B. , Hincke M. T. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe avian eggshell is a natural protective envelope that relies on the phenomenon of biomineralization for its formation. The shell is made of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite, which contains hundreds of proteins that interact with the mineral phase controlling its formation and structural organization, and thus determine the mechanical properties of the mature biomaterial. We describe its mineralogy, structure and the regulatory interactions that integrate the mineral and organic constituents. We underline recent evidence for vesicular transfer of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), as a new pathway to ensure the active and continuous supply of the ions necessary for shell mineralization. Currently more than 900 proteins and thousands of upregulated transcripts have been identified during chicken eggshell formation. Bioinformatic predictions address their functionality during the biomineralization process. In addition, we describe matrix protein quantification to understand their role during the key spatially- and temporally- regulated events of shell mineralization. Finally, we propose an updated scheme with a global scenario encompassing the mechanisms of avian eggshell mineralization. With this large dataset at hand, it should now be possible to determine specific motifs, domains or proteins and peptide sequences that perform a critical function during avian eggshell biomineralization. The integration of this insight with genomic data (non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms) and precise phenotyping (shell biomechanical parameters) on pure selected lines will lead to consistently better-quality eggshell characteristics for improved food safety. This information will also address the question of how the evolutionary-optimized chicken eggshell matrix proteins affect and regulate calcium carbonate mineralization as a good example of biomimetic and bio-inspired material design.
A randomized placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial to evaluate the immunomodulatory activities of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC. in healthy Thai subjects
Authors: Kulma Inthuon , Panrit Luxsana , Plengsuriyakarn Tullayakorn , Chaijaroenkul Wanna , Warathumpitak Siriprapa , Na-Bangchang Kesara 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAtractylodes lancea(Thunb) DC. (AL) and bioactive compounds β-eudesmol and atractylodin have been demonstrated in the in vitro and in vivo studies for their potential clinical use in cholangiocarcinoma. The study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of AL in human subjects.MethodsThe modulatory effects of AL and β-eudesmol and atractylodin on TNFα and IL6 expression in PBMCs were measured using real-time PCR. Blood samples were collected from forty-eight healthy subjects following oral administration of a single or multiple dosing of capsule formulation of the standardized AL extract or placebo. Serum cytokine profiles, lymphocyte subpopulations (B lymphocytes, CD8+cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CD4+T-helper lymphocytes, and NK cells), and cytotoxic activity of PBMCs against the cholangiocarcinoma cell line CL-6 were evaluated using cytometric bead array (CBA) with flow cytometry analysis.ResultsAL extract at almost all concentrations significantly inhibited both TNFα and IL6 expression in Con A-mediated inflammation in PBMCs. β-Eudesmol at all concentrations significantly inhibited only IL6 expression. Atractylodin at the lowest concentration significantly inhibited the expression of both cytokines, while the highest concentration significantly inhibited only IL6 expression. The administration of AL at a single oral dose of 1000 mg appeared to decrease IFNγ and IL10 and increase B cell, while significantly increase NK and CD4+and CD8+cells. A trend of increasing (compared with placebo) in the cytotoxic activity of PBMCs at 24 h of dosing was observed. AL at multiple dosing of 1000 mg for 21 days tended to decrease the production of all cytokines, while significantly inhibited IL17A production at 24 h of dosing. In addition, a significant increase in CD4+and CD8+cells was observed. A trend of increase in the cytotoxic activity of PBMCs was observed at 24 h but terminated at 48 h of dosing.ConclusionsThe results confirm the immunomodulatory activity of AL in humans. This activity, in complementary with the direct action of AL on inducing cholangiocarcinoma cell apoptosis, suggests its potential role for CCA control.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered on 17 October 2020 [Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR:www.clinicaltrials.in.th) NumberTCTR20201020001#].
Quantification of arterial, venous, and cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics by magnetic resonance imaging under simulated micro-gravity conditions: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zahid Arslan M. , Martin Bryn , Collins Stephanie , Oshinski John N. , Ethier C. Ross 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Astronauts undergoing long-duration spaceflight are exposed to numerous health risks, including Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), a spectrum of ophthalmic changes that can result in permanent loss of visual acuity. The etiology of SANS is not well understood but is thought to involve changes in cerebrovascular flow dynamics in response to microgravity. There is a paucity of knowledge in this area; in particular, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics have not been well characterized under microgravity conditions. Our study was designed to determine the effect of simulated microgravity (head-down tilt [HDT]) on cerebrovascular flow dynamics. We hypothesized that microgravity conditions simulated by acute HDT would result in increases in CSF pulsatile flow.

Methods
In a prospective cohort study, we measured flow in major cerebral arteries, veins, and CSF spaces in fifteen healthy volunteers using phase contrast magnetic resonance (PCMR) before and during 15° HDT.

Results
We found a decrease in all CSF flow variables [systolic peak flow (p = 0.009), and peak-to-peak pulse amplitude (p = 0.001)]. Cerebral arterial average flow (p = 0.04), systolic peak flow (p = 0.04), and peak-to-peak pulse amplitude (p = 0.02) all also significantly decreased. We additionally found a decrease in average cerebral arterial flow (p = 0.040). Finally, a significant increase in cerebral venous cross-sectional area under HDT (p = 0.005) was also observed.

Conclusions
These results collectively demonstrate that acute application of −15° HDT caused a reduction in CSF flow variables (systolic peak flow and peak-to-peak pulse amplitude) which, when coupled with a decrease in average cerebral arterial flow, systolic peak flow, and peak-to-peak pulse amplitude, is consistent with a decrease in cardiac-related pulsatile CSF flow. These results suggest that decreases in cerebral arterial inflow were the principal drivers of decreases in CSF pulsatile flow.
Tibial component coverage affects tibial bone resorption and patient-reported outcome measures for patients following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Changquan , Zhao Guanglei , Chen Kangming , Lyu Jinyang , Chen Jie , Shi Jingsheng , Huang Gangyong , Chen Feiyan , Wei Yibing , Wang Siqun , Xia Jun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of tibial component coverage (over-hang and under-hang) and the alignment of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components 1 week after surgery. We select patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) (the Knee Society score (KSS score) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index-pain score (WOMAC pain score)) and tibial bone resorption (TBR) 2 years after surgery as the end points.MethodsThe study retrospectively analyzed 109 patients undergoing TKA (fixed-bearing prosthesis with asymmetrical tibial tray) from January 2014 to December 2017 in Huashan Hospital. By using standard long-leg X-rays, anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-rays of the knee, tibial component coverage (under-hang or over-hang), AP tibial-femoral anatomical angle (AP-TFA), AP femoral angle (AP-FA), AP tibial angle (AP-TA), and lateral tibial angle (L-TA) were measured at 1 week after surgery, while TBR was measured through postoperative 1-week and 2-year AP and lateral radiographs of the knee on three sides (medial side, lateral side on AP radiograph, and anterior side on lateral radiograph). The Pearson correlation analysis, simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, the Student’sttest, and one-way ANOVA together with Tukey’s post hoc test (or Games-Howell post hoc test) were used in the analyses.ResultsTibial under-hang was more likely to appear in our patients following TKA (42%, medially, 39%, laterally, and 25%, anteriorly). In multivariate linear regression analysis of TBR, tibial under-hang (negative value) 1 week after surgery was positively correlated with TBR 2 years later on the medial (p= 0.003) and lateral (p= 0.026) side. Tibial over-hang (positive value) 1 week after surgery on the medial side was found negatively related with KSS score (p= 0.004) and positively related with WOMAC pain score (p= 0.036) 2 years later in multivariate linear regression analysis of PROMS. Both scores were better in the anatomically sized group than in the mild over-hang group (or severe over-hang) (p< 0.001). However, no significant relationship was found between the alignment of TKA components at 1 week after surgery and the end points (TBR and PROMS) 2 years later.ConclusionUnder-hang of the tibial component on both the medial and lateral sides can increase the risk of TBR 2 years later. Over-hang of tibial component on the medial side decreases the PROMS (KSS score and WOMAC pain score) 2 years later. An appropriate size of tibial component during TKA is extremely important for patient’s prognosis, while the alignment of components might not be as important.
Huanglian Jiedu decoction remodels the periphery microenvironment to inhibit Alzheimer’s disease progression based on the “brain-gut” axis through multiple integrated omics
Authors: Gu Xinru , Zhou Junyi , Zhou Yanyan , Wang Hongjie , Si Nan , Ren Wei , Zhao Wei , Fan Xiaorui , Gao Wenya , Wei Xiaolu , Yang Jian , Bian Baolin , Zhao Haiyu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
In recent years, excellent results have suggested an association between the “brain-gut” axis and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression, yet the role of the “brain-gut” axis in AD pathogenesis still remains obscure. Herein, we provided a potential link between the central and peripheral neuroinflammatory disorders in AD progression.

Methods
The Morris water maze (MWM) test, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, ProcartaPlex Multiplex immunoassay, multiple LC-MS/MS methods, and the V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA genes were applied to explore potential biomarkers.

Results
In Tg-APP/PS1 mice, gut dysbiosis and lipid metabolism were highly associated with AD-like neuroinflammation. The combination of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and INF-γ), phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and SCFA-producing bacteria were expected to be early diagnostic biomarkers for AD. Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HLJDD) suppressed gut dysbiosis and the associated Aβ accumulation, harnessed neuroinflammation and reversed cognitive impairment.

Conclusion
Together, our findings highlighted the roles of neuroinflammation induced by gut dysbiosis and lipid metabolism disorder in AD progression. This integrated metabolomics approach showed its potential to understand the complex mechanisms of HLJDD in the treatment of AD.
Circular RNA TTC3 regulates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and neural stem cells by miR-372-3p/TLR4 axis in cerebral infarction
Authors: Yang Bo , Zang Li’e , Cui Jingwen , Wei Linlin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Stroke serves as a prevalent cerebrovascular disorder with severe cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CIR) injury, in which neural stem cells (NSCs) play critical roles in the recovery of cerebral function. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been widely found to participate in stroke and NSC modulation. However, the role of circRNA TTC3 (circTTC3) in the regulation of CIR injury and NSCs remains elusive. Here, we aimed to explore the impact of circTTC3 on CIR injury and NSCs.

Methods
The middle cerebral artery occlusion/repression (MCAO/R) model was established in C57BL/6J mice. The primary astrocytes were isolated from the cerebellum from C57BL/6J mice. The primary NSCs were obtained from rat embryos. The effect of circTTC3 on CIR injury and NSCs was analyzed by TTC staining, qPCR, Western blot, LDH colorimetric kits, MTT assays, Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit, luciferase reporter gene assays, and others in the system.

Results
Significantly, the expression of circTTC3 was elevated in the MCAO/R mice and oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated astrocytes. The depletion of circTTC3 attenuated cerebral infarction, neurological score, and brain water content. The OGD treatment induced apoptosis and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the astrocytes, in which circTTC3 depletion reduced this phenotype in the system. Moreover, the depletion of circTTC3 promoted the proliferation and upregulated the nestin and β-tubulin III expression in NSCs. Mechanically, circTTC3 was able to sponge miR-372-3p, and miR-372-3p can target Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in NSCs. The miR-372-3p inhibitor or TLR4 overexpression could reverse circTTC3 depletion-mediated astrocyte OGD injury and NSC regulation.

Conclusion
Thus, we conclude that circTTC3 regulates CIR injury and NSCs by the miR-372-3p/TLR4 axis in cerebral infarction. Our finding presents new insight into the mechanism by which circTTC3 modulates CIR injury and NSC dysfunction. CircTTC3, miR-372-3p, and TLR4 may serve as potential targets for the treatment of CIR injury during stroke.
Influence of Meloidogyne javanica parasitism on soybean development and chemical composition
Authors: Castanheira Carla Marcondes , Dias-Arieira Claudia Regina , Ida Elza Iouko , Falcão Heloísa Gabriel , Barros Beatriz Cervejeira Bolanho 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Soybean is a major economic crop worldwide, but its yield and quality are greatly affected by root-knot nematode infection. This study aimed to assess the effects of Meloidogyne javanica parasitism on soybean growth, yield, and quality. Soybean plants were inoculated with 0, 1000, 2000, or 4000 eggs + second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. javanica and evaluated for vegetative and nematode parameters. Grains from each treatment were analyzed for yield, proximate composition, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, isoflavone profile, and antioxidant capacity.

Results
Plants free of nematodes had lower vegetative growth and higher yield than nematode-infected plants. The maximum estimated reproduction factor was 34.85, achieved by inoculation of 2433 eggs + J2. Moisture, fiber, and protein contents decreased with increasing inoculum levels. Lipid content increased with inoculum level until reaching 22.59 g 100 g−1 of sample. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents decreased with increasing inoculum level up to about 2000 eggs + J2 and then increased until reaching 219.20 mg gallic acid equivalents 100 g−1 of sample and 121.67 mg quercetin equivalent 100 g−1 of sample, respectively, at 4000 eggs + J2. A similar behavior was observed for antioxidant capacity determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. The highest contents of malonylgenistin (539 mmol g−1), acetylglycitin (106 mmol g−1), and genistin (87 mmol g−1) were found in grains from plants inoculated with 4000 eggs + J2.

Conclusions
M. javanica inoculum level affected soybean development, grain production, yield, composition, and antioxidant capacity.
Long‐term monitoring of common spadefoot toad activity in a European steppe using barn owl pellets
Authors: Landler Lukas , Stefke Katharina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundOne third of the worldwide amphibian species are threatened, therefore, efficient monitoring efforts are needed. Amphibians which adopt a hidden lifestyle, such as the common spadefoot toad, are often missed with standard surveying efforts. Spadefoot toads can be identified in regurgitated pellets of the barn owl, which provides an effective way to estimate toad activity. In our study we analyzed frequency of spadefoot toad remains from 2004 to 2016 in a steppe landscape in eastern Austria.MethodsWe used an automated model selection procedure together with a GLM analysis using a zero inflated error Poisson distribution, to analyze the presence ofPelobates fuscusin barn owl pellets. All analyses were done in the statistical software R, and the scripts to reproduce our results are available within this publication. Our approach may provide a template for other researchers to use for their own pellet data.ConclusionsOur analysis suggested that activity of the common spadefoot toad is mainly influenced by rainfalls, while time of the year and temperature had small but significant effects. Interestingly, our data confirmed the possibility of a second breeding period in summer, triggered by heavy rainfalls. There were no indications for a population decrease in the observed years and locations. Our study shows that barn owl pellets can be used effectivley to assess pelobatid activity in an area. This might constitute a useful monitoring tool for conservation management for amphibians.
Reduced graphene oxide coating enhances osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells on Ti surfaces
Authors: Kang Moon Sung , Jeong Seung Jo , Lee Seok Hyun , Kim Bongju , Hong Suck Won , Lee Jong Ho , Han Dong-Wook 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Titanium (Ti) has been utilized as hard tissue replacement owing to its superior mechanical and bioinert property, however, lack in tissue compatibility and biofunctionality has limited its clinical use. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is one of the graphene derivatives that possess extraordinary biofunctionality and are known to induce osseointegration in vitro and in vivo. In this study, rGO was uniformly coated by meniscus-dragging deposition (MDD) technique to fabricate rGO-Ti substrate for orthopedic and dental implant application.

Methods
The physicochemical characteristics of rGO-coated Ti (rGO-Ti) substrates were evaluated by atomic force microscopy, water contact angle, and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured on the rGO-Ti substrate, and then their cellular behaviors such as growth and osteogenic differentiation were determined by a cell counting kit-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, and alizarin red S staining.

Results
rGO was coated uniformly on Ti substrates by MDD process, which allowed a decrease in the surface roughness and contact angle of Ti substrates. While rGO-Ti substrates significantly increased cell proliferation after 7 days of incubation, they significantly promoted ALP activity and matrix mineralization, which are early and late differentiation markers, respectively.

Conclusion
It is suggested that rGO-Ti substrates can be effectively utilized as dental and orthopedic bone substitutes since these graphene derivatives have potent effects on stimulating the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs and showed superior bioactivity and osteogenic potential.
Dysfunction of natural killer cells in end-stage kidney disease on hemodialysis
Authors: Nagai Kei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are known to play an important role in defense against infection and tumors. Although there is no clear consensus, most studies have shown that the number and cytotoxicity of NK cells decreases in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis. Uremic patients chronically suffer from oxidative stress, which could be responsible for downregulation of the activating receptors on NK cells and modulation of ligand expression for activating receptors. Theoretically, the reduced number of NK cells and decreased function might increase susceptibility to viral infections and cancer development in patients with ESKD. There is emerging evidence that NK cell numbers may be an outcome predictor in renal transplantation; however, the clinical significance of NK cell dysfunction in dialysis patients requires clarification. In this review, I describe NK cell number, cytotoxic activity, and activating mechanisms in the context of uremia and oxidative stress, which is anticipated to assist in elucidating the mechanisms underlying immunodeficiency in dialysis patients.
Effect of different dietary protein sources on digestibility and growth performance parameters in lambs
Authors: El-Nomeary Yasser A. A. , Abd El-Rahman Hashem H. H. , Shoukry Mohsen M. , Abedo Abdelmegid A. , Salman Fatma M. , Mohamed Mamdouh I. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study is a comparison between some different protein sources in sheep rations to identify the best protein source that achieves the highest production performance and the lowest economical feed efficiency. Twenty Farafra male lambs weighed on average 41.39 ± 1.66 kg were divided randomly into four similar groups of 5 animals each. All groups were fed on concentrate feed mixture (CFM) at 3% of their body weight, and wheat straw fed ad lib. to replace 100% of the soybean meal (SBM) as a source of protein, black cumin seed meal (BCSM), cottonseed meal (CSM) and sesame seed meal (SSM) were incorporated into the CFM. The feeding trial extended for 66 days followed by digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance trials.

Results
The results indicated no difference in total feed intake between experimental groups. Digestibility of crude protein, ether extract and crude fiber for animals fed CSM ration was higher (p < 0.05) than those fed the other rations. On the other hand, the CSM ration recorded a higher value of digestible crude protein than SBM and BCSM rations. Lambs gave rations containing CSM was higher (p < 0.05) average daily weight gain compared with those fed the other rations. Lambs that fed CSM ration were better to feed conversion as kg dry matter intake/kg gain than those fed the other rations. Relative economic efficiency was the best for CSM ration as compared to other protein sources. Nitrogen balance value of sheep fed CSM diet had the highest (p < 0.05) value compared with those fed different sources. Rumen fermentation showed that the pH value was the lowest with SSM, NH3-N concentration was higher for BCSM and SSM, and total volatile fatty acids were higher for SBM compared with the other rations.

Conclusion
It could be concluded that cottonseed meal was the best treatment for digestibility coefficient, average daily gain, highest nitrogen balance, better feed conversion ratio and also the best economic efficiency compared to soybean meal, black cumin seed meal and sesame seed meal treatments. It can replace 100% soybean meal by cottonseed meal in sheep ration when economics is to be considered.