bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic and therapeutic distinctions between cardiosphere-derived cell and mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicle non-coding RNA
Authors: Walravens Ann-Sophie , Smolgovsky Sasha , Li Liang , Kelly Lauren , Antes Travis , Peck Kiel , Quon Tanner , Ibrahim Ahmed , Marbán Eduardo , Berman Benjamin , Marbán Linda , R.-Borlado Luis , de Couto Geoffrey 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCell therapy limits ischemic injury following myocardial infarction (MI) by preventing cell death, modulating the immune response, and promoting tissue regeneration. The therapeutic efficacy of cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is associated with extracellular vesicle (EV) release. Prior head-to-head comparisons have shown CDCs to be more effective than MSCs in MI models. Despite differences in cell origin, it is unclear why EVs from different adult stem cell populations elicit differences in therapeutic efficacy. Here, we compare EVs derived from multiple human MSC and CDC donors using diverse in vitro and in vivo assays. EV membrane protein and non-coding RNA composition are highly specific to the parent cell type; for example, miR-10b is enriched in MSC-EVs relative to CDC-EVs, while Y RNA fragments follow the opposite pattern. CDC-EVs enhance the Arg1/Nos2 ratio in macrophages in vitro and reduce MI size more than MSC-EVs and suppress inflammation during acute peritonitis in vivo. Thus, CDC-EVs are distinct from MSC-EVs, confer immunomodulation, and protect the host against ischemic myocardial injury and acute inflammation.
Environmental factors shape the epiphytic bacterial communities of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis
Authors: Pei Pengbing , Aslam Muhammad , Du Hong , Liang Honghao , Wang Hui , Liu Xiaojuan , Chen Weizhou 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMacroalgae host various symbionts on their surface, which play a critical role in their growth and development processes. However, there is still incomplete understanding of this epiphytic bacteria-host algae interactions. This study comprehensively analysed variation of the epiphytic bacterial communities (EBC) composition of red macroalga Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis at different geographic locations and environmental factors (i.e., nitrogen and phosphorus), which shape the EBC composition of G. lemaneiformis. The composition and structure of EBC were characterized using high throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. The results revealed that epiphytic bacteria varied significantly among three different geographic locations in China, i.e., Nan’ao Island (NA), Lianjiang County (LJ), and Nanri Island (NR). Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, and Epsilonbacteraeota at NR were strongly positively correlated with total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), but negatively correlated with nitrite nitrogen (NO2-N). The relative abundance of Cyanobacteria at NA and LJ were strongly positively correlated with NO2-N, but negatively correlated with TN, TP, NO3-N, and DIN. Besides, the Mantel test results indicated that the EBC composition was significantly correlated with these environmental factors, which was also confirmed by Spearman correlation analysis. Thus, environmental factors such as NO3-N and DIN play a key role in the community composition of epiphytic bacteria on G. lemaneiformis. This study provides important baseline knowledge on the community composition of epiphytic bacteria on G. lemaneiformis and shows correlation between different epiphytic bacteria and their surrounding environmental factors.
Circulating levels of growth hormone in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Johansson Madeleine , Ricci Fabrizio , Schulte Janin , Persson Margaretha , Melander Olle , Sutton Richard , Hamrefors Viktor , Fedorowski Artur 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a cardiovascular autonomic disorder with poorly understood etiology and underlying pathophysiology. Since cardiovascular morbidity has been linked to growth hormone (GH), we studied GH levels in patients with POTS. We conducted an age-sex-matched case–control study in patients with POTS (age 31 ± 9 years; n = 42) and healthy controls (32 ± 9 years; n = 46). Plasma GH levels were measured using high-sensitivity chemiluminescence sandwich immunoassay. The burden of orthostatic intolerance symptoms was assessed by the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ), consisting of a symptom assessment scale (OHSA) and a daily activity scale (OHDAS). POTS patients had significantly higher composite OHQ score than controls, more symptoms and less activity. Supine heart rate and diastolic blood pressure (BP), but not systolic BP, were significantly higher in POTS. Median plasma GH levels were significantly lower in POTS (0.53 ng/mL) than controls (2.33 ng/mL, p = 0.04). GH levels were inversely related to OHDAS in POTS and supine systolic BP in POTS and controls, but not heart rate neither group. POTS is associated with lower GH levels. Impairment of daily life activities is inversely related with GH in POTS. A higher supine diastolic BP is inversely associated with GH levels in POTS and healthy individuals.
Co-continuous structural effect of size-controlled macro-porous glass membrane on extracellular vesicle collection for the analysis of miRNA
Authors: Yukawa Hiroshi , Yamazaki Shuji , Aoki Keita , Muto Kengo , Kihara Naoto , Sato Kazuhide , Onoshima Daisuke , Ochiya Takahiro , Tanaka Yasuhito , Baba Yoshinobu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRecent studies have shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be utilized as appropriate and highly specific biomarkers in liquid biopsy for the diagnosis and prognosis of serious illness. However, there are few methods that can collect and isolate miRNA in EVs simply, quickly and efficiently using general equipment such as a normal centrifuge. In this paper, we developed an advanced glass membrane column (AGC) device incorporating a size-controlled macro-porous glass (MPG) membrane with a co-continuous structure to overcome the limitations of conventional EV collection and miRNA extraction from the EVs. The size of macro-pores in the MPG membrane could be accurately controlled by changing the heating temperature and time on the basis of spinodal decomposition of B2O3, Na2O, and SiO2 in phase separation. The AGC device with an MPG membrane could collect the EVs simply and quickly (< 10 min) from cell culture supernatant, serum and urine. This AGC device could extract miRNA from the EVs captured in the MPG membrane with high efficiency when combined with a miRNA extraction solution. We suggest that the AGC device with an MPG membrane can be useful for the diagnosis and prognosis of serious illness using of EVs in various kinds of body fluids.
Selection of aptamers against triple negative breast cancer cells using high throughput sequencing
Authors: Ferreira Débora , Barbosa Joaquim , Sousa Diana A. , Silva Cátia , Melo Luís D. R. , Avci-Adali Meltem , Wendel Hans P. , Rodrigues Ligia R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTriple-negative breast cancer is the most aggressive subtype of invasive breast cancer with a poor prognosis and no approved targeted therapy. Hence, the identification of new and specific ligands is essential to develop novel targeted therapies. In this study, we aimed to identify new aptamers that bind to highly metastatic breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells using the cell-SELEX technology aided by high throughput sequencing. After 8 cycles of selection, the aptamer pool was sequenced and the 25 most frequent sequences were aligned for homology within their variable core region, plotted according to their free energy and the key nucleotides possibly involved in the target binding site were analyzed. Two aptamer candidates, Apt1 and Apt2, binding specifically to the target cells with $$K_{d}$$

K
d

values of 44.3 ± 13.3 nM and 17.7 ± 2.7 nM, respectively, were further validated. The binding analysis clearly showed their specificity to MDA-MB-231 cells and suggested the targeting of cell surface receptors. Additionally, Apt2 revealed no toxicity in vitro and showed potential translational application due to its affinity to breast cancer tissue sections. Overall, the results suggest that Apt2 is a promising candidate to be used in triple-negative breast cancer treatment and/or diagnosis.
An integrative approach reveals a new species of flightless leaf beetle (Chrysomelidae: Suinzona) from South Korea
Authors: Cho Hee-Wook , Kim Sang Ki 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe leaf beetle genus Suinzona, consisting of over 20 species, is mainly known for species from Southwest China, and its closely related genus Potaninia, with only two species, is widely distributed in South China and upper Southeast Asia. Despite recent morphological studies, the status of these taxa has long been controversial. Here, we investigated the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships of the genera Suinzona and Potaninia within Chrysomelinae using molecular, morphological and ecological data. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supported that they should be regarded as distinct genera, which is consistent with morphological evidence, e.g., well-developed/reduced hind wings. Based on combined evidence from examination of larval and adult morphology, host plants and mitochondrial genomes, we demonstrate that P. cyrtonoides should be placed in the genus Suinzona and that specimens from South Korea represent a new species. Suinzona borowieci sp. nov., occurring in narrow strips of habitat, shows high levels of genetic divergence and distantly related host plants between populations. The population differentiation seems to be correlated with its non-functional wings causing reduced dispersal ability and genetic isolation. Several populations have declined dramatically over the last few decades due to loss of habitat and thus are in need of protection as conservation units.
Buprenorphine alters microglia and astrocytes acutely following diffuse traumatic brain injury
Authors: Ryu Jane , Stone Phillip , Lee Sabrina , Payne Brighton , Gorse Karen , Lafrenaye Audrey 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common phenomenon, accounting for significant cost and adverse health effects. While there is information about focal pathologies following TBI, knowledge of more diffuse processes is lacking, particularly regarding how analgesics affect this pathology. As buprenorphine is the most commonly used analgesic in experimental TBI models, this study investigated the acute effects of the opioid analgesic buprenorphine (Bup-SR-Lab) on diffuse neuronal/glial pathology, neuroinflammation, cell damage, and systemic physiology. We utilized a model of central fluid percussion injury (CFPI) in adult male rats treated with a single subcutaneous bolus of Bup-SR-Lab or saline 15 min post-injury. Microscopic assessments were performed at 1 day post-injury. Cell impermeable dextran was infused intraventricularly prior to sacrifice to assess neuronal membrane disruption. Axonal injury was assessed by investigating labeling of the anterogradely transported amyloid precursor protein. Neuroinflammation was assessed by analyzing Iba-1 + microglial and GFAP + astrocyte histological/morphological features as well as cytokine levels in both regions of interest (ROIs). Myelin pathology was assessed by evaluating the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and the propensity of MBP + myelin debris. Acute physiologic data showed no difference between groups except for reduction in weight loss following cFPI in Bup treated animals compared to saline. There were no discernable differences in axonal injury or membrane disruption between treatment groups. Cytokine levels were consistent between Bup and saline treated animals, however, microglia and astrocytes revealed region specific histological changes at 1d following Bup treatment. Myelin integrity and overall MBP expression showed no differences between Bup and saline treated animals, but there were significant regional differences in MBP expression between the cortex and thalamus. These data suggest effects of Bup treatment on weight following CFPI and potential regional specificity of Bup-associated microglial and astrocyte alterations, but very little change in other acute pathology at 1-day post-injury. Overall, this preliminary study indicates that use of Bup-SR-Lab in preclinical work does have effects on acute glial pathology, however, longer term studies will be needed to assess potential effects of Bup treatment on more chronic pathological progressions.
Hypofractionated and single-fraction radiosurgery for brain metastases with sex as a key predictor of overall survival
Authors: Mangesius Julian , Seppi Thomas , Bates Katie , Arnold Christoph R. , Minasch Danijela , Mangesius Stephanie , Kerschbaumer Johannes , Lukas Peter , Ganswindt Ute , Nevinny-Stickel Meinhard 
Published: April 2021

AbstractOverall survival (OS) of patients with brain metastases treated with hypofractionated (HFSRT) or single-fraction (SRS) radiosurgery depends on several prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of sex as an independent predictor of OS and evaluate the predictive accuracy of common prognostic scores. Retrospective analysis of 281 consecutive patients receiving radiosurgery of brain metastases was performed. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare OS between SRS and HFSRT and by sex, before and after propensity-score matching (PSM) on key baseline prognostic covariates. Prognostic scores were evaluated using Harrell’s concordance index. Median OS was 11 months after both SRS and HFSRT. After PSM, median OS was 12 months after SRS (95% CI: 7.5–16.5) and 9 months after HFSRT (95% CI: 5.0–13.0; p = 0.77). Independent prognostic factors were sex, primary tumor, KPI, and systemic disease status. Median OS was 16 months for women and 7 months for male patients (p < 0.001). After excluding sex specific tumors, PSM revealed a median OS of 16 months for women and 8 months for male patients (p < 0.01). Evaluation of prognostic indices showed BSBM to be the most accurate (Harrell’s C = 0.68), followed by SIR (0.61), GPA (0.60), RPA (0.58), and Rades et al. (0.57). OS after HFSRT and SRS did not differ, although PSM revealed a non-significant advantage for SRS. Female sex was found to be a major independent positive prognostic factor for survival, and thus should be considered in the personalized decision-making of brain metastases treatment.
Microstructures amplify carotenoid plumage signals in tanagers
Authors: McCoy Dakota E. , Shultz Allison J. , Vidoudez Charles , van der Heide Emma , Dall Jacqueline E. , Trauger Sunia A. , Haig David 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBrilliantly-colored birds are a model system for research into evolution and sexual selection. Red, orange, and yellow carotenoid-colored plumages have been considered honest signals of condition; however, sex differences in feather pigments and microstructures are not well understood. Here, we show that microstructures, rather than carotenoid pigments, seem to be a major driver of male–female color differences in the social, sexually-dimorphic tanager genusRamphocelus. We comprehensively quantified feather (i) color (using spectrophotometry), (ii) pigments (using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS)), and (iii) microstructures (using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) optical modeling). Males have significantly more saturated color patches than females. However, our exploratory analysis of pigments suggested that males and females have concordant carotenoid pigment profiles across all species (MCMCglmm model, female:male ratio = 0.95). Male, but not female, feathers have elaborate microstructures which amplify color appearance. Oblong, expanded feather barbs in males enhance color saturation (for the same amount of pigment) by increasing the transmission of optical power through the feather. Dihedral barbules (vertically-angled, strap-shaped barbules) in males reduce total reflectance to generate “super black” and “velvet red” plumage. Melanin in females explains some, but not all, of the male–female plumage differences. Our results suggest that a widely cited index of honesty, carotenoid pigments, cannot fully explain male appearance. We propose that males are selected to evolve amplifiers—in this case, microstructures that enhance appearance—that are not necessarily themselves linked to quality.
A mathematical model of lithosphere–atmosphere coupling for seismic events
Authors: Carbone Vincenzo , Piersanti Mirko , Materassi Massimo , Battiston Roberto , Lepreti Fabio , Ubertini Pietro 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSignificant evidence of ionosphere disturbance in connection to intense seismic events have been detected since two decades. It is generally believed that the energy transfer can be due to Acoustic Gravity Waves (AGW) excited at ground level by the earthquakes. In spite of the statistical evidence of the detected perturbations, the coupling between lithosphere and atmosphere has not been so far properly explained by an accurate enough model. In this paper, for the first time, we show the result of an analytical-quantitative model that describes how the pressure and density disturbance is generated in the lower atmosphere by the ground motion associated to earthquakes. The direct comparison between observed and modelled vertical profiles of the atmospheric temperature shows the capability of the model to accurately reproduce, with an high statistical significance, the observed temperature fluctuations induced by strong earthquakes.
αvβ3 Integrin induces partial EMT independent of TGF-β signaling
Authors: Kariya Yoshinobu , Oyama Midori , Suzuki Takato , Kariya Yukiko 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEpithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role for tumor progression. Recent studies have revealed the existence of distinct intermediate states in EMT (partial EMT); however, the mechanisms underlying partial EMT are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that αvβ3 integrin induces partial EMT, which is characterized by acquiring mesenchymal phenotypes while retaining epithelial markers. We found αvβ3 integrin to be associated with poor survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Moreover, αvβ3 integrin-induced partial EMT promoted migration, invasion, tumorigenesis, stemness, and metastasis of lung cancer cells in a TGF-β-independent fashion. Additionally, TGF-β1 promoted EMT progression synergistically with αvβ3 integrin, while a TGF-β signaling inhibitor showed no effect on αvβ3 integrin-induced partial EMT. Meanwhile, the microRNA-200 family abolished the αvβ3 integrin-induced partial EMT by suppressing αvβ3 integrin cell surface expression. These findings indicate that αvβ3 integrin is a key inducer of partial EMT, and highlight a new mechanism for cancer progression.
Cryogenic toughness in a low-cost austenitic steel
Authors: Wang Yuhui , Zhang Yubin , Godfrey Andrew , Kang Jianmei , Peng Yan , Wang Tiansheng , Hansen Niels , Huang Xiaoxu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAt low temperatures most metals show reduced ductility and impact toughness. Here, we report a compositionally lean, fine-grained Fe-30Mn-0.11C austenitic steel that breaks this rule, exhibiting an increase in strength, elongation and Charpy impact toughness with decreasing temperature. A Charpy impact energy of 453 J is achieved at liquid nitrogen temperatures, which is about four to five times that of conventional cryogenic austenitic steels. The high toughness is attributed to manganese and carbon austenite stabilizing elements, coupled with a reduction in grain size to the near-micrometer scale. Under these conditions dislocation slip and deformation twinning are the main deformation mechanisms, while embrittlement by α′- and ε-martensite transformations are inhibited. This reduces local stress and strain concentration, thereby retarding crack nucleation and prolonging work-hardening. The alloy is low-cost and can be processed by conventional production processes, making it suitable for low-temperature applications in industry.
Shensu IV prevents glomerular podocyte injury in nephrotic rats via promoting lncRNA H19/DIRAS3-mediated autophagy
Authors: Huang Yong , Huang Yaqian , Zhou Yehua , Cheng Jie , Wan Chanjun , Wang Maohong , Pi Chiheng , Wu Guoqing , Song Weiguo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Shensu IV is a Chinese prescription well-known for its function in treating chronic kidney diseases. However, the potential mechanisms underlying how Shensu IV exerts its effects remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Shensu IV on glomerular podocyte injury in nephrotic rats and puromycin-induced injury in cultured podocytes, and assessed the associated molecular mechanisms. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) results showed that the main components of Shensu IV were l-Carnitine, P-lysoPC (LPC) 16:0, Coumaroyl tyramine, Tetramethylpyrazine, LPC 18:1, Choline, (S,S)-Butane-2,3-diol, and Scopoletin. We further found that nephrotic rats displayed pathological alterations in kidney tissues and ultrastructural changes in glomerular podocytes; however, these effects were reversed with Shensu IV treatment. Compared with the control, the numbers of autophagosomes were markedly reduced in the model group, but not in the Shensu IV treatment group. Furthermore, the expression of p62 was significantly higher in the model group than in the controls, whereas the LC3-II/I ratio was significantly lower; however, these changes were not observed when Shensu IV was administered. The protective effects of Shensu IV were further confirmed in podocytes displaying puromycin-induced injury. Compared with control group, the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19, mTOR, p-mTOR, and p62 was significantly increased in the puromycin group, whereas that of distinct subgroup of the RAS family member 3 (DIRAS3) was significantly decreased, as was the LC3-II/I ratio. The opposite results were obtained for both shH19- and Shensu IV-treated cells. Collectively, our data demonstrated that Shensu IV can prevent glomerular podocyte injury in nephrotic rats and puromycin-treated podocytes, likely via promoting lncRNA H19/DIRAS3-regulated autophagy.
Zinc oxide nanowires‐based flexible pressure sensor
Authors: Wood Graham S. , Jeronimo Karina , Che Mahzan Muhammad Ammar Bin , Cheung Rebecca , Mastropaolo Enrico 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEmbedding piezoelectric nanowires within a soft elastomer material should provide a superior pressure sensing transducer, exploiting the piezoelectric properties of the nanowire material while maintaining flexibility. Here, a flexible sensor has been fabricated on a Kapton substrate and has incorporated a layer of polydimethylsiloxane with embedded zinc oxide nanowires as the pressure sensing mechanism. In response to applied compressive pressure up to 127 kPa, the device has generated a voltage, between electrodes on either side of the nanowire/polydimethylsiloxane layer, with a sensitivity of 23.6 mV/kPa, which is 100 times greater than previously reported zinc oxide nanostructure‐based flexible sensors.