bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral Administration of Caffeine Exacerbates Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss
Authors: Sheth Sandeep , Sheehan Kelly , Dhukhwa Asmita , Al Aameri Raheem F. H. , Mamillapalli Chaitanya , Mukherjea Debashree , Rybak Leonard P. , Ramkumar Vickram 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAdenosine A1 receptors (A1AR) are well characterized for their role in cytoprotection. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of these receptors in the cochlea where their activation were shown to suppress cisplatin-induced inflammatory response and the resulting ototoxicity. Inhibition of A1AR by caffeine, a widely consumed psychoactive substance, could antagonize the endogenous protective role of these receptors in cochlea and potentiate cisplatin-induced hearing loss. This hypothesis was tested in a rat model of cisplatin ototoxicity following oral administration of caffeine. We report here that single-dose administration of caffeine exacerbates cisplatin-induced hearing loss without increasing the damage to outer hair cells (OHCs), but increased synaptopathy and inflammation in the cochlea. These effects of caffeine were mediated by its blockade of A1AR, as co-administration of R-PIA, an A1AR agonist, reversed the detrimental actions of caffeine and cisplatin on hearing loss. Multiple doses of caffeine exacerbated cisplatin ototoxicity which was associated with damage to OHCs and cochlear synaptopathy. These findings highlight a possible drug-drug interaction between caffeine and cisplatin for ototoxicity and suggest that caffeine consumption should be cautioned in cancer patients treated with a chemotherapeutic regimen containing cisplatin.
Liposomal formulation of Galbanic acid improved therapeutic efficacy of pegylated liposomal Doxorubicin in mouse colon carcinoma
Authors: Nik Maryam Ebrahimi , Malaekeh-Nikouei Bizhan , Amin Mohamadreza , Hatamipour Mahdi , Teymouri Manouchehr , Sadeghnia Hamid Reza , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGalbanic acid (Gba), asesquiterpene coumarin, with strong antiangiogenic activity could serve as an excellent anti-cancer agent. However, Gba is a poor water-solube which hampered its clinical application. In this study, a pegylated liposomal Gba (PLGba) with HSPC/Cholesterol/mPEG2000-DSPE (56.2, 38.3, 5.3% molar ratio) was developed by the thin film hydration plus extrusion and calcium acetate gradient remote loading method, to address the issue of poor Gba solubility. Moreover, an integrin-targeting ligand (RGD peptide, cyclo[Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Tyr-Cys]) was post-inserted into liposomes in order to increase Gba cell delivery. Using fluorescently-labeled model liposomes, it was found that the targeting could improve the integrin-mediated cellular uptake of the liposomesin vitroin human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), andin vivoas evidenced by chicken chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis (CAM) model. It also could enrich the liposome accumulation in C26 tumor. Interestingly, co-treatment with PLGba and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD, also known as Doxil®) had a synergistic and antagonistic antiproliferative effect on the C26 tumor cell line and the normal HUVEC, respectively. In C26 tumor bearing BALB/c mice, the PLGba and PLD combinatorial therapy improved the antitumor efficacy of the treatment as compared to those of single agents. This results have clear implications for cancer therapy.
A defect in the peroxisomal biogenesis in germ cells induces a spermatogenic arrest at the round spermatid stage in mice
Authors: Brauns Ann-Kristin , Heine Markus , Tödter Klaus , Baumgart-Vogt Eveline , Lüers Georg H. , Schumacher Udo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPeroxisomes are involved in the degradation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) by β-oxidation. Besides neurological defects, peroxisomal dysfunction can also lead to testicular abnormalities. However, underlying alterations in the testes due to a peroxisomal defect are not well characterized yet. To maintain all metabolic functions, peroxisomes require an import machinery for the transport of matrix proteins. One component of this translocation machinery is PEX13. Its inactivation leads to a peroxisomal biogenesis defect. We have established a germ cell-specific KO of Pex13 to study the function of peroxisomes during spermatogenesis in mice. Exon 2 of floxed Pex13 was specifically excised in germ cells prior to meiosis by using a transgenic mouse strain carrying a STRA8 inducible Cre recombinase. Germ cell differentiation was interrupted at the round spermatid stage in Pex13 KO mice with formation of multinucleated giant cells (MNCs) and loss of mature spermatids. Due to a different cellular content in the germinal epithelium of Pex13 KO testes compared to control, whole testes biopsies were used for the analyses. Thus, differences in lipid composition and gene expression are only shown for whole testicular tissue but cannot be limited to single cells. Gas chromatography revealed an increase of shorter fatty acids and a decrease of n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5n-6) and n-3 docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3), the main components of sperm plasma membranes. Representative genes of the metabolite transport and peroxisomal β-oxidation were strongly down-regulated. In addition, structural components of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) were altered. To conclude, defects in the peroxisomal compartment interfere with normal spermatogenesis.
Electrically driven spin torque and dynamical Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in magnetic bilayer systems
Authors: Takeuchi Akihito , Mizushima Shigeyasu , Mochizuki Masahito 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEfficient control of magnetism with electric means is a central issue of current spintronics research, which opens an opportunity to design integrated spintronic devices. However, recent well-studied methods are mostly based on electric-current injection, and they are inevitably accompanied by considerable energy losses through Joule heating. Here we theoretically propose a way to exert spin torques into magnetic bilayer systems by application of electric voltages through taking advantage of the Rashba spin-orbit interaction. The torques resemble the well-known electric-current-induced torques, providing similar controllability of magnetism but without Joule-heating energy losses. The torques also turn out to work as an interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction which enables us to activate and create noncollinear magnetism like skyrmions by electric-voltage application. Our proposal offers an efficient technique to manipulate magnetizations in spintronics devices without Joule-heating energy losses.
Targeting of replicating CD133 and OCT4/SOX2 expressing glioma stem cells selects a cell population that reinitiates tumors upon release of therapeutic pressure
Authors: Guerra-Rebollo Marta , Garrido Cristina , Sánchez-Cid Lourdes , Soler-Botija Carolina , Meca-Cortés Oscar , Rubio Nuria , Blanco Jerónimo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe existence of radio- and chemotherapy-surviving cancer stem cells is currently believed to explain the inefficacy of anti-glioblastoma (GBM) therapies. The aim of this study was to determine if a therapeutic strategy specifically targeting GBM stem cells (GSC) would completely eradicate a GBM tumor. In both the in vitro and the in vivo models, ganciclovir therapy targeting proliferating GSC promotes the survival of a quiescent, stem-like cell pool capable of reproducing the tumor upon release of the therapeutic pressure. Images of small niches of therapy-surviving tumor cells show organized networks of vascular-like structures formed by tumor cells expressing CD133 or OCT4/SOX2. These results prompted the investigation of tumor cells differentiated to endothelial and pericytic lineages as a potential reservoir of tumor-initiating capacity. Isolated tumor cells with pericyte and endothelial cell lineage characteristics, grown under tumorsphere forming conditions and were able to reproduce tumors after implantation in mice.
Nitric oxide acts as an antioxidant and inhibits programmed cell death induced by aluminum in the root tips of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: He Huyi , Oo Thet Lwin , Huang Wenjing , He Long-Fei , Gu Minghua 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAluminum (Al) causes programmed cell death (PCD) in plants. Our previous studies have confirmed that nitric oxide (NO) inhibits Al-induced PCD in the root tips of peanut. However, the mechanism by which NO inhibits Al-induced PCD is unclear. Here the effects of NO on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), expression of alternative oxidase (AhAOX) and cytochrome oxidase (AhCOX) were investigated in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) root tips treated with Al. The results showed that Al stress induced rapid accumulation of H2O2 and MDA and increased the ratio of SOD/APX. The up-regulation of AhAOX and AhCOX expressions was not enough to inhibit PCD occurrence. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a NO donor) decreased the ratio of SOD/APX and eliminated excess H2O2 and MDA, thereby inhibiting Al-induced PCD in the root tips of peanut. The expression of AhAOX and AhCOX was significantly enhanced in Al-induced PCD treated with SNP. But cPTIO (a NO specific scavenger) supply had the opposite effect. Taken together, these results suggested that lipid peroxidation induced by higher levels of H2O2 was an important cause of Al-induced PCD. NO-mediated inhibition of Al-induced PCD was related to a significant elimination of H2O2 accumulation by decreasing the ratio of SOD/APX and up-regulating the expression of AhAOX and AhCOX.
Collapse on the line – how synthetic dimensions influence nonlinear effects
Authors: Muniz André L. M. , Wimmer Martin , Bisianov Arstan , Morandotti Roberto , Peschel Ulf 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPower induced wave collapse is one of the most fascinating phenomena in optics as it provides extremely high intensities, thus stimulating a range of nonlinear processes. For low power levels, propagation of beams in bulk media is dominated by diffraction, while above a certain threshold self-focusing is steadily enhanced by the action of a positive nonlinearity. An autocatalytic blow-up occurs, which is only stopped by saturation of the nonlinearity, material damage or the inherent medium discreteness. In the latter case, this leads to energy localization on a single site. It is commonly believed that for cubic nonlinearities, this intriguing effect requires at least two transverse dimensions to occur and is thus out of reach in fiber optics. Following the concept of synthetic dimensions, we demonstrate that mixing short and long-range interaction resembles a two-dimensional mesh lattice and features wave collapse at mW-power levels in a genuine 1D system formed by coupled fiber loops.
A novel poly (vinyl alcohol)/poly (ethylene glycol) scaffold for tissue engineering with a unique bimodal open-celled structure fabricated using supercritical fluid foaming
Authors: Liu Ping , Chen Wenhua , Liu Cuihua , Tian Ming , Liu Pengju 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this study, a novel poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) scaffold was carefully designed via thermal processing and subsequent supercritical fluid (SCF) foaming. Interestingly, a bimodal open-celled structure with interconnected networks was successfully created in the plasticized PVA (WPVA)/PEG scaffold. Large cells were produced from the nucleation sites generated in the PVA phase during rapid depressurization, while plenty of small pores generate in the cell walls of the big cells. The formation mechanism of this cellular structure was studied by considering the various phase morphologies and the diffusion behaviour of the carbon dioxide (CO2) in individual phases. In addition, the intermolecular interactions of the WPVA/PEG blend were studied using X-ray diffraction and FTIR analysis. The results demonstrate that various types of hydrogen bonds among the hydroxyl groups on the PVA chains, PEG and water molecules are formed in the blend system. The realization of thermoplastic foaming of the PVA/PEG blend benefits from the interactions of complexation and plasticization between water and PEG molecules. The SEM images also revealed that L929 fibroblast cells were able to attach and spread on surfaces of the WPVA/PEG samples. Thus the WPVA/PEG scaffold with unique bimodal cellular structure is nontoxic and favours the attachment and proliferation of cells, making it promising for use as the candidate for tissue engineering applications.
A Biochar-Based Route for Environmentally Friendly Controlled Release of Nitrogen: Urea-Loaded Biochar and Bentonite Composite
Authors: Liu Xiangrong , Liao Jiayuan , Song Haixing , Yang Yong , Guan Chunyun , Zhang Zhenhua 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBiochar-based fertilizers have attracted increased attention, because biochar can improve the soil fertility, promote plant growth and crop yield. However, biochar-based controlled release nitrogen fertilizers (BCRNFs) still face problems because of the high cost, inefficient production technology, instability of nitrides, and the challenge associated with the controlled release of nutrients. In this study, we hydrothermally synthesised novel BCRNFs using urea-loaded biochar, bentonite and polyvinyl alcohol for controlled release of nutrients. Scanning electron microscopy and gas adsorption were conducted to identify the urea-loading and storage of bentonite in the inner pores of the biochar particles. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies demonstrated that strengthening the interactions among biochar, urea, and bentonite, helps control the moisture diffusion and penetration of bentonite, thereby leading to nutrient retention. The BCRNF showed significantly improved nutrient release characteristic compared with that of a mixture of biochar and urea. This urea-bentonite composite loaded with urea provides control over the release of nutrients stored in the biochar. BCRNF, especially those produced hydrothermally, can have potential applications in sustainable food security and green agriculture.
Increased sub-clinical levels of autistic traits are associated with reduced multisensory integration of audiovisual speech
Authors: van Laarhoven Thijs , Stekelenburg Jeroen J. , Vroomen Jean 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRecent studies suggest that sub-clinical levels of autistic symptoms may be related to reduced processing of artificial audiovisual stimuli. It is unclear whether these findings extent to more natural stimuli such as audiovisual speech. The current study examined the relationship between autistic traits measured by the Autism spectrum Quotient and audiovisual speech processing in a large non-clinical population using a battery of experimental tasks assessing audiovisual perceptual binding, visual enhancement of speech embedded in noise and audiovisual temporal processing. Several associations were found between autistic traits and audiovisual speech processing. Increased autistic-like imagination was related to reduced perceptual binding measured by the McGurk illusion. Increased overall autistic symptomatology was associated with reduced visual enhancement of speech intelligibility in noise. Participants reporting increased levels of rigid and restricted behaviour were more likely to bind audiovisual speech stimuli over longer temporal intervals, while an increased tendency to focus on local aspects of sensory inputs was related to a more narrow temporal binding window. These findings demonstrate that increased levels of autistic traits may be related to alterations in audiovisual speech processing, and are consistent with the notion of a spectrum of autistic traits that extends to the general population.
Linear high‐gain bidirectional slot array fabricated by narrow bent metallic line
Authors: Hou Yuefeng , Zhang Zhijun 
Published: July 2019

A linear high‐gain slot array with bidirectional broadside radiation is proposed. By utilising a novel slot‐energising approach, the slot array obtains a simple and compact geometry, which could be fabricated by a narrow bent metallic line. The slot array achieves an approximately constant magnitude distribution on a long radiating aperture by adopting proper slot elements arrangement and optimising the dimensions. Thus, compared to the existing bidirectional slot arrays in the open literature, the proposed slot array generates a higher gain and moderate gain‐to‐length ratio. To confirm the build strategy, a prototype with the length of 6.3 wavelength at the centre frequency of 2.4 GHz is constructed, fabricated, and tested, which realises a high gain of 14.0 dBi. With the merits of small size, high gain, low cost, and high‐power capacity, the proposed slot array is an attractive substitute for various long‐distance communication systems.
Apnea of Prematurity: An Update
Authors: Gileles-Hillel Alex , Erlichman Ira , Reiter Joel 
Published: July 2019

AbstractApnea of prematurity (AOP) affects the majority of infants born prematurely, before 34 weeks of gestational age. AOP is a common diagnosis in the neonatal intensive care unit and one of significant clinical importance, both immediate and long term, as it is associated with reduced survival and poorer respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes. In this review, we provide an up-to-date summary of recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of AOP, as well as the clinical questions relevant to physicians and staff treating infants with AOP. Finally, we discuss monitoring and discharge decisions, as these are areas of significant uncertainty.
Linking Complement Activation, Coagulation, and Neutrophils in Transplant-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy
Authors: Gavriilaki Eleni , Chrysanthopoulou Akrivi , Sakellari Ioanna , Batsis Ioannis , Mallouri Despina , Touloumenidou Tasoula , Papalexandri Apostolia , Mitsios Alexandros , Arampatzioglou Athanasios , Ritis Konstantinos , Brodsky Robert Alan , Mitroulis Ioannis , Anagnostopoulos Achilles 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTransplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a severe and life-threatening complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) that often coincides with graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). Although endothelial damage seems to be the common denominator for both disorders, the role of complement system, neutrophils, and coagulation has not been clarified. In an effort to distinguish the pathogenesis of TA-TMA from GVHD, we evaluated markers of complement activation, neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) release, endothelial damage, and activation of coagulation cascade in the circulation of patients with these two disorders, as well as control HCT recipients without TA-TMA or GVHD. We observed that the terminal complement product C5b-9 levels, the levels of markers of NET formation, and thrombin–antithrombin complex levels were significantly increased in the TA-TMA group compared with patients without complications, whereas there was no significant difference between the GVHD and the control group. On the other hand, the levels of circulating thrombomodulin, an endothelial damage marker, were significantly increased in both TA-TMA and GVHD patients. These findings propose a role for the interplay between complement system, neutrophil activation through NET release, and activation of the coagulation cascade in TA-TMA.
p110γ deficiency protects against pancreatic carcinogenesis yet predisposes to diet-induced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Torres Carolina , Mancinelli Georgina , Cordoba-Chacon Jose , Viswakarma Navin , Castellanos Karla , Grimaldo Sam , Kumar Sandeep , Principe Daniel , Dorman Matthew J. , McKinney Ronald , Hirsch Emilio , Dawson David , Munshi Hidayatullah G. , Rana Ajay , Grippo Paul J. 
Published: July 2019

Significance
Although activation of PI3K p110α appears to promote pancreatic cancer development via canonical AKT signaling, in the setting of a high-fat diet (enriched in ω−6 fatty acids), unopposed p110γ inhibition poses a risk for severe hepatic damage. Considering that obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, these observations suggest the need for caution when translating drugs targeting p110γ to the clinic.
High-frequency microrheology in 3D reveals mismatch between cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix mechanics
Authors: Staunton Jack R. , So Woong Young , Paul Colin D. , Tanner Kandice 
Published: July 2019

Significance
Mechanical homeostasis describes how cells sense physical cues from the microenvironment and concomitantly remodel both the cytoskeleton and the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the nature of the dynamic coupling between microscale cell and ECM mechanics remains poorly understood. Here we investigate whether cells mechanically adapt to distinct microenvironments. We determined that tumor cells are mechanically plastic to adapt to many environments. This mechanical mismatch holds for multiple perturbations of the cytoskeletal architecture and in 2 different surrogate ECM hydrogels mimicking breast and brain microenvironments. Our data also obey laws similar to those used to model rheological properties of polymers. Linking these mathematical parameters to biophysical factors will move us closer to exploiting mechanics as a cancer biomarker.
Visualization of an axion insulating state at the transition between 2 chiral quantum anomalous Hall states
Authors: Allen Monica , Cui Yongtao , Yue Ma Eric , Mogi Masataka , Kawamura Minoru , Fulga Ion Cosma , Goldhaber-Gordon David , Tokura Yoshinori , Shen Zhi-Xun 
Published: July 2019

Significance
Magnetic topological insulators host chiral dissipationless edge modes, which mimic quantum Hall states but persist in the absence of a magnetic field. We use microwave impedance microscopy, which characterizes the local complex conductivity of a material, to provide direct visualization of these edge states and monitor their evolution across a magnetic-field–induced phase transition. The resulting images reveal an insulating state, which exhibits a distinct geometry of current flow, at the boundary between 2 quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) states with opposite chirality. Due to their immunity to backscattering, the edge currents present in the QAH regime provide a promising platform for future investigations of chiral Majorana modes, key building blocks for a topological quantum computer.
Ecomorphological diversification in squamates from conserved pattern of cranial integration
Authors: Watanabe Akinobu , Fabre Anne-Claire , Felice Ryan N. , Maisano Jessica A. , Müller Johannes , Herrel Anthony , Goswami Anjali 
Published: July 2019

SignificanceWith >10,000 living species, squamate reptiles (lizards, snakes) exhibit enormous phenotypic variation reflecting their incredible range in ecology and developmental strategies. What drove this exceptional diversity? We analyze high-density surface morphometric data for skulls representing ∼200 modern and extinct species to provide a comprehensive, clade-wide investigation of how ecological and developmental factors contributed to cranial evolution across geologic time, skull regions, and taxa. Although diet and habitat have had an overarching impact on skull evolution (e.g., herbivory, along with aquatic and fossorial habitats, are associated with rapid evolution), lizards and snakes surprisingly share a common pattern of trait correlations (integration). The remarkable ecological and morphological diversity in squamates thus arose from selection acting on a conserved architecture of phenotypic integration.