bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 10‐year study of arthroscopic surgery in racing Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses with osteochondral fragmentation of the carpus
Authors: Graham R. J. T. Y. , Rosanowski S. M. , McILWRAITH C. W. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryBackgroundOsteochondral fragmentation of the carpus is a common cause of lameness in racehorses. Prognosis following arthroscopic removal of the fragments was reported in 1987, but little is known of recent success rates.ObjectiveTo identify associations between the severity and location of osteochondral fragments in the carpus, and to describe the racing performance of horses pre‐ and post‐surgery in Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. To identify factors associated with a horse racing post‐surgery.Study designRetrospective study of clinical records (2006–2016).MethodsSurgical and racing records for racehorses undergoing arthroscopic surgery of the carpus were collated during the 10‐year study period. Signalment, location of osteochondral fragmentation and grade of defect left after removal and debridement identified and racing performance pre‐ and post‐surgery were described, stratified by breed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with unsuccessful return to racing.ResultsIn total, 828 horses (n = 416 Quarter Horses; n = 412 Thoroughbreds) underwent 880 carpal arthroscopies after fragments were found on radiography. Sixty‐five percent (n = 289) and 27% (n = 118) of the lesions were bilateral in Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds respectively (P<0.001). In both breeds, the most commonly affected bone was the dorsodistal radial carpal bone (n = 320/659; 48.6%). Overall, 82% (n = 686; n = 358 Quarter Horses, n = 328 Thoroughbreds) of horses raced post‐surgery, with 69.5% (n = 476; n = 228 Quarter Horses, n = 248 Thoroughbreds) racing at the same or a higher level of competition. Factors associated with horses not returning to racing post‐surgery were increasing horse age, female horses, and a lesion grade of 4, while racing pre‐surgery was protective.Main limitationsThis study does not include a control population for comparison.ConclusionsThere were significant differences between the location and severity of lesions in Quarter Horses, when compared to Thoroughbreds. The majority of horses return to racing following surgery, although performance was influenced by lesion severity.The Summary is available in Portuguese ‐ see Supporting information
Crystal structure of CagV, the Helicobacter pylori homologue of the T4SS protein VirB8
Authors: Wu Xiuling , Zhao Yanhe , Sun Lifang , Jiang Meiqin , Wang Qin , Wang QianChao , Yang Wendi , Wu Yunkun 
Published: June 2019

The VirB/D type IV secretion system (T4SS) plays an essential role in materials transport between host cells and pathogenic Helicobacter pylori and is considered the major pathogenic mediator of H. pylori‐associated gastric disease. VirB8, an inner membrane protein that interacts with many other proteins, is a crucial component for secretory function. Here, we present a crystal structure of the periplasmic domain of CagV, the VirB8 counterpart in the H. pylori Cag‐T4SS. The structure reveals a fold similar to that of other VirB8 members except for the absence of the α5 helix, a discontinuous β1 strand, a larger angle between the α2 and α3 helices, a more hydrophobic surface groove, but exhibits a different dimer interface. Whether the dimerization occurs in solution was proved by mutagenesis, size‐exclusion chromatography and cross‐linking assays. Unlike the classical dimerization mode, the interface of the CagV dimer is principally formed by several hydrogen bonds, which indicates instability of dimerization. The structure here demonstrates the difference in dimerization among VirB8 homologues and indicates the considerable compositional and functional diversity of them in T4SS.DatabaseCoordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession codes 6IQT.
Impaired calcium homeostasis via advanced glycation end products promotes apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress in human nucleus pulposus cells and exacerbates intervertebral disc degeneration in rats
Authors: Luo Rongjin , Song Yu , Liao Zhiwei , Yin Huipeng , Zhan Shengfeng , Wang Kun , Li Shuai , Li Gaocai , Ma Liang , Lu Saideng , Zhang Yukun , Yang Cao 
Published: June 2019

Previous studies identified advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation in the intervertebral disc (IVD) as an essential risk factor associated with IVD degeneration via accelerated cell apoptosis and impeded extracellular‐matrix metabolism; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of AGEs‐mediated apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. We evaluated the effects of AGEs on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, and subcellular calcium (Ca2+) redistribution. Our data indicated time‐ and concentration‐dependent upregulation of ER‐stress responses in AGEs‐treated nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Additionally, we observed marked suppression of AGEs‐mediated apoptosis following the inhibition of ER stress using 4‐phenylbutyric acid. Moreover, AGEs‐induced sustained cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]c) elevation and ER luminal Ca2+ ([Ca2+]er) depletion in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner in NP cells. Furthermore, we observed significant increases and decreases in levels of the ER‐resident Ca2+‐release channels inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor and ryanodine receptor and ER Ca2+‐reuptake pumps sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase, respectively. Pharmacologically blocking ER Ca2+ release using Ca2+ antagonists significantly ameliorated Ca2+ dyshomeostasis, ER stress, and subsequent apoptosis in NP cells and partially attenuated the progression of IVD degeneration in vivo. These results demonstrated that impaired Ca2+ homeostasis plays an essential role in AGEs‐mediated ER stress and subsequent apoptosis in NP cells, with blockage of ER Ca2+ release partially ameliorating subcellular Ca2+ redistribution, ER stress, and apoptosis. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insight into the role of AGEs in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration and a potential therapeutic strategy.
Mutational profiling of poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma by the use of targeted next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Duan Huanli , Li Yan , Hu Peizhen , Gao Jie , Ying Jianming , Xu Wanni , Zhao Danhui , Wang Zhe , Ye Junyi , Lizaso Analyn , He Yangzhige , Wu Huanwen , Liang Zhiyong 
Published: June 2019

AimsTo characterise the mutational profiles of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) and to identify markers with potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic significance.Methods and resultsTargeted next‐generation sequencing with a panel of 18 thyroid carcinoma‐related genes was performed on tissue samples from 41 PDTC and 25 ATC patients. Genetic alterations and their correlations with clinicopathological factors, including survival outcomes, were also analysed. Our results showed that ATC had significantly higher mutation rates of BRAF, TP53, TERT and PIK3CA than PDTC (P = 0.005, P = 0.007, P = 0.005, and P = 0.033, respectively). Nine (69%) ATC cases with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) components harboured BRAF mutations, all of which coexisted with a late mutation event (TP53, TERT, or PIK3CA). Nine cases with oncogenic fusion (six RET cases, one NTRK1 case, one ALK case, and one PPARG case) were identified in 41 PDTCs, whereas only one case with oncogenic fusion (NTRK1) was found among 25 ATCs. Moreover, all six cases of RET fusion were found in PDTC with PTC components, accounting for 33%. In PDTC/ATC patients, concurrent TERT and PIK3CA mutations were associated with poor overall survival after adjustment for TNM stage (P = 0.001).ConclusionsATC with PTC components is typically characterised by a BRAF mutation with a late mutation event, whereas PDTC with PTC components is more closely correlated with RET fusion. TERT and concurrent PIK3CA mutations predict worse overall survival in PDTC/ATC patients.
Topical monomethylsilanetriol can deliver silicon to the viable skin
Authors: Polonini H. C. , Ferreira A. O. , Brandão M. A. F. , Raposo N. R. B. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveOrganic silicon has been linked to positive effects on the skin rejuvenation, mainly by the oral route. Thus, the main objective of the present study was to assess whether monomethylsilanetriol (MMST, a source of organic silicon) can deliver silicon to the epidermis and dermis, when applied topically in a cream. Once the hypothesis was confirmed, the present study also evaluated whether the product was toxic to keratinocytes; additionally, its possible antioxidant activity was assessed.MethodsThe ex vivo skin permeation profile was determined using human skin in Franz‐cells equipment; cytotoxicity was assessed using HaCaT keratinocytes. Antioxidant capacity was determined as scavenging activity, measured according to the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazil free radical method.ResultsThe permeation percentage was almost 60% of the applied MMST, with a large quantity of drug found in the viable epidermis and dermis. The cell viability assay showed no significant difference in the percentage of viable keratinocytes among the treated groups at the doses used. In terms of antioxidant activity, the IC50 value obtained was 2400 μg mL−1. Low antioxidant activity, negligible toxicity for keratinocytes and a significant percentage of permeation were observed.ConclusionWe provide evidence that MMST applied topically can deliver silicon to the skin in biorelevant levels for cosmetic purposes.
Spatially varying relationships between municipal operating expenditure and its determinants: The case of South Africa
Authors: Mulamba Kabeya C. , Tregenna Fiona 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe apply the geographically weighted regression to investigate spatial variability (nonstationarity) in the relationships between municipal operating expenditure (in total and for a separate component thereof) and the determinants of this expenditure, in South Africa. The empirical findings indicate that some of these relationships are spatially varying for the period under consideration. The global model (i.e., least square regression) cannot take account of the unequal environment in which South African municipalities operate. One implication of our findings is that a “one‐size‐fits‐all” approach in the design of policies targeting municipal finances may not be appropriate for municipalities in South Africa, and indeed in other contexts in which such heterogeneity is found. Instead, policy formulation should explicitly consider relevant differences in local conditions.
Carbon monoxide‐releasing molecule‐3 (CORM‐3) offers protection in an in vitro model of compartment syndrome
Authors: Bihari Aurelia , Chung Kyukwang (Akira) , Cepinskas Gediminas , Sanders David , Schemitsch Emil , Lawendy Abdel‐Rahman 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveLimb compartment syndrome (CS), a complication of trauma, results in muscle necrosis and cell death; ischemia and inflammation contribute to microvascular dysfunction and parenchymal injury. Carbon monoxide‐releasing molecule‐3 (CORM‐3) has been shown to protect microvascular perfusion and reduce inflammation in animal models of CS. The purpose of the study was to test the effect of CORM‐3 in human in vitro CS model, allowing exploration of the mechanism(s) of CO protection and potential development of pharmacologic treatment.MethodsConfluent human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated for 6 h with serum isolated from patients with CS. Intracellular oxidative stress (production of reactive oxygen species (ROS)) apoptosis, transendothelial resistance (TEER), polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) activation and transmigration across the monolayer in response to the CS stimulus were assessed. All experiments were performed in the presence of CORM‐3 (100 μM) or its inactive form, iCORM‐3.ResultsCS serum induced a significant increase in ROS, apoptosis and endothelial monolayer breakdown; it also increased PMN superoxide production, leukocyte rolling and adhesion/transmigration. CORM‐3 completely prevented CS‐induced ROS production, apoptosis, PMN adhesion, rolling and transmigration, while improving monolayer integrity.ConclusionCORM‐3 offers potent anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, and may have a potential application to patients at risk of developing CS.
YY males of the dioecious plant Mercurialis annua are fully viable but produce largely infertile pollen
Authors: Li Xinji , Veltsos Paris , Cossard Guillaume G. , Gerchen Jörn , Pannell John R. 
Published: June 2019

Summary

The suppression of recombination during sex‐chromosome evolution is thought to be favoured by linkage between the sex‐determining locus and sexually antagonistic loci, and leads to the degeneration of the chromosome restricted to the heterogametic sex. Despite substantial evidence for genetic degeneration at the sequence level, the phenotypic effects of the earliest stages of sex‐chromosome evolution are poorly known.

Here, we compare the morphology, viability and fertility between XY and YY individuals produced by crossing seed‐producing males in the dioecious plant Mercurialis annua, which has young sex chromosomes with limited X−Y sequence divergence.

We found no significant difference in viability or vegetative morphology between XY and YY males. However, electron microscopy revealed clear differences in pollen anatomy, and YY males were significantly poorer sires in competition with their XY counterparts. Our study suggests either that the X chromosome is required for full male fertility in M. annua, or that male fertility is sensitive to the dosage of relevant Y‐linked genes.

We discuss the possibility that the maintenance of male‐fertility genes on the X chromosome might have been favoured in recent population expansions that selected for the ability of females to produce pollen in the absence of males.
At the intersection of exocytosis and endocytosis in plants
Authors: Zhang Liang , Xing Jingjing , Lin Jinxing 
Published: June 2019

SummaryVesicle exocytosis and endocytosis control the activities and turnover of plasma membrane proteins required for signaling triggering or attenuating at the cell surface. In recent years, the diverse exocytic and endocytic trafficking pathways have been uncovered in plants. The balance between conventional and unconventional protein secretion provides an efficient strategy to respond to stress conditions. Similarly, clathrin‐dependent and ‐independent endocytosis cooperatively regulate the dynamics of membrane proteins in response to environmental cues. In fact, many aspects of plant growth and development, such as tip growth, immune response, and protein polarity establishment, involve the tight deployment of exo–endocytic trafficking. However, our understanding of their intersection is limited. Here, we discuss recent advances in the molecular factors coupling plant exo–endocytic trafficking and the biological significance of balance between exocytosis and endocytosis in plants.
Role of cis‐zeatin in root responses to phosphate starvation
Authors: Silva‐Navas Javier , Conesa Carlos M. , Saez Angela , Navarro‐Neila Sara , Garcia‐Mina Jose M. , Zamarreño Angel M. , Baigorri Roberto , Swarup Ranjan , del Pozo Juan C. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryPhosphate (Pi) is an essential nutrient for all organisms. Roots are underground organs, but the majority of the root biology studies have been done on root systems growing in the presence of light.Root illumination alters the Pi starvation response (PSR) at different intensities. Thus, we have analyzed morphological, transcriptional and physiological responses to Pi starvation in dark‐grown roots.We have identified new genes and pathways regulated by Pi starvation that were not described previously. We also show that Pi‐starved plants increase the cis‐zeatin (cZ) : trans‐zeatin (tZ) ratio. Transcriptomic analyses show thattZpreferentially represses cell cycle andPSRgenes, whereascZinduces genes involved in cell and root hair elongation and differentiation. In fact,cZ‐treated seedlings show longer root system as well as longer root hairs compared withtZ‐treated seedlings, increasing the total absorbing surface. Mutants with lowcZconcentrations do not allocate free Pi in roots during Pi starvation.We propose that Pi‐starved plants increase thecZ : tZratio to maintain basal cytokinin responses and allocate Pi in the root system to sustain its growth. Therefore,cZacts as a PSR hormone that stimulates root and root hair elongation to enlarge the root absorbing surface and to increase Pi concentrations in roots.
Skin‐resident memory T cells as a potential new therapeutic target in vitiligo and melanoma
Authors: Willemsen Marcella , Linkutė Rugile , Luiten Rosalie M. , Matos Tiago R. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTissue‐resident memory T (TRM) cells are abundant in the memory T cell pool and remain resident in peripheral tissues, such as the skin, where they act as alarm sensors or cytotoxic killers. TRM cells persist long after the pathogen is eliminated and can respond rapidly upon reinfection with the same antigen. When aberrantly activated, skin‐located TRM cells have a profound role in various skin disorders, including vitiligo and melanoma. Autoreactive TRM cells are present in human lesional vitiligo skin and mouse models of vitiligo, which suggests that targeting these cells could be effective as a durable treatment strategy for vitiligo. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that induction of melanoma‐reactive TRM cells is needed to achieve effective protection against tumor growth. This review highlights seminal reports about skin‐resident T cells, focusing mainly on their role in the context of vitiligo and melanoma, as well as their potential as therapeutic targets in both diseases.
Photochemical Properties of trans‐[Ru(NH3)4(bpa)(L)]2+ (L = py, isn, 4‐acpy or 4‐pic)
Authors: dos Santos Wagner Batista , Amorim Kelly Aparecida Encarnação , Galvão Anderson Dourado , Moraes Fabricio Tarso , Fortaleza Dario Batista , Pavanin Luiz Alfredo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPhotochemical reactions of ruthenium (II) complexes of type trans‐[Ru(NH3)4LL']2+, where L is a nitrogenous heterocyclic ligand, pyridine (py), isonicotinamide (isn), 4‐acetylpyridine (4‐acpy) or 4‐picoline (4‐pic), and L´ is a 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane (bpa) ligand, were studied with the purpose of evaluating the ligand exchange when, in solution, the complexes are irradiated at the wavelengths of 365, 436, 480 and 519 nm. The study revealed that at lower wavelengths, a labilization process is observed for py and 4‐pic ligands, even at low quantum yields, indicating the dependence of the photolabeling process on the wavelength. The study also reveals that for the filters of greater wavelength, the processes of photolabilization do not occur for any of the studied complexes. The study also shows that there are no photolization processes for the complexes obtained with the isn and 4‐acpy ligands, and it is therefore possible to classify them as nonreactive.
The Growth‐promoting Mechanism of Unusual Spectroscopic Form of LH2 (LH4) from Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009 in Low Light
Authors: Zhao Xiaolan , Zhao Chungui , Yang Suping , Luo Jiafu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe experimental evidence for the growth‐promoting mechanism and the efficiency of energy transfer (EET) of LH4 under low light are still not available. To elucidate the light adaption mechanism of LH4, we deleted the genes pucBAd involved in the synthesis of the α/β polypeptides of LH4 in Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009. Compared to wild strain, the growth rate of pucBAd mutant significantly decreased under low light, while there were no significant changes in the growth rate, the contents and compositions of photopigments, absorption spectra of cell lysates under high light. Moreover, the fluorescence quantum efficiency (FQE) was used to further compare the EET between LH2 and LH4. The FQE in LH4 increased up to 1.5‐fold than did in LH2. Collectively, this study showed that LH4 could provide more and high energetic state photons for promoting bacterial phototrophic growth in response to low‐light environment.
A Peptide YGDEY from Tilapia Gelatin Hydrolysates Inhibits UVB‐mediated Skin Photoaging by Regulating MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 Expression in HaCaT Cells
Authors: Xiao Zhenbang , Liang Peng , Chen Jiali , Chen Mei‐Fang , Gong Fang , Li Chengyong , Zhou Chunxia , Hong Pengzhi , Yang Ping , Qian Zhong‐Ji 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the protective effects of a peptide (YGDEY, Tyr‐Gly‐Asp‐Glu‐Tyr) isolated from tilapia skin gelatin hydrolysates (TGHs), against UVB‐induced photoaging in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells. Results showed that YGDEY significantly decreased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased antioxidant factors (Superoxide Dismutase, SOD and Glutathione, GSH) expression and maintained balance between GSH and GSSG in HaCaT cells. Comet assay shows that YGDEY can protect DNA from oxidative damage. Furthermore, it significantly inhibited MMP‐1 (collagenase) and MMP‐9 (gelatinase) expression and increased Type I procollagen production. In addition, the molecular docking study showed that YGDEY may form active sites with MMP‐1 and MMP‐9. Moreover, Western blot analysis was utilized to measure the protein levels of UVB‐induced mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathways. Therefore, these results suggested that YGDEY has a therapeutic effectiveness in prevention of UVB‐induced cellular damage, and it is a candidate worthy of being developed as a potential natural antioxidant and food additive.
Anticancer Photodynamic Therapy Properties of Sulfur‐Doped Graphene Quantum Dot and Methylene Blue Preparations in MCF‐7 Breast Cancer Cell Culture
Authors: Monroe Jerry D. , Belekov Ermek , Er Ali Oguz , Smith Michael E. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a field with many applications including chemotherapy. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) exhibit a variety of unique properties and can be used in PDT to generate singlet oxygen that destroys pathogenic bacteria and cancer cells. The PDT agent, methylene blue (MB), like GQDs, has been successfully exploited to destroy bacteria and cancer cells by increasing reactive oxygen species generation. Recently, combinations of GQDs and MB have been shown to destroy pathogenic bacteria via increased singlet oxygen generation. Here, we performed a spectrophotometric assay to detect and measure the uptake of GQDs, MB and several GQD‐MB combinations in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. Then, we used a cell counting method to evaluate the cytotoxicity of GQDs, MB and a 1:1 GQD:MB preparation. Singlet oxygen generation in cells was then detected and measured using singlet oxygen sensor green. The dye, H2DCFDA, was used to measure reactive oxygen species production. We found that GQD and MB uptake into MCF‐7 cells occurred, but that MB, followed by 1:1 GQD:MB, caused superior cytotoxicity and singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species generation. Our results suggest that methylene blue's effect against MCF‐7 cells is not potentiated by GQDs, either in light or dark conditions.