bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impairment of the immune response after transcuticular introduction of the insect gonadoinhibitory and hemocytotoxic peptide Neb-colloostatin: A nanotech approach for pest control
Authors: Czarniewska Elżbieta , Nowicki Patryk , Kuczer Mariola , Schroeder Grzegorz 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis article shows that nanodiamonds can transmigrate through the insect cuticle easily, and the doses used were not hemocytotoxic and did not cause inhibition of cellular and humoral immune responses in larvae, pupae and adults of Tenebrio molitor. The examination of the nanodiamond biodistribution in insect cells demonstrated the presence of nanodiamond aggregates mainly in hemocytes, where nanoparticles were efficiently collected as a result of phagocytosis. To a lesser extent, nanodiamond aggregates were also detected in fat body cells, while they were not observed in Malpighian tubule cells. We functionalized nanodiamonds with Neb-colloostatin, an insect hemocytotoxic and gonadoinhibitory peptide, and we showed that this conjugate passed through the insect cuticle into the hemolymph, where the peptide complexed with the nanodiamonds induced apoptosis of hemocytes, significantly decreased the number of hemocytes circulating in the hemolymph and inhibited cellular and humoral immune responses in all developmental stages of insects. The results indicate that it is possible to introduce a peptide that interferes with the immunity and reproduction of insects to the interior of the insect body by means of a nanocarrier. In the future, the results of these studies may contribute to the development of new pest control agents.
Sperm-borne miR-216b modulates cell proliferation during early embryo development via K-RAS
Authors: Alves Maíra Bianchi Rodrigues , de Arruda Rubens Paes , De Bem Tiago Henrique Camara , Florez-Rodriguez Shirley Andrea , Sá Filho Manoel Francisco de , Belleannée Clémence , Meirelles Flávio Vieira , da Silveira Juliano Coelho , Perecin Felipe , Celeghini Eneiva Carla Carvalho 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSemen fertilizing potential is dependent upon the morphological, functional and molecular attributes of sperm. Sperm microRNAs (miRNAs) were recently shown to hold promise regarding their association with different fertility phenotypes. However, their role in fertility regulation remains to be determined. We postulated that sperm miRNAs might regulate early embryonic development. From this perspective, sperm quality and 380 sperm miRNAs were investigated in frozen–thawed semen from high (HF; 54.3 ± 1.0% pregnancy rate) and low (LF; 41.5 ± 2.3%) fertility bulls. Out of nine miRNAs that showed different levels in sperm cells, miR-216b was present at lower levels in HF sperm cells and zygotes. Among miR-216b target genes (K-RAS,BECN1andJUN),K-RAS, related to cell proliferation, revealed a higher level in HF two-cell embryos. First cleavage rate, blastocyst cell number and division number were also higher in HF. In addition, by using a model based on polyspermy embryos, we demonstrated an increase in miR-216b levels in zygotes associated with sperm cell entry. Our results shed light on a possible mechanism of paternal contribution involving sperm-borne miR-216b that modulates levels of miR-216b in zygotes andK-RASin two-cell embryos. This modulation might regulate early development by interfering with the first cleavage and blastocyst quality.
Establishment and equilibrium levels of deleterious mutations in large populations
Authors: Viljoen Johan W. , de Villiers J. Pieter , van Zyl Augustinus J. , Mezzavilla Massimo , Pepper Michael S. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAnalytical and statistical stochastic approaches are used to model the dispersion of monogenic variants through large populations. These approaches are used to quantify the magnitude of the selective advantage of a monogenic heterozygous variant in the presence of a homozygous disadvantage. Dunbar’s results regarding the cognitive upper limit of the number of stable social relationships that humans can maintain are used to determine a realistic effective community size from which an individual can select mates. By envisaging human community structure as a network where social proximity rather than physical geography predominates, a significant simplification is achieved, implicitly accounting for the effects of migration and consanguinity, and with population structure and genetic drift becoming emergent features of the model. Effective community size has a dramatic effect on the probability of establishing beneficial alleles. It also affects the eventual equilibrium values that are reached in the case of variants conferring a heterozygous selective advantage, but a homozygous disadvantage, as in the case of cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. The magnitude of this selective advantage can then be estimated based on observed occurrence levels of a specific allele in a population, without requiring prior information regarding its phenotypic manifestation.
Increase of isoflavones in the aglycone form in soybeans by targeted crossings of cultivated breeding material
Authors: Miladinović Jegor , Đorđević Vuk , Balešević-Tubić Svetlana , Petrović Kristina , Ćeran Marina , Cvejić Jelena , Bursać Mira , Miladinović Dragana 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIsoflavones are a group of phytoestrogens, naturally-occurring substances important for their role in human health. Legumes, particularly soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), are the richest source of isoflavones in human diet. Since there is not much current data on genetics of isoflavones in soybean, particularly in the aglycone form, elucidation of the mode of inheritance is necessary in order to design an efficient breeding strategy for the development of high-isoflavone soybean genotypes. Based on the isoflavone content in 23 samples of soybeans from four different maturity groups (00, 0, I and II), three crosses were made in order to determine the inheritance pattern and increase the content of total isoflavones and their aglycone form. Genotype with the lowest total isoflavone content (NS-L-146) was crossed with the low- (NS Zenit), medium (NS Maximus), and high- (NS Virtus) isoflavone genotypes. There were no significant differences in the total isoflavone content (TIF) between F2 populations, and there was no transgression among genotypes within the populations. Each genotype within all three populations had a higher TIF value than the lower parent (NS-L-146), while genotypes with a higher TIF value than the better parent were found only in the NS-L-146 × NS Zenit cross. However, significant differences in the aglycone ratio (ratio of aglycone to glycone form of isoflavones) were found between the populations. The highest aglycone ratio was found in the NS-L-146 × NS Maximus cross. The results indicate that the genetic improvement for the trait is possible.
Diversity of culture-independent bacteria and antimicrobial activity of culturable endophytic bacteria isolated from different Dendrobium stems
Authors: Wang Shan-Shan , Liu Jia-Meng , Sun Jing , Sun Yu-Feng , Liu Jia-Ni , Jia Ning , Fan Bei , Dai Xiao-Feng 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDendrobium is known for its pharmacological actions including anti-cancer effect, anti-fatigue effect, gastric ulcer protective effect, and so on. At present, only studies on endophytic fungi of Dendrobium affecting the metabolites of host plants have been reported, very little research has been done on endophytic bacteria. In this study, we have demonstrated the great diversity of endophytic bacteria in 6 Dendrobium samples from different origins and cultivars. According to the results of the culture-independent method, the endophytic bacterial community in Dendrobium stems showed obvious different in the 6 samples and was influenced by origin and cultivar. Some bacteria including Ralstonia, Comamonas and Lelliottia were first detected in Dendrobium in this study. Based on the culture-dependent method, a total of 165 cultivable endophytic bacteria isolates were isolated from the sterilized Dendrobium stems, and were classified into 43 species according to the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Moreover, 14 of the 43 strains showed antimicrobial activity against phytopathogen using the Kirby-Bauer method. Strain NA-HTong-7 (Bacillus megaterium, 99.12%) showed the highest antimicrobial activity. This study was the first comprehensive study on endophytic bacteria of Dendrobium from different origins and cultivars, which provides new insights into the endophytic bacteria from Dendrobium.
Methylated Septin 9 and Carcinoembryonic Antigen for Serological Diagnosis and Monitoring of Patients with Colorectal Cancer After Surgery
Authors: Ma Zhi Yao , Law Wai Lun , Ng Enders Kai On , Chan Cherry Sze Yan , Lau Kam Shing , Cheng Yuen Yee , Shin Vivian Yvonne , Kwong Ava , Leung Wai K. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWith the increasing incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC), early and accurate diagnosis is of paramount priority to combat this cancer. Epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation are innovative biomarkers for CRC, due to their stability, frequency, and accessibility in bodily fluids. In this study, blood samples were prospectively collected from patients before and after operation for CRC for determination of methylated septin 9 (mSEPT9) and compared to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The sensitivity of using mSEPT9 methylation status for diagnosing CRC was significantly higher than using elevated CEA levels (73.2% vs 48.2%; p value < 0.001). The sensitivities of both tests increased with higher tumor staging (P = 0.004 and 0.04 respectively). Combined mSEPT9 and CEA had higher accuracy than single CEA or mSEPT9 (P = 0.009 and 0.532 separately). An increase in the methylation level of mSEPT9 detected in the post-operative samples was associated with a higher mortality rate (15.2% vs 1.8%; P = 0.024) and the presence of metastasis (27.3% vs 7.0%; P = 0.013). mSEPT9 was more sensitive than CEA for diagnosing CRC, and combined mSEPT9 and CEA was more accurate. After curative resection, detection of increased mSEPT9 methylation level may indicate adverse outcomes.
Serum miRNAs are differentially altered by ethanol and caffeine consumption in rats
Authors: Martinez M. , Rossetto I. M. U. , Arantes R. M. S. , Lizarte F. S. N. , Tirapelli L. F. , Tirapelli D. P. C. , Chuffa L. G. A. , Martinez F. E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAlcoholism is a multifactorial disease with high risk for dependence determined by genetic background, environmental factors and neuroadaptations. The excessive consumption of this substance is related to psychiatric problems, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, cirrhosis and cancers. Caffeine is one of the most popular psychostimulants currently consumed in the world. The combination of ethanol and caffeine ingested by consuming “energy drinks” is becoming increasingly popular among young people. We analyzed the effect of simultaneous consumption of ethanol and caffeine on the serum profile of miRNAs differentially expressed in the ethanol-drinking rat model (UChB strain). Adult rats were divided into three groups (n = 5 per group): UChB group (rats fed with 1 : 10 (v/v) ethanol ad libitum); UChB + caffeine group (rats fed with 1 : 10 (v/v) ethanol ad libitum + 3 g L−1 of caffeine); control group (rats drinking water used as the control for UChB). The treatment with caffeine occurred from day 95 to 150 days old, totalizing 55 days of ethanol + caffeine ingestion. The expressions of microRNAs (miR) -9-3p, -15b-5p, -16-5p, -21-5p, -200a-3p and -222-3p were detected by Real Time-PCR (RT-PCR). The expressions of miR-9-3p, -15b-5p, -16-5p and -222-3p were upregulated in the UChB group. Conversely, simultaneous ingestion of ethanol and caffeine significantly reversed these expressions to similar levels to control animals, thus emphasizing that caffeine had a protective effect in the presence of ethanol. In addition, miR-21-5p was downregulated with ethanol consumption whereas miR-222-3p was unchanged. Ethanol and caffeine consumption was capable of altering serum miRNAs, which are potential biomarkers for the systemic effects of these addictive substances.
Eukaryotic initiation factor 3, subunit C silencing inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in human ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Wen Fang , Wu Zhang-Ying , Nie Lei , Zhang Qi-Zhu , Qin Yuan-Kun , Zhou Zun-lun , Wu Jin-Jian , Zhao Xing , Tan Jun , Sawmiller Darrell , Zi Dan 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of death among all gynaecological cancers, illustrating the urgent need to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in this disease. Eukaryotic initiation factor 3c (EIF3c) plays an important role in protein translation and cancer cell growth and proliferation, but its role in human ovarian cancer is unclear. Our results showed that EIF3c silencing significantly up-regulated 217 and down-regulated 340 genes. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) indicated that the top differentially expressed genes are involved in ‘Classical Pathways’, ‘Diseases and Functions’ and ‘Networks’, especially those involved in signalling and cellular growth and proliferation. In addition, eIF3c silencing inhibited cellular proliferation, enhanced apoptosis and regulated the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins. In conclusion, these results indicate that by dysregulating translational initiation, eIF3c plays an important role in the proliferation and survival of human ovarian cancer cells. These results should provide experimental directions for further in-depth studies on important human ovarian cancer cell pathways.
Adaptive innate immunity or innate adaptive immunity?
Authors: Černý Jan , Stříž Ilja 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe innate immunity is frequently accepted as a first line of relatively primitive defense interfering with the pathogen invasion until the mechanisms of ‘privileged’ adaptive immunity with the production of antibodies and activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes ‘steal the show’. Recent advancements on the molecular and cellular levels have shaken the traditional view of adaptive and innate immunity. The innate immune memory or ‘trained immunity’ based on metabolic changes and epigenetic reprogramming is a complementary process insuring adaptation of host defense to previous infections.Innate immune cells are able to recognize large number of pathogen- or danger- associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs) to behave in a highly specific manner and regulate adaptive immune responses. Innate lymphoid cells (ILC1, ILC2, ILC3) and NK cells express transcription factors and cytokines related to subsets of T helper cells (Th1, Th2, Th17). On the other hand, T and B lymphocytes exhibit functional properties traditionally attributed to innate immunity such as phagocytosis or production of tissue remodeling growth factors. They are also able to benefit from the information provided by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), e.g. γδT lymphocytes use T-cell receptor (TCR) in a manner close to PRR recognition. Innate B cells represent another example of limited combinational diversity usage participating in various innate responses. In the view of current knowledge, the traditional black and white classification of immune mechanisms as either innate or an adaptive needs to be adjusted and many shades of gray need to be included.
Endothelial progenitor cell-derived exosomes facilitate vascular endothelial cell repair through shuttling miR-21-5p to modulate Thrombospondin-1 expression
Authors: Hu Hui , Wang Boshi , Jiang Chunyu , Li Ruiting , Zhao Jungong 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: Our previous studies observed that administration of exosomes from endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) facilitated vascular repair in the rat model of balloon injury. However, the molecular events underlying this process remain elusive. Here, we aim to interrogate the key miRNAs within EPC-derived exosomes (EPC-exosomes) responsible for the activation of endothelial cell (EC) repair. Methods: The efficacy of EPC-exosomes in re-endothelialization was examined by Evans Blue dye and histological examination in the rat model of balloon-induced carotid artery injury. The effects of EPC-exosomes on human vascular EC (HUVEC) were also studied by evaluating the effects on growth, migratory and tube formation. To dissect the underlying mechanism, RNA-sequencing assays were performed to determine miRNA abundance in exosomes and mRNA profiles in exosome-treated HUVECs. Meanwhile, in vitro loss of function assays identified an exosomal miRNA and its target gene in EC, which engaged in EPC-exosomes-induced EC repair. Results: Administration of EPC-exosomes potentiated re-endothelialization in the early phase after endothelial damage in the rat carotid artery. The uptake of exogenous EPC-exosomes intensified HUVEC in proliferation rate, migration and tube-forming ability. Integrative analyses of miRNA–mRNA interactions revealed that miR-21-5p was highly enriched in EPC-exosomes and specifically suppressed the expression of an angiogenesis inhibitor Thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) in the recipient EC. The following functional studies demonstrated a fundamental role of miR-21-5p in the pro-angiogenic activities of EPC-exosomes. Conclusions: The present work highlights a critical event for the regulation of EC behavior by EPC-exosomes, which EPC-exosomes may deliver miR-21-5p and inhibit THBS1 expression to promote EC repair.
Diagnostik und Therapie des Pankreaskarzinoms
Authors: Demir Ihsan Ekin , Schlag Christoph , Abbassi Rami , Algül Hana , Braren Rickmer , Ceyhan Güralp O. 
Published: July 2019

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDas Pankreaskarzinom weist eine weltweit steigende Inzidenz auf, wobei die Gründe hierfür bis dato nicht bekannt sind. Die NCCN-Leitlinie von 2017 empfiehlt zur Diagnose und Beurteilung der Resektabilität des pankreatischen duktalen Adenokarzinoms (PDAC) die Computertomografie (CT) als primäre Bildgebung. Bei fehlendem Nachweis und Verdacht eines Tumors wird die Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT) zur Abklärung kleiner Tumoren sowie zur Diagnostik einer eventuellen Lebermetastasierung empfohlen. Durch den Einsatz von neoadjuvanten Chemotherapieregimes konnte die Anzahl der insgesamt resezierbaren Tumoren deutlich gesteigert und somit auch die Prognose dramatisch verbessert werden. Inzwischen sind neue Therapiekonzepte etabliert, die zu einer signifikanten Verbesserung der Prognose beim inoperablen Pankreaskarzinom in der palliativen Situation geführt haben. Im Rahmen der Erkrankung mit einem Pankreaskarzinom kann es zu einer Verlegung der Gallenwege und konsekutiv zu Cholestase und Cholangitis kommen. In einem solchen Fall sollte, sofern möglich, der Galleabfluss wiederhergestellt werden. Eine adäquate Therapieoption stellt hierbei die Durchführung einer ERCP mit Stentanlage dar. Auch bei Obstruktion des Duodenums ist eine endoskopische Stentanlage zur Wiederherstellung der Passage eine Option.
Preoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes May Help Predict Discharge Disposition after Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Karia Raj , Novikov David , Gotlin Matthew , Feng James E. , Anoushiravani Afshin A. , Slover James D. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPatient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments are measures that allow for a standardized assessment of a patient's functional status, symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) through self-reported questionnaires. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between PRO scores, which measure patients' preoperative pain and functional status, and discharge disposition in the total hip arthroplasty (THA) population. The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients with a primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis who underwent THA at a single, urban, tertiary care center between September 2013 and August 2016. Patient demographics and preoperative PRO scores (Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [HOOS] and EuroQol 5-Dimension [EQ-5D] questionnaire) were collected, and discharge disposition was categorized into the following two cohorts: THA recipients discharged to home and those discharged to a postacute care facility. When comparing PRO scores between the two groups, patients discharged home were found to have significantly higher average preoperative global EQ-5D, EQ-5D-QoL, HOOS activities of daily living (ADL), HOOS pain, HOOS sports, and HOOS symptoms scores. Patients discharged home trended toward higher HOOS QoL scores (28.1 vs. 22.6%), but this did not achieve significance (p < 0.08). The authors found a significant relationship between patients' baseline PRO scores and discharge disposition following THA. Patients discharged home had significantly higher preoperative PRO scores as measured by EQ-5D and HOOS. This demonstrates that patients with lower baseline PRO scores, indicating lower baseline function, may require additional care following surgery. These scores provide surgeons with an objective parameter that can assist in the planning and coordination of postoperative care. This study was a level III retrospective cohort.
TCR–pMHC kinetics under force in a cell-free system show no intrinsic catch bond, but a minimal encounter duration before binding
Authors: Limozin Laurent , Bridge Marcus , Bongrand Pierre , Dushek Omer , van der Merwe Philip Anton , Robert Philippe 
Published: July 2019

Significance
T lymphocytes use their T cell receptors (TCRs) to discriminate between similar peptide-MHC (pMHC) antigens. The mechanisms employed to achieve this discrimination are debated. The TCR–pMHC interaction is subjected to forces, and recent work in live T cells has suggested that force paradoxically increases TCR–pMHC bond lifetimes for activating peptides, forming so-called “catch bonds,” facilitating discrimination from nonactivating peptides. A question is whether this behavior is intrinsic to the TCR–pMHC bond or a cellular response. We measured TCR–pMHC lifetimes under force in a cell-free system: lifetimes correlated well with activation potency of the TCR–pMHC bonds, while no catch bonds were observed. However, a minimum encounter duration is necessary for bond formation, which could increase specificity.
Solving the one-dimensional Ising chain via mathematical induction: an intuitive approach to the transfer matrix
Authors: Wang Wenlong , Díaz-Méndez Rogelio , Capdevila Raudys 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The aim of this work is to present a formulation to solve the one-dimensional Ising model using the elementary technique of mathematical induction. This formulation is physically clear and leads to the same partition function form as the transfer matrix method, which is a common subject in the introductory courses of statistical mechanics. In this way our formulation is a useful tool to complement the traditional more abstract transfer matrix method. The method can be straightforwardly generalised to other short-range chains, coupled chains and is also computationally friendly. These two approaches provide a more complete understanding of the system, and therefore our work can be of broad interest for undergraduate teaching in statistical mechanics.