bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An engineered arginine-rich α-helical antimicrobial peptide exhibits broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against pathogenic bacteria and reduces bacterial infections in mice
Authors: Yang Chin-Hao , Chen Yi-Cheng , Peng Shih-Yi , Tsai Andy Po-Yi , Lee Tony Jer-Fu , Yen Jui-Hung , Liou Je-Wen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe increase in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a major public health concern. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as promising candidates addressing this issue. In this study, we designed several AMPs by increasing α-helical contents and positive charges and optimizing hydrophobicity and amphipathicity in the Sushi 1 peptide from horseshoe crabs. A neural network–based bioinformatic prediction tool was used for the first stage evaluations of peptide properties. Among the peptides designed, Sushi-replacement peptide (SRP)-2, an arginine-rich and highly α-helical peptide, showed broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii; nevertheless, it showed little hemolytic and cytotoxic activity against mammalian cells. Atomic force microscopy results indicated that SRP-2 should interact directly with cell membrane components, resulting in bacterial cell death. SRP-2 also neutralized LPS-induced macrophage activation. Moreover, in an intraperitoneal multidrug-resistant A. baumannii infection mouse model, SRP-2 successfully reduced the bacterial number in ascitic fluid and tumor necrosis factor-α production. Our study findings demonstrate that bioinformatic calculations can be powerful tools to help design potent AMPs and that arginine is superior to lysine for providing positive charges for AMPs to exhibit better bactericidal activity and selectivity against bacterial cells.
Paradoxical positive association of serum adiponectin with all-cause mortality based on body composition in Japanese haemodialysis patients
Authors: Machiba Yuri , Inaba Masaaki , Mori Katsuhito , Kurajoh Masafumi , Nishide Kozo , Norimine Kyoko , Yamakawa Tomoyuki , Shoji Shigeichi , Okuno Senji 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe have previously reported a paradoxical association of serum adiponectin with aortic calcification in haemodialysis patients. Because serum adiponectin is a nutritional marker, we examined the association between serum adiponectin and all-cause mortality based on body composition in haemodialysis patients. The trunk and total body fat were determined. The patients were divided into two groups based on serum adiponectin levels. In Kaplan–Meier analysis, the higher adiponectin group showed higher mortality than the lower adiponectin group. Serum adiponectin showed an inverse correlation with the percentage of truncal fat, suggesting serum adiponectin as an inverse marker for adiposity in haemodialysis patients. However, even after adjustment for other factors, multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis identified higher serum adiponectin as an independent factor positively associated with higher mortality in haemodialysis patients. This association held true even when the total fat mass was replaced with the percentage of truncal fat, and when total fat mass and percentage of truncal fat were simultaneously included. Thus, we found a paradoxical association of higher serum adiponectin with higher all-cause mortality in Japanese haemodialysis patients, independent of adiposity.
Ecological conditions drive pace-of-life syndromes by shaping relationships between life history, physiology and behaviour in two populations of Eastern mosquitofish
Authors: Polverino Giovanni , Santostefano Francesca , Díaz-Gil Carlos , Mehner Thomas 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe pace-of-life syndrome (POLS) hypothesis predicts variation in behaviour and physiology among individuals to be associated with variation in life history. Thus, individuals on the “fast” end of POLS continuum grow faster, exhibit higher metabolism, are more risk prone, but die earlier than ones on the “slow” end. Empirical support is nevertheless mixed and modelling studies suggested POLS to vary along selection gradients. Therefore, including ecological variation when testing POLS is vastly needed to determine whether POLS is a fixed construct or the result of specific selection processes. Here, we tested POLS predictions between and within two fish populations originating from different ecological conditions. We observed opposing life histories between populations, characterized by differential investments into growth, fecundity, and functional morphology under identical laboratory conditions. A slower life history was, on average, associated with boldness (latency to emergence from a refuge), high activity (short freezing time and long distance travelled), and increased standard metabolism. Correlation structures among POLS traits were not consistent between populations, with the expression of POLS observed in the slow-growing but not in the fast-growing population. Our results suggest that POLS traits can evolve independently from one another and that their coevolution depends upon specific ecological processes.
Hydrogen sulfide limits neutrophil transmigration, inflammation, and oxidative burst in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Faller Simone , Hausler Florian , Goeft Andreas , von Itter Marc-Nicolas André , Gyllenram Veronica , Hoetzel Alexander , Spassov Sashko G. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTransmigration and activation of neutrophils in the lung reflect key steps in the progression of acute lung injury (ALI). It is known that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can limit neutrophil activation, but the respective mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we aimed to examine the underlying pathways in pulmonary inflammation. In vivo, C57BL/6N mice received the H2S slow releasing compound GYY4137 prior to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhalation. LPS challenge led to pulmonary injury, inflammation, and neutrophil transmigration that were inhibited in response to H2S pretreatment. Moreover, H2S reduced mRNA expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and its receptor in lung tissue, as well as the accumulation of MIP-2 and interleukin-1β in the alveolar space. In vitro, GYY4137 did not exert toxic effects on Hoxb8 neutrophils, but prevented their transmigration through an endothelial barrier in the presence and absence of MIP-2. In addition, the release of MIP-2 and reactive oxygen species from LPS-stimulated Hoxb8 neutrophils were directly inhibited by H2S. Taken together, we provide first evidence that H2S limits lung neutrophil sequestration upon LPS challenge. As proposed underlying mechanisms, H2S prevents neutrophil transmigration through the inflamed endothelium and directly inhibits pro-inflammatory as well as oxidative signalling in neutrophils. Subsequently, H2S pretreatment ameliorates LPS-induced ALI.
Surfactant/organic solvent free single-step engineering of hybrid graphene-Pt/TiO2 nanostructure: Efficient photocatalytic system for the treatment of wastewater coming from textile industries
Authors: Ghouri Zafar Khan , Elsaid Khaled , Abdala Ahmed , Al-Meer Saeed , Barakat Nasser A. M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this study, hybrid graphene-Pt/TiO2 nanostructure were synthesized by single-step, inexpensive and surfactant/organic solvent free route; hydrothermal technique. The physicochemical properties of hybrid graphene-Pt/TiO2 nanostructure were carefully analyzed by multiple techniques, including X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The synthesized hybrid nanostructures were utilized as photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under natural environment at average ambient temperature and mean daily global solar radiation, of about 22–25 °C and 374.9 mWh/cm2, respectively. The activity performance indicated considerable degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye and was in the following order Gr (13%), TiO2 (60%) and hybrid graphene-Pt/TiO2 nanostructure (90%) over 21 min under the natural light illumination. The physiochemical characterization suggests that, the tightly attached metalized TiO2 nanoparticles (Pt-TiO2) on the high surface area graphene sheets improved utilization of visible light and increased separation and transfer of photo-excited electron (ē) hole (h+) pairs. Notably, the hybrid graphene-Pt/TiO2 nanostructure exhibited an excellent cyclic stability for methylene blue (MB) dye removal. Finally, the kinetic behavior indicated that the photocatalytic degradation reaction of the dye obeyed the pseudo-first order (Langmuir-Hinshelwood) kinetics model.
Response of surface ozone over the continental United States to UV radiation declines from the expected recovery of stratospheric ozone
Authors: Hodzic A. , Madronich S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe response of surface ozone concentrations to decreases in ultraviolet (UV) radiation that are expected from the recovery of stratospheric ozone by the end of the twenty-first century is examined with the regional WRF–Chem model. The study is performed over the continental United States for the summer of 2010 at 12 km horizontal resolution which, compared to previous studies, allows a better separation of chemical regimes that exhibit opposite responses to UV radiation changes. Our results show that on the regional scale, surface ozone is expected to increase by 0.5 to 1 ppb due to its slower destruction, while the opposite can be seen in the vicinity of some urban centers where ozone concentrations could decrease by up to 1 ppb due to its slower photochemical production. Geographic overlay with population shows however a relatively small net increase in exposure of ~ 0.4 ppb, with an asymmetric distribution characterized by some disbenefit to the majority of the US population and a benefit to a relatively small fraction (~4%) of population.
Accessible and distinct decoquinate derivatives active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and apicomplexan parasites
Authors: Beteck Richard M. , Seldon Ronnett , Coertzen Dina , van der Watt Mariëtte E. , Reader Janette , Mackenzie Jared S. , Lamprecht Dirk A. , Abraham Matthew , Eribez Korina , Müller Joachim , Rui Feng , Zhu Guang , de Grano Ruel Valerio , Williams Ian D. , Smit Frans J. , Steyn Adrie J. C. , Winzeler Elizabeth A. , Hemphill Andrew , Birkholtz Lyn-Marie , Warner Digby F. , N’Da David D. , Haynes Richard K. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe quinolone decoquinate is coadministered with feed for treatment of parasites which cause coccidiosis in poultry. However, from a drug-development perspective, the biological activity is often not adequately exploited due to poor physicochemical properties. Here we convert decoquinate into N-alkyl quinolone amides that, in contrast to decoquinate, are active against the tuberculosis bacterium with MIC90 values ranging from 1.4 to 3.64 µM, and quinoline O-carbamates active against apicomplexan parasites that cause malaria, toxoplasmosis, and neosporosis with IC50 values of 0.32–1.5 nM for the best derivative. Uniquely for the TB-active amides, disruption of cell wall homoeostasis is identified as one target. With IC50 values against fetal lung fibroblast cells of 40 to >100 μM, the derivatives are selective for the pathogens. Structures of the most active derivatives are determined by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Analogues lacking the decyl side chain of decoquinate are inactive.
Thalidomide-type teratogenicity: structure–activity relationships for congeners
Authors: Smith R. L. , Mitchell S. C. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Unravelling the molecular basis of thalidomide embryotoxicity, which is remarkably species–specific, is challenging in view of its low toxicity in the mature animal. Employing data derived solely from proven sensitive primate species or susceptible strains of rabbit, the structure–activity relationship of over 50 compounds which are, arguably, congeners of thalidomide has been reviewed. The molecular requirement for ‘thalidomide-type’ teratogenicity was highly structure dependent. Both the phthalimide and glutarimide groups were essential for embryopathic activity, although minor substitutions in either or both rings could be tolerated without a loss of toxicity. An α-linkage between the two cyclic structures was essential; a β-link resulted in a complete loss of embryopathic activity. Crucially, this α-configuration provided a centre of asymmetry enabling the existence of stereoisomers. The thalidomide molecule is not a static entity and under physiological conditions it undergoes a number of intra- and inter-molecular reactions. Besides irreversible hydrolysis, its keto–enol tautomerism, base-assisted proton transfer and glutarimide ring rotation lead to rapid interconversion of the thalidomide enantiomers. These enantiomers form equilibria between themselves and also between both homochiral and heterochiral dimers. It is proposed that the more energetically favourable and stable heterochiral dimer of thalidomide is an active agent that possesses the structural features of the paired nucleotides of the double-stranded DNA. Its capacity to enter into hydrogen bonding interactions affects DNA expression in a chaotic manner without causing permanent mutations. This disruption may well be concentrated at nucleotide sites known to be involved in specific promoter regions of the genome.
Unveiling the environment and faint features of the isolated galaxy CIG 96 with deep optical and HI observations
Authors: Ramírez-Moreta P. , Verdes-Montenegro L. , Blasco-Herrera J. , Leon S. , Venhola A. , Yun M. , Peris V. , Peletier R. , Verdoes Kleijn G. , Unda-Sanzana E. , Espada D. , Bosma A. , Athanassoula E. , Argudo-Fernández M. , Sabater J. , Muñoz-Mateos J. C. , Jones M. G. , Huchtmeier W. , Ruiz J. E. , Iglesias-Páramo J. , Fernández-Lorenzo M. , Beckman J. , Sánchez-Expósito S. , Garrido J. 
Published: September 2018

Context. Asymmetries in atomic hydrogen (HI) in galaxies are often caused by the interaction with close companions, making isolated galaxies an ideal framework to study secular evolution. The AMIGA project has demonstrated that isolated galaxies show the lowest level of asymmetry in their HI integrated profiles compared to even field galaxies, yet some present significant asymmetries. CIG 96 (NGC 864) is a representative case reaching a 16% level.
Aims. Our aim is to investigate the HI asymmetries of the spiral galaxy CIG 96 and what processes have triggered the star-forming regions observed in the XUV pseudo-ring.
Methods. We performed deep optical observations at CAHA1.23m, CAHA2.2m and VST (OmegaCAM wide-field camera) telescopes. We reach surface brightness (SB) limits of μCAHA2.2m = 27.5 mag arcsec−2 (Cousins R) and μVST = 28.7 mag arcsec−2 (SDSS r) that show the XUV pseudo-ring of the galaxy in detail. Additionally, a wavelet filtering of the HI data cube from our deep observations with VLA/EVLA telescope allowed us to reach a column density of NHI = 8.9 × 1018 cm−2 (5σ) (28″ × 28″ beam), lower than in any isolated galaxy.
Results. We confirm that the HI of CIG 96 extends farther than 4 × r25 in all directions. Furthermore, we detect for the first time two gaseous structures (∼106 M⊙) in the outskirts. The SDSS g - r colour index image from CAHA1.23m shows extremely blue colours in certain regions of the pseudo-ring where NHI > 8.5 × 1020 cm−2, whereas the rest show red colours. Galactic cirrus contaminate the field, setting an unavoidable detection limit at 28.5 mag arcsec−2 (SDSS r).
Conclusions. At the current SB and NHI levels, we detect no stellar link within 1° × 1° or gaseous link within 40′ × 40′ between CIG 96 and any companion. The isolation criteria rule out interactions with other similar-sized galaxies for at least ∼2.7 Gyr. Using existing stellar evolution models, the age of the pseudo-ring is estimated at 1 Gyr or older. Undetected previously accreted companions and cold gas accretion remain as the main hypothesis to explain the optical pseudo-ring and HI features of CIG 96.
Diffuse interstellar bands in the H II region M17
Authors: Ramírez-Tannus M. C. , Cox N. L. J. , Kaper L. , de Koter A. 
Published: September 2018

Context. Diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) are broad absorption features measured in sightlines probing the diffuse interstellar medium. Although large carbon-bearing molecules have been proposed as the carriers producing DIBs, their identity remains unknown. DIBs make an important contribution to the extinction curve; the sightline to the young massive star-forming region M17 shows anomalous extinction in the sense that the total-to-selective extinction parameter (RV) differs significantly from the average Galactic value and may reach values RV > 4. Anomalous DIBs have been reported in the sightline towards Herschel 36 (RV = 5.5), in the massive star-forming region M8. Higher values of RV have been associated with a relatively higher fraction of large dust grains in the line of sight.
Aims. Given the high RV values, we investigate whether the DIBs in sightlines towards young OB stars in M17 show a peculiar behaviour.
Methods. We measure the properties of the most prominent DIBs in M17 and study these as a function of E(B–V) and RV. We also analyse the gaseous and dust components contributing to the interstellar extinction.
Results. The DIB strengths in M17 concur with the observed relations between DIB equivalent width and reddening E(B–V) in Galactic sightlines. For several DIBs we discover a linear relation between the normalised DIB strength EW/AV and RV−1. These trends suggest two groups of DIBs: (i) a group of ten moderately strong DIBs that show a sensitivity to changes in RV that is modest and proportional to DIB strength, and (ii) a group of four very strong DIBs that react sensitively and to a similar degree to changes in RV, but in a way that does not appear to depend on DIB strength.
Conclusions. DIB behaviour as a function of reddening is not peculiar in sightlines to M17. Also, we do not detect anomalous DIB profiles like those seen in Herschel 36. DIBs are stronger, per unit visual extinction, in sightlines characterised by a lower value of RV, i.e. those sightlines that contain a relatively large fraction of small dust particles. New relations between extinction normalised DIB strengths, EW/AV, and RV support the idea that DIB carriers and interstellar dust are intimately connected. Furthermore, given the distinct behaviour of two groups of DIBs, different types of carriers do not necessarily relate to the dust grains in a similar way.
Early Growth Hormone Intervention Improves Glucose Metabolism in Adult Rats Born Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Wang Yingmin , Zhu Weifen , Chen Lianhui , Liang Li 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Background Small for gestational age (SGA) due to intrauterine malnourishment is closely related to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Growth Hormone (GH) treatment has been demonstrated to influence metabolic parameters and islet function of SGA individuals. The present study demonstrates the effects of early GH treatment on glucose tolerance and expression of pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1) of SGA rats during adulthood.
Methods SGA rat model was induced by restricting food intake during pregnancy. GH or normal saline was administered during postnatal days 21–35 of SGA rats and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) rats, respectively.
Results In early adulthood (postnatal day 70), as compared to AGA rats, SGA rats showed: (1) decreased body weight; (2) increased postprandial blood glucose; and (3) down-regulated Pdx1 with increased histone deacetylase (HDAC) and down-regulated histone H3-lysine 4 methyltransferase SET7/9. Exogenous GH administration led to a restoration of body weight and normalized glucose tolerance due to an enhanced Pdx1 expression, accompanied by decreased HDAC and up-regulated SET7/9 in SGA rats in early adulthood.
Conclusion Our results demonstrate positive effects on glucose metabolism by an early and short GH treatment in SGA adulthood.
Angiopoietin-like 8 Improves Insulin Resistance and Attenuates
Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Luo Deng , Chen Xiaolin , Yang Wenqiang , Ran Wenzhuo , Wen Zhongyuan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAngiopoietin-like 8 (ANGPTL8) is closely linked to obesity-associated
metabolic diseases and insulin resistance. The aim of the current study was
to investigate the ability of ANGPTL8 to reverse insulin resistance in obese
mice. The administration of ANGPTL8 reduced weight gain and improved glucose
tolerance in mice with diet-induced obesity. In addition, ANGPTL8
administration modified macrophage infiltration, reduced monocyte
chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)
levels, and increased adiponectin gene expression in inguinal white adipose
tissue (iWAT). Moreover, the exposure of a cultured peritoneal macrophage
line to ANGPTL8 reduced the mRNA expression of M1 macrophage markers
(TNF-α and IL-1β) upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharides
in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, when incubated with IL-4, exposure
of macrophages to ANGPTL8 increased the mRNA expression of M2 macrophage
markers (Arg1 and Chi3l3) in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, the
results of the present study demonstrated that treatment with ANGPTL8 can
attenuate adipose tissue inflammation through regulation of macrophage
polarization, and thus, it could be useful for improving insulin
resistance.
Gluten-Free Diet: Always as Easy, Useful, and Healthy as People Think?
Authors: Flores Quan Cinthia , Redecillas Ferreiro Susana , Segarra Cantón Oscar 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA diet free of wheat and other gluten-containing foods is followed by individuals with celiac disease and by unaffected persons. Although the evidence and pathophysiology of gluten-induced symptoms are well established in celiac disease, they are still limited in non-celiac patients. At present, a gluten-free diet is often seen as a healthy lifestyle change instead of an adequate dietary therapy required for a specific condition. Consequently, the market for gluten-free products is steadily growing and improving; in fact, pseudocereals and genetically modified foods and crops are gaining importance in attempts to cover the dietary and nutritional needs of a population that demands it. There is currently interest not only in modifying crops to improve their agronomic traits and product flavor and appearance, but also to improve the nutritional content of crops and/or to silence certain genes with greater risk of allergenicity. However, the gluten-free diet trend is not hazard free, and many people can end up struggling with dietary disorders after making this decision. Therefore, we should be familiar with and take into account the potential shortage of certain nutrients in some of the gluten-free alternative products, which are now being fortified to prevent nutrient deficiencies and their consequences.