bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic profiling and targeted lipidomics reveals a disturbed lipid profile in mothers and fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Miranda Jezid , Simões Rui V. , Paules Cristina , Cañueto Daniel , Pardo-Cea Miguel A. , García-Martín María L. , Crovetto Francesca , Fuertes-Martin Rocio , Domenech Monica , Gómez-Roig María D. , Eixarch Elisenda , Estruch Ramon , Hansson Stefan R. , Amigó Nuria , Cañellas Nicolau , Crispi Fatima , Gratacós Eduard 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFetal growth may be impaired by poor placental function or maternal conditions, each of which can influence the transfer of nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the developing fetus. Large-scale studies of metabolites (metabolomics) are key to understand cellular metabolism and pathophysiology of human conditions. Herein, maternal and cord blood plasma samples were used for NMR-based metabolic fingerprinting and profiling, including analysis of the enrichment of circulating lipid classes and subclasses, as well as the number of sub-fraction particles and their size. Changes in phosphatidylcholines and glycoproteins were prominent in growth-restricted fetuses indicating significant alterations in their abundance and biophysical properties. Lipoprotein profiles showed significantly lower plasma concentrations of cholesterol-intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL), triglycerides-IDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in mothers of growth-restricted fetuses compared to controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, growth-restricted fetuses had significantly higher plasma concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides transporting lipoproteins [LDL, IDL, and VLDL, (p < 0.005; all)], as well as increased VLDL particle types (large, medium and small). Significant changes in plasma concentrations of formate, histidine, isoleucine and citrate in growth-restricted fetuses were also observed. Comprehensive metabolic profiling reveals that both, mother and fetuses of pregnancies complicated with fetal growth restriction have a substantial disruption in lipid metabolism.
Targeting a phospho-STAT3-miRNAs pathway improves vesicular hepatic steatosis in an in vitro and in vivo model
Authors: Belloni Laura , Di Cocco Silvia , Guerrieri Francesca , Nunn Abigail D. G. , Piconese Silvia , Salerno Debora , Testoni Barbara , Pulito Claudio , Mori Federica , Pallocca Matteo , Sacconi Andrea , Vivoli Elisa , Marra Fabio , Strano Sabrina , Blandino Giovanni , Levrero Massimo , Pediconi Natalia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease. Although genetic predisposition and epigenetic factors contribute to the development of NAFLD, our understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of the disease is still emerging. Here we investigated a possible role of a microRNAs-STAT3 pathway in the induction of hepatic steatosis. Differentiated HepaRG cells treated with the fatty acid sodium oleate (fatty dHepaRG) recapitulated features of liver vesicular steatosis and activated a cell-autonomous inflammatory response, inducing STAT3-Tyrosine-phosphorylation. With a genome-wide approach (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing), many phospho-STAT3 binding sites were identified in fatty dHepaRG cells and several STAT3 and/or NAFLD-regulated microRNAs showed increased expression levels, including miR-21. Innovative CARS (Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering) microscopy revealed that chemical inhibition of STAT3 activity decreased lipid accumulation and deregulated STAT3-responsive microRNAs, including miR-21, in lipid overloaded dHepaRG cells. We were able to show in vivo that reducing phospho-STAT3-miR-21 levels in C57/BL6 mice liver, by long-term treatment with metformin, protected mice from aging-dependent hepatic vesicular steatosis. Our results identified a microRNAs-phosphoSTAT3 pathway involved in the development of hepatic steatosis, which may represent a molecular marker for both diagnosis and therapeutic targeting.
Exploration of serum sensitive biomarkers of fatty liver in dairy cows
Authors: Shen Yizhao , Chen Lianmin , Yang Wenzhu , Wang Zhonghua 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSerum proteins are sensitive with diseases in dairy cows, and some of them could be used as biomarkers for fatty liver. This study aimed to explore serum biomarkers for fatty liver in dairy cows. A total of 28 early lactating dairy cows were chosen from a commercial dairy herds, liver samples were collected for determining concentration of triacylglycerol (TAG), and serum samples were collected for measuring fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), adiponectin, Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2), and hemoglobin (Hb). Dairy cows were divided into fatty liver (liver TAG > 5%, wet weight) and control group (liver TAG < 5%, wet weight). Concentration of FGF-21 was greater in fatty liver cows, while the concentration of LP-PLA2 and Hb was less. The concentration of FGF-21 and total Hb had strong correlation with the liver TAG as well as good prediction power (kappa value = 0.79 and 0.58, respectively). These results suggested that the serum concentration of FGF-21 and total Hb could be potentially used as fatty liver biomarkers in lactating dairy cows.
Seasonal consumption of polyphenol-rich fruits affects the hypothalamic leptin signaling system in a photoperiod-dependent mode
Authors: Ibars Maria , Aragonès Gerard , Ardid-Ruiz Andrea , Gibert-Ramos Albert , Arola-Arnal Anna , Suárez Manuel , Bladé Cinta 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLeptin has a central role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis, and its sensitivity is influenced by both the photoperiod and dietary polyphenols. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of seasonal consumption of polyphenol-rich fruits on the hypothalamic leptin signaling system in non-obese and obese animals placed under different photoperiods. Non-obese and diet-induced obese male Fischer 344 rats were placed under either a short-day (SD) or long-day (LD) photoperiod and were supplemented with either 100 mg/kg of lyophilized red grapes or cherries. In non-obese animals, both fruits reduced energy balance independent of the photoperiod to which they were placed. However, the hypothalamic gene expression of Pomc was significantly up-regulated only in the SD photoperiod. In contrast, in obese animals only cherry significantly decreased the energy balance, although both fruits were able to counteract the diet-induced increase in hypothalamic AgRP mRNA levels when consumed during the SD photoperiod. In conclusion, the consumption of rich-polyphenol fruits may increase leptin sensitivity through the modulation of the hypothalamic leptin signal pathway mainly when consumed in the SD photoperiod. Therefore, fruit seasonality should be considered, as it can influence energy homeostasis and obesity.
Efficient modulation of subwavelength focusing via meta-aperture-based plasmonic lens for multifunction applications
Authors: Chang Kai-Hao , Chen Yen-Chun , Chang Wen-Hao , Lee Po-Tsung 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSubwavelength focusing is crucial for many applications in photonics including super-resolution micro/nanoscopy, nanolithography, and optical trapping. However, most nanostructures exhibit poor ability to modulate focusing spot, which makes them hard to achieve ultra-small resolution. Here, we propose three kinds of plasmonic lens (PL) by utilizing different meta-aperture designs for efficient subwavelength focusing modulation. The shape of nanoaperture strongly influences the diffraction properties. Spatial modulation of focusing spot by employing a circular array of proposed nanoapertures is explored. The best focusing performance among these PLs is the design of T-shape nanoaperture, which has great resolution achieving ultra-small focusing spot of 0.14 λ2 and 0.20 λ2 (λ = 633 nm) for simulation and experiment respectively, better than lots of focusing devices especially by using linear polarization. Multiple-object trapping can be realized by using T-shape nanoaperture-based PL. Our designed PLs with different nanoapertures demonstrate the capability to broaden and integrate different functionalities for on-chip nanotechnologies development.
Validation of beat by beat fetal heart signals acquired from four-channel fetal phonocardiogram with fetal electrocardiogram in healthy late pregnancy
Authors: Khandoker Ahsan , Ibrahim Emad , Oshio Sayaka , Kimura Yoshitaka 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFetal heart rate monitoring is an essential obstetric procedure, however, false-positive results cause unnecessary obstetric interventions and healthcare cost. In this study, we propose a low cost and non-invasive fetal phonocardiography based signal system to measure the fetal heart sounds and fetal heart rate. Phonocardiogram (PCG) signals contain acoustic information reflecting the contraction and relaxation of the heart. We have developed a four-channel recording device with four separated piezoelectric sensors harnessed by a cloth sheet to record abdominal phonogram signals. A multi-lag covariance matrix based eigenvalue decomposition technique was used to extract fetal and maternal heart sounds as well as maternal breathing movement. In order to validate the fetal heart sounds extracted by PCG signal processing, 10 minutes’ simultaneous recordings of fetal Electrocardiogram (fECG) and abdominal phonogram from 15 pregnant women (27 ± 5-year-old) with fetal gestation ages between 33 and 40 weeks were obtained and processed. Highly significant (p < 0.01) correlation (r = 0.96; N = 270) was found between beat to beat fetal heart rate (FHRECG) from fECG and the same (FHRPCG) from fetal PCG signals. Bland–Altman plot of FHRECG and FHRPCG shows good agreement (<5% difference). We conclude that the proposed beat to beat fetal heart rate measurement system would be useful for monitoring fetal neurological wellbeing as a better alternative to traditional cardiotocogram based antenatal fetal heart rate monitoring.
Hypoxia causes reductions in birth weight by altering maternal glucose and lipid metabolism
Authors: Määttä Jenni , Sissala Niina , Dimova Elitsa Y. , Serpi Raisa , Moore Lorna G. , Koivunen Peppi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHypoxia of residence at high altitude (>2500 m) decreases birth weight. Lower birth weight associates with infant mortality and morbidity and increased susceptibility to later-in-life cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We sought to determine the effects of hypoxia on maternal glucose and lipid metabolism and their contributions to fetal weight. C57BL6/NCrl mice, housed throughout gestation in normobaric hypoxia (15% oxygen) or normoxia, were studied at mid (E9.5) or late gestation (E17.5). Fetal weight at E17.5 was 7% lower under hypoxia than normoxia. The hypoxic compared with normoxic dams had ~20% less gonadal white adipose tissue at mid and late gestation. The hypoxic dams had better glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity compared with normoxic dams and failed to develop insulin resistance in late gestation. They also had increased glucagon levels. Glucose uptake to most maternal tissues was ~2-fold greater in the hypoxic than normoxic dams. The alterations in maternal metabolism in hypoxia were associated with upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) target genes that serve, in turn, to increase glycolytic metabolism. We conclude that environmental hypoxia alters maternal metabolism by upregulating the HIF-pathway, and suggest that interventions that antagonize such changes in metabolism in high-altitude pregnancy may be helpful for preserving fetal growth.
Evolutionary trends and phylogenetic association of key morphological traits in the Italian rice varietal landscape
Authors: Mongiano Gabriele , Titone Patrizia , Tamborini Luigi , Pilu Roberto , Bregaglio Simone 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEfficient germplasm exploitation in crop breeding requires comprehensive knowledge of the available genetic diversity. Linking molecular data to phenotypic expression is fundamental for the profitable utilisation of genetic resources. Italian rice germplasm is an invaluable source of genes, being characterised by marked heterogeneity. A phenotypic characterisation is presented in this paper, with a focus on the evolutionary trends, and on the comparison with available molecular studies. A panel of 351 Italian rice varieties was analysed using seven key morphological traits, employing univariate and multivariate analyses. Considerable variability was found, with clear morphological trends towards reduced plant height, earliness, and spindle-shaped caryopses. Previous findings indicating that genetic diversity was maintained throughout time could not be confirmed, as small phenotypic variability was found in the most recent rice varieties. Consistency with phylogenetic data from previous studies was partial: one phylogenetic subgroup was phenotypically well distinct, while the others had overlapping characteristics and encompassed a wide range of phenotypic variation. Our study provides a quantitative ready-to-use set of information to support new breeding programs, as well as the basis to develop variety-specific calibrations of eco-physiological models, to identify promising traits in light of climate change conditions and alternative management scenarios.
Salt Bridge in Aqueous Solution: Strong Structural Motifs but Weak Enthalpic Effect
Authors: Pylaeva Svetlana , Brehm Martin , Sebastiani Daniel 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSalt bridges are elementary motifs of protein secondary and tertiary structure and are commonly associated with structural driving force that increases stability. Often found on the interface to the solvent, they are highly susceptible to solvent–solute interactions, primarily with water but also with other cosolvents (especially ions). We have investigated the interplay of an Arginine–Aspartic acid salt bridge with simple salt ions in aqueous solution by means of molecular dynamics simulations. Besides structural and dynamical features at equilibrium, we have computed the mean force along the dissociation pathway of the salt bridge. We demonstrate that solvated ions influence the behavior of the salt bridge in a very specific and local way, namely the formation of tight ionic pairs Li+/Na+–Asp−. Moreover, our findings show that the enthalpic relevance of the salt bridge is minor, regardless of the presence of solvated ions.
Matched Short-Term Depression and Recovery Encodes Interspike Interval at a Central Synapse
Authors: Castillo Armando E. , Rossoni Sergio , Niven Jeremy E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractReversible decreases in synaptic strength, known as short-term depression (STD), are widespread in neural circuits. Various computational roles have been attributed to STD but these tend to focus upon the initial depression rather than the subsequent recovery. We studied the role of STD and recovery at an excitatory synapse between the fast extensor tibiae (FETi) and flexor tibiae (flexor) motor neurons in the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) by making paired intracellular recordings in vivo. Over behaviorally relevant pre-synaptic spike frequencies, we found that this synapse undergoes matched frequency-dependent STD and recovery; higher frequency spikes that evoke stronger, faster STD also produce stronger, faster recovery. The precise matching of depression and recovery time constants at this synapse ensures that flexor excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP) amplitude encodes the presynaptic FETi interspike interval (ISI). Computational modelling shows that this precise matching enables the FETi-flexor synapse to linearly encode the ISI in the EPSP amplitude, a coding strategy that may be widespread in neural circuits.
Junction-free Flat Copper Nanofiber Network-based Transparent Heater with High Transparency, High Conductivity, and High Temperature
Authors: Kim Geon Hwee , Shin Jung Hwal , An Taechang , Lim Geunbae 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTransparent conducting electrodes (TCE) are widely used in a variety of applications including displays, light-emitting diodes (LEDS), and solar cells. An important factor in TCE design is active control of the sheet resistance and transparency; as these are inversely proportional, it is essential to develop a technology that can maintain high transparency, while actively controlling sheet resistance, for a range of applications. Here, a nanofiber network was fabricated based on direct electrospinning onto a three-dimensional (3-D) complex substrate; flat metal electrodes without junction resistance were produced using heat treatment and electroless deposition. The fabricated transparent electrode exhibited a transparency of over 90% over the entire visible light range and a sheet resistance of 4.9 ohms/sq. Adhesion between the electrode and substrate was superior to other electrospinning-based transparent electrodes. The performance of the transparent electrode was verified by measurements taken while using the electrode as a heater; a maximum temperature of 210 °C was achieved. The proposed copper nanofiber-based heater electrode offers the advantages of transparency as well as application to complex 3-D surfaces.
Unimpaired Neuropsychological Performance and Enhanced Memory Recall in Patients with Sbma: A Large Sample Comparative Study
Authors: Marcato S. , Kleinbub J. R. , Querin G. , Pick E. , Martinelli I. , Bertolin C. , Cipolletta S. , Pegoraro E. , Sorarù G. , Palmieri A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPeculiar cognitive profile of patients with SBMA has been described by fragmented literature. Our retrospective study reports the neuropsychological evaluations of a large cohort of patients in order to contribute towards the understanding of this field. We consider 64 neuropsychological evaluations assessing mnesic, linguistic and executive functions collected from 2013 to 2015 in patients attending at Motor Neuron Disease Centre of University of Padova. The battery consisted in: Digit Span forwards and backwards, Prose Memory test, Phonemic Verbal fluency and Trail making tests. ANCOVA statistics were employed to compare tests scores results with those obtained from a sample of healthy control subjects. Multiple linear regressions were used to study the effect on cognitive performance of CAG-repeat expansion, the degree of androgen insensitivity and their interaction to cognitive performance. Statistical analyses did not reveal altered scores in any neuropsychological tests among those adopted. Interestingly, patients performed significantly better in the Prose Memory test’s score. No relevant associations were found with genetic, hormonal or clinical patients’ profile. Results inconsistent with previous studies have been interpreted according to the phenomenon of somatic mosaicism. We suggest a testosterone-related and the mood state-dependant perspectives as two possible interpretations of the enhanced performances in the Prose Memory test. Further studies employing more datailed tests batteries are encouraged.
Zinc uptake promotes myoblast differentiation via Zip7 transporter and activation of Akt signalling transduction pathway
Authors: Mnatsakanyan Hayk , Serra Roser Sabater i , Rico Patricia , Salmerón-Sánchez Manuel 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMyogenic regeneration occurs through a chain of events beginning with the output of satellite cells from quiescent state, formation of competent myoblasts and later fusion and differentiation into myofibres. Traditionally, growth factors are used to stimulate muscle regeneration but this involves serious off-target effects, including alterations in cell homeostasis and cancer. In this work, we have studied the use of zinc to trigger myogenic differentiation. We show that zinc promotes myoblast proliferation, differentiation and maturation of myofibres. We demonstrate that this process occurs through the PI3K/Akt pathway, via zinc stimulation of transporter Zip7. Depletion of zinc transporter Zip7 by RNA interference shows reduction of both PI3K/Akt signalling and a significant reduction of multinucleated myofibres and myotubes development. Moreover, we show that mature myofibres, obtained through stimulation with high concentrations of zinc, accumulate zinc and so we hypothesise their function as zinc reservoirs into the cell.
Metallome of cerebrovascular endothelial cells infected with Toxoplasma gondii using μ-XRF imaging and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Al-sandaqchi Alaa T , Brignell Chris , Collingwood Joanna F , Geraki Kalotina , Mirkes Evgeny M , Kong Kenny , Castellanos Marcos , May Sean T , Stevenson Carl W , Elsheikha Hany M 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
In this study, we measured the levels of elements in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) infected with T. gondii. ECs were infected with tachyzoites of the RH strain, and at 6, 24, and 48 hours post infection (hpi), the intracellular concentrations of elements were determined using a synchrotron–microfocus X-ray fluorescence microscopy (μ-XRF) system. This method enabled the quantification of the concentrations of Zn and Ca in infected and uninfected (control) ECs at sub-micron spatial resolution. T. gondii-hosting ECs contained less Zn than uninfected cells only at 48 hpi (p &lt; 0.01). The level of Ca was not significantly different between infected and control cells (p &gt; 0.05). Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis revealed infection-specific metallome profiles characterized by significant increases in the intracellular levels of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu at 48 hpi (p &lt; 0.01), and significant reductions in the extracellular concentrations of Co, Cu, Mo, V, and Ag at 24 hpi (p &lt; 0.05) compared with control cells. Zn constituted the largest part (74%) of the total metal composition (metallome) of the parasite. Gene expression analysis showed infection-specific upregulation in the expression of five genes, MT1JP, MT1M, MT1E, MT1F, and MT1X, belonging to the metallothionein gene family. These results point to a possible correlation between T. gondii infection and increased expression of MT1 isoforms and altered intracellular levels of elements, especially Zn and Fe. Taken together, a combined μ-XRF and ICP-MS approach is promising for studies of the role of elements in mediating host–parasite interaction.
Analysis and design of hybrid inductive and capacitive wireless power transfer for high‐power applications
Authors: Luo Bo , Long Tao , Mai Ruikun , Dai Ruimin , He Zhengyou , Li Weihua 
Published: September 2018

This study proposed a hybrid inductive and capacitive wireless power transfer system to achieve high‐power transfer by combining inductive power transfer (IPT) and capacitive power transfer (CPT). A traditional IPT system imposes a high voltage on the transmitter because of resonance. Meanwhile, high voltages are required to establish an electric field to deliver power to the CPT system. Therefore, they can be combined to a hybrid system to achieve high‐power transfer by utilising two power transfer paths. A general model of the hybrid IPT and CPT coupler is analysed in detail. With a series–series compensation topology, 1.1 kW hybrid system with equal power transferred by two paths is simulated and set up to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. An experimental prototype is built under various conditions, and the result shows that the hybrid system achieved 1.1 kW output power through both of magnetic path and of electric path successfully with 91.9% DC–DC efficiency.