bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular aggregated alpha synuclein primarily triggers lysosomal dysfunction in neural cells prevented by trehalose
Authors: Hoffmann Anna-Carin , Minakaki Georgia , Menges Stefanie , Salvi Rachele , Savitskiy Sergey , Kazman Aida , Vicente Miranda Hugo , Mielenz Dirk , Klucken Jochen , Winkler Jürgen , Xiang Wei 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCell-to-cell propagation of aggregated alpha synuclein (aSyn) has been suggested to play an important role in the progression of alpha synucleinopathies. A critical step for the propagation process is the accumulation of extracellular aSyn within recipient cells. Here, we investigated the trafficking of distinct exogenous aSyn forms and addressed the mechanisms influencing their accumulation in recipient cells. The aggregated aSyn species (oligomers and fibrils) exhibited more pronounced accumulation within recipient cells than aSyn monomers. In particular, internalized extracellular aSyn in the aggregated forms was able to seed the aggregation of endogenous aSyn. Following uptake, aSyn was detected along endosome-to-lysosome and autophagosome-to-lysosome routes. Intriguingly, aggregated aSyn resulted in lysosomal activity impairment, accompanied by the accumulation of dilated lysosomes. Moreover, analysis of autophagy-related protein markers suggested decreased autophagosome clearance. In contrast, the endocytic pathway, proteasome activity, and mitochondrial homeostasis were not substantially affected in recipient cells. Our data suggests that extracellularly added aggregated aSyn primarily impairs lysosomal activity, consequently leading to aSyn accumulation within recipient cells. Importantly, the autophagy inducer trehalose prevented lysosomal alterations and attenuated aSyn accumulation within aSyn-exposed cells. Our study underscores the importance of lysosomes for the propagation of aSyn pathology, thereby proposing these organelles as interventional targets.
The effect of apolipoprotein E polymorphism on serum metabolome – a population-based 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Karjalainen Juho-Pekka , Mononen Nina , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Lehtimäki Miikael , Juonala Markus , Ala-Korpela Mika , Kähönen Mika , Raitakari Olli , Lehtimäki Terho 
Published: January 2019

AbstractApolipoprotein E (apoE) is the key regulator of plasma lipids, mediating altered functionalities in lipoprotein metabolism – affecting the risk of coronary artery (CAD) and Alzheimer’s diseases, as well as longevity. Searching pathways influenced by apoE prior to adverse manifestations, we utilized a metabolome dataset of 228 nuclear-magnetic-resonance-measured serum parameters with a 10-year follow-up from the population-based Young Finns Study cohort of 2,234 apoE-genotyped (rs7412, rs429358) adults, aged 24–39 at baseline. At the end of our follow-up, by limiting FDR-corrected p < 0.05, regression analyses revealed 180/228 apoE-polymorphism-related associations with the studied metabolites, in all subjects – without indications of apoE x sex interactions. Across all measured apoE- and apoB-containing lipoproteins, ε4 allele had consistently atherogenic and ε2 protective effect on particle concentrations of free/esterified cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and total lipids. As novel findings, ε4 associated with glycoprotein acetyls, LDL-diameter and isoleucine – all reported biomarkers of CAD-risk, inflammation, diabetes and total mortality. ApoE-subgroup differences persisted through our 10-year follow-up, although some variation of individual metabolite levels was noticed. In conclusion, apoE polymorphism associate with a complex metabolic change, including aberrations in multiple novel biomarkers related to elevated cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk, extending our understanding about the role of apoE in health and disease.
Anatomic grooved stem mitigates strain shielding compared to established total hip arthroplasty stem designs in finite-element models
Authors: Heyland Mark , Checa Sara , Kendoff Daniel , Duda Georg N. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAseptic loosening remains a major problem for uncemented femoral components in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Ideally, bone adaptation after THA manifests minimally and local bone density reduction is widely avoided. Different design features may help to approximate initial, post-THA bone strain to levels pre-THA. Strain-shielding effects of different SP-CL stem design features are systematically analyzed and compared to CLS Spotorno and CORAIL using finite element models and physiological musculoskeletal loading conditions. All designs show substantial proximal strain-shielding: 50% reduced medial surface strain, 40–50% reduction at lateral surface, >120 µm/m root mean square error (RMSE) compared to intact bone in Gruen zone 1 and >60 µm/m RMSE in Gruen zones 2, 6, and 7. Geometrical changes (ribs, grooves, cross sections, stem length, anatomic curvature) have a considerable effect on strain-shielding; up to 20%. Combinations of reduced stem stiffness with larger proximal contact area (anatomically curved, grooves) lead to less strain-shielding compared to clinically established implant designs. We found that only the combination of a structurally flexible stem with anatomical curvature and grooves improves strain-shielding compared to other designs. The clinical implications in vivo of this initial strain-shielding difference are currently under evaluation in an ongoing clinical analysis.
Ice-Templated W-Cu Composites with High Anisotropy
Authors: Röthlisberger André , Häberli Sandra , Krogh Fabio , Galinski Henning , Dunand David C. , Spolenak Ralph 
Published: January 2019

AbstractControlling anisotropy in self-assembled structures enables engineering of materials with highly directional response. Here, we harness the anisotropic growth of ice walls in a thermal gradient to assemble an anisotropic refractory metal structure, which is then infiltrated with Cu to make a composite. Using experiments and simulations, we demonstrate on the specific example of tungsten-copper composites the effect of anisotropy on the electrical and mechanical properties. The measured strength and resistivity are compared to isotropic tungsten-copper composites fabricated by standard powder metallurgical methods. Our results have the potential to fuel the development of more efficient materials, used in electrical power grids and solar-thermal energy conversion systems. The method presented here can be used with a variety of refractory metals and ceramics, which fosters the opportunity to design and functionalize a vast class of new anisotropic load-bearing hybrid metal composites with highly directional properties.
Birth weight percentiles by sex and gestational age for twins born in southern China
Authors: Miao Huazhang , Yao Fei , Wu Yuntao , Zhang Xiu , He Rubi , Li Bing , Zhao Qingguo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMean birth weight of twins is known to be lower than that of singletons, however, southern China lacks a twin-specific birth weight reference. In this paper, we use data from the Birth Certificate System in southern China, collected between January 1st 2014 and December 31st 2017 and including 161,076 twins, to calculate sex- and gestational week-specific birth weight percentiles (the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th). We applied generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) when calculating the birth weight percentiles, and calculated percentiles for monochorionic and dichorionic twins separately. We next used data collected between Jan 1st 2018 and Apr 30th 2018, encompassing 12,371 live births, to calculate the SGA and LGA ratios using birth weight references in Australia, South Korea and China (based on birth defects surveillance system) and birth weight percentiles calculated in this study. Compared to dichorionic twins, monochorionic twins had lower birth weights at 25 to 42 weeks of gestation. The calculated SGA and LGA ratios were relatively stable compared to the other references.
Optical limiting properties of surface functionalized nanodiamonds probed by the Z-scan method
Authors: Muller O. , Pichot V. , Merlat L. , Spitzer D. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis work focuses on the optical limiting behavior of surface modified nanodiamonds (DNDs) namely, amino-terminated DNDs (DND-NH2) and hydrogen-terminated DNDs (DND-H). Their relevant nonlinear optical properties for optical limiting are compared to those of unfunctionalized DNDs. The optical limitation is characterized by means of nonlinear transmittance, Z-scan, and scattered intensity assessments when submitted to a nanosecond pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at a wavelength of 532 nm. It is stated that the largest nonlinear attenuation is attributed to the DND-H system, whereas the exceedingly low threshold values for optical limiting for the DND-H and the DND-NH2 systems is attributed to their negative electron affinity character (NEA). Using Z-scan experiments, it is shown that nonlinear refraction combined with a significant nonlinear absorption predominates in the DND-H suspension, while the pure thermal origin of the nonlinear refractive index change is conjectured in the case of the DNDs. Besides, an amazing valley to peak profile was measured on DND - NH2indicating an unexpected positive sign of the nonlinear refraction coefficient. In addition, a stronger backscattered intensity signal is highlighted for the unfunctionalized DNDs through nonlinear scattering measurements.
Upregulated long noncoding RNA LOC105375913 induces tubulointerstitial fibrosis in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Han Runhong , Hu Shuai , Qin Weisong , Shi Jingsong , Zeng Caihong , Bao Hao , Liu Zhihong 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTubulointerstitial fibrosis impacts renal prognosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Based on transcriptomic analysis, we found that the level of LOC105375913 was increased in tubular cells of FSGS patients. C3a induced the expression of LOC105375913, which promoted the expression of fibronectin and collagen I in tubular cells. Silence of snail reversed the level of fibronectin and collagen I in cells overexpressing LOC105375913. MiR-27b was predicted and confirmed to regulate the expression of snail in tubular cells, and LOC105375913 contained the response element of miR-27b. The competitive binding between LOC105375913 and miR-27b increased the level of snail and promoted fibrogenesis in tubular cells. Upstream, p38 and XBP-1s regulated the expression of LOC105375913. Inhibition of p38 or silence of XBP-1s decreased the level of LOC105375913, and suppressed the expression of snail, fibronectin and collagen I in tubular cells treated with C3a. Overexpression of LOC105375913 decreased the level of miR-27b, increased the level of snail and caused tubulointerstitial fibrosis in mice. In conclusion, the activation of C3a/p38/XBP-1s pathway induces the expression of LOC105375913 in tubular cells, and LOC105375913 increases the level of snail and induces tubulointerstitial fibrosis through competitive binding of miR-27b in tubular cells of FSGS patients.
Sulphur and carbon isotopes as tracers of past sub-seafloor microbial activity
Authors: Meister Patrick , Brunner Benjamin , Picard Aude , Böttcher Michael E. , Jørgensen Bo Barker 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMicrobial life below the seafloor has changed over geological time, but these changes are often not obvious, as they are not recorded in the sediment. Sulphur (S) isotope values in pyrite extracted from a Plio- to Holocene sequence of the Peru Margin (Ocean Drilling Program, ODP, Site 1229) show a down-core pattern that correlates with the pattern of carbon (C) isotopes in diagenetic dolomite. Early formation of the pyrite is indicated by the mineralogical composition of iron, showing a high degree of pyritization throughout the sedimentary sequence. Hence, the S-record could not have been substantially overprinted by later pyrite formation. The S- and C-isotope profiles show, thus, evidence for two episodes of enhanced microbial methane production with a very shallow sulphate-methane transition zone. The events of high activity are correlated with zones of elevated organic C content in the stratigraphic sequence. Our results demonstrate how isotopic signatures preserved in diagenetic mineral phases provide information on changes of past biogeochemical activity in a dynamic sub-seafloor biosphere.
Association between preterm delivery and bacterial vaginosis with or without treatment
Authors: Shimaoka Masao , Yo Yoshie , Doh Kunihiko , Kotani Yasushi , Suzuki Ayako , Tsuji Isao , Mandai Masaki , Matsumura Noriomi 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe relationship between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and preterm delivery has become well known in recent years, although there are few studies on: (i) the differences in test results during the early gestational (EGP) and middle gestational (MGP) periods; (ii) the significance of the intermediate (I) group that does not develop overt BV; or (iii) the therapeutic effects of metronidazole. We performed a retrospective study to analyze the relationship between the vaginal bacterial status and the preterm delivery rate. Without treatment, the preterm delivery rate was higher in the BV subgroup than in the I and normal (N) subgroups (p = 0.021) in the EGP, whereas the rates in the BV and I subgroups were higher than in the N subgroup in the MGP (p = 0.0003). Although treatment of BV by metronidazole vaginal tablets significantly increased the N subgroup in the MGP (p = 0.020), there was no significant improvement in the preterm delivery rate. Decreasing the rate of preterm delivery requires development of treatment methods that will further increase the percentage of patients who test N during the MGP after BV during the EGP.
High Expression of long non-coding RNA PVT1 predicts metastasis in Han and Uygur Patients with Gastric Cancer in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Ren Xianxian , Cao Dongdong , Yang Li , Li Xia , Zhang Wei , Xiao Yongbiao , Xi Yu , Li Feng , Li Dongmei , Pan Zemin 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTo analyze the level and diagnostic value of plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) in gastric cancer (GC) of Han and Uygur in Xinjiang, China, we collected 42 GC and 47 normal gastric tissues and performed tissue microarray. In situ hybridization was used to detect PVT1, while immunohistochemistry was used to analyze c-myc. The relationship between PVT1, c-myc and clinical pathological features was investigated. We then analyzed the expression of PVT1 in six GC cell lines. RNA interference was used to silence PVT1 in BGC823 and AGS cells. c-myc was detected by western blotting after silencing PVT1, while proliferation, invasion and migration ability were also analyzed. We found that PVT1 and c-myc were highly expressed in both Han and Uygur GC tissues. In Han GC, PVT1 was correlated with lymph node metastasis and primary tumor site. In Uygur GC, both PVT1 and c-myc were correlated with lymph node metastasis and clinical staging. PVT1 was positively correlated with c-myc. BGC823 and AGS cells exhibited high levels of PVT1. When PVT1 expression was silenced, the expression of c-myc decreased, while migration and invasion ability were also decreased in cells. PVT1 could therefore be a potential biomarker to predict the metastatic tendency of GC in both Han and Uygur patients.
Can anterior repositioning splint effectively treat temporomandibular joint disc displacement?
Authors: Ma Zhigui , Xie Qianyang , Yang Chi , Zhang Shanyong , Shen Yuqing , Abdelrehem Ahmed 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine whether anterior repositioning splint (ARS) can effectively treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement with reduction (DDwR) in juvenile Class II patients. This study investigated disc repositioning clinically and through use of MRI with 12-month follow up. Patients with skeletal Class II malocclusions and DDwR diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were treated with ARS. The efficacy of ARS was assessed clinically and by means of MRI before treatment (T0), immediately after bite registration (T1), at the end of treatment (T2), and at 12 months after functional appliance treatment (T3). Improvement in TMJ pain, TMJ noises, and range of mandibular movement were assessed. MRI evaluation was based on disc-condylar relationship in parasagittal images. Seventy-two juvenile patients with 91 joints were included in this study. The average age was 15.7 years old (range, 10–20 years) at first visit. There were statistically significant reductions in TMJ pain, disability in daily life and TMJ clicking (P < 0.01). MRI at T2 indicated that the success rate was 92.31% (84/91), but decreased to 72.53% (66/91) at T3. The unsuccessful splint disc capture was mainly observed in late adolescence, especially over 18 years old. Using MRI results as the gold standard, we found that clinical assessment had an accuracy rate of 75.82% at 12-month follow-up. In conclusion, although success rate for ARS treatment decreased over time, both clinical findings and MRI examination indicate that the ARS is relatively effective in repositioning the DDwR, especially for patients in early puberty. However, further and larger studies are needed to evaluate the outcome with ARS.
Deformation twinning mechanism in hexagonal-close-packed crystals
Authors: Jiang Shan , Jiang Zhongtao , Chen Qiaowang 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe atomic structure of {10 $$\bar{{\bf{1}}}$$

1
¯

2} twin boundary (TB) from a deformed Mg-3Al-1Zn (AZ31) magnesium alloy was examined by using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). By comparing the lattice structure of TB with the previously established model, a kind of special atomic combinations, here named primitive cells (PCs), were discovered at the TB. The PCs reorientation induced mechanism of twinning in hexagonal-close-packed (HCP) crystals was hence verificated. Meanwhile, the relationship between the misorientation of adjacent layers of PCs and the width of TB was discussed. The verification of the mechanism clarifies the twinning mechanism in HCP crystals and opens up opportunities for further researches.
Antenatal Glucocorticoid Exposure Results in Sex-Specific and Transgenerational Changes in Prefrontal Cortex Gene Transcription that Relate to Behavioural Outcomes
Authors: Constantinof Andrea , Moisiadis Vasilis G. , Kostaki Alisa , Szyf Moshe , Matthews Stephen G. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSynthetic glucocorticoids (sGC) are administered to women at risk for pre-term delivery to reduce respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is important in regulating stress responses and related behaviours and expresses high levels of glucocorticoid receptors (GR). Further, antenatal exposure to sGC results in a hyperactive phenotype in first generation (F1) juvenile male and female offspring, as well as F2 and F3 juvenile females from the paternal lineage. We hypothesized that multiple courses of antenatal sGC modify gene expression in the PFC, that these effects are sex-specific and maintained across multiple generations, and that the gene sets affected relate to modified locomotor activity. We performed RNA sequencing on PFC of F1 juvenile males and females, as well as F2 and F3 juvenile females from the paternal lineage and used regression modelling to relate gene expression and behavior. Antenatal sGC resulted in sex-specific and generation-specific changes in gene expression. Further, the expression of 4 genes (C9orf116, Calb1, Glra3, and Gpr52) explained 20–29% of the observed variability in locomotor activity. Antenatal exposure to sGC profoundly influences the developing PFC; effects are evident across multiple generations and may drive altered behavioural phenotypes.
Impaired activation of lesional CD8+ T-cells is associated with enhanced expression of Programmed Death-1 in Indian Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis
Authors: Mukherjee Shibabrata , Sengupta Ritika , Mukhopadhyay Debanjan , Braun Claudia , Mitra Sneha , Roy Susmita , Kanti Das Nilay , Chatterjee Uttara , von Stebut Esther , Chatterjee Mitali 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPost Kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), caused by Leishmania donovani is the dermal sequel of Visceral Leishmaniasis and importantly, is the proposed disease reservoir. The survival of Leishmania parasites within monocytes/macrophages hinges on its ability to effectively nullify immune activation mechanisms. Thus, delineating the disease-promoting immune mechanisms can facilitate development of immunotherapeutic strategies. Accordingly, in the absence of an animal model, this study aimed to delineate the status of CD8+ T-cells in patients with PKDL. At disease presentation, the absence of CD4+ T-cells at lesional sites was concomitant with an overwhelming infiltration of CD8+ T-cells that demonstrated an absence of Perforin, Granzyme and Zap-70, along with an enhanced expression of Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) and the skin-homing CCL17. Additionally, the lesional CCR4+CD8+ population was associated with an enhanced expression of IL-10 and IL-5. In circulation, the enhanced CD8+CCR4+ T-cell population and raised levels of CCL17/22 was associated with an increased frequency of PD-1, while CD127 was decreased. Taken together, in PKDL, the enhanced plasma and lesional CCL17 accounted for the dermal homing of CD8+CCR4+ T-cells, that along with a concomitant upregulation of PD-1 and IL-10 mediated immune inactivation, emphasizing the need for designing immunotherapies capable of reinvigorating T-cell potency.
Corolla retention after pollination facilitates the development of fertilized ovules in Fritillaria delavayi (Liliaceae)
Authors: Gao Yongqian , Wang Changming , Song Bo , Du Fan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCorollas (or perianths), considered to contribute to pollinator attraction during anthesis, persist after anthesis in many plants. However, their post-floral function has been little investigated within a cost-benefit framework. We explored the adaptive significance of corolla retention after anthesis for reproduction inFritillaria delavayi, a perennial herb endemic to the alpine areas of the Hengduan Mountains, southwestern China. We examined whether the persistent corollas enhance reproductive success during seed development. Persistent corollas increased fruit temperature on sunny days, and greatly decreased the intensity of ultraviolet-B/C (UV-B/C) radiation reaching fruits. When corollas were removed immediately after pollination, fecundity and progeny quality were adversely affected. Measurements of flower mass and size showed no further corolla growth during fruiting, and respiration and transpiration tests demonstrated that both respiration rate and transpiration rate of corollas were much lower during fruiting than during flowering, indicating a slight additional resource investment in corolla retention after anthesis. Thus, seed production byF. delavayimay be facilitated by corolla retention during seed development at only a small physiological cost. We conclude that corolla retention may be an adaptive strategy that enhances female reproductive success by having a protective role for ripening seeds in the harsh conditions at high elevation.