bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Optimized Method for Extraction and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds in Dendranthema indicum var. aromaticum Flower
Authors: Zhong Lijie , Yuan Zhiyang , Rong Lin , Zhang Yaohua , Xiong Guoxi , Liu Yi , Li Chao 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDendranthema indicumvar.aromaticumplant has been widely used as herbal medicine in China, however, the material basis responsible for the therapeutic benefits remains largely unclear. This study aimed to provide an optimized method for extracting and characterizing phenolic compounds inD.indicumvar.aromaticumflower. Firstly, an ultrasound-assisted method combined with central composite circumscribed (CCC) design was applied to optimize phenolic compound extraction. Ethanol-acetic acid (70%:2%, v/v) was selected as solvent, and the optimal extraction condition was: extraction temperature, 57 °C; solid/liquid ratio, 1:30 g/mL; extraction time, 20 min. Secondly, an effective and economic HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSnmethod was established and validated for phenolic compound characterization and quantification. As a result, 14 phenolic compounds were identified, including 8 phenolic acids and 6 flavonoids, and for the first time, oleuropein derivatives, chrysoeriol, and tricin are reported inD.indicumvar.aromaticumflower. The content of phenolics identified by HPLC-MSnwas 6.42 ± 0.32 mg/g DW. The optimized method for extraction and characterization of phenolic compounds has significant meaning to future pharmaceutical and medicinal research onD.indicumvar.aromaticum, and the results in this study can provide references for herbal research.
Sugar-induced de novo cytokinin biosynthesis contributes to Arabidopsis growth under elevated CO2
Authors: Kiba Takatoshi , Takebayashi Yumiko , Kojima Mikiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCarbon availability is a major regulatory factor in plant growth and development. Cytokinins, plant hormones that play important roles in various aspects of growth and development, have been implicated in the carbon-dependent regulation of plant growth; however, the details of their involvement remain to be elucidated. Here, we report that sugar-induced cytokinin biosynthesis plays a role in growth enhancement under elevated CO2 in Arabidopsis thaliana. Growing Arabidopsis seedlings under elevated CO2 resulted in an accumulation of cytokinin precursors that preceded growth enhancement. In roots, elevated CO2 induced two genes involved in de novo cytokinin biosynthesis: an adenosine phosphate-isopentenyltransferase gene, AtIPT3, and a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase gene, CYP735A2. The expression of these genes was inhibited by a photosynthesis inhibitor, DCMU, under elevated CO2, and was enhanced by sugar supplements, indicating that photosynthetically generated sugars are responsible for the induction. Consistently, cytokinin precursor accumulation was enhanced by sugar supplements. Cytokinin biosynthetic mutants were impaired in growth enhancement under elevated CO2, demonstrating the involvement of de novo cytokinin biosynthesis for a robust growth response. We propose that plants employ a system to regulate growth in response to elevated CO2 in which photosynthetically generated sugars induce de novo cytokinin biosynthesis for growth regulation.
Ras suppressor-1 (RSU-1) promotes cell invasion in aggressive glioma cells and inhibits it in non-aggressive cells through STAT6 phospho-regulation
Authors: Louca Maria , Stylianou Andreas , Minia Angeliki , Pliaka Vaia , Alexopoulos Leonidas G. , Gkretsi Vasiliki , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMost gliomas are invasive tumors formed from glial cells and associated with high mortality rates. In this study, we characterized four glioma cell lines of varying degree of aggressiveness (H4, SW1088, A172 and U87-MG) in terms of morphology, cytoskeleton organization and stiffness, and evaluated their invasive potential by performing invasion, colony forming and spheroid invasion assays. Cells were divided into two distinct groups: aggressive cell lines (A172 and U87-MG) with more elongated, softer and highly invasive cells and less aggressive cells (H4 and SW088). Interestingly, we found that Ras Suppressor-1 (RSU-1), a cell-matrix adhesion protein involved in cancer cell invasion, was significantly upregulated in more aggressive glioma cells compared to less aggressive. Importantly, RSU-1 silencing had opposing effects on glioma cell invasion depending on their aggressiveness, inhibiting migration and invasion of aggressive cells and promoting those of less aggressive cells. Finally, we found that RSU-1 silencing in aggressive cells led to decreased Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription6 (STAT6) phosphorylation and Matrix Metalloproteinase13 (MMP13) expression in contrast to less invasive cells. Our study demonstrates that RSU-1 promotes invasion of aggressive glioma cells and inhibits it in the non-aggressive cells, indicating that it could serve as a predictor of gliomas progression.
Analysis of the Ribonuclease A Superfamily of Antimicrobial Peptides in Patients Undergoing Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Pottanat Neha Dhingra , Brook Amy C. , Bartosova Maria , Cortado Hanna , Gupta Sudipti , Li Birong , Jackson Ashley R. , Vonau Martin , Cohen Shira , Ferrara Maria , Ching Christina B. , Spencer John David , Brauner Annelie , Fraser Donald J. , Schmitt Claus Peter , Eberl Matthias , Ayoob Rose , Becknell Brian 
Published: May 2019

AbstractInfectious peritonitis is a common complication in patients undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD), limiting the duration of PD as a modality for renal replacement therapy and increasing patient morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) serve critical roles in mucosal defense, but their expression and activity during peritonitis are poorly understood. We hypothesized that AMPs belonging to the Ribonuclease (RNase) A Superfamily are present in peritoneal fluid and increase during peritonitis in patients undergoing chronic PD. In the absence of peritonitis, we detected RNase 3, RNase 6, and RNase 7 in cell-free supernatants and viable cells obtained from peritoneal fluid of chronic PD patients. The cellular sources of these RNases were eosinophils (RNase 3), macrophages (RNase 6), and mesothelial cells (RNase 7). During peritonitis, RNase 3 increased 55-fold and RNase 7 levels increased 3-fold on average, whereas RNase 6 levels were unchanged. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves for RNase 3 and RNase 7 were 0.99 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96–1.0) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.64–0.93), respectively, indicating their potential as biomarkers of peritonitis. Discrete omental reservoirs of these RNases were evident in patients with end stage kidney disease prior to PD initiation, and omental RNase 3 reactive cells increased in patients undergoing PD with a history of peritonitis. We propose that constitutive and inducible pools of antimicrobial RNases form a network to shield the peritoneal cavity from microbial invasion in patients undergoing chronic PD.
Comparison of diffusion, cytotoxicity and tissue inflammatory reactions of four commercial bleaching products against human dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Llena C. , Collado-González M. , García-Bernal D. , Oñate-Sánchez R. E. , Martínez C. M. , Moraleda J. M. , Rodríguez-Lozano F. J. , Forner L. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMultiple side effects related to bleaching were found to occur in the dental pulp tissue, including decreased cell metabolism and viability. In this work we evaluated the in vitro diffusion capacity, cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of four commercial bleaching products on stem cells from human dental pulp (hDPSCs). Two commercial bleaching gels hydrogen peroxide-based (HP), Norblanc Office 37.5% (Nor-HP) and Opalescence Boost 40% (Opal-HP) were applied for 30 min to enamel/dentine discs. Another two gels from the same manufacturers, 16% carbamide peroxide-based (CP), Norblanc Home (Nor-CP) and Opalescence CP 16% (Opal-CP), were applied for 90 min. The diffusion of HP was analysed by fluorometry. Cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assays, the determination of apoptosis, immunofluorescence assays and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Tissue inflammatory reactions were evaluated histopathologically in rats. Statistical differences were performed by one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-test (α < 0.05). Normon products showed lower cytotoxicity and diffusion capacity than the Ultradent products. A high intracellular ROS level was measured in hDPSCs after exposure to Opal-HP. Finally, a severe necrosis of both coronal and radicular pulp was observed with Opal-HP. Similar concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide in a variety of bleaching products exhibited different responses in cells and dental pulp tissue, suggesting that bleaching products contain unknown agents that could influence their toxicity.
Latent Infection of Valsa mali in the Seeds, Seedlings and Twigs of Crabapple and Apple Trees is a Potential Inoculum Source of Valsa Canker
Authors: Meng Xiang-long , Qi Xing-hua , Han Ze-yuan , Guo Yong-bin , Wang Ya-nan , Hu Tong-le , Wang Li-ming , Cao Ke-qiang , Wang Shu-tong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA real-time quantitative PCR assay using a species-specific primer pair was developed to rapidly and accurately quantify Valsa mali, the causative pathogen of apple Valsa canker (AVC), in crabapple seeds, crabapple seedlings, apple twigs and apple seeds. Surveys were conducted in different regions, and crabapple or apple seeds were collected for V. mali detection by qPCR assay. Our results showed that 12.87% to 49.01% of crabapple seeds collected from different regions were positive for V. mali. The exopleura and endopleura were the two major areas of V. mali infection in crabapple seeds. The presence of V. mali infection in crabapple seeds was also confirmed by a high-throughput sequencing approach. With the growth of crabapple seedlings, the concentration of V. mali gDNA in crabapple seedlings gradually increased until eight or more leaf blades emerged. One-year-old twigs from an apple scion nursery were infected with V. mali, and only apple seeds from infected apple trees showing evident Valsa canker symptoms carried V. mali. In conclusion, this study reports that crabapple seeds and apple seeds carried V. mali as latent inoculum sources. V. mali infected not only apple tissues but also crabapple seedlings, which are the rootstocks of apple trees. This study indicated that the inoculum sources for AVC vary. Application of a novel qPCR assay can potentially improve the accuracy of early diagnosis, and is helpful to reveal the epidemic regularity of AVC.
Associations of Electrocardiographic Parameters with Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain and Prognosis in Cardiac Light Chain Amyloidosis
Authors: Kim Darae , Lee Ga Yeon , Choi Jin-Oh , Kim Kihyun , Kim Seok Jin , Jeon Eun-Seok 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA 12-lead ECG is a simple and less costly measure to assess cardiac amyloidosis and may reflect the infiltrative nature of cardiac amyloidosis and have prognostic value for predicting overall survival in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis. Therefore, we investigated the associations of surface ECG parameters with left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and prognosis in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis. We performed a multi-center, retrospective analysis of 102 biopsy-proven cardiac AL amyloidosis patients. Baseline studies included 12-lead surface ECG and echocardiography, with two-dimensional strain analysis performed within one month of diagnosis. From the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, patients with prolonged QTc (≥483 msec) had significantly poorer survival. ECG scores were assigned according to presence of prolonged QTc (≥483 msec) and abnormal QRS axis, and the study participants were divided into three groups according to ECG score. Mean absolute value of LV GLS and regional LV longitudinal strain (LS) differed significantly among the three groups and decreased in a stepwise manner as ECG score increased. Log NT-proBNP increased in a stepwise manner as ECG score increased. Prolonged QTc (≥483 msec) and abnormal QRS axis showed significant incremental values in addition to the revised Mayo stage. The presence of prolonged QTc (≥483 msec) and abnormal QRS axis showed significant incremental values for overall mortality rates. In addition, ECG scores consisting of presence of prolonged QTc (≥483 msec), and abnormal QRS axis showed good association with longitudinal LV dysfunction and NT-proBNP. ECG finding may provide prognostic additional information regarding prognosis of AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement.
Intraspecific Competition Affects the Pupation Behavior of Spotted-Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii)
Authors: Bezerra Da Silva Cherre Sade , Park Kyoo R. , Blood Rachel A. , Walton Vaughn M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn Drosophila, intraspecific competition (IC) may cause stress, cannibalism, and affect survival and reproduction. By migrating to less crowded environments, individuals can escape IC. Larvae of spotted-wing drosophila (SWD, Drosophila suzukii) are often exposed to IC. They are known to pupate either attached to or detached from their hosts. Here, we hypothesized that SWD pupates detached from the larval host as a means to escape IC and increase their survival and fitness. Under laboratory conditions, IC resulted in increased pupation detached from the larval host in both cornmeal medium and blueberry fruit. Males were more prone to detached pupation than females. In blueberry, IC-exposed larvae pupated farther away from the fruit relative to singly-developed individuals. Detached pupation was associated to survival and fitness gains. For example, larvae that displayed detached pupation showed shorter egg-pupa development times, higher pupa-adult survival, and larger adult size relative to fruit-attached individuals. These findings demonstrate that SWD larvae select pupation sites based on IC, and that such a strategy is associated with improved survival and fitness. This information contributes to a better understanding of SWD basic biology and behavior, offering insights to the development of improved practices to manage this pest in the field.
Survival and ice nucleation activity of Pseudomonas syringae strains exposed to simulated high-altitude atmospheric conditions
Authors: de Araujo Gabriel Guarany , Rodrigues Fabio , Gonçalves Fabio Luiz Teixeira , Galante Douglas 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPseudomonas syringae produces highly efficient biological ice nuclei (IN) that were proposed to influence precipitation by freezing water in clouds. This bacterium may be capable of dispersing through the atmosphere, having been reported in rain, snow, and cloud water samples. This study assesses its survival and maintenance of IN activity under stressing conditions present at high altitudes, such as UV radiation within clouds. Strains of the pathovars syringae and garcae were compared to Escherichia coli. While UV-C effectively inactivated these cells, the Pseudomonas were much more tolerant to UV-B. The P. syringae strains were also more resistant to radiation from a solar simulator, composed of UV-A and UV-B, while only one of them suffered a decline in IN activity at −5 °C after long exposures. Desiccation at different relative humidity values also affected the IN, but some activity at −5 °C was always maintained. The pathovar garcae tended to be more resistant than the pathovar syringae, particularly to desiccation, though its IN were found to be generally more sensitive. Compared to E. coli, the P. syringae strains appear to be better adapted to survival under conditions present at high altitudes and in clouds.
Ni(OH)2@Ni core-shell nanochains as low-cost high-rate performance electrode for energy storage applications
Authors: Urso Mario , Torrisi Giacomo , Boninelli Simona , Bongiorno Corrado , Priolo Francesco , Mirabella Salvo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEnergy storage performances of Ni-based electrodes rely mainly on the peculiar nanomaterial design. In this work, a novel and low-cost approach to fabricate a promising core-shell battery-like electrode is presented. Ni(OH)2@Ni core-shell nanochains were obtained by an electrochemical oxidation of a 3D nanoporous Ni film grown by chemical bath deposition and thermal annealing. This innovative nanostructure demonstrated remarkable charge storage ability in terms of capacity (237 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1) and rate capability (76% at 16 A g−1, 32% at 64 A g−1). The relationships between electrochemical properties and core-shell architecture were investigated and modelled. The high-conductivity Ni core provides low electrode resistance and excellent electron transport from Ni(OH)2 shell to the current collector, resulting in improved capacity and rate capability. The reported preparation method and unique electrochemical behaviour of Ni(OH)2@Ni core-shell nanochains show potential in many field, including hybrid supercapacitors, batteries, electrochemical (bio)sensing, gas sensing and photocatalysis.
Tunable electron transfer rate in a CdSe/ZnS-based complex with different anthraquinone chloride substitutes
Authors: Zhao Huifang , Sun Chaofan , Yin Hang , Li Yuanzuo , Gao Jianbo , Shi Ying , Sun Mengtao 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe use femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to study ultrafast electron transfer (ET) dynamics in a model donor and acceptor system using CdSe/ZnS core/shell structure quantum dots (QDs) as donors and anthraquinone (AQ) molecules as acceptors. The ET rate can be enhanced by decreasing the number of chlorine substituents in the AQ molecules because that increases the driving force, which is the energy level offset between the conduction band energy of CdSe/ZnS and the lowest upper molecular orbital potential of AQ derivatives, as confirmed by cyclic voltammetry measurements. However, the electronic coupling between the QDs and AQ derivatives, and the sum of reorganization energy of AQ molecules and solvent calculated by density functional theory are not the main reasons for the change in ET rate in three systems. Our findings provide new insights into selecting an acceptor molecule and will be useful in tuning ET processes for advanced QD-based applications.
In vitro NTPase activity of highly purified Pdr5, a major yeast ABC multidrug transporter
Authors: Wagner Manuel , Smits Sander H. J. , Schmitt Lutz 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe ABC transporter Pdr5 of S. cerevisiae is a key player of the PDR network that works as a first line of defense against a wide range of xenobiotic compounds. As the first discovered member of the family of asymmetric PDR ABC transporters, extensive studies have been carried out to elucidate the molecular mechanism of drug efflux and the details of the catalytic cycle. Pdr5 turned out to be an excellent model system to study functional and structural characteristics of asymmetric, uncoupled ABC transporters. However, to date studies have been limited to in vivo or plasma membrane systems, as it was not possible to isolate Pdr5 in a functional state. Here, we describe the solubilization and purification of Pdr5 to homogeneity in a functional state as confirmed by in vitro assays. The ATPase deficient Pdr5 E1036Q mutant was used as a control and proves that detergent-purified wild-type Pdr5 is functional resembling in its activity the one in its physiological environment. Finally, we show that the isolated active Pdr5 is monomeric in solution. Taken together, our results described in this study will enable a variety of functional investigations on Pdr5 required to determine molecular mechanism of this asymmetric ABC transporter.
Bigmouth Buffalo Ictiobus cyprinellus sets freshwater teleost record as improved age analysis reveals centenarian longevity
Authors: Lackmann Alec R. , Andrews Allen H. , Butler Malcolm G. , Bielak-Lackmann Ewelina S. , Clark Mark E. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUnderstanding the age structure and population dynamics of harvested species is crucial for sustainability, especially in fisheries. The Bigmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus) is a fish endemic to the Mississippi and Hudson Bay drainages. A valued food-fish for centuries, they are now a prized sportfish as night bowfishing has become a million-dollar industry in the past decade. All harvest is virtually unregulated and unstudied, and Bigmouth Buffalo are declining while little is known about their biology. Using thin-sectioned otoliths and bomb-radiocarbon dating, we find Bigmouth Buffalo can reach 112 years of age, more than quadrupling previous longevity estimates, making this the oldest known freshwater teleost (~12,000 species). We document numerous populations that are comprised largely (85–90%) of individuals over 80 years old, suggesting long-term recruitment failure since dam construction in the 1930s. Our findings indicate Bigmouth Buffalo require urgent attention, while other understudied fishes may be threatened by similar ecological neglect.
Emerging therapeutic applications of CRISPR genome editing
Authors: Qasim Waseem 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The rapid evolution of tools for genome editing has created a dizzying array of possibilities for novel therapeutic strategies, even though to date only a handful of clinical applications have been realised. Proof-of-concept demonstrations of targeted genome modification in vitro and in small animal models of inherited single gene disorders have to be translated into effective therapies. Interest has naturally gravitated towards opportunities for collection, ex vivo modification and return of blood, immune and stem cells. Initial applications designed to modify T cells to protect against HIV or to confer potent anti-leukaemic effects have reached clinical phase, and further applications to modify blood stem cells are close to being applied. There are generic considerations of safety, on- and off-target effects and possible genotoxicity as well as issues relating to more sophisticated systemic approaches where niche occupation and host immunity become relevant. Such issues will be likely addressed over time, with carefully designed clinical trials required to determine therapeutic risks and benefits.