bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic nanoparticles penetrate leaves and deliver nutrients to agricultural crops
Authors: Karny Avishai , Zinger Assaf , Kajal Ashima , Shainsky-Roitman Janna , Schroeder Avi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAs the world population grows, there is a need for efficient agricultural technologies to provide global food requirements and reduce environmental toll. In medicine, nanoscale drug delivery systems grant improved therapeutic precision by overcoming biological barriers and enhancing drug targeting to diseased tissues. Here, we loaded nanoscale drug-delivery systems with agricultural nutrients, and applied them to the leaves of tomato plants. We show that the nanoparticles – liposomes composed of plant-derived lipids, penetrate the leaf and translocate in a bidirectional manner, distributing to other leaves and to the roots. The liposomes were then internalized by the plant cells, where they released their active ingredient. Up to 33% of the applied nanoparticles penetrated the leaf, compared to less than one percent of free-molecules applied in a similar manner. In our study, tomato plants treated with liposomes loaded with Fe and Mg overcame acute nutrient deficiency which was not treatable using ordinary agricultural nutrients. Furthermore, to address regulatory concerns regarding airborne nanoparticles, we rationally designed liposomes that were stable only over short spraying distances (less than 2 meters), while the liposomes disintegrated into safe molecular building blocks (phospholipids) over longer airborne distances. These findings support expanding the implementation of nanotechnology for delivering micronutrients to agricultural crops for increasing yield.
Anatomy of a fumarolic system inferred from a multiphysics approach
Authors: Gresse Marceau , Vandemeulebrouck Jean , Byrdina Svetlana , Chiodini Giovanni , Roux Philippe , Rinaldi Antonio Pio , Wathelet Marc , Ricci Tullio , Letort Jean , Petrillo Zaccaria , Tuccimei Paola , Lucchetti Carlo , Sciarra Alessandra 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFumaroles are a common manifestation of volcanic activity that are associated with large emissions of gases into the atmosphere. These gases originate from the magma, and they can provide indirect and unique insights into magmatic processes. Therefore, they are extensively used to monitor and forecast eruptive activity. During their ascent, the magmatic gases interact with the rock and hydrothermal fluids, which modify their geochemical compositions. These interactions can complicate our understanding of the real volcanic dynamics and remain poorly considered. Here, we present the first complete imagery of a fumarolic plumbing system using three-dimensional electrical resistivity tomography and new acoustic noise localization. We delineate a gas reservoir that feeds the fumaroles through distinct channels. Based on this geometry, a thermodynamic model reveals that near-surface mixing between gas and condensed steam explains the distinct geochemical compositions of fumaroles that originate from the same source. Such modeling of fluid interactions will allow for the simulation of dynamic processes of magmatic degassing, which is crucial to the monitoring of volcanic unrest.
Long non-coding RNA expression patterns in lung tissues of chronic cigarette smoke induced COPD mouse model
Authors: Zhang Haiyun , Sun Dejun , Li Defu , Zheng Zeguang , Xu Jingyi , Liang Xue , Zhang Chenting , Wang Sheng , Wang Jian , Lu Wenju 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have critical regulatory roles in protein-coding gene expression. Aberrant expression profiles of lncRNAs have been observed in various human diseases. In this study, we investigated transcriptome profiles in lung tissues of chronic cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD mouse model. We found that 109 lncRNAs and 260 mRNAs were significantly differential expressed in lungs of chronic CS-induced COPD mouse model compared with control animals. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that differentially expressed lncRNAs associated protein-coding genes were mainly involved in protein processing of endoplasmic reticulum pathway, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism pathway. The combination of high throughput data analysis and the results of qRT-PCR validation in lungs of chronic CS-induced COPD mouse model, 16HBE cells with CSE treatment and PBMC from patients with COPD revealed that NR_102714 and its associated protein-coding gene UCHL1 might be involved in the development of COPD both in mouse and human. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that aberrant expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs existed in lungs of chronic CS-induced COPD mouse model. From animal models perspective, these results might provide further clues to investigate biological functions of lncRNAs and their potential target protein-coding genes in the pathogenesis of COPD.
TDP-43 regulation of stress granule dynamics in neurodegenerative disease-relevant cell types
Authors: Khalfallah Yousra , Kuta Rachel , Grasmuck Camille , Prat Alexandre , Durham Heather D. , Vande Velde Christine 
Published: May 2018

AbstractStress granules (SGs) are cytoplasmic foci that form in response to various external stimuli and are essential to cell survival following stress. SGs are studied in several diseases, including ALS and FTD, which involve the degeneration of motor and cortical neurons, respectively, and are now realized to be linked pathogenically by TDP-43, originally discovered as a component of ubiquitin-positive aggregates within patients’ neurons and some glial cells. So far, studies to undercover the role of TDP-43 in SGs have used primarily transformed cell lines, and thus rely on the extrapolation of the mechanisms to cell types affected in ALS/FTD, potentially masking cell specific effects. Here, we investigate SG dynamics in primary motor and cortical neurons as well as astrocytes. Our data suggest a cell and stress specificity and demonstrate a requirement for TDP-43 for efficient SG dynamics. In addition, based on our in vitro approach, our data suggest that aging may be an important modifier of SG dynamics which could have relevance to the initiation and/or progression of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Performance boost for primary magnesium cells using iron complexing agents as electrolyte additives
Authors: Höche Daniel , Lamaka Sviatlana V. , Vaghefinazari Bahram , Braun Tobias , Petrauskas Rokas P. , Fichtner Maximilian , Zheludkevich Mikhail L. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAqueous Mg battery technology holds significant appeal, owing to the availability of raw materials, high power densities and the possibility of fast mechanical recharge. However, Mg batteries have so far been prone to decreased capacity due to self-corrosion of the anodes from the electrochemical redeposition of impurities, such as Fe, which results in parasitic cathodically active sites on the discharging anode. This work demonstrates that by adding Fe3+-complexing agents like Tiron or salicylate to the aqueous electrolyte of an Mg battery, it was possible to prevent the redeposition of Fe impurities and subsequent self-corrosion of the anode surface, thereby boosting battery performance. To prevent detrimental fouling of anode surface by Mg(OH)2, employed Fe3+-complexing agents must also form soluble complexes with Mg2+ of moderate stability. The interplay of these requirements predetermines the improvement of operating voltage and utilization efficiency.
Two-fluid, hydrodynamic model for spherical electrolyte systems
Authors: David Christin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSpatial interaction effects between charge carriers in ionic systems play a sizable role beyond a classical Maxwellian description. We develop a nonlocal, two-fluid, hydrodynamic theory of charges and study ionic plasmon effects, i.e. collective charge oscillations in electrolytes. Ionic spatial dispersion arises from both positive and negative charge dynamics with an impact in the (far-)infrared. Despite highly classical parameters, nonlocal quenching of up to 90% is observed for particle sizes spanning orders of magnitude. Notably, the ionic system is widely tunable via ion concentration, mass and charge, in contrast to solid metal nanoparticles. A nonlocal soft plasmonic theory for ions is relevant for biological and chemical systems bridging hard and soft matter theory and allowing the investigation of non-classical effects in electrolytes in full analogy to solid metal particles. The presented semi-classical approach allows studying plasmonic photo-catalysis introducing nonlocal aspects into electrolyte-metal interactions.
Fabrication and characterization of a scalable surface textured with pico-liter oil drops for mechanistic studies of bacteria-oil interactions
Authors: Jalali Maryam , White Andrew R. , Marti James , Sheng Jian 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTexturing a large surface with oily micro-drops with controlled size, shape and volume provides an unprecedented capability in investigating complex interactions of bacteria, cells and interfaces. It has particular implications in understanding key microbial processes involved in remediation of environmental disasters, such as Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This work presents a development of scalable micro-transfer molding to functionalize a substrate with oily drop array to generate a microcosm mimicking bacteria encountering a rising droplet cloud. The volume of each drop within a large “printed” surface can be tuned by varying base geometry and area with characteristic scales from 5 to 50 μm. Contrary to macroscopic counterparts, drops with non-Laplacian shapes, i.e. sharp corners, that appears to violate Young-Laplacian relationship locally, are produced. Although the drop relaxes into a spherical cap with constant mean curvature, the contact line with sharp corners remains pinned. Relaxation times from initial to asymptotic shape require extraordinarily long time (>7 days). We demonstrate that non-Laplacian drops are the direct results of self-pinning of contact line by nanoparticles in the oil. This technique has been applied to study biofilm formation at the oil-water interface and can be readily extended to other colloidal fluids.
The effects of cannabidiol on impulsivity and memory during abstinence in cigarette dependent smokers
Authors: Hindocha C. , Freeman T. P. , Grabski M. , Crudgington H. , Davies A. C. , Stroud J. B. , Das R. K. , Lawn W. , Morgan C. J. A. , Curran H. V. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAcute nicotine abstinence in cigarette smokers results in deficits in performance on specific cognitive processes, including working memory and impulsivity which are important in relapse. Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis, has shown pro-cognitive effects and preliminary evidence has indicated it can reduce the number of cigarettes smoked in dependent smokers. However, the effects of CBD on cognition have never been tested during acute nicotine withdrawal. The present study therefore aimed to investigate if CBD can improve memory and reduce impulsivity during acute tobacco abstinence. Thirty, non-treatment seeking, dependent, cigarette smokers attended two laboratory-based sessions after overnight abstinence, in which they received either 800 mg oral CBD or placebo (PBO), in a randomised order. Abstinence was biologically verified. Participants were assessed on go/no-go, delay discounting, prose recall and N-back (0-back, 1-back, 2-back) tasks. The effects of CBD on delay discounting, prose recall and the N-back (correct responses, maintenance or manipulation) were null, confirmed by a Bayesian analysis, which found evidence for the null hypothesis. Contrary to our predictions, CBD increased commission errors on the go/no-go task. In conclusion, a single 800 mg dose of CBD does not improve verbal or spatial working memory, or impulsivity during tobacco abstinence.
Wildfire smoke impacts activity and energetics of wild Bornean orangutans
Authors: Erb W. M. , Barrow E. J. , Hofner A. N. , Utami-Atmoko S. S. , Vogel E. R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIndonesia’s peatlands experience frequent and intense wildfires, producing hazardous smoke with consequences for human health, yet there is a lack of research into adverse effects on wildlife. We evaluated the effects of smoke on the activity and energy balance of Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) in a peat swamp forest at the Tuanan Research Station, Central Kalimantan. We collected behavioural data and urine samples from four adult flanged males before, during, and after wildfires between March 2015 and January 2016. During fires, particulate matter (PM10) concentrations were hazardous. Orangutans increased rest time during and after the smoke period, and decreased travel time and distance and increased fat catabolism post-smoke. The increase in post-smoke ketones was not related to changes in caloric intake and was likely due to an increase in energy expenditure, possibly related to immune response. Results show that wildfire smoke negatively affects orangutan condition, and sustained research is needed to assess the magnitude of the threat to the long-term viability of this Critically Endangered species.
Structure-guided Discovery of Dual-recognition Chemibodies
Authors: Cheng Alan C. , Doherty Elizabeth M. , Johnstone Sheree , DiMauro Erin F. , Dao Jennifer , Luthra Abhinav , Ye Jay , Tang Jie , Nixey Thomas , Min Xiaoshan , Tagari Philip , Miranda Les P. , Wang Zhulun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSmall molecules and antibodies each have advantages and limitations as therapeutics. Here, we present for the first time to our knowledge, the structure-guided design of “chemibodies” as small molecule-antibody hybrids that offer dual recognition of a single target by both a small molecule and an antibody, using DPP-IV enzyme as a proof of concept study. Biochemical characterization demonstrates that the chemibodies present superior DPP-IV inhibition compared to either small molecule or antibody component alone. We validated our design by successfully solving a co-crystal structure of a chemibody in complex with DPP-IV, confirming specific binding of the small molecule portion at the interior catalytic site and the Fab portion at the protein surface. The discovery of chemibodies presents considerable potential for novel therapeutics that harness the power of both small molecule and antibody modalities to achieve superior specificity, potency, and pharmacokinetic properties.
Adeno-associated Virus Vector-mediated Interleukin-10 Induction Prevents Vascular Inflammation in a Murine Model of Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Nakamura Jun , Watanabe Sachiko , Kimura Hiroaki , Kobayashi Motoi , Karasawa Tadayoshi , Kamata Ryo , Usui-Kawanishi Fumitake , Sadatomo Ai , Mizukami Hiroaki , Nagi-Miura Noriko , Ohno Naohito , Kasahara Tadashi , Minota Seiji , Takahashi Masafumi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractKawasaki disease (KD), which is the leading cause of pediatric heart disease, is characterized by coronary vasculitis and subsequent aneurysm formation. Although intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is effective for reducing aneurysm formation, a certain number of patients are resistant to this therapy. Because interleukin-10 (IL-10) was identified as a negative regulator of cardiac inflammation in a murine model of KD induced by Candida albicans water-soluble fraction (CAWS), we investigated the effect of IL-10 supplementation in CAWS-induced vasculitis. Mice were injected intramuscularly with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector encoding IL-10, then treated with CAWS. The induction of AAV-mediated IL-10 (AAV-IL-10) significantly attenuated the vascular inflammation and fibrosis in the aortic root and coronary artery, resulting in the improvement of cardiac dysfunction and lethality. The predominant infiltrating inflammatory cells in the vascular walls were Dectin-2+CD11b+ macrophages. In vitro experiments revealed that granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) induced Dectin-2 expression in bone marrow-derived macrophages and enhanced the CAWS-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-6. IL-10 had no effect on the Dectin-2 expression but significantly inhibited the production of cytokines. IL-10 also inhibited CAWS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, but not Syk. Furthermore, the induction of AAV-IL-10 prevented the expression of TNF-α and IL-6, but not GM-CSF and Dectin-2 at the early phase of CAWS-induced vasculitis. These findings demonstrate that AAV-IL-10 may have therapeutic application in the prevention of coronary vasculitis and aneurysm formation, and provide new insights into the mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of KD.
Oncotically Driven Control over Glycocalyx Dimension for Cell Surface Engineering and Protein Binding in the Longitudinal Direction
Authors: Siren Erika M. J. , Chapanian Rafi , Constantinescu Iren , Brooks Donald E. , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHere we present a simple technique for re-directing reactions on the cell surface to the outermost region of the glycocalyx. Macromolecular crowding with inert polymers was utilized to reversibly alter the accessibility of glycocalyx proteoglycans toward cell-surface reactive probes allowing for reactivity control in the longitudinal direction (‘z’-direction) on the glycocalyx. Studies in HUVECs demonstrated an oncotically driven collapse of the glycocalyx brush structure in the presence of crowders as the mechanism responsible for re-directing reactivity. This phenomenon is consistent across a variety of macromolecular agents including polymers, protein markers and antibodies which all displayed enhanced binding to the outermost surface of multiple cell types. We then demonstrated the biological significance of the technique by increasing the camouflage of red blood cell surface antigens via a crowding-enhanced attachment of voluminous polymers to the exterior of the glycocalyx. The accessibility to Rhesus D (RhD) and CD47 proteins on the cell surface was significantly decreased in crowding-assisted polymer grafting in comparison to non-crowded conditions. This strategy is expected to generate new tools for controlled glycocalyx engineering, probing the glycocalyx structure and function, and improving the development of cell based therapies.
Notoginsenoside R1 inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration and neointimal hyperplasia through PI3K/Akt signaling
Authors: Fang Haihong , Yang Shilin , Luo Yingying , Zhang Cheng , Rao Yi , Liu Renjing , Feng Yulin , Yu Jun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRestenosis caused by neointimal hyperplasia significantly decreases long-term efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), stenting, and by-pass surgery for managing coronary and peripheral arterial diseases. A major cause of pathological neointima formation is abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is a novel saponin that is derived from Panax notoginseng and has reported cardioprotective, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its role in modulating VSMC neointima formation remains unexplored. Herein, we report that NGR1 inhibits serum-induced VSMC proliferation and migration by regulating VSMC actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Using a mouse femoral artery endothelium denudation model, we further demonstrate that systemic administration of NGR1 had a potent therapeutic effect in mice, significantly reducing neointimal hyperplasia following acute vessel injury. Mechanistically, we show that NGR1’s mode of action is through inhibiting the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling. Taken together, this study identified NGR1 as a potential therapeutic agent for combating restenosis after PTA in cardiovascular diseases.
Understanding the Connection between Nanoparticle Uptake and Cancer Treatment Efficacy using Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Brocato Terisse A. , Coker Eric N. , Durfee Paul N. , Lin Yu-Shen , Townson Jason , Wyckoff Edward F. , Cristini Vittorio , Brinker C. Jeffrey , Wang Zhihui 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNanoparticles have shown great promise in improving cancer treatment efficacy while reducing toxicity and treatment side effects. Predicting the treatment outcome for nanoparticle systems by measuring nanoparticle biodistribution has been challenging due to the commonly unmatched, heterogeneous distribution of nanoparticles relative to free drug distribution. We here present a proof-of-concept study that uses mathematical modeling together with experimentation to address this challenge. Individual mice with 4T1 breast cancer were treated with either nanoparticle-delivered or free doxorubicin, with results demonstrating improved cancer kill efficacy of doxorubicin loaded nanoparticles in comparison to free doxorubicin. We then developed a mathematical theory to render model predictions from measured nanoparticle biodistribution, as determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption. Model analysis finds that treatment efficacy increased exponentially with increased nanoparticle accumulation within the tumor, emphasizing the significance of developing new ways to optimize the delivery efficiency of nanoparticles to the tumor microenvironment.
Linking cervicovaginal immune signatures, HPV and microbiota composition in cervical carcinogenesis in non-Hispanic and Hispanic women
Authors: Łaniewski Paweł , Barnes Dominique , Goulder Alison , Cui Haiyan , Roe Denise J. , Chase Dana M. , Herbst-Kralovetz Melissa M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhile high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a well-established risk factor for cervical cancer, there are likely other factors within the local microenvironment that contribute to cervical carcinogenesis. Here we investigated relationships between HPV, vaginal pH, vaginal microbiota (VMB) composition, level of genital immune mediators and severity of cervical neoplasm. We enrolled women with low- and high-grade cervical dysplasia (LGD, HGD), invasive cervical carcinoma (ICC), and healthy controls. HPV16, HPV45, HPV58, and HPV31 were the most prevalent in our cohort with HPV16 and HPV31 genotypes more prevalent in Hispanics. Vaginal pH was associated with ethnicity and severity of cervical neoplasm. Lactobacillus dominance decreased with the severity of cervical neoplasm, which correlated with elevated vaginal pH. Hispanic ethnicity was also associated with decreased Lactobacillus dominance. Furthermore, Sneathia was enriched in all precancerous groups, ICC, abnormal pH and Hispanic origin. Patients with ICC, but not LGD and HGD, exhibited increased genital inflammatory scores and elevated specific immune mediators. Notably, IL-36γ was significantly associated with ICC. Our study revealed local, host immune and microbial signatures associated with cervical carcinogenesis and provides an initial step to understanding the complex interplay between mucosal inflammation, HPV persistence and the VMB.