bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular mechanisms involved in the protective effect of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide in an in vitro model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Maugeri Grazia , D’Amico Agata G. , Rasà Daniela M. , Federico Concetta , Saccone Salvatore , Morello Giovanna , La Cognata Valentina , Cavallaro Sebastiano , D’Agata Velia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. Based on transcriptional profiles of motor cortex samples, in a previous work, we were able to classify two subgroups of sporadic ALS (SALS) patients, named SALS1 and SALS2. A further meta‐analysis study has revealed sixteen drug targets commonly deregulated in SALS2 and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) G93A mice. The identified candidate drug targets included pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and matrix metallopeptidase‐2 (MMP‐2). By using a motor neuron‐like hybrid cell line (NSC‐34) expressing human SOD1 G93A as an in vitro model of ALS, here we investigated the functional correlation among these three genes. Our results have shown that PACAP increases cell viability following serum deprivation. This effect is induced through EGFR transactivation mediated by protein kinase A stimulation. Furthermore, EGFR phosphorylation activates mitogen‐activated protein kinases/extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 survival signaling pathway and increases MMP‐2 expression, significantly reduced by serum starvation. These results suggest that a deeper characterization of mechanisms involved in PACAP/EGFR/MMP‐2 axis activation in G93A SOD1 mutated neurons may allow identifying new targets for ALS therapy.
1,7‐Bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1,4‐heptadien‐3‐one induces lung cancer cell apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways
Authors: Fan Jiangjiang , Wu Mingsheng , Wang Jian , Ren Dongmei , Zhao Jian , Yang Guotao 
Published: September 2018

Abstract1,7‐Bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1,4‐heptadien‐3‐one (EB30) is a diarylheptanoid‐like compound isolated from Viscum coloratum. This curcumin analog exhibits significant cytotoxic activity against HeLa, SGC‐7901, and MCF‐7 cells. However, little is known about the anticancer effects and mechanisms of EB30 in human lung cancer. The current study reports that EB30 significantly reduced the cell viability of A549 and NCI‐H292 human lung cancer cells. Further examination revealed that EB30 not only induced cell cycle arrest and promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) but also induced cell apoptosis through the intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways. Furthermore, EB30 upregulated the expression levels of p‐ERK1/2 and p‐P90RSK, whereas downregulating the phosphorylation of Akt and P70RSK. Cell viability was further inhibited by the combination of EB30 with LY294002 (a specific PI3K inhibitor) or U0126 (a MEK inhibitor). The current study indicates that EB30 is a potential anticancer agent that induces cell apoptosis via suppression of the PI3K/Akt pathway and activation of the ERK1/2 pathway.
Identification of a novel cell cycle‐related gene signature predicting survival in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Zhao Lan , Jiang Longyang , He Linxiu , Wei Qian , Bi Jia , Wang Yan , Yu Lifeng , He Miao , Zhao Lin , Wei Minjie 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is one of the most fatal cancers in the world. Thousands of biomarkers have been explored that might be related to survival and prognosis via database mining. However, the prediction effect of single gene biomarkers is not specific enough. Increasing evidence suggests that gene signatures are emerging as a possible better alternative. We aimed to develop a novel gene signature to improve the prognosis prediction of GC. Using the messenger RNA (mRNA)‐mining approach, we performed mRNA expression profiling in a large GC cohort (n = 375) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed, and we recovered genes related to the G2/M checkpoint, which we identified with a Cox proportional regression model. We identified a set of five genes (MARCKS, CCNF, MAPK14, INCENP, and CHAF1A), which were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) in the test series. Based on this five‐gene signature, the test series patients could be classified into high‐risk or low‐risk subgroups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the prognostic power of this five‐gene signature was independent of clinical features. In conclusion, we developed a five‐gene signature related to the cell cycle that can predict survival for GC. Our findings provide novel insight that is useful for understanding cell cycle mechanisms and for identifying patients with GC with poor prognoses.
Autophagy participates in cyst breakdown and primordial folliculogenesis by reducing reactive oxygen species levels in perinatal mouse ovaries
Authors: Zhihan Tu , Xinyi Mu , Qingying Li , Rufei Gao , Yan Zhang , Xuemei Chen , Yanqing Geng , Yingxiong Wang , Junlin He 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe reserve of primordial follicles, which serves all oocytes for the female reproductive lifespan, is established a few days after birth in mice. During this process, more than half of the oocytes are primarily eliminated by apoptosis. Autophagy, the conserved intracellular process maintaining cellular homeostasis, serves as a protective mechanism for oocyte survival. In the current study, we speculate a new role for autophagy during primordial folliculogenesis. Active autophagy was observed in perinatal ovaries from 16.5 days post coitus to 3 days post parturition. The inhibition of autophagy by 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) increased the number of cyst oocytes and delayed follicle formation in vivo and in organ cultures. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was elevated in ovaries treated with 3‐MA, while N‐acetylcysteine, an oxidant, alleviated the inhibitory effect of 3‐MA on primordial folliculogenesis. Additionally, the expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and transforming growth factor β1, which regulates follicle activation, was decreased after 3‐MA treatment. These data suggest that the physiological level of autophagy in perinatal ovaries regulates germ cell cyst breakdown and primordial follicle assembly by ROS clearance and exerts extensive effects on further follicular development.
Iturin A‐like lipopeptides from Bacillus subtilis trigger apoptosis, paraptosis, and autophagy in Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Zhao Haobin , Xu Xiaoguang , Lei Shuzhen , Shao Dongyan , Jiang Chunmei , Shi Junling , Zhang Yawen , Liu Li , Lei Shuzhen , Sun Hui , Huang Qingsheng 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study revealed that iturin A‐like lipopeptides produced by Bacillus subtillis induced both paraptosis and apoptosis in heterogeneous human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco‐2) cells. Autophagy was simultaneously induced in Caco‐2 cells treated with iturin A‐like lipopeptides at the early stage and inhibited at the later stage. A western blot analysis showed that the lipopeptides induced apoptosis in Caco‐2 cells via a mitochondrial‐dependent pathway, as indicated by upregulated expression of the apoptotic genes bax and bad and downregulated expression of the antiapoptotic gene bcl‐2. The induction of paraptosis in Caco‐2 cells was indicated by the occurrence of many cytoplasmic vacuoles accompanied by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dilatation and mitochondrial swelling and dysfunction. ER stress also occurred with significant increases in reactive oxygen species and Ca2+ levels in cells. Autophagy was detected by a transmission electron microscopy analysis and by upregulated expression of LC3‐II and downregulated expression of LC3‐I. The inhibition of autophagy at the later stage was shown by upregulated expression of p62. This study revealed the capability of iturin A‐like B. subtilis lipopeptides to simultaneously execute antitumor potential via multiple pathways.
Opioids in Breast Milk: Pharmacokinetic Principles and Clinical Implications
Authors: Ito Shinya 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSafety of maternal drug therapy during breastfeeding may be assessed from estimated levels of drug exposure of the infant through milk. Pharmacokinetic (PK) principles predict that the lower the clearance is, the higher the infant dose via milk will be. Drugs with low clearance (<1 mL/[kg·min]) are likely to cause an infant exposure level greater than 10% of the weight‐adjusted maternal dose even if the milk‐to‐plasma concentration ratio is 1. Most drugs cause relatively low‐level exposure below 10% of the weight‐adjusted maternal dose, but opioids require caution because of their potential for severe adverse effects. Furthermore, substantial individual variations of drug clearance exist in both mother and infant, potentially causing drug accumulation over time in some infants even if an estimated dose of the drug through milk is small. Such PK differences among individuals are known not only for codeine and tramadol through pharmacogenetic variants of CYP2D6 but also for non‐CYP2D6 substrate opioids including oxycodone, indicating difficulties of eliminating PK uncertainty by simply replacing an opioid with another. Overall, opioid use for pain management during labor and delivery and subsequent short‐term use for 2‐3 days are compatible with breastfeeding. In contrast, newly initiated and prolonged maternal opioid therapy must follow a close monitoring program of the opioid‐naive infants. Until more safety data become available, treatment duration of newly initiated opioids in the postpartum period should be limited to 2‐3 days in unsupervised outpatient settings. Opioid addiction treatment with methadone and buprenorphine during pregnancy may continue into breastfeeding, but infant conditions must be monitored.
Probiotics in Disease Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Liu Yuying , Tran Dat Q. , Rhoads J. Marc 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFew treatments for human diseases have received as much investigation in the past 20 years as probiotics. In 2017, English‐language meta‐analyses totaling 52 studies determined the effect of probiotics on conditions ranging from necrotizing enterocolitis and colic in infants to constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and hepatic encephalopathy in adults. The strongest evidence in favor of probiotics lies in the prevention or treatment of 5 disorders: necrotizing enterocolitis, acute infectious diarrhea, acute respiratory tract infections, antibiotic‐associated diarrhea, and infant colic. Probiotic mechanisms of action include the inhibition of bacterial adhesion; enhanced mucosal barrier function; modulation of the innate and adaptive immune systems (including induction of tolerogenic dendritic cells and regulatory T cells); secretion of bioactive metabolites; and regulation of the enteric and central nervous systems. Future research is needed to identify the optimal probiotic and dose for specific diseases, to address whether the addition of prebiotics (to form synbiotics) would enhance activity, and to determine if defined microbial communities would provide benefit exceeding that of single‐species probiotics.
Molecular imaging with neural training of identification algorithm (neural network localization identification)
Authors: Nelson A. J. , Hess S. T. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSuperresolution localization microscopy strongly relies on robust identification algorithms for accurate reconstruction of the biological systems it is used to measure. The fields of machine learning and computer vision have provided promising solutions for automated object identification, but usually rely on well represented training sets to learn object features. However, using a static training set can result in the learned identification algorithm making mistakes on data that is not well represented by the training set. Here, we present a method for training an artificial neural network without providing a training set in advance. This method uses the data to be analyzed, and the fitting algorithm to train an artificial neural network tailored to that data set. We show that the same artificial neural network can learn to identify at least two types of molecular emissions: the regular point spread functions (PSFs), and the astigmatism PSF. Simulations indicate that this method can be extremely reliable in extracting molecular emission signatures. Additionally, we implemented the artificial neural network calculation to be performed on a graphics processing unit (GPU) for massively parallelized calculation which drastically reduces the time required for the identification process. By implementing the neural identification on a GPU, we allow this method of identification to be used in a real time analysis algorithm.Research highlightsHere, we present a machine learning algorithm for identifying point‐spread functions without the need for an a priori training set. We show that this method can detect over 90% of molecules with less than 1% false positive identification in simulations. We further show that because this algorithm does not make assumptions of about the shape of molecular emission, it is compatible with models beyond the symmetric 2D Gaussian.
A comparative study on the effect of soundscape and landscape on tourism experience
Authors: He Mang , Li Jingwen , Li Jun , Chen Huiyi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper explores how soundscape and landscape influences tourism experience by the cases of Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei, China. Results show that there is a mutually positive relationship between soundscape perception and landscape perception; soundscape perception indirectly affect tourism experience through “the congruence between soundscape and landscape”; and only landscape can directly affect shallow experience. This study also brings implications for tourism research and practice: soundscape should be given more attention as it can significantly affect the tourism experience, and relevant industrial sectors can improve tourism experiences through the design or control of soundscape.
Trophic niche partitioning of dominant North‐Atlantic krill species, Meganyctiphanes norvegica, Thysanoessa inermis, and T. raschii
Authors: Cabrol J. , Trombetta T. , Amaudrut S. , Aulanier F. , Sage R. , Tremblay R. , Nozais C. , Starr M. , Plourde S. , Winkler G. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDifferent krill species have a pivotal position in many marine food webs by both preying upon several trophic levels and being forage species for consumers. Within these food webs, different krill species coexist, though it remains unclear what mechanisms allow for the coexistence, for instance, of northern krill species in subarctic environments. Here, we hypothesize that the stable coexistence of sympatric krill species is based on trophic niche partitioning related to seasonal trade‐offs between their respective food preferences, their energy needs, and prey availability. To test our hypothesis, we analyzed the diets, feeding selectivity, and lipid composition of three coexisting northern krill species (Meganyctiphanes norvegica, Thysanoessa inermis, and Thysanoessa raschii) throughout 1 yr using a multimarker approach. We assessed lipid classes, fatty acids, and stable isotope signatures of krill and potential food sources (27 groups, from phytoplankton to lipid‐rich copepods) to elucidate seasonal variation of niche utilization. Results revealed strong trophic niche separation occurring at a very fine trophic scale (species level) throughout the year. The three krill species showed different degrees of food specialization rather than being purely opportunistic as classically proposed. Feeding on copepod prey was important to accumulate energy reserves for overwintering and subsequent rebuilding of energy reserves. Energy reserve utilization might reduce potential competition for the limited available resources, especially under low food conditions.
Effects of Silk Degumming Process on Physicochemical, Tensile, and Optical Properties of Regenerated Silk Fibroin
Authors: Nultsch Kira , Bast Livia K. , Näf Muriel , Yakhlifi Salima El , Bruns Nico , Germershaus Oliver 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSericin removal from silk (degumming) affects material characteristics of silk fibroin (SF). Sodium carbonate is most commonly used for degumming, but numerous alternative methods are available. Herein, a systematic comparison of degumming methods is provided. Sodium carbonate, sodium oleate, trypsin, and ionic liquid are used, and materials are characterized regarding mass loss, SF content, molecular integrity of SF, refractive index, and tensile properties. Complete degumming is achieved within 30 min of using sodium carbonate, but results in significant reduction of molecular weight, shift toward less acidic charge variants, and reduction of yield‐ and rupture force. Sodium oleate and trypsin are inefficient and negatively affect tensile properties, while ionic liquid shows good efficiency and marginal degradation of SF but also reduced yield‐ and rupture force. Refractive index is not affected by degumming. These results allow rational selection of the degumming method and tuning of SF properties for biomedical applications.
Idolizing “My Love from the Star”: Idol attachment and fanaticism of luxury brands
Authors: Cheah Isaac , Liang Johan , Phau Ian 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study examines the influence of idol attachment and consumer fanaticism on consumers’ attitude toward celebrity product placement of luxury fashion brands in Korean television dramas. A 2 × 2 research design was used to examine two different product categories (fashion apparel vs. fashion accessories) and two celebrities (Kim Soo Hyun vs. Jun Ji‐Hyun). Respondents were screened and limited to those who were aware of the Korean television drama My Love from the Star. The findings show that the gender of celebrity and the category of product placement have differential impacts on viewers or fans’ attitudes and intention toward the product placement.
Alternating Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor: A Trial to Reduce Habituation
Authors: Seier Mara , Hiller Amie , Quinn Joseph , Murchison Charles , Brodsky Matthew , Anderson Shannon 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundDBS in the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus has been a revolutionary treatment for patients with essential tremor (ET) by reducing tremor. Unfortunately, some patients develop habituation to DBS and thus experience reduced efficacy and loss of tremor control. There are no standardized methods of addressing habituation to DBS. We propose alternating stimulation patterns as a way to reduce habituation.MethodsThis was a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial for patients with VIM DBS for ET. Patients were randomized to either experimental treatment arm of alternating stimulation patterns on a weekly basis or standard care arm of continuous stimulation settings for 12 weeks. Primary outcome was change in the performance subscale of The Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale (TETRAS), which was performed at initial visit and 12‐week follow‐up. Secondary outcome included change in the activities of daily living subscale of TETRAS.ResultsTwenty‐two patients were enrolled in the trial, and 16 were analyzed at follow‐up. Experimental treatment subjects displayed sustained tremor control compared to standard care, as measured by the change in TETRAS performance subscale (–0.6 vs. 6.7 point change, respectively) with a 7.3 difference between the arms (P = 0.006).ConclusionAlternating stimulation patterns on a weekly basis for ET patients with VIM DBS reduced habituation in this pilot study. This study suggests that exposure to different stimulation groups may maintain better tremor control compared to constant stimulation parameters.
Goji Berry Modulates Gut Microbiota and Alleviates Colitis in IL‐10‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Kang Yifei , Yang Guan , Zhang Shuming , Ross Carolyn F. , Zhu Mei‐Jun 
Published: September 2018

ScopeThis study examines the beneficial effects of Goji berry against spontaneous colitis and its prebiotic role in IL‐10‐deficient mice.MethodsIL‐10‐deficient mice are assigned to a standard rodent diet (control) or a control diet supplemented with Goji (1% of dry feed weight) for 10 weeks, at which point colonic tissues and fecal contents are collected.ResultsGoji supplementation decreases colonic pathobiological scores and mRNA expression of Il17a and Tgfb1, while it enhances Muc1 expression and fecal IgA content. Illumina MiSeq sequencing reveals that Goji supplementation increases Actinobacteria phylum, resulting in a bloom of Bifidobacteria in gut microbiota. Additionally, dietary Goji promotes butyrate‐producing bacteria including Lachnospiraceae‐Ruminococcaceae family and Roseburia spp. under Clostridium cluster XIVa. Furthermore, butyrate‐producers Clostridium leptum and its dominant constituent Fecalibacterium prazusnitzii are markedly increased in the Goji group. Moreover, the gene‐encoding butyryl‐coenzyme A CoA transferase, a key enzyme responsible for butyrate synthesis in butyrate‐producing bacteria, is increased sixfold in the fecal samples of Goji group associated with increased fecal butyrate content.ConclusionData collectively show that dietary Goji results in the blooming of Bifidobacteria and butyrate‐producing bacteria. These bacteria may cross‐feed each other, conferring preventative effects against colitis in IL‐10‐deficient mice.
Imaging of a high concentration of iron labeled cells with positive contrast in a rat knee
Authors: Magnitsky Sergey , Pickup Stephan , Garwood Michael , Idiyatullin Djaudat 
Published: September 2018

PurposeThe sweep imaging with Fourier transformation (SWIFT) imaging technique has been shown to provide positive contrast from diluted cell suspensions labeled with super‐paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) in a tissue, as an alternative to T2*‐weighted imaging. Here we demonstrate a variation of the SWIFT technique that yields a hyperintense signal from a concentrated cell suspension. The proposed technique provides minimal background signal from host tissue and facilitates visualization of injected cells.MethodsThe proton resonance frequency and linewidth were determined for SPIO solutions of different concentrations. The original SWIFT sequence was modified and a dual saturation Gaussian shape RF pulse with ~200 Hz bandwidth was incorporated into the acquisition protocol to suppress host tissue and fat signals. This modification of the original acquisition protocol permits the detection of a hyperintense signal from grafted cells with minimal background signal from the host tissue.ResultsSPIO particles not only induce broadening of NMR line‐width but also an initiate proton resonance frequency shift. This shift is linearly proportional to the concentration of the iron oxide particles and induced by the bulk magnetic susceptibility of SPIOs. The shift of the resonance frequency of iron labeled cells allowed us effectively suppress the host tissues with saturation RF pulse to improve MRI detection of grafted cells.ConclusionsIron oxide particles increase the resonance frequency of water proton signal. This shift permitted us to add the tissue/fat saturation RF pulse into the original SWIFT acquisition protocol and detect distinct hyperintense signals from grafted cells with minimal background signal from the host tissue.