bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide interaction with the insulin secretion locus MTNR1B reveals CMIP as a novel type 2 diabetes susceptibility gene in African Americans
Authors: Keaton Jacob M. , Gao Chuan , Guan Meijian , Hellwege Jacklyn N. , Palmer Nicholette D. , Pankow James S. , Fornage Myriam , Wilson James G. , Correa Adolfo , Rasmussen‐Torvik Laura J. , Rotter Jerome I. , Chen Yii‐Der I. , Taylor Kent D. , Rich Stephen S. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Freedman Barry I. , Ng Maggie C. Y. , Bowden Donald W. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTAlthough type 2 diabetes (T2D) results from metabolic defects in insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, most of the genetic risk loci identified to date relates to insulin secretion. We reported that T2D loci influencing insulin sensitivity may be identified through interactions with insulin secretion loci, thereby leading to T2D. Here, we hypothesize that joint testing of variant main effects and interaction effects with an insulin secretion locus increases power to identify genetic interactions leading to T2D. We tested this hypothesis with an intronic MTNR1B SNP, rs10830963, which is associated with acute insulin response to glucose, a dynamic measure of insulin secretion. rs10830963 was tested for interaction and joint (main + interaction) effects with genome‐wide data in African Americans (2,452 cases and 3,772 controls) from five cohorts. Genome‐wide genotype data (Affymetrix Human Genome 6.0 array) was imputed to a 1000 Genomes Project reference panel. T2D risk was modeled using logistic regression with rs10830963 dosage, age, sex, and principal component as predictors. Joint effects were captured using the Kraft two degrees of freedom test. Genome‐wide significant (P < 5 × 10−8) interaction with MTNR1B and joint effects were detected for CMIP intronic SNP rs17197883 (Pinteraction = 1.43 × 10−8; Pjoint = 4.70 × 10−8). CMIP variants have been nominally associated with T2D, fasting glucose, and adiponectin in individuals of East Asian ancestry, with high‐density lipoprotein, and with waist‐to‐hip ratio adjusted for body mass index in Europeans. These data support the hypothesis that additional genetic factors contributing to T2D risk, including insulin sensitivity loci, can be identified through interactions with insulin secretion loci.
Lifestyle factors and the course of depression in older adults: A NESDO study
Authors: Bruin Myrthe C. , Comijs Hannie C. , Kok Rob M. , Van der Mast Roos C. , Van den Berg Julia F. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate whether lifestyle indicators including physical exercise, sleep duration, alcohol use, body mass index, smoking status, and a composite lifestyle index are associated with the depression course in older adults.MethodsData of 283 older adults were used from the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older Persons. Depressive disorders at baseline were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The depression course at 2‐year follow‐up was assessed with the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (IDS, score 0–84) every 6 months; physical exercise with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; alcohol use with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; body mass index by anthropometry; and sleep duration and smoking status by interview questions. A composite lifestyle index was calculated by summing scores assigned to each lifestyle factor, with a higher score indicating healthier behavior.ResultsOf all participants, 61.1% had chronic depression (all IDS scores 14–84), 20.1% had intermittent depression (1 IDS score ≤ 14), and 18.7% remitted depression (last 2 IDS scores ≤14). None of the investigated lifestyle indicators, nor the composite lifestyle index was associated with depression course, after adjustment for covariates.ConclusionsLifestyle factors do not predict the course of depression at 2‐year follow‐up in older adults.
3‐Hydroxyflavone enhances the toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles in vitro
Authors: Luo Yunfeng , Wu Chaohua , Liu Liangliang , Gong Yu , Peng Shengming , Xie Yixi , Cao Yi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIt is recently shown that flavonoids might reduce the toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) due to their antioxidative properties. In this study, the influence of 3‐hydroxyflavone (H3) on the toxicity of ZnO NPs was investigated. H3 increased hydrodynamic size, polydispersity index and absolute value of the zeta potential of ZnO NPs, which indicated that H3 could influence the colloidal aspects of NPs. Surprisingly, H3 markedly decreased the initial concentration of ZnO NPs required to induce cytotoxicity to Caco‐2, HepG2, THP‐1 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, which suggested that H3 could promote the toxicity of ZnO NPs to both cancerous and normal cells. For comparison, 6‐hydroxyflavone did not show this effect. H3 remarkably increased cellular Zn elements and intracellular Zn ions in HepG2 cells following ZnO NP exposure, and co‐exposure to H3 and NPs induced a relatively higher intracellular reactive oxygen species. Exposure to ZnO NPs at 3 hours induced the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers DDIT3 and XBP‐1 s, which was suppressed by H3. The expression of apoptotic genes BAX and CASP3 was significantly induced by ZnO NP exposure after 3 and 5 hours, respectively, and H3 further significantly promoted CASP3 expression at 5 hours. In combination, the results from this study suggested that H3 affected colloidal stability of ZnO NPs, promoted the interactions between NPs and cells, and altered the NP‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress–apoptosis signaling pathway, which finally enhanced the cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs.
MicroRNA‐9 suppresses cancer proliferation and cell cycle progression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia with inverse association of neuropilin‐1
Authors: Zang Yuzhu , Yu Runhong , Bai Yanliang , Chen Xiangli 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most common and most malign childhood cancers. In this work, we investigated the expression and function of human mature microRNA‐9 (miR‐9) in ALL. In ALL in vitro cell lines and in situ clinical specimens, gene expression of miR‐9 was tested by qRT‐PCR. MiR‐9 was overexpressed in CEM/C1 and Molt‐3 cells to investigate its possible anti‐cancer effects on ALL in vitro proliferation, cell‐cycle progression, and in vivo explant growth. The possible downstream target of miR‐9, neuropilin‐1 (NRP1), was examined by dual‐luciferase activity assay, qRT‐PCR, and Western blot. NRP1was upregulated in miR‐9‐overexpressed CEM/C1 and Molt‐3 cells to investigate the functional involvement of NRP1 in miR‐9‐mediated regulation on ALL in vitro proliferation and cell‐cycle progression. MiR‐9 was downregulated in ALL cell lines and leukemic T‐cells of ALL patients. Lentivirus‐mediated miR‐9 overexpression inhibited ALL in vitro proliferation, cell‐cycle progression, and in vivo explant growth. NRP1 was confirmed be the downstream target of miR‐9, and inversely modulated by miR‐9 in ALL. NRP1 upregulation reversed the anti‐cancer regulations of miR‐9 on ALL in vitro proliferation and cell‐cycle progression. MiR‐9 is downregulated in ALL. Overexpressing miR‐9 may inhibit ALL development, possible through its downstream target of NRP1.
Retracted: The anti‐inflammatory effect of microRNA‐383‐3p interacting with IL1R2 against homocysteine‐induced endothelial injury in rat coronary arteries
Authors: Lian Zheng , Lv Feng‐Feng , Yu Jing , Wang Jia‐Wang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRs) are widely reported to be novel biomarkers involved in the process of coronary atherosclerosis (CAS). Hence, this study aims to explore the function of miR‐383‐3p targeting IL1R2 on inflammatory injury of coronary artery endothelial cells (CAECs) in CAS. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of miR‐383‐3p were analyzed in concert with the treatment of miR‐383‐3p mimics, miR‐383‐3p inhibitors, and the combination of miR‐383‐3p inhibitors and siRNA against IL1R2 in homocysteine (HCY)‐induced CAECs. MTT, Hoechst 33258 staining, and tube formation assay were employed in order to measure cell viability, apoptosis, and tube formation, respectively. The levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and IL‐18 were determined by ELISA. IL1R2 was verified as the target gene of miR‐383‐3p by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. MiR‐383‐3p was down‐regulated in myocardial tissues of AS rats while IL1R2 was the reciprocal. The up‐regulation of miR‐383‐3p decreased the levels of IL1R2, caspase‐1, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐18 expressions, as well as cell apoptosis rate in the HCY‐induced CAECs, while IL‐10 expression, cell viability, and tube formation ability were increased. These results were contraindicated in the HCY‐induced CAECs treated by miR‐383‐3p inhibitors. In conclusion, miR‐383‐3p mediating IL1R2 prevents HCY‐induced apoptosis and inflammation injury in CAECs through the inhibition of the activation of inflammasome signaling pathway. These findings highly indicate that miR‐383‐3p may be beneficial in the prevention of CAS and other cardiovascular diseases.
Baicalein inhibits breast cancer growth via activating a novel isoform of the long noncoding RNA PAX8‐AS1‐N
Authors: Yu Xiaolan , Cao Yong , Tang Li , Yang Yingcheng , Chen Feng , Xia Jiyi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBaicalein, a natural flavonoid, has fascinating anti‐cancer properties in breast cancer. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of transcripts with no protein‐coding potential, also exhibit critical roles in breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating the anti‐cancer properties of baicalein and whether lncRNAs are involved in the anti‐cancer effects are still unclear. In this study, we identified a novel isoform of lncRNA PAX8‐AS1 (PAX8‐AS1‐N), which is activated by baicalein in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Functional assays showed that PAX8‐AS1‐N reduced cell viability, inhibited cell‐cycle progression, and induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells in vitro. Depletion of PAX8‐AS1‐N promoted breast xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, depletion of PAX8‐AS1‐N attenuated the suppressive roles of baicalein on cell viability, the apoptosis induced by baicalein, and also the suppressive roles of baicalein on tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, PAX8‐AS1‐N bound to miR‐17‐5p, and up‐regulated miR‐17‐5p targets, such as PTEN, CDKN1A, and ZBTB4. In addition, PAX8‐AS1‐N was down‐regulated in breast cancer and reduced expression of PAX8‐AS1‐N indicated poor survival of breast cancer patients. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that PAX8‐AS1‐N activation mediated the anti‐cancer effects of baicalein via regulating miR‐17‐5p, and suggested that baicalein and enhancing PAX8‐AS1‐N would be potential therapeutic strategies against breast cancer.
bZIP17 regulates the expression of genes related to seed storage and germination, reducing seed susceptibility to osmotic stress
Authors: Cifuentes‐Esquivel Nicolás , Celiz‐Balboa Jonathan , Henriquez‐Valencia Carlos , Mitina Irina , Arraño‐Salinas Paulina , Moreno Adrián A. , Meneses Claudio , Blanco‐Herrera Francisca , Orellana Ariel 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLow temperatures, salinity, and drought cause significant crop losses. These conditions involve osmotic stress, triggering transcriptional remodeling, and consequently, the restitution of cellular homeostasis and growth recovery. Protein transcription factors regulate target genes, thereby mediating plant responses to stress. bZIP17 is a transcription factor involved in cellular responses to salinity and the unfolded protein response. Because salinity can also produce osmotic stress, the role of bZIP17 in response to osmotic stress was assessed. Mannitol treatments induced the transcript accumulation and protein processing of bZIP17. Transcriptomic analyses showed that several genes associated with seed storage and germination showed lower expression in bzip17 mutants than in wild‐type plants. Interestingly, bZIP17 transcript was more abundant in seeds, and germination analyses revealed that wild‐type plants germinated later than bzip17 mutants in the presence of mannitol, but no effects were observed when the seeds were exposed to ABA. Finally, the transcript levels of bZIP17 target genes that control seed storage and germination were assessed in seeds exposed to mannitol treatments, which showed lower expression levels in bzip17 mutants compared to the wild‐type seeds. These results suggest that bZIP17 plays a role in osmotic stress, acting as a negative regulator of germination through the regulation of genes involved in seed storage and germination.
On the structure of (banner, odd hole)‐free graphs
Authors: Hoàng Chính T. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA hole is a chordless cycle with at least four vertices. A hole is odd if it has an odd number of vertices. A banner is a graph that consists of a hole on four vertices and a single vertex with precisely one neighbor on the hole. We prove that a (banner, odd hole)‐free graph is perfect, or does not contain a stable set on three vertices, or contains a homogeneous set. Using this structure result, we design a polynomial‐time algorithm for recognizing (banner, odd hole)‐free graphs. We also design polynomial‐time algorithms to find, for such a graph, a minimum coloring, and largest stable set. A graph G is perfectly divisible if every induced subgraph H of G contains a set X of vertices such that X meets all largest cliques of H, and X induces a perfect graph. The chromatic number of a perfectly divisible graph G is bounded by ω2 where ω denotes the number of vertices in a largest clique of G. We prove that (banner, odd hole)‐free graphs are perfectly divisible.
Microvascular anatomy of the brain of the adult pipid frog, Xenopus laevis (Daudin): A scanning electron microscopic study of vascular corrosion casts
Authors: Lametschwandtner Alois , Minnich Bernd 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTo demonstrate the 3D microvascular anatomy of the brain of the model organism Xenopus laevis Daudin scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts was correlated with light microscopy of stained 7 µm thick serial tissues sections. Results showed that supplying arteries descended from the leptomeningeal surface without remarkable branchings straight to the subventricular zone where they branched and capillarized. Capillaries showed few H‐ and/or Y‐shaped anastomoses during their centrifugal course toward the leptomeningeal surface where they drained into cerebral venules and veins. Apart from the accessory olfactory bulb and the vestibule‐cochlear nucleus where capillaries were densely packed, capillaries formed a wide‐meshed 3D network throughout the brain parenchyma and thus contrasted to urodelian brains where hairpin‐shaped capillaries descend from the leptomeningeal vessels into varying depths of the brain parenchyma. In about two‐third of specimens, a closed arterial circle of Willis was found at the base of the brain. If this circle in Xenopus might serve the same two functions as in men is briefly discussed. Choroid plexuses of third and fourth ventricle were found to have a high venous, but a low arterial inflow via one small choroidal artery only. Findings are compared with previous studies on the vascularization of the anuran brain and discrepancies in respect to presence or absence of particular arteries and/or veins in Ranids, Bufonids, and Pipids studied so far are discussed with particular emphasis on the techniques used in the various studies published so far.
A comparison of pectoral fin ray morphology and its impact on fin ray flexural stiffness in labriform swimmers
Authors: Aiello Brett R. , Hardy Adam R. , Cherian Chery , Olsen Aaron M. , Orsbon Courtney P. , Hale Melina E. , Westneat Mark W. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe organization of tissues in appendages often affects their mechanical properties and function. In the fish family Labridae, swimming behavior is associated with pectoral fin flexural stiffness and morphology, where fins range on a continuum from stiff to relatively flexible fins. Across this diversity, pectoral fin flexural stiffness decreases exponentially along the length of any given fin ray, and ray stiffness decreases along the chord of the fin from the leading to trailing edge. In this study, we examine the morphological properties of fin rays, including the effective modulus in bending (E), second moment of area (I), segmentation, and branching patterns, and their impact on fin ray stiffness. We quantify intrinsic pectoral fin ray stiffness in similarly sized fins of two closely related species that employ fins of divergent mechanics, the flapping Gomphosus varius and the rowing Halichoeres bivittatus. While segmentation patterns and E were similar between species, measurements of I and the number of fin ray branch nodes were greater in G. varius than in H. bivittatus. A multiple regression model found that of these variables, I was always significantly correlated with fin ray flexural stiffness and that variation in I always explained the majority of the variation in flexural stiffness. Thus, while most of the morphological variables quantified in this study correlate with fin ray flexural stiffness, second moment of area is the greatest factor contributing to variation in flexural stiffness. Further, interspecific variation in fin ray branching pattern could be used as a means of tuning the effective stiffness of the fin webbing to differences in swimming behavior and hydrodynamics. The comparison of these results to other systems begins to unveil fundamental morphological features of biological beams and yields insight into the role of mechanical properties in fin deformation for aquatic locomotion.
Progress towards pig nutrition in the last 27 years
Authors: Wu Yi , Zhao Jianfei , Xu Chenchen , Ma Ning , He Ting , Zhao Jinshan , Ma Xi , Thacker Phil A 
Published: April 2018

AbstractOver the last 27 years (1990–2017), based on the revolutionary progresses of basic nutrition research, novel methods and techniques have been developed which bring a profound technological revolution to pig production from free‐range system to intensive farming all over the world. Basic theoretical innovations and feed production studies have provided vital advancements in pig nutrition by developing formula feed, utilizing balanced diets, determining feed energy value, dividing pig physiological stages, enhancing gut health, and improving feed processing technique. Formula feed is the primary contributor of the rise of the mechanized farming industry, and meets comprehensive nutritional needs of the pig. The focuses of the development of a balanced diet by optimizing nutrient levels are the amino acids balance, the balance between amino acids and energy, the balance between calcium and phosphorus. Multiple‐site‐production and targeted feeding program have been applied extensively. Early weaning of piglets improves production efficiency, but piglets that have not yet fully developed their intestine are prone to diarrhea. Therefore, intestinal health has received special attention in recent years. Feed processing technologies, such as granulation, puffing, fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis, can improve the utilization of feed nutrients and reduce production cost. However, increasing a sow's potential for production, seeking alternatives to antibiotics, reducing drug treatment in piglets, developing functional additives and improving meat quality remain future challenges. Herein, we outline the important progresses of pig nutrition in the past 27 years, which will shed light on the basic nutrition rules of pig production, and help to push forward its future development. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Incidence of bacterial diseases associated with irrigation methods on onions (Allium cepa)
Authors: Chorolque Amelia , Pozzo Ardizzi Cristina , Pellejero Graciela , Aschkar Gabriela , García Navarro Francisco J , Jiménez Ballesta Raimundo 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the last decade, diseases of bacterial origin in onions have increased and this has led to significant losses in production. These diseases are currently observed in both the Old and New Worlds. The present study aimed to evaluate whether the irrigation method influences the incidence of diseases of bacterial origin.RESULTSIn cases where the inoculum was natural, the initial incidence of soft bacterial rot did not manifest in any treatment in the first year, whereas, at the end of the conservation period, all treatments had increased incidences of infection. Sprinkler irrigation (8%) was statistically differentiated from the other treatments, for which the final incidence was similar (4.5%). For all irrigation treatments, the final incidence of bacterial soft rot decreased or remained stable towards the end of the cycle, with the exception of sprinkler irrigation in 2015, which increased.CONCLUSIONFrom the results of the present study, it can be inferred that the irrigation method does have an influence on the incidence of diseases of bacterial origin in the post‐harvest stage for onions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Motion‐blur‐free LCD for high‐resolution virtual reality displays
Authors: Gou Fangwang , Chen Haiwei , Li Ming‐Chun , Lee Seok‐Lyul , Wu Shin‐Tson 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA new liquid crystal display device with fast response time, high transmittance, and low voltage for virtual reality is reported. When driven at 90 Hz with 17% duty ratio, the motion picture response time is 1.5 ms, which is comparable with cathode‐ray tube, leading to indistinguishable motion blur. Moreover, this device enables high‐resolution density because only one thin‐film transistor per pixel is needed and it has a built‐in storage capacitor.
Otogenic brain abscesses: A systematic review
Authors: Duarte Maria J. , Kozin Elliott D. , Barshak Miriam B. , Reinshagen Katherine , Knoll Renata M. , Abdullah Kalil G. , Welling D. Bradley , Jung David H. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveOtogenic brain abscesses are one of the most significant life‐threatening complications of otologic infections. Given their low prevalence, otogenic brain abscesses require a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. In this systematic review, we aim to provide an analysis of otogenic brain abscesses and describe common clinical signs and symptoms, bacteriology, location, treatment options, morbidity, and mortality.Data SourcesPubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL database, Google Scholar, and Scopus.MethodsA systematic review of literature was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses recommendations. Variables assessed included clinical signs and symptoms, bacteriology, location, treatment, morbidity, and mortality.ResultsTwenty‐nine studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria, corresponding to a total of 1307 otogenic abscess cases for review. Fifty‐five percent of abscesses were found in the temporal lobe and 28% in the cerebellum. Most patients (88.3%) had a history of suppurative chronic otitis media. The most common symptoms were headache, altered mental status, papilledema, and meningeal irritation. Fever, nausea, and vomiting affected about 40% of patients. The most commonly cultured bacterial species was Proteus mirabilis. In addition to antibiotics, most otogenic brain abscesses were treated by burr hole aspiration. Average mortality following advent of computed tomography was 8.11%.ConclusionAlthough rare, otogenic brain abscesses may occur as a complication of suppurative otitis media and require a high index of suspicion. Appropriate imaging studies and multidisciplinary expertise are crucial in the diagnosis and management.Level of Evidence4.