bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum amyloid A binds to fibrin(ogen), promoting fibrin amyloid formation
Authors: Page Martin J. , Thomson Greig J. A. , Nunes J. Massimo , Engelbrecht Anna-Mart , Nell Theo A , de Villiers Willem J. S. , de Beer Maria C. , Engelbrecht Lize , Kell Douglas B. , Pretorius Etheresia 
Published: February 2019

AbstractComplex associations exist between inflammation and thrombosis, with the inflammatory state tending to promote coagulation. Fibrinogen, an acute phase protein, has been shown to interact with the amyloidogenic ß-amyloid protein of Alzheimer’s disease. However, little is known about the association between fibrinogen and serum amyloid A (SAA), a highly fibrillogenic protein that is one of the most dramatically changing acute phase reactants in the circulation. To study the role of SAA in coagulation and thrombosis, in vitro experiments were performed where purified human SAA, in concentrations resembling a modest acute phase response, was added to platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and whole blood (WB), as well as purified and fluorescently labelled fibrinogen. Results from thromboelastography (TEG) suggest that SAA causes atypical coagulation with a fibrin(ogen)-mediated increase in coagulation, but a decreased platelet/fibrin(ogen) interaction. In WB scanning electron microscopy analysis, SAA mediated red blood cell (RBC) agglutination, platelet activation and clumping, but not platelet spreading. Following clot formation in PPP, the presence of SAA increased amyloid formation of fibrin(ogen) as determined both with auto-fluorescence and with fluorogenic amyloid markers, under confocal microcopy. SAA also binds to fibrinogen, as determined with a fluorescent-labelled SAA antibody and correlative light electron microscopy (CLEM). The data presented here indicate that SAA can affect coagulation by inducing amyloid formation in fibrin(ogen), as well as by propelling platelets to a more prothrombotic state. The discovery of these multiple and complex effects of SAA on coagulation invite further mechanistic analyses.
Understanding the hidden relations between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes in bovine oviduct epithelium using a multilayer response surface method
Authors: Kowsar Rasoul , Keshtegar Behrooz , Miyamoto Akio 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAn understanding gene-gene interaction helps users to design the next experiments efficiently and (if applicable) to make a better decision of drugs application based on the different biological conditions of the patients. This study aimed to identify changes in the hidden relationships between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes in the bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs) under various experimental conditions using a multilayer response surface method. It was noted that under physiological conditions (BOECs with sperm or sex hormones, such as ovarian sex steroids and LH), the mRNA expressions of IL10, IL1B, TNFA, TLR4, and TNFA were associated with IL1B, TNFA, TLR4, IL4, and IL10, respectively. Under pathophysiological + physiological conditions (BOECs with lipopolysaccharide + hormones, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein + hormones, zearalenone + hormones, or urea + hormones), the relationship among genes was changed. For example, the expression of IL10 and TNFA was associated with (IL1B, TNFA, or IL4) and TLR4 expression, respectively. Furthermore, under physiological conditions, the co-expression of IL10 + TNFA, TLR4 + IL4, TNFA + IL4, TNFA + IL4, or IL10 + IL1B and under pathophysiological + physiological conditions, the co-expression of IL10 + IL4, IL4 + IL10, TNFA + IL10, TNFA + TLR4, or IL10 + IL1B were associated with IL1B, TNFA, TLR4, IL10, or IL4 expression, respectively. Collectively, the relationships between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes can be changed with respect to the presence/absence of toxins, sex hormones, sperm, and co-expression of other gene pairs in BOECs, suggesting that considerable cautions are needed in interpreting the results obtained from such narrowly focused in vitro studies.
Successful Genetic Transfection of the Colonic Protistan Parasite Blastocystis for Reliable Expression of Ectopic Genes
Authors: Li Feng-Jun , Tsaousis Anastasios D. , Purton Tracy , Chow Vincent T. K. , He Cynthia Y. , Tan Kevin S. W. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe microbial parasite Blastocystis colonizes the large intestines of numerous animal species and increasing evidence has linked Blastocystis infection to enteric diseases with signs and symptoms including abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and flatulence. It has also recently been reported to be an important member of the host intestinal microbiota. Despite significant advances in our understanding of Blastocystis cell biology and host-parasite interactions, a genetic modification tool is absent. In this study, we successfully established a robust gene delivery protocol for Blastocystis subtype 7 (ST7) and ectopic protein expression was further tested using a high sensitivity nano-luciferase (Nluc) reporter system, with promoter regions from several genes. Among them, a strong promoter encompassing a region upstream of the legumain 5′ UTR was identified. Using this promoter combined with the legumain 3′ UTR, which contains a conserved, precise polyadenylation signal, a robust transient transfection technique was established for the first time in Blastocystis. This system was validated by ectopic expression of proteins harbouring specific localization signals. The establishment of a robust, reproducible gene modification system for Blastocystis is a significant advance for Blastocystis research both in vitro and in vivo. This technique will spearhead further research to understand the parasite’s biology, its role in health and disease, along with novel ways to combat the parasite.
The Angular Spectrum of the Scattering Coefficient Map Reveals Subsurface Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zeng Yifeng , Rao Bin , Chapman William C. , Nandy Sreyankar , Rais Rehan , González Iván , Chatterjee Deyali , Mutch Matthew , Zhu Quing 
Published: February 2019

AbstractColorectal cancer diagnosis currently relies on histological detection of endoluminal neoplasia in biopsy specimens. However, clinical visual endoscopy provides no quantitative subsurface cancer information. In this ex vivo study of nine fresh human colon specimens, we report the first use of quantified subsurface scattering coefficient maps acquired by swept-source optical coherence tomography to reveal subsurface abnormities. We generate subsurface scattering coefficient maps with a novel wavelet-based-curve-fitting method that provides significantly improved accuracy. The angular spectra of scattering coefficient maps of normal tissues exhibit a spatial feature distinct from those of abnormal tissues. An angular spectrum index to quantify the differences between the normal and abnormal tissues is derived, and its strength in revealing subsurface cancer in ex vivo samples is statistically analyzed. The study demonstrates that the angular spectrum of the scattering coefficient map can effectively reveal subsurface colorectal cancer and potentially provide a fast and more accurate diagnosis.
Efficient cell penetration and delivery of peptide nucleic acids by an argininocalix[4]arene
Authors: Gasparello Jessica , Manicardi Alex , Casnati Alessandro , Corradini Roberto , Gambari Roberto , Finotti Alessia , Sansone Francesco 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe application of Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs), mimics of DNA lacking the sugar-phosphate backbone, for antisense/anti-gene therapy and gene editing is limited by their low uptake by cells. Currently, no simple and efficient delivery systems and methods are available to solve this open issue. One of the most promising approach is the modification of the PNA structure through the covalent linkage of poliarginine tails, but this means that every PNA intended to be internalized must be modified. Herein we report the results relative to the delivery ability of a macrocyclic multivalent tetraargininocalix[4]arene (1) used as non-covalent vector for anti-miR-221-3p PNAs. High delivery efficiency, low cytotoxicity, maintenance of the PNA biological activity and ease preparation of the transfection formulation, simply attained by mixing PNA and calixarene, candidate this vector as universal delivery system for this class of nucleic acid analogues.
A novel liver-specific fluorescent anti-cancer drug delivery system using indocyanine green
Authors: Inagaki Yoshinori , Kokudo Takashi , Kamiya Mako , Uno Shin-nosuke , Sato Masumitsu , Kaneko Junichi , Kokudo Norihiro , Urano Yasuteru , Hasegawa Kiyoshi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIndocyanine green (ICG) accumulates only in hepatocytes and their malignant counterpart, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have developed ICG-conjugated anti-cancer drugs and noted their significant accumulation in HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. ICG-conjugated gemcitabine was less toxic to normal cells and it had superior anti-tumor action compared to gemcitabine alone in a subcutaneous tumor xenograft. ICG conjugation can provide a novel fluorescent drug delivery system for treatment of liver cancer and this system can be used to both diagnose and treat HCC.
Quantum coherence, many-body correlations, and non-thermal effects for autonomous thermal machines
Authors: Latune C. L. , Sinayskiy I. , Petruccione F. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOne of the principal objectives of quantum thermodynamics is to explore quantum effects and their potential beneficial role in thermodynamic tasks like work extraction or refrigeration. So far, even though several papers have already shown that quantum effect could indeed bring quantum advantages, a global and deeper understanding is still lacking. Here, we extend previous models of autonomous machines to include quantum batteries made of arbitrary systems of discrete spectrum. We establish their actual efficiency, which allows us to derive an efficiency upper bound, called maximal achievable efficiency, shown to be always achievable, in contrast with previous upper bounds based only on the Second Law. Such maximal achievable efficiency can be expressed simply in term of the apparent temperature of the quantum battery. This important result appears to be a powerful tool to understand how quantum features like coherence but also many-body correlations and non-thermal population distribution can be harnessed to increase the efficiency of thermal machines.
The benefit of secondary prevention with oat fiber in reducing future cardiovascular event among CAD patients after coronary intervention
Authors: Wu Jia-Ru , Leu Hsin-Bang , Yin Wei-Hsian , Tseng Wei-Kung , Wu Yen-Wen , Lin Tsung-Hsien , Yeh Hung-I , Chang Kuan-Cheng , Wang Ji-Hung , Wu Chau-Chung , Chen Jaw-Wen 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThere is limited information about the association between oat fiber intake and future cardiovascular events in CAD patients after coronary intervention for secondary prevention. This study enrolled 716 patients after coronary intervention in clinical stable status from the CAD cohort biosignature study. Patients were analyzed according to whether the presence of regular oat fiber intake during the follow-up period, and the association with endpoints including cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke and revascularization procedures were analyzed. The average follow-up period is 26.75 ± 8.11 months. Patients taking oat fiber were found to have lower serum levels of LDL, triglycerides, ratio of TC/HDL, as well as lower inflammatory markers values. After adjusting for confounders in the proportional hazard Cox model, oat fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of future revascularization (HR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.35–0.85; p = 0.007), and lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (HR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.88; p = 0.008), suggesting the association of oat fiber use and lower risk of future adverse event in CAD patients after coronary intervention.
Mercury Spikes Indicate a Volcanic Trigger for the Late Ordovician Mass Extinction Event: An Example from a Deep Shelf of the Peri-Baltic Region
Authors: Smolarek-Lach Justyna , Marynowski Leszek , Trela Wiesław , Wignall Paul B. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe Late Ordovician mass extinction (LOME) was the second largest Phanerozoic crisis, but its cause remains elusive. Several triggering mechanisms have been proposed over the years, including bioevolutionary events, oceanographic changes, and geotectonic processes. Here, we report the presence of Hg spikes in the Zbrza PIG-1 borehole from the Upper Ordovician deep shelf sections of the peri-Baltic region. A strong positive anomaly in the lower late Katian (Hg/TOC = 2537.3 ppb/wt%) was noted. No correlation between Hg and TOC (R2 = 0.07) was distinguished in the Hirnantian, although several positive anomalies were found. Because the Hg/Mo ratio showed trends very similar to those of Hg/TOC, it seems likely that TOC values reflect the redox conditions. In order to evaluate the role of anoxia in levels of Hg enrichment several redox indicators were measured. These showed that the elevated mercury values in the Hirnantian are not caused by anoxia/euxinia because euxinic biomarkers (maleimides and aryl isoprenoids) are present in very low abundance and pyrite framboids are absent. In total, positive Hg/TOC anomalies occur in the lower late Katian, at the Katian - Hirnantian boundary, and in the late Hirnantian. The lack of a strong Hg/TOC correlation, Ni enrichments, and the absence of ‘anoxic indicators’ (no biomarkers, no framboids, low Mo concentration) at these levels, supports the interpretation that Hg enrichment is due to enhanced environmental loading. We conclude that our Hg and Hg/TOC values were associated with volcanic pulses which triggered the massive environmental changes resulting in the Late Ordovician mass extinction.
Sex Differences in the Effects of Prenatal Bisphenol A Exposure on Genes Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Hippocampus
Authors: Thongkorn Surangrat , Kanlayaprasit Songphon , Jindatip Depicha , Tencomnao Tewin , Hu Valerie W. , Sarachana Tewarit 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder inexplicably biased towards males. Although prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has recently been associated with the ASD risk, whether BPA dysregulates ASD-related genes in the developing brain remains unclear. In this study, transcriptome profiling by RNA-seq analysis of hippocampi isolated from neonatal pups prenatally exposed to BPA was conducted and revealed a list of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ASD. Among the DEGs, several ASD candidate genes, includingAuts2andFoxp2, were dysregulated and showed sex differences in response to BPA exposure. The interactome and pathway analyses of DEGs using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software revealed significant associations between the DEGs in males and neurological functions/disorders associated with ASD. Moreover, the reanalysis of transcriptome profiling data from previously published BPA studies consistently showed that BPA-responsive genes were significantly associated with ASD-related genes. The findings from this study indicate that prenatal BPA exposure alters the expression of ASD-linked genes in the hippocampus and suggest that maternal BPA exposure may increase ASD susceptibility by dysregulating genes associated with neurological functions known to be negatively impacted in ASD, which deserves further investigations.
Targeting NAD+ Metabolism as Interventions for Mitochondrial Disease
Authors: Lee Chi Fung , Caudal Arianne , Abell Lauren , Nagana Gowda G. A. , Tian Rong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLeigh syndrome is a mitochondrial disease characterized by neurological disorders, metabolic abnormality and premature death. There is no cure for Leigh syndrome; therefore, new therapeutic targets are urgently needed. In Ndufs4-KO mice, a mouse model of Leigh syndrome, we found that Complex I deficiency led to declines in NAD+ levels and NAD+ redox imbalance. We tested the hypothesis that elevation of NAD+ levels would benefit Ndufs4-KO mice. Administration of NAD+ precursor, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) extended lifespan of Ndufs4-KO mice and attenuated lactic acidosis. NMN increased lifespan by normalizing NAD+ redox imbalance and lowering HIF1a accumulation in Ndufs4-KO skeletal muscle without affecting the brain. NMN up-regulated alpha-ketoglutarate (KG) levels in Ndufs4-KO muscle, a metabolite essential for HIF1a degradation. To test whether supplementation of KG can treat Ndufs4-KO mice, a cell-permeable KG, dimethyl ketoglutarate (DMKG) was administered. DMKG extended lifespan of Ndufs4-KO mice and delayed onset of neurological phenotype. This study identified therapeutic mechanisms that can be targeted pharmacologically to treat Leigh syndrome.
Genetic analysis of a Piezo-like protein suppressing systemic movement of plant viruses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Tong Xin , Liu Song-Yu , Chai Long-Xiang , Zhu Fei-Fan , Zhang Xiao-Peng , Zou Jing-Ze , Wang Xian-Bing 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAs obligate intracellular phytopathogens, plant viruses must take advantage of hosts plasmodesmata and phloem vasculature for their local and long-distance transports to establish systemic infection in plants. In contrast to well-studied virus local transports, molecular mechanisms and related host genes governing virus systemic trafficking are far from being understood. Here, we performed a forward genetic screening to identify Arabidopsis thaliana mutants with enhanced susceptibility to a 2b-deleted mutant of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV-2aT∆2b). We found that an uncharacterized Piezo protein (AtPiezo), an ortholog of animal Piezo proteins with mechanosensitive (MS) cation channel activities, was required for inhibiting systemic infection of CMV-2aT∆2b and turnip mosaic virus tagged a green fluorescent protein (GFP) (TuMV-GFP). AtPiezo is induced by virus infection, especially in the petioles of rosette leaves. Thus, we for the first time demonstrate the biological function of Piezo proteins in plants, which might represent a common antiviral strategy because many monocot and dicot plant species have a single Piezo ortholog.
Water molecular structure underpins extreme desiccation tolerance of the resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis
Authors: Kuroki Shinichiro , Tsenkova Roumiana , Moyankova Daniela , Muncan Jelena , Morita Hiroyuki , Atanassova Stefka , Djilianov Dimitar 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHaberlea rhodopensisis a resurrection plant with an extremely high desiccation tolerance. Even after long periods of almost full desiccation, its physiological functions are recovered shortly upon re-watering. In order to identify physiological strategies which contribute to its remarkable drought stress tolerance we used near infrared spectroscopy to investigate the state of water in the leaves of this plant and compared it to its relative, non-resurrection plant speciesDeinostigma eberhardtii. Here we show, using a novel aquaphotomics spectral analysis, thatH.rhodopensisperforms a dynamic regulation of water molecular structure during dehydration directed at drastic decrease of free water molecules, increase of water molecules with 4 hydrogen bonds, and a massive accumulation of water dimers in the full desiccation stage. Our findings suggest that changes in water structure mirror the changes in major metabolites and antioxidants which together constitute a robust defense system underlying the desiccation tolerance of the resurrection plant, while the water dimer may hold special importance for the “drying without dying” ability.
Transcriptomics of cardiac biopsies reveals differences in patients with or without diagnostic parameters for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Das Sarbashis , Frisk Christoffer , Eriksson Maria J. , Walentinsson Anna , Corbascio Matthias , Hage Camilla , Kumar Chanchal , Asp Michaela , Lundeberg Joakim , Maret Eva , Persson Hans , Linde Cecilia , Persson Bengt 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHeart failure affects 2–3% of adult Western population. Prevalence of heart failure with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (HFpEF) increases. Studies suggest HFpEF patients to have altered myocardial structure and functional changes such as incomplete relaxation and increased cardiac stiffness. We hypothesised that patients undergoing elective coronary bypass surgery (CABG) with HFpEF characteristics would show distinctive gene expression compared to patients with normal LV physiology. Myocardial biopsies for mRNA expression analysis were obtained from sixteen patients with LV ejection fraction ≥45%. Five out of 16 patients (31%) had echocardiographic characteristics and increased NTproBNP levels indicative of HFpEF and this group was used as HFpEF proxy, while 11 patients had Normal LV physiology. Utilising principal component analysis, the gene expression data clustered into two groups, corresponding to HFpEF proxy and Normal physiology, and 743 differentially expressed genes were identified. The associated top biological functions were cardiac muscle contraction, oxidative phosphorylation, cellular remodelling and matrix organisation. Our results also indicate that upstream regulatory events, including inhibition of transcription factors STAT4, SRF and TP53, and activation of transcription repressors HEY2 and KDM5A, could provide explanatory mechanisms to observed gene expression differences and ultimately cardiac dysfunction in the HFpEF proxy group.
Optic disc cupping characteristics of normal pressure hydrocephalus patients with normal-tension glaucoma
Authors: Igarashi Nozomi , Honjo Megumi , Asano Shotaro , Takagi Kiyoshi , Aihara Makoto 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe examined the potential association of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) with the generation of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), to explore possible relationships between intracranial pressure (ICP) and the presence of glaucoma, and to compare disc morphology of NTG patients with or without iNPH. We investigated 20 iNPH patients, examined the prevalence of glaucoma, and compared the optic discs of NTG patients with iNPH (n = 11) and age-matched NTG patients without iNPH (n = 16). All data were collected prior to the treatment of iNPH, to eliminate the possibility that the treatment may have contributed to the progression of NTG. The diagnoses of NTG were made using visual field data, intraocular pressure measurements, fundoscopy, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Using OCT, the optic nerve disc depth was also measured. The ICP was higher in the iNPH with NTG compared to iNPH without NTG (p = 0.0425), and the cupping depths of the discs of NTG patients with iNPH were significantly shallower compared with those of NTG patients without iNPH (p = 0.0097). Based on the difference in cupping depth, NTG patients with iNPH may have a different morphology from typical glaucoma patients, which could in turn reflect a different pathogenesis compared to NTG patients without iNPH.