bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular-genetic analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains spread in different patient groups in St.Petersburg (Russia)
Authors: Chernyaeva Ekaterina , Dobrynin Pavel , Pestova Natalia , Matveeva Natalia , Zhemkov Vladimir , Kozlov Andrei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMolecular epidemiological features of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains spread among different patient groups in Russia is not studied well. The aim of our study was to compare genotypes of M.tuberculosis strains circulating among TB patients from different groups: homeless, HIV-infected, prisoners and general population of St.Petersburg citizens.One hundred fifty M.tuberculosis complex isolates from different TB patient groups were studied using spoligotyping method.The majority of studied M.tuberculosis isolates in all groups belonged to Beijing family (56% among homeless; 77% among HIV-infected; 60% among general population; 83% among prisoners). There were no significant difference in Beijing family prevalence among homeless patients, HIV/TB co-infected and general population of TB patients. The lowest genetic diversity of the pathogen was detected among imprisoned patients.
Results
of our study demonstrate that M.tuberculosis strains circulating among homeless and HIV-infected people are also spread among general population of St.Petersburg citizens. Thus, we have investigated the participation of high-risk groups in the spread of TB infection in the city.
Slow in Motion but Smart in Learning and Memory: Behavioral Changes in Adult NR3A Knockout Mice
Authors: Yu Shan Ping , Song Mingke , Mohamad Osama , Wei Ling 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe expression of NMDA receptor subunit NR3A is high in the neonatal brain but low in adults. However, its functional role in the adult brain is obscure. Using wild-type (WT) and NR3A knockout (KO) mice, we show here that NR3A plays imperative roles in multiple behavioral functions in adults. NR3A deletion produced a slow locomotor phenotype with enhanced memory capacities. Hippocampal slices from juvenile and adult NR3A KO mice showed greater long-term potentiation (LTP) compared to WT slices. NR3A deletion resulted in increased expression and phosphorylation of calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). CaMKII inhibition abrogated the enhanced LTP in NR3A KO slices. NR3A KO mice were also more sensitive to acute and chronic pain. These data reveal for the first time that NR3A, despite its low expression, plays several critical roles in behavioral activities in adults and may be a therapeutic target for modulating behaviors under normal and pathological conditions.
Regrowing the adult brain: NF-κB controls functional circuit formation and tissue homeostasis in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Leske Oliver , Kaltschmidt Christian , Püschel Andreas , Kaltschmidt Barbara , Memet Sylvie , Heumann Rolf , Imielski Yvonne , Schwamborn Jens , Lüningschrör Patrick , Heimann Peter , Holzberg Magdalena , Israel Alain , Werner Hendrikje 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCognitive decline during aging is correlated with a continuous loss of cells within the brain and especially within the hippocampus, which could be regenerated by adult neurogenesis. Here we show that genetic ablation of NF-κB resulted in severe defects in the neurogenic region (dentate gyrus) of the hippocampus. Despite increased stem cell proliferation, axogenesis, synaptogenesis and neuroprotection were hampered, leading to disruption of the mossy fiber pathway and to atrophy of the dentate gyrus during aging. Here, NF-κB controls the transcription of FOXO1 and PKA, regulating axogenesis. Structural defects culminated in behavioral impairments in pattern separation. Re-activation of NF-κB resulted in integration of newborn neurons, finally to regeneration of the dentate gyrus, accompanied by a complete recovery of structural and behavioral defects. These data identify NF-κB as a crucial regulator of dentate gyrus tissue homeostasis suggesting NF-κB to be a therapeutic target for treating cognitive and mood disorders.
Huntington’s disease is a TH17 related autoimmune disorder against mutant Huntingtin coded by multiple CAG triplets
Authors: Hu Wanchung 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHuntington’s disease is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder. It belongs to the polyQ accumulation disease with mutant Huntington protein. The mutant Huntington has expanded CAG triplet repeats which make it easy to accumulate. However, the exact mechanism causing Huntington’s disease pathophysiology is unknown. Here, I propose that Huntington’s disease is an autoimmune disease. During childhood, there are Treg cells from the thymus to prevent autoimmune reaction against mutant Huntington. When the patient grows older with thymus atrophy, the accumulated mutant Huntington triggers TH17 related inflammatory reaction via heat shock proteins and toll-like receptor activation. Then, TH17 related cytokines such as TNFα, IL1, and IL6 cause neuron degeneration by activating apoptotic cascade. Once we know the pathogenesis of Huntington’s disease, we can use immunological knowledge to develop preventive or therapeutic strategies to cope with this detrimental disorder.
Molecular Modeling study of Protein Kinase PKnB from Mycobacterium Tuberculosis with derivatives of 1, 3, 4- Thiadiazoles
Authors: Gupta Vivek , Naqvi Asif , Tanwar Jayendra , Mishra Kaushlesh 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTuberculosis causes more than two million deaths per year. Faced with this global threat it is crucial to better understand the physiology of the causative organism, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, in order to develop efficient therapeutic strategies. PKnB from Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a crucial receptor-like protein kinase involved in signal transduction. M. tuberculosis PKnB is a trans-membrane Ser/Thr protein kinase (STPK) highly conserved in Gram-positive bacteria and apparently essential for Mycobacterial viability. We have attempted with the help of virtual screening and docking approaches to expound the extent of specificity of protein kinase B towards different classes of Thiadiazoles (an anti-tubercular agent). The selected Thiadiazoles were selected on the basis of the structural specificity to the enzyme towards its substrate and inhibitors. Total number of Thiadiazoles were 5000 in number with the minimum binding energy of -10.46 kcal/mol with 10 molecules showing hydrogen bonds with the active site residue. The protein kinase B peptide contains two types of structural elements (Valine 95, Arginine 97) and the basic residue ring consisted of glycine rich residues. The structure of the protein-ligand complex reveals that Thiadiazoles partially occupies the adenine-binding pocket in PKnB, providing a framework for the design of compounds with potential therapeutic applications. The study provides hints for the future design of new derivatives with higher potency and specificity.
Plants switch photosystem at high temperature to protect photosystem II
Authors: Yamauchi Yasuo , Kimura Yukihiro , Akimoto Seiji , Marutani Yoko , Mizutani Masaharu , Sugimoto Yukihiro 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPlants are often exposed to temperatures of around 40^o^C. These temperatures can cause serious damage to photosystems, yet plants can survive with minimum damage. Here, we show that plants switch photosystem to protect photosystem II (PSII) at 40^o^C. Using wheat and Arabidopsis seedlings, we investigated the mechanisms of heat-derived damage in the dark and avoidance of damage in the light. Heat treatment at 40^o^C in the dark caused serious damage to PSII: the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) and oxygen evolution rapidly decreased. The damage was due to the degradation of the D1 protein (shown by immuno-chemical analysis) and the disturbance of energy transfer in PSII core chlorophyll-binding proteins CP43 and CP47 (shown by time-resolved fluorescence measurement). The damage to PSII might be due to enhanced introduction of electrons from the reducing power of the stroma into thylakoid membranes, causing subsequent electron backflow to PSII. Plants treated at 40^o^C in the light avoided PSII damage and showed preferential excitation of photosystem I (PSI), phosphorylation and migration of light-harvesting complex II (LHCII), which indicate state transition of the photosystem to enhance thermal dispersion and light-driven cyclic electron flow around PSI. These results suggest that heat damage to PSII is probably due to a backflow of reducing power from the stroma to PSII, and that light causes a state transition of photosystem, driving cyclic electron flow and thus protecting PSII from damage.
mGluR5 knockout mice exhibit normal conditioned place-preference to cocaine
Authors: Fowler Melissa , Varnell Andrew , Cooper Donald 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMetabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) null mutant (-/-) mice have been reported to totally lack the reinforcing or locomotor stimulating effects of cocaine. We tested mGluR5 -/- and +/+ mice for their locomotor and conditioned place- preference response to cocaine. Unlike the previous finding, here we show that compared to mGluR5 +/+ mice, -/- mice exhibit no difference in the locomotor response to low to moderate doses of cocaine (10 or 20 mg/kg). A high dose of cocaine (40 mg/kg) resulted in a blunted rather than absent locomotor response. We tested mGluR5 -/- and +/+ mice for conditioned place-preference to cocaine and found no group differences at a conditioning dose of 10 mg/kg, suggesting normal conditioned rewarding properties of cocaine. These results differ substantially from Chiamulera et al. (2001) and replicates Olsen et al., (2010), who found normal cocaine place-preference in mGluR5 -/- mice at 5 mg/kg. Our results indicate mGluR5 receptors exert a modulatory rather than necessary role in cocaine-induced locomotor stimulation and exert no effect on the conditioned rewarding effects of cocaine.
Natural Radiation Induced Developmental Disability: An Avian Model
Authors: Padua Jeni Chandar , MR Basil Rose 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRadiation exposure during gestation causes mutation in the fetus leading to birth defects in the newborn. On a survey of the coastal villages of Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, India, high levels of background radiation were detected, which was suggestive of inducing mutations, and congenital abnormalities in the exposed population. To substantiate the dangerous impact of such natural radioactive emissions, we have established an avian model of irradiation-induced birth defect in chicks hatched from eggs exposed to natural radioactive beach sand. The hatched experimental chicks exhibited severe locomotor disability and extreme malformations. Our study proves for the first time, that natural beach sand radiation induces severe developmental abnormalities. The results of this experiment brings to light, the importance of radiation-protection during gestation and also the need for monitoring and cleaning of radioactive sand deposits in beaches all over the world.
3D models of lamprey corticoid receptor complexed with 11-deoxycortisol and deoxycorticosterone
Authors: Baker Michael , Uh Kayla , Asnaashari Paiyuam 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe serum of Atlantic sea lamprey, a basal vertebrate, contains two corticosteroids, 11-deoxycortisol and deoxycorticosterone. Only 11-deoxycortisol has high affinity [Kd~3 nM] for the corticoid receptor [CR] in lamprey gill cytosol. To investigate the binding of 11-deoxycortisol to the CR, we constructed 3D models of lamprey CR complexed with 11-deoxycortisol and deoxycorticosterone. These 3D models reveal that Leu-220 and Met-299 in lamprey CR have contacts with the 17[alpha]-hydroxyl on 11-deoxycortisol. Lamprey CR is the ancestor of the mineralocorticoid receptor [MR] and glucocorticoid receptor [GR]. Unlike human MR and human GR, the 3D model of lamprey CR finds a van der Waals contact between Cys-227 in helix 3 and Met-264 in helix 5. Mutant human MR and GR containing a van der Waals contact between helix 3 and helix 5 display enhanced responses to progesterone and glucocorticoids, respectively. We propose that this interaction was present in the CR and lost during the evolution of the MR and GR, leading to changes in their response to progesterone and corticosteroids, respectively.
Intraspecific variability drives diversity in food webs
Authors: Melian Carlos , Vilas Cesar , Baldo Francisco , Gonzalez-Ortegon Enrique , Drake Pilar , Williams Richard 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBiodiversity theories neglect individual-level variability in ecological interactions even though empirical work has revealed considerable genetic and phenotypic variation among individuals in natural populations. This impedes assessing the impact of individual-level variability on biodiversity in multi-trophic ecosystems. Here we use a density-dependent and individual-based food web model, tested against the largest individual-based food web to date, to show that non-random intraspecific variation in prey selection alters species diversity in food webs. Predators consuming many prey increase diversity by preferentially selecting common prey; predators consuming few prey inhibit diversity by preferentially selecting rare prey, putting them at risk of extinction. Thus species-level patterns cannot be explained by species-level averages, but instead must consider individual-level variation in prey selection. Individual-level variation occurs in many biological and social contexts, suggesting that analyses of individual-level interaction data will be relevant in a wide range of fields.
Reduction of adipose tissue mass by the angiogenesis inhibitor ALS-L1023
Authors: Lee Hee , Park Eun kyu , Hahm Jong Cheon , Kim Min-Young , Yoon Michung , Lee Hyunhee , Hong Yeonhee , Park Dongmin , Oh Jaeho , Park Byung-Young 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Objective:
Angiogenesis has been demonstrated to modulate adipogenesis and obesity. This study was undertaken to determine whether the botanical drug ALS-L1023 (ALS), which exhibits antiangiogenic activity, can regulate adipose tissue growth in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice.

Materials and Methods:
The effects of ALS on angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling were measured using in vitro assays. The effects of ALS on adipose tissue growth was investigated in nutritionally obese mice.

Results:
ALS inhibited angiogenesis in a concentration-dependent manner in the tube formation assay and the VEGF-induced proliferation assay using human umbilical vein endothelial cells. ALS also suppressed matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in vitro. ALS administration to high-fat-diet-induced obese mice significantly reduced body weight gain, adipose tissue mass, and adipocyte size compared with the findings in the controls. ALS treatment decreased blood vessel density and MMP activity in adipose tissues. ALS reduced the mRNA levels of angiogenic factors (VEGFs and FGF-2) and MMPs (MMP-2 and MMP-9), whereas it increased the mRNA levels of angiogenic inhibitors (TSP-1 and TIMPs) in adipose tissues. Conclusion: These results suggest that in vivo and in vitro treatment with ALS, which has antiangiogenic and MMP inhibitory activities, reduces adipose tissue mass in nutritionally induced obese mice, providing evidence that adipose tissue growth can be regulated by angiogenesis inhibitors.
Comparison of Efficiency of Photodynamic Diagnostics with Topical Use of the 3% and 15% Aminolevulinic Acid in the Detection of Vulvar Lesions
Authors: Mazdziarz Agnieszka , Alkhalayla Habib , Zielinska Aleksandra , Spiewankiewicz Beata 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe objective of the study was evaluating the efficiency of the photodynamic method PDD (photodynamic diagnosis) in the detection of vulvar lesions when two concentrations of the photosensitizer were used ( 3%- and 15%-aminolevulinic acid ), as well as evaluating the efficiency of this method when compared to the efficiency of vulvoscopy, against the result of histological examination. Two concentrations of the 5-ALA cream ( aminolevulinic acid ) - 3% and 15% - were used in the PDD testing. The study group was divided into two subgroups A and B. In subgroup A the 15% eucerine - based cream was used. In subgroup B the 3% ALA gel with addition of 2% DMSO was used. The photosensitizer was applied to the vulva four to six hours before the examination. In order to obtain fluorescence, energy in the form of light whose wavelength was approximately 405 nm, and whose source was a SLED diode, was transmitted to vulvar tissue. The positive result of the exam was obtaining tissue fluorescence. All patients underwent vulvoscopy and a histological examination of tissue samples was performed in all cases. The efficiency of the photodynamic testing in subgroups A and B was compared with the efficiency of vulvoscopy, against the result of histological examination. Sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values of the PDD examination and vulvoscopy in both subgroups, were evaluated. When the 15% ALA was used in detecting vulvar lesions, the photodynamic diagnostics was characterized by sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 92%, positive predictive value of 80%, negative predictive value of 100%, and correlation with the histopathological examination of 93.9%. When the 3% ALA was used, we observed: sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 91.4%, positive predictive value of 78.5%, negative predictive value of 100%, and correlation with the histopathological examination of 93.4%. Differences in the two subgroups were not statistically significant.
Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease by NIRF Spectroscopy and Nuclear Medicine-v.4.0
Authors: Baianu I 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThere is an urgent need for the early detection of diseases such as Alzheimer’s (AD) and Cancers in order to enable their successful treatment. Cancer is the second major cause of death after Heart Disease, and AD is the third major cause of death with major, human and financial/economics trillion dollar consequences for the society. Nuclear Medicine is concerned with applications in Medicine of Nuclear Science and Engineering techniques and knowledge. Three major Nuclear Medicine techniques that are established for diagnostic and research purposes are: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and CAT/CT, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NMRI/MRI). However, these three techniques have also major limitations in terms of either cost or image resolution, as well as patient irradiation in the case of CAT/CT and PET. On the other hand, Near Infrared Chemical Imaging Microspectroscopy and certain Fluorescence spectroscopic techniques are capable of single cancer cell and/or single molecule detection and/or imaging. Such powerful capabilities, combined with low cost of diagnostics, make these novel techniques very attractive means for early detection of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s, that are promising to reduce the fatality rate of patients through adequate diagnosis and treatment of such diseases at early stages.Currently NIH provides only inadequate funding for the clinical and research aspects of these novel investigation and clinical diagnostic techniques by FT-NIRS and Fluorescence spectrocopy for early detection of Alzheimer’s and Cancers.
Endothelin-Induced Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Depletion Waves in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Esfandiarei Mitra , Choi Yohan , Tehrani Arash , Hoskins Jeremy , Fameli Nicola , van Breemen Cornelis 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAgonist-stimulated waves of elevated cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i ) regulate blood vessel tone and vasomotion in vascular smooth muscle. Previous studies employing cytoplasmic Ca2+ indicators revealed that these Ca2+ waves were generated by a combination of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and Ca2+ induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR); although, some of the mechanistic details remain uncertain. However, these findings were derived indirectly from observing agonist-induced [Ca2+]i fluctuations in the cytoplasm.Here, for the first time, we have recorded Endothelin-1 (ET-1) induced waves of Ca2+ depletion from the SR lumen in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) using a calsequestrin-targeted Ca2+ indicator. Our findings show that these waves: (1) are due to regenerative CICR by the receptors for IP3 (IP3R), (2) have a marked latency period, (3) are characterized by a transient increase in SR Ca2+ ([Ca2+]SR ) both at the point of origin and at the wave front, (4) proceed with diminishing velocity, and (5) are arrested by the nuclear envelope. Our quantitative model indicates that the gradual decrease in the velocity of the SR depletion wave, in the absence of external Ca2+, results from continuity of the SR luminal network.
Atomic and molecular structures of positronium, dipositronium and positronium hydride
Authors: Heyrovska Raji 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe three positron based chemical entities, analogous to hydrogen atom, hydrogen molecule and hydride, are drawing increasing attention in the literature. While a lot is known about the binding energies, not much is known about the radii of the atoms and ions and bond lengths and structures of these exotic entities. This article brings for the first time exact values of these structural properties which are comparable with known data. It is hoped that the results will be of help for a better understanding and further development of the chemistry and physics of these exotic compounds and of their possible role as intermediates in chemical and interfacial processes.
Vermiculiphily: Larvae Pollinating Orchids!
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Rawat Gopal 
Published: July 2019

AbstractOrchids are truly extraordinary organisms exhibiting a wide range of pollination mechanism, many of which awaits discovery. Epipactis veratrifolia is a terrestrial orchid that has been reported to be pollinated by various species of hoverflies in Israel1,2. This orchid is known to emit the smell of aphid pheromone that attracts hoverflies, which lay eggs inside the flower and in the process pollinate them. Recently, we observed a species of hoverfly (Ischiodon scutellaris) pollinate the same orchid species in the Western Himalaya while laying eggs inside the flowers. Ischiodon scutellaris is being reported for the first time as pollinator of this orchid. However, all flowers don’t get pollinated, even though insects visit them and lay eggs inside. In this communication we reveal the fate of those orchid flowers which are visited by the flies but are left unpollinated.