bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DELLA
Proteins in Signalling
Authors: Blázquez Miguel A 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

DELLA proteins have emerged as important modulators of prewired transcriptional circuits in response to the environment. In vascular plants, proteasome‐dependent degradation of DELLAs is induced by gibberellins, whose levels are strongly regulated by environmental signals such as light, temperature and nutrient availability. Transcriptional regulation is exerted by DELLAs through physical interaction with DNA‐binding transcription factors and other transcriptional regulators. The key biological role of DELLAs has been proposed to regulate the balance between growth and stress responses, which justifies the inadvertent selection of hyperstable DELLA alleles during the breeding programs that lead to the Green Revolution. DELLA proteins are also present in nonvascular plants which do not synthesise active gibberellins, suggesting that the origin of DELLAs predates the emergence of gibberellin biosynthesis.

Key Concepts

DELLAs are nuclear proteins that modulate the activity of a large set of transcription factors through protein–protein interaction.

DELLA protein degradation is regulated by environmental signals mostly through gibberellin signalling.

DELLA proteins are ‘hubs’ that control the balance between growth and stress responses.

The origin of DELLA proteins predates the appearance of bioactive gibberellins.

Manipulation of DELLA proteins has contributed to the ‘Green Revolution’.
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Challenges and Opportunities in Developing New Therapies for Muscular Dystrophies
Authors: Paredes‐Redondo Amaia , Lin Yung‐Yao 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

The generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has offered unparalleled opportunities for modelling human diseases and drug discovery. Muscular dystrophies are devastating inherited skeletal muscle disorders, for which there is no effective treatment. Recent breakthroughs in myogenic differentiation of iPSCs and other key technologies, including genome editing, smart biomaterials and tissue engineering, have opened new avenues to overcome the hurdles of developing therapies for previously incurable muscle diseases. The synergy between these novel technologies is increasingly transforming the fields of disease modelling, drug screening and regenerative medicine.

Key Concepts

Traditionally, muscular dystrophy research relies on primary human cells that have a limited expansion potential, and on animal models that do not fully recapitulate human pathophysiology.

The self‐renewal and differentiation properties of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) make them an important resource for generating a large quantity of physiology‐relevant cell types to model human diseases
in vitro
.

In combination with genome editing and transgene‐free myogenic differentiation, human iPSCs can provide an unlimited supply of genetically corrected myogenic progenitor cells for autologous cell therapy and lay the basis for large‐scale drug screening.

Safety concerns regarding iPSCs and myogenic differentiation can be addressed by integration‐free reprogramming methods and transgene‐free differentiation protocols.

Recent breakthroughs in smart biomaterials and tissue engineering facilitate the transition from 2D monotypic to 3D multilineage cell cultures that resemble human tissue architecture.

The synergy between human iPSCs, genome editing, transgene‐free myogenic differentiation, advanced biomaterials and tissue engineering can exploit the full potential of human iPSCs and facilitate drug discovery and cell therapies, leading towards translation of biomedical research from bench to bedside.
Multimode Absorption Spectroscopy for Multispecies Trace Gas Sensing
Authors: Ewart Paul 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe technique of multimode absorption spectroscopy (MUMAS) is reviewed in the context of laser‐based methods for gas sensing of multiple species. The principles and practical implementation of the method are outlined with examples of applications using lasers with outputs in spectral ranges from the visible to the mid‐infrared, including interband cascade lasers (ICLs) and quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). The advantages and limitations of MUMAS are considered relative to other laser‐based methods, and potential future developments and applications are suggested.
Analysis of Plant Oligo‐ and Polysaccharides
Authors: Blaschek Wolfgang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBasic methods for the isolation and the determination of the composition and structure of plant oligo‐ and polysaccharides are described. They of course can be characterized best after isolation in high purity. Therefore, the extraction of oligo‐ or polysaccharides from plant material and the separation of mixtures of them are described before presenting the most important methods for their analytical characterization. For experimental details the extensive literature needs to be consulted.
The massive assimilation of indigenous East Asian populations in the origin of Muslim Hui people inferred from paternal Y chromosome
Authors: Wang Chuan‐Chao , Lu Yan , Kang Longli , Ding Huiqian , Yan Shi , Guo Jianxin , Zhang Qun , Wen Shao‐Qing , Wang Ling‐Xiang , Zhang Manfei , Tong Xinzhu , Huang Xiufeng , Nie Shengjie , Deng Qiongying , Zhu Bofeng , Jin Li , Li Hui 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe Hui people are the adherents of Muslim faith and distributing throughout China. There are two contrasting hypotheses about the origin and diversification of the Hui people, namely, the demic diffusion involving the mass movement of people or simple cultural diffusion.Materials and methodsWe collected 621 unrelated male individuals from 23 Hui populations all over China. We comprehensively genotyped more than 100 informative Y‐chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms and 17 Y‐chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) on those samples.ResultsCo‐analyzed with published worldwide populations, our results suggest the origin of Hui people has involved massive assimilation of indigenous East Asians with about 70% in total of the paternal ancestry could be traced back to East Asia and the left 30% to various regions in West Eurasia.DiscussionThe genetic structure of the extant Hui populations was primarily shaped by the indigenous East Asian populations as they contribute the majority part of the paternal lineages of Hui people. The West Eurasian admixture was probably a sex‐biased male‐driven process since we have not found such a high proportion of West Eurasian gene flow on autosomal STRs and maternal mtDNA.
Fungal extracts stimulate solitary chemosensory cell expansion in noninvasive fungal rhinosinusitis
Authors: Patel Neil N. , Triantafillou Vasiliki , Maina Ivy W. , Workman Alan D. , Tong Charles C. L. , Kuan Edward C. , Papagiannopoulos Peter , Bosso John V. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. , Kohanski Michael A. , Herbert De'Broski R. , Cohen Noam A. 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundSolitary chemosensory cells (SCCs) are rare epithelial cells enriched in nasal polyps and are the primary source of interleukin‐25 (IL‐25), an innate cytokine eliciting T‐helper 2 (Th2) immune response. Although it is proposed that SCCs are stimulated by antigens released by upper airway pathogens, the exogenous triggers of human SCCs remain elusive. We studied patients with noninvasive fungal rhinosinusitis to determine whether extracts of Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria alternata stimulate SCC proliferation as an early event in type 2 inflammation.MethodsMulticolor flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and enzyme‐linked immunoassay were used to interrogate mucosa from patients with mycetomas and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) for SCCs and IL‐25. Primary sinonasal epithelial cells from AFRS patients and noninflamed inferior turbinates were stimulated with fungal extracts for 72 hours, and SCC population frequency as well as mitotic activity were quantified using flow cytometry.ResultsSCCs producing IL‐25 are enriched in inflamed mucosa compared with intrapatient noninflamed control tissue (38.6% vs 6.5%, p = 0.029). In cultured sinonasal epithelial cells from AFRS nasal polyps, Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria alternata stimulated higher SCC frequency compared with controls (27.4% vs 10.6%, p = 0.002; 18.1% vs 10.6%, p = 0.046), which led to increased IL‐25 secretion in culture media (75.5 vs 3.3 pg/mL, p < 0.001; 32.3 vs 3.3 pg/mL, p = 0.007). Ki‐67 expression was higher in SCCs grown in fungal stimulation conditions compared with controls.ConclusionAlthough fungal antigens are known to potentiate immune response through innate cytokines, including IL‐25, the early expansion of SCCs in the presence of fungus has not been described. This early event in the pathogenesis of noninvasive fungal rhinosinusitis may represent a target for intervention.
Effect of ethanol on the color transition of the polydiacetylene vesicle of 10,12‐pentacosadiynoic acid for butylamine detection
Authors: Shin Min Jae , Shin Jae Sup 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTIn this study, we estimated the color‐transition behavior of a polydiacetylene (PDA) vesicle system for butylamine detection in an EtOH–water mixed solvent. The effect of the EtOH concentration in the vesicle system on the color transition of PDA was measured. 10,12‐Pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) was used to form the PDA vesicle by sonication and photopolymerization. The results show that the vesicle formation of PCDA was accomplished with up to 13 wt % EtOH. As the concentration of EtOH increased from pure water (0 wt %) to 13 wt %, a larger size vesicle was formed, with the color transition occurring at a lower temperature and with a lower amount of butylamine. The color of the PDA vesicle solution started to change at 3 mMbutylamine with pure water as the solvent and at 2.5 mMbutylamine with 10 wt % EtOH. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47688.
Sustainability of a tropical, multispecies, multigear, coral‐reef‐associated fishery system is efficiently inferred with the direct use of long‐term port biosampling length records and life‐history traits, US Virgin Islands
Authors: Dikou Angela , Corneille Tasha , Carmody Kelly 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

The fisheries system of the US Virgin Islands (USVI) provided the opportunity to examine decision‐making and to advise comparable fisheries throughout the tropics; it is well studied, thoroughly managed, and small in economic impact.
To assess (multilevel modelling), evaluate (historical baselines and comparison of size frequency distributions), and explain (regression) the fisheries status synoptically, indicators of life history, ecological, and fishery traits were applied to a 26 year long and 104 species large port biosampling database.
The fishery consists of stable, truncated, and overfished populations of exclusively K‐selected fish species. In particular, 45 (46.9%) of 96 species show significant but not biologically meaningful trends in mean standardized length of fish caught during a period of 30 years. Yet, 93 (90.2%) of 103 species are subject to persistent growth and/or recruitment overfishing. Also, both biological and economic overfishing are positively, significantly, and largely related with the K‐selected nature of these species.
The results are corroborated by available contextual studies that demonstrate in synthesis the buffering effect of fisheries management. This employs various monitoring, regulatory, and enhancement tools to face its major challenges of data collection and quality improvement, local and regional environmental degradation from multiple anthropogenic and natural stressors, and non‐compliance. Yet, there have been increasing trends in human population size, fishing effort, and total commercial landings, decreasing trends in the catch per unit of effort, changes in the relative composition of the catch during the last 40 years, and collapsed or on the verge of collapse fished species since the 1970s have not yet recovered.
The USVI fisheries system would benefit from redesigning regulation of input and output controls and upgrading the environmental baseline using the ecosystem‐based management approach.
Revisiting ancient DNA insights into the human history of the Pacific Islands
Authors: SPRIGGS MATTHEW , VALENTIN FREDERIQUE , BEDFORD STUART , PINHASI RON , SKOGLUND PONTUS , REICH DAVID , LIPSON MARK 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTWe respond to issues raised in the recent Forum on “Ancient DNA and its contribution to understanding the human history of the Pacific Islands” in Archaeology in Oceania by Bedford et al. We first present an emerging model for the early peopling of Vanuatu combining the genetic and archaeological evidence. Second, we respond specifically to the criticisms of two contributors: Matisoo‐Smith and Sand. We discuss various misconceptions about the Teouma Lapita cemetery and about sampling issues in DNA research.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 4‐phenoxypyridine derivatives as potential antitumor agents
Authors: Liu Ju , Liu Yutong , Hao Xuechen , Wang Yang , Ji Jingchao , Liu Yajing , Ding Shi , Chen Ye 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA series of novel 4‐phenoxypyridine derivatives containing the 4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydropyridazine‐3‐carboxamide moiety were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against the A549 cancer cell line, and some compounds were further examined for their cytotoxic activity against the H460, BGC823, MKN45, and HT‐29 cancer cell lines. Most of the compounds exhibited moderate to significant cytotoxicity. The most promising compound 15b (with VEGFR2 inhibitory concentration [IC50] value of 0.23 μM) showed remarkable cytotoxicity against A549, BGC‐823, MKN45, H460, and HT‐29 cells, with IC50 values of 0.75, 1.68, 2.63, 5.08 and 7.22 μM, respectively. Their preliminary structure‐activity relationship studies indicate that electron‐withdrawing groups on the terminal phenyl rings are beneficial for improving the antitumor activity. Moreover, treatment of A549 cells with compound 15b resulted in cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in a dose‐dependent manner. Further apoptotic studies and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining were also performed on A549 cells, which showed that compound 15b could induce apoptosis. Wound‐healing assay results indicated that compound 15b strongly inhibited A549 cell motility.
Evaluation of food effect on the oral absorption of clarithromycin from immediate release tablet using physiological modelling
Authors: Radwan Asma , Jayyousi Rand , Shraim Nasr , Zaid Abdel Naser 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground: Food may affect the oral absorption of drugs. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of food on the oral absorption of clarithromycin by evaluating the effect of media parameters, such as pH, bile secretions and food composition, on the release of the drug from immediate release tablets, using in vitro and in silico assessments. Method: The solubility, disintegration and dissolution profiles of clarithromycin 500 mg immediate release tablets in compendial media with/without the addition of a homogenized FDA meal as well as in biorelevant simulated intestinal media mimicking fasting and fed conditions were determined. These in vitro data were input to GastroPlus™, which was used for developing a physiological absorption model capable of anticipating the effect of food on clarithromycin absorption. Level A in vitro–in vivo linear correlations were established using a mechanistic absorption modelling based deconvolution approach. Results: The pH of the media has a profound effect on clarithromycin solubility, tablet disintegration and drug release. Clarithromycin has lower solubility in biorelevant media compared with other media, due to complex formation with bile salts. Clarithromycin tablets exhibited prolonged disintegration times and reduced dissolution rates in the presence of the standard FDA meal. The simulation model predicted no significant food effect on the oral bioavailability of clarithromycin. The developed IVIVC model considered SIF, acetate buffer and FaSSIF media to be the most relevant from the physiological standpoint. Conclusion: The intake of a standard FDA meal may have no significant effect on the oral bioavailability of clarithromycin immediate release tablet.
Use of benzodiazepine medications during pregnancy and potential risk for birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2011
Authors: Tinker Sarah C. , Reefhuis Jennita , Bitsko Rebecca H. , Gilboa Suzanne M. , Mitchell Allen A. , Tran Emmy L. , Werler Martha M. , Broussard Cheryl S. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: March 2019

BackgroundBenzodiazepine medications can be used to treat anxiety, a condition affecting 15% of women of childbearing age in the United States. Studies have shown conflicting results for the association between benzodiazepine use during pregnancy and birth defects.MethodsWe analyzed 1997–2011 data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a multisite, population‐based case–control study. We assessed the prevalence of and factors associated with benzodiazepine use in pregnancy among mothers of live‐born infants without a birth defect (control mothers). We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between specific birth defects and benzodiazepine use; we estimated crude odds ratios (cORs) for defect categories with 3–4 exposed cases.ResultsExposure to benzodiazepines during pregnancy was rare (N = 93/11,614; 0.8%). Benzodiazepine use was more common among control mothers who were ≥30 years, non‐Hispanic white, had more education, smoked, and took antidepressant medication. We observed significantly elevated ORs for any benzodiazepine and Dandy–Walker malformation (cOR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.1, 8.6); for alprazolam and anophthalmia or microphthalmia (cOR: 4.0; 95% CI: 1.2, 13.1) and esophageal atresia or stenosis (aOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2, 5.9); and lorazepam and pulmonary valve stenosis (cOR: 4.1; 95% CI: 1.2, 14.2), but sample sizes were limited and therefore CIs were wide.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that benzodiazepines use is rare and may be associated with risk for certain birth defects. However, these results need replication and should be interpreted with caution.
Explicit and implicit corporate social responsibility: Differences in the approach to stakeholder engagement activities of U.S. and Japanese companies
Authors: Kumar Kamalesh , Boesso Giacomo , Batra Rishtee , Yao Jun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis study uses the theoretical frameworks of institutional theory and comparative capitalism to demonstrate how cross‐cultural differences in national institutional frameworks are related to differences in the meaning and the nature of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and, as a result, how they create different incentives and opportunities for companies to engage in stakeholder management activities. More specifically, we draw upon the framework of “explicit” and “implicit” CSRs to investigate whether and how stakeholder management practices and programs differ between the United States and Japan. We first develop and validate a Stakeholder Engagement Activities (SEAs) scale, designed assess differences in the approach (explicit or implicit) that companies use to address a variety of common SEAs. Then we analyze data and present the results of surveys collected from 227 companies in the United States and Japan. We find that although the SEAs of American companies are characterized by strong “explicit CSR,” in contrast, the SEAs of Japanese companies exhibit strong “implicit CSR.” In the discussion that follows, we attribute these distinctions in the SEAs to differences in the configuration of political, economic, and market mechanisms in each country. The findings of this study contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the differences in prevailing CSR practices of American and Japanese companies than noted by previous researchers. From a practitioner's perspective, the findings of this study reveal that despite the global nature of CSR, stakeholder management practices are both interpreted and operationalized differently due to differences in national institutional frameworks.
Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of New Norcantharidin Analogs
Authors: Pachuta‐Stec Anna , Nowak Renata , Pietrzak Wioleta , Pitucha Monika 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNew norcantharidin analogs were designed and obtained as compounds with biological activity. As a starting material, exo‐7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid anhydride was used. Three groups of compounds: dicarboximides, triazoles and thiazolidines were obtained in multistep reactions. The 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectra were used to confirm the structures of all obtained products and they were in agreement with the proposed structure of substances. All derivatives were screened for their antioxidant activity. The most promising group was dicarboximides (1–4, 6). Derivatives 2–4 displayed antioxidant activity with EC50=7.75–10.89 μg/ml, which may be comparable to strong antioxidant Trolox (EC50=6.13 μg/ml). Excellent activity with EC50=10.75 μg/ml also presented norcantharidin analog with 1,2,4‐triazole system (12).
Profiling Auspicious Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Two Herbal Molecules: Hyperforin and Hyuganin C
Authors: Orhan Ilkay Erdogan , Senol Deniz F. Sezer , Trædal‐Henden Steinar , Cerón‐Carrasco José P. , den Haan Helena , Peña‐García Jorge , Pérez‐Sánchez Horacio , Emerce Esra , Skalicka‐Wozniak Krystyna 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCholinergic therapy based on cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory drugs is the mainstay for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, an extensive research has been continuing for the discovery of drug candidates as inhibitors of acetyl‐ and butyrylcholinesterase. In this study, two natural molecules, e. g. hyperforin and hyuganin C were tested in vitro for their AChE and BChE inhibitory activity. Both of the compounds were ineffective against AChE, whereas hyperforin (IC50=141.60±3.39 μm) and hyuganin C (IC50=38.86±1.69 μm) were found to be the highly active inhibitors of BChE as compared to galantamine (IC50=46.58±0.91 μm) which was used as the reference. Then, these molecules were further proceeded to molecular docking experiments in order to establish their interactions at the active site of BChE. The molecular docking results indicated that both of them are able to block the access to key residues in the catalytic triad of the enzyme, while they complement some of the hydrophobic residues of the cavity, what is consistent with our in vitro data. While both compounds were predicted as mutagenic, only hyuganin C showed hepatotoxicity in in silico analysis. According to whole outcomes that we obtained, particularly hyuganin C besides hyperforin are the promising BChE inhibitors, which can be the promising compounds for AD therapy.