bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alteration of β-Adrenoceptor Signaling in Left Ventricle of Acute Phase Takotsubo Syndrome: a Human Study
Authors: Nakano Tomoya , Onoue Kenji , Nakada Yasuki , Nakagawa Hitoshi , Kumazawa Takuya , Ueda Tomoya , Nishida Taku , Soeda Tsunenari , Okayama Satoshi , Watanabe Makoto , Kawata Hiroyuki , Kawakami Rika , Horii Manabu , Okura Hiroyuki , Uemura Shiro , Hatakeyama Kinta , Sakaguchi Yasuhiro , Saito Yoshihiko 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAccumulating evidence indicates alteration of the β-adrenoceptor (AR), such as desensitization and subtype switching of its coupling G protein, plays a role in the protection against catecholamine toxicity in heart failure. However, in human takotsubo syndrome (TTS), which is associated with a surge of circulating catecholamine in the acute phase, there is no histologic evidence of β-AR alteration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement of alteration of β-AR signaling in the mechanism of TTS development. Left ventricular (LV) biopsied samples from 26 patients with TTS, 19 with normal LV function, and 26 with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were studied. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and β-arrestin2, which initiate the alteration of β-AR signaling, were more abundantly expressed in the myocardium in acute-phase TTS than in those of DCM and normal control as indicated by immunohistochemistry. The percentage of cardiomyocytes that showed positive membrane staining for GRK2 and β-arrestin2 was also significantly higher in acute-phase TTS. Sequential biopsies in the recovery-phase for two patients with TTS revealed that membrane expression of GRK2 and β-arrestin2 faded over time. This study provided the first histologic evidence of the involvement of alteration of β-ARs in the development of TTS.
Lack of cyclin D3 induces skeletal muscle fiber-type shifting, increased endurance performance and hypermetabolism
Authors: Giannattasio Silvia , Giacovazzo Giacomo , Bonato Agnese , Caruso Carla , Luvisetto Siro , Coccurello Roberto , Caruso Maurizia 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe mitogen-induced D-type cyclins (D1, D2 and D3) are regulatory subunits of the cyclin-dependent kinases CDK4 and CDK6 that drive progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. In skeletal muscle, cyclin D3 plays a unique function in controlling the proliferation/differentiation balance of myogenic progenitor cells. Here, we show that cyclin D3 also performs a novel function, regulating muscle fiber type-specific gene expression. Mice lacking cyclin D3 display an increased number of myofibers with higher oxidative capacity in fast-twitch muscle groups, primarily composed of myofibers that utilize glycolytic metabolism. The remodeling of myofibers toward a slower, more oxidative phenotype is accompanied by enhanced running endurance and increased energy expenditure and fatty acid oxidation. In addition, gene expression profiling of cyclin D3−/− muscle reveals the upregulation of genes encoding proteins involved in the regulation of contractile function and metabolic markers specifically expressed in slow-twitch and fast-oxidative myofibers, many of which are targets of MEF2 and/or NFAT transcription factors. Furthermore, cyclin D3 can repress the calcineurin- or MEF2-dependent activation of a slow fiber-specific promoter in cultured muscle cells. These data suggest that cyclin D3 regulates muscle fiber type phenotype, and consequently whole body metabolism, by antagonizing the activity of MEF2 and/or NFAT.
Unexpectedly high Plasmodium sporozoite rate associated with low human blood index in Anopheles coluzzii from a LLIN-protected village in Burkina Faso
Authors: Pombi Marco , Calzetta Maria , Guelbeogo Wamdaogo M. , Manica Mattia , Perugini Eleonora , Pichler Verena , Mancini Emiliano , Sagnon N’Fale , Ranson Hilary , della Torre Alessandra 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDespite the effectiveness of mass distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in reducing malaria transmission in Africa, in hyperendemic areas such as Burkina Faso the burden of malaria remains high. We here report the results of a 4-month survey on the feeding habits andPlasmodiuminfection in malaria vectors from a village in Burkina Faso one year following a national LLIN distribution programme. Low values of human blood index (HBI) observed in the major malaria vectors in the area (Anopheles coluzzii: N = 263, 20.1%;An. arabiensis: 5.8%, N = 103) are consistent with the hypothesis that LLINs reduced the availability of human hosts to mosquitoes. A regression meta-analysis of data from a systematic review of published studies reporting HBI and sporozoite rates (SR) forAn. gambiaecomplex revealed that the observed SR values (An. coluzzii: 7.6%, N = 503;An. arabiensis: 5.3%, N = 225) are out of the ranges expected based on the low HBI observed. We hypothesize that a small fraction of inhabitants unprotected by bednets acts as a “core group” repeatedly exposed to mosquito bites, representing the majorPlasmodiumreservoir for the vectors, able to maintain a high risk of transmission even in a village protected by LLINs.
Mass screening for liver cancer: results from a demonstration screening project in Zhongshan City, China
Authors: Ji Mingfang , Liu Zhiwei , Chang Ellen T. , Yu Xia , Wu Biaohua , Deng Li , Feng Qianjin , Wei Kuangrong , Liang Xuejun , Lian Shifeng , Quan Wen , Wang Panpan , Du Yun , Liang Zhiheng , Xia Shenglin , Lin Hai , Li Fugui , Cheng Weimin , Chen Weiqiang , Yuan Yong , Ye Weimin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCurrent Chinese national guidelines recommend routine screening for liver cancer in patients positive for HBsAg, irrespective of fibrosis status, age, or family history of liver cancer. We aim to evaluate whether the recommended screening strategy could reduce liver-cancer-specific mortality. We conducted a liver cancer mass screening trial in Xiaolan Town, Zhongshan City, China, among residents aged 35–64 years in 2012. All volunteers were offered serological testing for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). We proposed biannual screening using serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and ultrasonography examination for subjects positive for HBsAg. Among 17,966 participants (26.2% of 68,510 eligible residents) who were free of liver cancer at baseline in 2012, we identified 57 incident cases of liver cancer within the first 4 years of follow-up (i.e., 43 among 2,848 HBsAg-positive participants and 14 among 15,118 HBsAg-negative participants), compared with 104 cases identified in non-participants (N = 50,544). A total of 207 participants had the recommended number of ultrasonography examinations (every 6 months) during the screening period. Compared with cases identified from non-participants, the cases arising among participants were more likely to be at early stage and had better survival than those among non-participants. However, we did not observe a reduction in liver cancer-specific mortality rate among participants (relative risk = 1.04, 95% confidence interval = 0.68, 1.58, P = 0.856). Our demonstration screening study does not show a reduction in liver cancer mortality within the first 4 years of follow-up according to current guidance in China, although long-term efficacy remains to be evaluated. Targeted surveillance among high-risk individuals as recommended by international guidelines, along with measures to improve compliance, should be evaluated in the Chinese population.
Soluble cMet levels in urine are a significant prognostic biomarker for diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kim Yong Chul , An Jung Nam , Kim Jin Hyuk , Choi Young-Wook , Oh Sohee , Kwon Sang Ho , Lee Mi-Young , Lee Junghun , Jeong Jae-Gyun , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su , Yang Seung Hee , Lee Jung Pyo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHepatocyte growth factor and its receptor cMet activate biological pathways necessary for repair and regeneration following kidney injury. Here, we evaluated the clinical role of urinary cMet as a prognostic biomarker in diabetic nephropathy (DN). A total of 218 patients with DN were enrolled in this study. We examined the association of urine cMet levels and long-term outcomes in patients with DN. The levels of urinary cMet were higher in patients with decreased renal function than in patients with relatively preserved renal function (5.25 ± 9.62 ng/ml versus 1.86 ± 4.77 ng/ml, P = 0.001). A fully adjusted model revealed that a urinary cMet cutoff of 2.9 ng/mL was associated with a hazard ratio for end-stage renal disease of 2.33 (95% confidence interval 1.19–4.57, P = 0.014). The addition of urinary cMet to serum creatinine and proteinuria provided the highest net reclassification improvement. We found that in primary cultured human glomerular endothelial cells, TGFβ treatment induced fibrosis, and the protein expression levels of collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, and αSMA were decreased after administration of an agonistic cMet antibody. In conclusion, elevated levels of urinary cMet at the time of initial diagnosis could predict renal outcomes in patients with DN.
Translation of metal-phthalocyanines adsorbed on Au(111): from van der Waals interaction to strong electronic correlation
Authors: Buimaga-Iarinca L. , Morari C. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUsing first-principles calculations, we investigate the binding energy for six transition metal - phthalocyanine molecules adsorbed on Au(111). We focus on the effect of translation on molecule - surface physical properties; van der Waals interactions as well as the strong correlation in d orbitals of transition metals are taken into account in all calculations. We found that dispersion interaction and charge transfer have the dominant role in the molecule-surface interaction, while the interaction between the transition metal and gold has a rather indirect influence over the physics of the molecule-surface system. A detailed analysis of the physical properties of the adsorbates at different geometric configurations allows us to propose qualitative models to account for all values of interface dipole charge transfer and magnetic moment of metal-phthalocyanines adsorbed on Au(111).
Arm swing asymmetry in overground walking
Authors: Killeen Tim , Elshehabi Morad , Filli Linard , Hobert Markus A. , Hansen Clint , Rieger David , Brockmann Kathrin , Nussbaum Susanne , Zörner Björn , Bolliger Marc , Curt Armin , Berg Daniela , Maetzler Walter 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTreadmill experiments suggest that left-dominant arm swing is common in healthy walking adults and is modulated by cognitive dual-tasking. Little is known about arm swing asymmetry in overground walking. We report directional (dASI) and non-directional arm swing symmetry indices (ndASI) from 334 adults (mean age 68.6 ± 5.9 y) walking overground at comfortable (NW) and fast (FW) speeds and while completing a serial subtraction task (DT). dASI and ndASI were calculated from sagittal shoulder range of motion data generated by inertial measurement units affixed to the wrist. Most (91%) participants were right-handed. Group mean arm swing amplitude was significantly larger on the left in all walking conditions. During NW, ndASI was 39.5 ± 21.8, with a dASI of 21.9 ± 39.5. Distribution of dASI was bimodal with an approximately 2:1 ratio of left:right-dominant arm swing. There were no differences in ndASI between conditions but dASI was smaller during DT compared to FW (15.2 vs 24.6; p = 0.009). Handedness was unrelated to ndASI, dASI or the change in ASI metrics under DT. Left-dominant arm swing is the norm in healthy human walking irrespective of walking condition or handedness. As disease markers, ndASI and dASI may have different and complementary roles.
Collaboration of tRNA modifications and elongation factor eEF1A in decoding and nonsense suppression
Authors: Klassen Roland , Schaffrath Raffael 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTransfer RNA (tRNA) from all domains of life contains multiple modified nucleosides, the functions of which remain incompletely understood. Genetic interactions between tRNA modification genes inSaccharomyces cerevisiaesuggest that different tRNA modifications collaborate to maintain translational efficiency. Here we characterize such collaborative functions in the ochre suppressor tRNASUP4. We quantified ochre read-through efficiency in mutants lacking either of the 7 known modifications in the extended anticodon stem loop (G26-C48). Absence of U34, U35, A37, U47 and C48 modifications partially impairedSUP4function. We systematically combined modification defects and scored additive or synergistic negative effects onSUP4performance. Our data reveal different degrees of functional redundancy between specific modifications, the strongest of which was demonstrated for those occurring at positions U34 and A37.SUP4activity in the absence of critical modifications, however, can be rescued in a gene dosage dependent fashion byTEF1which encodes elongation factor eEF1A required for tRNA delivery to the ribosome. Strikingly, the rescue ability of higher-than-normal eEF1A levels extends to tRNA modification defects in natural non-suppressor tRNAs suggesting that elevated eEF1A abundance can partially compensate for functional defects induced by loss of tRNA modifications.
Effects of Khat (Catha edulis) use on catalytic activities of major drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes and implication of pharmacogenetic variations
Authors: Bedada Worku , de Andrés Fernando , Engidawork Ephrem , Hussein Jemal , LLerena Adrián , Aklillu Eleni 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn a one-way cross-over study, we investigated the effect of Khat, a natural amphetamine-like psychostimulant plant, on catalytic activities of five major drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. After a one-week Khat abstinence, 63 Ethiopian male volunteers were phenotyped using cocktail probe drugs (caffeine, losartan, dextromethorphan, omeprazole). Phenotyping was repeated after a one-week daily use of 400 g fresh Khat leaves. Genotyping for CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A5 were done. Urinary cathinone and phenylpropanolamine, and plasma probe drugs and metabolites concentrations were quantified using LC-MS/MS. Effect of Khat on enzyme activities was evaluated by comparing caffeine/paraxanthine (CYP1A2), losartan/losartan carboxylic acid (CYP2C9), omeprazole/5-hydroxyomeprazole (CYP2C19), dextromethorphan/dextrorphan (CYP2D6) and dextromethorphan/3-methoxymorphinan (CYP3A4) metabolic ratios (MR) before and after Khat use. Wilcoxon-matched-pair-test indicated a significant increase in median CYP2D6 MR (41%, p < 0.0001), and a marginal increase in CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 MR by Khat. Repeated measure ANOVA indicated the impact of CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 genotype on Khat-CYP enzyme interactions. The median MR increased by 35% in CYP1A2*1/*1 (p = 0.07) and by 40% in carriers of defective CYP2C19 alleles (p = 0.03). Urinary log cathinone/phenylpropanolamine ratios significantly correlated with CYP2D6 genotype (p = 0.004) and CYP2D6 MR (P = 0.025). Khat significantly inhibits CYP2D6, marginally inhibits CYP3A4, and genotype-dependently inhibit CYP2C19 and CYP1A2 enzyme activities.
Effects of aspect ratio and metal layer thickness on demoulding of metal/polymer bilayer gratings during nanoimprinting
Authors: Zheng Xu , Wang Qing , Zhang Rui , Ma Lijun , Luan Jinjin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDuring the fabrication of metal/polymer bilayer gratings by nanoimprint lithography, adhesion and friction forces at the interfaces can deform and damage the transferred pattern of the bilayer grating during the demoulding process. To improve the quality of bilayer gratings, the effects of the aspect ratio and metal layer thickness on deformation and stress during the demoulding process in the nanoimprinting of bilayer gratings were investigated. This information was used to determine the optimal grating parameters. The results for the von Mises stress and deformation of bilayer gratings are discussed in detail. The effects of the aspect ratio and metal layer thickness on the grating quality are then considered.
Modulation of Cosmogenic Tritium in Meteoric Precipitation by the 11-year Cycle of Solar Magnetic Field Activity
Authors: Palcsu László , Morgenstern Uwe , Sültenfuss Jürgen , Koltai Gabriella , László Elemér , Temovski Marjan , Major Zoltán , Nagy Judit T. , Papp László , Varlam Carmen , Faurescu Ionut , Túri Marianna , Rinyu László , Czuppon György , Bottyán Emese , Jull A. J. Timothy 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe relationship between the atmospheric concentration of cosmogenic isotopes, the change of solar activity and hence secondary neutron flux has already been proven. The temporal atmospheric variation of the most studied cosmogenic isotopes shows a significant anti-correlation with solar cycles. However, since artificial tritium input to the atmosphere due to nuclear-weapon tests masked the expected variations of tritium production rate by three orders of magnitude, the natural variation of tritium in meteoric precipitation has not previously been detected. For the first time, we provide clear evidence of the positive correlation between the tritium concentration of meteoric precipitation and neutron flux modulated by solar magnetic activity. We found trends in tritium time series for numerous locations worldwide which are similar to the variation of secondary neutron flux and sun spot numbers. This variability appears to have similar periodicities to that of solar cycle. Frequency analysis, cross correlation analysis, continuous and cross wavelet analysis provide mathematical evidence that the correlation between solar cycle and meteoric tritium does exist. Our results demonstrate that the response of tritium variation in precipitation to the solar cycle can be used to help us understand its role in the water cycle.
Separation and Loss of Centrioles From Primordidal Germ Cells To Mature Oocytes In The Mouse
Authors: Simerly Calvin , Manil-Ségalen Marion , Castro Carlos , Hartnett Carrie , Kong Dong , Verlhac Marie-Hélène , Loncarek Jadranka , Schatten Gerald 
Published: August 2018

AbstractOocytes, including from mammals, lack centrioles, but neither the mechanism by which mature eggs lose their centrioles nor the exact stage at which centrioles are destroyed during oogenesis is known. To answer questions raised by centriole disappearance during oogenesis, using a transgenic mouse expressing GFP-centrin-2 (GFP CETN2), we traced their presence from e11.5 primordial germ cells (PGCs) through oogenesis and their ultimate dissolution in mature oocytes. We show tightly coupled CETN2 doublets in PGCs, oogonia, and pre-pubertal oocytes. Beginning with follicular recruitment of incompetent germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes, through full oocyte maturation, the CETN2 doublets separate within the pericentriolar material (PCM) and a rise in single CETN2 pairs is identified, mostly at meiotic metaphase-I and -II spindle poles. Partial CETN2 foci dissolution occurs even as other centriole markers, like Cep135, a protein necessary for centriole duplication, are maintained at the PCM. Furthermore, live imaging demonstrates that the link between the two centrioles breaks as meiosis resumes and that centriole association with the PCM is progressively lost. Microtubule inhibition shows that centriole dissolution is uncoupled from microtubule dynamics. Thus, centriole doublets, present in early G2-arrested meiotic prophase oocytes, begin partial reduction during follicular recruitment and meiotic resumption, later than previously thought.
Intra-individual alterations of serum markers routinely used in forensic pathology depending on increasing post-mortem interval
Authors: Woydt Lina , Bernhard Michael , Kirsten Holger , Burkhardt Ralph , Hammer Niels , Gries André , Dreßler Jan , Ondruschka Benjamin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPost-mortem biochemistry of serum markers has been the subject of numerous studies, but in-situ marker stability after death has not been sufficiently evaluated yet. Such laboratory analyses are especially necessary in the cases of functional deaths without morphological evidence of the death causes and also in cardiac death cases with only very short survival times. The aim of the study was to determine the post-mortem stability of commonly-used serum markers at predefined time points. In 20 cases, peripheral venous samples were taken starting immediately after circulatory arrest and ending 48 hours after death. Serum creatinine, urea, 3-β-hydroxybutyrate, tryptase, myoglobin, troponin T, creatin kinase and creatin kinase-MB have been included. For all markers, we observed increasing marker levels for longer post-mortem intervals. Significant marker level changes began two hours after death. Excessive increases were observed for cardiac and muscle markers. Marker levels showed high intra-assay precision. Furthermore, the markers were robust enough to withstand freeze-thaw cycles. Potential contamination of arteriovenous blood did not influence the post-mortem marker levels. Post-mortem blood should be sampled as soon as possible, as increased post-mortem intervals may heavily change marker levels in-situ in individual cases, whereas the markers are mostly unaffected by laboratory conditions.
Short Black Carbon lifetime inferred from a global set of aircraft observations
Authors: Lund Marianne T. , Samset Bjørn H. , Skeie Ragnhild B. , Watson-Parris Duncan , Katich Joseph M. , Schwarz Joshua P. , Weinzierl Bernadett 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBlack Carbon (BC) aerosols substantially affect the global climate. However, accurate simulation of BC atmospheric transport remains elusive, due to shortcomings in modeling and a shortage of constraining measurements. Recently, several studies have compared simulations with observed vertical concentration profiles, and diagnosed a global-mean BC atmospheric residence time of <5 days. These studies have, however, been focused on limited geographical regions, and used temporally and spatially coarse model information. Here we expand on previous results by comparing a wide range of recent aircraft measurements from multiple regions, including the Arctic and the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, to simulated distributions obtained at varying spatial and temporal resolution. By perturbing BC removal processes and using current best-estimate emissions, we confirm a constraint on the global-mean BC lifetime of <5.5 days, shorter than in many current global models, over a broader geographical range than has so far been possible. Sampling resolution influences the results, although generally without introducing major bias. However, we uncover large regional differences in the diagnosed lifetime, in particular in the Arctic. We also find that only a weak constraint can be placed in the African outflow region over the South Atlantic, indicating inaccurate emission sources or model representation of transport and microphysical processes. While our results confirm that BC lifetime is shorter than predicted by most recent climate models, they also cast doubt on the usability of the concept of a “global-mean BC lifetime” for climate impact studies, or as an indicator of model skill.