bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergy between the alteration in the N-terminal region of butyrylcholinesterase K variant and apolipoprotein E4 in late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Jasiecki Jacek , Limon-Sztencel Anna , Żuk Monika , Chmara Magdalena , Cysewski Dominik , Limon Janusz , Wasąg Bartosz 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWhile the life expectancy of the population has increased, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has emerged as one of the greatest health problems of old age. AD is characterized by neuronal loss and cognitive decline. In the AD brain, there is a decrease in levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and an increase in the levels of the related enzyme butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), that accumulate in plaques and tangles. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a major cholesterol carrier and plays an important role in maintaining lipid homeostasis. APOE-ε4 constitutes the most important known genetic risk factor for late-onset AD. It has been proposed that the BCHE-K allele (Ala539Thr) acts in synergy with the APOE-ε4 allele to promote risk for AD. However, there is insufficient evidence to support a correlation. Most studies focused only on the coding regions of the genes. In this study, we analyzed sequence regions beyond the BCHE coding sequence. We found synergy between APOE-ε4 and SNPs localized in 5′UTR (rs1126680) and in intron 2 (rs55781031) of the BCHE-K allele (rs1803274) in 18% of patients with late-onset AD (n = 55). The results show that the coexistence of the APOE-ε4 allele and 3 SNPs in the BCHE gene is associated with a highly elevated risk of late-onset AD. SNP (rs1126680) in 5′UTR of the BCHE gene is located 32 nucleotides upstream of the 28 amino acid signal peptide. Mass spectrometry analysis of the BChE protein produced by SNP (rs1126680) showed that the mutation caused an in frame N-terminal extension of 41 amino acids of the BChE signal peptide. The resultant variant with a 69 amino acid signal peptide, designated N-BChE, may play a role in development of AD.
Genetic structure in the paternal lineages of South East Spain revealed by the analysis of 17 Y-STRs
Authors: Saiz María , Alvarez-Cubero Maria Jesus , Lorente José Antonio , Alvarez Juan Carlos , Martinez-Gonzalez Luis Javier 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe genetic data of 17 Y chromosome short tandem repeats in 146 unrelated donor residents in the provinces of Granada, Málaga, and Almería (GMA) were analyzed to determine the genetic legacy of the male inhabitants of the former Kingdom of Granada. A total of 139 unique haplotypes were identified. Observed allele frequencies and haplogroup frequencies were also analyzed. By AMOVA and STRUCTURE analysis, the populations of the 3 provinces could be treated genetically as a single population. The most frequent haplogroup was R1b1b2 (58.22%). By network analysis of all individuals, we observed a distribution according to haplogroup assignment. To improve the characterization of GMA population, it was compared with those of North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and southern Europe. In our analysis of allele frequencies and genetic distances, the GMA population lay within the Spanish population group. Further, in the STRUCTURE analysis, there was no African component in the GMA population, confirming that, based on our genetic markers, the GMA population does not reflect any male genetic influence of the North African people. The presence of African haplogroups in the GMA population is irrelevant when their frequency is compared with those in other European populations.
The physiology of forager hydration and variation among harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) colonies in collective foraging behavior
Authors: Friedman Daniel A. , Greene Michael J. , Gordon Deborah M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAnts are abundant in desiccating environments despite their high surface area to volume ratios and exposure to harsh conditions outside the nest. Red harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) colonies must spend water to obtain water: colonies lose water as workers forage outside the nest, and gain water metabolically through seeds collected in foraging trips. Here we present field experiments showing that hydratedP. barbatusforagers made more foraging trips than unhydrated nestmates. The positive effect of hydration on foraging activity is stronger as the risk of desiccation increases. Desiccation tests showed that foragers of colonies that reduce foraging in dry conditions are more sensitive to water loss, losing water and motor coordination more rapidly in desiccating conditions, than foragers of colonies that do not reduce foraging in dry conditions. Desiccation tolerance is also associated with colony reproductive success. Surprisingly, foragers that are more sensitive to water loss are from colonies more likely to produce offspring colonies. This could be because the foragers of these colonies conserve water with a more cautious response to desiccation risk. An ant’s hydration status may influence its response to the olfactory interactions that regulate its decision to leave the nest to forage. Thus variation among ant colonies in worker physiology and response to ambient conditions may contribute to ecologically significant differences among colonies in collective behavior.
Quantifying circulating cell-free DNA in humans
Authors: Meddeb Romain , Dache Zahra Al Amir , Thezenas Simon , Otandault Amaëlle , Tanos Rita , Pastor Brice , Sanchez Cynthia , Azzi Joelle , Tousch Geoffroy , Azan Simon , Mollevi Caroline , Adenis Antoine , El Messaoudi Safia , Blache Philippe , Thierry Alain R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTo our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study on the influence of several pre-analytical and demographic parameters that could be a source of variability in the quantification of nuclear and mitochondrial circulating DNA (NcirDNA and McirDNA). We report data from a total of 222 subjects, 104 healthy individuals and 118 metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Approximately 50,000 and 3,000-fold more mitochondrial than nuclear genome copies were found in the plasma of healthy individuals and mCRC patients, respectively. In healthy individuals, NcirDNA concentration was statistically influenced by age (p = 0.009) and gender (p = 0.048). Multivariate analysis with logistic regression specified that age over 47 years-old was predictive to have higher NcirDNA concentration (OR = 2.41; p = 0.033). McirDNA concentration was independent of age and gender in healthy individuals. In mCRC patients, NcirDNA and McirDNA levels were independent of age, gender, delay between food intake and blood collection, and plasma aspect, either with univariate or multivariate analysis. Nonetheless, ad hoc study suggested that menopause and blood collection time might have tendency to influence cirDNA quantification. In addition, high significant statistical differences were found between mCRC patients and healthy individuals for NcirDNA (p < 0.0001), McirDNA (p < 0.0001) and McirDNA/NcirDNA ratio (p < 0.0001). NcirDNA and McirDNA levels do not vary in the same way with regards to cancer vs healthy status, pre-analytical and demographic factors.
Should the outcome of focal photocoagulation for center-sparing diabetic macular edema require expanding the definition of center involvement?
Authors: Somilleda-Ventura Selma Alin , Razo Blanco-Hernández Dulce M. , Serafín-Solís Surisadai , Lima-Gómez Virgilio 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPhotocoagulation may still be a therapeutic choice for center-sparing diabetic macular edema. We compared the visual evolution after photocoagulation, in eyes with focal diabetic macular edema, stratified per the location of thickening with optical coherence tomography. We evaluated people with type 2 diabetes and focal diabetic macular edema, before and three weeks after focal photocoagulation. We divided the sample by edema location: central (group1); paracentral (group 2) and pericentral (group 3) and compared the proportions of eyes with baseline visual impairment, visual improvement, and visual deterioration between groups; central edema was evaluated with logistic regression, as an explaining variable of baseline visual impairment and visual improvement. The study included 160 eyes: 77 in group 1, 20 in group 2, 63 in group 3; baseline visual impairment was more frequent in groups 1 and 2 (52.6%) than in group 3 (28.6%, p = 0.002, OR 2.77) and as common in groups 1 (51.9%) and 2 (55.0%, p = 0.8). The proportions of visual improvement and visual deterioration did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). The outcome after focal photocoagulation was similar in paracentral (considered center-sparing) and central macular edema; the definition of center involvement, which needs intravitreal antiangiogenics, should expand to include paracentral thickening.
Octacosanol and policosanol prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders by activating brown adipose tissue and improving liver metabolism
Authors: Sharma Rahul , Matsuzaka Takashi , Kaushik Mahesh K. , Sugasawa Takehito , Ohno Hiroshi , Wang Yunong , Motomura Kaori , Shimura Takuya , Okajima Yuka , Mizunoe Yuhei , Ma Yang , Saber Zahara M. , Iwasaki Hitoshi , Yatoh Shigeru , Suzuki Hiroaki , Aita Yuichi , Han Song-iee , Takeuchi Yoshinori , Yahagi Naoya , Miyamoto Takafumi , Sekiya Motohiro , Nakagawa Yoshimi , Shimano Hitoshi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBrown adipose tissue (BAT) is an attractive therapeutic target for treating obesity and metabolic diseases. Octacosanol is the main component of policosanol, a mixture of very long chain aliphatic alcohols obtained from plants. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of octacosanol and policosanol on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Mice were fed on chow, or HFD, with or without octacosanol or policosanol treatment for four weeks. HFD-fed mice showed significantly higher body weight and body fat compared with chow-fed mice. However, mice fed on HFD treated with octacosanol or policosanol (HFDo/p) showed lower body weight gain, body fat gain, insulin resistance and hepatic lipid content. Lower body fat gain after octacosanol or policosanol was associated with increased BAT activity, reduced expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and cholesterol uptake in the liver, and amelioration of white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation. Moreover, octacosanol and policosanol significantly increased the expression of Ffar4, a gene encoding polyunsaturated fatty acid receptor, which activates BAT thermogenesis. Together, these results suggest that octacosanol and policosanol ameliorate diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders by increasing BAT activity and improving hepatic lipid metabolism. Thus, these lipids represent promising therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders.
From Louvain to Leiden: guaranteeing well-connected communities
Authors: Traag V. A. , Waltman L. , van Eck N. J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCommunity detection is often used to understand the structure of large and complex networks. One of the most popular algorithms for uncovering community structure is the so-called Louvain algorithm. We show that this algorithm has a major defect that largely went unnoticed until now: the Louvain algorithm may yield arbitrarily badly connected communities. In the worst case, communities may even be disconnected, especially when running the algorithm iteratively. In our experimental analysis, we observe that up to 25% of the communities are badly connected and up to 16% are disconnected. To address this problem, we introduce the Leiden algorithm. We prove that the Leiden algorithm yields communities that are guaranteed to be connected. In addition, we prove that, when the Leiden algorithm is applied iteratively, it converges to a partition in which all subsets of all communities are locally optimally assigned. Furthermore, by relying on a fast local move approach, the Leiden algorithm runs faster than the Louvain algorithm. We demonstrate the performance of the Leiden algorithm for several benchmark and real-world networks. We find that the Leiden algorithm is faster than the Louvain algorithm and uncovers better partitions, in addition to providing explicit guarantees.
Low Lattice Thermal Conductivity of a Two-Dimensional Phosphorene Oxide
Authors: Lee Seungjun , Kang Seoung-Hun , Kwon Young-Kyun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA fundamental understanding of the phonon transport mechanism is important for optimizing the efficiency of thermoelectric devices. In this study, we investigate the thermal transport properties of the oxidized form of phosphorene called phosphorene oxide (PO) by solving phonon Boltzmann transport equation based on first-principles density functional theory. We reveal that PO exhibits a much lower thermal conductivity (2.42–7.08 W/mK at 300 K) than its pristine counterpart as well as other two-dimensional materials. To comprehend the physical origin of such low thermal conductivity, we scrutinize the contribution of each phonon branch to the thermal conductivity by evaluating various mode-dependent quantities including Grüneisen parameters, anharmonic three-phonon scattering rate, and phase space of three-phonon scattering processes. Our results show that its flexible puckered structure of PO leads to smaller sound velocities; its broken-mirror symmetry allows more ZA phonon scattering; and the relatively-free vibration of dangling oxygen atoms in PO gives rise to additional scattering resulting in further reduction in the phonon lifetime. These results can be verified by the fact that PO has larger phase space for three-phonon processes than phosphorene. Furthermore we show that the thermal conductivity of PO can be optimized by controlling its size or its phonon mean free path, indicating that PO can be a promising candidate for low-dimensional thermoelectric devices.
Green synthesis of nitrogen-doped self-assembled porous carbon-metal oxide composite towards energy and environmental applications
Authors: Ghosh Arpita , Ghosh Sreetama , Seshadhri Garapati Meenakshi , Ramaprabhu Sundara 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIncreasing environmental pollution, shortage of efficient energy conversion and storage devices and the depletion of fossil fuels have triggered the research community to look for advanced multifunctional materials suitable for different energy-related applications. Herein, we have discussed a novel and facile synthesis mechanism of such a carbon-based nanocomposite along with its energy and environmental applications. In this present work, nitrogen-doped carbon self-assembled into ordered mesoporous structure has been synthesized via an economical and environment-friendly route and its pore generating mechanism depending on the hydrogen bonding interaction has been highlighted. Incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles in the porous carbon network has significantly improved CO2 adsorption and lithium storage capacity along with an improvement in the catalytic activity towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR). Thus our present study unveils a multifunctional material that can be used in three different fields without further modifications.
Familiarization with treadmill walking: How much is enough?
Authors: Meyer Christian , Killeen Tim , Easthope Christopher S. , Curt Armin , Bolliger Marc , Linnebank Michael , Zörner Björn , Filli Linard 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTreadmill-based gait analysis is widely used to investigate walking pathologies and quantify treatment effects on locomotion. Differential sensorimotor conditions during overground vs. treadmill walking necessitate initial familiarization to treadmill walking. Currently, there is no standardized treadmill acclimatization protocol and insufficient familiarization potentially confounds analyses. We monitored initial adaptations to treadmill walking in 40 healthy adults. Twenty-six walking parameters were assessed over 10 minutes with marker-based kinematic analysis and acclimatization profiles were generated. While 16 walking parameters demonstrated initial acclimatization followed by plateau performance, ten parameters remained stable. Distal lower limb control including ankle range of motion, toe trajectory and foot clearance underwent substantial adaptations. Moreover, intralimb coordination and gait variability also demonstrated acclimatization, while measures of symmetry and interlimb coordination did not. All parameters exhibiting a plateau after acclimatization did so within 6–7 minutes (425 strides). Older participants and those naïve to treadmill walking showed adaptations with higher amplitudes but over similar timescales. Our results suggest a minimum of 6 minutes treadmill acclimatization is required to reach a stable performance, and that this should suffice for both older and naïve healthy adults. The presented data aids in optimizing treadmill-based gait analysis and contributes to improving locomotor assessments in research and clinical settings.
The ATP-gated P2X1 ion channel contributes to the severity of antibody-mediated Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury in mice
Authors: El Mdawar Marie-Belle , Maître Blandine , Magnenat Stéphanie , Gachet Christian , Hechler Béatrice , de la Salle Henri 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe biological responses that control the development of Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI), a serious post-transfusion respiratory syndrome, still need to be clarified. Since extracellular nucleotides and their P2 receptors participate in inflammatory processes as well as in cellular responses to stress, we investigated the role of the ATP-gated P2X1cation channel in antibody-mediated TRALI. The effects of NF449, a selective P2X1 receptor (P2RX1) antagonist, were analyzed in a mouse two-hit model of TRALI. Mice were primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and 24 h later challenged by administrating an anti-MHC I antibody. The selective P2RX1 antagonist NF449 was administrated before the administration of LPS and/or the anti-MHC I antibody. When given before antibody administration, NF449 improved survival while maximal protection was achieved when NF449 was also administrated before the sensitization step. Under this later condition, protein contents in bronchoalveolar lavages were dramatically reduced. Cell depletion experiments indicated that monocytes/macrophages, but not neutrophils, contribute to this effect. In addition, the reduced lung periarteriolar interstitial edemas in NF449-treated mice suggested that P2RX1 from arteriolar smooth muscle cells could represent a target of NF449. Accordingly, inhibition of TRPC6, another cation channel expressed by smooth muscle cells, also reduced TRALI-associated pulmonary interstitial and alveolar edemas. These data strongly suggest that cation channels like P2RX1 or TRPC6 participate to TRALI pathological responses.
Deep learning for high-throughput quantification of oligodendrocyte ensheathment at single-cell resolution
Authors: Xu Yu Kang T. , Chitsaz Daryan , Brown Robert A. , Cui Qiao Ling , Dabarno Matthew A. , Antel Jack P. , Kennedy Timothy E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHigh-throughput quantification of oligodendrocyte myelination is a challenge that, if addressed, would facilitate the development of therapeutics to promote myelin protection and repair. Here, we established a high-throughput method to assess oligodendrocyte ensheathment in-vitro, combining nanofiber culture devices and automated imaging with a heuristic approach that informed the development of a deep learning analytic algorithm. The heuristic approach was developed by modeling general characteristics of oligodendrocyte ensheathments, while the deep learning neural network employed a UNet architecture and a single-cell training method to associate ensheathed segments with individual oligodendrocytes. Reliable extraction of multiple morphological parameters from individual cells, without heuristic approximations, allowed the UNet to match the accuracy of expert-human measurements. The capacity of this technology to perform multi-parametric analyses at the level of individual cells, while reducing manual labor and eliminating human variability, permits the detection of nuanced cellular differences to accelerate the discovery of new insights into oligodendrocyte physiology.
Boosting magnetic resonance imaging signal-to-noise ratio using magnetic metamaterials
Authors: Duan Guangwu , Zhao Xiaoguang , Anderson Stephan William , Zhang Xin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents a mainstay among the diagnostic imaging tools in modern healthcare. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) represents a fundamental performance metric of MRI, the improvement of which may be translated into increased image resolution or decreased scan time. Recently, efforts towards the application of metamaterials in MRI have reported improvements in SNR through their capacity to interact with electromagnetic radiation. While promising, the reported applications of metamaterials to MRI remain impractical and fail to realize the full potential of these unique materials. Here, we report the development of a magnetic metamaterial enabling a marked boost in radio frequency field strength, ultimately yielding a dramatic increase in the SNR (~ 4.2×) of MRI. The application of the reported magnetic metamaterials in MRI has the potential for rapid clinical translation, offering marked enhancements in SNR, image resolution, and scan efficiency, thereby leading to an evolution of this diagnostic tool.
Interleukin-35 promotes early endothelialization after stent implantation by regulating macrophage activation
Authors: Liu Xianglan , Zhang Ruoxi , Hou Jingbo , Wu Jian , Zhang Maomao , Fang Shaohong , Wang Xuedong , Huang Xingtao , Tian Jinwei , Li Hulun , Sun Yong , Yu Bo 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Background: Early strut coverage after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation is associated with the activation of inflammation, but the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. The present study aimed to identify the relationship between the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL) 35 (IL-35) and early strut coverage in vivo and in vitro.
Methods: We utilized a retrospective study design to measure IL-35 levels in 68 stents from 68 patients with coronary artery disease and recorded serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) images (0 and 3 months) to assess stent endothelialization. The mechanism underlying the regulatory effects of IL-35 on macrophages and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was also investigated. SESs were surgically implanted into the right common carotid arteries of 200 male New Zealand White rabbits receiving intravenous injections of IL-35 or a placebo.
Results: At the 3-month OCT evaluation, complete endothelium coverage was correlated with IL-35 levels. IL-35 induced the activation of an anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophage phenotype by targeting the signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT)1/4 signalling pathway, and IL-35-treated macrophages induced endothelial proliferation and alleviated endothelial dysfunction. IL-35-treated New Zealand White rabbits with implanted SESs showed lower percentages of cross-sections with an uncovered strut, elevated mean neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) thickness, and inhibited inflammatory responses.
Conclusions: We investigated the effect of IL-35 expression on early stent endothelialization in vivo and in vitro and identified a crucial role for IL-35 in inducing the activation of an anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophage phenotype. The present study highlights a new therapeutic strategy for early stent endothelialization.