bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ruboxistaurin attenuates diabetic nephropathy via modulation of TGF-β1/Smad and GRAP pathways
Authors: AL-Onazi Asma S , AL-Rasheed Nouf M , Attia Hala A , AL-Rasheed Nawal M , Ahmed Raeesa M , AL-Amin Maha A , Poizat Coralie 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Objective
To investigate whether ruboxistaurin (a selective PKC-β inhibitor) mediates renoprotective effect via interference with TGF-β1/Smad-GRAP cross-signalling.

Method
Diabetes was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Then, the diabetic rats were treated with ruboxistaurin (10 mg/kg, p.o) for 6 weeks. Valsartan (15 mg/kg, p.o) was used as a positive control. After 6 weeks of treatment, diabetic nephropathy biomarkers were assessed. TGF-β1, Smad2, and Smad3 mRNA and protein levels were detected using qPCR and western blot analysis.

Key findings
Data showed that serum creatinine, kidney/body weight ratio and urinary albumin excretion significantly increased in diabetic rats. These changes were significantly attenuated by treatment with ruboxistaurin. A significant up-regulation of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 mRNA expression was observed in diabetic rats, which was alleviated by administration of ruboxistaurin. Furthermore, immunoblotting showed a significant improvement in protein levels of TGF-β1 (P &lt; 0.01), Smad2/3 (P &lt; 0.01) and p-Smad3 (P &lt; 0.001) in diabetic rats treated with ruboxistaurin compared to untreated. Importantly, the reduction in GRAP protein expression in diabetic kidney was prevented by treatment with ruboxistaurin.

Conclusion
These data suggest that the renoprotective effect of ruboxistaurin is possibly due to down-regulation of TGF-β1/Smad pathway and normalization of GRAP protein expression.
Astragalus injection attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via down-regulating Jagged1/Notch1 in lungs
Authors: Zhou Yan , Liao Shiping , Zhang Zhongwei , Wang Bo , Wan Lihong 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Inhibition of Notch signalling is a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis. This study was designed to investigate the antifibrosis effects and possible mechanism of astragalus injection (AI) on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.

Methods
Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (5 mg/kg) in male SD rats. All rats received daily intraperitoneally administration of dexamethasone (DEX, 3 mg/kg), astragalus injection (AI, 8 g/kg) or saline 1 day after bleomycin instillation daily for 28 days. Histological changes in the lung were evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. The expression of α-smooth muscle protein (α-SMA) was assayed by immunohistochemical (IHC). The mRNA and protein level of Jagged1, Notch1 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was analysed by qPCR and Western blot.

Key findings
BLM-induced severe alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis; together with significant elevation of α-SMA, TGF-β1, Jagged1 and Notch1. Astragalus injection (AI, 8 g/kg) administration notably attenuated the degree of alveolitis and lung fibrosis, and markedly reduced the elevated levels of α-SMA, TGF-β1, Jagged1 and Notch1 in lungs.

Conclusions
Astragalus injection (AI, 8 g/kg) may exert protective effects on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via downregulating Jagged1/Notch1 in lung.
A label‐free differential proteomics analysis reveals the effect of melatonin on promoting fruit ripening and anthocyanin accumulation upon postharvest in tomato
Authors: Sun Qianqian , Zhang Na , Wang Jinfang , Cao Yunyun , Li Xingsheng , Zhang Haijun , Zhang Lei , Tan Dun‐Xian , Guo Yang‐Dong 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTo better understand the function of melatonin in tomato fruit ripening and quality improvement, a label‐free quantitation method was used to investigate the proteins that differ between the control (CK) and 50 μm melatonin treatment (M50) fruits. Proteomics data identified 241 proteins that were significantly influenced by melatonin. These proteins were involved in several ripening‐related pathways, including cell wall metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, carbohydrate, and fatty acid metabolism. Moreover, the application of exogenous melatonin increased eight proteins that are related to anthocyanin accumulation during fruit ripening. Additionally, the affected protein levels correlated with the corresponding gene transcript levels. Further, the total anthocyanin content from M50 increased by 52%, 48%, and 50% at 5, 8, and 13 DAT (day after melatonin treatment), respectively. The melatonin‐mediated promotion of fruit ripening and quality might be due to the altered proteins involved in processes associated with ripening. In this work, we indicated that a senescence‐related protein was downregulated in the M50 fruit, while a cell apoptosis inhibitor (API5) protein was upregulated. In addition, peroxidases (POD9, POD12, peroxidase p7‐like) and catalase (CAT3) significantly increased in the M50 fruits. Based on the previous studies and our data, we inferred that melatonin might be positively related to fruit ripening but negatively related to fruit senescence. This research provides insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin‐mediated fruit ripening as well as the anthocyanin formation process in tomato fruit at the protein concentration level, and we reveal possible candidates for regulation of anthocyanin formation during fruit ripening.
The ghost of the Cretaceous terrestrial revolution in the evolution of fern–sawfly associations
Authors: Schneider Harald 
Published: January 2016

AbstractUtilization of ferns by phytophagous insects is widely considered to be less common and less specialized compared to the phytophagous insect community feeding on angiosperms. In this study, this assumption is challenged by exploring the evolution of pteridophagy (fern‐feeding) in the larval stages of sawflies (Symphyta). To achieve this, phylogenetic frameworks were assembled based on published phylogenetic studies and newly reconstructed phylogenies based on cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) barcoding data that allowed the reconstruction of the ancestral feeding preferences by plotting reported host plants of sawflies. Evidence was found for two exclusively pteridophagous lineages of sawflies that probably originated before the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution, whereas the third lineage comprising several exclusively pteridophagous sawfly genera is nested in the derived sawfly clade feeding predominantly on eudicots. Thus, the evolution of pteridophagy in the clade was probably connected with the transformation of terrestrial habitats associated with the rise of angiosperms during the Cretaceous. The observed phylogenetic patterns are consistent with the hypothesis of “larval diet conservatism” resulting in the establishment of genera and lineages that feed exclusively, or at least predominantly, on conifers, eudicots, ferns, and monocots. Only a small percentage of sawfly genera were found to be polyphylophagous. The results suggest a low frequency of switches between host plants belonging to different major plant lineages such as angiosperms, conifers, and ferns. Successful switches between hosts belonging to different major lineages of land plants coincide with the reorganization of the phylogenetic composition of terrestrial vegetation in the late Mesozoic.
Gene expression under thermal stress varies across a geographical range expansion front
Authors: Lancaster Lesley T. , Dudaniec Rachael Y. , Chauhan Pallavi , Wellenreuther Maren , Svensson Erik I. , Hansson Bengt 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMany ectothermic species are currently expanding their distributions polewards due to anthropogenic global warming. Molecular genetic mechanisms facilitating range expansion under these conditions are largely unknown, but understanding these could help mitigate expanding pests and disease vectors, or help explain why some species fail to track changing climates. Here, using RNA‐seq data, we examine genomewide changes in gene expression under heat and cold stress in the range‐expanding damselfly Ischnura elegans in northern Europe. We find that both the number of genes involved and levels of gene expression under heat stress have become attenuated during the expansion, consistent with a previously reported release from selection on heat tolerances as species move polewards. Genes upregulated under cold stress differed between core and edge populations, corroborating previously reported rapid adaptation to cooler climates at the expansion front. Expression of sixty‐nine genes exhibited a region x treatment effect; these were primarily upregulated in response to heat stress in core populations but in response to cold stress at the range edge, suggesting that some cellular responses originally adapted to heat stress may switch to cold‐stress functionality upon encountering novel thermal selection regimes during range expansion. Transcriptional responses to thermal stress involving heat‐shock and neural function genes were largely geographically conserved, while retrotransposon, regulatory, muscle function and defence gene expression patterns were more variable. Flexible mechanisms of cold‐stress response and the ability of some genes to shift their function between heat and cold stress might be key mechanisms facilitating rapid poleward expansion in insects.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis RuvX is a Holliday junction resolvase formed by dimerisation of the monomeric YqgF nuclease domain
Authors: Nautiyal Astha , Rani P. Sandhya , Sharples Gary J. , Muniyappa K. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome possesses homologues of the ruvC and yqgF genes that encode putative Holliday junction (HJ) resolvases. However, their gene expression profiles and enzymatic properties have not been experimentally defined. Here we report that expression of ruvC and yqgF is induced in response to DNA damage. Protein‐DNA interaction assays with purified M. tuberculosis RuvC (MtRuvC) and YqgF (MtRuvX) revealed that both associate preferentially with HJ DNA, albeit with differing affinities. Although both MtRuvC and MtRuvX cleaved HJ DNA in vitro, the latter displayed robust HJ resolution activity by symmetrically related, paired incisions. MtRuvX showed a higher binding affinity for the HJ structure over other branched recombination and replication intermediates. An MtRuvXD28N mutation, eliminating one of the highly conserved catalytic residues in this class of endonucleases, dramatically reduced its ability to cleave HJ DNA. Furthermore, a unique cysteine (C38) fulfils a crucial role in HJ cleavage, consistent with disulfide‐bond mediated dimerization being essential for MtRuvX activity. In contrast, E. coli YqgF is monomeric and exhibits no branched DNA binding or cleavage activity. These results fit with a functional modification of YqgF in M. tuberculosis so that it can act as a dimeric HJ resolvase analogous to that of RuvC.
Lysine acetylation of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis HU protein modulates its DNA binding and genome organization
Authors: Ghosh Soumitra , Padmanabhan Bhavna , Anand Chinmay , Nagaraja Valakunja 
Published: January 2016

SummaryNucleoid‐associated protein HU, a conserved protein across eubacteria is necessary for maintaining the nucleoid organization and global regulation of gene expression. Mycobacterium tuberculosis HU (MtHU) is distinct from the other orthologues having 114 amino acid long carboxyl terminal extensions with a high degree of sequence similarity to eukaryotic histones. In this study, we demonstrate that the DNA binding property of MtHU is regulated by posttranslational modifications akin to eukaryotic histones. MtHU purified from M. tuberculosis cells is found to be acetylated on multiple lysine residues unlike the E. coli expressed recombinant protein. Using coimmunoprecipitation assay, we identified Eis as one of the acetyl transferases that interacts with MtHU and modifies it. Although Eis is known to acetylate aminoglycosides, the kinetics of acetylation showed that its protein acetylation activity on MtHU is robust. In vitro Eis modified MtHU at various lysine residues, primarily those located at the carboxyl terminal domain. Acetylation of MtHU caused reduced DNA interaction and alteration in DNA compaction ability of the NAP. Over‐expression of the Eis leads to hyperacetylation of HU and decompaction of genome. These results provide first insights into the modulation of the nucleoid structure by lysine acetylation in bacteria.
The FTF gene family regulates virulence and expression of SIX effectors in Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Niño‐Sánchez Jonathan , Casado‐Del Castillo Virginia , Tello Vega , De Vega‐Bartol José J. , Ramos Brisa , Sukno Serenella A. , Díaz Mínguez José María 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe FTF (Fusarium transcription factor) gene family comprises a single copy gene, FTF2, which is present in all the filamentous ascomycetes analysed, and several copies of a close relative, FTF1, which is exclusive to Fusarium oxysporum. An RNA‐mediated gene silencing system was developed to target mRNA produced by all the FTF genes, and tested in two formae speciales: F. oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli (whose host is common bean) and F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (whose host is tomato). Quantification of the mRNA levels showed knockdown of FTF1 and FTF2 in randomly isolated transformants of both formae speciales. The attenuation of FTF expression resulted in a marked reduction in virulence, a reduced expression of several SIX (Secreted In Xylem) genes, the best studied family of effectors in F. oxysporum, and lower levels of SGE1 (Six Gene Expression 1) mRNA, the presumptive regulator of SIX expression. Moreover, the knockdown mutants showed a pattern of colonization of the host plant similar to that displayed by strains devoid of FTF1 copies (weakly virulent strains). Gene knockout of FTF2 also resulted in a reduction in virulence, but to a lesser extent. These results demonstrate the role of the FTF gene expansion, mostly the FTF1 paralogues, as a regulator of virulence in F. oxysporum and suggest that the control of effector expression is the mechanism involved.
Case of limbic encephalitis with anti‐neutral glycosphingolipid antibodies
Authors: Takeuchi Yuko , Ueda Miki , Ochiai Jun , Mabuchi Chiyuki , Shima Sayuri , Mutoh Tatsuro 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe describe a case of a 44‐year‐old man with limbic encephalitis and refractory epileptic seizure. He was found to have developed flaccid paraplegia when he recovered from status epilepticus. Electrophysiological examinations disclosed axonal neuropathy of the lower limbs with nerve roots involvement. Brain fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral medial temporal hyperintensities. Anti‐neutral glycolipid antibodies were detected in the acute phase serum, but disappeared after immunomodulatory therapy. A previous study has shown that anti‐neutral glycolipid antibodies are present in encephalomyeloradiculoneuropathy cases. The present patient initially showed limbic encephalitis phenotype followed by involvement of nerve roots and peripheral nerves, just like in previous encephalomyeloradiculoneuropathy cases. The present case strongly suggests that encephalomyeloradiculoneuropathy might include a phenotype of limbic encephalitis, although we do not have definite grounds for this assumption, which remains to be elucidated. Nevertheless, examination of anti‐neutral glycolipids antibodies is highly recommended for future similar cases.
Irreversible severe kidney injury and anuria in a 3‐month‐old girl with atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome under administration of eculizumab
Authors: Okuda Yusuke , Ishikura Kenji , Terano Chikako , Harada Ryoko , Hamada Riku , Hataya Hiroshi , Ogata Kentaro , Honda Masataka 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHistopathological findings can play an important role in the management of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS). We report a case of aHUS that did not recover from anuria, despite the administration of eculizumab, with impressive histopathological findings. A 3‐month‐old girl was admitted because of poor feeding, vomiting, and diarrhoea without haemorrhage. She had anuria and severe hypertension, and laboratory results showed haemolytic anaemia with schizocytes, thrombocytopenia, and renal impairment. Although no mutations in the complement system or diacylglycerol kinase epsilon were detected, she was diagnosed with aHUS owing to the clinical course and by the exclusion of Escherichia coli infection and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Plasma exchange was performed once at day 2 and eculizumab therapy was started from day 18, with a severe infusion reaction at the first administration. After the initiation of eculizumab, although the serum lactate dehydrogenase level improved gradually, she did not recover from anuria. Pathological findings of the kidney biopsy at day 37 included diffuse arteriolar and arterial luminal stenosis with remarkable thickness and sclerotic changes of the media and intima, which are suggestive of aHUS. In addition, most glomeruli had global sclerosis and were collapsed, and 80% of the tubulointerstitial compartment showed atrophic changes with infiltration of inflammatory cells. The present case is possibly a kidney‐specific fulminant type of aHUS. Although showing efficacy against thrombotic microangiopathy, eculizumab did not improve kidney function. The pathological findings reflected the severe and irreversible kidney injury.
Women's experiences of making healthcare decisions about their breast cancer: A phenomenological study
Authors: Xiong Mo , Stone Teresa E. , Turale Sue , Petrini Marcia A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThere are few studies about how healthcare decisions are made for women with breast cancer in China and this knowledge is vital, both to further develop person‐centered health care and to ensure that women have a voice in their healthcare decisions. This phenomenological study explored the meaning of women's lived experiences of making healthcare decisions about their breast cancer in China. Semistructured, in‐depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of eight women with breast cancer. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analytic method. The results of this study identified four themes: authority and expertise, lack of knowledge, family support, and Chinese cultural and social influences. Women were deferential to medical authority and perceived expertise, but they wanted to be involved to a greater degree in healthcare decisions. It is important for health professionals to optimize women's participation in decision‐making by removing barriers and advocating on their behalf.
A FULL ANNUAL CYCLE MODELING FRAMEWORK FOR AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS
Authors: ROBINSON ORIN J. , MCGOWAN CONOR P. , DEVERS PATRICK K. , BROOK RODNEY W. , HUANG MIN , JONES MALCOM , MCAULEY DANIEL G. , ZIMMERMAN GUTHRIE 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAmerican black ducks (Anas rubripes) are a harvested, international migratory waterfowl species in eastern North America. Despite an extended period of restrictive harvest regulations, the black duck population is still below the population goal identified in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP). It has been hypothesized that density‐dependent factors restrict population growth in the black duck population and that habitat management (increases, improvements, etc.) may be a key component of growing black duck populations and reaching the prescribed NAWMP population goal. Using banding data from 1951 to 2011 and breeding population survey data from 1990 to 2014, we developed a full annual cycle population model for the American black duck. This model uses the seven management units as set by the Black Duck Joint Venture, allows movement into and out of each unit during each season, and models survival and fecundity for each region separately. We compare model population trajectories with observed population data and abundance estimates from the breeding season counts to show the accuracy of this full annual cycle model. With this model, we then show how to simulate the effects of habitat management on the continental black duck population.
Protein‐losing enteropathy and erythema caused by egg allergy in a breast‐fed infant
Authors: Higuchi Ryuzo , Booka Mina , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Tsuno Hiroshi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA 4‐month‐old breast‐fed girl presented with poor weight gain, and had edema and repeated erythema from 5 months of age. The diagnosis of protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) was confirmed on 99mTc‐labeled human serum albumin scintigraphy. Specific IgE radioallergosorbent test was class 3 for egg white, class 2 for egg yolk, and negative for other foods. Elimination of egg from the mother's diet and oral epinastine hydrochloride treatment and sodium cromolyn improved hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and erythema. PLE and erythema coincident in a breast‐fed infant suggests that IgE‐mediated allergy may play a leading role in some cases of PLE due to food allergy in infants.
Efficiency of Neutral Red, Evans Blue and MTT to assess viability of the freshwater microalgae Desmodesmus communis and Pediastrum boryanum
Authors: Da Luz Danieli Saul , Da Silva Daniele Gomes , Souza Marta Marques , Giroldo Danilo , Martins Camila De Martinez Gaspar 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThis study assessed the efficacy of three cell viability assays – Methyl‐thiazolyl‐tetrazolium (MTT), Evans Blue, and Neutral Red – for two freshwater microalgae species, Desmodesmus communis and Pediastrum boryanum (Chlorophyceae), in order to find suitable techniques to detect the levels of pollution in water ecosystems. Following exposure to a glyphosate‐based herbicide, our results showed that Evans Blue did not adequately measure cell viability in either species, while MTT and Neutral Red were able to detect decreased cellular viability for both algae in response to herbicide exposure. Overall, however, Neutral Red proved to be more sensitive than MTT for these algae.
Phylogeny and morphology of the freshwater red alga Nemalionopsis shawii (Rhodophyta, Thoreales) from Nepal
Authors: Necchi Orlando , West John A. , Rai Shiva K. , Ganesan E. K. , Rossignolo Natalia L. , de Goër Susan L. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryPhylogenetic relationships and morphological characters are presented for a population of Nemalionopsis shawii Skuja collected from Nepal. Molecular data (sequences of rbcL and cox1) were generated and morphological characters were described in detail. The rbcL sequence analyses showed that specimens from Nepal are most similar to N. shawii from Indonesia and Japan and that these entities form a clade with high support (>95% bootstrap and 0.95 posterior probability). The cox1 barcode sequence, however, only had 90.9–91.9% identity with specimens of N. shawii from Hawaii. The rbcL sequence of the specimen from Nepal was positioned in a clade having sequence identity of 99.3–99.7% with three samples: N. shawii from Indonesia and two from Japan identified as N. tortuosa. The comparison of morphological characters of Nemalionopsis from Nepal allowed unequivocal identification with N. shawii. Identifications from previous studies using molecular data were mistaken since most reports of N. shawii are actually of N. tortuosa or vice‐versa. This confusion of names presumably occurred because most specimens previously sequenced were from culture collections or from ‘Chantransia’ stages. Small tufts of ‘Chantransia’ stage were observed growing epiphytically on gametophytes and on the basal system. Carpogonia and spermatangia were fully described in specimens from Nepal. Monosporangia were not observed, whereas carposporangia were unequivocally described for the first time in the genus. An unusual flat strap‐like basal system was observed, interpreted as an additional mode of maintenance in nature under unfavorable environmental conditions.