bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights into substrate binding of ferulic acid esterases by arabinose and methyl hydroxycinnamate esters and molecular docking
Authors: Hunt Cameron J. , Antonopoulou Io , Tanksale Akshat , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul , Haritos Victoria S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFerulic acid esterases (FAE, EC 3.1.1.73) cleave the arabinose hydroxycinnamate ester in plant hemicellulose and other related substrates. FAE are commonly categorised as type A-D based on catalytic activities towards model, short alkyl chain esters of hydroxycinnamates. However, this system correlates poorly with sequence and structural features of the enzymes. In this study, we investigated the basis of the type A categorisation of an FAE from Aspergillus niger, AnFaeA, by comparing its activity toward methyl and arabinose hydroxycinnamate esters. kcat/Km ratios revealed that AnFaeA hydrolysed arabinose ferulate 1600-fold, and arabinose caffeate 6.5 times more efficiently than their methyl ester counterparts. Furthermore, small docking studies showed that while all substrates adopted a catalytic orientation with requisite proximity to the catalytic serine, methyl caffeate and methyl p-coumarate preferentially formed alternative non-catalytic conformations that were energetically favoured. Arabinose ferulate was unable to adopt the alternative conformation while arabinose caffeate preferred the catalytic orientation. This study demonstrates that use of short alkyl chain hydroxycinnnamate esters can result in activity misclassification. The findings of this study provide a basis for developing a robust classification system for FAE and form the basis of sequence-function relationships for this class.
Skeletal fluorosis in relation to drinking water in rural areas of West Azerbaijan, Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Ali Akbar , Yousefi Mahmood , Yaseri Mehdi , Jalilzadeh Mohsen , Mahvi Amir Hossein 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSkeletal fluorosis resulting from high fluoride level in drinking water is a major public health problem. The present study evaluated the association between exposures to drinking water fluoride and skeletal fluorosis in 5 villages of Poldasht County, Iran. All the data and information on the prevalence of bone diseases were obtained from the Health Record Department, Poldasht Health Centre. To obtain the odds ratio of bone disease problem in different risk factors, when considering the cluster effect of rural area, logistic regression in a multilevel model was used. Results showed that skeletal fluorosis of people who live in areas with high fluoride concentration is 18.1% higher than that of individuals who live in areas with low fluoride concentration. Skeletal fluorosis (54.5%) was observed in the age group of 71 years and above, and was more commonly found in females than males. According to Unadjusted, individuals who consume ≤3 unit milk and dairy products per week have almost the same level of bone diseases as compared to those that consume more than 3 units. This study indicated that, skeletal fluorosis is a general health problem in these rural areas because the results revealed that high percentage of the studied population had symptoms of skeletal fluorosis.
The mating type locus protein MAT1-2-1 of Trichoderma reesei interacts with Xyr1 and regulates cellulase gene expression in response to light
Authors: Zheng Fanglin , Cao Yanli , Wang Lei , Lv Xinxing , Meng Xiangfeng , Zhang Weixin , Chen Guanjun , Liu Weifeng 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCellulase production in the model cellulolytic fungus Trichoderma reesei is subject to a variety of environmental and physiological conditions involving an intricate regulatory network with multiple transcription factors. Here, we identified the mating type locus protein MAT1-2-1 as an interacting partner for the key transcriptional activator Xyr1 of T. reesei cellulase genes. Yeast two-hybrid and GST pulldown analyses revealed that MAT1-2-1 directly interacted with the putative transcription activation domain (AD, 767~940 aa) and the middle homology region (MHR2, 314~632 aa) of Xyr1. Disruption of the mat1-2-1 gene compromised the induced expression of cellulase genes with Avicel in response to light or with lactose. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) demonstrated that MAT1-2-1 was recruited to the cbh1 (cellobiohydrolase 1-encoding) gene promoter in a Xyr1-dependent manner. These results strongly support an important role of MAT1-2-1 as a physiological cofactor of Xyr1, and suggest that MAT1-2-1 represents another regulatory node that integrates the light response with carbon source signaling to fine tune cellulase gene transcription.
Urinary endotrophin predicts disease progression in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Rasmussen Daniel Guldager Kring , Fenton Anthony , Jesky Mark , Ferro Charles , Boor Peter , Tepel Martin , Karsdal Morten Asser , Genovese Federica , Cockwell Paul 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRenal fibrosis is the central pathogenic process in progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Collagen type VI (COL VI) is upregulated in renal fibrosis. Endotrophin is released from COL VI and promotes pleiotropic pro-fibrotic effects. Kidney disease severity varies considerably and accurate information regarding CKD progression may improve clinical decisions. We tested the hypothesis that urinary endotrophin derived during COL VI deposition in fibrotic human kidneys is a marker for progression of CKD in the Renal Impairment in Secondary Care (RIISC) cohort, a prospective observational study of 499 CKD patients. Endotrophin localised to areas of increased COL VI deposition in fibrotic kidneys but was not present in histologically normal kidneys. The third and fourth quartiles of urinary endotrophin:creatinine ratio (ECR) were independently associated with one-year disease progression after adjustment for traditional risk factors (OR (95%CI) 3.68 (1.06–12.83) and 8.65 (2.46–30.49), respectively). Addition of ECR quartiles to the model for disease progression increased prediction as seen by an increase in category-free net reclassification improvement (0.45, 95% CI 0.16–0.74, p = 0.002) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.04, 95% CI 0.02–0.06, p < 0.001). ECR was associated with development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is concluded that ECR predicts disease progression of CKD patients.
Investigations of the Optical Properties of GaNAs Alloys by First-Principle
Authors: Borovac Damir , Tan Chee-Keong , Tansu Nelson 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe present a Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis of the optical properties of dilute-As GaN1−xAsx alloys with arsenic (As) content ranging from 0% up to 12.5%. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function are investigated, and the results are compared to experimental and theoretical values for GaN. The analysis extends to present the complex refractive index and the normal-incidence reflectivity. The refractive index difference between GaN and GaNAs alloys can be engineered to be up to ~0.35 in the visible regime by inserting relatively low amounts of As-content into the GaN system. Thus, the analysis elucidates on the birefringence of the dilute-As GaNAs alloys and comparison to other experimentally characterized III-nitride systems is drawn. Our findings indicate the potential of GaNAs alloys for III-nitride based waveguide and photonic circuit design applications.
Assessment of Lipid and Metabolite Changes in Obese Calf Muscle Using Multi-Echo Echo-planar Correlated Spectroscopic Imaging
Authors: Nagarajan Rajakumar , Carpenter Catherine L. , Lee Cathy C. , Michael Navin , Sarma Manoj K. , Souza Raissa , Xu Edward , Velan S. Sendhil , Hahn Theodore J. , Go Vay-Liang , Thomas M. Albert 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObesity-related conditions including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes are leading causes of preventable death. Recent evidence suggests that altered myocellular lipid metabolism in obesity may lead to increased insulin resistance (IR) that predisposes to these disorders. To test the hypothesis that muscles rich in type I vs. type II muscle fibers would exhibit similar changes in intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) content in obesity, we utilized a new four-dimensional multi echo echo-planar correlated spectroscopic imaging technique that allows separate determination of IMCL and EMCL content in individual calf muscles in obese vs. normal healthy human subjects. Calf muscles were scanned in 32 obese and 11 healthy subjects using a 3T MRI/MRS scanner, and IR in the obese subjects was documented by glucose tolerance testing. In obese subjects, elevation of both IMCL and EMCL content was observed in the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles (with mixed type I and II fiber content), while a significant increase in only IMCL content (+48%, p < 0.001) was observed in the soleus muscle (predominantly type I fibers). These observations indicate unexpected differences in changes in myolipid metabolism in type I vs. type II rich muscle regions in obesity, perhaps related to IR, and warrant further investigation.
Single Crystal Organic Nanoflowers
Authors: Sasidharan Sajitha , P. C. Shyni , Chaudhary Nitin , Ramakrishnan Vibin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNano-flowers reported so far were mostly constituted of inorganic or hybrid materials. We have synthesized and crystallized a new organic compound, 1, 2-bis(tritylthio)ethane forming an organic nano-flower consisting of single crystalline petals. Crystal structure at nano and micro level indicates that π-π stacking interactions between aromatic systems is the principal factor governing molecular recognition and assembly. Single crystal X-ray Diffraction (S-XRD) supported by Selective Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) experiments indicate the single crystalline nature of the flower-like assembly even at the nanoscale. In order to fabricate the nanoflower as a potential stimulus responsive material; the ‘petals’ were coated with magnetite nanoparticles, verified by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDX) analysis. Herein, we have further tested the potential utility of the hybrid material in water remediation as a nano-based adsorbent for removal of heavy metals like chromium.
Transfer of Minibeam Radiation Therapy into a cost-effective equipment for radiobiological studies: a proof of concept
Authors: Prezado Y. , Dos Santos M. , Gonzalez W. , Jouvion G. , Guardiola C. , Heinrich S. , Labiod D. , Juchaux M. , Jourdain L. , Sebrie C. , Pouzoulet F. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMinibeam radiation therapy (MBRT) is an innovative synchrotron radiotherapy technique able to shift the normal tissue complication probability curves to significantly higher doses. However, its exploration was hindered due to the limited and expensive beamtime at synchrotrons. The aim of this work was to develop a cost-effective equipment to perform systematic radiobiological studies in view of MBRT. Tumor control for various tumor entities will be addressable as well as studies to unravel the distinct biological mechanisms involved in normal and tumor tissues responses when applying MBRT. With that aim, a series of modifications of a small animal irradiator were performed to make it suitable for MBRT experiments. In addition, the brains of two groups of rats were irradiated. Half of the animals received a standard irradiation, the other half, MBRT. The animals were followed-up for 6.5 months. Substantial brain damage was observed in the group receiving standard RT, in contrast to the MBRT group, where no significant lesions were observed. This work proves the feasibility of the transfer of MBRT outside synchrotron sources towards a small animal irradiator.
Visible emission from bismuth-doped yttrium oxide thin films for lighting and display applications
Authors: Scarangella Adriana , Fabbri Filippo , Reitano Riccardo , Rossi Francesca , Priolo Francesco , Miritello Maria 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDue to the great development of light sources for several applications from displays to lighting, great efforts are devoted to find stable and efficient visible emitting materials. Moreover, the requirement of Si compatibility could enlarge the range of applications inside microelectronic chips. In this scenario, we have studied the emission properties of bismuth doped yttrium oxide thin films grown on crystalline silicon. Under optical pumping at room temperature a stable and strong visible luminescence has been observed. In particular, by the involvement of Bi ions in the two available lattice sites, the emission can be tuned from violet to green by changing the excitation wavelength. Moreover, under electron beam at low accelerating voltages (3 keV) a blue emission with high efficiency and excellent stability has been recorded. The color is generated by the involvement of Bi ions in both the lattice sites. These peculiarities make this material interesting as a luminescent medium for applications in light emitting devices and field emission displays by opening new perspectives for the realization of silicon-technology compatible light sources operating at room temperature.
Multiple gene genealogy reveals high genetic diversity and evidence for multiple origins of Chinese Plasmopara viticola population
Authors: Zhang Wei , Manawasinghe Ishara S. , Zhao Wensheng , Xu Jianping , Brooks Siraprapa , Zhao Xueyan , Hyde Kevin D. , Chethana K. W. Thilini , Liu Jianhua , Li Xinghong , Yan Jiye 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDowny mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola is one of the most devastating diseases of grapevines worldwide. So far, the genetic diversity and origin of the Chinese P. viticola population are unclear. In the present study, 103 P. viticola isolates were sequenced at four gene regions: internal transcribed spacer one (ITS), large subunit of ribosomal RNA (LSU), actin gene (ACT) and beta-tubulin (TUB). The sequences were analyzed to obtain polymorphism and diversity information of the Chinese population as well as to infer the relationships between Chinese and American isolates. High genetic diversity was observed for the Chinese population, with evidence of sub-structuring based on climate. Phylogenetic analysis and haplotype networks showed evidence of close relationships between some American and Chinese isolates, consistent with recent introduction from America to China via planting materials. However, there is also evidence for endemic Chinese P. viticola isolates. Our results suggest that the current Chinese Plasmopara viticola population is an admixture of endemic and introduced isolates.
CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides developed for grouper toll-like receptor (TLR) 21s effectively activate mouse and human TLR9s mediated immune responses
Authors: Yeh Da-Wei , Lai Chao-Yang , Liu Yi-Ling , Lu Chih-Hao , Tseng Ping-Hui , Yuh Chiou-Hwa , Yu Guann-Yi , Liu Shih-Jen , Leng Chih-Hsiang , Chuang Tsung-Hsien 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSynthetic phosphorothiolate-modified CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) are potent immune stimuli. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 and TLR21 are their cellular receptors in different species. The structural requirements for CpG-ODN to strongly activate TLR9 have been relatively well studied, but studies on TLR21 are in their infancy. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the interaction between CpG-ODNs and TLR21s from groupers (Epinephelusspp.), which are economically important fish species. We cloned the cDNA of giant grouper (E. lanceolatus) TLR21, and compared its sequence with orange-spotted grouper (E. coioides) TLR21A and TLR21B. These three receptors were activated by CpG-ODNs containing the GTCGTT motif but not by those containing the GACGTT motif. We developed two CpG-ODNs that contained 19 phosphorothiolated deoxynucleotides with one or two GTCGTT motifs. These CpG-ODNs had better activity on grouper TLR21s than currently developed CpG-ODNs, and produced similar immune stimulatory profiles when applied to cells isolated from orange-spotted grouper. The developed CpG-ODNs also effectively activated both human and mouse TLR9-mediated NF-κB activation and cytokine productions. These findings suggest that the GTCGTT motif is required for CpG-ODNs to activate grouper TLR21s, and that the CpG-ODNs that were developed for grouper TLR21s contain structures that effectively activate human and mouse TLR9s.
Silica inhalation altered telomere length and gene expression of telomere regulatory proteins in lung tissue of rats
Authors: Shoeb Mohammad , Joseph Pius , Kodali Vamsi , Mustafa Gul , Farris Breanne Y. , Umbright Christina , Roberts Jenny R. , Erdely Aaron , Antonini James M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractExposure to silica can cause lung fibrosis and cancer. Identification of molecular targets is important for the intervention and/or prevention of silica-induced lung diseases. Telomeres consist of tandem repeats of DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes, preventing chromosomal fusion and degradation. Regulator of telomere length-1 (RTEL1) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), genes involved in telomere regulation and function, play important roles in maintaining telomere integrity and length. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of silica inhalation on telomere length and the regulation of RTEL1 and TERT. Lung tissues and blood samples were collected from rats at 4, 32, and 44 wk after exposure to 15 mg/m3 of silica × 6 h/d × 5 d. Controls were exposed to air. At all-time points, RTEL1 expression was significantly decreased in lung tissue of the silica-exposed animals compared to controls. Also, significant increases in telomere length and TERT were observed in the silica group at 4 and 32 wk. Telomere length, RTEL1 and TERT expression may serve as potential biomarkers related to silica exposure and may offer insight into the molecular mechanism of silica-induced lung disease and tumorigeneses.
Resensitization of Akt Induced Docetaxel Resistance in Breast Cancer by ‘Iturin A’ a Lipopeptide Molecule from Marine Bacteria Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Dey Goutam , Bharti Rashmi , Das Anjan Kumar , Sen Ramkrishna , Mandal Mahitosh 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDevelopment of the resistance is the major problem in cancer therapy. Docetaxel is a taxol alkaloid that is frequently used in metastatic breast cancer. However, resistance often limits the usefulness of this drug in many breast cancer patients. Manipulation of resistant cells to re-sensitize to the therapeutic effect of docetaxel is current strategy to overcome this problem. Here, we have introduced ‘Iturin A’ as a potent chemosensitizer in docetaxel resistant breast cancer cells. Combination of Iturin A and docetaxel treatment significantly hampered the proliferation of docetaxel resistant MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. Cell cycle analysis also showed massive amount of apoptotic population (Sub G0/G1) in combination therapy. A number of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins were significantly altered in dual drug treated groups. Caspase 3 dependent cell death was observed in dual treatment. Molecular mechanism study showed that over-expression of Akt and its downstream signaling pathway was associated with docetaxel resistance. Iturin A significantly reduced Akt signaling pathway in resistant cells. This mechanistic action might be the reason behind the chemo-sensitization effect of Iturin A in docetaxel resistant breast cancer cells. In conclusion, Iturin A resensitized the resistant breast cancer cells to docetaxel therapy by inhibiting Akt activity.
Dietary Habits and Cooking Methods Could Reduce Avoidable Exposure to PCBs in Maternal and Cord Sera
Authors: Jin Weiwei , Otake Masae , Eguchi Akifumi , Sakurai Kenichi , Nakaoka Hiroko , Watanabe Masahiro , Todaka Emiko , Mori Chisato 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), like other persistent organic pollutants, are accumulating throughout the food chain and pose health threats to humans, especially children and foetuses. There is no protocol for reducing the contamination levels of the PCBs in humans. This study identified food items and cooking methods that reduce serum PCB levels by analysing data collected from the Chiba Study of Mother and Child Health. The sample size was 194 subjects. Serum PCB levels were measured using gas chromatography–electron capture negative ionization quadrupole mass spectrometry. Information on dietary habits was obtained from a brief diet history questionnaire that included questions about food items and cooking methods. Food items were categorized into food groups, and nutrient levels were calculated based on food item consumption. Principal component analysis and lasso regression were used as statistical methods. The analyses of food items and nutrients suggested that food items rich in dietary fibre reduce avoidable exposure to PCBs, as could grilling and deep frying of food, which could reduce avoidable exposure to serum PCBs in mothers and foetuses. (174 words).
Recombinant human osteopontin expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana stimulates osteogenesis related genes in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Rattanapisit Kaewta , Abdulheem Supaniga , Chaikeawkaew Daneeya , Kubera Anchanee , Mason Hugh S. , Ma Julian K-C , Pavasant Prasit , Phoolcharoen Waranyoo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTissue engineering aims to utilise biologic mediators to facilitate tissue regeneration. Several recombinant proteins have potential to mediate induction of bone production, however, the high production cost of mammalian cell expression impedes patient access to such treatments. The aim of this study is to produce recombinant human osteopontin (hOPN) in plants for inducing dental bone regeneration. The expression host wasNicotiana benthamianausing a geminiviral vector for transient expression. OPN expression was confirmed by Western blot and ELISA, and OPN was purified using Ni affinity chromatography. Structural analysis indicated that plant-produced hOPN had a structure similar to commercial HEK cell-produced hOPN. Biological function of the plant-produced hOPN was also examined. Human periodontal ligament stem cells were seeded on an OPN-coated surface. The results indicated that cells could grow normally on plant-produced hOPN as compared to commercial HEK cell-produced hOPN determined by MTT assay. Interestingly, increased expression of osteogenic differentiation-related genes, includingOSX,DMP1, andWnt3a, was observed by realtime PCR. These results show the potential of plant-produced OPN to induce osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from periodontal ligamentin vitro, and suggest a therapeutic strategy for bone regeneration in the future.