bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Respiratory oscillations in alveolar oxygen tension measured in arterial blood
Authors: Formenti Federico , Bommakanti Nikhil , Chen Rongsheng , Cronin John N. , McPeak Hanne , Holopherne-Doran Delphine , Hedenstierna Goran , Hahn Clive E. W. , Larsson Anders , Farmery Andrew D. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractArterial oxygen partial pressure can increase during inspiration and decrease during expiration in the presence of a variable shunt fraction, such as with cyclical atelectasis, but it is generally presumed to remain constant within a respiratory cycle in the healthy lung. We measured arterial oxygen partial pressure continuously with a fast intra-vascular sensor in the carotid artery of anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated pigs, without lung injury. Here we demonstrate that arterial oxygen partial pressure shows respiratory oscillations in the uninjured pig lung, in the absence of cyclical atelectasis (as determined with dynamic computed tomography), with oscillation amplitudes that exceeded 50 mmHg, depending on the conditions of mechanical ventilation. These arterial oxygen partial pressure respiratory oscillations can be modelled from a single alveolar compartment and a constant oxygen uptake, without the requirement for an increased shunt fraction during expiration. Our results are likely to contribute to the interpretation of arterial oxygen respiratory oscillations observed during mechanical ventilation in the acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Intestinal toxicity of the type B trichothecene mycotoxin fusarenon-X: whole transcriptome profiling reveals new signaling pathways
Authors: Alassane-Kpembi Imourana , Gerez Juliana Rubira , Cossalter Anne-Marie , Neves Manon , Laffitte Joëlle , Naylies Claire , Lippi Yannick , Kolf-Clauw Martine , Bracarense Ana Paula L. , Pinton Philippe , Oswald Isabelle P. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe few data available on fusarenon-X (FX) do not support the derivation of health-based guidance values, although preliminary results suggest higher toxicity than other regulated trichothecenes. Using histo-morphological analysis and whole transcriptome profiling, this study was designed to obtain a global view of the intestinal alterations induced by FX. Deoxynivalenol (DON) served as a benchmark. FX induced more severe histological alterations than DON. Inflammation was the hallmark of the molecular toxicity of both mycotoxins. The benchmark doses for the up-regulation of key inflammatory genes by FX were 4- to 45-fold higher than the previously reported values for DON. The transcriptome analysis revealed that both mycotoxins down-regulated the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and liver X receptor - retinoid X receptor (LXR-RXR) signaling pathways that control lipid metabolism. Interestingly, several pathways, including VDR/RXR activation, ephrin receptor signaling, and GNRH signaling, were specific to FX and thus discriminated the transcriptomic fingerprints of the two mycotoxins. These results demonstrate that FX induces more potent intestinal inflammation than DON. Moreover, although the mechanisms of toxicity of both mycotoxins are similar in many ways, this study emphasize specific pathways targeted by each mycotoxin, highlighting the need for specific mechanism-based risk assessments of Fusarium mycotoxins.
Polyphyllin I suppresses human osteosarcoma growth by inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chang Junli , Li Yimian , Wang Xianyang , Hu Shaopu , Wang Hongshen , Shi Qi , Wang Yongjun , Yang Yanping 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOsteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer in children and adolescents. In spite of aggressive treatment, osteosarcoma has a high mortality rate with minimal improvements in survival over past few decades. Polyphyllin I (PPI), a component in the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Paris polyphylla Smith, has been shown to have anti-tumor properties. However, its mechanism as an anti-osteosarcoma agent has not been well elucidated. In this study, we found that PPI suppressed osteosarcoma cell viability, arrested cell cycle in G2/M phase, induced apoptosis and inhibited invasion and migration of osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, PPI significantly suppressed intratibial primary tumor growth in xenograft orthotopic mouse model without any obvious side effects. These therapeutic efficacies were associated with inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, as PPI treatment decreased the amount of p-GSK-3β, leading to down-regulated levels of active β-catenin. PPI induced inhibition of osteosarcoma cell viability was abolished upon addition of GSK-3β specific inhibitor, CHIR99021, while PPI induced inhibition of osteosarcoma cell viability and migration were potentiated by β-catenin silencing. These findings suggested that, in vitro and in vivo, PPI treatment inhibited osteosarcoma, at least in part, via the inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, PPI could serve a novel therapeutic option for osteosarcoma patients.
Different effects of accelerated development and enhanced growth on oxidative stress and telomere shortening in amphibian larvae
Authors: Burraco Pablo , Díaz-Paniagua Carmen , Gomez-Mestre Ivan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOrganisms react to environmental changes through plastic responses that often involve physiological alterations with the potential to modify life-history traits and fitness. Environmentally induced shifts in growth and development in species with complex life cycles determine the timing of transitions between subsequent life stages, as well as body condition at transformation, which greatly determine survival at later stages. Here we show that spadefoot toad larvae surviving pond drying and predators experienced marked alterations in growth and development, and in their fat reserves, oxidative stress, and relative telomere length. Tadpoles accelerated development but reduced growth and consumed more fat reserves when facing pond drying. However, oxidative stress was buffered by increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and telomeres remained unchanged. Predators caused opposite effects: they reduced larval density, hence relaxing competition and allowing faster development and enhanced growth of survivors. Tadpoles surviving predators metamorphosed bigger and had larger fat bodies, increasing their short-term survival odds, but showed signs of oxidative stress and had shorter telomeres. Developmental acceleration and enhanced growth thus seemed to have different physiological consequences: reduced fat bodies and body size compromise short-term survival, but are reversible in the long run, whereas telomere shortening is non-reversible and could reduce long-term survival.
Activation-induced cytidine deaminase targets SUV4-20-mediated histone H4K20 trimethylation to class-switch recombination sites
Authors: Rodríguez-Cortez Virginia C. , Martínez-Redondo Paloma , Català-Moll Francesc , Rodríguez-Ubreva Javier , Garcia-Gomez Antonio , Poorani-Subramani Ganesh , Ciudad Laura , Hernando Henar , Pérez-García Arantxa , Company Carlos , Urquiza José M. , Ramiro Almudena R. , Di Noia Javier M. , Vaquero Alejandro , Ballestar Esteban 
Published: August 2017

AbstractActivation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) triggers antibody diversification in B cells by catalysing deamination and subsequently mutating immunoglobulin (Ig) genes. Association of AID with RNA Pol II and occurrence of epigenetic changes during Ig gene diversification suggest participation of AID in epigenetic regulation. AID is mutated in hyper-IgM type 2 (HIGM2) syndrome. Here, we investigated the potential role of AID in the acquisition of epigenetic changes. We discovered that AID binding to the IgH locus promotes an increase in H4K20me3. In 293F cells, we demonstrate interaction between co-transfected AID and the three SUV4-20 histone H4K20 methyltransferases, and that SUV4-20H1.2, bound to the IgH switch (S) mu site, is replaced by SUV4-20H2 upon AID binding. Analysis of HIGM2 mutants shows that the AID truncated form W68X is impaired to interact with SUV4-20H1.2 and SUV4-20H2 and is unable to bind and target H4K20me3 to the Smu site. We finally show in mouse primary B cells undergoing class-switch recombination (CSR) that AID deficiency associates with decreased H4K20me3 levels at the Smu site. Our results provide a novel link between SUV4-20 enzymes and CSR and offer a new aspect of the interplay between AID and histone modifications in setting the epigenetic status of CSR sites.
The transcription factor MafB promotes anti-inflammatory M2 polarization and cholesterol efflux in macrophages
Authors: Kim Hwijin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMacrophages play pivotal roles in the progression and regression of atherosclerosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that macrophage polarization into an anti-inflammatory M2 state is a key characteristic of atherosclerotic plaques undergoing regression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this potential association of the M2 polarization with atherosclerosis regression remain poorly understood. Further, human genetic factors that facilitate these anti-atherogenic processes remain largely unknown. We report that the transcription factor MafB plays pivotal roles in promoting macrophage M2 polarization. Further, MafB promotes cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells by directly up-regulating its key cellular mediators. Notably, MafB expression is significantly up-regulated in response to various metabolic and immunological stimuli that promote macrophage M2 polarization or cholesterol efflux, and thereby MafB mediates their beneficial effects, in both liver x receptor (LXR)-dependent and independent manners. In contrast, MafB is strongly down-regulated upon elevated pro-inflammatory signaling or by pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic microRNAs, miR-155 and miR-33. Using an integrative systems biology approach, we also revealed that M2 polarization and cholesterol efflux do not necessarily represent inter-dependent events, but MafB is broadly involved in both the processes. These findings highlight physiological protective roles that MafB may play against atherosclerosis progression.
Natural history of the narrow endemics Ipomoea cavalcantei and I. marabaensis from Amazon Canga savannahs
Authors: Babiychuk Elena , Kushnir Sergei , Vasconcelos Santelmo , Dias Mariana Costa , Carvalho-Filho Nelson , Nunes Gisele Lopes , dos Santos Jorge Filipe , Tyski Lourival , da Silva Delmo Fonseca , Castilho Alexandre , Fonseca Vera Lucia Imperatriz , Oliveira Guilherme 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAmazon comprises a vast variety of ecosystems, including savannah-like Canga barrens that evolved on iron-lateritic rock plateaus of the Carajás Mountain range. Individual Cangas are enclosed by the rain forest, indicating insular isolation that enables speciation and plant community differentiation. To establish a framework for the research on natural history and conservation management of endemic Canga species, seven chloroplast DNA loci and an ITS2 nuclear DNA locus were used to study natural molecular variation of the red flowered Ipomoea cavalcantei and the lilac flowered I. marabaensis. Partitioning of the nuclear and chloroplast gene alleles strongly suggested that the species share the most recent common ancestor, pointing a new independent event of the red flower origin in the genus. Chloroplast gene allele analysis showed strong genetic differentiation between Canga populations, implying a limited role of seed dispersal in exchange of individuals between Cangas. Closed haplotype network topology indicated a requirement for the paternal inheritance in generation of cytoplasmic genetic variation. Tenfold higher nucleotide diversity in the nuclear ITS2 sequences distinguished I. cavalcantei from I. marabaensis, implying a different pace of evolutionary changes. Thus, Canga ecosystems offer powerful venues for the study of speciation, multitrait adaptation and the origins of genetic variation.
Association between Frailty and Hypertension Prevalence, Treatment, and Control in the Elderly Korean Population
Authors: Kang Min-gu , Kim Sun-wook , Yoon Sol-Ji , Choi Jung-Yeon , Kim Kwang-il , Kim Cheol-Ho 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFrailty is a common geriatric syndrome characterized by increased risk of disability, hospitalization, and mortality. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common chronic medical conditions in the elderly. However, there have been few studies regarding the association between frailty and HTN prevalence, treatment, and control rates. We analyzed data of 4,352 older adults (age ≥ 65 years) from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We constructed a frailty index based on 42 items and classified participants as robust, pre-frail, or frail. Of the subjects, 2,697 (62.0%) had HTN and 926 (21.3%) had pre-HTN. Regarding frailty status, 721 (16.6%), 1,707 (39.2%), and 1,924 (44.2%) individuals were classified as robust, pre-frail and frail, respectively. HTN prevalence was higher in frail elderly (67.8%) than pre-frail (60.8%) or robust elderly (49.2%) (P < 0.001). Among hypertensive patients, frail elderly were more likely to be treated than pre-frail or robust elderly (P < 0.001), but the proportion of patients whose blood pressure was under control ( < 150/90 mmHg) was lower in frail elderly (P = 0.005). Considering the adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with frailty, more attention should be paid to the blood pressure control of the frail elderly.
On the dynamic toroidal multipoles from localized electric current distributions
Authors: Fernandez-Corbaton Ivan , Nanz Stefan , Rockstuhl Carsten 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe analyze the dynamic toroidal multipoles and prove that they do not have an independent physical meaning with respect to their interaction with electromagnetic waves. We analytically show how the split into electric and toroidal parts causes the appearance of non-radiative components in each of the two parts. These non-radiative components, which cancel each other when both parts are summed, preclude the separate determination of each part by means of measurements of the radiation from the source or of its coupling to external electromagnetic waves. In other words, there is no toroidal radiation or independent toroidal electromagnetic coupling. The formal meaning of the toroidal multipoles is clear in our derivations. They are the higher order terms of an expansion of the multipolar coefficients of electric parity with respect to the electromagnetic size of the source.
Morbidity pattern of traditional Chinese medicine primary care in the Hong Kong population
Authors: Wong Wendy , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen , Bian Xiang Zhao , Zhang Zhang Jin , Ng Sze Tuen , Tung Shong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPrimary care manages >90% of illnesses requiring medical services in Hong Kong, in which 9,513 registered Chinese medicine practitioners (CMPs) provide 8.2% of the consultations. This is the first study aimed to determine the morbidity pattern in different Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) primary care settings in Chinese population. 55,312 patients’ encounters were classified by the International Classification of Primary Care-2 (ICPC-2) from 260 of CMPs. Mean patient age was 50.5 years, with more females than males (67.0% vs 33.0%). Most patients consulted CMPs for chronic (64% vs 33.7%) rather than acute conditions. Among the 30% of patients, hypertension (49.5%) or diabetes (18.5%) were the most common co-morbidity. The most common problems presenting to CMP were respiratory (24.9%), musculoskeletal complaints (22.7%), cough (11.7%), and lower back pain (6.6%). To our knowledge, this was the first study permitting direct comparison with that presenting to Western medicine (WM) primary care by ICPC-2 systems. The results confirmed the role of CMP in primary care for musculoskeletal or chronic illnesses that they may have also received conventional WM treatment. We recommend greater effort and more resources should be invested to promote interdisciplinary communication to ensure safety and synergy of TCM and WM in primary care.
Liquid-based cytopathology test as a novel method to identify Aspergillus in patients with pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Shen Yongchun , Zhang Xiaorong , Lin Wenyi , Wan Chun , Li Qiyuan , Jiang Yong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractConventional cytopathology examination of respiratory samples can aid in identifying Aspergillus but with poor sensitivity, so this study aimed to assess the potential of the liquid-based cytopathology test (LCT) for improving the identification of Aspergillus in respiratory samples following Papanicolaou’s or Special staining with Grocott’s methenamine silver or periodic acid-Schiff staining. Paired bronchial brushing samples (n = 54) and sputum samples (n = 117) from 171 patients with pulmonary aspergillosis were prepared as slides using either conventional cytopathology or SurePath LCT. LCT slides were generally superior to conventional slides, showing smaller cell monolayer surface area, clearer background and more distinct stereoscopic cytological features. For Papanicolaou’s staining, LCT-prepared slides allowed a higher positive rate of Aspergillus identification than conventional slides for bronchial brushing samples (59.25% vs. 20.37%, P < 0.05) and sputum samples (29.05% vs. 8.55%, P < 0.05). Similarly, Special staining of LCT-prepared slides showed a higher positive rate of Aspergillus identification for bronchial brushing samples (83.33% vs. 57.41%, P < 0.05) and sputum samples (43.59% vs. 19.66%, P < 0.05). This preliminary study suggests that LCT may be better than conventional slide preparation for identifying Aspergillus in respiratory samples from patients with pulmonary aspergillosis.
Perceived stress and smoking across 41 countries: A global perspective across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas
Authors: Stubbs Brendon , Veronese Nicola , Vancampfort Davy , Prina A. Mathew , Lin Pao-Yen , Tseng Ping-Tao , Evangelou Evangelos , Solmi Marco , Kohler Cristiano , Carvalho André F. , Koyanagi Ai 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWithin recent years, there has been a seismic shift in smoking rates from high-income to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Evidence indicates that perceived stress may comprise a barrier for smoking cessation, but little is known about the association of perceived stress and smoking in LMICs. We conducted a cross-sectional, community-based study comprising 217,561 people [mean age 38.5 (SD = 16.1) years, 49.4% males]. A perceived stress score [range 2 (lowest-stress) 10 (highest-stress)] was computed from the Perceived Stress Scale. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. In the overall sample, a one-unit increase in perceived-stress resulted in a 5% increased odds of smoking (OR = 1.05; 95%CI = 1.03–1.06). Increased stress was associated with smoking in Africa (OR = 1.06; 95%CI = 1.04–1.09), Americas (OR = 1.03; 95%CI = 1.01–1.05), and Asia (OR = 1.06; 95%CI = 1.04–1.08), but not Europe (OR = 0.99; 95%CI = 0.95–1.02). Increasing levels of perceived stress were significantly associated with heavy smoking (≥30 cigarettes per day) among daily smokers (OR = 1.08; 95%CI = 1.02–1.15). A country-wide meta-analysis showed that perceived stress is associated with daily smoking in most countries. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm/refute this relationship, which may have meaningful public health implications.
Shedding Light on Alzheimer’s β-Amyloidosis: Photosensitized Methylene Blue Inhibits Self-Assembly of β-Amyloid Peptides and Disintegrates Their Aggregates
Authors: Lee Byung Il , Suh Yoon Seok , Chung You Jung , Yu Kweon , Park Chan Beum 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAbnormal aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides is a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In spite of numerous attempts to prevent the β-amyloidosis, no effective drugs for treating AD have been developed to date. Among many candidate chemicals, methylene blue (MB) has proved its therapeutic potential for AD in a number of in vitro and in vivo studies; but the result of recent clinical trials performed with MB and its derivative was negative. Here, with the aid of multiple photochemical analyses, we first report that photoexcited MB molecules can block Aβ42 aggregation in vitro. Furthermore, our in vivo study using Drosophila AD model demonstrates that photoexcited MB is highly effective in suppressing synaptic toxicity, resulting in a reduced damage to the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), an enhanced locomotion, and decreased vacuole in the brain. The hindrance effect is attributed to Aβ42 oxidation by singlet oxygen (1O2) generated from photoexcited MB. Finally, we show that photoexcited MB possess a capability to disaggregate the pre-existing Aβ42 aggregates and reduce Aβ-induced cytotoxicity. Our work suggests that light illumination can provide an opportunity to boost the efficacies of MB toward photodynamic therapy of AD in future.
The Matrikine Acetylated Proline-Glycine-Proline Couples Vascular Inflammation and Acute Cardiac Rejection
Authors: Payne Gregory A. , Li Jindong , Xu Xin , Jackson Patricia , Qin Hongwei , Pollock David M. , Wells J. Michael , Oparil Suzanne , Leesar Massoud , Patel Rakesh P. , Blalock J. Edwin , Gaggar Amit 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic, bioactive structure critical to organ development, structure and function. Excessive remodeling of the ECM is a hallmark of a variety of inflammatory conditions including vascular disease. Endothelin-1 (ET1) synthesis is understood to promote cardiovascular diseases including acute cardiac transplant rejection; however, the contribution of ECM-derived chemokines (matrikines) to vascular inflammation remains poorly understood. Herein we report that the matrikine acetylated Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP) stimulates vascular inflammation through activation of endothelial CXC Chemokine Receptor 2 (CXCR2) and production of endothelin-1 both in vitro and in vivo. As a proof of hypothesis, we demonstrate that coronary PGP levels associate with both circulating endothelin-1 and acute rejection in cardiac transplant patients (sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 86%). These findings establish PGP as a novel mediator in cardiovascular disease, and implicate bioactive matrix fragments as underappreciated agents potentially active in numerous conditions propagated by progressive vascular inflammation.
H-Ferritin-nanocaged olaparib: a promising choice for both BRCA-mutated and sporadic triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Mazzucchelli S. , Truffi M. , Baccarini F. , Beretta M. , Sorrentino L. , Bellini M. , Rizzuto M. A. , Ottria R. , Ravelli A. , Ciuffreda P. , Prosperi D. , Corsi F. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPoly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors represent a promising strategy toward the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is often associated to genomic instability and/or BRCA mutations. However, clinical outcome is controversial and no benefits have been demonstrated in wild type BRCA cancers, possibly due to poor drug bioavailability and low nuclear delivery. In the attempt to overcome these limitations, we have developed H-Ferritin nanoformulated olaparib (HOla) and assessed its anticancer efficacy on both BRCA-mutated and non-mutated TNBC cells. We exploited the natural tumor targeting of H-Ferritin, which is mediated by the transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1), and its physiological tropism toward cell nucleus. TNBC cell lines over-expressing TfR-1 were successfully recognized by H-Ferritin, displaying a fast internalization into the cells. HOla induced remarkable cytotoxic effect in cancer cells, exhibiting 1000-fold higher anticancer activity compared to free olaparib (Ola). Accordingly, HOla treatment enhanced PARP-1 cleavage, DNA double strand breaks and Ola delivery into the nuclear compartment. Our findings suggest that H-Ferritin nanoformulation strongly enhances cytotoxic efficacy of Ola as a stand-alone therapy in both BRCA-mutated and wild type TNBC cells, by promoting targeted nuclear delivery.