bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional brain mapping using specific sensory-circuit stimulation and a theoretical graph network analysis in mice with neuropathic allodynia
Authors: Komaki Yuji , Hikishima Keigo , Shibata Shinsuke , Konomi Tsunehiko , Seki Fumiko , Yamada Masayuki , Miyasaka Naoyuki , Fujiyoshi Kanehiro , Okano Hirotaka J. , Nakamura Masaya , Okano Hideyuki 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAllodynia, a form of neuropathic pain, is defined as pain in response to a non-nociceptive stimulus. The brain regions responsible for pain, which are not normally activated, can be activated in allodynic mice by providing a suitable stimulus to Aβ-fibers, which transmit signals from tactile sensory fibers. Functional MRI (fMRI) can be used to objectively observe abnormal brain activation. In the present study, fMRI was conducted to investigate allodynia in mice; allodynia was generated by surgical injury at the L4 spinal nerve root, thus selectively stimulating sensory nerve fibers. In intact mice, only the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) was activated by stimulation of Aβ-fibers. Meanwhile, allodynic mice showed significantly higher BOLD signals in the anterior cingulate area (ACA) and thalamus. Using resting state fMRI, both degree and eigenvector centrality were significantly decreased in the contralateral S1, clustering coefficient and local efficiency were significantly increased in the ACA, and betweenness centrality was significantly higher in the ventral posterolateral nucleus of the thalamus. These results suggest that the observed abnormal BOLD activation is associated with defects in Aβ-fibers when Aβ-fibers in allodynic mice are selectively stimulated. The objective approach enabled by fMRI can improve our understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy.
Sparsity-based multi-height phase recovery in holographic microscopy
Authors: Rivenson Yair , Wu Yichen , Wang Hongda , Zhang Yibo , Feizi Alborz , Ozcan Aydogan 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHigh-resolution imaging of densely connected samples such as pathology slides using digital in-line holographic microscopy requires the acquisition of several holograms, e.g., at >6–8 different sample-to-sensor distances, to achieve robust phase recovery and coherent imaging of specimen. Reducing the number of these holographic measurements would normally result in reconstruction artifacts and loss of image quality, which would be detrimental especially for biomedical and diagnostics-related applications. Inspired by the fact that most natural images are sparse in some domain, here we introduce a sparsity-based phase reconstruction technique implemented in wavelet domain to achieve at least 2-fold reduction in the number of holographic measurements for coherent imaging of densely connected samples with minimal impact on the reconstructed image quality, quantified using a structural similarity index. We demonstrated the success of this approach by imaging Papanicolaou smears and breast cancer tissue slides over a large field-of-view of ~20 mm2 using 2 in-line holograms that are acquired at different sample-to-sensor distances and processed using sparsity-based multi-height phase recovery. This new phase recovery approach that makes use of sparsity can also be extended to other coherent imaging schemes, involving e.g., multiple illumination angles or wavelengths to increase the throughput and speed of coherent imaging.
Enhanced Absorption and Diffusion Properties of Lithium on B,N,VC-decorated Graphene
Authors: Jin Mengting , Yu L. C. , Shi W. M. , Deng J. G. , Zhang Y. N. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSystematic first-principles calculations were performed to investigate the adsorption and diffusion of Li on different graphene layers with B/N-doping and/or C-vacancy, so as to understand why doping heteroatoms in graphene anode could significantly improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. We found that the formation of single or double carbon vacancies in graphene are critical for the adsorption of Li atoms. While the N-doping facilitates the formation of vacancies, it introduces over binding issue and hinders the Li diffusion. The presence of B takes the excessive electrons from Li and N and reduces the energy barrier of Li diffusion on substrates. We perceive that these clear insights are crucial for the further development of graphene based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
Diagnostic performance of Contrast-enhanced CT in Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids-induced Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstructive Syndrome
Authors: Kan Xuefeng , Ye Jin , Rong Xinxin , Lu Zhiwen , Li Xin , Wang Yong , Yang Ling , Xu Keshu , Song Yuhu , Hou Xiaohua 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) can be caused by pyrrolizidine alkaloids(PAs)-containing herbals. Since PAs exposure is obscure and clinical presentation of HSOS is unspecific, it is challenge to establish the diagnosis of PAs-induced HSOS. Gynura segetum is one of the most wide-use herbals containing PAs. The aim of our study is to describe the features of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in gynura segetum-induced HSOS, and then determine diagnostic performance of radiological signs. We retrospectively analyzed medical records and CT images of HSOS patients (71 cases) and the controls (222 cases) enrolled from January 1, 2008, to Oct 31, 2015. The common findings of contrast CT in PAs-induced HSOS included: ascites (100%), hepatomegaly (78.87%), gallbladder wall thickening (86.96%), pleural effusion (70.42%), hepatic vein narrowing (87.32%), patchy liver enhancement (92.96%), and heterogeneous hypoattenuation (100%); of these signs, patchy enhancement and heterogeneous hypoattenuation were valuable features. Then, the result of diagnostic performance demonstrated that contrast CT possessed better performance in diagnosing PAs-induced HSOS compared with various parameters of Seattle criteria. In conclusion, the patients with PAs-induced HSOS display distinct radiologic features at CT-scan, which reveals that contrast-enhanced CT provides an effective noninvasive method for diagnosing PAs-induced HSOS.
Association between dioxin and cancer incidence and mortality: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Jinming , Ye Yao , Huang Fang , Chen Hanwen , Wu Han , Huang Jian , Hu Jian , Xia Dajing , Wu Yihua 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to systematically assess the association between dioxin/2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and cancer incidence and mortality. Systematic literature searches were conducted until July 2015 in Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane library to identify relevant studies. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR), risk ratio (RR), standard incidence ratio (SIR) or standard mortality ratio (SMR) for cancer incidence or mortality. In addition, dose-response, meta-regression, subgroup, and publication bias analyses were conducted. Thirty-one studies involving 29,605 cancer cases and 3,478,748 participants were included. Higher external exposure level of TCDD was significantly associated with all cancer mortality (pooled SMR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.19, p = 0.04), but not all cancer incidence (pooled RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.97–1.06, p = 0.49). Higher blood level of TCDD was both significantly associated with all cancer incidence (pooled RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.21–2.04, p = 0.001) and all cancer mortality (pooled SMR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25–1.69, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis suggested that higher external exposure and blood level of TCDD were both significantly associated with the mortality caused by non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In conclusion, external exposure and blood level of TCDD were both significantly associated with all cancer mortality, especially for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
A chitin deacetylase from the endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. efficiently inactivates the elicitor activity of chitin oligomers in rice cells
Authors: Cord-Landwehr Stefan , Melcher Rebecca L. J. , Kolkenbrock Stephan , Moerschbacher Bruno M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTo successfully survive in plants, endophytes need strategies to avoid being detected by the plant immune system, as the cell walls of endophytes contain easily detectible chitin. It is possible that endophytes “hide” this chitin from the plant immune system by modifying it, or oligomers derived from it, using chitin deacetylases (CDA). To explore this hypothesis, we identified and expressed a CDA from Pestalotiopsis sp. (PesCDA), an endophytic fungus, in E. coli and characterized this enzyme and its chitosan oligomer products. We found that when PesCDA modifies chitin oligomers, the products are partially deacetylated chitosan oligomers with a specific acetylation pattern: GlcNAc-GlcNAc-(GlcN)n-GlcNAc (n ≥ 1). Then, in a bioactivity assay where suspension-cultured rice cells were incubated with the PesCDA products (processed chitin hexamers), we found that, unlike the substrate hexamers, chitosan oligomer products no longer elicited the plant immune system. Thus, this endophytic enzyme can prevent the endophyte from being recognized by the plant immune system; this might represent a more general hypothesis for how certain fungi are able to live in or on their hosts.
Analgesic effect and safety of single-dose intra-articular magnesium after arthroscopic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Chao , Li Yu-sheng , Wei Jie , Xie Dong-xing , Xie Xi , Li Liang-jun , Gao Shu-guang , Luo Wei , Xiong Yi-lin , Xiao Wen-feng , Lei Guang-hua 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTo examine the analgesic effect and safety of single-dose intra-articular (IA) magnesium (Mg) after arthroscopic surgery. Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane library were searched through in January 2016. Eight RCTs and eight experimental studies were included. The IA Mg exhibited a significantly lower pain score when compared with placebo (MD, −0.41, 95% CI, −0.78 to −0.05, p = 0.03). There was no significant difference between Mg and bupivacaine in terms of pain relief and the time to first analgesic request. Furthermore, statistically significant differences both in pain score (MD, −0.62, 95% CI, −0.81 to −0.42, p < 0.00001) and time to first analgesic request (MD, 6.25, 95% CI, 5.22 to 7.29, p < 0.00001) were observed between Mg plus bupivacaine and bupivacaine alone. There was no statistically significant difference among the various groups with respect to adverse reactions. Most of the included in vitro studies reported the chondrocyte protective effect of Mg supplementation. There were also two in vivo studies showing the cartilage protective effect of IA Mg. The single-dose IA Mg following arthroscopic surgery was effective in pain relief without increasing adverse reactions, and it could also enhance the analgesic effect of bupivacaine. In addition, Mg seemed to possess the cartilage or chondrocyte protective effect based on experimental studies.
Image-based in vivo assessment of targeting accuracy of stereotactic brain surgery in experimental rodent models
Authors: Rangarajan Janaki Raman , Vande Velde Greetje , van Gent Friso , De Vloo Philippe , Dresselaers Tom , Depypere Maarten , van Kuyck Kris , Nuttin Bart , Himmelreich Uwe , Maes Frederik 
Published: November 2016

AbstractStereotactic neurosurgery is used in pre-clinical research of neurological and psychiatric disorders in experimental rat and mouse models to engraft a needle or electrode at a pre-defined location in the brain. However, inaccurate targeting may confound the results of such experiments. In contrast to the clinical practice, inaccurate targeting in rodents remains usually unnoticed until assessed by ex vivo end-point histology. We here propose a workflow for in vivo assessment of stereotactic targeting accuracy in small animal studies based on multi-modal post-operative imaging. The surgical trajectory in each individual animal is reconstructed in 3D from the physical implant imaged in post-operative CT and/or its trace as visible in post-operative MRI. By co-registering post-operative images of individual animals to a common stereotaxic template, targeting accuracy is quantified. Two commonly used neuromodulation regions were used as targets. Target localization errors showed not only variability, but also inaccuracy in targeting. Only about 30% of electrodes were within the subnucleus structure that was targeted and a-specific adverse effects were also noted. Shifting from invasive/subjective 2D histology towards objective in vivo 3D imaging-based assessment of targeting accuracy may benefit a more effective use of the experimental data by excluding off-target cases early in the study.
Tumor-specific delivery of biologics by a novel T-cell line HOZOT
Authors: Onishi Teppei , Tazawa Hiroshi , Hashimoto Yuuri , Takeuchi Makoto , Otani Takeshi , Nakamura Shuji , Sakurai Fuminori , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki , Kishimoto Hiroyuki , Umeda Yuzo , Shirakawa Yasuhiro , Urata Yasuo , Kagawa Shunsuke , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi 
Published: November 2016

Abstract“Cell-in-cell” denotes an invasive phenotype in which one cell actively internalizes in another. The novel human T-cell line HOZOT, established from human umbilical cord blood, was shown to penetrate a variety of human cancer cells but not normal cells. Oncolytic viruses are emerging as biological therapies for human cancers; however, efficient viral delivery is limited by a lack of tumor-specific homing and presence of pre-existing or therapy-induced neutralizing antibodies. Here, we report a new, intriguing approach using HOZOT cells to transmit biologics such as oncolytic viruses into human cancer cells by cell-in-cell invasion. HOZOT cells were successfully loaded via human CD46 antigen with an attenuated adenovirus containing the fiber protein of adenovirus serotype 35 (OBP-401/F35), in which the telomerase promoter regulates viral replication. OBP-401/F35–loaded HOZOT cells were efficiently internalized into human cancer cells and exhibited tumor-specific killing by release of viruses, even in the presence of anti-viral neutralizing antibodies. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration of HOZOT cells loaded with OBP-401/F35 significantly suppressed peritoneally disseminated tumor growth in mice. This unique cell-in-cell property provides a platform for selective delivery of biologics into human cancer cells, which has important implications for the treatment of human cancers.
FSH protects mouse granulosa cells from oxidative damage by repressing mitophagy
Authors: Shen Ming , Jiang Yi , Guan Zhiqiang , Cao Yan , Sun Shao-chen , Liu Honglin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractOxidative stress has been implicated in triggering granulosa cell (GC) death during follicular atresia. Recent studies suggested that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has a pivotal role in protecting GCs from oxidative injury, although the exact mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we report that FSH promotes GC survival by inhibiting oxidative stress-induced mitophagy. The loss of GC viability caused by oxidative stress was significantly reduced after FSH treatment, which was correlated with impaired activation of mitophagy upon oxidative stress. Compared with FSH treatment, blocking mitophagy displayed approximate preventive effect on oxidative stress-induced GC death, but FSH did not further restore viability of cells pretreated with mitophagy inhibitor. Importantly, FSH suppressed the induction of serine/threonine kinase PINK1 during oxidative stress. This inhibited the mitochondrial translocation of the E3 ligase Parkin, which is required for the subsequent clearance of mitochondria, and ultimately cell death via mitophagy. In addition, knocking down PINK1 using RNAi confirmed the role of the FSH-PINK1-Parkin-mitophagy pathway in regulating GC survival under oxidative conditions. These findings introduce a novel physiological function of FSH in protecting GCs against oxidative damage by targeting PINK1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy.
Artemisinin analogue SM934 attenuate collagen-induced arthritis by suppressing T follicular helper cells and T helper 17 cells
Authors: Lin Ze-Min , Yang Xiao-Qian , Zhu Feng-Hua , He Shi-Jun , Tang Wei , Zuo Jian-Ping 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSM934 is an artemisinin analogue with immunosuppressive properties and potent therapeutic activity against lupus-like diseases in autoimmune mice. In this report, the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of SM934 on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was investigated using collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1J mice. We demonstrated that SM934 treatment alleviate the severity of arthritis in CIA mice with established manifestations. The therapeutic benefits were associated with ameliorated joint swelling and reduced extent of bone erosion and destruction. Further, administration of SM934 diminished the development of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and Th17 cells and suppressed the production of pathogenic antibodies, without altering the proportion of germinal center B cells. Ex vivo, SM934 treatment inhibited the bovine type II collagen (CII) induced proliferation and inflammatory cytokines secretion of CII -reactive T cells. In vitro, SM934 impeded the polarization of naïve CD4+ T cells into Tfh cells and the expression of its transcript factor Bcl-6. Moreover, SM934 decreased the IL-21-producing CD4+ T cells and dampened the IL-21 downstream signaling through STAT3. These finding offered the convincing evidence that artemisinin derivative might attenuate RA by simultaneously interfering with the generation of Tfh cells and Th17 cells as well as the subsequent antibody-mediated immune responses.
Coupling template nanocasting and self-activation for fabrication of nanoporous carbon
Authors: Kong Lingjun , Liu Mingxiang , Diao Zenghui , Chen Diyun , Chang Xiangyang , Xiong Ya 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHierarchical nanoporous carbon (NPC) with great surface area and developed pore size distribution has been intently concerned. Herein, we report a facile method coupling template nanocasting and self-activation to fabricate nanoporous carbon with continuous micro, meso and macro pores, in which CaCO3 acted as template and activation reagent while the flour was the carbon precursor. Effects of mass ratio of CaCO3 to flour and carbonized temperature on the pore structures of NPC were investigated by nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and SEM analysis. Another kind of carbon was prepared by directly mixed powder CaCO3 with flour carbonized at 800 °C (NPC-p) to comparatively investigate the pore fabricating mechanism. Results shown that carbonized at 800 °C was favorable to fabricate the continuous macro, meso and micro pores. The resulted NPC in a mass ratio of 1 to 2 had the considerable SBET and VT of 575.4 m2/g and 0.704 cm3/g, respectively. Only surface activation was observed for NPC-p. Nanocasting of the powder CaCO3 contributed to fabricate macropores and the CO2 activation contributed to meso- and micropores. Coupling activation and nanocasting effect due to the decomposition of CaCO3 template into CO2 and CaO was ascribed to synthesize the nanoporous carbon.
Polymorphism of fibrillar structures depending on the size of assembled Aβ17-42 peptides
Authors: Cheon Mookyung , Kang Mooseok , Chang Iksoo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe size of assembled Aβ17-42peptides can determine polymorphism during oligomerization and fibrillization, but the mechanism of this effect is unknown. Starting from separate random monomers, various fibrillar oligomers with distinct structural characteristics were identified using discontinuous molecular dynamics simulations based on a coarse-grained protein model. From the structures observed in the simulations, two characteristic oligomer sizes emerged, trimer and paranuclei, which generated distinct structural patterns during fibrillization. A majority of the simulations for trimers and tetramers formed non-fibrillar oligomers, which primarily progress to off-pathway oligomers. Pentamers and hexamers were significantly converted into U-shape fibrillar structures, meaning that these oligomers, called paranuclei, might be potent on-pathway intermediates in fibril formation. Fibrillar oligomers larger than hexamers generated substantial polymorphism in which hybrid structures were readily formed and homogeneous fibrillar structures appeared infrequently.
Low-level light treatment ameliorates immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Yang Jingke , Zhang Qi , Li Peiyu , Dong Tingting , Wu Mei X. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an immune-mediated acquired bleeding disorder characterized by abnormally low platelet counts. We reported here the ability of low-level light treatment (LLLT) to alleviate ITP in mice. The treatment is based on noninvasive whole body illumination 30 min a day for a few consecutive days by near infrared light (830 nm) transmitted by an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LLLT significantly lifted the nadir of platelet counts and restored tail bleeding time when applied to two passive ITP models induced by anti-CD41 antibody. The anti-platelet antibody hindered megakaryocyte differentiation from the progenitors, impaired proplatelet and platelet formation, and induced apoptosis of platelets. These adverse effects of anti-CD41 antibody were all mitigated by LLLT to varying degrees, owing to its ability to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and activity in megakaryocytes and preserve mitochondrial functions in platelets in the presence of the antibody. The observations argue not only for contribution of mitochondrial stress to the pathology of ITP, but also clinical potentials of LLLT as a safe, simple, and cost-effective modality of ITP.
Rab14 specifies the apical membrane through Arf6-mediated regulation of lipid domains and Cdc42
Authors: Lu Ruifeng , Wilson Jean M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe generation of cell polarity is essential for the development of multi-cellular organisms as well as for the function of epithelial organs in the mature animal. Small GTPases regulate the establishment and maintenance of polarity through effects on cytoskeleton, membrane trafficking, and signaling. Using short-term 3-dimensional culture of MDCK cells, we find that the small GTPase Rab14 is required for apical membrane specification. Rab14 knockdown results in disruption of polarized lipid domains and failure of the Par/aPKC/Cdc42 polarity complex to localize to the apical membrane. These effects are mediated through tight control of lipid localization, as overexpression of the phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase α [PtdIns(4)P5K] activator Arf6 or PtdIns(4)P5K alone, or treatment with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PtdInsI3K) inhibitor wortmannin, rescued the multiple-apical domain phenotype observed after Rab14 knockdown. Rab14 also co-immunoprecipitates and colocalizes with the small GTPase Cdc42, and Rab14 knockdown results in increased Cdc42 activity. Furthermore, Rab14 regulates trafficking of vesicles to the apical domain, mitotic spindle orientation, and midbody position, consistent with Rab14’s reported localization to the midbody as well as its effects upon Cdc42. These results position Rab14 at the top of a molecular cascade that regulates the establishment of cell polarity.