bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic characterization of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Authors: Fedrizzi Tarcisio , Meehan Conor J. , Grottola Antonella , Giacobazzi Elisabetta , Fregni Serpini Giulia , Tagliazucchi Sara , Fabio Anna , Bettua Clotilde , Bertorelli Roberto , De Sanctis Veronica , Rumpianesi Fabio , Pecorari Monica , Jousson Olivier , Tortoli Enrico , Segata Nicola 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae have remained, for many years, the primary species of the genus Mycobacterium of clinical and microbiological interest. The other members of the genus, referred to as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), have long been underinvestigated. In the last decades, however, the number of reports linking various NTM species with human diseases has steadily increased and treatment difficulties have emerged. Despite the availability of whole genome sequencing technologies, limited effort has been devoted to the genetic characterization of NTM species. As a consequence, the taxonomic and phylogenetic structure of the genus remains unsettled and genomic information is lacking to support the identification of these organisms in a clinical setting. In this work, we widen the knowledge of NTMs by reconstructing and analyzing the genomes of 41 previously uncharacterized NTM species. We provide the first comprehensive characterization of the genomic diversity of NTMs and open new venues for the clinical identification of opportunistic pathogens from this genus.
Skeletal Muscle Pump Drives Control of Cardiovascular and Postural Systems
Authors: Verma Ajay K. , Garg Amanmeet , Xu Da , Bruner Michelle , Fazel-Rezai Reza , Blaber Andrew P. , Tavakolian Kouhyar 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe causal interaction between cardio-postural-musculoskeletal systems is critical in maintaining postural stability under orthostatic challenge. The absence or reduction of such interactions could lead to fainting and falls often experienced by elderly individuals. The causal relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP), calf electromyography (EMG), and resultant center of pressure (COPr) can quantify the behavior of cardio-postural control loop. Convergent cross mapping (CCM) is a non-linear approach to establish causality, thus, expected to decipher nonlinear causal cardio-postural-musculoskeletal interactions. Data were acquired simultaneously from young participants (25 ± 2 years, n = 18) during a 10-minute sit-to-stand test. In the young population, skeletal muscle pump was found to drive blood pressure control (EMG → SBP) as well as control the postural sway (EMG → COPr) through the significantly higher causal drive in the direction towards SBP and COPr. Furthermore, the effect of aging on muscle pump activation associated with blood pressure regulation was explored. Simultaneous EMG and SBP were acquired from elderly group (69 ± 4 years, n = 14). A significant (p = 0.002) decline in EMG → SBP causality was observed in the elderly group, compared to the young group. The results highlight the potential of causality to detect alteration in blood pressure regulation with age, thus, a potential clinical utility towards detection of fall proneness.
Shoulder Stretching Intervention Reduces the Incidence of Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in High School Baseball Players: a Time-to-Event Analysis
Authors: Shitara Hitoshi , Yamamoto Atsushi , Shimoyama Daisuke , Ichinose Tsuyoshi , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Hamano Noritaka , Ueno Akira , Endo Fumitaka , Oshima Atsufumi , Sakane Hideo , Tachibana Masahiro , Tomomatsu Yusuke , Tajika Tsuyoshi , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Osawa Toshihisa , Iizuka Haku , Takagishi Kenji 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe prospectively evaluated the effects of a prevention program on the incidence of shoulder and elbow injuries in high school baseball pitchers. Ninety-two pitchers participated in this study and were taught to perform stretching and strength exercises aimed at improving shoulder external rotation strength in the preseason. The pitchers freely chose to participate in one of four groups [SM-group: performed both exercises, S-group: performed stretching exercise only, M-group: performed strength training only, and N-group: performed neither intervention]. Injury was defined as inability to play for ≥8 days because of shoulder/elbow symptoms. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated and hazard ratios (HRs) for injury occurrence were calculated using multivariate Cox regression. Log-rank test was used for between-group comparisons of survival distributions. The injuries occurred in 25, 35, and 57% of participants and median times to injury were 89, 92, and 29.5 days in the S- (n = 32), SM- (n = 46), and N- (n = 14) group, respectively. Nobody chose M-group. HRs were 0.36 and 0.47 for the S- and SM-group, respectively, based on the N-group. The incidence of injury was significantly lower in the S-group than in the N-group (p = 0.04). Daily posterior shoulder stretching may reduce the incidence of the injuries in high school baseball pitchers.
Oscillating Electric Field Measures the Rotation Rate in a Native Rotary Enzyme
Authors: Ferencz Csilla-Maria , Petrovszki Pál , Dér András , Sebők-Nagy Krisztina , Kóta Zoltán , Páli Tibor 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRotary enzymes are complex, highly challenging biomolecular machines whose biochemical working mechanism involves intersubunit rotation. The true intrinsic rate of rotation of any rotary enzyme is not known in a native, unmodified state. Here we use the effect of an oscillating electric (AC) field on the biochemical activity of a rotary enzyme, the vacuolar proton-ATPase (V-ATPase), to directly measure its mean rate of rotation in its native membrane environment, without any genetic, chemical or mechanical modification of the enzyme, for the first time. The results suggest that a transmembrane AC field is able to synchronise the steps of ion-pumping in individual enzymes via a hold-and-release mechanism, which opens up the possibility of biotechnological exploitation. Our approach is likely to work for other transmembrane ion-transporting assemblies, not only rotary enzymes, to determine intrinsic in situ rates of ion pumping.
Multicolor bioimaging with biosynthetic zinc nanoparticles and their application in tumor detection
Authors: Kang Yanjun , Wu Yi-Zhou , Hu Xianyun , Xu Xueqin , Sun Jie , Geng Rong , Huang Tongxing , Liu Xiaohang , Ma Yichen , Chen Ying , Wan Quan , Qi Xiaobang , Zhang Gen , Zhao Xiaohui , Zeng Xin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBecause they generate excellent images, nanoparticles (NPs), especially biosynthesized NPs, provide a new solution for tumor imaging. In this research, we unveil a novel type of biosynthesized NPs featuring multicolor fluorescence. These NPs exhibit little cytotoxicity to cells. The explored NPs, designated Zn-ZFP-GST NPs (Zinc NPs in abbreviation), are generated from leukemia cells treated with a Zn2+ solution, while zinc-finger protein and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were also identified in the Zinc NPs. Under near-UV illumination, the Zinc NPs simultaneously emit green, yellow, and red fluorescence. In addition, the intensity of the fluorescence increases with the existence of sulfides. Besides, the NPs are encapsulated by microvesicles (MVs) shed from the plasma membrane. As observed in whole-body research of nude mice, the NP-MVs migrate via blood circulation and are distinguished by their fluorescent signals. Furthermore, the folic acid (FA) & AVR2 (human VEGF antibody)-coated NP-MVs are exploited to target the tumor location, and the feasibility of this approach has been confirmed empirically. The Zinc NPs shed light on an alternative solution to tumor detection.
A MYB transcription factor, DcMYB6, is involved in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple carrot taproots
Authors: Xu Zhi-Sheng , Feng Kai , Que Feng , Wang Feng , Xiong Ai-Sheng 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCarrots are widely grown and enjoyed around the world. Purple carrots accumulate rich anthocyanins in the taproots, while orange, yellow, and red carrots accumulate rich carotenoids in the taproots. Our previous studies indicated that variation in the activity of regulatory genes may be responsible for variations in anthocyanin production among various carrot cultivars. In this study, an R2R3-type MYB gene, designated as DcMYB6, was isolated from a purple carrot cultivar. In a phylogenetic analysis, DcMYB6 was grouped into an anthocyanin biosynthesis-related MYB clade. Sequence analyses revealed that DcMYB6 contained the conserved bHLH-interaction motif and two atypical motifs of anthocyanin regulators. The expression pattern of DcMYB6 was correlated with anthocyanin production. DcMYB6 transcripts were detected at high levels in three purple carrot cultivars but at much lower levels in six non-purple carrot cultivars. Overexpression of DcMYB6 in Arabidopsis led to enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in both vegetative and reproductive tissues and upregulated transcript levels of all seven tested anthocyanin-related structural genes. Together, these results show that DcMYB6 is involved in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple carrots. Our results provide new insights into the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in purple carrot cultivars.
Identification and comparative analysis of the epidermal differentiation complex in snakes
Authors: Holthaus Karin Brigit , Mlitz Veronika , Strasser Bettina , Tschachler Erwin , Alibardi Lorenzo , Eckhart Leopold 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe epidermis of snakes efficiently protects against dehydration and mechanical stress. However, only few proteins of the epidermal barrier to the environment have so far been identified in snakes. Here, we determined the organization of the Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC), a cluster of genes encoding protein constituents of cornified epidermal structures, in snakes and compared it to the EDCs of other squamates and non-squamate reptiles. The EDC of snakes displays shared synteny with that of the green anole lizard, including the presence of a cluster of corneous beta-protein (CBP)/beta-keratin genes. We found that a unique CBP comprising 4 putative beta-sheets and multiple cysteine-rich EDC proteins are conserved in all snakes and other squamates investigated. Comparative genomics of squamates suggests that the evolution of snakes was associated with a gene duplication generating two isoforms of the S100 fused-type protein, scaffoldin, the origin of distinct snake-specific EDC genes, and the loss of other genes that were present in the EDC of the last common ancestor of snakes and lizards. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the evolution of the skin in squamates and a basis for the characterization of the molecular composition of the epidermis in snakes.
PTPIP51 regulates mouse cardiac ischemia/reperfusion through mediating the mitochondria-SR junction
Authors: Qiao Xue , Jia Shi , Ye Jingjing , Fang Xuan , Zhang Chenglin , Cao Yangpo , Xu Chunling , Zhao Lifang , Zhu Yi , Wang Lu , Zheng Ming 
Published: March 2017

AbstractProtein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51 (PTPIP51) participates in multiple cellular processes, and dysfunction of PTPIP51 is implicated in diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. However, there is no functional evidence showing the physiological or pathological roles of PTPIP51 in the heart. We have therefore investigated the role and mechanisms of PTPIP51 in regulating cardiac function. We found that PTPIP51 was markedly upregulated in ischemia/reperfusion heart. Upregulation of PTPIP51 by adenovirus-mediated overexpression markedly increased the contact of mitochondria-sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), elevated mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake from SR release through mitochondrial Ca2+uniporter. Inhibition or knockdown of mitochondrial Ca2+uniporter reversed PTPIP51-mediated increase of mitochondrial Ca2+ and protected cardiomyocytes against PTPIP51-mediated apoptosis. More importantly, cardiac specific knockdown of PTPIP51 largely reduced myocardium infarction size and heart injury after ischemia/reperfusion. Our study defines a novel and essential function of PTPIP51 in the cardiac ischemia/reperfusion process by mediating mitochondria-SR contact. Downregulation of PTPIP51 improves heart function after ischemia/reperfusion injury, suggesting PTPIP51 as a therapeutic target for ischemic heart diseases.
Hierarchical viscosity of aqueous solution of tilapia scale collagen investigated via dielectric spectroscopy between 500 MHz and 2.5 THz
Authors: Kawamata H. , Kuwaki S. , Mishina T. , Ikoma T. , Tanaka J. , Nozaki R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAqueous solutions of biomolecules such as proteins are very important model systems for understanding the functions of biomolecules in actual life processes because interactions between biomolecules and the surrounding water molecules are considered to be important determinants of biomolecules’ functions. Globule proteins have been extensively studied via dielectric spectroscopy; the results indicate three relaxation processes originating from fluctuations in the protein molecule, the bound water and the bulk water. However, the characteristics of aqueous solutions of collagens have rarely been investigated. In this work, based on broadband dielectric measurements between 500 MHz and 2.5 THz, we demonstrate that the high viscosity of a collagen aqueous solution is due to the network structure being constructed of rod-like collagen molecules surrounding free water molecules and that the water molecules are not responsible for the viscosity. We determine that the macroscopic viscosity is related to the mean lifetime of the collagen-collagen interactions supporting the networks and that the local viscosity of the water surrounded by the networks is governed by the viscosity of free water as in the bulk. This hierarchical structure in the dynamics of the aqueous solution of biomolecules has been revealed for the first time.
The toxicity of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors to larvae of the disease vectors Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Abu Hasan Zatul-’Iffah , Williams Helen , Ismail Nur M. , Othman Hidayatulfathi , Cozier Gyles E. , Acharya K. Ravi , Isaac R. Elwyn 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe control of mosquitoes is threatened by the appearance of insecticide resistance and therefore new control chemicals are urgently required. Here we show that inhibitors of mosquito peptidyl dipeptidase, a peptidase related to mammalian angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), are insecticidal to larvae of the mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae. ACE inhibitors (captopril, fosinopril and fosinoprilat) and two peptides (trypsin-modulating oostatic factor/TMOF and a bradykinin-potentiating peptide, BPP-12b) were all inhibitors of the larval ACE activity of both mosquitoes. Two inhibitors, captopril and fosinopril (a pro-drug ester of fosinoprilat), were tested for larvicidal activity. Within 24 h captopril had killed >90% of the early instars of both species with 3rd instars showing greater resistance. Mortality was also high within 24 h of exposure of 1st, 2nd and 3rd instars of An. gambiae to fosinopril. Fosinopril was also toxic to Ae. aegypti larvae, although the 1st instars appeared to be less susceptible to this pro-drug even after 72 h exposure. Homology models of the larval An. gambiae ACE proteins (AnoACE2 and AnoACE3) reveal structural differences compared to human ACE, suggesting that structure-based drug design offers a fruitful approach to the development of selective inhibitors of mosquito ACE enzymes as novel larvicides.
Pathogenetic Analysis of Sinonasal Teratocarcinosarcomas Reveal Actionable β-catenin Overexpression and a β-catenin Mutation
Authors: Yanik Megan , Scott Megan , Bradford Carol , McHugh Jonathan , McLean Scott , Sullivan Stephen , Nor Jacques , McKean Erin , Birkeland Andrew , Burgin Sarah , Brenner J. 
Published: March 2017

Objective Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcomas are rare, aggressive tumors of the skull base. Treatment options are limited and outcomes are poor. Little is known in regard to the genetic factors regulating these tumors. Characterization of actionable molecular alterations in these tumors could provide potentially successful therapeutic options.
Methods We performed targeted exome sequencing on an index sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma specimen to identify potential driver mutations. We performed immunohistochemical stains for β-catenin on paraffin-embedded tissue on the index tumor and a subsequent teratocarcinosarcoma. Online databases of cancer mutations (Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer and The Cancer Genome Atlas) were accessed.
Results We identified an activating p.S45F mutation in β-catenin in our index sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma. This mutation results in constitutive signaling in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. We confirmed β-catenin overexpression and nuclear localization via immunohistochemistry in the index tumor and a second patient. The p.S45F activating mutation was found in a variety of solid tumors, and accounts for 3.3 to 10.4% of all known β-catenin mutations.
Conclusion We identified a potential driver mutation in β-catenin in a sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma, resulting in β-catenin overexpression. These findings suggest a role for the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma tumorigenesis and a role for anti-β-catenin targeted therapy.
Evaluation of Probably Benign Adnexal Masses in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Karakaya Burcu Kisa , Ozgu Emre , Kansu Hatice Celik , Evliyaoglu Ozlem , Sarikaya Esma , Coskun Bugra , Erkaya Salim 
Published: March 2017

Background Preoperatively identification of malignancy potential of a postmenopausal adnexal masses is important.
Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of the Risk of Malignancy Index-2 in presumably benign adnexal masses in postmenopausal women.
Study Design Retrospective, observational study.
Methods 119 women with postmenopausal adnexal masses with a preliminary diagnosis of benign tumors according to the Risk of Malignancy Index-2 were included. Age, duration of menopause, ultrasonographic findings, and serum CA-125 levels were recorded preoperatively. The definitive diagnosis was based on postoperative histopathological examination.
Results Of 119 adnexal mass, 10 were malignant and 109 were benign. There was no statistically significant difference with regard to age and tumor size between the groups. The two significant ultrasonographic parameter between groups were the presence of solid area in the mass and bilaterality. Moreover, if the cut off point for serum CA-125 was adjusted to 14.75 IU/mL according to ROC curve, a sensitivity value of 80% and a specificity value of 72% could be achieved to discriminate benign and malign cysts.
Conclusion In the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant adnexal masses in postmenopausal women, the presence of a solid component, bilaterallity based on ultrasonography and high CA-125 values may be used as discriminative criteria. There is no direct relation between the size of the adnexal mass and malignancy potential. Therefore, in the malignancy indexes of postmenopausal women, we recommend lower cut-off values of CA-125 to increase the sensitivity of preoperative evaluation tests without having a great impact on negative predictive values.
Length Limits Fail to Restructure a Largemouth Bass Population: A 28-Year Case History
Authors: Miranda L. E. , Colvin M. E. , Shamaskin A. C. , Bull L. A. , Holman T. , Jones R. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Length limits have been implemented by fisheries management agencies to achieve population density, size structure, and angler satisfaction objectives. By redirecting harvest towards or away from particular length- or age-groups, length limits rely on harvest by anglers to maintain a population at or near a desired state. The fish population changes that follow the implementation of harvest regulations may take several years to manifest, so long-term monitoring may be needed to adequately evaluate length limits. We used an innovative application of cluster analysis to facilitate evaluation of the effects of three consecutive length limits on a population of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides over a 28-year period in Ross Barnett Reservoir, Mississippi. A 13–16-in protected slot length limit (10 years), followed by a 15-in minimum length limit (MLL; 11 years), followed by a 12-in MLL (7 years) failed to restructure the Largemouth Bass population due to what we suggest was the expansion of a voluntary catch-and-release attitude that started in the first decade of the study period. Various population metrics shifted towards values expected in an unharvested population, and the observed shifts can be attributed to a harvest deficit created by the prevailing catch-and-release attitude. Largemouth Bass harvest regulations may no longer be relevant in many waters. The utility of regulations for restructuring Largemouth Bass populations is largely dependent on harvesting attitudes that vary geographically, depending on cultural characteristics and demographics.
Received September 15, 2016; accepted March 15, 2017 Published online May 4, 2017
Challenges and complexity of functionality evaluation of flavan-3-ol derivatives
Authors: Saito Akiko 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Flavan-3-ol derivatives are common plant-derived bioactive compounds. In particular, (–)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate shows various moderate biological activities without severe toxicity, and its health-promoting effects have been widely studied because it is a main ingredient in green tea and is commercially available at low cost. Although various biologically active flavan-3-ol derivatives are present as minor constituents in plants as well as in green tea, their biological activities have yet to be revealed, mainly due to their relative unavailability. Here, I outline the major factors contributing to the complexity of functionality studies of flavan-3-ol derivatives, including proanthocyanidins and oligomeric flavan-3-ols. I emphasize the importance of conducting structure-activity relationship studies using synthesized flavan-3-ol derivatives that are difficult to obtain from plant extracts in pure form to overcome this challenge. Further discovery of these minor constituents showing strong biological activities is expected to produce useful information for the development of functional health foods.
Inhibitory effects of 3α-hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-23, 28-dioic acid on lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, and the high mobility group box 1 release in macrophages
Authors: Liu Xiang-Qian , Zou Qin-Peng , Huang Jian-Jun , Yook Chang-Soo , Whang Wan-Kyunn , Lee Hyeong-Kyu , Kwon Ok-Kyoung 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of 3α-hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-23, 28-dioic acid (HLEDA)—a lupane-type triterpene isolated from leaves of Acanthopanax gracilistylus W. W.Smith (AGS), as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Our results demonstrated that HLEDA concentration-dependently reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), signiﬁcantly suppressed LPS-induced expression of TNF-α and IL-1β at the mRNA and protein levels in RAW264.7 cells. Further analysis revealed that HLEDA could reduce the secretion of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1). Additionally, the results showed that HLEDA efficiently decreased nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activation by inhibiting the degradation and phosphorylation of IκBα. These results suggest that HLEDA exerts anti-inflammatory properties in LPS-induced macrophages, possibly through inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which mediates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results warrant further studies that would concern candidate therapy for diseases, such as fulminant hepatitis and rheumatology of triterpenoids in AGS.