bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Serum Folate and Insulin Resistance among U.S. Nondiabetic Adults
Authors: Li Jinchao , Goh Charlene E. , Demmer Ryan T. , Whitcomb Brian W. , Du Peng , Liu Zhenhua 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRecent studies have suggested that epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Folate is a key source of the one-carbon group for DNA methylation, whereas the association and mechanistic linkage between folate status and insulin resistance remains unclear with very limited experimental support. We performed a cross-sectional study of 1530 nondiabetic adults in the 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We examined associations between serum folate and insulin resistance using multiple linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. We detected a significant inverse relationship for serum folate, where a 25% increase in serum folate was associated with a 3.06% (95% CI, −4.72, −1.37) and 2.77% (95% CI, −4.36, −1.77) decline in HOMA-IR and insulin respectively, and a 2.55% (95% CI, 0.93, 4.21) increase in G/I ratio. Our findings demonstrate that serum folate was inversely associated with insulin resistance in U.S. nondiabetic adults.
The ERK-1 function is required for HSV-1-mediated G1/S progression in HEP-2 cells and contributes to virus growth
Authors: Colao Ivana , Pennisi Rosamaria , Venuti Assunta , Nygårdas Michaela , Heikkilä Outi , Hukkanen Veijo , Sciortino Maria Teresa 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe herpes simplex virus 1 is able to readdress different cellular pathways including cell cycle to facilitate its replication and spread. During infection, the progression of the cell cycle from G1 to S phase makes the cellular replication machinery accessible to viral DNA replication. In this work we established that HSV-1, in asynchronized HEp-2 cells, strictly controls cell cycle progression increasing S-phase population from 9 hours post infection until the end of HSV-1 replication. The G1/S phases progression depends on two important proteins, cyclin E and CDK2. We demonstrate that their phosphorylated status and then their activity during the infection is strongly correlated to viral replication events. In addition, HSV-1 is able to recruit and distribute ERK1/2 proteins in a spatio-temporal fashion, highlighting its downstream regulatory effects on cellular processes. According with this data, using chemical inhibitor U0126 and ERK dominant negative cells we found that the lack of ERK1 activity affects cyclin E protein accumulation, viral gene transcription and percentage of the cells in S phase, during the viral replication. These data suggested a complex interaction between ERK, cell cycle progression and HSV-1 replication.
Simulative Global Warming Negatively Affects Cotton Fiber Length through Shortening Fiber Rapid Elongation Duration
Authors: Dai Yanjiao , Yang Jiashuo , Hu Wei , Zahoor Rizwan , Chen Binglin , Zhao Wenqing , Meng Yali , Zhou Zhiguo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractGlobal warming could possibly increase the air temperature by 1.8–4.0 °C in the coming decade. Cotton fiber is an essential raw material for the textile industry. Fiber length, which was found negatively related to the excessively high temperature, determines yarn quality to a great extent. To investigate the effects of global warming on cotton fiber length and its mechaism, cottons grown in artificially elevated temperature (34.6/30.5 °C, Tday/Tnight) and ambient temperature (31.6/27.3 °C) regions have been investigated. Becaused of the high sensitivities of enzymes V-ATPase, PEPC, and genes GhXTH1 and GhXTH2 during fiber elongation when responding to high temperature stress, the fiber rapid elongation duration (FRED) has been shortened, which led to a significant suppression on final fiber length. Through comprehensive analysis, Tnight had a great influence on fiber elongation, which means Tn could be deemed as an ideal index for forecasting the degree of high temperature stress would happen to cotton fiber property in future. Therefore, we speculate the global warming would bring unfavorable effects on cotton fiber length, which needs to take actions in advance for minimizing the loss in cotton production.
Outcome switching in randomized controlled oncology trials reporting on surrogate endpoints: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Falk Delgado Alberto , Falk Delgado Anna 
Published: August 2017

AbstractInconsistent reporting of clinical trials is well-known in the literature. Despite this, factors associated with poor practice such as outcome switching in clinical trials are poorly understood. We performed a cross-sectional analysis to evaluate the prevalence of, and the factors associated with outcome switching. PubMed and Embase were searched for pharmaceutical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in oncology reporting on a surrogate primary outcome published in 2015. Outcome switching was present in 18% (39/216). First-author male sex was significantly more likely associated with outcome switching compared to female sex with an OR of 3.05 (95% CI 1.07–8.64,p = 0.04) after multivariable adjustment. For-profit funded RCTs were less likely associated with outcome switching compared to non-profit funded research with an OR of 0.22 (95% CI 0.07–0.74,p = 0.01). First author male sex was more likely associated with outcome switching compared to female sex in drug oncology RCTs reporting on a primary surrogate endpoint. For-profit funded research was less likely associated with outcome switching compared to research funded by non-profit organizations. Furthermore, 18 percent of drug oncology trials reporting on a surrogate endpoint could have a higher risk of false positive results due to primary outcome switching.
Proteomic analysis of phytase transgenic and non-transgenic maize seeds
Authors: Tan Yanhua , Tong Zheng , Yang Qian , Sun Yong , Jin Xiang , Peng Cunzhi , Guo Anping , Wang Xuchu 
Published: August 2017

AbstractProteomics has become a powerful technique for investigating unintended effects in genetically modified crops. In this study, we performed a comparative proteomics of the seeds of phytase-transgenic (PT) and non-transgenic (NT) maize using 2-DE and iTRAQ techniques. A total of 148 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including 106 down-regulated and 42 up-regulated proteins in PT, were identified. Of these proteins, 32 were identified through 2-DE and 116 were generated by iTRAQ. It is noteworthy that only three proteins could be detected via both iTRAQ and 2-DE, and most of the identified DEPs were not newly produced proteins but proteins with altered abundance. These results indicated that many DEPs could be detected in the proteome of PT maize seeds and the corresponding wild type after overexpression of the target gene, but the changes in these proteins were not substantial. Functional classification revealed many DEPs involved in posttranscriptional modifications and some ribosomal proteins and heat-shock proteins that may generate adaptive effects in response to the insertion of exogenous genes. Protein-protein interaction analysis demonstrated that the detected interacting proteins were mainly ribosomal proteins and heat-shock proteins. Our data provided new information on such unintended effects through a proteomic analysis of maize seeds.
Development of a novel immunoassay to detect interactions with the transactivation domain of p53: application to screening of new drugs
Authors: Xiong Yufeng , Wu Yingsong , Luo Shuhong , Gao Yang , Xiong Yujing , Chen Daxiang , Deng Hao , Hao Wenbo , Liu Tiancai , Li Ming 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTumor protein p53 acts as a trans-activator that negatively regulates cell division by controlling a set of genes required for cell cycle regulation, making it a tumor suppressor in different types of tumors. Because the transcriptional activity of p53 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors, reactivation of p53 transcriptional activity has been sought as a novel cancer therapeutic strategy. There is great interest in developing high-throughput assays to identify inhibitors of molecules that bind the transcription-activation domain of p53, especially for wt p53-containing tumors. In the present study, taking MDM2 as an example, a novel amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay (AlphaLISA) was modified from a binding competition assay to detect the interactions between the transcription-activation domain of p53 and its ligands. This assay can be adapted as a high-throughput assay for screening new inhibitors. A panel of well-known p53-MDM2 binding inhibitors was used to validate this method, and demonstrated its utility, sensitivity and robustness. In summary, we have developed a novel protein-protein interaction detection immunoassay that can be used in a high-throughput format to screen new drug candidates for reactivation of p53. This assay has been successfully validated through a series of p53-MDM2 binding inhibitors.
Potential inhibitors designed against NDM-1 type metallo-β-lactamases: an attempt to enhance efficacies of antibiotics against multi-drug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Khan Asad U. , Ali Abid , Danishuddin  , Srivastava Gaurava , Sharma Ashok 
Published: August 2017

AbstractNDM-1 and its variants are the most prevalent types of metallo-β-lactamases, hydrolyze almost all antibiotics of β-lactam group leading to multiple-drug resistance in bacteria. No inhibitor has yet been obtained for NDM-1 or other class of metallo-β-lactamases. Therefore, strategies to identify novel anti-β-lactamase agents with specific mechanisms of action are the need of an hour. In this study, we have reported the discovery of novel non-β-lactam inhibitors against NDM-1 by multi-step virtual screening approach. The potential for virtually screened drugs was estimated through in vitro cell assays. Five chemical compounds were finally purchased and evaluated experimentally for their efficacies to inhibit NDM-1 producing bacterial cells, in vitro. The dissociation constants (Kd), association constant (Ka), stoichiometry (n) and binding energies (ΔG) of compounds with the respective targets were determined using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Molecular dynamic simulation carried out for 25 ns revealed that these complexes were stable throughout the simulation with relative RMSD in acceptable range. Moreover, Microbiological and kinetic studies further confirmed high efficacies of these inhibitors by reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and catalysis of antibiotics by β-lactamases in the presence of inhibitors. Therefore, we conclude that these potential inhibitors may be used as lead molecules for future drug candidates.
Short and Long-Term Outcomes After Surgical Procedures Lasting for More Than Six Hours
Authors: Cornellà Natalia , Sancho Joan , Sitges-Serra Antonio 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLong-term all-cause mortality and dependency after complex surgical procedures have not been assessed in the framework of value-based medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the postoperative and long-term outcomes after surgical procedures lasting for more than six hours. Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing a first elective complex surgical procedure between 2004 and 2013. Heart and transplant surgery was excluded. Mortality and dependency from the healthcare system were selected as outcome variables. Gender, age, ASA, creatinine, albumin kinetics, complications, benign vs malignant underlying condition, number of drugs at discharge, and admission and length of stay in the ICU were recorded as predictive variables. Some 620 adult patients were included in the study. Postoperative, <1year and <5years cumulative mortality was 6.8%, 17.6% and 45%, respectively. Of patients discharged from hospital after surgery, 76% remained dependent on the healthcare system. In multivariate analysis for postoperative, <1year and <5years mortality, postoperative albumin concentration, ASA score and an ICU stay >7days, were the most significant independent predictive variables. Prolonged surgery carries a significant short and long-term mortality and disability. These data may contribute to more informed decisions taken concerning major surgery in the framework of value-based medicine.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals the roles of ROS scavenging genes in response to cadmium in two pak choi cultivars
Authors: Yu Rugang , Tang Yunshu , Liu Caifeng , Du Xueling , Miao Chunmei , Shi Gangrong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTo identify key regulatory genes involved in ROS scavenging in response to cadmium (Cd) exposure in pak choi, eight cDNA libraries from Cd-treated and Cd-free roots of two cultivars, Baiyewuyueman (high Cd accumulator) and Kuishan’aijiaoheiye (low Cd accumulator), were firstly performed by RNA-sequencing. Totally 0.443 billion clean reads and 244,190 unigenes were obtained from eight transcriptome. About 797 and 1167 unigenes encoding ROS related proteins and transcription factors were identified. Of them, 11 and 16 ROS scavenging system related DEGs, and 29 and 15 transcription factors related DEGs were found in Baiyewuyueman and Kuishan’aijiaoheiye, respectively. Ten ROS-scavenging genes (Cu/Zn-SOD, GST1, PODs, TrxR2, PrxR, FER3 and NDPK) showed higher expression levels in Cd-exposed seedings of Baiyewuyueman than those of Kuishan’aijiaoheiye. Four genes (GPX, APX, GRX and GST3) specifically expressed in Cd-free roots of Kuishan’aijiaoheiye. For transcription factors, ERF12/13/22 and WRKY31 was up-regulated by Cd in Baiyewuyueman, while in Kuishan’aijiaoheiye, Cd induced down-regulations of bZIP, NAC and ZFP families. The results indicate that the two cultivars differed in the mechanism of ROS scavenging in response to Cd stress. Fe SOD1, POD A2/44/54/62 and GST1 may be responsible for the difference of Cd tolerance between Baiyewuyueman and Kuishan’aijiaoheiye.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A Chinese herbal formula, Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen
decoction, improves muscle atrophy via regulating mitochondrial quality control
process in 5/6 nephrectomised rats
Authors: Wang Dongtao , Chen Jianping , Liu Xinhui , Zheng Ping , Song Gaofeng , Yi Tiegang , Li Shunmin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMuscle atrophy is one of the serious complications of chronic kidney
disease (CKD). Dysregulation of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) process,
including decrease mitochondrial biogenesis, impair mitochondrial dynamics and
induce activation of mitophagy, play an important role in mediating muscle wasting.
This study aimed to observe effects of Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen (JPYS) decoction on muscle
atrophy in CKD rats and explore its possible mechanism on regulation of MQC
processes. The 5/6 nephrectomised rats were randomly allocated into 2 groups: CKD
group and JPYS group. Besides, a sham-operated rats as sham group. All rats were
treated for 6 weeks. Results showed that administration of JPYS decoction prevented
body weight loss, muscle loss, muscle fiber size decrease, muscle protein
degradation, and increased muscle protein systhesis. In addition, JPYS decoction
increased the mitochondrial content and biogenesis proteins, and down-regulated the
autophagy and mitophagy proteins. Furthermore, JPYS decoction increased
mitochondrial fusion proteins, while decreased mitochondrial fission proteins. In
conclusion, JPYS decoction increased mitochondrial content and biogenesis, restore
the balance between fission and fusion, and inhibited autophagy-lysosome pathway
(mitophagy). Collectively, our data showed that JPYS decoction to be beneficial to
muscle atrophy in CKD, which might be associated with the modulation of MQC
process.
In vivo photothermal optical coherence tomography of endogenous and exogenous contrast agents in the eye
Authors: Lapierre-Landry Maryse , Gordon Andrew Y. , Penn John S. , Skala Melissa C. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOptical coherence tomography (OCT) has become a standard-of-care in retinal imaging. OCT allows non-invasive imaging of the tissue structure but lacks specificity to contrast agents that could be used for in vivo molecular imaging. Photothermal OCT (PT-OCT) is a functional OCT-based technique that has been developed to detect absorbers in a sample. We demonstrate in vivo PT-OCT in the eye for the first time on both endogenous (melanin) and exogenous (gold nanorods) absorbers. Pigmented mice and albino mice (n = 6 eyes) were used to isolate the photothermal signal from the melanin in the retina. Pigmented mice with laser-induced choroidal neovascularization lesions (n = 7 eyes) were also imaged after a systemic injection of gold nanorods to observe their passive accumulation in the retina. This experiment demonstrates the feasibility of PT-OCT to image the distribution of both endogenous and exogenous absorbers in the mouse retina.
MicroRNA profile for health risk assessment: Environmental exposure to persistent organic pollutants strongly affects the human blood microRNA machinery
Authors: Krauskopf Julian , de Kok Theo M. , Hebels Dennie G. , Bergdahl Ingvar A. , Johansson Anders , Spaeth Florentin , Kiviranta Hannu , Rantakokko Panu , Kyrtopoulos Soterios A. , Kleinjans Jos C. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPersistent organic pollutants (POPs) are synthetic chemical substances that accumulate in our environment. POPs such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) have been classified as carcinogenic to humans and animals. Due to their resistance to biodegradation humans are still exposed to these compounds worldwide. We aim to evaluate the miRNA and transcriptomic response of a human population exposed to POPs. The miRNA and transcriptomic response was measured in blood of healthy subjects by microarray technology and associated with the serum concentrations of six PCB congeners, DDE (a common DDT metabolite), and HCB. A total of 93 miRNA levels appeared significantly associated with the POP-exposure (FDR < 0.05). The miRNA profile includes four tumor suppressor miRNAs, namely miR-193a-3p, miR-152, miR-31-5p and miR-34a-5p. Integration of the miRNA profile with the transcriptome profile suggests an interaction with oncogenes such asMYC,CCND1,BCL2andVEGFA. We have shown that exposure to POPs is associated with human miRNA and transcriptomic responses. The identified miRNAs and target genes are related to various types of cancer and involved in relevant signaling pathways like wnt and p53. Therefore, these miRNAs may have great potential to contribute to biomarker-based environmental health risk assessment.
Chemistry 2.0: Developing a New, Solvent-Free System of Chemical Synthesis Based on Mechanochemistry
Authors: Friščić Tomislav , Do Jean-Louis 
Published: August 2017

Mechanochemistry by grinding or milling has grown from a laboratory curiosity to a versatile approach for the synthesis and discovery of molecules, materials and reactivity. Focusing on organic synthesis and the chemistry of organic solids in general, we now provide a snapshot of this exciting, rapidly developing area, with the intention to illustrate its potential in establishing a more efficient and environmentally friendly system of chemical and materials synthesis, based on solid-state transformations rather than conventional, solution-dependent chemistry.1	What is Chemistry 2.0?2	Introduction2.1	Why Mechanochemistry Now?2.2	What’s in a Mechanochemistry Laboratory?3	Liquid-Assisted Grinding (LAG): Controlling Mechanochemistry4	The Solvent-Free Research Laboratory5	Medicinal Mechanochemistry6	Exploring Molecular Recognition7	Some Myths to Dispel8	Catalytic Reactions by Mechanochemistry8.1	Catalysis and Reactivity Involving Bulk Metals8.2	Enzyme Catalysis in Mechanochemistry8.3	Coupling of Mechanochemistry, Photochemistry and Supramolecular Catalysis9	Organometallic Mechanochemistry10	New Opportunities10.1	Stoichiometric Control10.2	‘Impossible’ Molecules10.3	Reaction Discovery by Mechanochemistry11	Energetics of Mechanochemistry12	Mechanistic Understanding13	Real-Time Reaction Monitoring14	Conclusions
Modular tissue engineering for the vascularization of subcutaneously transplanted pancreatic islets
Authors: Vlahos Alexander E. , Cober Nicholas , Sefton Michael V. 
Published: August 2017

Significance
In this study we show that pancreatic islets embedded in modules coated with endothelial cells and injected under the skin return streptozotocin-induced diabetic SCID/beige mice to normoglycemia. The transplanted islets became revascularized and directly integrated with host’s vasculature, a feature not seen previously in the subcutaneous space. These implants were also retrievable, an important clinical consideration. The success here means that islet transplantation can move away from inhospitable sites such as the peritoneal cavity or the liver.
論漢語方言的 m 聲母增生
Authors: Hsu Hui-chuan 
Published: August 2017

抽象
本文探討漢語方言的 m 聲母增生，初步發現音變的條件是零聲母逢韻頭 ü，音變的動機在於元音的固有鼻音性。中古各組聲母或多或少都有方言實證;換言之，聲母一旦歸零，只要逢 ü 便可順理成章增生 m。同時，ü 或留、或銷聲匿跡、或以別的面貌示人，端視個別方言如何因應唇音限制。除了個別轄字的方言材料，諧聲系列的北京話今讀也見證 m-增生的演變歷程。方言對比一目瞭然之外，本文進一步闡述舌根音唇化兼及塞音和鼻音，從規律平行性看，聲母歸零後先增生 ŋ，然後根據韻頭調整發音部位。三個理論貢獻包括：（一）明泥(娘)疑母恐怕只是語音演變的中繼站，（二）非組和見組關係匪淺，（三）效流攝本是合三韻。與其拘泥中古分類，不如正視方言今讀，依循橫向比較的內在邏輯，條分縷析地演繹語音的縱向發展。
Are similes and metaphors interchangeable?
Authors: Romano Manuela 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSince Aristotle, scholars have regarded similes and metaphors as equivalent figures of speech sharing very similar comprehension, interpretation and usage patterns. By analysing the use of similes in real discourse, the aim of this study is to show that these two analogical figures reflect different cognitive processes, as well as different discursive functions, using as a framework cognitive models. To this end, this work presents, first, the main differentiating features of the two figures existing in the literature. And, second, it analyses 100 natural-occurring similes in English opinion discourse (news, interviews and commentary sections) in order to explain the conceptual-semantic and formal-syntactic factors which explain why similes and metaphors are not interchangeable in the discourse type under study; that is, why metaphors can usually be transformed into similes by addinglike, whereas the opposite process seems to depend on specific conditions of structure, use and interpretation.
Figures and the senses
Authors: Strik Lievers Francesca 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIt is usually taken for granted that synaesthesia (e.g.,sweet voice) is a metaphor. However, the fact that partly different interpretations have also been proposed suggests that further research is needed. Based on a critical review of the alternative positions on the topic and on a detailed analysis of relevant data, I argue in this paper that synaesthesia (in both its conventional and living instances) is indeed a metaphor, displaying a conflict between separate sensory concepts that cannot be connected in terms of a consistent conceptual relationship. The clearer and more explicit account of synaesthesia proposed in this paper in turn fosters clearer understanding of (a) the relationship with other figures that can involve the senses, such as metonymy, hypallage, and simile, and (b) the possible role of (multi)sensory perceptual experience in conditioning association preferences in linguistic synaesthesia (e.g.,loud colourvs. a less likely to occurcoloured loudness).