bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synaptic proteins in CSF relate to Parkinson’s disease stage markers
Authors: Bereczki Erika , Bogstedt Anna , Höglund Kina , Tsitsi Panagiota , Brodin Lovisa , Ballard Clive , Svenningsson Per , Aarsland Dag 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRecent findings of morphological and functional changes in Parkinson’s disease brains have shown altered synapse formation, but their role in cognitive decline is still an area under exploration. Here we measured the concentration of three key synaptic proteins, Rab3A, SNAP25 and neurogranin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in cerebrospinal fluid from a total of 139 participants (87 controls and 52 Parkinson’s disease patients out of which 30 were drug-naïve) and explored their associations with motor and cognitive symptoms. Associations with motor disease stage (assessed by Hoehn and Yahr scale) and cognitive performance (assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores) were explored. An overall increase in the concentration of SNAP25 was found in Parkinson’s disease patients (p = 0.032). Increased neurogranin levels were found in the drug naïve patients subgroup (p = 0.023). Significant associations were observed between increased concentration of neurogranin and cognitive impairment in total Parkinson’s disease group (p = 0.017), as well as in the drug naïve (p = 0.021) and with motor disease stage (p = 0.041). There were no significant disease-driven changes observed in the concentration of Rab3a. Concentrations SNAP25 and neurogranin were increased in cerebrospinal fluid of Parkinson’s disease patients in a disease specific manner and related to cognitive and motor symptom severity. Future longitudinal studies should explore whether cerebrospinal fluid synaptic proteins can predict cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease.
High resolution global gridded data for use in population studies
Authors: Lloyd Christopher T. , Sorichetta Alessandro , Tatem Andrew J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRecent years have seen substantial growth in openly available satellite and other geospatial data layers, which represent a range of metrics relevant to global human population mapping at fine spatial scales. The specifications of such data differ widely and therefore the harmonisation of data layers is a prerequisite to constructing detailed and contemporary spatial datasets which accurately describe population distributions. Such datasets are vital to measure impacts of population growth, monitor change, and plan interventions. To this end the WorldPop Project has produced an open access archive of 3 and 30 arc-second resolution gridded data. Four tiled raster datasets form the basis of the archive: (i) Viewfinder Panoramas topography clipped to Global ADMinistrative area (GADM) coastlines; (ii) a matching ISO 3166 country identification grid; (iii) country area; (iv) and slope layer. Further layers include transport networks, landcover, nightlights, precipitation, travel time to major cities, and waterways. Datasets and production methodology are here described. The archive can be downloaded both from the WorldPop Dataverse Repository and the WorldPop Project website.
WorldPop, open data for spatial demography
Authors: Tatem Andrew J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHigh resolution, contemporary data on human population distributions, their characteristics and changes over time are a prerequisite for the accurate measurement of the impacts of population growth, for monitoring changes and for planning interventions. WorldPop aims to meet these needs through the provision of detailed and open access spatial demographic datasets built using transparent approaches. The Scientific Data WorldPop collection brings together descriptor papers on these datasets and is introduced here.
Bacterial translocation aggravates CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis by regulating CD4+ T cells in rats
Authors: Shi Haiyan , Lv Longxian , Cao Hongcui , Lu Haifeng , Zhou Ning , Yang Jiezuan , Jiang Haiyin , Dong Huihui , Hu Xinjun , Yu Wei , Jiang Xiawei , Zheng Beiwen , Li Lanjuan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBacterial translocation (BT) is thought to play an important role in the development of liver cirrhosis, but the mechanisms have not been fully explored. This study aims to investigate the distribution of Treg (CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+), Th17 (CD3+CD4+IL-17+), and Th1 (CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+) cells in the intestinal lamina propria, liver and blood and to explore their relationships with BT. Cirrhotic rats with ascites were induced by CCl4. We found that there were lower levels of total protein and albumin, lower albumin/globulin ratio, lower body weight and higher spleen weight and ascites volume in cirrhotic rats with than without BT. We found that BT may cause increase of Treg cells in the proximal small intestine and decrease of Th17 cells in the whole intestine and blood in cirrhotic rats. It may also aggravate the CCl4-induced decrease in Th1 cells in the whole intestine, liver, caecum, and blood and the CCl4-induced increase in Th17 cells in the liver and Tregs in the distal small intestine, colon, and liver. Our data suggest that BT may aggravate liver injury and decrease liver function via an interaction with CD4+ T Cells. The results of this study may be helpful for the development of new treatments for liver cirrhosis.
Expression and function of NKp46 W32R: the human homologous protein of mouse NKp46 W32R (Noé)
Authors: Glasner Ariella , Isaacson Batya , Mandelboim Ofer 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells eradicate infected cells and tumors following the triggering of activating receptors, like the Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs), which include NKp30, NKp44 and NKp46. NKp46 is the only NCR expressed in mice (mNKp46), and except for some Innate Lymphoid Cell (ILC) populations (ILC1/3 subsets), its expression is restricted to NK cells. Previously, a mouse named Noé was generated in which a random point mutation (W32R) impaired the cell surface expression of mNKp46. Interestingly, the Noé mice NK cells expressed twice as much of the transcription factor Helios, and displayed general non-NKp46 specific hyperactivity. We recently showed that the mNKp46 W32R (Noé) protein was expressed on the surface of various cells; albeit slowly and unstably, that it is aberrantly glycosylated and accumulates in the ER. Interestingly, the Tryptophan (Trp) residue in position 32 is conserved between humans and mice. Therefore, we studied here the human orthologue protein of mNKp46 W32R, the human NKp46 W32R. We demonstrated that NKp46 W32R is aberrantly glycosylated, accumulates in the ER, and is unstable on the cell surface. Furthermore, we showed that overexpression of NKp46 W32R or Helios resulted in augmented NK cell activation, which may be applied to boost NK activity for therapeutic applications.
Establishment and application of a novel isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of chloroquine resistance (K76T) in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Chahar Madhvi , Mishra Neelima , Anvikar Anup , Dixit Rajnikant , Valecha Neena 
Published: January 2017

AbstractChloroquine (CQ) resistance inPlasmodium falciparumis determined by the mutations in the chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt) gene. The point mutation at codon 76 (K76T), which has been observed in more than 91% ofP. falciparumisolates in India, is the major determinant of CQ resistance. To overcome the limitations and challenges of traditional methods, in this investigation we developed an easy to use loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) protocol for rapid detection of the K76T mutation associated with CQ resistance inP. falciparumwith naked eye visualization. In- house designed primers were synthesized and optimized to specifically distinguish the CQ resistant mutants ofP. falciparum.The LAMP reaction was optimal at 61 °C for 60 min and calcein dye was added prior to amplification to enable visual detection. We demonstrate the detection limit of <2 ng/μl respectively, supporting the high sensitivity of this calcein based LAMP method. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on the establishment of an easy, reliable and cost effective LAMP assay for rapid and specific detection of highly CQ resistance inP. falciparummalaria.
Efficient Adhesion Culture of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Laminin Fragments in an Uncoated Manner
Authors: Miyazaki Takamichi , Isobe Takehisa , Nakatsuji Norio , Suemori Hirofumi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe describe highly effective adhesion culture of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) using laminin fragments without precoating. Culture substrates have been generally thought to exert a cell adhesion effect when they are precoated onto culture vessels. However, simple addition of laminin fragments to a cell suspension during passaging accelerated the adhesion of single dissociated hPSCs onto culture vessels that were not precoated with any culture substrate. Interestingly, similar to conventional precoating, the uncoated addition of laminin fragments supported robust adhesion of single hPSCs and maximum adhesion at a much lower concentration compared with precoating. Similar to precoating laminin fragments, hPSCs seeded with uncoated laminin fragments grew well without cell detachment and maintained pluripotency after continuous subculture. We tested other culture substrates, including full-length laminin and vitronectin, to support hPSC adhesion in the uncoated manner, but only laminin fragments had the potential for application in the uncoated manner. This cost-effective and time-efficient method may contribute to expansion of culture of hPSCs and accelerate the development of regenerative medicine using hPSCs.
SWATH label-free proteomics analyses revealed the roles of oxidative stress and antioxidant defensing system in sclerotia formation of Polyporus umbellatus
Authors: Li Bing , Tian Xiaofang , Wang Chunlan , Zeng Xu , Xing Yongmei , Ling Hong , Yin Wanqiang , Tian Lixia , Meng Zhixia , Zhang Jihui , Guo Shunxing 
Published: January 2017

AbstractUnderstanding the initiation and maturing mechanisms is important for rational manipulating sclerotia differentiation and growth from hypha of Polyporus umbellatus. Proteomes in P. umbellatus sclerotia and hyphae at initial, developmental and mature phases were studied. 1391 proteins were identified by nano-liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in Data Dependant Acquisition mode, and 1234 proteins were quantified successfully by Sequential Window Acquisition of all THeoretical fragment ion spectra-MS (SWATH-MS) technology. There were 347 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in sclerotia at initial phase compared with those in hypha, and the DEP profiles were dynamically changing with sclerotia growth. Oxidative stress (OS) in sclerotia at initial phase was indicated by the repressed proteins of respiratory chain, tricarboxylic acid cycle and the activation of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways were determined based on DEPs. The impact of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis on sclerotium induction was further verified by glycerol addition assays, in which 5% glycerol significantly increased sclerotial differentiation rate and biomass. It can be speculated that OS played essential roles in triggering sclerotia differentiation from hypha of P. umbellatus, whereas antioxidant activity associated with glycolysis is critical for sclerotia growth. These findings reveal a mechanism for sclerotial differentiation in P. umbellatus, which may also be applicable for other fungi.
Candida albicans stimulates Streptococcus mutans microcolony development via cross-kingdom biofilm-derived metabolites
Authors: Kim Dongyeop , Sengupta Arjun , Niepa Tagbo H. R. , Lee Byung-Hoo , Weljie Aalim , Freitas-Blanco Veronica S. , Murata Ramiro M. , Stebe Kathleen J. , Lee Daeyeon , Koo Hyun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCandida albicans is frequently detected with heavy infection of Streptococcus mutans in plaque-biofilms from children affected with early-childhood caries, a prevalent and costly oral disease. The presence of C. albicans enhances S. mutans growth within biofilms, yet the chemical interactions associated with bacterial accumulation remain unclear. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate how microbial products from this cross-kingdom association modulate S. mutans build-up in biofilms. Our data revealed that bacterial-fungal derived conditioned medium (BF-CM) significantly increased the growth of S. mutans and altered biofilm 3D-architecture in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in enlarged and densely packed bacterial cell-clusters (microcolonies). Intriguingly, BF-CM induced S. mutans gtfBC expression (responsible for Gtf exoenzymes production), enhancing Gtf activity essential for microcolony development. Using a recently developed nanoculture system, the data demonstrated simultaneous microcolony growth and gtfB activation in situ by BF-CM. Further metabolites/chromatographic analyses of BF-CM revealed elevated amounts of formate and the presence of Candida-derived farnesol, which is commonly known to exhibit antibacterial activity. Unexpectedly, at the levels detected (25–50 μM), farnesol enhanced S. mutans-biofilm cell growth, microcolony development, and Gtf activity akin to BF-CM bioactivity. Altogether, the data provide new insights on how extracellular microbial products from cross-kingdom interactions stimulate the accumulation of a bacterial pathogen within biofilms.
Ultrafiltration membrane for effective removal of chromium ions from potable water
Authors: Muthumareeswaran M. R. , Alhoshan Mansour , Agarwal Gopal Prasad 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe objective of the present work was to investigate the efficacy of indigenously developed polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based ultrafiltration (UF) membrane for chromium ions removal from potable water. The hydrolyzed PAN membranes effectively rejected chromium anions in the feed ranging from 250 ppb to 400 ppm and a rejection of ≥90% was achieved for pH ≥ 7 at low chromate concentration (≤25 ppm) in feed. The rejection mechanism of chromium ions was strongly dependent on Donnan exclusion principle, while size exclusion principle for UF did not play a major role on ions rejection. Feed pH played a vital role in changing porosity of membrane, which influenced the retention behavior of chromate ions. Cross-flow velocity, pressure did not play significant role for ions rejection at low feed concentration. However, at higher feed concentration (≥400 ppm), concentration polarization became important and it reduced the chromate rejection to 32% at low cross flow and high pressure. Donnan steric-partitioning pore and dielectric exclusion model (DSPM-DE) was applied to evaluate the chromate ions transport through PAN UF membrane as a function of flux by using optimized model parameters and the simulated data matched well with experimental results.
Aqueous extract of Polygonum bistorta modulates proteostasis by ROS-induced ER stress in human hepatoma cells
Authors: Liu Yu-Huei , Weng Yui-Ping , Lin Hsuan-Yuan , Tang Sai-Wen , Chen Chao-Jung , Liang Chi-Jung , Ku Chung-Yu , Lin Jung-Yaw 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the leading cause of cancer mortality with limited therapeutic targets. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a pivotal role in maintaining proteostasis in normal cells. However, alterations in proteostasis are often found in cancer cells, making it a potential target for therapy. Polygonum bistorta is used in traditional Chinese medicine owing to its anticancer activities, but the molecular and pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. Using hepatoma cells as a model system, this study demonstrated that P. bistorta aqueous extract (PB) stimulated ER stress by increasing autophagosomes but by blocking degradation, followed by the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and cell apoptosis. In addition, an autophagy inhibitor did not enhance ubiquitinated protein accumulation whereas a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger diminished both ubiquitinated protein accumulation and ligand-stimulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, suggesting that ROS generation by PB may be upstream of PB-triggered cell death. Nevertheless, PB-exerted proteostasis impairment resulted in cytoskeletal changes, impairment of cell adhesion and motility, and inhibition of cell cycle progression. Oral administration of PB delayed tumour growth in a xenograft model without significant body weight loss. These findings indicate that PB may be a potential new alternative or complementary medicine for HCC.
Chaoticons described by nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Zhong Lanhua , Li Yuqi , Chen Yong , Hong Weiyi , Hu Wei , Guo Qi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIt is shown that the unstable evolutions of the Hermite-Gauss-type stationary solutions for the nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the exponential-decay response function can evolve into chaotic states. This new kind of entities are referred to as chaoticons because they exhibit not only chaotic properties (with positive Lyapunov exponents and spatial decoherence) but also soliton-like properties (with invariant statistic width and interaction of quasi-elastic collisions).
Signal mingle: Micropatterns of BMP-2 and fibronectin on soft biopolymeric films regulate myoblast shape and SMAD signaling
Authors: Fitzpatrick Vincent , Fourel Laure , Destaing Olivier , Gilde Flora , Albigès-Rizo Corinne , Picart Catherine , Boudou Thomas 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn vivo, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) exists both in solution and bound to the extracellular matrix (ECM). While these two modes of presentation are known to influence cell behavior distinctly, their role in the niche microenvironment and their functional relevance in the genesis of a biological response has sparsely been investigated at a cellular level. Here we used the natural affinity of BMP-2 for fibronectin (FN) to engineer cell-sized micropatterns of BMP-2. This technique allowed the simultaneous control of the spatial presentation of fibronectin-bound BMP-2 and cell spreading. These micropatterns induced a specific actin and adhesion organization around the nucleus, and triggered the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of SMAD1/5/8 in C2C12 myoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells, an early indicator of their osteoblastic trans-differentiation. We found that cell spreading itself potentiated a BMP-2-dependent phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8. Finally, we demonstrated that FN/BMP-2-mediated early SMAD signaling depended on LIM kinase 2 and ROCK, rather than myosin II activation. Altogether, our results show that FN/BMP-2 micropatterns are a useful tool to study the mechanisms underlying BMP-2-mediated mechanotransduction. More broadly, our approach could be adapted to other combinations of ECM proteins and growth factors, opening an exciting avenue to recreate tissue-specific niches in vitro.
CD133+ cancer stem cells promoted by VEGF accelerate the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Kai , Hao Meijun , Ouyang Yabo , Zheng Jiasheng , Chen Dexi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in inducing the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) remains unclear. Here, we found that a dramatic increase in plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and an induction of local CD133+ CSCs are associated with early HCC recurrence, suggesting that VEGF expression and tumour stemness contribute to the relapse. In vitro studies demonstrated that VEGF, via activation of VEGFR2, increased the number of CD133+ CSCs and enhanced their capacity for self-renewal by inducing the expression of Nanog. In vivo studies further demonstrated that VEGF-treated CD133+ CSCs formed tumours larger than those developing from unstimulated cells and VEGF pre-treatment increased the tumorigenic cell frequency of primary HCC cells dependently on the presence of Nanog and VEGFR2. In HCC tissue derived from patients with early recurrence, almost all CD133+ cells were Nanog and p-VEGFR2 positive, suggesting that activation of VEGFR2 is critical for RFA-induced tumour stemness in HCC. In summary, RFA-induced VEGF promotes tumour stemness and accelerates tumourigenesis in HCC in a manner dependent on Nanog and VEGFR2, which is valuable for the prediction of HCC recurrence after RFA and the development of novel therapeutics.
Carotid Intima-media Thickness and its Association with Conventional Risk Factors in Low-income Adults: A Population-based Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Liu Bin , Ni Jingxian , Shi Min , Bai Lingling , Zhan Changqing , Lu Hongyan , Wu Yanan , Tu Jun , Ning Xianjia , Hao Junwei , Wang Jinghua 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCarotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an established predictor of cardiovascular disease and stroke. However, risk factors associated with CIMT remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to identify factors associated with CIMT in a low-income Chinese population. Stroke-free and cardiovascular disease-free residents aged ≥45 years were recruited. B-mode ultrasonography was performed to measure CIMT. The mean age of participants (n = 3789) was 59.92 years overall, 61.13 years in men, and 59.07 years in women (P < 0.001). Male sex, older age, low education level, smoking, hypertension, and high systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were independent determinants of mean CIMT. Mean CIMT was higher by 18.07 × 10−3 mm in hypertensive compared to normotensive participants (P < 0.001), by 19.03 × 10−3 mm in men compared to women (P < 0.001), and by 9.82 × 10−3 mm in smokers compared to never smokers (P < 0.001). However, mean CIMT decreased by 1.07, 0.37, and 2.36 × 10−3 mm per 1-unit increase in education level, diastolic blood pressure, and triglycerides, respectively. It is important to manage conventional risk factors in low-income populations to decrease stroke incidence.
DOE Optimization of Nano-based Carrier of Pregabalin as Hydrogel: New Therapeutic & Chemometric Approaches for Controlled Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Arafa Mona G. , Ayoub Bassam M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNiosomes entrapping pregabalin (PG) were prepared using span 60 and cholesterol in different molar ratios by hydration method, the remaining PG from the hydrating solution was separated from vesicles by freeze centrifugation. Optimization of nano-based carrier of pregabalin (PG) was achieved. Quality by Design strategy was successfully employed to obtain PG-loaded niosomes with the desired properties. The optimal particle size, drug release and entrapment efficiency were attained by Minitab® program using design of experiment (DOE) that predicted the best parameters by investigating the combined effect of different factors simultaneously. Pareto chart was used in the screening step to exclude the insignificant variables while response surface methodology (RSM) was used in the optimization step to study the significant factors. Best formula was selected to prepare topical hydrogels loaded with niosomal PG using HPMC and Carbopol 934. It was verified, by means of mechanical and rheological tests, that addition of the vesicles to the gel matrix affected significantly gel network. In vitro release and ex vivo permeation experiments were carried out. Delivery of PG molecules followed a Higuchi, non Fickian diffusion. The present work will be of interest for pharmaceutical industry as a controlled transdermal alternative to the conventional oral route.