bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Berberine produces antidepressant-like effects in ovariectomized mice
Authors: Fan Jie , Li Bingjin , Ge Tongtong , Zhang Zhuo , Lv Jiayin , Zhao Jing , Wang Pu , Liu Wei , Wang Xuefeng , Mlyniec Katarzyna , Cui Ranji 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBerberine has been reports to have antidepressant-like effects. However, it is seldom known whether berberine produces antidepressant-like effects in ovariectomized mice, which exhibit depressive-like responses. To examine the antidepressant-like effects of berberine in ovariectomized mice, behavioral tests were conducted, including the forced swimming test and the open field test. To elucidate the mechanisms, levels of BDNF, phosphorylated CREB and phosphorylated eEF2 were analyzed by western blotting, and c-Fos induction was examined by immunohistochemistry. In the forced swimming test, berberine decreased the immobility time in a dose-dependent manner, reversing the depressive-like effect observed in ovariectomized mice, and this effect was blocked by the 5-HT2 antagonist ketanserin. In addition, western blotting indicated that BDNF and peEF2 in the hippocampus, but not pCREB/CREB in the frontal cortex, were affected by berberine treatment. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the reduction in c-Fos induced by ovariectomy were greater after berberine treatment. Ketanserin also antagonized the effect of berberine on the c-Fos expression. Our findings suggest that berberine exerts antidepressant-like effects in ovariectomized mice, and 5-HT2 receptor activation may be partially related to the antidepressant-like effects of the berberine by BDNF-CREB and eEF2 pathways.
Large spin Hall angle in vanadium film
Authors: Wang T. , Wang W. , Xie Y. , Warsi M. A. , Wu J. , Chen Y. , Lorenz V. O. , Fan X. , Xiao J. Q. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe report a large spin Hall angle observed in vanadium films sputter-grown at room temperature, which have small grain size and consist of a mixture of body centered tetragonal (bct) and body centered cubic (bcc) structures. The spin Hall angle is as large as θ
V
= −0.071 ± 0.003, comparable to that of platinum, θ
Pt
= 0.076 ± 0.007, and is much larger than that of bcc V film grown at 400 °C, θ
V_bcc
= −0.012 ± 0.002. Similar to β-tantalum and β-tungsten, the sputter-grown V films also have a high resistivity of more than 200 μΩ∙cm. Surprisingly, the spin diffusion length is still long at 16.3 nm. This finding not only indicates that specific crystalline structure can lead to a large spin Hall effect but also suggests 3d light metals should not be ruled out in the search for materials with large spin Hall angle.
Defeating Bacterial Resistance and Preventing Mammalian Cells Toxicity Through Rational Design of Antibiotic-Functionalized Nanoparticles
Authors: de Oliveira Jessica Fernanda Affonso , Saito Ângela , Bido Ariadne Tuckmantel , Kobarg Jörg , Stassen Hubert Karl , Cardoso Mateus Borba 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe rational synthesis of alternative materials is highly demanding due to the outbreak of infectious diseases and resistance to antibiotics. Herein, we report a tailored nanoantibiotic synthesis protocol where the antibiotic binding was optimized on the silver-silica core-shell nanoparticles surface to maximize biological responses. The obtained silver nanoparticles coated with mesoporous silica functionalized with ampicillin presented remarkable antimicrobial effects against susceptible and antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli. In addition, these structures were not cell-death inducers and different steps of the mitotic cell cycle (prophase, anaphase and metaphase) were clearly identified. The superior biological results were attributed to a proper and tailored synthesis strategy.
NMR-based metabolomics for simultaneously evaluating multiple determinants of primary beef quality in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Kodani Yoshinori , Miyakawa Takuya , Komatsu Tomohiko , Tanokura Masaru 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAnalytical methodologies to comprehensively evaluate beef quality are increasingly needed to accelerate improvement in both breeding and post-mortem processing. Consumer palatability towards beef is generally attributed to tenderness, flavor, and/or juiciness. These primary qualities are modified by post-mortem aging and the crude content and fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat. In this study, we report a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolic profiles of Japanese Black cattle to evaluate the compositional attributes of intramuscular fat and the long-term post-mortem aging. The unsaturation degree of triacylglycerol was estimated by the1H NMR spectra and was correlated with the content ratio of unsaturated fatty acids (R2 = 0.944) and the melting point of intramuscular fat (R2 = 0.871). NMR-detected profiles of water-soluble metabolites revealed overall metabolic change (R2 = 0.951) and several metabolites (R2 > 0.818) linearly correlated with long-term aging duration, which can be used to evaluate the aging rate and aging duration of beef. This approach also provided the pH profile during aging, which is related to the water-holding capacity of beef. Thus, NMR-based metabolomics has the potential to evaluate multiple parameters related to the beef qualities of Japanese Black cattle.
On the initiation of lightning in thunderclouds
Authors: Chilingarian Ashot , Chilingaryan Suren , Karapetyan Tigran , Kozliner Lev , Khanikyants Yeghia , Hovsepyan Gagik , Pokhsraryan David , Soghomonyan Suren 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe relationship of lightning and elementary particle fluxes in the thunderclouds is not fully understood to date. Using the particle beams (the so-called Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements – TGEs) as a probe we investigate the characteristics of the interrelated atmospheric processes. The well-known effect of the TGE dynamics is the abrupt termination of the particle flux by the lightning flash. With new precise electronics, we can see that particle flux decline occurred simultaneously with the rearranging of the charge centers in the cloud. The analysis of the TGE energy spectra before and after the lightning demonstrates that the high-energy part of the TGE energy spectra disappeared just after lightning. The decline of particle flux coincides on millisecond time scale with first atmospheric discharges and we can conclude that Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanches (RREA) in the thundercloud assist initiation of the negative cloud to ground lightning. Thus, RREA can provide enough ionization to play a significant role in the unleashing of the lightning flash.
Effect of spatio-temporal shifts in salinity combined with other environmental variables on the ecological processes provided by Zostera noltei meadows
Authors: Sousa Ana I. , Calado Ricardo , Cleary Daniel F. R. , Nunes Cláudia , Coimbra Manuel A. , Serôdio João , Lillebø Ana I. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe present study aims to assess the plastic response of Zostera noltei meadows traits under spatio-temporal shifts in salinity combined with sediment environmental variables (temperature; pH; loss-on-ignition (LOI); carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools (top 5 cm)). Z. noltei biomass, C and N pools, leaf photosynthetic performance and esterified fatty acid (FA) profile were assessed within a temperate coastal lagoon during winter and late spring, along sites spatially distributed. None of the surveyed traits for Z. noltei displayed a clear spatial trend. Z. noltei proved to be euryhaline, whose biology was only slightly affected within this salinity range, in each season (14–39 in winter; 33–41 in late spring). Seasonal differences in salinity and environmental parameters explain the differences recorded in Z. noltei traits (aboveground biomass, N and C pools; photosynthetic performance). Spatio-temporal salinity shifts did not significantly affect the pool of FA present in Z. noltei. Overall, within the salinity range surveyed, the ecological processes studied and regulating Z. noltei meadows do not appear to be at risk. This work reinforces the plasticity of Z. noltei to salinity shifts within the studied range, with this finding being particularly relevant in the context of extreme weather events (e.g., winter freshwater floods, summer droughts).
Development ﻿﻿of﻿ ﻿﻿a facescan 3D facial reconstruction technology method for quantitative evaluation of cheilitis granulomatosa
Authors: Mu Chang-Qing , Wang Shi-Qin , Liu Yang , Li Chun-Lei , Hu Xiao-Sheng , Hua Hong 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe explored the applicability of Facescan three-dimensional (3D) facial reconstruction technology for adjunctive diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of cheilitis granulomatosa (CG) in 33 patients with CG and 29 healthy controls at the Dept. of Oral Medicine, Peking University, School and Hospital of Stomatology (PKUSS), from January 2015 to May 2016. The Facescan structured-light 3D facial reconstruction scanner was used to scan the scope of lips in both groups, in order to acquire 3D morphological data of the lips. The lengths of six characteristic line segments were measured from the 3D lip model of the two groups, and the acquired data were compared. The results showed that the distance between the labiale superius and labiale inferius, and the lengths of the upper and lower vermilion borders showed significant differences between the CG and control groups, by using the 3D lip model. Thus, Facescan 3D facial reconstruction technology showed good reproducibility in the evaluation of lip swelling in CG patients, and it can be used to analyse the degree of lip swelling and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of different treatments for CG.
Hypertension reduces soluble guanylyl cyclase expression in the mouse aorta via the Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Rippe Catarina , Zhu Baoyi , Krawczyk Katarzyna K. , Bavel Ed. Van , Albinsson Sebastian , Sjölund Jonas , Bakker Erik N. T. P. , Swärd Karl 
Published: April 2017

AbstractHypertension is a dominating risk factor for cardiovascular disease. To characterize the genomic response to hypertension, we administered vehicle or angiotensin II to mice and performed gene expression analyses. AngII treatment resulted in a robust increase in blood pressure and altered expression of 235 genes in the aorta, including Gucy1a3 and Gucy1b3 which encode subunits of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry confirmed repression of sGC associated with curtailed relaxation via sGC activation. Analysis of transcription factor binding motifs in promoters of differentially expressed genes identified enrichment of motifs for RBPJ, a component of the Notch signaling pathway, and the Notch coactivators FRYL and MAML2 were reduced. Gain and loss of function experiments demonstrated that JAG/NOTCH signaling controls sGC expression together with MAML2 and FRYL. Reduced expression of sGC, correlating with differential expression of MAML2, in stroke prone and spontaneously hypertensive rats was also seen, and RNA-Seq data demonstrated correlations between JAG1, NOTCH3, MAML2 and FRYL and the sGC subunits GUCY1A3 and GUCY1B3 in human coronary artery. Notch signaling thus provides a constitutive drive on expression of the major nitric oxide receptor (GUCY1A3/GUCY1B3) in arteries from mice, rats, and humans, and this control mechanism is disturbed in hypertension.
Retro-inverso Urokinase Receptor Antagonists for the Treatment of Metastatic Sarcomas
Authors: Carriero Maria Vincenza , Bifulco Katia , Ingangi Vincenzo , Costantini Susan , Botti Giovanni , Ragone Concetta , Minopoli Michele , Motti Maria Letizia , Rea Domenica , Scognamiglio Giosuè , Botti Gerardo , Arra Claudio , Ciliberto Gennaro , Pessi Antonello 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe development of metastases is a multistep process that requires the activation of physiological and biochemical processes that govern migration, invasion and entry of metastatic cells into blood vessels. The urokinase receptor (uPAR) promotes cell migration by interacting with the Formyl Peptide Receptors (FPRs). Since both uPAR and FPR1 are involved in tumor progression, the uPAR-FPR1 interaction is an attractive therapeutic target. We previously described peptide antagonists of the uPAR-FPR1 interaction that inhibited cell migration and angiogenesis. To develop enzyme-resistant analogues, we applied here the Retro-Inverso (RI) approach, whereby the topology of the side chains is maintained by inverting the sequence of the peptide and the chirality of all residues. Molecular dynamics suggests that peptide RI-3 adopts the turn structure typical of uPAR-FPR1 antagonists. Accordingly, RI-3 is a nanomolar competitor of N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe for binding to FPR1 and inhibits migration, invasion, trans-endothelial migration of sarcoma cells and VEGF-triggered endothelial tube formation. When sarcoma cells were subcutaneously injected in nude mice, tumor size, intra-tumoral microvessel density, circulating tumor cells and pulmonary metastases were significantly reduced in animals treated daily with 6 mg/Kg RI-3 as compared to animals treated with vehicle only. Thus, RI-3 represents a promising lead for anti-metastatic drugs.
Estrogen deficiency accelerates lumbar facet joints arthritis
Authors: Chen Hao , Zhu Hai , Zhang Kai , Chen Kangwu , Yang Huilin 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDramatic increase in the prevalence of lumbar facet joint (LFJ) arthritis in women around the age of menopause indicates a protective role for estrogen in LFJ arthritis. To date, there is no evidence for this indication and the mechanism of such an effect remains poorly understood. In this study, ovariectomized (OVX) mice were used to mimic the estrogen-deficient status of post-menopausal women. Micro-CT and immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the morphological and molecular changes in ovariectomy-induced LFJ arthritis. The results show that the LFJ subchondral bone mass was significantly decreased in OVX mice, with increased cavities on the interface of the subchondral bone. Severe cartilage degradation was observed in ovariectomy-induced LFJ arthritis. Increased blood vessels and innervations were also found in degenerated LFJ, particularly in the subchondral bone area. 17β-Estradiol treatment efficiently suppressed LFJ subchondral bone turnover, markedly inhibited cartilage degradation, and increased blood vessel and nerve ending growth in degenerated LFJ in OVX mice. Our study reveals that estrogen is a key factor in regulating LFJ metabolism. Severe LFJ degeneration occurs when estrogen is absent in vivo. Collapsed subchondral bone may be the initiation of this process, and estrogen replacement therapy can effectively prevent degeneration of LFJ under estrogen-deficient conditions.
Analysis of biofilm bacterial communities under different shear stresses using size-fractionated sediment
Authors: Fang Hongwei , Chen Yishan , Huang Lei , He Guojian 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMicroorganisms are ubiquitous in aqueous environments and are crucial for biogeochemical processes, but their community structures and functions remain poorly understood. In this paper, a rotating reactor was designed to study the effects of substrata and flow conditions on sediment bacterial communities using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, assaying three groups of size-fractionated sediments and three different levels of applied shear stress. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla of the microbial communities, with more anaerobic bacteria and opportunistic pathogens being detected under static water conditions, while more aerobic bacteria were detected under dynamic water flow conditions. Most of the top 10 genera were present in all the samples; however, there were significant differences in the species abundance. Paludibacter and Comamonadaceae_unclassified were the most abundant genera under static and dynamic conditions, respectively. Under static water conditions, the medium-grained sediment had the highest microbial diversity, followed by the fine and coarse sediments. Under dynamic water flow conditions, a higher flow velocity corresponded to a greater microbial diversity. Overall, there was no significant difference in the community richness or diversity between the static and dynamic water flow conditions. This study is beneficial for further understanding the heterogeneities of microbial communities in natural aquatic ecosystems.
Control of in vivo ictogenesis via endogenous synaptic pathways
Authors: Luna-Munguia Hiram , Starski Phillip , Chen Wu , Gliske Stephen , Stacey William C. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe random nature of seizures poses difficult challenges for epilepsy research. There is great need for a reliable method to control the pathway to seizure onset, which would allow investigation of the mechanisms of ictogenesis and optimization of treatments. Our hypothesis is that increased random afferent synaptic activity (i.e. synaptic noise) within the epileptic focus is one endogenous method of ictogenesis. Building upon previous theoretical and in vitro work showing that synaptic noise can induce seizures, we developed a novel in vivo model of ictogenesis. By increasing the excitability of afferent connections to the hippocampus, we control the risk of temporal lobe seizures during a specific time period. The afferent synaptic activity in the hippocampus was modulated by focal microinjections of potassium chloride into the nucleus reuniens, during which the risk of seizure occurrence increased substantially. The induced seizures were qualitatively and quantitatively indistinguishable from spontaneous ones. This model thus allows direct control of the temporal lobe seizure threshold via endogenous pathways, providing a novel tool in which to investigate the mechanisms and biomarkers of ictogenesis, test for seizure threshold, and rapidly tune antiseizure treatments.
Activation of the ileal neuroendocrine tumor cell line P-STS by acetylcholine is amplified by histamine: role of H3R and H4R
Authors: Pfanzagl Beatrix , Mechtcheriakova Diana , Meshcheryakova Anastasia , Aberle Stephan W. , Pfragner Roswitha , Jensen-Jarolim Erika 
Published: April 2017

AbstractNeuroendocrine tumors may present with pseudoallergic reactions like diarrhea and idiopathic anaphylaxis. Here we present the P-STS human ileal neuroendocrine cell line as a model cell line for these tumors. Neuroendocrine markers and changes in cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in response to several possible activators of 5-hydroxytryptamine (﻿5-HT) release were analyzed. P-STS cells still expressed chromogranin A and synaptophysin after 2 years of culture. Tryptophan hydroxylase 1 mRNA and a low amount of 5-HT were also detected. Acetylcholine (ACh) caused a rise in [Ca2+]i. Somatostatin inhibited, whereas histamine (HA) but not the HA receptor ligand betahistine enhanced activation by ACh. The [Ca2+]iresponse to ACh/HA was inhibited by the HA receptor H3 (H3R) agonist methimepip and by the antidepressant imipramine. Further [Ca2+]iresponse studies indicated the presence of H4Rs and of a functional calcium sensing receptor. High or low affinity IgE receptor protein or mRNA were not detected. Taken together, neuroendocrine markers and response to intestinal neurotransmitters approve the P-STS cell line as a valuable model for enterochromaffin cells. Enhancement of their ACh-induced pro-secretory response by HA, with a role for H3R and H4R, suggests an amplifying role of neuroendocrine cells in allergen-induced diarrhea or anaphylaxis.
Lentinan from shiitake selectively attenuates AIM2 and non-canonical inflammasome activation while inducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production
Authors: Ahn Huijeong , Jeon Eunsaem , Kim Jin-Chul , Kang Seung Goo , Yoon Sung-il , Ko Hyun-Jeong , Kim Pyeung-Hyeun , Lee Geun-Shik 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLentinan extracted from shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is a β-glucan that has been reported as an intravenous anti-tumor polysaccharide via enhancement of the host immune system. In this study, we determined the effect of lentinan on inflammasome activation, a multi-protein platform, in myeloid cells. Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages were treated with lentinan with/without inflammasome triggers, and maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, or caspase-1 was measured as a readout of inflammasome activation. As a result, lentinan selectively inhibited absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome activation. In addition, lentinan up-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and induced expression of inflammasome-related genes through toll-like receptor 4 signaling. Furthermore, we assessed the effect of lentinan on mice treated with Listeria monocytogenes or lipopolysaccharide as an AIM2 or non-canonical inflammasome-mediated model. Lentinan attenuated IL-1β secretion resulting from Listeria-mediated AIM2 inflammasome activation and reduced endotoxin lethality via inhibition of non-canonical inflammasome activation. Thus, lentinan is suggested as an anti-AIM2 and anti-non-canonical inflammasome candidate despite its up-regulation of cytokine expression.
Paleochannel and beach-bar palimpsest topography as initial substrate for coralligenous buildups offshore Venice, Italy
Authors: Tosi Luigi , Zecchin Massimo , Franchi Fulvio , Bergamasco Andrea , Da Lio Cristina , Baradello Luca , Mazzoli Claudio , Montagna Paolo , Taviani Marco , Tagliapietra Davide , Carol Eleonora , Franceschini Gianluca , Giovanardi Otello , Donnici Sandra 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe provide a model for the genesis of Holocene coralligenous buildups occurring in the northwestern Adriatic Sea offshore Venice at 17–24 m depth. High-resolution geophysical surveys and underwater SCUBA diving reconnaissance revealed meandering shaped morphologies underneath bio-concretionned rocky buildups. These morphologies are inferred to have been inherited from Pleistocene fluvial systems reactivated as tidal channels during the post- Last Glacial Maximum transgression, when the study area was a lagoon protected by a sandy barrier. The lithification of the sandy fossil channel-levee systems is estimated to have occurred at ca. 7 cal. ka BP, likely due to the interaction between marine and less saline fluids related to onshore freshwater discharge at sea through a sealed water-table. The carbonate-cemented sandy layers served as nucleus for subsequent coralligenous buildups growth.
Accelerated crystallization of colloidal glass by mechanical oscillation
Authors: Nakamura Nobutomo , Inayama Kyosuke , Okuno Tasuku , Ogi Hirotsugu , Hirao Masahiko 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCrystallization of a hard-sphere colloidal glass by mechanical oscillation is investigated, and accelerated crystallization is found at a specific frequency. The crystallization frequency increases as attractive force between particles increases, indicating that interparticle interaction affects the crystallization frequency. Time scale of the mechanical oscillation is different from that of the slow relaxation, and notable relationship with the low-frequency mode is not observed. The experimental results are not explained by the previously proposed model for crystallization by oscillatory shear. Conversely, we speculate that activations of the fast relaxation and particle motion in crystal-like clusters are possible causes of the observations.