bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antisense miR-132 blockade via the AChE-R splice variant mitigates cortical inflammation
Authors: Mishra Nibha , Friedson Lyndon , Hanin Geula , Bekenstein Uriya , Volovich Meshi , Bennett Estelle R. , Greenberg David S. , Soreq Hermona 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMicroRNA (miR)-132 brain-to-body messages suppress inflammation by targeting acetylcholinesterase (AChE), but the target specificity of 3’-AChE splice variants and the signaling pathways involved remain unknown. Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), we identified preferential miR-132 targeting of soluble AChE-R over synaptic-bound AChE-S, potentiating miR-132-mediated brain and body cholinergic suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Inversely, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) reduced multiple miR-132 targets, suppressed AChE-S more than AChE-R and elevated inflammatory hallmarks. Furthermore, blockade of peripheral miR-132 by chemically protected AM132 antisense oligonucleotide elevated muscle AChE-R 10-fold over AChE-S, and cortical miRNA-sequencing demonstrated inverse brain changes by AM132 and LPS in immune-related miRs and neurotransmission and cholinergic signaling pathways. In neuromuscular junctions, AM132 co-elevated the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and AChE, re-balancing neurotransmission and reaching mild muscle incoordination. Our findings demonstrate preferential miR-132-induced modulation of AChE-R which ignites bidirectional brain and body anti-inflammatory regulation, underscoring splice-variant miR-132 specificity as a new complexity level in inflammatory surveillance.
Expression profiling of TRIM protein family in THP1-derived macrophages following TLR stimulation
Authors: Jiang Mei-Xiu , Hong Xuan , Liao Bin-Bin , Shi Shui-Zhen , Lai Xiao-Fang , Zheng Huai-Yu , Xie Lin , Wang Yuan , Wang Xiao-Lei , Xin Hong-Bo , Fu Mingui , Deng Ke-Yu 
Published: February 2017

AbstractActivated macrophages play an important role in many inflammatory diseases including septic shock and atherosclerosis. However, the molecular mechanisms limiting macrophage activation are not completely understood. Members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family have recently emerged as important players in innate immunity and antivirus. Here, we systematically analyzed mRNA expressions of representative TRIM molecules in human THP1-derived macrophages activated by different toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. Twenty-nine TRIM members were highly induced (>3 fold) by one or more TLR ligands, among which 19 of them belong to TRIM C-IV subgroup. Besides TRIM21, TRIM22 and TRIM38 were shown to be upregulated by TLR3 and TLR4 ligands as previous reported, we identified a novel group of TRIM genes (TRIM14, 15, 31, 34, 43, 48, 49, 51 and 61) that were significantly up-regulated by TLR3 and TLR4 ligands. In contrast, the expression of TRIM59 was down-regulated by TLR3 and TLR4 ligands in both human and mouse macrophages. The alternations of the TRIM proteins were confirmed by Western blot. Finally, overexpression of TRIM59 significantly suppressed LPS-induced macrophage activation, whereas siRNA-mediated knockdown of TRIM59 enhanced LPS-induced macrophage activation. Taken together, the study provided an insight into the TLR ligands-induced expressions of TRIM family in macrophages.
Multiple crossovers between positive and negative magnetoresistance versus field due to fragile spin structure in metallic GdPd3
Authors: Pandey Abhishek , Mazumdar Chandan , Ranganathan R. , Johnston D. C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractStudies on the phenomenon of magnetoresistance (MR) have produced intriguing and application-oriented outcomes for decades–colossal MR, giant MR and recently discovered extremely large MR of millions of percents in semimetals can be taken as examples. We report here the discovery of novel multiple sign changes versus applied magnetic field of the MR in the cubic intermetallic compound GdPd3. Our study shows that a very strong correlation between magnetic, electrical and magnetotransport properties is present in this compound. The magnetic structure in GdPd3 is highly fragile since applied magnetic fields of moderate strength significantly alter the spin arrangement within the system–a behavior that manifests itself in the oscillating MR. Intriguing magnetotransport characteristics of GdPd3 are appealing for field-sensitive device applications, especially if the MR oscillation could materialize at higher temperature by manipulating the magnetic interaction through perturbations caused by chemical substitutions.
Regulation of mRNA splicing by MeCP2 via epigenetic modifications in the brain
Authors: Cheng Tian-Lin , Chen Jingqi , Wan Huida , Tang Bin , Tian Weidong , Liao Lujian , Qiu Zilong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMutations of X-linked gene Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) are the major causes of Rett syndrome (RTT), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. Duplications of MECP2-containing genomic segments lead to severe autistic symptoms in human. MECP2-coding protein methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is involved in transcription regulation, microRNA processing and mRNA splicing. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of MeCP2 in mRNA splicing in neurons remain largely elusive. In this work we found that the majority of MeCP2-associated proteins are involved in mRNA splicing using mass spectrometry analysis with multiple samples from Mecp2-null rat brain, mouse primary neuron and human cell lines. We further showed that Mecp2 knockdown in cultured cortical neurons led to widespread alternations of mRNA alternative splicing. Analysis of ChIP-seq datasets indicated that MeCP2-regulated exons display specific epigenetic signatures, with DNA modification 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and histone modification H3K4me3 are enriched in down-regulated exons, while the H3K36me3 signature is enriched in exons up-regulated in Mecp2-knockdown neurons comparing to un-affected neurons. Functional analysis reveals that genes containing MeCP2-regulated exons are mainly involved in synaptic functions and mRNA splicing. These results suggested that MeCP2 regulated mRNA splicing through interacting with 5hmC and epigenetic changes in histone markers, and provide functional insights of MeCP2-mediated mRNA splicing in the nervous system.
Focus on PNA Flexibility and RNA Binding using Molecular Dynamics and Metadynamics
Authors: Verona Massimiliano Donato , Verdolino Vincenzo , Palazzesi Ferruccio , Corradini Roberto 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPeptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) can efficiently target DNA or RNA acting as chemical tools for gene regulation. Their backbone modification and functionalization is often used to increase the affinity for a particular sequence improving selectivity. The understanding of the trading forces that lead the single strand PNA to bind the DNA or RNA sequence is preparatory for any further rational design, but a clear and unique description of this process is still not complete. In this paper we report further insights into this subject, by a computational investigation aiming at the characterization of the conformations of a single strand PNA and how these can be correlated to its capability in binding DNA/RNA. Employing Metadynamics we were able to better define conformational pre-organizations of the single strand PNA and γ-modified PNA otherwise unrevealed through classical molecular dynamics. Our simulations driven on backbone modified PNAs lead to the conclusion that this γ-functionalization affects the single strand preorganization and targeting properties to the DNA/RNA, in agreement with circular dichroism (CD) spectra obtained for this class of compounds. MD simulations on PNA:RNA dissociation and association mechanisms allowed to reveal the critical role of central bases and preorganization in the binding process.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 induces osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Lou Yan-Ru , Toh Tai Chong , Tee Yee Han , Yu Hanry 
Published: February 2017

Abstract25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] has recently been found to be an active hormone. Its biological actions are demonstrated in various cell types. 25(OH)D3 deficiency results in failure in bone formation and skeletal deformation. Here, we investigated the effect of 25(OH)D3 on osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). We also studied the effect of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25-(OH)2D3], a metabolite of 25(OH)D3. One of the vitamin D responsive genes, 25(OH)D3-24-hydroxylase (cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1) mRNA expression is up-regulated by 25(OH)D3 at 250–500 nM and by 1α,25-(OH)2D3 at 1–10 nM. 25(OH)D3 and 1α,25-(OH)2D3 at a time-dependent manner alter cell morphology towards osteoblast-associated characteristics. The osteogenic markers, alkaline phosphatase, secreted phosphoprotein 1 (osteopontin), and bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein (osteocalcin) are increased by 25(OH)D3 and 1α,25-(OH)2D3 in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, mineralisation is significantly increased by 25(OH)D3 but not by 1α,25-(OH)2D3. Moreover, we found that hMSCs express very low level of 25(OH)D3-1α-hydroxylase (cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1), and there is no detectable 1α,25-(OH)2D3 product. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that 25(OH)D3 at 250–500 nM can induce osteogenic differentiation and that 25(OH)D3 has great potential for cell-based bone tissue engineering.
Structure and polymorphisms of the major histocompatibility complex in the Oriental stork, Ciconia boyciana
Authors: Tsuji Hiroki , Taniguchi Yukio , Ishizuka Shintaro , Matsuda Hirokazu , Yamada Takahisa , Naito Kazuaki , Iwaisaki Hiroaki 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is highly polymorphic and plays a central role in the vertebrate immune system. Despite its functional consistency, the MHC genomic structure differs substantially among organisms. In birds, the MHCs of Galliformes and the Japanese crested ibis (Pelecaniformes) are well-characterized, but information about other avian MHCs remains scarce. The Oriental stork (Ciconia boyciana, order Ciconiiformes) is a large endangered migrant. The current Japanese population of this bird originates from a few founders; thus, understanding the genetic diversity among them is critical for effective population management. We report the structure and polymorphisms in C. boyciana MHC. One contig (approximately 128 kb) was assembled by screening of lambda phage genomic library and its complete sequence was determined, revealing a gene order of COL11A2, two copies of MHC-IIA/IIB pairs, BRD2, DMA/B1/B2, MHC-I, TAP1/2, and two copies each of pseudo MHC-I and TNXB. This structure was highly similar to that of the Japanese crested ibis, but largely different from that of Galliformes, at both the terminal regions. Genotyping of the MHC-II region detected 10 haplotypes among the six founders. These results provide valuable insights for future studies on the evolution of the avian MHCs and for conservation of C. boyciana.
Colonisation in social species: the importance of breeding experience for dispersal in overcoming information barriers
Authors: Payo-Payo A. , Genovart M. , Sanz-Aguilar A. , Greño J. L. , García-Tarrasón M. , Bertolero A. , Piccardo J. , Oro D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractStudying colonisation is crucial to understand metapopulations, evolutionary ecology and species resilience to global change. Unfortunately, few empirical data are available because field monitoring that includes empty patches at large spatiotemporal scales is required. We examine the colonisation dynamics of a long-lived seabird over 34 years in the western Mediterranean by comparing population and individual data from both source colony and the newly-formed colonies. Since social information is not available, we hypothesize that colonisation should follow particular dispersal dynamics and personal information must be crucial in decision making. We test if adverse breeding conditions trigger colonisation events, if personal information plays a role in colonisation and if colonisers experience greater fitness. Our results show a temporal mismatch between colonisation events and both density-dependence and perturbations at the source colony, probably because colonisers needed a longer prospecting period to compensate for the lack of public information. Colonisers were mostly experienced individuals gaining higher breeding success in the new colony. Our results highlight the demographic value that experienced individuals can have on metapopulation dynamics of social long-lived organisms.
Long-lasting solid lubrication by CNT-coated patterned surfaces
Authors: Reinert L. , Lasserre F. , Gachot C. , Grützmacher P. , MacLucas T. , Souza N. , Mücklich F. , Suarez S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe use of lubricants (solid or liquid) is a well-known and suitable approach to reduce friction and wear of moving machine components. Another possibility to influence the tribological behaviour is the formation of well-defined surface topographies such as dimples, bumps or lattice-like pattern geometries by laser surface texturing. However, both methods are limited in their effect: surface textures may be gradually destroyed by plastic deformation and lubricants may be removed from the contact area, therefore no longer properly protecting the contacting surfaces. The present study focuses on the combination of both methods as an integral solution, overcoming individual limitations of each method. Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), a known solid lubricant, are deposited onto laser surface textured samples by electrophoretic deposition. The frictional behaviour is recorded by a tribometer and resulting wear tracks are analysed by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy in order to reveal the acting tribological mechanisms. The combined approach shows an extended, minimum fivefold longevity of the lubrication and a significantly reduced degradation of the laser textures. Raman spectroscopy proves decelerated MWCNT degradation and oxide formation in the contact. Finally, a lubricant entrapping model based on surface texturing is proposed and demonstrated.
Soil wettability can be explained by the chemical composition of particle interfaces - An XPS study
Authors: Woche Susanne K. , Goebel Marc-O. , Mikutta Robert , Schurig Christian , Kaestner Matthias , Guggenberger Georg , Bachmann Jörg 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSoil wettability (quantified in terms of contact angle, CA) is crucial for physical, chemical, and biological soil functioning. As the CA is determined by components present within the outmost nanometer of particles, this study applied X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) with a maximum analysis depth of 10 nm to test the relationship between CA and surface elemental composition, using soil samples from a chronosequence where CA increased from 0° (0 yrs) to about 98° (120 yrs). Concurrently, as seen by XPS, C and N content increased and the content of O and the mineral-derived cations (Si, Al, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe) decreased. The C content was positively correlated with CA and least squares fitting indicated increasing amounts of non-polar C species with soil age. The contents of O and the mineral-derived cations were negatively correlated with CA, suggesting an increasing organic coating of the minerals that progressively masked the underlying mineral phase. The atomic O/C ratio was found to show a close negative relationship with CA, which applied as well to further sample sets of different texture and origin. This suggests the surface O/C ratio to be a general parameter linking surface wettability and surface elemental composition.
Characterization of biocarbon-source recovery and microbial community shifts from waste activated sludge by conditioning with cornstover: Assessment of cellulosic compositions
Authors: Wen Kaili , Zhou Aijuan , Zhang Jiaguang , Liu Zhihong , Wang Guoying , Liu Wenzong , Wang Aijie , Yue Xiuping 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMost studies on the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from waste activated sludge (WAS) digestion have focused on operating conditions, pretreatments and characteristic adjustments. Conditioning by extra carbon sources (ECS), normally added in a solid form, has been reported to be an efficient approach. However, this has caused considerable waste of monomeric sugars in the hydrolysate. In this study, the effects of two added forms (pretreated straw (S) and hydrolyzed liquid (L)) of cornstover (CS) on WAS acidification were investigated. To obtain different cellulosic compositions of CS, low-thermal or autoclaved assisted alkaline (TA or AA) pretreatments were conducted. The results showed that AA-L test achieved the highest VFAs value (653 mg COD/g VSS), followed by AA-S (613 mg COD/g VSS). These values were 12% and 28% higher, respectively, than that obtained in the TA-L and TA-S tests. Meanwhile, higher percentages of acetic acid were observed after AA pretreatment (~62% versus ~53% in TA). The added forms of CS played an important role in structuring the innate microbial community in the WAS, as shown by high-throughput sequencing and canonical correspondence analysis. The findings obtained in this work may provide a scientific basis for the potential implementation of co-digesting WAS with ECS simultaneously obtaining energy and high value-added products.
Depth-specific fluctuations of gene expression and protein abundance modulate the photophysiology in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica
Authors: Procaccini Gabriele , Ruocco Miriam , Marín-Guirao Lázaro , Dattolo Emanuela , Brunet Christophe , D’Esposito Daniela , Lauritano Chiara , Mazzuca Silvia , Serra Ilia Anna , Bernardo Letizia , Piro Amalia , Beer Sven , Björk Mats , Gullström Martin , Buapet Pimchanok , Rasmusson Lina M. , Felisberto Paulo , Gobert Sylvie , Runcie John W. , Silva João , Olivé Irene , Costa Monya M. , Barrote Isabel , Santos Rui 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHere we present the results of a multiple organizational level analysis conceived to identify acclimative/adaptive strategies exhibited by the seagrass Posidonia oceanica to the daily fluctuations in the light environment, at contrasting depths. We assessed changes in photophysiological parameters, leaf respiration, pigments, and protein and mRNA expression levels. The results show that the diel oscillations of P. oceanica photophysiological and respiratory responses were related to transcripts and proteins expression of the genes involved in those processes and that there was a response asynchrony between shallow and deep plants probably caused by the strong differences in the light environment. The photochemical pathway of energy use was more effective in shallow plants due to higher light availability, but these plants needed more investment in photoprotection and photorepair, requiring higher translation and protein synthesis than deep plants. The genetic differentiation between deep and shallow stands suggests the existence of locally adapted genotypes to contrasting light environments. The depth-specific diel rhythms of photosynthetic and respiratory processes, from molecular to physiological levels, must be considered in the management and conservation of these key coastal ecosystems.
Differential Effects of Hormones on Cellular Metabolism in Keratoconus In Vitro
Authors: McKay Tina B. , Hjortdal Jesper , Sejersen Henrik , Karamichos Dimitrios 
Published: February 2017

AbstractKeratoconus (KC) is a corneal thinning disease with an onset commonly immediately post-puberty and stabilization by 40 to 50 years of age. The role of hormones in regulating corneal tissue structure in homeostatic and pathological conditions is unknown. Our group recently linked altered hormone levels to KC. Our current study sought to investigate and delineate the effects of exogenous hormones, such as androgen, luteotropin, and estrogen, on corneal stroma bioenergetics. We utilized our established 3Din vitromodel to characterize the effects of DHEA, prolactin, 17β-estradiol on insulin-growth factor-1 and -2 (IGF-1, -2) signaling and metabolic function in primary corneal fibroblasts from healthy controls (HCFs) and KC patients (HKCs). Our data showed that exogenous DHEA significantly downregulated IGF-1 and its receptor in both HCFs and HKCs with HKCs showing consistently lower basal pentose phosphate flux. Prolactin caused no significant change in IGF-1 levels and an increase in IGF-2 in HKCs correlating with an increase in ATP and NADH levels. 17β-estradiol led to a significant upregulation in pentose phosphate flux and glycolytic intermediates in HCFs. Our results identified hormone-specific responses regulated in HKCs compared to HCFs revealing a novel role for hormones on bioenergetics in KC.
Integration of microRNA and mRNA expression profiles in the skin of systemic sclerosis patients
Authors: Zhou Bin , Zuo Xiao Xia , Li Yi Sha , Gao Si Ming , Dai Xiao Dan , Zhu Hong Lin , Luo Hui 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the fibrosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, the underlying miRNA-mRNA regulatory network is not fully understood. A systemic investigation of the role of miRNAs would be very valuable for increasing our knowledge of the pathogenesis of SSc. Here, we combined miRNA and mRNA expression profiles and bioinformatics analyses and then performed validation experiments. we identified 21 miRNAs and 2698 mRNAs that were differentially expressed in SSc. Among these, 17 miRNAs and their 33 target mRNAs (55 miRNA-mRNA pairs) were involved in Toll-like receptor, transforming growth factor β and Wnt signalling pathways. Validation experiments revealed that miR-146b, miR-130b, miR-21, miR-31 and miR-34a levels were higher whereas miR-145 levels were lower in SSc skin tissues and fibroblasts, normal fibroblasts and endothelial cells that were stimulated with SSc serum. ACVR2B, FZD2, FZD5 and SOX2 levels were increased in SSc skin fibroblasts, normal fibroblasts and endothelial cells that were stimulated with SSc serum. We did not identify any negative correlations among these miRNA-mRNA pairs. miR-21 was specifically expressed at higher levels in SSc serum. Six miRNAs and 4 mRNAs appear to play important roles in the pathogenesis of SSc are worth investigating in future functional studies.