bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic importance of circulating epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with chemotherapy and bevacizumab
Authors: Hansen Torben Frøstrup , Andersen Rikke Fredslund , Olsen Dorte Aalund , Sørensen Flemming Brandt , Jakobsen Anders 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHigh tumor expression of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (EGFL7) has been associated with a poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. The aim of the current study was to investigate the possible prognostic impact of circulating EGFL7 (cir-EGFL7), combined with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses, in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with first line chemotherapy and bevacizumab. A total of 88 patients were included. Serum was collected prior to treatment initiation, at first evaluation after 3 weeks, and at progression. Cir-EGFL7 was analysed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The SNPs were analysed by real-time qPCR based on DNA from whole blood. Endpoints were response rate (RR), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Cir-EGFL7 decreases after administration of chemotherapy plus bevacizumab. Baseline levels of cir-EGFL7 were significantly related to PFS and OS, p = 0.0431 and p = 0.0017, respectively, with increasing cir-EGFL7 levels associated with a worse prognosis. Circulating EGFL7 was not associated with RR. The SNP analyses revealed a significant relationship between rs1051851 and OS, p = 0.030. This study demonstrates that cir-EGFL7 changes during treatment with chemotherapy plus bevacizumab and that baseline levels and genetic variations may influence the overall prognosis of patients with mCRC. The findings call for further validation.
ABCC2 is associated with Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac toxin oligomerization and membrane insertion in diamondback moth
Authors: Ocelotl Josue , Sánchez Jorge , Gómez Isabel , Tabashnik Bruce E. , Bravo Alejandra , Soberón Mario 
Published: May 2017

Cry1A insecticidal toxins bind sequentially to different larval gut proteins facilitating oligomerization, membrane insertion and pore formation. Cry1Ac interaction with cadherin triggers oligomerization. However, a mutation in an ABC transporter gene (ABCC2) is linked to Cry1Ac resistance in Plutella xylostella. Cry1AcMod, engineered to lack helix α-1, was able to form oligomers without cadherinbinding and effectively countered Cry1Ac resistance linked to ABCC2. Here we analyzed Cry1Ac and Cry1AcMod binding and oligomerization by western blots using brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) from a strain of P. xylostella susceptible to Cry1Ac (Geneva 88) and a strain with resistance to Cry1Ac (NO-QAGE) linked to an ABCC2 mutation. Resistance correlated with lack of specific binding and reduced oligomerization of Cry1Ac in BBMV from NO-QAGE. In contrast, Cry1AcMod bound specifically and still formed oligomers in BBMV from both strains. We compared association of pre-formed Cry1Ac oligomer, obtained by incubating Cry1Ac toxin with a Manduca sexta cadherin fragment, with BBMV from both strains. Our results show that pre-formed oligomers associate more efficiently with BBMV from Geneva 88 than with BBMV from NO-QAGE, indicating that the ABCC2 mutation also affects the association of Cry1Ac oligomer with the membrane. These data indicate, for the first time, that ABCC2 facilitates Cry1Ac oligomerization and oligomer membrane insertion in P. xylostella.
Involvement of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in L-Dopa induced dyskinesia
Authors: Bastide Matthieu F. , Glangetas Christelle , Doudnikoff Evelyne , Li Qin , Bourdenx Mathieu , Fernagut Pierre-Olivier , Dumont Éric C. , Georges François , Bézard Erwan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA whole brain immediate early gene mapping highlighted the dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dlBST) as a structure putatively involved in L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-Dopa)-induced dyskinesia (LID), the debilitating side-effects of chronic dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson’s disease (PD). dlBST indeed displayed an overexpression of ∆FosB, ARC, Zif268 and FRA2 only in dyskinetic rats. We thus hypothesized that dlBST could play a role in LID hyperkinetic manifestations. To assess the causal role of the dlBST in LID, we used Daun02 inactivation to selectively inhibit the electrical activity of dlBST ΔFosB-expressing neurons. Daun02 is a prodrug converted into Daunorubicin by ß-galactosidase. Then, the newly synthesized Daunorubicin is an inhibitor of neuronal excitability. Therefore, following induction of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs), 6-OHDA rats were injected with Daun02 in the dlBST previously expressing ß-galactosidase under control of the FosB/ΔFosB promoter. Three days after Daun02 administration, the rats were tested daily with L-Dopa to assess LID. Pharmacogenetic inactivation of ∆FosB-expressing neuron electrophysiological activity significantly reduced AIM severity. The present study highlights the role of dlBST in the rodent analog of LID, offering a new target to investigate LID pathophysiology.
Simvastatin and Bezafibrate ameliorate Emotional disorder Induced by High fat diet in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhou Jia , Liu Qiong Zhen , Wang Lu Lu , Shang Jing 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHigh fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic disorders may lead to emotional disorders. This study aimed to explore the effect of simvastatin (SMV) and bezafibrate (BZ) on improving HFD-induced emotional changes, and tried to identify their different mechanisms. The intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was used to evaluate glucose control ability; and behavior tests including open field tests (OFT), forced swimming tests (FST), tail suspension tests (TST) and sucrose preference (SPT), were then performed to evaluate emotional changes. Serum samples were collected for the LC-MS based metabolomics analysis to explore the emotional-related differential compounds; we then evaluated the effect of the drugs. The abnormal serum metabolic profiling and emotional changes caused by HFD in mice was alleviated by SMV treatment, whereas BZ only affected the emotional disorder. The improvement of cannabinoid analogues and then produced influences on the endocannabinoid system, which may be a potential mechanism SMV action. BZ promoted tryptophan-serotonin pathway and inhibited tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, which may be its mechanism of action. Here, we proposed a shed light on the biological mechanisms underlying the observed effects, and identified an important drug candidate for the treatment of emotional disorders induced by HFD.
Extranodal extension of lymph node metastasis influences recurrence in prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Luchini Claudio , Fleischmann Achim , Boormans Joost L. , Fassan Matteo , Nottegar Alessia , Lucato Paola , Stubbs Brendon , Solmi Marco , Porcaro Antonio , Veronese Nicola , Brunelli Matteo , Scarpa Aldo , Cheng Liang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe extranodal extension (ENE) of nodal metastasis involves the extension of neoplastic cells through the lymph node capsule into the perinodal adipose tissue. This morphological feature has recently been indicated as an important prognostic factor in various cancer types, but its role in prostate cancer is still unclear. We aimed to clarify it, performing the first meta-analysis on this issue, comparing prognostic parameters in surgically treated, node-positive prostate cancer patients with (ENE+) vs. without (ENE−) ENE. Data were summarized using risk ratios (RRs) for number of deaths/recurrences and hazard ratios (HRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), for the time-dependent risk related to ENE positivity. Six studies followed-up 1,113 patients with N1 prostate cancer (658 ENE+ vs. 455 ENE−) for a median of 83 months. The presence of ENE was associated with a significantly higher risk of biochemical recurrence (RR = 1.15; 95%CI: 1.03–1.28; I2 = 0%; HR = 1.40, 95%CI: 1.12–1.74; I2 = 0%) and “global” (biochemical recurrence and distant metastasis) recurrence (RR = 1.15; 95%CI: 1.04–1.28; I2 = 0%; HR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.14–1.74; I2 = 0%). ENE emerged as a potential prognostic moderator, earmarking a subgroup of patients at higher risk of recurrence. It may be considered for the prognostic stratification of metastatic patients. New possible therapeutic approaches may explore more in depth this prognostic parameter.
SesameFG: an integrated database for the functional genomics of sesame
Authors: Wei Xin , Gong Hao , Yu Jingyin , Liu Pan , Wang Linhai , Zhang Yanxin , Zhang Xiurong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSesame (Sesamum indicum L.) has high oil content, a small diploid genome and a short growth period, making it an attractive species for genetic studies on oilseed crops. With the advancement of next-generation sequencing technology, genomics and functional genomics research of sesame has developed quickly in the last few years, and large amounts of data have been generated. However, these results are distributed in many different publications, and there is a lack of integration. To promote functional genomics research of sesame, we collected genetic information combined with comprehensive phenotypic information and integrated them in the web-based database named SesameFG. The current version of SesameFG contains phenotypic information on agronomic traits of 705 sesame accessions, de novo assembled genomes of three sesame varieties, massive numbers of identified SNPs, gene expression profiles of five tissues, gene families, candidate genes for the important agronomic traits and genomic-SSR markers. All phenotypic and genotypic information in SesameFG is available for online queries and can be downloaded freely. SesameFG provides useful search functions and data mining tools, including Genome Browser and local BLAST services. SesameFG is freely accessible at http://ncgr.ac.cn/SesameFG/. SesameFG provides valuable resources and tools for functional genomics research and the molecular breeding of sesame.
Local surface plasmon enhanced polarization and internal quantum efficiency of deep ultraviolet emissions from AlGaN-based quantum wells
Authors: Zhang Cai , Tang Ning , Shang Liangliang , Fu Lei , Wang Weiying , Xu Fujun , Wang Xinqiang , Ge Weikun , Shen Bo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe report the enhancement of the polarization and internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of deep-UV LEDs by evaporating Al nanoparticles on the device surface to induce localized surface plasmons (LSPs). The deep-UV LEDs polarization is improved due to part of TM emission turns into TE emission through LSPs coupling. The significantly enhanced IQE is attributed to LSPs coupling, which suppress the participation of delocalized and dissociated excitons to non-radiative recombination process.
Ultrashort vortex from a Gaussian pulse – An achromatic-interferometric approach
Authors: Naik Dinesh N. , Saad Nabil A. , Rao D. Narayana , Viswanathan Nirmal K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe more than a century old Sagnac interferometer is put to first of its kind use to generate an achromatic single-charge vortex equivalent to a Laguerre-Gaussian beam possessing orbital angular momentum (OAM). The interference of counter-propagating polychromatic Gaussian beams of beam waist ωλ with correlated linear phase (ϕ
0
≥ 0.025 λ) and lateral shear (y
0
≥ 0.05 ωλ) in orthogonal directions is shown to create a vortex phase distribution around the null interference. Using a wavelength-tunable continuous-wave laser the entire range of visible wavelengths is shown to satisfy the condition for vortex generation to achieve a highly stable white-light vortex with excellent propagation integrity. The application capablitiy of the proposed scheme is demonstrated by generating ultrashort optical vortex pulses, its nonlinear frequency conversion and transforming them to vector pulses. We believe that our scheme for generating robust achromatic vortex (implemented with only mirrors and a beam-splitter) pulses in the femtosecond regime, with no conceivable spectral-temporal range and peak-power limitations, can have significant advantages for a variety of applications.
Uneven distribution of complementary sex determiner (csd) alleles in Apis mellifera population
Authors: Zareba Joanna , Blazej Pawel , Laszkiewicz Agnieszka , Sniezewski Lukasz , Majkowski Michal , Janik Sylwia , Cebrat Malgorzata 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe complementary sex determiner (csd) gene determines the sex of the western honey bee (Apis melliferaL.). Bees that are heterozygous at thecsdlocus develop into females; whereas hemizygous bees develop into males. The co-occurrence of two identicalcsdalleles in a single diploid genome leads to the genetic death of the bee. Thus, the maintenance ofcsddiversity in the population is favoured. The number and distribution ofcsdalleles is particularly interesting in light of the recent decline in the honey bee population. In this study, we analysed the distribution ofcsdalleles in two Polish populations separated by about 100 km. We analysed the maternal alleles of 193 colonies and found 121 different alleles. We also analysed the distribution and frequency of the alleles, and found that they are distributed unevenly. We show that the methods that have been used so far to estimate the total worldwide number ofcsdalleles have significantly underestimated their diversity. We also show that the uneven distribution ofcsdalleles is caused by a large number of infrequent alleles, which most likely results from the fact that these alleles are generated very frequently.
Effect of exenatide after short-time intensive insulin therapy on glycaemic remission maintenance in type 2 diabetes patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shi Xiulin , Shi Yalin , Chen Ning , Lin Mingzhu , Su Weijuan , Zhang Huijie , Liu Changqin , Song Haiqu , Xiao Fangsen , Huang Peiying , Wang Liying , Liu Wei , Zeng Jinyang , Yan Bing , Liu Qi , Liu Suhuan , Yang Shuyu , Li Xiaoying , Li Zhibin , Li Xuejun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractEarly short-term intensive insulin (STII) therapy can induce drug-free glycemic remission for up to 1 year in half of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients. Whether exenatide following STII therapy will induce higher long-term glycaemic remission is currently unknown. To assess the effect of STII+ exenatide therapy, compared with STII only, on maintenance of glycaemic remission in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. In this randomized, parallel-group, open-label, controlled trial, 129 patients (66 in STII+ exenatide group and 63 in STII only group) firstly completed 3-week STII therapy, then STII+ exenatide group was treated with exenatide for 12 weeks further. The cumulative probabilities of 1-year and 2-year glycaemic remission in STII+ exenatide group were 68.2 ± 5.7% and 53.0 ± 6.1%, which were significantly higher than STII only group (36.5 ± 6.1% and 31.8 ± 5.9%) (p-values < 0.001). Patients in STII+ exenatide group, compared with STII only group, showed significantly decreased levels of waist (82.2 (81.0, 83.5) cm v.s. 84.2 (82.7, 85.7) cm, p = 0.048) and HbA1c (5.83 (5.60, 6.06)% v.s. 6.49 (6.20, 6.77)%, p < 0.001) after 12-week exenatide treatment, but these differences disappeared after 1-year and 2-year follow-up. As conclusions, Improved effect of sequential exenatide after STII therapy on maintenance of glycaemic remission only occurred during exenatide treatment and lost upon treatment cessation.
The CCR5-antagonist Maraviroc reverses HIV-1 latency in vitro alone or in combination with the PKC-agonist Bryostatin-1
Authors: López-Huertas María Rosa , Jiménez-Tormo Laura , Madrid-Elena Nadia , Gutiérrez Carolina , Rodríguez-Mora Sara , Coiras Mayte , Alcamí José , Moreno Santiago 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA potential strategy to cure HIV-1 infection is to use latency reversing agents (LRAs) to eliminate latent reservoirs established in resting CD4+ T (rCD4+) cells. As no drug has been shown to be completely effective, finding new drugs and combinations are of increasing importance. We studied the effect of Maraviroc (MVC), a CCR5 antagonist that activates NF-κB, on HIV-1 replication from latency. HIV-1-latency models based on CCL19 or IL7 treatment, before HIV-1 infection were used. Latently infected primary rCD4+ or central memory T cells were stimulated with MVC alone or in combination with Bryostatin-1, a PKC agonist known to reverse HIV-1 latency. MVC 5 μM and 0.31 μM were chosen for further studies although other concentrations of MVC also increased HIV-1 replication. MVC was as efficient as Bryostatin-1 in reactivating X4 and R5-tropic HIV-1. However, the combination of MVC and Bryostatin-1 was antagonistic, probably because Bryostatin-1 reduced CCR5 expression levels. Although HIV-1 reactivation had the same tendency in both latency models, statistical significance was only achieved in IL7-treated cells. These data suggest that MVC should be regarded as a new LRA with potency similar as Bryostatin-1. Further studies are required to describe the synergistic effect of MVC with other LRAs.
Functional characterization of the meiosis-specific DNA double-strand break inducing factor SPO-11 from C. elegans
Authors: Yeh Hsin-Yi , Lin Sheng-Wei , Wu Yi-Chun , Chan Nei-Li , Chi Peter 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe programmed induction of meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by the evolutionarily conserved SPO-11 protein, which is structurally related to archaeal Topo VIA topoisomerases, triggers meiotic recombination. Identification of several meiosis-specific factors that are required for SPO-11-mediated DSB formation raises the question whether SPO-11 alone can cleave DNA. Here, we have developed procedures to express and purify C. elegans SPO-11 in a soluble, untagged, and monodispersed form. Our biochemical and biophysical analyses demonstrate that SPO-11 is monomeric and binds DNA, double-stranded DNA in particular. Importantly, SPO-11 does not exhibit DNA cleavage activity under a wide range of reaction conditions, suggesting that co-factors are needed for DSB induction activity. Our SPO-11 purification system and the findings reported herein should facilitate future mechanistic studies directed at delineating the mechanism of action of the SPO-11 ensemble in meiotic DSB formation.
Quasispecies composition and evolution of a typical Zika virus clinical isolate from Suriname
Authors: van Boheemen Sander , Tas Ali , Anvar S. Yahya , van Grootveld Rebecca , Albulescu Irina C. , Bauer Martijn P. , Feltkamp Mariet C. , Bredenbeek Peter J. , van Hemert Martijn J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe arthropod-borne Zika virus (ZIKV) is currently causing a major international public health threat in the Americas. This study describes the isolation of ZIKV from the plasma of a 29-year-old female traveler that developed typical symptoms, like rash, fever and headache upon return from Suriname. The complete genome sequence including the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions was determined and phylogenetic analysis showed the isolate clustering within the Asian lineage, close to other viruses that have recently been isolated in the Americas. In addition, the viral quasispecies composition was analyzed by single molecule real time sequencing, which suggested a mutation frequency of 1.4 × 10−4 for this ZIKV isolate. Continued passaging of the virus in cell culture led to the selection of variants with mutations in NS1 and the E protein. The latter might influence virus binding to cell surface heparan sulfate.
Toward a nearly defect-free coating via high-energy plasma sparks
Authors: Kaseem Mosab , Yang Hae Woong , Ko Young Gun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA nearly defect-free metal-oxide-based coating structure was made on Al-Mg-Si alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation at high current density accompanying high-energy plasma sparks. The present coatings were performed at two different current densities of 50 and 125 mA/cm2 in the alkaline-phosphate-based electrolytes with different concentrations of sodium hexafluoroaluminate (Na3AlF6). The addition of (Na3AlF6) to the electrolyte used in this study would result in a decrease in the size of the micropore, and a reasonably defect-free coating structure was achieved in the sample treated at high current density of 125 mA/cm2. This was attributed mainly to the hydrolysis of AlF63− triggered by intense plasma sparks, which resulted in a uniform distribution of fluorine throughout the coating. Accordingly, the corrosion performance of the coating formed in the electrolyte containing 1.5 g/L Na3AlF6 at 125 mA/cm2 was improved significantly as confirmed by electrochemical impedance analysis. In addition, the formation mechanism of the nearly defect-free coating in the presence of Na3AlF6 was discussed.
Low cross‐polarisation high‐isolation frequency scanning aperture coupled microstrip patch antenna array with matched dual‐polarisation radiation patterns
Authors: Saeidi‐Manesh H. , Mirmozafari M. , Zhang G. 
Published: May 2017

A method of beam matching between two linear polarised radiation patterns of a dual‐polarised frequency scanning antenna is proposed, implemented, and tested. A meticulous phase match process between the outputs of both individual cells and the whole corresponding horizontal and vertical feed lines is carried out. To verify the simulation results and to take the coupling effect into account, the radiation patterns of an isolated column, as well as those of three columns, are measured. In agreement with the design and with the simulation results, horizontal and vertical polarisation beams with a pointing angle mismatch of less than ±0.2° within the resonant frequency bandwidth of 2.75–2.95 GHz are achieved.
Comparative study of multicore planar transformers on printed circuit boards
Authors: Tria Lew Andrew R. , Alam Kazi Saiful , Zhang Daming , Fletcher John E. 
Published: May 2017

Three potential options to implement multicore planar transformers using a printed circuit board as windings are presented. The first option utilises a distributed transformer configuration where smaller transformer elements with separate cores are interconnected to function as a single transformer. The second option has a lumped core configuration which uses multiple cores arranged to function as a monolithic core while the third is a hybrid of the first two configurations. The three transformers were designed for a 400/40 V, 1 kW, DC–DC converter application at a switching frequency of 100 kHz. The electrical and thermal characteristics of the three configurations are compared using finite‐element analysis of the electromagnetic fields. The simulation results are also validated by measuring the electrical characteristics of transformers fabricated in the three configurations. The electrical and thermal characteristics of the transformers are also verified in a power converter system. Results of the comparison show that the distributed core configuration gave the best thermal characteristic while the lumped core configuration has the least winding losses.