bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ouabain attenuates the oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharides in the cerebellum of rats
Authors: Garcia Israel José Pereira , Kinoshita Paula Fernanda , de Oliveira Braga Italo , Parreira Gabriela Machado , Mignaco Julio Alberto , Scavone Cristoforo , Barbosa Leandro Augusto , de Lima Santos Hérica 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOur study aimed to analyze the effect of ouabain administration on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced changes in oxidative parameters, membrane lipid composition, and the activities of some important enzymes of the nervous system. The content of phospholipids, cholesterol, and gangliosides were analyzed in Wistar rats after intraperitoneal injection of ouabain (1.8 μg/kg), LPS (200 μg/kg), or saline. Oxidative parameters were also evaluated, including the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, the levels of glutathione and lipid peroxidation, as well as Na,K‐ATPase activity and the level of glutamate transporter EAAT4. Administration of LPS resulted in increased oxidative stress, as evidenced by an increase in lipid peroxidation levels, glutathione peroxidase activity, decreased catalase activity and reduced glutathione levels. All changes recorded were attenuated by pretreatment with ouabain. Administration of ouabain plus LPS enhanced the total ganglioside content and EAAT4 levels, but failed to alter the Na,K‐ATPase activity. Our data suggest a neuroprotective effect of ouabain against LPS‐induced oxidative stress by promoting membrane lipid remodeling and increasing the expression of glutamate transporter EAAT4. Our results emphasize that the observed oxidative stress is not correlated with Na,K‐ATPase, but with a possible ouabain‐mediated effect on cellular signaling. The relevance of our results extends beyond LPS‐induced changes in oxidative parameters, as nanomolar doses of ouabain might prove useful in neurodegenerative models. Further study of other cardenolides and related molecules, as well as the development of new molecules derived from ouabain, could also prove useful in the fight against the oxidative and/or general cell stress triggered by neuronal pathologies.
A TP73‐AS1/miR‐200a/ZEB1 regulating loop promotes breast cancer cell invasion and migration
Authors: Zou Qiongyan , Zhou Enxiang , Xu Feng , Zhang Danhua , Yi Wenjun , Yao Jia 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBreast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide and the most common cancer among women. In our previous study, we revealed that lncRNA TP73‐AS1 promotes breast cancer cell proliferation through directly binding to miR‐200a. Herein, we evaluated the effect of TP73‐AS1 in breast cancer cell invasion and migration, and further demonstrated the direct binding between TP73‐AS1 and miR‐200a, between miR‐200a and 3′UTR of ZEB1, an essential metastasis‐related transcription factor. TP73‐AS1 promoted ZEB1 expression via competing with ZEB1 3′UTR for miR‐200a binding. Moreover, ZEB1 could bind to the promoter region of TP73‐AS1 to activate its expression. TP73‐AS1 and ZEB1 expression was up‐regulated, whereas miR‐200a expression was down‐regulated in breast cancer tissues. Taken together, we demonstrated a TP73‐AS1/miR‐200a/ZEB1 regulating loop in breast cancer cells, which promote cancer cell invasion and migration through regulating E‐cadherin and Twist expression. Suppressing TP73‐AS1 expression to rescue miR‐200a expression, thus to inhibit ZEB1 and Twist expression and up‐regulate E‐cadherin might improve breast cancer cell invasion and migration.
FGFR2 regulation by picrasidine Q inhibits the cell growth and induces apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shi Yuanyuan , Liu Xuejiao , Fredimoses Mangaladoss , Song Mengqiu , Chen Hanyong , Liu Kangdong , Lee Mee‐Hyun , Dong Zigang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 2 and its downstream signaling cascades, PI3 K/AKT/mTOR is playing an important role in cell survival and proliferations. In this study, we firstly found that picrasidine Q (PQ), an alkaloid component extracted from Angelica keiskei species, has the capacity of anti‐cell transformation and anti‐cancer. After ligand shape similarity approach of PQ, we found that PQ targeted FGFR 2 and verified by FGFR2 kinase assay as well as computational docking model. FGFR2 highly expressed in esophageal cancer tissues and PQ inhibited fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐induced cell transformation. Furthermore, PQ inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in KYSE30, KYSE410, and KYSE450 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. It was confirmed by detecting of biological markers such as cyclinD1, cyclinD3 and cyclinB1 for cell cycle or cleaved caspase‐7, caspase‐3, and PARP for apoptosis. PQ targeting of FGFR2 kinase activities suppressed downstream target proteins including phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR but not MEK/ERK signaling pathways. Taken together, our results are the first to identify that PQ might be a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent by direct targeting FGFR2 and inhibiting cell proliferation of ESCC cells.
Oroxylin A prevents angiogenesis of LSECs in liver fibrosis via inhibition of YAP/HIF‐1α signaling
Authors: Zhang Chenxi , Bian Mianli , Chen Xingran , Jin Huanhuan , Zhao Shifeng , Yang Xiang , Shao Jiangjuan , Chen Anping , Guo Qinglong , Zhang Feng , Zheng Shizhong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAngiogenesis of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) accompanies with hypoxia in liver fibrosis and they are of mutual promotion, which has raised wide concern. Here we established murine model of liver fibrosis and found that oroxylin A (40 mg/kg) could ameliorate angiogenesis in liver fibrosis may related to hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α). The underlying mechanism was further investigated by isolating and culturing murine primary LSECs. Hypoxia induced vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A), angiopoietin 2 (Ang‐2), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1/CD31) elevated in LSECs were reduced by oroxylin A or acriflavine (ACF, an HIF‐1α inhibitor), indicating HIF‐1α involved the angiogenesis of LSECs. Additionally, interference with Yes‐associated protein (YAP) significant downregulated the protein expression of HIF‐1α and VEGF‐A, while YAP plasmid exhibited an opposite effect. We next found that oroxylin A inhibited hypoxia‐induced nuclear translocation of YAP, which may influence the accumulation of HIF‐1α and subsequently decrease transcription of downstream target gene including VEGF‐A and Ang‐2, thereby exerting an anti‐angiogenic activity.
Effect of Modafinil on Cognitive Function in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mo Yoonsun , Thomas Michael C. , Miano Todd A. , Stemp Leo I. , Bonacum Julia T. , Hutchins Kathleen , Karras George E. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractModafinil therapy, a nonamphetamine cognition‐enhancing agent, holds the potential to improve recovery from cognitive impairment after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. To date, however, there is a paucity of data on modafinil use in the ICU setting. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of modafinil for improvement in cognition in ICU patients. This retrospective cohort study evaluated a total of 60 ICU patients with any ventilatory support who started on modafinil during their ICU stay from January 1, 2010, to March 19, 2016. The requirements of opioids and sedatives, as well as the lowest and average scores of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Riker Sedation‐Agitation Scale (SAS), were recorded during 48 hours before and after the start of modafinil therapy in 6‐hour periods. The average daily modafinil dose of 170 mg was given for a median duration of 9 days. Modafinil administration was associated with a small, nonsignificant increase in GCS by 0.34 points after controlling for age, baseline severity of illness, and changes in sedation and analgesia over time (95%CI, −0.34 to 0.73 points; P = .0743). No major modafinil‐associated adverse effects were observed. Modafinil administration did not significantly improve cognitive function in ICU patients within 48 hours of initiation. However, because of lack of robust evidence, the impact of modafinil on overall patient outcomes in the ICU remains unclear and needs further investigation.
Activity of Zn and Mg phthalocyanines and porphyrazines in amyloid aggregation of insulin
Authors: Kovalska V. , Chernii S. , Losytskyy M. , Ostapko J. , Tretyakova I. , Gorski A. , Chernii V. , Yarmoluk S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFormation of the deposits of protein aggregates—amyloid fibrils in an intracellular and intercellular space—is common to a large group of amyloid‐associated disorders. Among the approaches to develop of therapy of such disorders is the use of agents preventing protein fibrillization. Polyaromatic complexes—porphyrins and phthalocyanines—are known as compounds possessing anti‐fibrillogenic activity.Here, we explore the impact of related macrocyclic complexes—phthalocyanines (Pc) and octaphenyl porphyrazines (Pz) of Mg and Zn—on aggregation of amyloidogenic protein insulin. Pz complexes are firstly reported as compounds able to affect protein fibrillization.The effect of Pc and Pz complexes on the kinetics and intensity of insulin aggregation was studied by the fluorescent assay using amyloid sensitive cyanine dye. This has shown the impact of metal ion on the anti‐fibrillogenic properties of macrocyclic complexes—the effect on the fibrillization kinetics of Mg‐containing compounds is much more pronounced comparing to that of Zn analogues.Scanning electron microscopy experiments have demonstrated that filamentous fibrils are the main product of aggregation both for free insulin and in the presence of macrocyclic complexes. However, those fibrils are distinct by their length and proneness to lateral aggregation. The Pc complexes cause the increase in variation of fibrils length 0.9 to 2.7 nm in opposite to 1.4 to 2.0 nm for free insulin, whereas Pz complexes cause certain shortening of the fibrils to 0.8 to 1.6 nm.The averaged size of the fibrils population was estimated by dynamic light scattering; it correlates with the size of single fibrils detected by scanning electron microscopy.
Quantitative surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering analysis of methylene blue using silver colloid
Authors: Anastasopoulos J.A. , Soto Beobide A. , Manikas A.C. , Voyiatzis G.A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractQuantitative analysis of methylene blue (MB) has been performed with Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering, SERS, using citrate reduced silver colloid activated with NaCl. In this study, the combination of SERS occurring at the proximity of the plasmon surface and of resonance Raman with excitation wavelength matched to the maximum absorbance of the molecule being analyzed, was successfully applied to maximize the Raman scattering intensity. The surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) spectra of aqueous solutions of the dye at various concentrations were collected in right‐angle scattering geometry configuration which results favorable when nanocolloidal dispersions are used. The MB concentration was correlated with the intensity of the peak centered at 1,625 cm−1 in the SERRS spectrum and this correlation resulted in an extremely sensitive quantitative investigation of the MB with limit of detection in pM level. Among others, this method can be easily applied for the examination of both the selectivity of waste water purification membranes for relevant small molecular weight contaminants or/and the solar photocatalytic effectiveness of such membranes for the degradation of pertinent pollutants by their quantitative assessment in the permeate at very low concentration range.
Raman spectroscopic determination of Sr/Ca ratios of calcite samples
Authors: Shibano Yusuke , Takahata Kohei , Kawano Jun , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Enomoto Daisuke , Kagi Hiroyuki , Kamiya Natsumi , Yamamoto Junji 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe investigated the relation between Sr# [= 100 Sr/(Sr + Ca) in mol] of calcites and their Raman spectra for Sr‐doped calcite samples with Sr# of 0–13.2. We selected 3 major Raman peaks observed at 150–155 cm−1 (peak A), 274–282 cm−1 (peak B), and 710–712.5 cm−1 (peak C). With increasing Sr#, the peaks shifted monotonously to lower wavenumbers. We obtained a linear expression for peak B as Sr# = −1.734 ΔνB + 76.93, where ΔνB is a separation between peak B and a neon emission line of 237.07 cm−1 in Raman shift. The present spectroscopic analysis can ascertain Sr# of calcite with precision of ±1.26 in the range of Sr# of 0–13.2.
Effects of gamma‐irradiation on cotyledon cell separation and pectin solubilisation in hard‐to‐cook cowpeas
Authors: Jombo Talknice Z , Minnaar Amanda , Taylor John RN 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDCowpeas stored under high temperature and humidity develop the hard‐to‐cook defect (HTC). This defect greatly increases cooking times and energy costs. To better understand the mechanisms involved in the HTC defect development, the effects of gamma‐irradiation on cotyledon cellular structure and pectin solubility in two cowpea cultivars with different susceptibility to HTC defect were investigated.RESULTSGamma‐irradiation decreased cotyledon cell wall thickness, increased cell size, and intercellular spaces in both cowpea cultivars and reduced cooking time of the less HTC susceptible cultivar. However, it did not reverse the HTC defect in the susceptible cultivar. Gamma‐irradiation also increased the levels of cold water‐ and hot water‐soluble pectin. The irradiation effects were thus mainly due to hydrolysis of pectin fractions in the cell walls. However, chelator‐soluble pectin (CSP) solubility was not affected.CONCLUSIONAs the cell wall changes brought about by gamma‐irradiation were associated with pectin solubilisation, this supports the phytate–phytase–pectin theory as a major cause of the HTC defect. However, the non‐reversal of the defect in HTC susceptible cowpeas and the absence of an effect on CSP indicate that other mechanisms are involved in HTC defect development in cowpeas, possibly the formation of alkali‐soluble, ester bonded pectins. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of dietary coated cysteamine hydrochloride on pork color in finishing pigs
Authors: Bai Miaomiao , Liu Hongnan , Xu Kang , Zou Bingjie , Yu Rong , Liu Yanhong , Xing Weigang , Du Haitao , Li Yong , Yin Yulong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDCoated cysteamine hydrochloride (CC) was applied as a feed additive in animal production. The influence and the mechanisms of CC used as a feed additive in promoting meat quality in finishing pigs were investigated.RESULTSDietary CC supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the a* and H* values and reduced (P < 0.05) the L* value in the longissimus dorsi muscles at 48 h postmortem (P < 0.05). The deoxymyoglobin content was enhanced (P < 0.05) and the metmyoglobin and malondialdehyde contents were reduced (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the dietary CC. Pigs fed a dietary CC of 0.035 g kg−1 had a lower cooking loss (P < 0.05) and a higher a* (24 h) value in the longissimus dorsi muscles than pigs on control treatment. The messenger RNA expression of superoxide dismutase 1 was upregulated (P < 0.05) in the longissimus dorsi.CONCLUSIONDietary supplementation with CC could improve antioxidant status and delay meat discoloration by improving glutathione levels and antioxidase activity after longer chill storage (for 48 h after slaughter). Dietary supplementation with CC at 0.035 g kg−1 may promote the stability of pork color by reducing oxidation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Fingerprint profiles of flavonoid compounds from different Psidium guajava leaves and their antioxidant activities
Authors: Wang Lu , Wu Yanan , Bei Qi , Shi Kan , Wu Zhenqiang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFlavonoids are the main active components in Psidium guajava leaves and have many multi‐physiological functions. In this study, the flavonoid compositions were identified in the Psidium guajava leaves samples using a high‐performance liquid chromatography with time‐of‐flight electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method. A high‐performance liquid chromatography fingerprint method, combined with chemometrics, was used to perform a quality assessment of the Psidium guajava leaves samples. The eight identified flavonoid compounds including rutin, isoquercitrin, quercetin‐3‐O‐β‐d‐xylopyranoside, quercetin‐3‐O‐α‐l‐arabinopyranoside, avicularin, quercitrin, quercetin, and kaempferol were used as the chemical markers. The antioxidant activity of 15 batches of samples was examined using three different methods, and the results revealed the Psidium guajava leaves samples that had higher contents of the flavonoid compounds, glycoside and aglycone, possessed the highest antioxidant capacities. Consequently, a combination of chromatographic fingerprints and chemometric analyses was used for a quality assessment of Psidium guajava leaf tea and its derived products, which can lay the foundation for the development of plant tea resources or other herbs.
Screening, separation, and evaluation of xanthine oxidase inhibitors from Paeonia lactiflora using chromatography combined with a multi‐mode microplate reader
Authors: Wang Jing , Shi Dongfang , Zheng Meizhu , Ma Bing , Cui Jing , Liu Chunming , Liu Chengyu 
Published: August 2017

AbstractNatural products have become one of the most important resources for discovering novel xanthine oxidase inhibitors, which are commonly employed in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. However, to date, few reports exist regarding the use of monoterpene glycosides as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. Thus, we herein report the use of ultrafiltration coupled with liquid chromatography in the screening of monoterpene glycoside xanthine oxidase inhibitors from the extract of Paeonia lactiflora (P. lactiflora), and both high‐performance counter‐current chromatography and medium‐pressure liquid chromatography were employed to separate the main constituents. Furthermore, the xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities and the mechanisms of inhibition of the isolated compounds were evaluated using a multi‐mode microplate reader by Molecular Devices. As a result, three monoterpene glycosides were separated by combined high‐performance counter‐current chromatography and medium‐pressure liquid chromatography in purities of 90.4, 98.0, and 86.3%, as determined by liquid chromatography. These three compounds were identified as albiflorin, paeoniflorin, and 1‐O‐β‐ᴅ‐glucopyranosyl‐8‐O‐benzoylpaeonisuffrone by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, and albiflorin and paeoniflorin were screened as potential xanthine oxidase inhibitors by ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography. The evaluation results of xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity corresponded with the screening results, as only albiflorin and paeoniflorin exhibited xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity.
Chinese outbound travel: Understanding the socioeconomic drivers
Authors: Huang Songshan (Sam) , Wei Xiang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study used a national sample (N = 36,490) of Chinese urban residents to examine the relationship between outbound travel intention and some key demographic, economic, and geographic variables. Findings indicate that education, income, and paid vacation days significantly predicted outbound travel intention. Compared to residents in Tier‐4 cities in China, those in Tier‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 cities had higher probability of choosing outbound travel by 13.1%, 30.9%, and 15.3%, respectively. This study draws meaningful connections between Chinese outbound tourism and the social and economic realities in China and offers an alternative approach to understanding Chinese outbound tourism.
Impact of Agropastoral Management on Wind Erosion in Sahelian Croplands
Authors: Pierre Caroline , Kergoat Laurent , Hiernaux Pierre , Baron Christian , Bergametti Gilles , Rajot Jean‐Louis , Abdourhamane Toure Amadou , Okin Gregory S. , Marticorena Beatrice 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn the Sahel, climate change and demographic growth are raising major concerns about the ability of crop yields to support the local population. Agropastoral management affects wind erosion (e.g., through crop residue management and tillage practices, which modify surface characteristics), which itself substantially affects soil fertility and thus crop yields. There is therefore a need to assess the potential impact of the main Sahelian cropping practices – like sowing, manuring, and crop residue management – on wind erosion. Using a modeling approach adapted to an experimental site located in southwestern Niger over the period 2006–2012, and scenarios that describe a set of agropastoral practices, the impacts of these practices on wind erosion are simulated and compared. The results indicate that horizontal fluxes differ by a factor of 10 among scenarios, with annual horizontal fluxes ranging from 121 to 1,317 kg m−1. Modeled wind erosion is most sensitive to the mass of crop residues in the late dry season, but different practices dealing with crop growth or with crop residue management may result in fluxes of the similar magnitude. The collection of the crop residues after grain harvest increases wind erosion, whereas grazing might have mixed effects, probably further mediated by the mobility of livestock as a response to forage availability. The seasonal dynamics of the monthly cumulated horizontal fluxes vary depending on practice; however, the annual cumulated horizontal fluxes are closely correlated with meteorological conditions such as wind speed and rainfall in the previous year. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental vibrios represent a source of antagonistic compounds that inhibit pathogenic Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains
Authors: Burks David J. , Norris Stephen , Kauffman Kathryn M. , Joy Abigail , Arevalo Philip , Azad Rajeev K. , Wildschutte Hans 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWith the overuse of antibiotics, many pathogens including Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus have evolved multidrug resistance making treatment more difficult. While understanding the mechanisms that underlie pathogenesis is crucial, knowledge of bacterial interactions of V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus could provide insight to their susceptibility outside of the human host. Based on previous work showing competition among environmental strains, we predict that marine‐derived bacteria should inhibit Vibrio pathogens and may be a source of unique antibiotic compounds. We tested a collection of 3,456 environmental Vibrio isolates from diverse habitats against a panel of V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus, and identified 102 strains that inhibited the growth of these pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 40 pathogen‐inhibiting strains were unique at the hsp60 gene sequence while 62 of the isolates were identical suggesting clonal groups. Genomic comparisons of ten strains revealed diversity even between clonal isolates and were identified as being closely related to known Vibrio crassostreae, Vibrio splendidus, and Vibrio tasmaniensis strains. Further analysis revealed multiple biosynthetic gene clusters within all sequenced genomes that encoded secondary metabolites with potential antagonistic activity. Thus, environmental vibrios represent a source of compounds that inhibit Vibrio pathogens.