bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposure of pregnant mice to triclosan impairs placental development and nutrient transport
Authors: Cao Xinyuan , Hua Xu , Wang Xiaoli , Chen Ling 
Published: March 2017

AbstractTriclosan (TCS) is associated with spontaneous abortions and fetal growth restriction. Here, we showed that when pregnant mice were treated with 8 mg/kg TCS (8-TCS mice) on gestational days (GD) 6–18 fetal body weights were lower than controls. Placental weights and volumes were reduced in 8-TCS mice. The placental proliferative cells and expression of PCNA and Cyclin D3 on GD13 were remarkably decreased in 8-TCS mice. The decreases in activities and expression of placental System A amino acid or glucose transporters on GD14 and GD17 were observed in 8-TCS mice. Levels of serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were lower in 8-TCS mice than those in controls. Declines of placental Akt, mTOR and P70S6K phosphorylation in 8-TCS mice were corrected by L-thyroxinein (T4). Treating 8-TCS mice with T4 rescued the placental cell proliferation and recovered the activity and expression of amino acid and glucose transporters, which were sensitive to mTOR inhibition by rapamycin. Furthermore, the replacement of T4 could rescue the decrease in fetal body weight, which was blocked by rapamycin. These findings indicate that TCS-induced hypothyroxinemia in gestation mice through reducing Akt-mTOR signaling may impair placental development and nutrient transfer leading to decreases in fetal body weight.
Tea polyphenols inhibit the growth and virulence properties of Fusobacterium nucleatum
Authors: Ben Lagha Amel , Haas Bruno , Grenier Daniel 
Published: March 2017

AbstractFusobacterium nucleatum plays a key role in creating the pathogenic subgingival biofilm that initiates destructive periodontitis. It is also a common resident of the human gastrointestinal tract and has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of green and black tea extracts as well as two of their bioactive components, EGCG and theaflavins, on the growth and virulence properties of F. nucleatum. The tea extracts and components displayed various degrees of antibacterial activity that may involve damage to the bacterial cell membrane and the chelation of iron. They also prevented biofilm formation by F. nucleatum at concentrations that did not interfere with bacterial growth. In addition, the treatment of a pre-formed F. nucleatum biofilm with the green tea extract and EGCG caused a time-dependent decrease in biofilm viability. The green and black tea extracts, EGCG, and theaflavins decreased the adherence of F. nucleatum to oral epithelial cells and matrix proteins. Moreover, these tea components also attenuated F. nucleatum-mediated hemolysis and hydrogen sulfide production, two other virulence factors expressed by this bacterium. In summary, this study showed that tea polyphenols may be of interest for treating F. nucleatum-associated disorders.
Tumour infiltrating lymphocytes correlate with improved survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Dongxian , Liu Yalan , Wang Hao , Wang Haixing , Song Qi , Sujie Akesu , Huang Jie , Xu Yifan , Zeng Haiying , Tan Lijie , Hou Yingyong , Xu Chen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe undertook a study of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in a large and relatively homogeneous group of patients with completely resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections of 235 ESCC tumours were evaluated for density of TILs in intratumoural (iTIL) and stromal compartments (sTIL). Foxp3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells in tumoural and stromal areas were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Of the 235 tumours, high sTIL (>10%), and iTIL (>10%) were observed in 101 (43.0%) and 98 (41.7%), respectively. The median follow-up period was 36.0 months (95% CI 29.929–42.071). Univariate analysis revealed that sTIL (>10%), iTIL (>20%), vessels involvement, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage were significantly associated with postoperative outcome. In multivariate analysis, high sTIL (HR: 0.664, P = 0.019 for Disease free survival; HR: 0.608, P = 0.005 for Overall survival) was identified as independent better prognostic factor. Further analysis, sTIL was identified as independently prognostic factor in Stage III-IVa disease, which was not found in Stage I-II disease. Our study demonstrated that sTIL was associated with better ESCC patients’ survival, especially in Stage III-IVa disease. Assessment of sTIL could be useful to discriminate biological behavior for ESCC patients.
Quantification of the impact of aerosol on broadband solar radiation in North China
Authors: Hu Bo , Zhao Xiujuan , Liu Hui , Liu Zirui , Song Tao , Wang Yuesi , Tang Liqin , Xia Xiangao , Tang Guiqian , Ji Dongsheng , Wen Tianxue , Wang Lili , Sun Yang , Xin Jinyuan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPM2.5 plays a key role in the solar radiation budget and air quality assessments, but observations and historical data are relatively rare for Beijing. Based on the synchronous monitoring of PM2.5 and broadband solar radiation (Rs), a logarithmic function was developed to describe the quantitative relationship between these parameters. This empirical parameterization was employed to calculate Rsn from PM2.5 with normalized mean bias (NMB) −0.09 and calculate PM2.5 concentration from Rsn with NMB −0.12. Our results indicate that this parameterization provides an efficient and straightforward method for estimating PM2.5 from Rs or Rs from PM2.5.
Influence of the Ag concentration on the medium-range order in a CuZrAlAg bulk metallic glass
Authors: Gammer C. , Escher B. , Ebner C. , Minor A. M. , Karnthaler H. P. , Eckert J. , Pauly S. , Rentenberger C. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractFluctuation electron microscopy of bulk metallic glasses of CuZrAl(Ag) demonstrates that medium-range order is sensitive to minor compositional changes. By analyzing nanodiffraction patterns medium-range order is detected with crystal-like motifs based on the B2 CuZr structure and its distorted structures resembling the martensitic ones. This result demonstrates some structural homology between the metallic glass and its high temperature crystalline phase. The amount of medium-range order seems slightly affected with increasing Ag concentration (0, 2, 5 at.%) but the structural motifs of the medium-range ordered clusters become more diverse at the highest Ag concentration. The decrease of dominant clusters is consistent with the destabilization of the B2 structure measured by calorimetry and accounts for the increased glass-forming ability.
Angiotensin II induces kidney inflammatory injury and fibrosis through binding to myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD2)
Authors: Xu Zheng , Li Weixin , Han Jibo , Zou Chunpeng , Huang Weijian , Yu Weihui , Shan Xiaoou , Lum Hazel , Li Xiaokun , Liang Guang 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGrowing evidence indicates that angiotensin II (Ang II), a potent biologically active product of RAS, is a key regulator of renal inflammation and fibrosis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Ang II induces renal inflammatory injury and fibrosis through interaction with myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD2), the accessory protein of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) of the immune system. Results indicated that in MD2−/− mice, the Ang II-induced renal fibrosis, inflammation and kidney dysfunction were significantly reduced compared to control Ang II-infused wild-type mice. Similarly, in the presence of small molecule MD2 specific inhibitor L6H21 or siRNA-MD2, the Ang II-induced increases of pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory molecules were prevented in tubular NRK-52E cells. MD2 blockade also inhibited activation of NF-κB and ERK. Moreover, MD2 blockade prevented the Ang II-stimulated formation of the MD2/TLR4/MyD88 signaling complex, as well as the increased surface binding of Ang II in NRK-52E cells. In addition, Ang II directly bound recombinant MD2 protein, rather than TLR4 protein. We conclude that MD2 is a significant contributor in the Ang II-induced kidney inflammatory injury in chronic renal diseases. Furthermore, MD2 inhibition could be a new and important therapeutic strategy for preventing progression of chronic renal diseases.
A structure- and chemical genomics-based approach for repositioning of drugs against VCP/p97 ATPase
Authors: Segura-Cabrera Aldo , Tripathi Reshmi , Zhang Xiaoyi , Gui Lin , Chou Tsui-Fen , Komurov Kakajan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractValosin-containing protein (VCP/p97) ATPase (a.k.a. Cdc48) is a key member of the ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD) pathway. ERAD and VCP/p97 have been implicated in a multitude of human diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Inhibition of VCP/p97 induces proteotoxic ER stress and cell death in cancer cells, making it an attractive target for cancer treatment. However, no drugs exist against this protein in the market. Repositioning of drugs towards new indications is an attractive alternative to the de novo drug development due to the potential for significantly shorter time to clinical translation. Here, we employed an integrative strategy for the repositioning of drugs as novel inhibitors of the VCP/p97 ATPase. We integrated structure-based virtual screening with the chemical genomics analysis of drug molecular signatures, and identified several candidate inhibitors of VCP/p97 ATPase. Importantly, experimental validation with cell-based and in vitro ATPase assays confirmed three (ebastine, astemizole and clotrimazole) out of seven tested candidates (~40% true hit rate) as direct inhibitors of VCP/p97 and ERAD. This study introduces an effective integrative strategy for drug repositioning, and identified new drugs against the VCP/p97/ERAD pathway in human diseases.
Global temperature change potential of nitrogen use in agriculture: A 50-year assessment
Authors: Fagodiya R. K. , Pathak H. , Kumar A. , Bhatia A. , Jain N. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractNitrogen (N) use in agriculture substantially alters global N cycle with the short- and long-term effects on global warming and climate change. It increases emission of nitrous oxide, which contributes 6.2%, while carbon dioxide and methane contribute 76% and 16%, respectively of the global warming. However, N causes cooling due to emission of NOx, which alters concentrations of tropospheric ozone and methane. NOx and NH3 also form aerosols with considerable cooling effects. We studied global temperature change potential (GTP) of N use in agriculture. The GTP due to N2O was 396.67 and 1168.32 Tg CO2e on a 20-year (GTP20) and 439.94 and 1295.78 Tg CO2e on 100-year scale (GTP100) during years 1961 and 2010, respectively. Cooling effects due to N use were 92.14 and 271.39 Tg CO2e (GTP20) and 15.21 and 44.80 Tg CO2e (GTP100) during 1961 and 2010, respectively. Net GTP20 was 369.44 and 1088.15 Tg CO2e and net GTP100 was 429.17 and 1264.06 Tg CO2e during 1961 and 2010, respectively. Thus net GTP20 is lower by 6.9% and GTP100 by 2.4% compared to the GTP considering N2O emission alone. The study shows that both warming and cooling effects should be considered to estimate the GTP of N use.
Alterations in Gastric Microbiota After H. Pylori Eradication and in Different Histological Stages of Gastric Carcinogenesis
Authors: Li Tung Hiu , Qin Youwen , Sham Pak Chung , Lau K.S. , Chu Kent-Man , Leung Wai K. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe role of bacteria other thanHelicobacter pylori(HP) in the stomach remains elusive. We characterized the gastric microbiota in individuals with different histological stages of gastric carcinogenesis and after receiving HP eradication therapy. Endoscopic gastric biopsies were obtained from subjects with HP gastritis, gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM), gastric cancer (GC) and HP negative controls. Gastric microbiota was characterized by Illumina MiSeq platform targeting the 16 S rDNA. Apart from dominantH. pylori, we observed otherProteobacteriaincludingHaemophilus, Serratia, NeisseriaandStenotrophomonasas the major components of the human gastric microbiota. Although samples were largely converged according to the relative abundance of HP, a clear separation of GC and other samples was recovered. Whilst there was a strong inverse association between HP relative abundance and bacterial diversity, this association was weak in GC samples which tended to have lower bacterial diversity compared with other samples with similar HP levels. Eradication of HP resulted in an increase in bacterial diversity and restoration of the relative abundance of other bacteria to levels similar to individuals without HP. In conclusion, HP colonization results in alterations of gastric microbiota and reduction in bacterial diversity, which could be restored by antibiotic treatment.
12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is anti-tumorigenic in liver cancer cells via inhibiting YAP through AMOT
Authors: Zhu Guoqing , Chen Yan , Zhang Xiao , Wu Qi , Zhao Yinghui , Chen Yuxin , Sun Fenyong , Qiao Yongxia , Wang Jiayi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractTPA stimulates carcinogenesis in various types of cancers. However, we found that TPA inhibits transformative phenotypes in liver cancer cells via the translocation of YAP from the nucleus, where it functions as a transcriptional co-factor, to the cytoplasm. Such effects led to a separation of YAP from its dependent transcription factors. The inhibitory effects of TPA on YAP were AMOT dependent. Without AMOT, TPA was unable to alter YAP activity. Importantly, the depletion of YAP and AMOT blocked the TPA-reduced transformative phenotypes. In sum, TPA has been established as an anti-tumorigenic drug in liver cancer cells via YAP and AMOT.
The epidemic dynamics of hepatitis C virus subtypes 4a and 4d in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Qahtani Ahmed A. , Baele Guy , Khalaf Nisreen , Suchard Marc A. , Al-Anazi Mashael R. , Abdo Ayman A. , Sanai Faisal M. , Al-Ashgar Hamad I. , Khan Mohammed Q. , Al-Ahdal Mohammed N. , Lemey Philippe , Vrancken Bram 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe relatedness between viral variants sampled at different locations through time can provide information pertinent to public health that cannot readily be obtained through standard surveillance methods. Here, we use virus genetic data to identify the transmission dynamics that drive the hepatitis C virus subtypes 4a (HCV4a) and 4d (HCV4d) epidemics in Saudi Arabia. We use a comprehensive dataset of newly generated and publicly available sequence data to infer the HCV4a and HCV4d evolutionary histories in a Bayesian statistical framework. We also introduce a novel analytical method for an objective assessment of the migration intensity between locations. We find that international host mobility patterns dominate over within country spread in shaping the Saudi Arabia HCV4a epidemic, while this may be different for the HCV4d epidemic. This indicates that the subtypes 4a and 4d burden can be most effectively reduced by combining the prioritized screening and treatment of Egyptian immigrants with domestic prevention campaigns. Our results highlight that the joint investigation of evolutionary and epidemiological processes can provide valuable public health information, even in the absence of extensive metadata information.
Standardized Herbal Formula PM014 Inhibits Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Kim Jee-Youn , Shin Dasom , Lee Gihyun , Kim Jin-Mo , Kim Dongwook , An Yong-Min , Yoo Byung Rok , Chang Hanna , Kim Miran , Cho Jaeho , Bae Hyunsu 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRadiation therapy is widely used for thoracic cancers. However, it occasionally causes radiation-induced lung injuries, including pneumonitis and fibrosis. Chung-Sang-Bo-Ha-Tang (CSBHT) has been traditionally used to treat chronic pulmonary disease in Korea. PM014, a modified herbal formula derived from CSBHT, contains medicinal herbs of seven species. In our previous studies, PM014 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model. In this study, we have evaluated the effects of PM014 on radiation-induced lung inflammation. Mice in the treatment group were orally administered PM014 six times for 2 weeks. Effects of PM014 on radiation pneumonitis were evaluated based on histological findings and differential cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. PM014 treatment significantly inhibited immune cell recruitment and collagen deposition in lung tissue. Normal lung volume, evaluated by radiological analysis, in PM014-treated mice was higher compared to that in irradiated control mice. PM014-treated mice exhibited significant changes in inspiratory capacity, compliance and tissue damping and elastance. Additionally, PM014 treatment resulted in the downregulation of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and fibrosis-related genes and a reduction in the transforming growth factor-β1-positive cell population in lung tissue. Thus, PM014 is a potent therapeutic agent for radiation-induced lung fibrosis and inflammation.
Gene-based genome-wide association study identified 19p13.3 for lean body mass
Authors: Ran Shu , Zhang Lei , Liu Lu , Feng An-Ping , Pei Yu-Fang , Zhang Lei , Han Ying-Ying , Lin Yong , Li Xiao , Kong Wei-Wen , You Xin-Yi , Zhao Wen , Tian Qing , Shen Hui , Zhang Yong-Hong , Deng Hong-Wen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLean body mass (LBM) is a complex trait for human health. To identify genomic loci underlying LBM, we performed a gene-based genome-wide association study of lean mass index (LMI) in 1000 unrelated Caucasian subjects, and replicated in 2283 unrelated Caucasians subjects. Gene-based association analyses highlighted the significant associations of three genes UQCR, TCF3 and MBD3 in one single locus 19p13.3 (discovery p = 6.10 × 10−5, 1.65 × 10−4 and 1.10 × 10−4; replication p = 2.21 × 10−3, 1.84 × 10−3 and 6.95 × 10−3; combined p = 2.26 × 10−6, 4.86 × 10−6 and 1.15 × 10−5, respectively). These results, together with the known functional relevance of the three genes to LMI, suggested that the 19p13.3 region containing UQCR, TCF3 and MBD3 genes was a novel locus underlying lean mass variation.
An aqueous electrolyte of the widest potential window and its superior capability for capacitors
Authors: Tomiyasu Hiroshi , Shikata Hirokazu , Takao Koichiro , Asanuma Noriko , Taruta Seiichi , Park Yoon-Yul 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA saturated aqueous solution of sodium perchlorate (SSPAS) was found to be electrochemically superior, because the potential window is remarkably wide to be approximately 3.2 V in terms of a cyclic voltammetry. Such a wide potential window has never been reported in any aqueous solutions, and this finding would be of historical significance for aqueous electrolyte to overcome its weak point that the potential window is narrow. In proof of this fact, the capability of SSPAS was examined for the electrolyte of capacitors. Galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements showed that a graphite-based capacitor containing SSPAS as an electrolyte was stable within 5% deviation for the 10,000 times repetition at the operating voltage of 3.2 V without generating any gas. The SSPAS worked also as a functional electrolyte in the presence of an activated carbon and metal oxides in order to increase an energy density. Indeed, in an asymmetric capacitor containing MnO2 and Fe3O4 mixtures in the positive and negative electrodes, respectively, the energy density enlarged to be 36.3 Whkg−1, which belongs to the largest value in capacitors. Similar electrochemical behaviour was also confirmed in saturated aqueous solutions of other alkali and alkaline earth metal perchlorate salts.
Agonist-mediated assembly of the crustacean methyl farnesoate receptor
Authors: Kakaley Elizabeth K. Medlock , Wang Helen Y. , LeBlanc Gerald A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe methyl farnesoate receptor (MfR) orchestrates aspects of reproduction and development such as male sex determination in branchiopod crustaceans. Phenotypic endpoints regulated by the receptor have been well-documented, but molecular interactions involved in receptor activation remain elusive. We hypothesized that the MfR subunits, methoprene-tolerant transcription factor (Met) and steroid receptor coactivator (SRC), would be expressed coincident with the timing of sex programming of developing oocytes by methyl farnesoate in daphnids. We also hypothesized that methyl farnesoate activates MfR assembly. Met mRNA was expressed rhythmically during the reproductive cycle, with peak mRNA accumulation just prior period of oocytes programming of sex. Further, we revealed evidence that Met proteins self-associate in the absence of methyl farnesoate, and that the presence of methyl farnesoate stimulates dissociation of Met multimers with subsequent association with SRC. Results demonstrated that the Met subunit is highly dynamic in controlling the action of methyl farnesoate through temporal variation in its expression and availability for receptor assembly.
Targeted disruption of TC-PTP in the proliferative compartment augments STAT3 and AKT signaling and skin tumor development
Authors: Lee Hyunseung , Kim Mihwa , Baek Minwoo , Morales Liza D. , Jang Ik-Soon , Slaga Thomas J. , DiGiovanni John , Kim Dae Joon 
Published: March 2017

AbstractTyrosine phosphorylation is a vital mechanism that contributes to skin carcinogenesis. It is regulated by the counter-activities of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Here, we report the critical role of T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC-PTP), encoded by Ptpn2, in chemically-induced skin carcinogenesis via the negative regulation of STAT3 and AKT signaling. Using epidermal specific TC-PTP knockout (K14Cre.Ptpn2fl/fl) mice, we demonstrate loss of TC-PTP led to a desensitization to tumor initiator 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced apoptosis both in vivo epidermis and in vitro keratinocytes. TC-PTP deficiency also resulted in a significant increase in epidermal thickness and hyperproliferation following exposure to the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Western blot analysis showed that both phosphorylated STAT3 and phosphorylated AKT expressions were significantly increased in epidermis of TC-PTP-deficient mice compared to control mice following TPA treatment. Inhibition of STAT3 or AKT reversed the effects of TC-PTP deficiency on apoptosis and proliferation. Finally, TC-PTP knockout mice showed a shortened latency of tumorigenesis and significantly increased numbers of tumors during two-stage skin carcinogenesis. Our findings reveal that TC-PTP has potential as a novel target for the prevention of skin cancer through its role in the regulation of STAT3 and AKT signaling.
Enhanced Transmissions Through Three-dimensional Cascade Sharp Waveguide Bends Using C-slit Diaphragms
Authors: Yang Rui , Hu Bowei , Zhang Aofang , Gao Dongxing , Wang Hui , Shi Ayuan , Lei Zhenya , Yang Pei 
Published: March 2017

AbstractTransmission properties through sharp rectangular waveguide bends are investigated to determine the cut-off bending angles of the wave propagation. We show that a simple metallic diaphragm at the bending corner with properly devised sub-wavelength defect apertures of C-slits would be readily to turn on the transmissions with scarce reflections of the propagating modes, while preserving the integrity of the transmitting fields soon after the bends. In particularly, our design also demonstrates the capability of eliminating all the unwanted cavity resonant transmissions that exist in the three-dimensional cascade sharp waveguide bends, and solely let the desired signals travel along the whole passage of the waveguide. The present approach, using C-slit diaphragms to support the sharp bending behaviors of the guided waves with greatly enhanced transmissions, would be especially effective in constructing novel waveguides and pave the way for the development of more compact and miniaturized electromagnetic systems that exploit these waveguide bends.