bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The anti-cholesterolaemic effect of a consortium of probiotics: An acute study in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Michael D. R. , Davies T. S. , Moss J. W. E. , Calvente D. Lama , Ramji D. P. , Marchesi J. R. , Pechlivanis A. , Plummer S. F. , Hughes T. R. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHypercholesterolaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and it has been found that some probiotic bacteria possess cholesterol-lowering capabilities. In this study, the ability of the Lab4 probiotic consortium to hydrolyse bile salts, assimilate cholesterol and regulate cholesterol transport by polarised Caco-2 enterocytes was demonstrated. Furthermore, in wild-type C57BL/6J mice fed a high fat diet, 2-weeks supplementation with Lab4 probiotic consortium plus Lactobacillusplantarum CUL66 resulted in significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol levels and suppression of diet-induced weight gain. No changes in plasma levels of very low-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, cytokines or bile acids were observed. Increased amounts of total and unconjugated bile acids in the faeces of the probiotic-fed mice, together with modulation of hepatic small heterodimer partner and cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase mRNA expression, implicates bile salt hydrolase activity as a potential mechanism of action. In summary, this study demonstrates the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of short-term feeding of the Lab4 probiotic consortium plus L. plantarum CUL66 in wild-type mice and supports further assessment in human trials.
A Central Small Amino Acid in the VAMP2 Transmembrane Domain Regulates the Fusion Pore in Exocytosis
Authors: Hastoy Benoît , Scotti Pier A. , Milochau Alexandra , Fezoua-Boubegtiten Zahia , Rodas Jorge , Megret Rémi , Desbat Bernard , Laguerre Michel , Castano Sabine , Perrais David , Rorsman Patrik , Oda Reiko , Lang Jochen 
Published: May 2017

AbstractExocytosis depends on cytosolic domains of SNARE proteins but the function of the transmembrane domains (TMDs) in membrane fusion remains controversial. The TMD of the SNARE protein synaptobrevin2/VAMP2 contains two highly conserved small amino acids, G100 and C103, in its central portion. Substituting G100 and/or C103 with the β-branched amino acid valine impairs the structural flexibility of the TMD in terms of α-helix/β-sheet transitions in model membranes (measured by infrared reflection-absorption or evanescent wave spectroscopy) during increase in protein/lipid ratios, a parameter expected to be altered by recruitment of SNAREs at fusion sites. This structural change is accompanied by reduced membrane fluidity (measured by infrared ellipsometry). The G100V/C103V mutation nearly abolishes depolarization-evoked exocytosis (measured by membrane capacitance) and hormone secretion (measured biochemically). Single-vesicle optical (by TIRF microscopy) and biophysical measurements of ATP release indicate that G100V/C103V retards initial fusion-pore opening, hinders its expansion and leads to premature closure in most instances. We conclude that the TMD of VAMP2 plays a critical role in membrane fusion and that the structural mobility provided by the central small amino acids is crucial for exocytosis by influencing the molecular re-arrangements of the lipid membrane that are necessary for fusion pore opening and expansion.
Rapamycin Attenuates Acute Seizure-induced Astrocyte Injury in Mice in Vivo
Authors: Guo Dongjun , Zou Jia , Wong Michael 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAstrocytes have been implicated in epileptogenesis and seizure-induced brain injury. Pathological studies reveal a variety of structural abnormalities in astrocytes, such as vacuolization and astrogliosis. While in vivo imaging methods have demonstrated rapid changes in astrocytes under a variety of physiological and pathological conditions, the acute effects of seizures on astrocyte morphology in vivo and corresponding mechanisms of seizure-induced astrocytic injury have not been documented. In this study, we utilized in vivo two-photon imaging to directly monitor the acute structural effects of kainate-induced seizures on cortical astrocytes. Kainate seizures cause an immediate, but transient, vacuolization of astrocytes, followed over several days by astrogliosis. These effects are prevented by pre- or post-treatment with rapamycin, indicating the mTOR pathway is involved in mediating seizure-induced astrocyte injury. These finding have clinical implications for mechanisms of seizure-induced astrocyte injury and potential therapeutic applications with mTOR inhibitors.
Statistical study of ductility-dip cracking induced plastic deformation in polycrystalline laser 3D printed Ni-based superalloy
Authors: Qian Dan , Xue Jiawei , Zhang Anfeng , Li Yao , Tamura Nobumichi , Song Zhongxiao , Chen Kai 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDuctility-dip cracking in Ni-based superalloy, resulting from heat treatment, is known to cause disastrous failure, but its mechanism is still not completely clear. A statistical study of the cracking behavior as a function of crystal orientation in a laser 3D-printed DL125L Ni-based superalloy polycrystal is investigated here using the synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction. The dislocation slip system in each of the forty crystal grains adjacent to the 300 μm long crack has been analyzed through Laue diffraction peak shapes. In all these grains, edge-type geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) dominate, and their dislocation line directions are almost parallel to the crack plane. Based on Schmid’s law, the equivalent uniaxial tensile force direction is revealed normal to the trace of the crack. A qualitative mechanism is thus proposed. Thermal tensile stress perpendicular to the laser scanning direction is elevated due to a significant temperature gradient, and thus locations in the materials where the thermal stress exceeds the yield stress undergo plastic deformation mediated by GND activations. As the dislocations slip inside the crystal grains and pile up at the grain boundaries, local strain/stress keeps increasing, until the materials in these regions fail to sustain further deformation, leading to voids formation and cracks propagation.
Contributions of the maternal oral and gut microbiome to placental microbial colonization in overweight and obese pregnant women
Authors: Gomez-Arango Luisa F. , Barrett Helen. L. , McIntyre H. David , Callaway Leonie K. , Morrison Mark , Nitert Marloes Dekker 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA distinct bacterial signature of the placenta was reported, providing evidence that the fetus does not develop in a sterile environment. The oral microbiome was suggested as a possible source of the bacterial DNA present in the placenta based on similarities to the oral non-pregnant microbiome. Here, the possible origin of the placental microbiome was assessed, examining the gut, oral and placental microbiomes from the same pregnant women. Microbiome profiles from 37 overweight and obese pregnant women were examined by 16SrRNA sequencing. Fecal and oral contributions to the establishment of the placental microbiome were evaluated. Core phylotypes between body sites and metagenome predictive functionality were determined. The placental microbiome showed a higher resemblance and phylogenetic proximity with the pregnant oral microbiome. However, similarity decreased at lower taxonomic levels and microbiomes clustered based on tissue origin. Core genera: Prevotella, Streptococcus and Veillonella were shared between all body compartments. Pathways encoding tryptophan, fatty-acid metabolism and benzoate degradation were highly enriched specifically in the placenta. Findings demonstrate that the placental microbiome exhibits a higher resemblance with the pregnant oral microbiome. Both oral and gut microbiomes contribute to the microbial seeding of the placenta, suggesting that placental colonization may have multiple niche sources.
Human dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 inhibition by proton pump inhibitors and the cardiovascular risk marker asymmetric dimethylarginine: in vitro and in vivo significance
Authors: Tommasi S. , Elliot D. J. , Hulin J. A. , Lewis B. C. , McEvoy M. , Mangoni A. A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractProton pump inhibitor (PPI)-induced inhibition of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1), with consequent accumulation of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), might explain the increased cardiovascular risk with PPI use. However, uncertainty exists regarding whether clinical PPI concentrations significantly inhibit DDAH1 under linear initial rate conditions, and whether PPI-induced DDAH1 inhibition significantly increases ADMA in humans. DDAH1 inhibition by esomeprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole and rabeprazole was determined by quantifying DDAH1-mediated L-citrulline formation in vitro. Plasma ADMA was measured in PPI users (n = 134) and non-users (n = 489) in the Hunter Community Study (HCS). At clinical PPI concentrations (0.1–10 μmol/L), DDAH1 retained >80% activity vs. baseline. A significant, reversible, time-dependent inhibition was observed with lansoprazole (66% activity at 240 min, P = 0.034) and rabeprazole (25% activity at 240 min, P < 0.001). In regression analysis, PPI use was not associated with ADMA in HCS participants (beta 0.012, 95% CI −0.001 to 0.025, P = 0.077). Furthermore, there were no differences in ADMA between specific PPIs (P = 0.748). At clinical concentrations, PPIs are weak, reversible, DDAH1 inhibitors in vitro. The lack of significant associations between PPIs and ADMA in HCS participants questions the significance of DDAH1 inhibition as a mechanism explaining the increased cardiovascular risk reported with PPI use.
Associations among ADHD, Abnormal Eating and Overweight in a non-clinical sample of Asian children
Authors: Tong Lian , Shi Huijing , Li Xiaoru 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been found to be comorbid with obesity in adults, but the association in children is uncertain. Because the underlying mechanism of comorbidity in children has not been researched sufficiently, this study aims to explore the associations among ADHD, abnormal eating, and body mass index (BMI), as well as the mediating effect of depression in children. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 785 primary students in China. The parent-report version of ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHDRS-IV), the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) and the Children’s Eating Attitude Test (ChEAT) were used to identify ADHD symptoms and abnormal eating. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was applied to assess depression. Structural Equation Modeling was carried out to clarify the associations between ADHD symptoms, depression, abnormal eating, and overweight of students. We found that ADHD positively contributed to emotional eating and Bulimia Nervosa symptoms. However, neither emotional eating nor Bulimia Nervosa symptoms was related to BMI in children. We also found that ADHD significantly contributed to depression, and depression directly predicted emotional eating. In conclusion, ADHD increased the risk of abnormal eating in children, while no significant relationship existed between ADHD and BMI. Comorbid depression raised the risk of emotional eating, rather than Bulimia Nervosa symptoms.
Insoluble (1 → 3), (1 → 4)-β-D-glucan is a component of cell walls in brown algae (Phaeophyceae) and is masked by alginates in tissues
Authors: Salmeán Armando A. , Duffieux Delphine , Harholt Jesper , Qin Fen , Michel Gurvan , Czjzek Mirjam , Willats William G. T. , Hervé Cécile 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBrown algae are photosynthetic multicellular marine organisms. They belong to the phylum of Stramenopiles, which are not closely related to land plants and green algae. Brown algae share common evolutionary features with other photosynthetic and multicellular organisms, including a carbohydrate-rich cell-wall. Brown algal cell walls are composed predominantly of the polyanionic polysaccharides alginates and fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides. These polymers are prevalent over neutral and crystalline components, which are believed to be mostly, if not exclusively, cellulose. In an attempt to better understand brown algal cell walls, we performed an extensive glycan array analysis of a wide range of brown algal species. Here we provide the first demonstration that mixed-linkage (1 → 3), (1 → 4)-β-d-glucan (MLG) is common in brown algal cell walls. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography analyses indicate that MLG in brown algae solely consists of trisaccharide units of contiguous (1 → 4)-β-linked glucose residues joined by (1 → 3)-β-linkages. This regular conformation may allow long stretches of the molecule to align and to form well-structured microfibrils. At the tissue level, immunofluorescence studies indicate that MLG epitopes in brown algae are unmasked by a pre-treatment with alginate lyases to remove alginates. These findings are further discussed in terms of the origin and evolution of MLG in the Stramenopile lineage.
Retinol-binding protein-4 expression marks the short-term mortality of critically ill patients with underlying liver disease: Lipid, but not glucose, matters
Authors: Chen Wei-Ting , Lee Mu-Shien , Chang Chia-Lin , Chiu Cheng-Tang , Chang Ming-Ling 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe implications of retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) expression in critically ill patients with underlying liver diseases remain unclear. A prospective cohort study involving 200 liver intensive care unit (ICU) patients was conducted, with 274 blood donors as controls. Patient outcomes were assessed using Cox and Kaplan-Meier analyses. Of the 200 ICU patients (mean age: 56.0 yrs), 79.5% were male, 72.5% were cirrhotic, 62% were septic, 29.5% were diabetic, and 29% expired in the ICU (median admission: 7.5 days). ICU patients had lower baseline RBP4 (25.6+/−18.4 vs. 43.8+/−35.0 mg/L, p < 0.001) and total cholesterol (TC) levels than controls. The surviving ICU patients had lower baseline international normalized ratios (INRs) of prothrombin time, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores and sepsis rates, but higher estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) and RBP4 levels than non-surviving patients. eGFRs, INRs and TC levels were independently associated with RBP4 levels. Only surviving patients exhibited significantly increased RBP4 levels after ICU discharge. Baseline RBP4 levels and MELD scores predicted 21-day (≤10 mg/L) and 1-year (≥25) mortality, respectively. In critically ill patients with underlying liver disease, with a link to eGFRs, INRs and TC levels, the baseline RBP4 may serve as a marker for short-term mortality.
Ketogenic diet induces expression of the muscle circadian gene Slc25a25 via neural pathway that might be involved in muscle thermogenesis
Authors: Nakao Reiko , Shimba Shigeki , Oishi Katsutaka 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe recently found that the mRNA expression of Slc25a25, a Ca2+-sensitive ATP carrier in the inner mitochondrial membrane, fluctuates in a circadian manner in mouse skeletal muscle. We showed here that the circadian expression of muscle Slc25a25 was damped in Clock mutant, muscle-specific Bmal1-deficient, and global Bmal1-deficient mice. Furthermore, a ketogenic diet (KD) that induces time-of-day-dependent hypothermia (torpor), induced Slc25a25 mRNA expression in skeletal muscle. Hypothermia induced by KD did not affect thermogenic genes such as Sarcolipin and Pgc1a in muscles and Ucp1 in adipose tissues. Sciatic denervation abolished circadian and KD-induced Slc25a25 expression, suggesting that the circadian clock regulates muscle Slc25a25 expression via neural pathways. We measured body temperature (Tb) in sciatic denervated mice fed with KD to determine the functional role of KD-induced Slc25a25 expression. Sciatic denervation abolished Slc25a25 expression and augmented KD-induced hypothermia compared with sham-operated mice, but did not affect Tb in mice given a normal diet. These findings suggest that KD feeding induces expression of the muscle circadian gene Slc25a25 via neural pathways, and that SLC25A25 might be involved in muscle thermogenesis under KD-induced hypothermia in mammals.
Heterogeneity of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Tumours and the Surrounding Stroma for Prediction of Ki-67 Proliferation Status in Breast Cancer
Authors: Fan Ming , He Ting , Zhang Peng , Zhang Juan , Li Lihua 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBreast tissue heterogeneity is related to risk factors that lead to more aggressive tumour growth and worse prognosis, yet such heterogeneity has not been well characterized. The aim of this study is to reveal the heterogeneous signal patterns of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of a tumour and its surrounding stromal tissue and to predict the Ki-67 proliferation status in oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer patients. A dataset of 82 patients who underwent diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) examination was collected. The ADC map was segmented into regions comprising the tumour and the surrounding stromal shells. To reflect correlations between each region in terms of its mean ADC value, a functional graph was constructed consisting of nodes as regions and edges as interactions between two nodes. Analysis of the graph revealed a higher average degree in samples over-expressing Ki-67 than in samples with low Ki-67 expression. In the low-Ki-67 group, most of the identified edges represented correlations between adjacent regions, whereas additional edges representing correlations between non-adjacent regions were found in the high-Ki-67 group. The ADC signal in various breast stromal regions surrounding the tumour showed a discriminative pattern and would be valuable for estimating the Ki-67 proliferation status by DWI.
Maternal-placental-fetal biodistribution of multimodal polymeric nanoparticles in a pregnant rat model in mid and late gestation
Authors: Ho Diwei , Leong Joan W. , Crew Rachael C. , Norret Marck , House Michael J. , Mark Peter J. , Waddell Brendan J. , Iyer K. Swaminathan , Keelan Jeffrey A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMultimodal polymeric nanoparticles have many exciting diagnostic and therapeutic applications, yet their uptake and passage by the placenta, and applications in the treatment of pregnancy complications have not been thoroughly investigated. In this work, the maternal-fetal-placental biodistribution of anionic and cationic multimodal poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) nanoparticles in pregnant rats at mid (ED10) and late (ED20) gestation was examined. Fluorescently-labelled and superparamagnetic PGMA nanoparticles functionalized with/without poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) were administered to pregnant rats at a clinically-relevant dose and biodistribution and tissue uptake assessed. Quantitative measurement of fluorescence intensity or magnetic resonance relaxometry in tissue homogenates lacked the sensitivity to quantify tissue uptake. Confocal microscopy, however, identified uptake by maternal organs and the decidua (ectoplacental cone) and trophoblast giant cells of conceptuses at ED10. At ED20, preferential accumulation of cationic vs. anionic nanoparticles was observed in the placenta, with PGMA-PEI nanoparticles localised mainly within the chorionic plate. These findings highlight the significant impact of surface charge and gestational age in the biodistribution of nanoparticles in pregnancy, and demonstrate the importance of using highly sensitive measurement techniques to evaluate nanomaterial biodistribution and maternal-fetal exposure.
Persistent effects of the Yellow River on the Chinese marginal seas began at least ~880 ka ago
Authors: Yao Zhengquan , Shi Xuefa , Qiao Shuqing , Liu Qingsong , Kandasamy Selvaraj , Liu Jianxing , Liu Yanguang , Liu Jihua , Fang Xisheng , Gao Jingjing , Dou Yanguang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe Yellow River (or Huanghe and also known as China’s Sorrow in ancient times), with the highest sediment load in the world, provides a key link between continental erosion and sediment accumulation in the western Pacific Ocean. However, the exact age of its influence on the marginal sea is highly controversial and uncertain. Here we present high-resolution records of clay minerals and lanthanum to samarium (La/Sm) ratio spanning the past ~1 million years (Myr) from the Bohai and Yellow Seas, the potential sedimentary sinks of the Yellow River. Our results show a climate-driven provenance shift from small, proximal mountain rivers-dominance to the Yellow River-dominance at ~880 ka, a time period consistent with the Mid-Pleistocene orbital shift from 41-kyr to 100-kyr cyclicity. We compare the age of this provenance shift with the available age data for Yellow River headwater integration into the marginal seas and suggest that the persistent influence of the Yellow River on the Chinese marginal seas must have occurred at least ~880 ka ago. To our knowledge, this study provides the first offshore evidence on the drainage history of the Yellow River within an accurate chronology framework.
Human uterine lymphocytes acquire a more experienced and tolerogenic phenotype during pregnancy
Authors: Feyaerts Dorien , Benner Marilen , van Cranenbroek Bram , van der Heijden Olivier W. H. , Joosten Irma , van der Molen Renate G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPregnancy requires a delicate immune balance that nurtures the allogeneic fetus, while maintaining reactivity against pathogens. Despite increasing knowledge, data is lacking on the transition of pre-pregnancy endometrial lymphocytes to a pregnancy state. Here, we immunophenotyped lymphocytes from endometrium (MMC), term decidua parietalis (DPMC), and PBMC for direct comparison. We found that the immune cell composition of MMC and DPMC clearly differ from each other, with less NK-cells, and more NKT-cells and T-cells in DPMC. An increased percentage of central memory and effector memory T-cells, and less naive T-cells in DPMC indicates that decidual T-cells are more experienced than endometrial T-cells. The increased percentage of CD4+CD25highCD127− Treg in DPMC, including differentiated Treg, is indicative of a more experienced and tolerogenic environment during pregnancy. The Th cell composition of both MMC and DPMC was different from PBMC, with a preference for Th1 over Th2 in the uterine environment. Between MMC and DPMC, percentages of Th cell subsets did not differ significantly. Our results suggest that already before pregnancy a tightly controlled Th1/Th2/Th17 balance is present. These findings create opportunities to further investigate the underlying immune mechanism of pregnancy complications using menstrual blood as a source for endometrial lymphocytes.