bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Herbal formula YYJD inhibits tumor growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and senescence in lung cancer
Authors: Zheng Tingting , Que Zujun , Jiao Lijing , Kang Yani , Gong Yabin , Yao Jialin , Ma Chao , Bi Ling , Dong Qihan , Zhao Xiaodong , Xu Ling 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLung cancer represents a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although various tactics and anti-tumor drugs have been used to improve curative effects, five-year survival rate of lung cancer patients remains poor. In this study, we investigated the action and underlying mechanisms of our recently optimized Chinese herbal formula Yangyinjiedu (YYJD) against lung cancer. YYJD significantly inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer cell lines (95-D, A549, H460 and H1975) by inducing cell cycle arrest and senescence in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, YYJD induces significant G2/M phase arrest and inhibits the colony formation of lung cancer cells. Moreover, we found that administration of YYJD could inhibit the growth of xenografted lung cancer cells in nude mice without loss in body weight. Our findings suggest that the herbal formula YYJD is a potential anti-tumor agent against lung cancer.
Self-assembled α-Tocopherol Transfer Protein Nanoparticles Promote Vitamin E Delivery Across an Endothelial Barrier
Authors: Aeschimann Walter , Staats Stefanie , Kammer Stephan , Olieric Natacha , Jeckelmann Jean-Marc , Fotiadis Dimitrios , Netscher Thomas , Rimbach Gerald , Cascella Michele , Stocker Achim 
Published: July 2017

AbstractVitamin E is one of the most important natural antioxidants, protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids in the membranes of cells. Among different chemical isoforms assimilated from dietary regimes, RRR-α-tocopherol is the only one retained in higher animals. This is possible thanks to α-Tocopherol Transfer Protein (α-TTP), which extracts α-tocopherol from endosomal compartments in liver cells, facilitating its distribution into the body. Here we show that, upon binding to its substrate, α-TTP acquires tendency to aggregation into thermodynamically stable high molecular weight oligomers. Determination of the structure of such aggregates by X-ray crystallography revealed a spheroidal particle formed by 24 protein monomers. Oligomerization is triggered by refolding of the N-terminus. Experiments with cultured cell monolayers demonstrate that the same oligomers are efficiently transported through an endothelial barrier (HUVEC) and not through an epithelial one (Caco-2). Discovery of a human endogenous transport protein with intrinsic capability of crossing endothelial tissues opens to new ways of drug delivery into the brain or other tissues protected by endothelial barriers.
Specificity Switching Pathways in Thermal and Mass Evaporation of Multicomponent Hydrocarbon Droplets: A Mesoscopic Observation
Authors: Nasiri Rasoul , Luo Kai H. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFor well over one century, the Hertz–Knudsen equation has established the relationship between thermal – mass transfer coefficients through a liquid – vapour interface and evaporation rate. These coefficients, however, have been often separately estimated for one-component equilibrium systems and their simultaneous influences on evaporation rate of fuel droplets in multicomponent systems have yet to be investigated at the atomic level. Here we first apply atomistic simulation techniques and quantum/statistical mechanics methods to understand how thermal and mass evaporation effects are controlled kinetically/thermodynamically. We then present a new development of a hybrid method of quantum transition state theory/improved kinetic gas theory, for multicomponent hydrocarbon systems to investigate how concerted-distinct conformational changes of hydrocarbons at the interface affect the evaporation rate. The results of this work provide an important physical concept in fundamental understanding of atomistic pathways in topological interface transitions of chain molecules, resolving an open problem in kinetics of fuel droplets evaporation.
The glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase GapDH of Corynebacterium diphtheriae is redox-controlled by protein S-mycothiolation under oxidative stress
Authors: Hillion Melanie , Imber Marcel , Pedre Brandán , Bernhardt Jörg , Saleh Malek , Loi Vu Van , Maaß Sandra , Becher Dörte , Astolfi Rosado Leonardo , Adrian Lorenz , Weise Christoph , Hell Rüdiger , Wirtz Markus , Messens Joris , Antelmann Haike 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMycothiol (MSH) is the major low molecular weight (LMW) thiol in Actinomycetes and functions in post-translational thiol-modification by protein S-mycothiolation as emerging thiol-protection and redox-regulatory mechanism. Here, we have used shotgun-proteomics to identify 26 S-mycothiolated proteins in the pathogen Corynebacterium diphtheriae DSM43989 under hypochlorite stress that are involved in energy metabolism, amino acid and nucleotide biosynthesis, antioxidant functions and translation. The glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GapDH) represents the most abundant S-mycothiolated protein that was modified at its active site Cys153 in vivo. Exposure of purified GapDH to H2O2 and NaOCl resulted in irreversible inactivation due to overoxidation of the active site in vitro. Treatment of GapDH with H2O2 or NaOCl in the presence of MSH resulted in S-mycothiolation and reversible GapDH inactivation in vitro which was faster compared to the overoxidation pathway. Reactivation of S-mycothiolated GapDH could be catalyzed by both, the Trx and the Mrx1 pathways in vitro, but demycothiolation by Mrx1 was faster compared to Trx. In summary, we show here that S-mycothiolation can function in redox-regulation and protection of the GapDH active site against overoxidation in C. diphtheriae which can be reversed by both, the Mrx1 and Trx pathways.
Chronic lung inflammation primes humoral immunity and augments antipneumococcal resistance
Authors: Boehme Julia D. , Stegemann-Koniszewski Sabine , Autengruber Andrea , Peters Nicole , Wissing Josef , Jänsch Lothar , Jeron Andreas , Bruder Dunja 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAirway epithelial cells (AECs) display remarkable plasticity in response to infectious stimuli and their functional adaptations are critical for antimicrobial immunity. However, the roles of AECs and humoral mediators to host defense in non-communicable lung inflammation remain elusive. We dissected pulmonary defense againstStreptococcus pneumoniaein hosts with pre-existing inflammatory conditions (SPC-HAxTCR-HA mice). Lung tissue transcriptomics and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) proteomics revealed an induction of humoral defense mechanisms in inflamed lungs. Accordingly, besides antibacterial proteins and complement components being overrepresented in inflamed lungs, elevated polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR)-expression in AECs correlated with increased secretory immunoglobulin (SIg) transport. Consequently, opsonization assays revealed augmented pneumococcal coverage by SIgs present in the BALF of SPC-HAxTCR-HA mice, which was associated with enhanced antipneumococcal resistance. These findings emphasize the immunologic potential of AECs as well as their central role in providing antibacterial protection and put forward pIgR as potential target for therapeutic manipulation in infection-prone individuals.
Impacts of Early Life Stress on the Methylome and Transcriptome of Atlantic Salmon
Authors: Moghadam Hooman K. , Johnsen Hanne , Robinson Nicholas , Andersen Øivind , H. Jørgensen Even , Johnsen Helge K. , Bæhr Vegar J. , Tveiten Helge 
Published: July 2017

AbstractExposure to environmental stressors during early-life stages can change the rate and timing of various developmental processes. Epigenetic marks affecting transcriptional regulation can be altered by such environmental stimuli. To assess how stress might affect the methylome and transcriptome in salmon, fish were treated using cold-shock and air-exposure from the eye-stage until start-feeding. The fish were either stressed prior to hatching (E), post-hatching (PH), pre- and post-hatching (EPH) or not stressed (CO). Assessing transcriptional abundances just prior to start feeding, E and PH individuals were found to have modified the expression of thousands of genes, many with important functions in developmental processes. The EPH individuals however, showed expression similar to those of CO, suggesting an adaptive response to extended periods of stress. The methylome of stressed individuals differed from that of the CO, suggesting the importance of environment in shaping methylation signatures. Through integration of methylation with transcription, we identified bases with potential regulatory functions, some 10s of kb away from the targeted genes. We then followed fish growth for an additional year. Individuals in EPH showed superior growth compared to other treatment groups, highlighting how stress can potentially have long-lasting effects on an organism’s ability to adapt to environmental perturbations.
Melatonin alleviates chilling stress in cucumber seedlings by up-regulation of CsZat12 and modulation of polyamine and abscisic acid metabolism
Authors: Zhao Hailiang , Zhang Kai , Zhou Xiaoting , Xi Linjie , Wang Yuping , Xu Hongjun , Pan Tonghua , Zou Zhirong 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTo obtain new insights into the mechanisms of the positive effects of exogenous melatonin applications to cucumber seedlings during chilling, we investigated its role in regulating photosynthesis, the transcription level of csZat12 and the metabolism of polyamines (PAs) and of abscisic acid (ABA). The negative effects of chilling were clearly alleviated in cucumber seedlings by irrigation with 200 μM melatonin solution. This was evidenced by alleviation of the decline in net photosynthesis rate and also in electrolyte leakage in chilled plants. The reasons for this can be explained as follows. First, melatonin up-regulates CsZat12, an important stress-related gene. Second, melatonin increases the content of putrescine (Put) and spermidine (Spd) and stabilized spermine (Spm) by altering the activity of the PA metabolic enzymes. And, third, ABA is also involved in these effects as melatonin modulated the expression of the key ABA biosynthesis genes (CsNCED1 and CsNCED2) and also the key ABA catabolism genes (CsCYP707A1 and CsCYP707A2). This study provides new evidence suggesting melatonin mitigates chilling stress in cucumber by up-regulating the expression of CsZat12 and by modulating the metabolism of PAs and ABA.
Contrast-enhanced MR microscopy of amyloid plaques in five mouse models of amyloidosis and in human Alzheimer’s disease brains
Authors: Dudeffant Clémence , Vandesquille Matthias , Herbert Kelly , Garin Clément M. , Alves Sandro , Blanchard Véronique , Comoy Emmanuel E. , Petit Fanny , Dhenain Marc 
Published: July 2017

AbstractGadolinium (Gd)-stained MRI is based on Gd contrast agent (CA) administration into the brain parenchyma. The strong signal increase induced by Gd CA can be converted into resolution enhancement to record microscopic MR images. Moreover, inhomogeneous distribution of the Gd CA in the brain improves the contrast between different tissues and provides new contrasts in MR images. Gd-stained MRI detects amyloid plaques, one of the microscopic lesions of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), in APPSL/PS1M146Lmice or in primates. Numerous transgenic mice with various plaque typologies have been developed to mimic cerebral amyloidosis and comparison of plaque detection between animal models and humans with new imaging methods is a recurrent concern. Here, we investigated detection of amyloid plaques by Gd-stained MRI in five mouse models of amyloidosis (APPSL/PS1M146L, APP/PS1dE9, APP23, APPSwDI, and 3xTg) presenting with compact, diffuse and intracellular plaques as well as inpost mortemhuman-AD brains. The brains were then evaluated by histology to investigate the impact of size, compactness, and iron load of amyloid plaques on their detection by MRI. We show that Gd-stained MRI allows detection of compact amyloid plaques as small as 25 µm, independently of their iron load, in mice as well as in human-AD brains.
Differential co-expression analysis reveals a novel prognostic gene module in ovarian cancer
Authors: Gov Esra , Arga Kazim Yalcin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOvarian cancer is one of the most significant disease among gynecological disorders that women suffered from over the centuries. However, disease-specific and effective biomarkers were still not available, since studies have focused on individual genes associated with ovarian cancer, ignoring the interactions and associations among the gene products. Here, ovarian cancer differential co-expression networks were reconstructed via meta-analysis of gene expression data and co-expressed gene modules were identified in epithelial cells from ovarian tumor and healthy ovarian surface epithelial samples to propose ovarian cancer associated genes and their interactions. We propose a novel, highly interconnected, differentially co-expressed, and co-regulated gene module in ovarian cancer consisting of 84 prognostic genes. Furthermore, the specificity of the module to ovarian cancer was shown through analyses of datasets in nine other cancers. These observations underscore the importance of transcriptome based systems biomarkers research in deciphering the elusive pathophysiology of ovarian cancer, and here, we present reciprocal interplay between candidate ovarian cancer genes and their transcriptional regulatory dynamics. The corresponding gene module might provide new insights on ovarian cancer prognosis and treatment strategies that continue to place a significant burden on global health.
Evidence for rapid weathering response to climatic warming during the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event
Authors: Them Theodore R. , Gill Benjamin C. , Selby David , Gröcke Darren R. , Friedman Richard M. , Owens Jeremy D. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractChemical weathering consumes atmospheric carbon dioxide through the breakdown of silicate minerals and is thought to stabilize Earth’s long-term climate. However, the potential influence of silicate weathering on atmospheric pCO2 levels on geologically short timescales (103–105 years) remains poorly constrained. Here we focus on the record of a transient interval of severe climatic warming across the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event or T-OAE from an open ocean sedimentary succession from western North America. Paired osmium isotope data and numerical modelling results suggest that weathering rates may have increased by 215% and potentially up to 530% compared to the pre-event baseline, which would have resulted in the sequestration of significant amounts of atmospheric CO2. This process would have also led to increased delivery of nutrients to the oceans and lakes stimulating bioproductivity and leading to the subsequent development of shallow-water anoxia, the hallmark of the T-OAE. This enhanced bioproductivity and anoxia would have resulted in elevated rates of organic matter burial that would have acted as an additional negative feedback on atmospheric pCO2 levels. Therefore, the enhanced weathering modulated by initially increased pCO2 levels would have operated as both a direct and indirect negative feedback to end the T-OAE.
Hybrid perovskite solar cells fabricated from guanidine hydroiodide and tin iodide
Authors: Ishibashi Hironobu , Katayama Mikimasa , Tanaka Senku , Kaji Toshihiko 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFor the search of new metal-halide perovskite solar cell materials, tolerance factors are calculated from the ionic radius of each site and are often utilized as the critical factors to expect the materials forming perovskite structure. As one of such amine hydrohalides, guanidine hydroiodide (GI) is reported not to react with PbI2. However, in this paper, we report the product of GI and SnI2 reaction, its visible light absorption, X-ray diffraction, and its solar cell operation, in spite of the more disadvantageous tolerance factor of SnI2 than PbI2. We also report the thermal stability of GI, enabling precise control of vacuum deposition, and utilization of co-evaporant induced crystallization method during the vacuum evaporation of the SnI2 film, which resulted in enlarging the SnI2 crystals and improving the short circuit current density of the solar cell.
Within-host Evolution of Segments Ratio for the Tripartite Genome of Alfalfa Mosaic Virus
Authors: Wu Beilei , Zwart Mark P. , Sánchez-Navarro Jesús A. , Elena Santiago F. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe existence of multipartite viruses is an intriguing mystery in evolutionary virology. Several hypotheses suggest benefits that should outweigh the costs of a reduced transmission efficiency and of segregation of coadapted genes associated with encapsidating each segment into a different particle. Advantages range from increasing genome size despite high mutation rates, faster replication, more efficient selection resulting from reassortment during mixed infections, better regulation of gene expression, or enhanced virion stability and cell-to-cell movement. However, support for these hypotheses is scarce. Here we report experiments testing whether an evolutionary stable equilibrium exists for the three genomic RNAs of Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV). Starting infections with different segment combinations, we found that the relative abundance of each segment evolves towards a constant ratio. Population genetic analyses show that the segment ratio at this equilibrium is determined by frequency-dependent selection. Replication of RNAs 1 and 2 was coupled and collaborative, whereas the replication of RNA 3 interfered with the replication of the other two. We found that the equilibrium solution is slightly different for the total amounts of RNA produced and encapsidated, suggesting that competition exists between all RNAs during encapsidation. Finally, we found that the observed equilibrium appears to be host-species dependent.
Membrane Association Landscape of Myelin Basic Protein Portrays Formation of the Myelin Major Dense Line
Authors: Raasakka Arne , Ruskamo Salla , Kowal Julia , Barker Robert , Baumann Anne , Martel Anne , Tuusa Jussi , Myllykoski Matti , Bürck Jochen , Ulrich Anne S. , Stahlberg Henning , Kursula Petri 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCompact myelin comprises most of the dry weight of myelin, and its insulative nature is the basis for saltatory conduction of nerve impulses. The major dense line (MDL) is a 3-nm compartment between two cytoplasmic leaflets of stacked myelin membranes, mostly occupied by a myelin basic protein (MBP) phase. MBP is an abundant myelin protein involved in demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. The association of MBP with lipid membranes has been studied for decades, but the MBP-driven formation of the MDL remains elusive at the biomolecular level. We employed complementary biophysical methods, including atomic force microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, and neutron scattering, to investigate the formation of membrane stacks all the way from MBP binding onto a single membrane leaflet to the organisation of a stable MDL. Our results support the formation of an amorphous protein phase of MBP between two membrane bilayers and provide a molecular model for MDL formation during myelination, which is of importance when understanding myelin assembly and demyelinating conditions.
Asymptomatic Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in a Middle-Aged Population in Taiwan - A Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Chen Alexander , Chen Hung-Ta , Chen Hung-Chi , Chen Yi-Tsun , Hwang Yih-Hsiou , Sun Chi-Chin , Hsiao Ching-Hsi , Ma David Hui-Kang , Wu Wei-Chi , Lai Chi-Chun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractManaging cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors is the key to prevent CVD. This study aimed to prevent CVD by introducing asymptomatic meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition associated with various CVD risk factors, as an early indicator for CVD in middle-aged population. Participants with and without asymptomatic MGD underwent standardized questionnaires, physical examinations, and laboratory investigations. One ophthalmologist completed the identification and grading of MGD by using slit-lamp biomicroscopy examination on the eyelid margins, meibomian gland orifices, and meibomian gland secretions. Standardized techniques were used to measure the CVD risk factor parameters. After adjusted for age and gender, CVD risk factors including elevated uric acid (P = 0.01), total cholesterol (Total-C, P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, P < 0.001), fasting triglyceride (Fasting TG, P < 0.001), decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, P = 0.04), and presence of hepatic steatosis (P = 0.008) were significantly associated with asymptomatic MGD. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that LDL-C (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.04) and Fasting TG (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00–1.01) levels were risk factors for having asymptomatic MGD (P < 0.001). Together, the results suggest that asymptomatic MGD may serve as an indicator for CVD.
Strong magnetic field effect on the nucleation of a highly undercooled Co-Sn melt
Authors: Wang Jun , He Yixuan , Li Jinshan , Kou Hongchao , Beaugnon Eric 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHigh magnetic field is a powerful tool to tune the microstructure and improve the properties of materials. In this report, the nucleation behavior of undercooled Co76Sn24 near eutectic alloy under strong homogeneous and gradient magnetic fields have been investigated using glass slag fluxing method in a 12 T superconducting magnet. The mean undercooling of the undercooled melt is not altered by homogeneous magnetic field but depressed by gradient magnetic field. The highest temperature during recalescence is strongly altered by magnetic field, where an enhancement effect is observed under gradient magnetic field and an opposite effect in homogeneous magnetic field. The reason is interpreted by discussion about the magnetic field on the thermodynamics of nucleation and also the purifying effect of the glass slag, the magnetic properties and the magnetic force exerted on the undercooled melt.
Endothelial Hey2 deletion reduces endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and mitigates radiation proctitis in mice
Authors: Mintet Elodie , Lavigne Jérémy , Paget Vincent , Tarlet Georges , Buard Valérie , Guipaud Olivier , Sabourin Jean-Christophe , Iruela-Arispe Maria-Luisa , Milliat Fabien , François Agnès 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe current study evaluated the role of Hey2 transcription factor in radiation-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and its impact on radiation-induced tissue damage in mice. Phenotypic modifications of irradiated, Hey2 siRNA- and Hey2 vector plasmid-transfected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) resembling EndoMT were monitored by qPCR, immunocytochemistry and western blots. Subsequently, in mice, a Cre-LoxP strategy for inactivation of Hey2 specifically in the endothelium was used to study the biological consequences. Total body irradiation and radiation proctitis were monitored to investigate the impact of conditional Hey2 deletion on intestinal stem cells and microvascular compartment radiosensitivity, EndoMT and rectal damage severity. We found that EndoMT occurs in irradiated HUVECs with concomitant Hey2 mRNA and protein increase. While Hey2 silencing has no effect on radiation-induced EndoMT in vitro, Hey2 overexpression is sufficient to induce phenotypic conversion of endothelial cells. In mice, the conditional deletion of Hey2 reduces EndoMT frequency and the severity of rectal tissue damage. Our data indicate that the reduction in mucosal damage occurs through decline in stem/clonogenic epithelial cell loss mediated by microvascular protection. EndoMT is involved in radiation proctitis and this study demonstrates that a strategy based on the reduction of EndoMT mitigates intestinal tissue damage.