bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astragaloside IV alleviates heart failure via activating PPARα to switch glycolysis to fatty acid β-oxidation
Authors: Dong Zhiwei , Zhao Pei , Xu Ming , Zhang Chen , Guo Wei , Chen Huihua , Tian Jing , Wei Hongchang , lu Rong , Cao Tongtong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn heart failure (HF), energy metabolism pathway in cardiac muscle changes from fatty acid β-oxidation to glycolysis. However, the exact mechanism is unknown. Sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+α ATPase (SERCA) expression is downregulated and mitochondrial function is reduced in HF, perhaps partly due to a substantially reduced energy supply for excitation–contraction coupling resulting from a lower fatty acid β-oxidation rate. We investigated whether Astragaloside IV can activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) to stimulate fatty acid β-oxidation and increase cardiac energy production, improving mitochondrial function and the efficiency of SERCA in HF. In pressure overload-induced HF mice and isolated hypertrophic myocardial cells, fatty acid β-oxidation and heart function were substantially strengthened following Astragaloside IV treatment, as demonstrated by the increased expression of PPARα and SERCA2a. In vitro, Astragaloside IV regulated energy metabolism by increasing ATP production and enhancing mitochondrial function, attributable to increased oxygen consumption and slightly increased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. In HF, Astragaloside IV switched glycolysis to fatty acid β-oxidation, as confirmed by reduced anaerobic glycolysis and an increased oxygen consumption ratio. These results suggest that Astragaloside IV can stimulate fatty acid β-oxidation and improve mitochondrial function, which may present a novel cardioprotective treatment that inhibits the progress of HF.
Hsp70 facilitates trans-membrane transport of bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxins into the cytosol of mammalian cells
Authors: Ernst Katharina , Schmid Johannes , Beck Matthias , Hägele Marlen , Hohwieler Meike , Hauff Patricia , Ückert Anna Katharina , Anastasia Anna , Fauler Michael , Jank Thomas , Aktories Klaus , Popoff Michel R. , Schiene-Fischer Cordelia , Kleger Alexander , Müller Martin , Frick Manfred , Barth Holger 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBinary enterotoxins Clostridium (C.) botulinum C2 toxin, C. perfringens iota toxin and C. difficile toxin CDT are composed of a transport (B) and a separate non-linked enzyme (A) component. Their B-components mediate endocytic uptake into mammalian cells and subsequently transport of the A-components from acidic endosomes into the cytosol, where the latter ADP-ribosylate G-actin resulting in cell rounding and cell death causing clinical symptoms. Protein folding enzymes, including Hsp90 and peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases facilitate transport of the A-components across endosomal membranes. Here, we identified Hsp70 as a novel host cell factor specifically interacting with A-components of C2, iota and CDT toxins to facilitate their transport into the cell cytosol. Pharmacological Hsp70-inhibition specifically prevented pH-dependent trans-membrane transport of A-components into the cytosol thereby protecting living cells and stem cell-derived human miniguts from intoxication. Thus, Hsp70-inhibition might lead to development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat diseases associated with bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxins.
Synchrotron phase-contrast microtomography of coprolites generates novel palaeobiological data
Authors: Qvarnström Martin , Niedźwiedzki Grzegorz , Tafforeau Paul , Žigaitė Živil , Ahlberg Per E. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCoprolites (fossil faeces) reveal clues to ancient trophic relations, and contain inclusions representing organisms that are rarely preserved elsewhere. However, much information is lost by classical techniques of investigation, which cannot find and image the inclusions in an adequate manner. We demonstrate that propagation phase-contrast synchrotron microtomography (PPC-SRμCT) permits high-quality virtual 3D-reconstruction of coprolite inclusions, exemplified by two coprolites from the Upper Triassic locality Krasiejów, Poland; one of the coprolites contains delicate beetle remains, and the other one a partly articulated fish and fragments of bivalves.
Monocyclic β-lactams loaded on hydroxyapatite: new biomaterials with enhanced antibacterial activity against resistant strains
Authors: Giacomini Daria , Torricelli Paola , Gentilomi Giovanna Angela , Boanini Elisa , Gazzano Massimo , Bonvicini Francesca , Benetti Emanuele , Soldati Roberto , Martelli Giulia , Rubini Katia , Bigi Adriana 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe development of biomaterials able to act against a wide range of bacteria, including antibiotic resistant bacteria, is of great importance since bacterial colonization is one of the main causes of implant failure. In this work, we explored the possibility to functionalize hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocrystals with some monocyclic N-thio-substituted β-lactams. To this aim, a series of non-polar azetidinones have been synthesized and characterized. The amount of azetidinones loaded on HA could be properly controlled on changing the polarity of the loading solution and it can reach values up to 17 wt%. Data on cumulative release in aqueous solution show different trends which can be related to the lipophilicity of the molecules and can be modulated by suitable groups on the azetidinone. The examined β-lactams-HA composites display good antibacterial activity against reference Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, the results of citotoxicity and antibacterial tests indicate that HA loaded with 4-acetoxy-1-(methylthio)-azetidin-2-one displays the best performance. In fact, this material strongly inhibited the bacterial growth of both methicillin resistant and methicillin susceptible clinical isolates of S. aureus from surgical bone biopsies, showing to be a very good candidate as a new functional biomaterial with enhanced antibacterial activity.
Artificial enamel induced by phase transformation of amorphous nanoparticles
Authors: Onuma Kazuo , Iijima Mayumi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHuman tooth enamel has tightly packed c-axis-oriented hydroxyapatite (HAP: Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) nanorods with high elastic modulus. Fabrication of an enamel architecture in vitro supports the repair of teeth using HAP; however, existing methods require complex and laborious steps to form an enamel-like structure. Here we present a very simple and effective technique for forming artificial enamel in near-physiological solution using a substrate composed of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) nanoparticles. Without any functionalized modification of the substrate surface, faint dissolution and successive phase transformation automatically induce formation of an intermediate layer of low-crystalline HAP nanoparticles, on which highly oriented HAP nanorods grow by geometrical selection. We also show that an enamel structure forms on a substrate of amorphous calcium carbonate when the surface nanoparticles react so as to form an intermediate layer similar to that in ACP. Our results demonstrate that there is a wide range of substrate choices for nanorod array formation. Contrary to current understanding, a stable surface designed in nanoscale is not essential for the growth of arranged guest crystals. Reactive amorphous nanoparticles and their transformation efficiently induce a nanorod array structure.
Injectable in situ cross-linking chitosan-hyaluronic acid based hydrogels for abdominal tissue regeneration
Authors: Deng Youming , Ren Jianan , Chen Guopu , Li Guanwei , Wu Xiuwen , Wang Gefei , Gu Guosheng , Li Jieshou 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAbdominal wall defect caused by open abdomen (OA) or abdominal trauma is a serious issue since it induces several clinical problems. Although a variety of prosthetic materials are commonly employed, complications occur including host soft tissue response, fistula formation and chronic patient discomfort. Recently, abundant natural polymers have been used for injectable hydrogel synthesis in tissue regeneration. In this study, we produced the chitosan - hyaluronic acid (CS/HA) hydrogel and investigated its effects on abdominal tissue regeneration. The physical and biological properties of the hydrogel were demonstrated to be suitable for application in abdominal wounds. In a rat model simulating open abdomen and large abdominal wall defect, rapid cellular response, sufficient ECM deposition and marked neovascularization were found after the application of the hydrogel, compared to the control group and fibrin gel group. Further, the possible mechanism of these findings was studied. Cytokines involved in angiogenesis and cellular response were increased and the skew toward M2 macrophages credited with the functions of anti-inflammation and tissue repair was showed in CS/HA hydrogel group. These findings suggested that CS/HA hydrogel could prevent the complications and was promising for abdominal tissue regeneration.
A new method to reduce the number of time delays in a network
Authors: Wagemakers Alexandre , Sanjuán Miguel A. F. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTime delays may cause dramatic changes to the dynamics of interacting oscillators. Coupled networks of interacting dynamical systems can have unexpected behaviours when the signal between the vertices are time delayed. It has been shown for a very general class of systems that the time delays can be rearranged as long as the total time delay over the constitutive loops of the network is conserved. This fact allows to reduce the number of time delays of the problem without loss of information. There is a theoretical lower bound for this number that can be numerically improved if the time delays are commensurable. Here we propose a formulation of the problem and a numerical method to even further reduce the number of time delays in a network.
RNAseq analysis reveals pathways and candidate genes associated with salinity tolerance in a spaceflight-induced wheat mutant
Authors: Xiong Hongchun , Guo Huijun , Xie Yongdun , Zhao Linshu , Gu Jiayu , Zhao Shirong , Li Junhui , Liu Luxiang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSalinity stress has become an increasing threat to food security worldwide and elucidation of the mechanism for salinity tolerance is of great significance. Induced mutation, especially spaceflight mutagenesis, is one important method for crop breeding. In this study, we show that a spaceflight-induced wheat mutant, named salinity tolerance 1 (st1), is a salinity-tolerant line. We report the characteristics of transcriptomic sequence variation induced by spaceflight, and show that mutations in genes associated with sodium ion transport may directly contribute to salinity tolerance in st1. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between salinity-treated st1 and wild type suggested that the homeostasis of oxidation-reduction process is important for salt tolerance in st1. Through KEGG pathway analysis, “Butanoate metabolism” was identified as a new pathway for salinity responses. Additionally, key genes for salinity tolerance, such as genes encoding arginine decarboxylase, polyamine oxidase, hormones-related, were not only salt-induced in st1 but also showed higher expression in salt-treated st1 compared with salt-treated WT, indicating that these genes may play important roles in salinity tolerance in st1. This study presents valuable genetic resources for studies on transcriptome variation caused by induced mutation and the identification of salt tolerance genes in crops.
De novo RNA synthesis catalyzed by the Zika Virus RNA polymerase domain
Authors: Calmels Christina , Ventura Michel , Aknin Cindy , Métifiot Mathieu , Andreola Marie-Line 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMosquito- and tick-borne pathogens including Chikungunya, Dengue, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile, Yellow fever and Zika virus, represent a new economic and public health challenge. In the absence of effective vaccines and specific therapies, only supportive regimens are administrated for most of these infections. Thus, the development of a targeted therapy is mandatory to stop the rapid progression of these pathogens and preoccupant associated burdens such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, microcephaly. For this, it is essential to develop biochemical tools to help study and target key viral enzymes involved in replication such as helicase complexes, methyl-transferases and RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Here, we show that a highly purified ZIKV polymerase domain is active in vitro. Importantly, we show that this isolated domain is capable of de novo synthesis of the viral genome and efficient elongation without terminal nucleotide transferase activity. Altogether, this isolated polymerase domain will be a precious tool to screen and optimize specific nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors to fight against Zika infections.
Using bamboo biochar with compost for the stabilization and phytotoxicity reduction of heavy metals in mine-contaminated soils of China
Authors: Ali Amjad , Guo Di , Zhang Yue , Sun Xining , Jiang Shuncheng , Guo Zhanyu , Huang Hui , Liang Wen , Li Ronghua , Zhang Zengqiang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAnthropogenic activities have transformed the global geochemical cycling of heavy metals (HMs). Many physical, chemical and biological methods are used to reduce the toxicity of HMs to humans, plants and environment. This study aimed to investigate the immobilization and phytotoxicity reduction of HMs after application of bamboo biochar (BB) in mine-polluted soil in Feng county (FC) and Tongguan (TG). The results showed that BB application to contaminated soil immobilized HMs (Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu). The soil pH and EC increased and the bioavailability of HMs decreased in FC and TG, whereas Pb and Cu increased in TG soil. The addition of BB reduced HMs uptake in the shoot/root of Brassica juncea. Physiological responses showed that BB application improved the shoot/root growth, dry biomass, and enhanced the chlorophyll (a and b) and carotenoid concentrations in Brassica. The incorporation of BB improved the soil health and accelerated enzymatic activities (β-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase and urease) in HMs polluted soils. Antioxidant activities (POD, PPO, CAT and SOD) were also used as biomarkers to determine the negative effects of HMs on the growth of Brassica. Overall, the immobilization potential and phytotoxicity reduction of HMs were confirmed by BCF, TF and MEA for both soils.
Seed mass of angiosperm woody plants better explained by life history traits than climate across China
Authors: Zheng Jingming , Guo Zhiwen , Wang Xiangping 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSeed mass is a basic trait in studies of functional ecology. Examining how seed mass is affected by biotic and abiotic factors could improve our understanding of ecological strategies in plants. Here we examined the relationships of seed mass with 13 climate variables and seven life history traits, and partitioned the relative effects of life history traits vs. climate, based on seed mass data for 1265 woody angiosperm species in China. Our results showed that seed mass decreased with latitude, and most climate variables were positively correlated with seed mass. Geographic seed mass pattern was affected by both energy and water availability in the growing season, but the effect of energy availability was more important. Seed mass was also significantly related to other traits such as growth form, fruit type, dispersal mode, breeding system, leaf habit, fruit development time, and minimum juvenile period, with growth form and dispersal mode being the most closely related traits. Our results showed that climate explained much less variation in seed mass than life history traits, and that phylogeny played an important role in shaping the large-scale patterns of seed mass.
Tea polyphenols: absorption, bioavailability and potential toxicity.
Authors: Ho C. K. , Choi SiuWai Choi SiuWai , Fung M. S. , Benzie I. F. F. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Tea polyphenols (catechins) have various reported properties that may benefit health and lower risk of non-communicable disease. However, their bioavailability is low. There is rapid metabolism and elimination of most absorbed catechins, and they do not accumulate beyond nanomolar amounts in plasma, even with regular intake. There is extensive biotransformation of unabsorbed catechins by colonic microflora, which produces ring scission products that, if included, increase bioavailability from an average of <4% to around 40%. Strategies exist to increase bioavailability, such as taking tea catechins in the fasting state, or taking more concentrated, purified, stable or bioaccessible formulations of catechins. However, catechins demonstrate pro-oxidant activity under certain conditions, and administration of high levels induces toxic effects on liver and kidney. In humans catechins are generally well tolerated at up to 400 mg/day, but even this dose can cause gastrointestinal upset and in some people induces hepatic toxicity. Furthermore, catechins bind iron and high doses can interfere with iron absorption, and catechins ingestion affects pharmacokinetics and action of some drugs used to treat hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, strategies to overcome low bioavailability of catechins must be viewed with caution, and very high doses should be avoided. In this article, absorption, metabolism and bioavailability of green tea catechins, in particular epigallocatechin gallate, are reviewed, focusing mainly on human data. Issues of potential toxicity of catechins are examined, and a recommendation in regard to 'safe' intake is given.
Comparison of Complications, Trends, and Costs in Endoscopic vs Microscopic Pituitary Surgery: Analysis From a US Health Claims Database
Authors: Asemota Anthony O. , Ishii Masaru , Brem Henry , Gallia Gary L. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical and endoscopic techniques are commonly utilized surgical approaches to pituitary pathologies. There are limited data comparing these 2 procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative complications, associated costs, and national and regional trends of microscopic and endoscopic techniques in the United States employing a nationwide database.

METHODS: The Truven MarketScan database 2010 to 2014 was queried and Current Procedural Terminology codes identified patients that underwent microscopic and/or endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. International Classification of Diseases codes identified postoperative complications. Adjusted logistic regression and matched propensity analysis evaluated independent odds for complications.

RESULTS: Among 5886 cases studied, 54.49% were microscopic and 45.51% endoscopic. The commonest surgical indications were benign pituitary tumors. Annual trends showed increasing utilization of endoscopic techniques vs microscopic procedures. Postoperative complications occurred in 40.04% of cases, including diabetes insipidus (DI; 16.90%), syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH; 2.02%), iatrogenic hypopituitarism (1.36%), fluid/electrolyte abnormalities (hypoosmolality/hyponatraemia [5.03%] and hyperosmolality/hypernatraemia [2.48%]), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks (CSF rhinorrhoea [4.42%] and other CSF leak [6.52%]). In our propensity-based model, patients that underwent endoscopic surgery were more likely to develop DI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28-1.72), SIADH (OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.04-2.24), hypoosmolality/hyponatraemia (OR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.01-1.34), CSF rhinorrhoea (OR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.88-3.28), other CSF leak (OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.28-1.98), altered mental status (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.01-2.60), and postoperative fever (OR = 4.31; 95% CI = 1.14-16.23). There were no differences in hemorrhagic complications, ophthalmological complications, or bacterial meningitis. Postoperative complications resulted in longer hospitalization and increased healthcare costs.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic approaches are increasingly being utilized to manage sellar pathologies relative to microsurgery. Postoperative complications occur in both techniques with higher incidences observed following endoscopic procedures.
Surgical treatment of vertebral fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a retrospective study
Authors: El-Salam Wafa Mohamed Abd , Fahmy Ibrahim Fady Michael , Ibrahim Mohammed Zayan 
Published: May 2017

Background:
The diagnosis of vertebral fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is sometimes difficult and management should respect the nature of the disease and patient’s deformity. We aim to clarify some technical steps during diagnosis and management and analyze the possible complications.

Methods:
Twenty-two patients were enrolled in this study between January 2004 and December 2014. All patients were already diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and presented with vertebral column fractures. All patients were men with an average age of 55.9 yr. Six patients had a fractured cervical spine, one patient had a cervicodorsal junction fracture, seven had a fractured dorsal spine, and eight had dorsolumbar junction fractures. The patients were evaluated neurologically according to Frankel grading system. All patients had radiographic survey of the entire spine. CT was obtained in every patient. MRI was obtained to evaluate the neural tissues and presence of epidural hematoma. All patients required surgery to stabilize the vertebral column. Long fixation with adequate bone graft is the rule for dorsal and dorsolumbar fractures with respect to the preoperative deformity. Anterior fixation and posterior fixation were done for cervical fractures extending to more than one level.

Results:
All patients with cervical fractures had anterior fixation followed by posterior laminectomy and lateral mass fixation. No anterior approach or fixation was done for dorsal or dorsolumbar fractures. Five patients were admitted to the intensive care unit postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 24.5 mo. The patients who were Frankel E postoperatively regained their preoperative level of activity. At the end of follow-up, there were no metal failures or pseudoarthrosis.

Conclusions:
The surgical treatment is a cornerstone with attention to the nature of the disease and the preexisting deformity of the patient.
Proximal Phalanx Osteoid Osteoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Liu Edward H. , Stone Nicholas , Alowami Salem Omar , Thoma Achilles 
Published: May 2017

Summary:Osteoid osteoma is a rare clinical entity often mistaken for osteomyelitis, enchondroma, osteochondroma and other bony pathologies. Cardinal features include localized swelling and nocturnal pain often relieved by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Definitive treatment requires surgical removal of the lesion by curettage or en bloc excision. The following case report details the diagnosis and management of a recurrent case of osteoid osteoma in a long finger proximal phalanx. Included with this case report is a literature review of osteoid osteomas on the hand and the anatomic distribution of 289 cases published in the last 30 years.