bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LanCL proteins are not Involved in Lanthionine Synthesis in Mammals
Authors: He Chang , Zeng Min , Dutta Debapriya , Koh Tong Hee , Chen Jie , van der Donk Wilfred A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractLanC-like (LanCL) proteins are mammalian homologs of bacterial LanC enzymes, which catalyze the addition of the thiol of Cys to dehydrated Ser residues during the biosynthesis of lanthipeptides, a class of natural products formed by post-translational modification of precursor peptides. The functions of LanCL proteins are currently unclear. A recent proposal suggested that LanCL1 catalyzes the addition of the Cys of glutathione to protein- or peptide-bound dehydroalanine (Dha) to form lanthionine, analogous to the reaction catalyzed by LanC in bacteria. Lanthionine has been detected in human brain as the downstream metabolite lanthionine ketimine (LK), which has been shown to have neuroprotective effects. In this study, we tested the proposal that LanCL1 is involved in lanthionine biosynthesis by constructing LanCL1 knock-out mice and measuring LK concentrations in their brains using a mass spectrometric detection method developed for this purpose. To investigate whether other LanCL proteins (LanCL2/3) may confer a compensatory effect, triple knock-out (TKO) mice were also generated and tested. Very similar concentrations of LK (0.5–2.5 nmol/g tissue) were found in LanCL1 knock-out, TKO and wild type (WT) mouse brains, suggesting that LanCL proteins are not involved in lanthionine biosynthesis.
Genetic risk variants for metabolic traits in Arab populations
Authors: Hebbar Prashantha , Elkum Naser , Alkayal Fadi , John Sumi Elsa , Thanaraj Thangavel Alphonse , Alsmadi Osama 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDespite a high prevalence of metabolic trait related diseases in Arabian Peninsula, there is a lack of convincingly identified genetic determinants for metabolic traits in this population. Arab populations are underrepresented in global genome-wide association studies. We genotyped 1965 unrelated Arab individuals from Kuwait using Cardio-MetaboChip, and tested SNP associations with 13 metabolic traits. Models based on recessive mode of inheritance identified Chr15:40531386-rs12440118/ZNF106/W->R as a risk variant associated with glycated-hemoglobin at close to ‘genome-wide significant’ p-value and five other risk variants ‘nominally’ associated (p-value ≤ 5.45E-07) with fasting plasma glucose (rs7144734/[OTX2-AS1,RPL3P3]) and triglyceride (rs17501809/PLGRKT; rs11143005/LOC105376072; rs900543/[THSD4,NR2E3]; and Chr12:101494770/IGF1). Furthermore, we identified 33 associations (30 SNPs with 12 traits) with ‘suggestive’ evidence of association (p-value < 1.0E-05); 20 of these operate under recessive mode of inheritance. Two of these ‘suggestive’ associations (rs1800775-CETP/HDL; and rs9326246-BUD13/TGL) showed evidence at genome-wide significance in previous studies on Euro-centric populations. Involvement of many of the identified loci in mediating metabolic traits was supported by literature evidences. The identified loci participate in critical metabolic pathways (such as Ceramide signaling, and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase signaling). Data from Genotype-Tissue Expression database affirmed that 7 of the identified variants differentially regulate the up/downstream genes that mediate metabolic traits.
Examining trends in family planning among harder-to-reach women in Senegal 1992–2014
Authors: Cavallaro Francesca L. , Benova Lenka , Macleod David , Faye Adama , Lynch Caroline A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRecent increases in family planning (FP) use have been reported among women of reproductive age in union (WRAU) in Senegal. However, trends have not been monitored among harder-to-reach groups (including adolescents, unmarried and rural poor women), key to understanding whether FP progress is equitable. We combined data from six Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Senegal between 1992/93 and 2014. We examined FP trends over time among WRAU and subgroups, and trends in knowledge of FP and intention to use among women with unmet need for FP. Our results show that percent demand satisfied is lower among rural poor women and adolescents than WRAU, although higher among unmarried women. Marked recent increases have been observed in all subgroups, however fewer than 50% of women in need of FP use modern contraception in Senegal. Knowledge of FP has risen steadily among women with unmet need; however, intention to use FP has remained stable at around 40% since 2005 for all groups except unmarried women (75% of whom intend to use). Significant progress in meeting the need for FP has been achieved in Senegal, but more needs to be done particularly to improve acceptability of FP, and to strategically target interventions toward adolescents and rural poor women.
Comparative genomics and transcriptome analysis of Aspergillus niger and metabolic engineering for citrate production
Authors: Yin Xian , Shin Hyun-dong , Li Jianghua , Du Guocheng , Liu Long , Chen Jian 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDespite a long and successful history of citrate production in Aspergillus niger, the molecular mechanism of citrate accumulation is only partially understood. In this study, we used comparative genomics and transcriptome analysis of citrate-producing strains—namely, A. niger H915-1 (citrate titer: 157 g L−1), A1 (117 g L−1), and L2 (76 g L−1)—to gain a genome-wide view of the mechanism of citrate accumulation. Compared with A. niger A1 and L2, A. niger H915-1 contained 92 mutated genes, including a succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase in the γ-aminobutyric acid shunt pathway and an aconitase family protein involved in citrate synthesis. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of A. niger H915-1 revealed that the transcription levels of 479 genes changed between the cell growth stage (6 h) and the citrate synthesis stage (12 h, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h). In the glycolysis pathway, triosephosphate isomerase was up-regulated, whereas pyruvate kinase was down-regulated. Two cytosol ATP-citrate lyases, which take part in the cycle of citrate synthesis, were up-regulated, and may coordinate with the alternative oxidases in the alternative respiratory pathway for energy balance. Finally, deletion of the oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase gene in H915-1 eliminated oxalate formation but neither influence on pH decrease nor difference in citrate production were observed.
Prototypical topological orbital ferromagnet γ-FeMn
Authors: Hanke Jan-Philipp , Freimuth Frank , Blügel Stefan , Mokrousov Yuriy 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe predict from first principles an entirely topological orbital magnetization in the noncoplanar bulk antiferromagnet γ-FeMn originating in the nontrivial topology of the underlying spin structure, without any reference to spin-orbit interaction. Studying the influence of strain, composition ratio, and spin texture on the topological orbital magnetization and the accompanying topological Hall effect, we promote the scalar spin chirality as key mechanism lifting the orbital degeneracy. The system is thus a prototypical topological orbital ferromagnet, the macroscopic orbital magnetization of which is prominent even without spin-orbit coupling. One of the remarkable features of γ-FeMn is the possibility for pronounced orbital magnetostriction mediated by the complex spin topology in real space.
Synergistically enhanced selective intracellular uptake of anticancer drug carrier comprising folic acid-conjugated hydrogels containing magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Haneul , Jo Ara , Baek Seulgi , Lim Daeun , Park Soon-Yong , Cho Soo Kyung , Chung Jin Woong , Yoon Jinhwan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTargeted drug delivery has long been extensively researched since drug delivery and release at the diseased site with minimum dosage realizes the effective therapy without adverse side effects. In this work, to achieve enhanced intracellular uptake of anticancer drug carriers for efficient chemo-therapy, we have designed targeted multifunctional anticancer drug carrier hydrogels. Temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogel core containing superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) were prepared using precipitation polymerization, and further polymerized with amine-functionalized copolymer shell to facilitate the conjugation of targeting ligand. Then, folic acid, specific targeting ligand for cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), was conjugated on the hydrogel surface, yielding the ligand conjugated hybrid hydrogels. We revealed that enhanced intracellular uptake by HeLa cells in vitro was enabled by both magnetic attraction and receptor-mediated endocytosis, which were contributed by MNP and folic acid, respectively. Furthermore, site-specific uptake of the developed carrier was confirmed by incubating with several other cell lines. Based on synergistically enhanced intracellular uptake, efficient cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity of HeLa cells incubated with anticancer drug loaded hybrid hydrogels were successfully achieved. The developed dual-targeted hybrid hydrogels are expected to provide a platform for the next generation intelligent drug delivery systems.
HIF-1α induction during reperfusion avoids maladaptive repair after renal ischemia/reperfusion involving miR127-3p
Authors: Conde Elisa , Giménez-Moyano Sara , Martín-Gómez Laura , Rodríguez Macarena , Ramos M. Edurne , Aguado-Fraile Elia , Blanco-Sanchez Ignacio , Saiz Ana , García-Bermejo María Laura 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIschemia/reperfusion (I/R) leads to Acute Kidney Injury. HIF-1α is a key factor during organ response to I/R. We previously demonstrated that HIF-1α is induced during renal reperfusion, after ischemia. Here we investigate the role of HIF-1α and the HIF-1α dependent mechanisms in renal repair after ischemia. By interference of HIF-1α in a rat model of renal I/R, we observed loss of expression and mis-localization of e-cadherin and induction of α-SMA, MMP-13, TGFβ, and collagen I. Moreover, we demonstrate that HIF-1α inhibition promotes renal cell infiltrates by inducing IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1 and VCAM-1, through NFkB activity. In addition, HIF-1α inhibition induced proximal tubule cells proliferation but it did not induce compensatory apoptosis, both in vivo. In vitro, HIF-1α knockdown in HK2 cells subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) promote cell entry into S phase, correlating with in vivo data. HIF-1α interference leads to downregulation of miR-127-3p and induction of its target gene Bcl6 in vivo. Moreover, modulation of miR-127-3p in HK2 cells subjected to H/R results in EMT regulation: miR127-3p inhibition promote loss of e-cadherin and induction of α-SMA and collagen I. In conclusion, HIF-1α induction during reperfusion is a protector mechanism implicated in a normal renal tissue repair after I/R.
SRRM4-dependent neuron-specific alternative splicing of protrudin transcripts regulates neurite outgrowth
Authors: Ohnishi Takafumi , Shirane Michiko , Nakayama Keiichi I. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAlternative splicing gives rise to diversity of the proteome, and it is especially prevalent in the mammalian nervous system. Indeed, many factors that control the splicing process govern nervous system development. Among such factors, SRRM4 is an important regulator of aspects of neural differentiation including neurite outgrowth. The mechanism by which SRRM4 regulates neurite outgrowth has remained poorly understood, however. We now show that SRRM4 regulates the splicing of protrudin gene (Zfyve27) transcripts in neuronal cells. SRRM4 was found to promote splicing of protrudin pre-mRNA so as to include a microexon (exon L) encoding seven amino acids in a neuron-specific manner. The resulting protein (protrudin-L) promotes neurite outgrowth during neurogenesis. Depletion of SRRM4 in Neuro2A cells impaired inclusion of exon L in protrudin mRNA, resulting in the generation of a shorter protein isoform (protrudin-S) that is less effective at promoting neurite extension. SRRM4 was found to recognize a UGC motif that is located immediately upstream of exon L and is necessary for inclusion of exon L in the mature transcript. Deletion of exon L in Neuro2A or embryonic stem cells inhibited neurite outgrowth. Our results suggest that SRRM4 controls neurite outgrowth through regulation of alternative splicing of protrudin transcripts.
Mycorrhizal trifoliate orange has greater root adaptation of morphology and phytohormones in response to drought stress
Authors: Zou Ying-Ning , Wang Peng , Liu Chun-Yan , Ni Qiu-Dan , Zhang De-Jian , Wu Qiang-Sheng 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPlant roots are the first parts of plants to face drought stress (DS), and thus root modification is important for plants to adapt to drought. We hypothesized that the roots of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) plants exhibit better adaptation in terms of morphology and phytohormones under DS. Trifoliate orange seedlings inoculated with Diversispora versiformis were subjected to well-watered (WW) and DS conditions for 6 weeks. AM seedlings exhibited better growth performance and significantly greater number of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd order lateral roots, root length, area, average diameter, volume, tips, forks, and crossings than non-AM seedlings under both WW and DS conditions. AM fungal inoculation considerably increased root hair density under both WW and DS and root hair length under DS, while dramatically decreased root hair length under WW but there was no change in root hair diameter. AM plants had greater concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid, methyl jasmonate, nitric oxide, and calmodulin in roots, which were significantly correlated with changes in root morphology. These results support the hypothesis that AM plants show superior adaptation in root morphology under DS that is potentially associated with indole-3-acetic acid, methyl jasmonate, nitric oxide, and calmodulin levels.
The design and microfabrication of a sub 100 mg insect‐scale flapping‐wing robot
Authors: Zou Yang , Zhang Weiping , Ke Xijun , Lou Xingliang , Zhou Sui 
Published: January 2017

A piezo‐actuated self‐lifting insect inspired flapping‐wing robot is presented. A novel method is presented in the work, which has taken into account the difficulties and the precision of assembly among micro components. Each component is properly designed and reasonably arranged to reduce the assembly difficulties of such insect‐scale robot. Specifically, the design of the piezoelectric actuator has taken into account the electrical isolation and assembly issues. The transmission and the airframe are integrated into one component to avoid assembly difficulties. Fibre directions of wing veins are reasonably arranged to possess high strength and stiffness. As a result, this robot, which weighs 84 mg with a wingspan of 35 mm, can generate sufficient thrust to take off with a flapping amplitude approximately ±60° under the resonant wingbeat frequency of 100 Hz.
Constraining the ΛCDM and Galileon models with recent cosmological data
Authors: Neveu J. , Ruhlmann-Kleider V. , Astier P. , Besançon M. , Guy J. , Möller A. , Babichev E. 
Published: January 2017

Aims. The Galileon theory belongs to the class of modified gravity models that can explain the late-time accelerated expansion of the Universe. In previous works, cosmological constraints on the Galileon model were derived, both in the uncoupled case and with a disformal coupling of the Galileon field to matter. There, we showed that these models agree with the most recent cosmological data. In this work, we used updated cosmological data sets to derive new constraints on Galileon models, including the case of a constant conformal Galileon coupling to matter. We also explored the tracker solution of the uncoupled Galileon model.
Methods. After updating our data sets, especially with the latest Planck data and baryonic acoustic oscillation (BAO) measurements, we fitted the cosmological parameters of the ΛCDM and Galileon models. The same analysis framework as in our previous papers was used to derive cosmological constraints, using precise measurements of cosmological distances and of the cosmic structure growth rate.
Results. We show that all tested Galileon models are as compatible with cosmological data as the ΛCDM model. This means that present cosmological data are not accurate enough to distinguish clearly between the two theories. Among the different Galileon models, we find that a conformal coupling is not favoured, contrary to the disformal coupling which is preferred at the 2.3σ level over the uncoupled case. The tracker solution of the uncoupled Galileon model is also highly disfavoured owing to large tensions with supernovae and Planck+BAO data. However, outside of the tracker solution, the general uncoupled Galileon model, as well as the general disformally coupled Galileon model, remain the most promising Galileon scenarios to confront with future cosmological data. Finally, we also discuss constraints coming from the Lunar Laser Ranging experiment and gravitational wave speed of propagation.
Lidocaine
spray alone is similar to spray plus viscous solution for pharyngeal observation
during transoral endoscopy: a clinical randomized
trial
Authors: Hayashi Tomoyuki , Asahina Yoshiro , Waseda Yohei , Kitamura Kazuya , Kagaya Takashi , Seike Takuya , Okada Kazuhiro , Inada Yuki , Takabatake Hisashi , Orita Noriaki , Yanase Yuko , Yamashita Tatsuya , Ninomiya Itasu , Yoshimura Kenichi , Kaneko Shuichi 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Background and study aims It is important to examine the pharynx during
upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Pharyngeal anesthesia using topical lidocaine
is generally used as pretreatment. In Japan, lidocaine viscous solution is the
anesthetic of choice, but lidocaine spray is applied when the former is
considered insufficient. However, the relationship between the extent of
pharyngeal anesthesia and accuracy of observation is unclear. We compared the
performance of lidocaine spray alone versus lidocaine spray combined with
lidocaine viscous solution for pharyngeal observation during transoral
endoscopy.
Patients and methods In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized
clinical trial conducted between January and March 2015, 327 patients were
randomly assigned to lidocaine spray alone (spray group, n = 157) or a
combination of spray and viscous solution (combination group, n = 170). We
compared the number of pharyngeal observable sites (non-inferiority test), pain
by visual analogue scale, observation time, and the number of gag reflexes
between the two groups.
Results The mean number of images of suitable quality taken at the
observable pharyngeal sites in the spray group was 8.33 (95 % confidence
interval [CI]: 7.94 – 8.72) per patient, and 8.77 (95 % CI: 8.49 – 9.05) per
patient in the combination group. The difference in the number of observable
pharyngeal sites was – 0.44 (95 % CI: – 0.84 to – 0.03, P = 0.01). There
were no differences in pain, observation time, or number of gag reflexes between
the 2 groups. Subgroup analysis of the presence of sedation revealed no
differences between the two groups for the number of pharyngeal observation
sites and the number of gag reflexes. However, the number of gag reflexes was
higher in the spray group compared to the combination group in a subgroup
analysis that looked at the absence of sedation.
Conclusions Lidocaine spray for pharyngeal anesthesia was not inferior to
lidocaine spray and viscous solution in terms of pharyngeal observation. It was
considered that lidocaine viscous solution was unnecessary for pharyngeal
observation. UMIN000016073
Using
media to improve the informed consent process for youth undergoing pediatric
endoscopy and their parents
Authors: Yeh Debra , Chun Stanford , Terrones Laura , Huang Jeannie 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Background and study aims Youth undergoing pediatric endoscopic procedures
and their parents demonstrate suboptimal comprehension of the informed consent
(IC) process. We developed informational videos discussing key IC elements for
pediatric endoscopy and evaluated their effects on youth and parental
comprehension of the IC process.
Patients and methods A randomized controlled trial of the video
intervention was performed among youth undergoing endoscopy and their parents at
an academic children’s hospital. Randomization occurred at the time of
enrollment using permutated blocks. Following the IC process with the
proceduralist, subjects underwent structured interviews to assess IC
comprehension. An Informed Consent Overall Score (ICOS: range 0 – 4) for
comprehension was calculated.
Results Seventy-seven pairs of children and their parents participated.
Intervention recipients (N = 37 pairs) demonstrated higher ICOS scores as
compared to control counterparts (mean (standard deviation): 3.6 (0.7) v. 2.9
(0.9), intervention v. control parents, P < 0.0001 and 2.7 (1.1) v.
1.7 (1.1), intervention v. control youth, P < 0.0001).
Conclusions A media intervention addressing key elements of the IC process
for pediatric endoscopy was effective in improving comprehension of IC for youth
undergoing endoscopic procedures and their
parents.
Waterjet submucosal dissection of porcine esophagus with the HybridKnife and ERBEJET 2 system: a pilot study
Authors: Akutsu Daisuke , Suzuki Hideo , Narasaka Toshiaki , Terasaki Masahiko , Kaneko Tsuyoshi , Matsui Hirofumi , Mizokami Yuji , Hyodo Ichinosuke 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Background and study aims Esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is technically difficult because of narrow working spaces and ease of perforation due to the lack of serosa. HybridKnife is a recently developed ESD device that is combined with the high pressure waterjet ERBEJET 2 system to lift mucosa. We hypothesized that this waterjet could make submucosal dissection safer and studied this in porcine esophagus.
Materials and methods Water pressures of 30 – 70 bar were tested to determine the appropriate pressure for waterjet ESD with HybridKnife (WJ-ESD) in one pig. WJ-ESD safety and completion were compared with those of conventional ESD using DualKnife (C-ESD) as a reference. Each of three virtual esophageal lesions in two pigs were resected alternatively using both methods from the lower to upper esophagus. For WJ-ESD, the submucosa, apart from hard fibrous tissues, was dissected using water pressure alone.
Results Using 50 bar of water pressure resulted in the best balance between proper dissection and view-disturbing water backflow. The dissection speeds for the lower, middle, and upper esophagus were 0.2, 0.9, and 0.2 cm2/min in 50 bar WJ-ESD and 1.1, 0.5, and 1.0 cm2/min in C-ESD, respectively. Minor bleeding was frequent in WJ-ESD, but was easily stopped by electrocoagulation with the same needle. No perforation was observed in either procedure. Thermal damage to dissected tissues appeared mild, and the extent of muscle injury was lower for WJ-ESD (4, 6, and 8 %) compared with C-ESD (14, 16, and 7 %).
Conclusions WJ-ESD could be completed safely for porcine esophagus with less damage to the muscle layer compared with C-ESD.