bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound Scanning for Prenatal Microcephaly in the context of Zika Virus Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chibueze Ezinne C. , Parsons Alex J. Q. , Lopes Katharina da Silva , Yo Takemoto , Swa Toshiyuki , Nagata Chie , Horita Nobuyuki , Morisaki Naho , Balogun Olukunmi O. , Dagvadorj Amarjargal , Ota Erika , Mori Rintaro , Oladapo Olufemi T. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTo assess the accuracy of ultrasound measurements of fetal biometric parameters for prenatal diagnosis of microcephaly in the context of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, we searched bibliographic databases for studies published until March 3rd, 2016. We extracted the numbers of true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives and performed a meta-analysis to estimate group sensitivity and specificity. Predictive values for ZIKV-infected pregnancies were extrapolated from those obtained for pregnancies unrelated to ZIKV. Of 111 eligible full texts, nine studies met our inclusion criteria. Pooled estimates from two studies showed that at 3, 4 and 5 standard deviations (SDs) <mean, sensitivities were 84%, 68% and 58% for head circumference (HC); 76%, 58% and 58% for occipitofrontal diameter (OFD); and 94%, 85% and 59% for biparietal diameter (BPD). Specificities at 3, 4 and 5 SDs below the mean were 70%, 91% and 97% for HC; 84%, 97% and 97% for OFD; and 16%, 46% and 80% for BPD. No study including ZIKV-infected pregnant women was identified. OFD and HC were more consistent in specificity and sensitivity at lower thresholds compared to higher thresholds. Therefore, prenatal ultrasound appears more accurate in detecting the absence of microcephaly than its presence.
Role of FoxO1 and apoptosis in pulmonary vascular remolding in a rat model of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Deng Chaosheng , Zhong Zhanghua , Wu Dawen , Chen Yunfei , Lian Ningfang , Ding Haibo , Zhang Qiaoxian , Lin Qichang , Wu Shuang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTo explore the role of FoxO1 and apoptosis in a rat model of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Rats were randomly divided into a sham group (n = 45) and an experimental group (n = 45). Autologous blood clots were injected into rats three times to induce CTEPH. Rats were further divided into three subgroups: a 1-week subgroup (n = 15), a 2-week subgroup (n = 15), and a 4-week subgroup (n = 15). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and histopathology were evaluated at each time point. FoxO1, Bad, and Bcl-2 levels were examined at each time point using reverse transcription PCR and western blotting. The mPAP and vessel wall area/total area (WA/TA) ratio in the experimental group gradually increased in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Both the mRNA and protein levels of FoxO1 decreased in the CTEPH rats compared to in the sham group. In addition, embolization led to the up-regulation of Bad and the down-regulation of Bcl-2 (P < 0.05). FoxO1 and apoptosis play an important role in the pathogenesis of CTEPH. Apoptosis-resistant pulmonary artery endothelial cells may play an important role in remodeling of the rat pulmonary artery.
Fractional Transport of Photons in Deterministic Aperiodic Structures
Authors: Dal Negro Luca , Inampudi Sandeep 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe propagation of optical pulses through primary types of deterministic aperiodic structures is numerically studied in time domain using the rigorous transfer matrix method in combination with analytical fractional transport models. We demonstrate tunable anomalous photon transport, including the elusive logarithmic Sinai sub-diffusion in photonic systems for the first time. Our results are in excellent agreement with the scaling theory of transport in aperiodic media with fractal spectra, and additionally demonstrate logarithmic sub-diffusion in the presence of multifractality. Moreover, we establish a fruitful connection between tunable photon diffusion and fractional dynamics, which provides analytical insights into the asymptotic transport regime of optical media with deterministic aperiodic order. The demonstration of tunable sub-diffusion and logarithmic photon transport in deterministic aperiodic structures can open novel and fascinating scenarios for the engineering of wave propagation and light-matter interaction phenomena beyond the conventional diffusive regime.
Effect of experimental soil disturbance and recovery on structure and function of soil community: a metagenomic and metagenetic approach
Authors: Choi Soobeom , Song Hokyung , Tripathi Binu M. , Kerfahi Dorsaf , Kim Hyoki , Adams Jonathan M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThere has been little study of effects of disturbance on soil biota combining closely controlled experimental conditions and DNA-based methods. We sampled pots of soil at varying times following an initial simulated mass mortality event. Soil DNA was extracted at intervals up to 24 weeks after the event, and shotgun metagenomes sequenced using NextSeq. Compared to initial conditions, we found: consistent, sequential changes in functional metagenome and community structure over time, indicating successional niche differentiation amongst soil biota. As predicted, early successional systems had greater abundance of genes associated with motility, but fewer genes relating to DNA/RNA/protein metabolism, cell division and cell cycle. Contrary to predictions, there were no significant differences in cell signaling, virulence and defense-related genes. Also, stress related genes were less abundant in later succession. The early successional system had lower taxonomic diversity but higher functional gene diversity. Over time, community characteristics changed progressively, but by the end of the experiment had not returned to the ‘original’ state of the system before disturbance. Results indicated a predictable sequence of gene functions and taxa following disturbance, analogous to ecosystem succession for large organisms. It is unclear if and when the system would return to its pre-disturbance state.
Consumption of diets with low advanced glycation end products improves cardiometabolic parameters: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Baye Estifanos , Kiriakova Velislava , Uribarri Jaime , Moran Lisa J , de Courten Barbora 
Published: May 2017

AbstractStudies examining the effects of consumption of diets low in advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on cardiometabolic parameters are conflicting. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to determine the effect of low AGE diets in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors. Seventeen randomised controlled trials comprising 560 participants were included. Meta-analyses using random effects models were used to analyse the data. Low AGE diets decreased insulin resistance (mean difference [MD] −1.3, 95% CI −2.3, −0.2), total cholesterol (MD −8.5 mg/dl, 95% CI −9.5, −7.4) and low-density lipoprotein (MD −2.4 mg/dl, 95% CI −3.4, −1.3). There were no changes in weight, fasting glucose, 2-h glucose and insulin, haemoglobin A1c, high-density lipoprotein or blood pressure. In a subgroup of patients with type 2 diabetes, a decrease in fasting insulin (MD −7 µU/ml, 95% CI −11.5, −2.5) was observed. Tumour necrosis factor α, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, 8-isoprostane, leptin, circulating AGEs and receptor for AGEs were reduced after consumption of low AGE diets with increased adiponectin and sirtuin-1. Our findings suggest that diets low in AGEs may be an effective strategy ﻿for﻿ improving cardiometabolic profiles in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes.
NAD+ loss, a new player in AhR biology: prevention of thymus atrophy and hepatosteatosis by NAD+ repletion
Authors: Diani-Moore Silvia , Shoots Jenny , Singh Rubi , Zuk Joshua B. , Rifkind Arleen B. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, TCDD) is a carcinogenic and highly toxic industrial byproduct that persists in the environment and produces a pleiotropic toxicity syndrome across vertebrate species that includes wasting, hepatosteatosis, and thymus atrophy. Dioxin toxicities require binding and activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand activated transcription factor. However, after nearly 50 years of study, it remains unknown how AhR activation by dioxin produces toxic effects. Here, using the chick embryo close to hatching, a well-accepted model for dioxin toxicity, we identify NAD+ loss through PARP activation as a novel unifying mechanism for diverse effects of dioxin in vivo. We show that NAD+ loss is attributable to increased PARP activity in thymus and liver, as cotreatment with dioxin and the PARP inhibitor PJ34 increased NAD+ levels and prevented both thymus atrophy and hepatosteatosis. Our findings additionally support a role for decreased NAD+ dependent Sirt6 activity in mediating dioxin toxicity following PARP activation. Strikingly, treatment in vivo with the NAD+ repleting agent nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, prevented thymus atrophy and hepatosteatosis by dioxin and increased sirtuin activity, providing a therapeutic approach for preventing dioxin toxicities in vivo.
Genetic variants in the transcription regulatory region of MEGF10 are associated with autism in Chinese Han population
Authors: Wu Zhiliu , Qin Jian , You Yang , Ma Yuanlin , Jia Meixiang , Wang Linyan , Lu Tianlan , Yue Weihua , Ruan Yanyan , Zhang Dai , Li Jun , Wang Lifang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMultiple epidermal growth factor-like-domains 10 (MEGF10), a critical member of the apoptotic engulfment pathway, mediates axon pruning and synapse elimination during brain development. Previous studies indicated that synaptic pruning deficit was associated with autism-related phenotypes. However, the relationship between MEGF10 and autism remains poorly understood. Disease-associated variants are significantly enriched in the transcription regulatory regions. These include the transcription start site (TSS) and its cis-regulatory elements. To investigate the role of MEGF10 variants with putative transcription regulatory function in the etiology of autism, we performed a family-based association study in 410 Chinese Han trios. Our results indicate that three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs4836316, rs2194079 and rs4836317 near the TSS are significantly associated with autism following Bonferroni correction (p = 0.0011, p = 0.0088, and p = 0.0023, respectively). Haplotype T-A-G (rs4836316-rs2194079-rs4836317) was preferentially transmitted from parents to affected offspring (ppermutation = 0.0055). Consistently, functional exploration further verified that the risk allele and haplotype might influence its binding with transcription factors, resulting in decreased transcriptional activity of MEGF10. Our findings indicated that the risk alleles and haplotype near the MEGF10 TSS might modulate transcriptional activity and increase the susceptibility to autism.
Lead adsorption by biochar under the elevated competition of cadmium and aluminum
Authors: Han Lu , Qian Linbo , Liu Rongqin , Chen Mengfang , Yan Jingchun , Hu Qinhong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCompetitive adsorption studies are important to accurately estimate the lead adsorption capacity on biochar in soil. The structure of biochars was evaluated by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction, and the competitive of Cadmium (Cd) and Aluminum (Al) with Lead (Pb) adsorption were determined by kinetic experiments and pH effects. Adsorption kinetics indicated that the adsorption amount (mg g−1) of Pb by biochar was in the decreasing order of CM400 (90.9) > BB600 (56.5) > CM100 (29.2), the presence of the oxygen-containing functional groups, Si-containing mineral, PO43− and CO32− significantly contributed to Pb adsorption by biochars. With the presence of Cd, Pb adsorption amount was reduced by 42.6%, 23.7% and 19.3% for CM100, CM400 and BB600, respectively. The Si-containing mineral, PO43− and CO32− that were rich in CM400 and BB600 has led to less competition by Cd. In addition, Al showed a strong competition with Pb leading to the adsorption being reduced by 95.8%, 82.3% and 80.6%, respectively for CM100, CM400 and BB600. This was mainly attributed to the additional acidification effect by Al resulting in a counteractive of biochar’s liming effect. Results from this study are important for accurately estimating the heavy metal adsorption by biochar in soil.
Characterization of Juvenile Hormone Related Genes Regulating Cantharidin Biosynthesis in Epicauta chinensis
Authors: Jiang Ming , Lü Shumin , Zhang Yalin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCantharidin is a defensive toxin biosynthesized by blister beetles. It is well known for medical applications and toxicity. However, the biosynthesis process of cantharidin is still not well understood. In the present study, three genes (methyl farnesoate epoxidase (EcMFE), juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase (EcJHAMT) and juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (EcJHEH)) were identified from Epicauta chinensis. The temporal and spatial expression patterns of these three genes revealed that the expression levels of EcMFE and EcJHEH were high in the first instar larval stage of E. chinensis with EcJHEH transcripts highest in the fifth larval instar. The expression level of EcJHAMT was significantly higher in the 2nd and 3rd larval instars. The transcripts of EcMFE, EcJHEH and EcJHAMT showed a similar tendency with the cantharidin production in male blister beetles after mating. We verified the functions of these three genes in cantharidin biosynthesis using the RNA interference method. Interference of EcMFE and EcJHEH significantly inhibited the biosynthesis of cantharidin in male E. chinensis after mating, but interference of EcJHAMT has no apparent influence on cantharidin biosynthesis. We propose that EcMFE and EcJHEH may be involved in the biosynthesis of cantharidin, but JH III might not be the direct precursor of cantharidin.
A Simple Silver Nanowire Patterning Method Based on Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Photolithography and Its Application for Soft Electronics
Authors: Ko Youngsang , Kim Jeonghun , Kim Dabum , Yamauchi Yusuke , Kim Jung Ho , You Jungmok 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHydrogel-based flexible microelectrodes have garnered considerable attention recently for soft bioelectronic applications. We constructed silver nanowire (AgNW) micropatterns on various substrates, via a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method without aggressive etching or lift-off processes. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) photolithography was employed to construct AgNW patterns with various shapes and sizes on the glass substrate. Based on a second hydrogel gelation process, AgNW patterns on glass substrate were directly transferred to the synthetic/natural hydrogel substrates. The resultant AgNW micropatterns on the hydrogel exhibited high conductivity (ca. 8.40 × 103 S cm−1) with low sheet resistance (7.51 ± 1.11 Ω/sq), excellent bending durability (increases in resistance of only ~3 and ~13% after 40 and 160 bending cycles, respectively), and good stability in wet conditions (an increase in resistance of only ~6% after 4 h). Considering both biocompatibility of hydrogel and high conductivity of AgNWs, we anticipate that the AgNW micropatterned hydrogels described here will be particularly valuable as highly efficient and mechanically stable microelectrodes for the development of next-generation bioelectronic devices, especially for implantable biomedical devices.
Controlling quantum interference in phase space with amplitude
Authors: Xue Yinghong , Li Tingyu , Kasai Katsuyuki , Okada-Shudo Yoshiko , Watanabe Masayoshi , Zhang Yun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe experimentally show a quantum interference in phase space by interrogating photon number probabilities (n = 2, 3, and 4) of a displaced squeezed state, which is generated by an optical parametric amplifier and whose displacement is controlled by amplitude of injected coherent light. It is found that the probabilities exhibit oscillations of interference effect depending upon the amplitude of the controlling light field. This phenomenon is attributed to quantum interference in phase space and indicates the capability of controlling quantum interference using amplitude. This remarkably contrasts with the oscillations of interference effects being usually controlled by relative phase in classical optics.
Angiotensin (1-7) ameliorates the structural and biochemical alterations of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats via activation of ACE-2/Mas receptor axis
Authors: Abuohashish Hatem M. , Ahmed Mohammed M. , Sabry Dina , Khattab Mahmoud M. , Al-Rejaie Salim S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe local and systemic renin angiotensin system (RAS) influences the skeletal system micro-structure and metabolism. Studies suggested angiotensin 1-7 (Ang(1-7)) as the beneficial RAS molecule via Mas receptor activation. This study examines the function of Ang(1-7) in bone micro-architecture and metabolism in an ovariectomized (OVX) rodent model of osteoporosis. OVX rats showed structural and bone metabolic degeneration in parallel with suppressed expressions of the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2)/Ang(1-7)/Mas components. The infusion of Ang(1-7) markedly alleviated the altered bone metabolism and significantly enhanced both trabecular (metaphyseal) and cortical (metaphyseal-diaphyseal) morphometry. Urinary and bones minerals were also improved in OVX rats by Ang(1-7). The infusion of the heptapeptide enhanced ACE-2/Mas receptor expressions, while down-regulated AngII, ACE, and AngII type-1 receptor (AT1R) in OVX animals. Moreover, Ang(1-7) markedly improved osteoprotegerin (OPG) and lowered receptor activator NF-κB ligand (RANKL) expressions. The defensive properties of Ang(1-7) on bone metabolism, structure and minerals were considerably eradicated after blockage of Mas receptor with A-779. Ang(1-7)-induced up-regulated ACE-2/Ang(1-7)/Mas cascade and OPG expressions were abolished and the expressions of ACE/AngII/AT1R and RANKL were provoked by A-779. These findings shows for the first time the novel valuable therapeutic role of Ang(1-7) on bone health and metabolism through the ACE-2/Mas cascade.
Generation and Characterization of Acid Tolerant Fibrobacter succinogenes S85
Authors: Wu Chia-wei , Spike Thomas , Klingeman Dawn M. , Rodriguez Miguel , Bremer Virgil R. , Brown Steven D. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMicroorganisms are key components for plant biomass breakdown within rumen environments.Fibrobacter succinogeneshave been identified as being active and dominant cellulolytic members of the rumen. In this study,F.succinogenestype strain S85 was adapted for steady state growth in continuous culture at pH 5.75 and confirmed to grow in the range of pH 5.60–5.65, which is lower than has been reported previously. Wild type and acid tolerant strains digested corn stover with equal efficiency in batch culture at low pH. RNA-seq analysis revealed 268 and 829 genes were differentially expressed at pH 6.10 and 5.65 compared to pH 6.70, respectively. Resequencing analysis identified seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in thesufD,yidE,xylE,rlmM,mscLanddosCgenes of acid tolerant strains. Due to the absence of aF.succinogenesgenetic system, homologues inEscherichia coliwere mutated and complemented and the resulting strains were assayed for acid survival. Complementation with wild-type or acid tolerantF.succinogenes sufDrestoredE.coliwild-type levels of acid tolerance, suggesting a possible role in acid homeostasis. Recent genetic engineering developments need to be adapted and applied inF.succinogenesto further our understanding of this bacterium.
Mid-Arm Circumference and All-Cause, Cardiovascular, and Cancer Mortality among Obese and Non-Obese US Adults: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III
Authors: Wu Li-Wei , Lin Yuan-Yung , Kao Tung-Wei , Lin Chien-Ming , Wang Chung-Ching , Wang Gia-Chi , Peng Tao-Chun , Chen Wei-Liang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractEpidemiological studies have shown that mid-arm circumference (MAC) can be used to predict death risk and malnutrition. We performed a retrospective observational study involving 11,958 US participants aged 20–90 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1988–1994, to determine the correlation between MAC and all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality risk in the obese and non-obese population. Death certificate data were obtained up to 2006. The participants were divided into three groups on the basis of body mass index: 19 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2 (normal weight group), 25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2 (overweight group) and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (obesity group); each group was then divided into three subgroups depending on their MAC level. In the non-obese population, MAC was inversely associated with all-cause mortality; specifically, in the normal weight group, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio of the T3 (29.6–42.0) cm subgroup was 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.58–0.90) when compared with the T1 (18.0–27.2) cm, while the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio of the T2 (27.3–29.5) cm subgroup was 0.76 (95% confidence interval: 0.64–0.91) when compared with the T1 (18.0–27.2) cm subgroup. The results indicate that MAC is inversely associated with all-cause mortality in non-obese individuals in the United States.
The geography and timing of genetic divergence in the lizard Phrynocephalus theobaldi on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau
Authors: Jin Yuanting , Liu Naifa , Brown Richard P. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) represents one of the earth’s most significant physical features and there is increasing interest in the historical generation of biodiversity within this region. We hypothesized that there should be clear geographically coherent genetic structuring within one of the world’s highest altitude lizards, Phrynocephalus theobaldi, due to considerable historical population fragmentation in this environment. This was tested using a major mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) survey and sequencing of two nuclear markers (AME and RAG-1) from P. theobaldi, from across the southern QTP. A Bayesian method (BPEC) was used to detect four geographically structured mtDNA clusters. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree, together with associated dating analyses, supported four corresponding evolutionary lineages with a timing of 3.74–7.03 Ma for the most basal P. theobaldi split and Pliocene splits of 2.97–5.79 Ma and 2.40–5.39 Ma in the two daughter lineages. Himalayan uplift and changes in the Jilong basin may have contributed to these divergences, but uplift of the Gangdese mountains is rejected due to its timing. The nuclear markers appeared to be sorted between the four mtDNA groups, and species delimitation analyses supported the four phylogeographical groups as candidate species. The study contributes to our understanding of biodiversity on the QTP.