bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Histone Acetyltransferase Gcn5 Positively Regulates T Cell Activation
Authors: Gao Beixue , Kong Qingfei , Zhang Yana , Yun Chawon , Dent Sharon Y. R. , Song Jianxun , Zhang Donna D. , Wang Yiming , Li Xuemei , Fang Deyu 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) regulate inducible transcription in multiple cellular processes and during inflammatory and immune response. However, the functions of general control nonrepressed–protein 5 (Gcn5), an evolutionarily conserved HAT from yeast to human, in immune regulation remain unappreciated. In this study, we conditionally deleted Gcn5 (encoded by the Kat2a gene) specifically in T lymphocytes by crossing floxed Gcn5 and Lck-Cre mice, and demonstrated that Gcn5 plays important roles in multiple stages of T cell functions including development, clonal expansion, and differentiation. Loss of Gcn5 functions impaired T cell proliferation, IL-2 production, and Th1/Th17, but not Th2 and regulatory T cell differentiation. Gcn5 is recruited onto the il-2 promoter by interacting with the NFAT in T cells upon TCR stimulation. Interestingly, instead of directly acetylating NFAT, Gcn5 catalyzes histone H3 lysine H9 acetylation to promote IL-2 production. T cell–specific suppression of Gcn5 partially protected mice from myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein–induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an experimental model for human multiple sclerosis. Our study reveals previously unknown physiological functions for Gcn5 and a molecular mechanism underlying these functions in regulating T cell immunity. Hence Gcn5 may be an important new target for autoimmune disease therapy.
Microbiota-Induced Antibodies Are Essential for Host Inflammatory Responsiveness to Sterile and Infectious Stimuli
Authors: Cisalpino Daniel , Fagundes Caio T. , Brito Camila B. , Ascenção Fernando R. , Queiroz-Junior Celso M. , Vieira Angélica T. , Sousa Lirlândia P. , Amaral Flávio A. , Vieira Leda Q. , Nicoli Jacques R. , Teixeira Mauro M. , Souza Danielle G. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The indigenous intestinal microbiota is frequently considered an additional major organ of the human body and exerts profound immunomodulating activities. Germ-free (GF) mice display a significantly different inflammatory responsiveness pattern compared with conventional (CV) mice, and this was dubbed a “hyporesponsive phenotype.” Taking into account that the deposition of immune complexes is a major event in acute inflammation and that GF mice have a distinct Ig repertoire and B cell activity, we aimed to evaluate whether this altered Ig repertoire interferes with the inflammatory responsiveness of GF mice. We found that serum transfer from CV naive mice was capable of reversing the inflammatory hyporesponsiveness of GF mice in sterile inflammatory injury induced by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion, as well as in a model of lung infection by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Transferring serum from Ig-deficient mice to GF animals did not alter their response to inflammatory insult; however, injecting purified Abs from CV animals restored inflammatory responsiveness in GF mice, suggesting that natural Abs present in serum were responsible for altering GF responsiveness. Mechanistically, injection of serum and Ig from CV mice into GF animals restored IgG deposition, leukocyte influx, NF-κB activation, and proinflammatory gene expression in inflamed tissues and concomitantly downregulated annexin-1 and IL-10 production. Thus, our data show that microbiota-induced natural Abs are pivotal for host inflammatory responsiveness to sterile and infectious insults.
INCREASED VASOOCCLUSIVE CRISIS IN “O” BLOOD GROUP SICKLE CELL DISEASE PATIENTS: ASSOCIATION WITH UNDERLYING THROMBOSPONDIN LEVELS.
Authors: Al Huneini M. , Pathare Anil 
Published: April 2017

Abstract:Objectives: To explore the incidence of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) in Blood Group “O” sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, and correlate it with the blood group and thrombospondin (TSP) levels.Methods: In 89 consecutive SCD patients, blood samples were obtained for vWF antigen, collagen binding activity, blood group typing, C-reactive protein, variant hemoglobin analysis (HPLC), Serum TSP 1 and TSP 2 levels, complete blood counts, liver function tests, LDH and renal function tests during VOC episodes and in steady state conditions.Results: In the steady state SCD patients (n=72), “O” blood group patients (n=37) showed significantly higher median serum TSP 1 and TSP 2 levels than the non “O” blood group patients [n=35] [p <0.05, Mann-Whitney test], with an inverse relation between VWF:Ag, Factor VIII:C and TSP levels. Furthermore, the serum TSP 1 and TSP 2 levels were significantly higher in patients presenting with acute VOC [n=17], and in those with repeated VOC’s (group 1, n=16) especially amongst those patients with blood group “O” [p, <0.05, Mann-Whitney test].Conclusions: The study shows that there was an inverse relation between TSP and vWF levels, in blood group “O” SCD patients with an upregulation of the TSP levels. Expectedly, during active VOC crisis, the TSP 1 and TSP 2 levels were significantly elevated. Key Words: VOC; SCD; TSP; vWD; Blood groups
Digital Resources and Services: An Investigation of GCC Academic Libraries
Authors: Kaba Abdoulaye , Ramaiah Chennupati K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis paper seeks to examine and describe the provision of digital resources and services by
academic libraries in the GCC countries. It specifically targets the top three or 18 academic
institutions of six GCC countries as reported by the Ranking Web. The study uses digital access
tools, digital resources, digital services, digital forms, digital communication tools, and social
networks as criteria to determine the provision of digital resources and services. Data were
collected using web-based survey questionnaire, structured interview, and content analysis.
The study finds that the surveyed libraries have a set of strengths and weaknesses for digital
resources and services. Results of the study revealed that all or majority of the surveyed libraries
provide and use core elements of digital resources and services. However, more than 61% of them
do not have mobile applications, and at least 77.8% of them do not use online membership, online
document reservation, and online complains and comment forms. Similarly the study found that
most of the surveyed libraries do not use instant messages, SMS, and online video conferencing
to communicate with the users. Likewise findings showed that at least 50% of the surveyed
libraries do not have an account for Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. There is a need for
these libraries to place more emphases on digital forms, digital communication tools, and social
networks.
Preliminary results on carbon and nutrients fluxes at the sediment-water interface in natural and planted mangroves, central Arabian Gulf
Authors: Soliman Yousra , Al-Khayat Jassim 
Published: April 2017

Despite the many ecological services and benefits provided by the mangrove ecosystem, deforestation of mangrove ecosystem for industrial and other development has caused irreversible damage in coastal regions throughout the world and in the Arabian Gulf. In 1980s, transplantation of mangrove in Qatar's coastal areas was approached as an effort to restore some of the lost mangrove. However the growth of the transplanted mangrove over three decades seems constrained where the plants are shorter (about 2–3 m less than natural mangroves) and less dense. Despite the fact that sources of inorganic nutrients (N, P) in Qatari coastal water are minimal, natural mangroves seem to grow efficiently in this arid environment. However, the growth of transplanted mangrove over three decades was not fully efficient. Factors limiting the growth of the transplanted mangrove, are not evaluated. The current study was funded by Qatar University (2015–2017) and it aims to quantify and compare sediment metabolism in natural and planted mangrove and to compare the function “role” of the benthic community (autotrophs and heterotrophs) using in situ measurements of fluxes of nutrients and carbon. Sediment-water exchange of dissolved oxygen and inorganic nutrients were measured in situ in natural and planted mangrove during the extreme summer (2015) and winter of 2016 in the central Arabian Gulf. Paired benthic chamber was used in sediments incubations for up to three hours in each location.Two locations were selected to represent the natural and planted mangroves, (Al Dakhira and Al Mafjar). Average salinity was 44 psu. Results showed that the concentrations of Chla and Chlb were significantly variable between mangrove locations (P < 0.01) with highest concentration in the natural mangrove exceeding 2. μg.cm-2 at some locations. On the other hand, there was significant difference in the fluxes of carbon and nutrients between the natural and planted mangrove. Oxygen production in the sediments of the natural mangrove was also significantly higher than those in the planted mangrove (P < 0.01). Percentage of the net O2 production measured at the planted mangroves ranged between 10% − 50% of the net production measured at the natural mangrove. The results indicated that remineralization of organic matter and cycling of carbon and nutrients are significantly more efficient in the natural mangrove which consequently affect the trophic conditions in these ecosystems.
Allelopathic effects of the invasive Prosopis juliflora (sw.) Dc. On seed germination of selected Qatari native plant species
Authors: Bibi Shazia , Abu-Dieyeh Mohammed H. 
Published: April 2017

P. juliflora is highly recognized for its invasive character and its detrimental effects on different plant species due to the presence of allelochemicals across the world. The purpose of this study is to assess the allelopathic effects of crude water extracts of P. juliflora on selected Qatari flora. In order to achieve the goals, aqueous extract of P. juliflora was made by immersing 100 g/l of powdered parts of plant in warm distilled water (∼50°C) for 24 hours with regular mixing. Whatman filter paper was used to filter the obtained brownish solution. Dilutions of 2 mgml− 1, 4 mgml− 1, 6 mgml− 1 and 8 mgml− 1 from stock were prepared. The seeds were surface sterilized prior to treatment. The results obtained showed that germination of test species Acacia tortilis, Prosopis cineraria, Sueda aegyptica, Halopeplis perfoliata, and Prosopis juliflora was affected by aqueous extract at different treatment level. About 10% of significant reduction was exerted on seed germination of Prosopis cineraria at higher concentrations of 6 mgml− 1 and 8 mgml− 1 while the seed radical length was significantly reduced starting at lowest concentration (2 mgml− 1) and with greater reduction at higher concentrations. The seed germination and seed radical length of Sueda aegyptica were significantly decreased with increased concentration of crude water extract of P. juliflora. The effect of extract was tested on seedlings collected by treating them with different irrigation regimes for one month. The seedlings were grown in pots. The pots were lined up randomly in greenhouse and were allowed to grow under greenhouse environment. Aeluropus lagopoides, Caroxylon imbricatum and Tetraena qatarensis seedlings growth characters were all affected when subjected to the extract. The seedling growth and dry biomass of Caroxylon imbricatum were significantly declined at higher concentration of 8 mgml− 1. However, the seedling growth and dry biomass of Tetraena qatarensis were significantly reduced at all treatment levels. Autotoxic effects of P. juliflora were also exerted on the germination potential of P. juliflora at higher concentrations of 6 mgml− 1 and 8 mgml− 1. P. juliflora is invasive and has detrimental effects on the Qatari native flora. Based on the research carried out, it is important to protect the Qatari native plants from this invasive species. A use of higher concentrations to test the effects on germination potential of seeds might provide crystal clear knowledge regarding this topic.
Phytoremediation of heavy metals using Qatari flora
Authors: Usman Kamal , Al-Ghouti Mohammad A. , Abu-Dieyeh Mohammed 
Published: April 2017

Phytoremediation is a natural phenomenon utilizing plants species to reduce or remove organic and inorganic pollutants from contaminated soil, water and sediment sources. Several studies were conducted to demonstrate the phytoremediation potentials of plants species, some of which are also found in Qatar as native or invasive plants. This study investigates the phytoremediation potentials of Zygophyllum qataranse and Salsola imbricata irrigated with a synthetic wastewater typical of oil and gas industry in a mixture of regular and peat moss soil at varying concentrations of heavy metals under greenhouse controlled conditions. Young seedlings of approximately similar weight and height were obtained from Qatar University field and used as starting materials. As an initial observation of tolerance to heavy metal stress, growth parameters such as height and number of branches were monitored and recorded throughout the experimental period of 42 days and a comparison was made for treatment and control plants in both species. Results indicated that the two species S. imbricata and Z. qataranse showed different patterns in response to the different heavy metals stress. Overall growth rate was (0.1; n = 4) for S. imbricata and (0.01; n = 4) for Z. qataranse, one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed no difference in the effect of the three variable heavy metals concentration used among the two plants, both species also exhibited differences in terms of above the ground biomass, S. imbricata recorded high leaves biomass compared to Z. qataranse, additionally, the leaves of this plant showed no visible signs of stress as opposed to that of Z. qataranse, which appears red after four weeks of irrigation. The root system in S. imbricata, forming typical rhizosphere may have played a key role in the better utilization of the surrounding organic contaminants with the aid of possible activity of associated microbes. Although both thrive in the same habitat naturally, there may actually be differences in their uptake and or tolerance mechanism. Consequently, the analysis and evaluation of measured growth parameters (Height and branches) indicates the potential of both plants as good phytoremediation agents. Further analysis of heavy metal concentration, which is currently ongoing to determine the bio-concentration and translocation factors of the metals between the roots and shoot tissues promise to prove further insight in to this study.
Atmospheric chemistry of E- and Z-CF3CH = CHCF3
Authors: Østerstrøm Freja F. , Andersen Simone Thirstrup , Nielsen Ole John 
Published: April 2017

FTIR smog chamber experiments were performed to investigate the atmospheric fate of E- and Z-CF3CH = CHCF3 (1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene). The experiments were performed to study reactions of E-CF3CH = CHCF3 or Z-CF3CH = CHCF3 with Cl atoms, OH radicals, and O3 in 700 Torr of N2/O2 diluents at 296 ± 2 K. The study determined the Cl atom, OH radical, and O3 kinetics and the mechanism of the atmospheric oxidation of E- and Z-CF3CH = CHCF3. The main atmospheric fate for both compounds is reaction with OH radicals. Atmospheric chemistry of the reaction of Z-CF3CH = CHCF3 with OH and OD radicals were investigated by Baasandorj et al. in 2011, no other previous studies are available. The results of the present study are compared to the findings of Baasandorj et al. assessing the atmospheric impact of E- and Z-CF3CH = CHCF3. Infrared spectra were recorded, and the atmospheric lifetimes, the radiative forcings and global warming potentials (GWP) of the two butenes were calculated. This study provides a comprehensive description of the atmospheric fate of E- and Z-CF3CH = CHCF3. We present here the first results on the atmospheric chemistry of E-CF3CH = CHCF3 and of the Cl- and O3-initiated chemistry of Z-CF3CH = CHCF3.
Simultaneous Analysis of Simple Coumarins and Furocoumarines in Cigarettes by Solid-Phase Extraction with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zheng Yang , Xu Xiuli , Yuan Fei , Yao Meiyi , Ji Shunli , Huang Zhiqiang , Zhang Feng 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
A sensitive, high-throughput analytical method based on a GC-MS method was established for the simultaneous quantitative determination of two categories of harmful coumarins: simple coumarins (coumarin, 6-methylcoumarin, 7-methoxycoumarin, 3,4-dihydrocoumarin, and 7-ethoxy-4-methylcoumarin) and furocoumarines (psoralen, 8-methoxypsoralen, 5-methoxypsoralen, and trioxysalen). The nine analytes were extracted with ethyl acetate, purified with Oasis HLB solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, and identified and quantitatively determined by GC-MS in selected-ion monitoring mode. The LODs and LOQs of these compounds were in the ranges of 12.5–21.2 and 41.6–70.0 μg/kg, respectively. Average recoveries for the nine analytes ranged from 72.7 to 86.6% atLOQ, 1.5× LOQ, and 2× LOQ spike levels, with RSDs that were typically lower than 5.1%. TheSPE-GC-MS method developed in this study was initially applied to research coumarins in cigarette samples; it proved to be accurate, sensitive, convenient, and practical.
Development and Single-Laboratory Validation of a Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Quantitation of Tetrodotoxin in Mussels and Oysters
Authors: Turner Andrew D , Boundy Michael J , Rapkova Monika Dhanji 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In recent years, evidence has grown for the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX) in bivalve mollusks, leading to the potential for consumers of contaminated products to be affected by Tetrodotoxin Shellfish Poisoning (TSP). A single-laboratory validation was conducted for the hydrophilic interaction LC (HILIC) tandem MS (MS/MS) analysis of TTX in common mussels andPacific oysters—the bivalve species that havebeen found to contain TTXs in the United Kingdom inrecent years. The method consists of a single-step dispersive extraction in 1% acetic acid, followed by acarbon SPE cleanup step before dilution and instrumental analysis. The full method was developed as a rapid tool for the quantitation of TTX, as well as forthe associated analogs 4-epi-TTX; 5,6,11-trideoxy TTX; 11-nor TTX-6-ol; 5-deoxy TTX; and 4,9-anhydro TTX. The method can also be run as the acquisition of TTX together with paralytic shellfish toxins. Resultsdemonstrated acceptable method performance characteristics for specificity, linearity, recovery, ruggedness, repeatability, matrix variability, and within-laboratory reproducibility for the analysis of TTX. The LOD and LOQ were fit-for-purpose in comparison tothe current action limit for TTX enforced in The Netherlands. In addition, aspects of method performance(LOD, LOQ, and within-laboratory reproducibility) were found to be satisfactory for three other TTX analogs (11-nor TTX-6-ol, 5-deoxy TTX, and 4,9-anhydro TTX). The method was found to be practical and suitable for use in regulatory testing, providing rapid turnaround of sample analysis. Plans currently underway on a full collaborative study to validate a HILIC-MS/MS method for paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins will be extended to include TTX in order to generate international acceptance, ultimately for use as an alternative official control testing method shouldregulatory controls be adopted.
340B Participation and Safety Net Engagement Among Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Watts Elizabeth , McGlave Claire , Quinones Nicole , Bruno John P. , Nikpay Sayeh 
Published: October 2024

ImportanceThe 340B program provides discounts on outpatient drugs to certain hospitals and federally supported clinics (covered entities) that can be used to generate revenue to fund safety net care. While numerous studies have found no association between 340B and safety net care provision for most hospital covered entities, less is known about whether federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), the largest group of covered entities after hospitals, use the program to enhance safety net care.ObjectiveTo assess whether a proxy for 340B revenue was associated with increased safety net care provision among FQHCs.Design and SettingThis descriptive, retrospective cohort study examined care provided from 2005 to 2022 by 1468 FQHCs that submitted to the Health Resources and Services Administration Uniform Data System. FQHC and year-level fixed effects were included, as well as a control for differential Medicaid expansion over time. The data were analyzed between March and December 2023.ExposureOne-year lagged number of locations registered to dispense or administer 340B-discounted drugs (registered locations), which included child sites, in-house pharmacies, and contract pharmacies in the 340B Outpatient Pharmacy Affairs Database.Main outcomesNatural logarithm of patient volume by payer, low-income status, and use of enabling services. Natural logarithm of visits in which low-profit preventive services were provided.ResultsAn additional registered location was associated with increased patient volume, especially for uninsured (0.4%; 95% CI, 0.3%-0.5%) and privately insured (0.4%; 95% CI, 0.2%-0.5%) patients and low-income (0.4%; 95% CI, 0.2%-0.6%), unhoused (0.3%; 95% CI, 0.1%-0.5%), and non–English-speaking (0.3%; 95% CI, 0.1%-0.5%) patients. An additional registered location was associated with increased visits with an HIV test (0.7%; 95% CI, 0.4%-0.9%), serum lead test (0.8%; 95% CI, 0.6%-1.1%), seasonal influenza shot (0.4%; 95% CI, 0.3%-0.5%), Papanicolaou smear (0.5%; 95% CI, 0.4%-0.7%), and tobacco cessation counseling (1.0%; 95% CI, 0.5%-1.4%). Across the study period, the average annual increase in locations was 1.5.Conclusions and RelevanceThe results of this cohort study suggest that there are statistically significant increases in the provision of low-profit but high-value preventive services and care to safety net populations (those who lack insurance, have a low income, or require enabling services) and that, like public hospitals, FQHCs might use 340B revenues to enhance safety net care. This finding may inform debates on the 340B program by supporting differential 340B reforms across hospital and nonhospital covered entities.
Ultraviolet Light Causes Skin Cell Senescence: From Mechanism to Prevention Principle
Authors: Song Shujia , Li Fuxing , Zhao Bingxiang , Zhou Min , Wang Xiaobo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe skin is an effective protective barrier that significantly protects the body from damage caused by external environmental factors. Furthermore, skin condition significantly affects external beauty. In today's era, which is of material and spiritual prosperity, there is growing attention on skincare and wellness. Ultraviolet radiation is one of the most common external factors that lead to conditions like sunburn, skin cancer, and skin aging. In this review, several mechanisms of UV‐induced skin cell senescence are discussed, including DNA damage, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which have their own characteristics and mutual effects. As an illustration, mitochondrial dysfunction triggers electron evasion and the generation of more reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which in turn causes mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA) damage. Based on the current mechanism, suitable prevention and treatment strategies are proposed from sunscreen, dietary, and experimental medications respectively, aimed at slowing down skin cell aging and providing protection from ultraviolet radiation. The effects of ultraviolet rays on skin is summarized, offering insights and directions for future studies on mechanism of skin cell senescence, with an anticipation of discovering more effective prevention and cure methods.