bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic analysis of the regulatory functions of microRNAs in chicken hepatic lipid metabolism
Authors: Li Hong , Ma Zheng , Jia Lijuan , Li Yanmin , Xu Chunlin , Wang Taian , Han Ruili , Jiang Ruirui , Li Zhuanjian , Sun Guirong , Kang Xiangtao , Liu Xiaojun 
Published: August 2016

AbstractLaying performance is an important economic trait in hens and this physiological process is largely influenced by the liver function. The livers of hens at 20- and 30-week-old stages were investigated using the next generation sequencing to identify the differences of microRNA expression profiles. Compared with the 20-week-old hens, 67 down- and 13 up-regulated microRNAs were verified to be significant differentially expressed (false discovery rate, FDR ≤ 0.05) (SDE) in the 30-week-old. We also identified 13 down- and 6 up-regulated novel differentially expressed (DE) microRNAs. miR-22-3p and miR-146b-5p, which exhibit critical roles in mammalian lipid metabolism, showed the most abundant expression and the highest fold-change, respectively. A total of 648 potential target genes of the SDE microRNAs were identified through an integrated analysis of microRNAs and the DE genes obtained in previous RNA-sequencing, includingFADS1,FADS2, ELOVL6andACSL5, which are critical lipid metabolism-related regulators. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that target genes were mainly enriched in lipid-related metabolism processes. This work provides the first study of the expression patterns of hepatic microRNAs between 20- and 30-week old hens. The findings may serve as a fundamental resource for understanding the detailed functions of microRNAs in the molecular regulatory systems of lipid metabolism.
Endosome-mediated endocytic mechanism replenishes the majority of synaptic vesicles at mature CNS synapses in an activity-dependent manner
Authors: Park Joohyun , Cho Oh Yeon , Kim Jung Ah , Chang Sunghoe 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWhether synaptic vesicles (SVs) are recovered via endosome-mediated pathways is a matter of debate; however, recent evidence suggests that clathrin-independent bulk endocytosis (CIE) via endosomes is functional and preferentially replenishes SV pools during strong stimulation. Here, using brefeldin-A (BFA) to block CIE, we found that CIE retrieved a minority of SVs at developing CNS synapses during strong stimulation, but its contribution increased up to 61% at mature CNS synapses. Contrary to previous views, BFA not only blocked SV formation from the endosome but also blocked the endosome formation at the plasma membrane. Adaptor protein 1 and 3 (AP-1/3) have key roles in SV reformation from endosomes during CIE, and AP-1 also affects bulk endosome formation from the plasma membrane. Finally, temporary blocking of chronic or acute neuronal activity with tetrodotoxin in mature neurons redirected most SV retrieval to endosome-independent pathways. These results show that during high neuronal activity, CIE becomes the major endocytic pathway at mature CNS synapses. Moreover, mature neurons use clathrin-mediated endocytosis and the CIE pathway to different extents depending on their previous activity; this may result in activity-dependent alterations of the SV composition which ultimately influence transmitter release and contribute to synaptic plasticity.
HematoPorphyrin Monomethyl Ether polymer contrast agent for ultrasound/photoacoustic dual-modality imaging-guided synergistic high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy
Authors: Yan Sijing , LU Min , Ding Xiaoya , Chen Fei , He Xuemei , Xu Chunyan , Zhou Hang , Wang Qi , Hao Lan , Zou Jianzhong 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis study is to prepare a hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microcapsules (HMME/PLGA), which could not only function as efficient contrast agent for ultrasound (US)/photoacoustic (PA) imaging, but also as a synergistic agent for high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation. Sonosensitizer HMME nanoparticles were integrated into PLGA microcapsules with the double emulsion evaporation method. After characterization, the cell-killing and cell proliferation-inhibiting effects of HMME/PLGA microcapsules on ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells were assessed. The US/PA imaging-enhancing effects and synergistic effects on HIFU were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. HMME/PLGA microcapsules were highly dispersed with well-defined spherical morphology (357 ± 0.72 nm in diameter, PDI = 0.932). Encapsulation efficiency and drug-loading efficiency were 58.33 ± 0.95% and 4.73 ± 0.15%, respectively. The HMME/PLGA microcapsules remarkably killed the SKOV3 cells and inhibited the cell proliferation, significantly enhanced the US/PA imaging results and greatly enhanced the HIFU ablation effects on ovarian cancer in nude mice by the HMME-mediated sono-dynamic chemistry therapy (SDT). HMME/PLGA microcapsules represent a potential multifunctional contrast agent for HIFU diagnosis and treatment, which might provide a novel strategy for the highly efficient imaging-guided non-invasive HIFU synergistic therapy for cancers by SDT in clinic.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad essential oil attenuate the effects of traumatic brain injuries in rats
Authors: Abbasloo Elham , Dehghan Fatemeh , Khaksari Mohammad , Najafipour Hamid , Vahidi Reza , Dabiri Shahriar , Sepehri Gholamreza , Asadikaram Gholamreza 
Published: August 2016

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health concern affecting the general public as well as military personnel. However, there is no FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of TBIs. In this work, we investigated the neurotherapeutic effects of the well-known natural Iranian medicine Satureja Khuzistanica Jamzad (SKJ) essential oil (SKEO) on the outcomes of diffused experimental TBI, with particular attention paid to its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Male Wistar rats were treated with doses of 50, 100 and 200 (mg/kg, i.p) SKEO after induction of diffused TBIs. The results showed that injecting SKEO (200 mg/kg) 30 minutes after TBI significantly reduced brain oedema and damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and limited the post-TBI increase in intracranial pressure. The veterinary coma scale (VCS) scores significantly improved in the treatment group. Also, inflammatory marker assays showed reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and increased IL-10 in the treated groups. Moreover, the immunohistochemical results indicated that SKEO not only reduced neuronal death and BBB permeability but also affected astrocytic activation. Overall, our data indicate potential clinical neurological applications for SKEO.
MASP-3 is the exclusive pro-factor D activator in resting blood: the lectin and the alternative complement pathways are fundamentally linked
Authors: Dobó József , Szakács Dávid , Oroszlán Gábor , Kortvely Elod , Kiss Bence , Boros Eszter , Szász Róbert , Závodszky Péter , Gál Péter , Pál Gábor 
Published: August 2016

AbstractMASP-3 was discovered 15 years ago as the third mannan-binding lectin (MBL)-associated serine protease of the complement lectin pathway. Lacking any verified substrate its role remained ambiguous. MASP-3 was shown to compete with a key lectin pathway enzyme MASP-2 for MBL binding, and was therefore considered to be a negative complement regulator. Later, knock-out mice experiments suggested that MASP-1 and/or MASP-3 play important roles in complement pro-factor D (pro-FD) maturation. However, studies on a MASP-1/MASP-3-deficient human patient produced contradicting results. In normal resting blood unperturbed by ongoing coagulation or complement activation, factor D is present predominantly in its active form, suggesting that resting blood contains at least one pro-FD activating proteinase that is not a direct initiator of coagulation or complement activation. We have recently showed that all three MASPs can activate pro-FD in vitro. In resting blood, however, using our previously evolved MASP-1 and MASP-2 inhibitors we proved that neither MASP-1 nor MASP-2 activates pro-FD. Other plasma proteinases, particularly MASP-3, remained candidates for that function. For this study we evolved a specific MASP-3 inhibitor and unambiguously proved that activated MASP-3 is the exclusive pro-FD activator in resting blood, which demonstrates a fundamental link between the lectin and alternative pathways.
Forest roadsides harbour less competitive habitats for a relict mountain plant (Pulsatilla vernalis) in lowlands
Authors: Zielińska Katarzyna M. , Kiedrzyński Marcin , Grzyl Andrzej , Rewicz Agnieszka 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe long-term survival of relict populations depends on the accessibility of appropriate sites (microrefugia). In recent times, due to the mass extinction of rare species that has resulted from the loss of natural habitats, the question is – Are there any human-made sites that can act as refugial habitats? We examined forest roadside populations of the mountain plant Pulsatilla vernalis in the last large lowland refugium in Central Europe. We compared the habitat conditions and community structure of roadsides with P. vernalis against the forest interior. Light availability and bryophyte composition were the main factors that distinguished roadsides. Pulsatilla occurred on sites that had more light than the forest interior, but were also more or less shaded by trees, so more light came as one-side illumination from the road. Roadsides had also a lower coverage of bryophytes that formed large, dense carpets. At the same time, they were characterised by a greater richness of vascular plants and ‘small’ bryophytes, which corresponds to a higher frequency of disturbances. In a warming and more fertile Anthropocene world, competition plays the main role in the transformation of forest communities, which is why relict populations have found refugia in extensively disturbed human-made habitats.
Defaunation leads to microevolutionary changes in a tropical palm
Authors: Carvalho Carolina S. , Galetti Mauro , Colevatti Rosane G. , Jordano Pedro 
Published: August 2016

AbstractMany large species have declined worldwide due to habitat fragmentation and poaching. The defaunation of large frugivores and the consequent reductions of seed dispersal services may have immediate effects on plant demography. Yet, the lasting effects of frugivore defaunation on microevolutionary processes of the plants they disperse remain understudied. We tested if the loss of large seed dispersers can lead to microevolutionary changes of a tropical palm. We show that frugivore defaunation is the main driver of changes in allelic frequency among populations. Turnover of alleles accounted for 100% of dissimilarity in allelic frequencies of individuals between defaunated and non-defaunated forests; and individuals from defaunated sites are 1.5 times more similar genetically than those found in pristine sites. Given that sizeable fractions of the palm fruit crops remain undispersed in defaunated sites due to lack of large-bodied frugivores, this distinct pattern of gene pool composition of early recruits may reveal strong dispersal limitation for specific genotypes, or collapses of gene flow between fragmented areas, or both. Because most of tropical tree species rely on seed dispersal by vertebrates, our results show that defaunation has a lasting effect on microevolutionary processes, with potential consequences for persistence under scenarios of environmental change.
Insights into the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of V-doped copper clusters: comparison with pure copper clusters
Authors: Die Dong , Zheng Ben-Xia , Zhao Lan-Qiong , Zhu Qi-Wen , Zhao Zheng-Quan 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Cun+1and CunV (n = 1–12) clusters have been investigated by using density functional theory. The growth behaviors reveal that V atom in low-energy CunV isomer favors the most highly coordinated position and changes the geometry of the three-dimensional host clusters. The vibrational spectra are predicted and can be used to identify the ground state. The relative stability and chemical activity of the ground states are analyzed through the binding energy per atom, energy second-order difference and energy gap. It is found that that the stability of CunV (n ≥ 8) is higher than that of Cun+1. The substitution of a V atom for a Cu atom in copper clusters alters the odd-even oscillations of stability and activity of the host clusters. The vertical ionization potential, electron affinity and photoelectron spectrum are calculated and simulated for all of the most stable clusters. Compare with the experimental data, we determine the ground states of pure copper clusters. The magnetism analyses show that the magnetic moments of CunV clusters are mainly localized on the V atom and decease with the increase of cluster size. The magnetic change is closely related to the charge transfer between V and Cu atoms.
Influence of elevated-CRP level-related polymorphisms in non-rheumatic Caucasians on the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: López-Mejías Raquel , Genre Fernanda , Remuzgo-Martínez Sara , González-Juanatey Carlos , Robustillo-Villarino Montserrat , Llorca Javier , Corrales Alfonso , Vicente Esther , Miranda-Filloy José A. , Magro César , Tejera-Segura Beatriz , Ramírez Huaranga Marco A. , Pina Trinitario , Blanco Ricardo , Alegre-Sancho Juan J. , Raya Enrique , Mijares Verónica , Ubilla Begoña , Mínguez Sánchez María D. , Gómez-Vaquero Carmen , Balsa Alejandro , Pascual-Salcedo Dora , López-Longo Francisco J. , Carreira Patricia , González-Álvaro Isidoro , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Luis , Fernández-Gutiérrez Benjamín , Ferraz-Amaro Iván , Castañeda Santos , Martín Javier , González-Gay Miguel A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAssociation between elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels and subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular (CV) events was described in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). CRP, HNF1A, LEPR, GCKR, NLRP3, IL1F10, PPP1R3B, ASCL1, HNF4A and SALL1 exert an influence on elevated CRP serum levels in non-rheumatic Caucasians. Consequently, we evaluated the potential role of these genes in the development of CV events and subclinical atherosclerosis in RA patients. Three tag CRP polymorphisms and HNF1A, LEPR, GCKR, NLRP3, IL1F10, PPP1R3B, ASCL1, HNF4A and SALL1 were genotyped in 2,313 Spanish patients by TaqMan. Subclinical atherosclerosis was determined in 1,298 of them by carotid ultrasonography (by assessment of carotid intima-media thickness-cIMT-and presence/absence of carotid plaques). CRP serum levels at diagnosis and at the time of carotid ultrasonography were measured in 1,662 and 1,193 patients, respectively, by immunoturbidimetry. Interestingly, a relationship between CRP and CRP serum levels at diagnosis and at the time of the carotid ultrasonography was disclosed. However, no statistically significant differences were found when CRP, HNF1A, LEPR, GCKR, NLRP3, IL1F10, PPP1R3B, ASCL1, HNF4A and SALL1 were evaluated according to the presence/absence of CV events, carotid plaques and cIMT after adjustment. Our results do not confirm an association between these genes and CV disease in RA.
Risk of malignancy in ankylosing spondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Deng Chuiwen , Li Wenli , Fei Yunyun , Li Yongzhe , Zhang Fengchun 
Published: August 2016

AbstractCurrent knowledge about the overall and site-specific risk of malignancy associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to address this knowledge gap. Five databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane library and the virtual health library) were systematically searched. A manual search of publications within the last 2 years in key journals in the field (Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, Rheumatology and Arthritis & rheumatology) was also performed. STATA 11.2 software was used to conduct the meta-analysis. After screening, twenty-three studies, of different designs, were eligible for meta-analysis. AS is associated with a 14% (pooled RR 1.14; 95% CI 1.03–1.25) increase in the overall risk for malignancy. Compared to controls, patients with AS are at a specific increased risk for malignancy of the digestive system (pooled RR 1.20; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.42), multiple myelomas (pooled RR 1.92; 95% CI 1.37 to 3.69) and lymphomas (pooled RR 1.32; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.57). On subgroup analysis, evidence from high quality cohort studies indicated that AS patients from Asia are at highest risk for malignancy overall. Confirmation of findings from large-scale longitudinal studies is needed to identify specific risk factors and to evaluate treatment effects.
A smart temperature and magnetic-responsive gating carbon nanotube membrane for ion and protein transportation
Authors: Cong Hailin , Xu Xiaodan , Yu Bing , Yang Zhaohui , Zhang Xiaoyan 
Published: August 2016

AbstractCarbon nanotube (CNT) nanoporous membranes based on pre-aligned CNTs have superior nano-transportation properties in biological science. Herein, we report a smart temperature- and temperature-magnetic-responsive CNT nanoporous membrane (CNM) by grafting thermal-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs) on the open ends of pre-aligned CNTs with a diameter around 15 nm via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) method. The inner cavity of the modified CNTs in the membrane is designed to be the only path for ion and protein transportation and its effective diameter with a variation from ~5.7 nm to ~12.4 nm can be reversible tuned by temperature and magnetic field. The PNIPAM modified CNM (PNIPAM-CNM) and PNIPAM magnetic nanoparticles modified CNM (PNIPAM-MAG-CNM) exhibit excellent temperature- or temperature-magnetic-responsive gating property to separate proteins of different sizes. The PNIPAM-CNMs and PNIPAM-MAG-CNMs have potential applications in making artificial cells, biosensors, bioseparation and purification filters.
Activity in superior parietal cortex during training by observation predicts asymmetric learning levels across hands
Authors: Ossmy Ori , Mukamel Roy 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA dominant concept in motor cognition associates action observation with motor control. Previous studies have shown that passive action observation can result in significant performance gains in humans. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether the neural mechanism subserving such learning codes abstract aspects of the action (e.g. goal) or low level aspects such as effector identity. Eighteen healthy subjects learned to perform sequences of finger movements by passively observing right or left hand performing the same sequences in egocentric view. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging we show that during passive observation, activity in the superior parietal lobule (SPL) contralateral to the identity of the observed hand (right\left), predicts subsequent performance gains in individual subjects. Behaviorally, left hand observation resulted in positively correlated performance gains of the two hands. Conversely right hand observation yielded negative correlation - individuals with high performance gains in one hand exhibited low gains in the other. Such behavioral asymmetry is reflected by activity in contralateral SPL during short-term training in the absence of overt physical practice and demonstrates the role of observed hand identity in learning. These results shed new light on the coding level in SPL and have implications for optimizing motor skill learning.
Surfactin induces maturation of dendritic cells in vitro
Authors: Xu Wenwen , Liu Haofei , Wang Xiaoqing , Yang Qian 
Published: August 2016

Surfactin has multiple immune activities, such as triggering immune-related defense responses and enhancing humoral and cellular immune responses. Although, the mechanisms are still unclear. The maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) is essential for inducing downstream immune response. To shed light on the mechanisms of surfactin-induced immune activities, we verified the influences of surfactin on DCs maturation. The results showed that after stimulated with 20 μg/ml surfactin for 24 h, DCs were conferred morphologic and phenotypic characteristics of a mature state, showing an increased shape index and up-regulated expressions of major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) and CD40. Moreover, surfactin also induced DCs to release IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), indicating that DCs were functionally mature. In addition, the IκB-α level in surfactin-treated DCs was significantly reduced whereas the nuclear p65 level was notably increased, preliminarily indicating that nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signalling pathway might play an important role in surfactin-induced DCs maturation.
How to Interpret and Critique Neuroimaging Research: A Tutorial on Use of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Clinical Populations
Authors: Chouinard Brea , Boliek Carol , Cummine Jacqueline 
Published: August 2016

PurposeMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an influential experimental approach, provides valuable information about clinical disorders that can be used to select and/or refine speech and language interventions. Functional MRI (fMRI) in particular is becoming a widespread methodological tool for investigating speech and language. However, because MRI is relatively new and complex, potential consumers need to be able to critically assess the methods used in order to appraise results and conclusions. The authors offer a tutorial that (a) relays foundational knowledge related to the collection and analysis of MRI data in general and fMRI data specifically and (b) presents strategies for evaluating studies that utilize fMRI methods.MethodThis tutorial outlines methodological considerations that should be addressed by fMRI researchers and noted by consumers of the research, including clinicians and behavioral researchers who work with neurogenic communication disorders.ResultsReaders will be able to evaluate a neuroimaging publication and identify the methodological strengths and weaknesses that potentially influence the integrity of reported findings and interpretations.ConclusionThis tutorial provides information and strategies that can be used to critically evaluate studies that collect, analyze, and interpret fMRI data. The tutorial concludes with a summary checklist to guide critical appraisal.
International Justice and Judicial Decision Making at the Appellate Level
Authors: Meernik James 
Published: August 2016

AbstractInternational law is an evolving body of jurisprudence characterized by ambiguities, gaps, and lack of precedent. I argue that the propensity of the prosecution or the defense to emerge victorious on issues on appeal will depend on the legal issues they raise. I introduce a new database on the outcomes of every extant appeal filed by both the prosecution and the defense at the international criminal tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. I find that the defense is more often likely to win on appeal when it appeals issues that are dynamic and inchoate in international law.
“Foreign Criminals,” the Human Rights Act, and the New Constitutional Politics of the United Kingdom
Authors: Hamlin Rebecca 
Published: August 2016

AbstractSince the passage of the 1998 Human Rights Act, popular anxiety about increasing judicial power over immigration has led to a very public debate about the future of British constitutionalism. Drawing on an analysis of case law, 747 media articles, and interviews with human rights advocates, legal scholars, and government officials, I trace the development of a popular constitutionalism in the United Kingdom, fueled by resistance to international human rights law and directed at repealing the act. I demonstrate how the tabloid media amplifies jurisprudentially insignificant cases, especially regarding “foreign criminals,” and erodes political support for the entrenchment of rights.