bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in Infant Mortality and Neonatal Morbidity in Mixed-Gender Twins
Authors: Zhao Dongying , Zou Lile , Lei Xiaoping , Zhang Yongjun 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn the present study, we aimed to explore gender differences in infant mortality and neonatal morbidity in mixed-gender twin pairs. Data were obtained from the US National Center for Health Statistics Linked Birth-Infant Death Cohort. A total of 108,038 pairs of mixed-gender twins were included in this analysis. Among the mixed-gender twins, no significant difference in the odds of fetal mortality between male twins (1.05%) and female co-twins (1.04%). However, male twins were at increased odds of neonatal mortality (adjusted OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.37, 1.85) and overall infant mortality (adjusted OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.27, 1.61) relative to their female co-twins. Congenital abnormalities (adjusted OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.27, 1.50) were identified significantly more frequently in male than female twins. Moreover, increased odds of having low 5-minute Apgar score (<7) (adjusted OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.05, 1.26), assistant ventilation >30 minutes (adjusted OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.17, 1.47), and respiratory distress syndrome (adjusted OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.26, 1.66) were identified in male twins relative to their female counterparts. The results of our study indicated that in mixed-gender twin pairs, the odds of infant mortality and neonatal morbidity were higher in male twins than their female co-twins.
Epac1-deficient mice have bleeding phenotype and thrombocytes with decreased GPIbβ expression
Authors: Nygaard Gyrid , Herfindal Lars , Asrud Kathrine S. , Bjørnstad Ronja , Kopperud Reidun K. , Oveland Eystein , Berven Frode S. , Myhren Lene , Hoivik Erling A. , Lunde Turid Helen Felli , Bakke Marit , Døskeland Stein O. , Selheim Frode 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEpac1 (Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1) limits fluid loss from the circulation by tightening the endothelial barrier. We show here that Epac1−/−mice, but not Epac2−/−mice, have prolonged bleeding time, suggesting that Epac1 may limit fluid loss also by restraining bleeding. The Epac1−/−mice had deficientin vitrosecondary hemostasis. Quantitative comprehensive proteomics analysis revealed that Epac1−/−mouse platelets (thrombocytes) had unbalanced expression of key components of the glycoprotein Ib-IX-V (GPIb-IX-V) complex, with decrease of GP1bβ and no change of GP1bα. This complex is critical for platelet adhesion under arterial shear conditions. Furthermore, Epac1−/−mice have reduced levels of plasma coagulation factors and fibrinogen, increased size of circulating platelets, increased megakaryocytes (the GP1bβ level was decreased also in Epac1−/−bone marrow) and higher abundance of reticulated platelets. Viscoelastic measurement of clotting function revealed Epac1−/−mice with a dysfunction in the clotting process, which corresponds to reduced plasma levels of coagulation factors like factor XIII and fibrinogen. We propose that the observed platelet phenotype is due to deficient Epac1 activity during megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis, and that the defects in blood clotting for Epac1−/−is connected to secondary hemostasis.
Toxicity of Pine Monoterpenes to Mountain Pine Beetle
Authors: Chiu Christine C. , Keeling Christopher I. , Bohlmann Joerg 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae; MPB) is an eruptive bark beetle species affecting pine forests of western North America. MPB are exposed to volatile monoterpenes, which are important host defense chemicals. We assessed the toxicity of the ten most abundant monoterpenes of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), a major host in the current MPB epidemic, against adult MPB from two locations in British Columbia, Canada. Monoterpenes were tested as individual volatiles and included (−)-β-phellandrene, (+)-3-carene, myrcene, terpinolene, and both enantiomers of α-pinene, β-pinene and limonene. Dose-mortality experiments identified (−)-limonene as the most toxic (LC50: 32 μL/L), and (−)-α-pinene (LC50: 290 μL/L) and terpinolene (LC50: >500 μL/L) as the least toxic. MPB body weight had a significant positive effect on the ability to survive most monoterpene volatiles, while sex did not have a significant effect with most monoterpenes. This study helps to quantitatively define the effects of individual monoterpenes towards MPB mortality, which is critical when assessing the variable monoterpene chemical defense profiles of its host species.
Cathepsin K knockout protects against cardiac dysfunction in diabetic mice
Authors: Guo Rui , Hua Yinan , Rogers Olivia , Brown Travis E. , Ren Jun , Nair Sreejayan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDiabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and the lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin K plays a critical role in cardiac pathophysiology. To expand upon our previous findings, we tested the hypothesis that, knockout of cathepsin K protects against diabetes-associated cardiac anomalies. Wild-type and cathepsin K knockout mice were rendered diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ) injections. Body weight, organ mass, fasting blood glucose, energy expenditure, cardiac geometry and function, cardiac histomorphology, glutathione levels and protein levels of cathepsin K and those associated with Ca2+ handling, calcineurin/NFAT signaling, insulin signaling, cardiac apoptosis and fibrosis were determined. STZ-induced diabetic mice exhibited distinct cardiac dysfunction, dampened intracellular calcium handling, alterations in cardiac morphology, and elevated cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which were mitigated in the cathepsin K knockout mice. Additionally, cathepsin K knockout mice attenuated cardiac oxidative stress and calcineurin/NFAT signaling in diabetic mice. In cultured H9c2 myoblasts, pharmacological inhibition of cathepsin K, or treatment with calcineurin inhibitor rescued cells from high-glucose triggered oxidative stress and apoptosis. Therefore, cathepsin K may represent a potential target in treating diabetes-associated cardiac dysfunction.
Synthesis of pincer-type extractants for selective extraction of palladium from PGMs: An improved liquid-liquid extraction approach to current refining processes
Authors: Rajiv Gandhi Muniyappan , Yamada Manabu , Haga Kazutoshi , Shibayama Atsushi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSCS pincer ligands 1–4 were synthesised, and their ability to extract Pd(II) from HCl and HNO3 media was studied. The Pd(II) extraction properties of 1–4 were compared with those of commercial extractants (DOS and LIX®84-I) in kerosene. 1 and 2 showed superior Pd(II) extractability (E% = 99.9) relative to DOS and LIX®84-I from 0.1–8.0 M HCl and to DOS from 0.1–8.0 M HNO3 and mixed HCl + HNO3 media. The Pd(II) extraction rate, acid durability, the most suitable organic/aqueous (O/A) phase ratio, and Pd(II) loading capacity of extractants 1, 2, and DOS were evaluated. 1 and 2 exhibited a greater Pd(II) extraction rate and Pd(II) loading capacity than DOS. 1 was very stable in acid media (HCl and HCl + HNO3), whereas 2 and DOS deteriorated in HCl + HNO3. Selective extraction of Pd(II) by 1 and 2 was achieved from a mixed solution containing Pd, Pt, Rh, rare metals, and base metal ions that simulated the leach liquors of automotive catalysts. The back extraction of Pd(II) and reusability of extractants 1 and 2 were studied. The Pd(II) extraction mechanism of 1–4 was investigated using FT-IR, UV-visible, and NMR spectroscopy.
Longitudinal study of changes in γδ T cells and CD4+ T cells upon asymptomatic malaria infection in Indonesian children
Authors: de Jong Sanne E. , Asscher Vera E. R. , Wammes Linda J. , Wiria Aprilianto E. , Hamid Firdaus , Sartono Erliyani , Supali Taniawati , Smits Hermelijn H. , Luty Adrian J. F. , Yazdanbakhsh Maria 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBoth γδ T cells and CD4+ T cells have been implicated in immunity to malaria, but their association with natural gain or loss of infection has not been studied before. Therefore, we followed up asymptomatic children living in an area endemic for malaria in Indonesia for 21 months. The percentage of γδ T cells was related to both current and previous infection, with higher percentages in infected than uninfected children and declining after infections resolve. Infected children also had higher levels of Th1 and Th17 cells, lower levels of CD25Hi FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), but similar levels of Th2 cells as compared to uninfected children. However, TNF, IFN-γ, and IL-17 cytokine responses to Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (PfRBCs) were similar, while IL-5 and IL-13 responses were lower in infected children. Furthermore, infected children had more phenotypically exhausted PD-1+ CD4+ T cells, more Tregs expressing TNF-RII, and higher IL-10 responses to PfRBCs, which persisted following resolution of infection. Altogether, this study demonstrates that asymptomatic malaria infection is associated with some long-lasting changes in the frequencies and immunoregulation of circulating innate and adaptive T cells, which might in part explain how pre-exposure to malaria affects responses to subsequent immunological challenges.
Identification and analysis of brown planthopper-responsive microRNAs in resistant and susceptible rice plants
Authors: Wu Yan , Lv Wentang , Hu Liang , Rao Weiwei , Zeng Ya , Zhu Lili , He Yuqing , He Guangcun 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe brown planthopper (BPH) is the most devastating insect pest of rice. The rice gene BPH15 confers resistance to BPH. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate a spectrum of development and defense response processes in plants. In this study, we analyzed six miRNA profiles of a BPH15 introgression line (P15) and a susceptible recipient line (PC) at three time points (0 h, 6 h and 48 h) after BPH attack, and identified 464 known miRNAs and 183 potential novel miRNAs. Before the BPH feeding, we identified 23 miRNAs differentially expressed in P15 and PC. We speculated that the resistant plant is in a priming state by the regulation of miRNAs. After the BPH feeding, 104 miRNAs were found to be expressed differentially in P15 (68 in P15-6/P15-0, 36 in P15-48/P15-0), and 80 miRNAs were found expressed differentially in PC (32 in PC-6/PC-0, 48 in PC-48/PC-0), which illustrated that miRNA expression is activated upon attack. These miRNAs regulate different pathways that contribute to the basal defense and specific resistance of rice to the BPH. Our study provides additional data for scientists to further explore the mechanism of plant defense against insect attack and to find a way for efficient insect control.
NOS2-deficient mice with hypoxic necrotizing lung lesions predict outcomes of tuberculosis chemotherapy in humans
Authors: Gengenbacher Martin , Duque-Correa Maria A. , Kaiser Peggy , Schuerer Stefanie , Lazar Doris , Zedler Ulrike , Reece Stephen T. , Nayyar Amit , Cole Stewart T. , Makarov Vadim , Barry III Clifton E. , Dartois Véronique , Kaufmann Stefan H. E. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDuring active TB in humans a spectrum of pulmonary granulomas with central necrosis and hypoxia exists. BALB/c mice, predominantly used in TB drug development, do not reproduce this complex pathology thereby inaccurately predicting clinical outcome. We found that Nos2−/− mice incapable of NO-production in immune cells as microbial defence uniformly develop hypoxic necrotizing lung lesions, widely observed in human TB. To study the impact of hypoxic necrosis on the efficacy of antimycobacterials and drug candidates, we subjected Nos2−/− mice with TB to monotherapy before or after establishment of human-like pathology. Isoniazid induced a drug-tolerant persister population only when necrotic lesions were present. Rifapentine was more potent than rifampin prior to development of human-like pathology and equally potent thereafter, in agreement with recent clinical trials. Pretomanid, delamanid and the pre-clinical candidate BTZ043 were bactericidal independent of pulmonary pathology. Linezolid was bacteriostatic in TB-infected Nos2−/− mice but significantly improved lung pathology. Hypoxic necrotizing lesions rendered moxifloxacin less active. In conclusion, Nos2−/− mice are a predictive TB drug development tool owing to their consistent development of human-like pathology.
Searching for signatures across microbial communities: Metagenomic analysis of soil samples from mangrove and other ecosystems
Authors: Imchen Madangchanok , Kumavath Ranjith , Barh Debmalya , Azevedo Vasco , Ghosh Preetam , Viana Marcus , Wattam Alice R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this study, we categorize the microbial community in mangrove sediment samples from four different locations within a vast mangrove system in Kerala, India. We compared this data to other samples taken from the other known mangrove data, a tropical rainforest, and ocean sediment. An examination of the microbial communities from a large mangrove forest that stretches across southwestern India showed strong similarities across the higher taxonomic levels. When ocean sediment and a single isolate from a tropical rain forest were included in the analysis, a strong pattern emerged with Bacteria from the phylum Proteobacteria being the prominent taxon among the forest samples. The ocean samples were predominantly Archaea, with Euryarchaeota as the dominant phylum. Principal component and functional analyses grouped the samples isolated from forests, including those from disparate mangrove forests and the tropical rain forest, from the ocean. Our findings show similar patterns in samples were isolated from forests, and these were distinct from the ocean sediment isolates. The taxonomic structure was maintained to the level of class, and functional analysis of the genes present also displayed these similarities. Our report for the first time shows the richness of microbial diversity in the Kerala coast and its differences with tropical rain forest and ocean microbiome.
Impact of varying social experiences during life history on behaviour, gene expression, and vasopressin receptor gene methylation in mice
Authors: Bodden Carina , van den Hove Daniel , Lesch Klaus-Peter , Sachser Norbert 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBoth negative and positive social experiences during sensitive life phases profoundly shape brain and behaviour. Current research is therefore increasingly focusing on mechanisms mediating the interaction between varying life experiences and the epigenome. Here, male mice grew up under either adverse or beneficial conditions until adulthood, when they were subdivided into groups exposed to situations that either matched or mismatched previous conditions. It was investigated whether the resulting four life histories were associated with changes in anxiety-like behaviour, gene expression of selected genes involved in anxiety and stress circuits, and arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (Avpr1a) gene methylation. Varying experiences during life significantly modulated (1) anxiety-like behaviour; (2) hippocampal gene expression ofAvpr1a, serotonin receptor 1a (Htr1a), monoamine oxidase A (Maoa), myelin basic protein (Mbp), glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1), growth hormone (Gh); and (3) hippocampal DNA methylation within theAvpr1agene. Notably, mice experiencing early beneficial and later adverse conditions showed a most pronounced downregulation ofAvpr1aexpression, accompanied by low anxiety-like behaviour. This decrease inAvpr1aexpression may have been, in part, a consequence of increased methylation in theAvpr1agene. In summary, this study highlights the impact of interactive social experiences throughout life on the hippocampal epigenotype and associated behaviour.
Disease-syndrome combination modeling: metabolomic strategy for the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li Shasha , Xu Peng , Han Ling , Mao Wei , Wang Yiming , Luo Guoan , Yang Nizhi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractConventional disease animal models have limitations on the conformity to the actual clinical situation. Disease-syndrome combination (DS) modeling may provide a more efficient strategy for biomedicine research. Disease model and DS model of renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease were established by ligating the left ureter and by ligating unilateral ureteral combined with exhaustive swimming, respectively. Serum metabolomics was conducted to evaluate disease model and DS model by using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Potential endogenous biomarkers were identified by multivariate statistical analysis. There are no differences between two models regarding their clinical biochemistry and kidney histopathology, while metabolomics highlights their difference. It is found that abnormal sphingolipid metabolism is a common characteristic of both models, while arachidonic acid metabolism, linolenic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism are highlighted in DS model. Metabolomics is a promising approach to evaluate experiment animal models. DS model are comparatively in more coincidence with clinical settings, and is superior to single disease model for the biomedicine research.
Dietary factors and polymorphisms in vitamin D metabolism genes: the risk and prognosis of colorectal cancer in northeast China
Authors: Gong Chen , Long Zhiping , Yu Yanming , Zhu Lin , Tian Jingshen , Li Shuo , Li Jing , Yu Hongyuan , Chi Qiang , Piao Daxun , Wang Fan , Zhao Yashuang , Cui Binbin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCYP24A1 and CYP27B1 are critical genes determining 1α,25(OH)2D3 concentration and impacting on carcinogenesis. A case–control study including 528 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and 605 cancer-free controls and a follow-up study with 317 cases were conducted in northeast China. Genotypes were tested by TaqMan Genotyping Assays. Individuals carrying the GG genotype of CYP27B1 G > T (rs10877012) exhibited decreased CRC risk compared with those with the TT genotype (ORadjusted (ORadj) = 0.57, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.38–0.84). Compared with the TT genotype, a significant association between the CC genotype of CYP27B1 C > T (rs4646536) and a reduced risk of CRC was observed (ORadj = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.40–0.88). We also observed significant combined effects of the two polymorphisms in CYP27B1 with dietary factors, including the intake of cereals, overnight meal, allium vegetables, pork, canned fruit, and braised fish, on CRC risk. These associations remained significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. The Hazard Ration (HR) of patients with the AA genotype (CYP24A1 A > G, rs4809957) was 2.38 (95% CI = 1.30–4.37) when compared with the GG genotype. Thus, our findings suggested that two polymorphisms in CYP27B1 are associated with CRC susceptibility. CYP24A1 A > G (rs4809957) polymorphism may lead to a worse prognosis of CRC.
Antiviral properties of resveratrol against pseudorabies virus are associated with the inhibition of IκB kinase activation
Authors: Zhao Xinghong , Cui Qiankun , Fu Qiuting , Song Xu , Jia Renyong , Yang Yi , Zou Yuanfeng , Li Lixia , He Changliang , Liang Xiaoxia , Yin Lizi , Lin Juchun , Ye Gang , Shu Gang , Zhao Ling , Shi Fei , Lv Cheng , Yin Zhongqiong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPseudorabies virus (PRV) is a pathogen of swine resulting in devastating disease and economic losses worldwide. Resveratrol (Res) exhibits inhibitory activity against a wide range of viruses. Despite these important advances, the molecular mechanism(s) by which Res exerts its broad biological effects have not yet been elucidated. In this paper, the antiviral activity of Res against PRV and its mechanism of action were investigated. The results showed that Res potently inhibited PRV replication in a dose-dependent manner, with a 50% inhibition concentration of 17.17 μM. The inhibition of virus multiplication in the presence of Res was not attributed to direct inactivation or inhibition of viral entry into the host cells but to the inhibition of viral multiplication in host cells. Further studies demonstrated that Res is a potent inhibitor of both NF-κB activation and NF-κB-dependent gene expression through its ability to inhibit IκB kinase activity, which is the key regulator in NF-κB activation. Thus, the inhibitory effect of Res on PRV-induced cell death and gene expression may be due to its ability to inhibit the degradation of IκB kinase. These results provided a new alternative control measure for PRV infection and new insights into the antiviral mechanism of Res.
Development of enhanced ethanol ablation as an alternative to surgery in treatment of superficial solid tumors
Authors: Morhard Robert , Nief Corrine , Barrero Castedo Carlos , Hu Fangyao , Madonna Megan , Mueller Jenna L. , Dewhirst Mark W. , Katz David F. , Ramanujam Nirmala 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWhile surgery is at the foundation of cancer treatment, its access is limited in low-income countries. Here, we describe development of a low-cost alternative therapy based on intratumoral ethanol injection suitable for resource-limited settings. Although ethanol-based tumor ablation is successful in treating hepatocellular carcinomas, the necessity for multiple treatments, injection of large fluid volumes, and decreased efficacy in treatment of non-capsulated tumors limit its applicability. To address these limitations, we investigated an enhanced ethanol ablation strategy to retain ethanol within the tumor through the addition of ethyl cellulose. This increases the viscosity of injected ethanol and forms an ethanol-based gel-phase upon exposure to the aqueous tumor environment. This technique was first optimized to maximize distribution volume, using tissue-simulating phantoms. Then, chemically-induced epithelial tumors in the hamster cheek pouch were treated. As controls, pure ethanol injections of either four times or one-fourth the tumor volume induced complete regression of 33% and 0% of tumors, respectively. In contrast, ethyl cellulose-ethanol injections of one-fourth the tumor volume induced complete regression in 100% of tumors. These results contribute to proof-of-concept for enhanced ethanol ablation as a novel and effective alternative to surgery for tumor treatment, with relevance to resource-limited settings.
Fluticasone/salmeterol reduces remodelling and neutrophilic inflammation in severe equine asthma
Authors: Bullone Michela , Vargas Amandine , Elce Yvonne , Martin James G. , Lavoie Jean-Pierre 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAsthmatic airways are inflamed and undergo remodelling. Inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2-agonist combinations are more effective than inhaled corticosteroid monotherapy in controlling disease exacerbations, but their effect on airway remodelling and inflammation remains ill-defined. This study evaluates the contribution of inhaled fluticasone and salmeterol, alone or combined, to the reversal of bronchial remodelling and inflammation. Severely asthmatic horses (6 horses/group) were treated with fluticasone, salmeterol, fluticasone/salmeterol, or with antigen avoidance for 12 weeks. Lung function, central and peripheral airway remodelling, and bronchoalveolar inflammation were assessed. Fluticasone/salmeterol and fluticasone monotherapy decreased peripheral airway smooth muscle remodelling after 12 weeks (p = 0.007 and p = 0.02, respectively). On average, a 30% decrease was observed with both treatments. In central airways, fluticasone/salmeterol reversed extracellular matrix remodelling after 12 weeks, both within the lamina propria (decreased thickness, p = 0.005) and within the smooth muscle layer (p = 0.004). Only fluticasone/salmeterol decreased bronchoalveolar neutrophilia (p = 0.03) to the same extent as antigen avoidance already after 8 weeks. In conclusion, this study shows that fluticasone/salmeterol combination decreases extracellular matrix remodelling in central airways and intraluminal neutrophilia. Fluticasone/salmeterol and fluticasone monotherapy equally reverse peripheral airway smooth muscle remodelling.