bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic Responses of Mouse Synovial Fibroblasts During Tumor Necrosis Factor–Driven Arthritogenesis Greatly Mimic Those in Human Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ntougkos Evangelos , Chouvardas Panagiotis , Roumelioti Fani , Ospelt Caroline , Frank‐Bertoncelj Mojca , Filer Andrew , Buckley Christopher D. , Gay Steffen , Nikolaou Christoforos , Kollias George 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveAberrant activation of synovial fibroblasts is a key determinant in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aims of this study were to produce a map of gene expression and epigenetic changes occurring in this cell type during disease progression in the human tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–transgenic model of arthritis and to identify commonalities with human synovial fibroblasts.MethodsWe used deep sequencing to probe the transcriptome, the methylome, and the chromatin landscape of cultured mouse arthritogenic synovial fibroblasts at 3 stages of disease, as well as synovial fibroblasts stimulated with human TNF. We performed bioinformatics analyses at the gene, pathway, and network levels, compared mouse and human data, and validated selected genes in both species.ResultsWe found that synovial fibroblast arthritogenicity was reflected in distinct dynamic patterns of transcriptional dysregulation, which was especially enriched in pathways of the innate immune response and mesenchymal differentiation. A functionally representative subset of these changes was associated with methylation, mostly in gene bodies. The arthritogenic state involved highly active promoters, which were marked by histone H3K4 trimethylation. There was significant overlap between the mouse and human data at the level of dysregulated genes and to an even greater extent at the level of pathways.ConclusionThis study is the first systematic examination of the pathogenic changes that occur in mouse synovial fibroblasts during progressive TNF‐driven arthritogenesis. Significant correlations with the respective human RA synovial fibroblast data further validate the human TNF–transgenic mouse as a reliable model of the human disease. The resource of data generated in this work may serve as a framework for the discovery of novel pathogenic mechanisms and disease biomarkers.
Reactivity of Functionalized Ynamides with Tetracyanoethylene: Scope, Limitations and Optoelectronic Properties of the Adducts
Authors: Betou Marie , Durand Raphaël J. , Sallustrau Dr Antoine , Gousset Claire , Le Coz Erwann , Leroux Yann R. , Toupet Dr Loïc , Trzop Elzbieta , Roisnel Thierry , Trolez Yann 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe reactivity of functionalized ynamides and arylynamines with tetracyanoethylene at room temperature was evaluated. In most cases, the corresponding 1,1,4,4‐tetracyanobutadienes (TCBDs) were obtained in good to excellent yields through a [2+2]‐cycloaddition/[2+2]‐retro‐electrocyclization sequence. The influence of diverse functional groups on the yield of the reaction was investigated, in particular concerning multiple ynamides. These TCBDs were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and electrochemistry and X‐ray diffraction in some cases.
Halogen‐Free Synthesis of Carbamates from CO2 and Amines Using Titanium Alkoxides
Authors: Choi Jun‐Chul , Yuan Hao‐Yu , Fukaya Norihisa , Onozawa Syun‐ya , Zhang Qiao , Choi Seong Jib , Yasuda Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA direct synthesis of carbamates from amines and carbon dioxide in the presence of Ti(OR)4 (R=nBu (1), Me (2), Et (3), nPr (4)) was investigated. Aniline was reacted with titanium n‐butoxide (1) in the presence of carbon dioxide (5 MPa) to give the corresponding n‐butyl N‐phenylcarbamate (BPC) in nearly quantitative yield (99 %) within 20 min. Furthermore, 1 could be regenerated upon reaction with n‐butanol during water removal. The recovered 1 could then be reused in a subsequent reaction.
Preparation of Magnetically Recyclable Yolk/Shell FexOy/PdPt@CeO2 Nanoreactors with Enhanced Catalytic Activity
Authors: Yao Tongjie , Guan Chenchen , Zhang Junshuai , Zhang Xiao , Huang Xin , Wu Jie 
Published: April 2017

AbstractNoble metal nanoparticles (NPs) have recently received considerable attention from researchers working in the field of catalysis. However, the development of new methods allowing these materials to reach their maximum catalytic properties remains challenging. Nanoreactors could lead to dramatic improvements in activity with the help of the intrinsic confinement effect. In this study, we designed a series of yolk/shell FexOy/PdPt@CeO2 composites, where the FexOy NPs acted as a movable core, allowing for the uniform distribution of the PdPt alloys on the inner surface of the CeO2 shell. The high porosity and existence of hollow voids in the CeO2 shell allowed these FexOy/PdPt@CeO2 composites to be used as nanoreactors in catalytic reactions. As well this confinement effect, we identified two structural features that led to enhanced catalytic activity, including (i) the replacement of monometallic NPs with a bimetallic PdPt alloy and (ii) the replacement of a chemically inert support with a reactive CeO2 shell. The resulting nanoassembled catalysts displayed higher activities toward the catalytic reduction of dyes than the reference samples. Moreover, these catalysts were readily recovered and reused because of the magnetic FexOy core.
Inhibition of polyglutamine aggregation by SIMILAR huntingtin N‐terminal sequences: Prospective molecules for preclinical evaluation in Huntington's disease
Authors: Burra Gunasekhar , Thakur Ashwani Kumar 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe mutant huntingtin protein (mHtt) fragments with expanded polyglutamine sequence forms microscopically visible aggregates in neurons, a hallmark of Huntington's disease (HD). The aggregation process and aggregates are possible targets of therapeutic intervention in HD. Owing to the lack of treatment and cure, the patients die within 15–20 years after the disease onset. Therefore, discovering therapeutic molecules that may either inhibit the aggregation mechanism or downregulate the toxic effects of mHtt are highly needed. This study demonstrates the design and use of peptide inhibitors based on the role played by the N‐terminal seventeen amino acid sequence (NT17) of huntingtin fragment in its aggregation. Fug‐NT17 (Fugu), Xen‐NT17 (Xenopus), Dro‐NT17 (Drosophila), Aib‐NT17, and Pro‐NT17 sequences were tested for their ability to inhibit aggregation. Among them, the first three are the sequence variants of human NT17 from evolutionarily distant organisms and the latter two are the analogs of human NT17‐containing aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) and proline (Pro). Four out of five inhibited the aggregation of huntingtin fragment, NT17Q35P10K2 polypeptide. Data indicate that the physicochemical properties of the inhibitors play a crucial role in exhibiting the inhibitory effect. These inhibitors can be tested in cell and animal models for the preclinical evaluation in the treating of HD.
Stressing Escherichia coli to educate students about research: A CURE to investigate multiple levels of gene regulation
Authors: McDonough Janet , Goudsouzian Lara K. , Papaj Agllai , Maceli Ashley R. , Klepac‐Ceraj Vanja , Peterson Celeste N. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCourse‐based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have been shown to increase student retention and learning in the biological sciences. Most CURES cover only one aspect of gene regulation, such as transcriptional control. Here we present a new inquiry‐based lab that engages understanding of gene expression from multiple perspectives. Students carry out a forward genetic screen to identify regulators of the stationary phase master regulator RpoS in the model organism Escherichia coli and then use a series of reporter fusions to determine if the regulation is at the level of transcription or the post‐transcription level. This easy‐to‐implement course has been run both as a 9‐week long project and a condensed 5–6 week version in three different schools and types of courses. A majority of the genes found in the screen are novel, thus giving students the opportunity to contribute to original findings to the field. Assessments of this CURE show student gains in learning in many knowledge areas. In addition, attitudinal surveys suggest the students are enthusiastic about the screen and their learning about gene regulation. In summary, this lab would be an appropriate addition to an intermediate or advanced level Molecular Biology, Genetics, or Microbiology curriculum. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(5):449–458, 2017.
Stabilization of Telomeric I‐Motif Structures by (2′S)‐2′‐Deoxy‐2′‐C‐Methylcytidine Residues
Authors: Aviñó Anna , Dellafiore María , Gargallo Raimundo , González Carlos , Iribarren Adolfo M. , Montserrat Javier , Eritja Ramon 
Published: April 2017

AbstractG‐quadruplexes and i‐motifs are tetraplex structures present in telomeres and the promoter regions of oncogenes. The possibility of producing nanodevices with pH‐sensitive functions has triggered interest in modified oligonucleotides with improved structural properties. We synthesized C‐rich oligonucleotides carrying conformationally restricted (2′S)‐2′‐deoxy‐2′‐C‐methyl‐cytidine units. The effect of this modified nucleoside on the stability of intramolecular i‐motifs from the vertebrate telomere was investigated by UV, CD, and NMR spectroscopy. The replacement of selected positions of the C‐core with C‐modified residues induced the formation of stable intercalated tetraplexes at near‐neutral pH. This study demonstrates the possibility of enhancing the stability of the i‐motif by chemical modification.
Weight randomization test for the selection of the number of components in PLS models
Authors: Tran Thanh , Szymańska Ewa , Gerretzen Jan , Buydens Lutgarde , Afanador Nelson Lee , Blanchet Lionel 
Published: April 2017

The selection of the optimal number of components remains a difficult but essential task in partial least squares (PLS). Randomization tests have the advantage of being automatic and they make use of the entire dataset, in contrary with the widely used cross‐validation approaches. Partial least squares modeling may include component(s) with a large amount of irrelevant data variation, and this might affect the model, depending on the assigned y‐loading (which is the regression coefficient in the latent domain). This has recently been indicated by us in the basic sequence framework with respect to the underlying theory of the PLS algorithm and presented to the chemometrics society. We will show in this work that this irrelevant data variation is the root cause of the difficulty in current methods for selecting the optimal number of components. For randomization tests, PLS models with nonsignificant components may result in false positive tests because of the incorrect assumption that “the components enter the model in a natural order”.In this work, we introduce a new randomization test, weight randomization test, selection of the optimal number of components in PLS in light of the underlying theory of the PLS algorithm. In the proposed method the null distribution is well characterized and efficiently determined taking into account a newly defined model quality metric: the number of consecutive non‐significant components (CNC). We illustrate the effectiveness of weight randomization test in optimization of preprocessing as well as in classification models, where results are compared with the double cross‐validation procedure for the latter. This is an important step towards the full automation of PLS model development and routine updates.
Pre‐ejection period reactivity to reward is associated with anhedonic symptoms of depression among adolescents
Authors: Ahles Joshua J. , Mezulis Amy H. , Crowell Sheila E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPre‐ejection period (PEP) reactivity to reward has been posited as a specific index of behavioral approach and incentive motivation, suggesting it might be uniquely associated with the affective and motivational deficits of anhedonia. This study evaluated PEP reactivity to a reward task as a predictor of depressive symptoms among adolescents, examining global depressive symptoms as well as specific anhedonic and nonanhedonic symptoms clusters. Participants included 76 adolescents, ages 11–15 years (52% female). This study found marginal support for an association between PEP reactivity to reward and concurrent anhedonia symptoms, but no association with nonanhedonic or the global scale. Findings are discussed in terms of potential associations between peripheral psychophysiological measures and dopaminergic functioning and also the utility of this measure for future research on anhedonia.
Influence of bleaching and coloring on ethyl glucuronide content in human hair
Authors: Petzel‐Witt Silvana , Pogoda Werner , Wunder Cora , Paulke Alexander , Schubert‐Zsilavecz Manfred , Toennes Stefan W. 
Published: April 2017

Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is increasingly used in forensic toxicology as a marker for alcohol use in analyses of hair samples, especially in abstinence control. Some cosmetic treatments are considered to markedly reduce the EtG content. In view of especially many women with coloured hair the present study was performed to further investigate the effect of a variety of colouring procedures (bleaching, tinting, permanent and semi‐permanent dyeing, henna) on the EtG content.Untreated hair samples (n = 12, EtG 13.9–64.7 pg/mg) were re‐analyzed (gas chromatography‐ negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry, 0.8 pg/mg quantification limit) after different treatment procedures. A decrease of the EtG content of at least 10% occurred in every case. The reduction in comparison to the untreated hair was expectedly high for permanent dyeing and bleaching with 18.1% of the initial content (median, range 0.0–50.9%) and 18.4% (0.0–46.7%), respectively. For henna this was 38.3% (0.0–83.0%), for tinting 70.4% (29.0–90.8%), for semi‐permanent dyeing 41.9% (0.0–77.4%). With permanent hair dye the EtG content was decreased to below 7 pg/mg in 10 of 12 cases, in 3 cases even below the LOD (0.2 pg/mg). Surprisingly henna treatment without oxidative component had a marked influence, EtG was below 2 pg/mg in 2 of 12 samples. The study showed that all tested coloration procedures markedly affected the deposited EtG content. Even temporary or henna coloration may have a marked effect. The present data support the recommendation to exclude hair samples with colour manipulations for analysis on the EtG content as a precaution in alcohol abstinence programs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Inhibitory Effect of Nodakenin on Mast‐Cell‐Mediated Allergic Inflammation Via Downregulation of NF‐κB and Caspase‐1 Activation
Authors: Lee Na Young , Chung Kyung‐Sook , Jin Jong Sik , Lee Young‐Cheol , An Hyo‐Jin 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTNodakenin, a coumarin isolated from the roots of Angelicae gigas, is effective for treating function control disorders, bacterial infections, pain, diarrhea, vitamin E deficiency, and for relaxation of the uterus. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiallergic related inflammatory effects in phorbol‐12‐myristate 13‐acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)‐stimulated human mast cells (HMC‐1) or anaphylactic activity in a mouse model. Nodakenin inhibited the mRNA expression and production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐1β in PMACI‐stimulated HMC‐1. We also studied the inhibitory effects of nodakenin on the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and activation of caspase‐1, inhibitory κB kinase (IKK), and Akt in PMACI‐stimulated HMC‐1. However, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was not sufficient to abrogate the stimulus. In addition, administration of nodakenin at 20 mg/kg inhibited histamine release and protected mice against compound 48/80‐induced anaphylactic mortality. Furthermore, Nodakenin inhibited the mRNA expression and production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and caspase‐1 activation in compound 48/80‐induced anaphylactic mice. These results suggest new insight that nodakenin may be a promising antiallergic related inflammatory agent for inflammatory disorders. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3993–4001, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dual Role of the Extracellular Domain of Human Mucin MUC1 in Metastasis
Authors: Syrkina M.S. , Maslakova A.A. , Potashnikova D.M. , Veiko V.P. , Vassetzky Y.S. , Rubtsov M.A. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTHuman mucin MUC1 plays an important role in cancer development. The increased level of this molecule expression during cancer cell progression induces metastasis and is associated with poor prognosis for patients. There is a large body of experimental data on the role of various functional domains of human mucin MUC1 in metastasis. While, the cytoplasmic domain determined to play a definitive role, the influence of extracellular domain on cancer cell invasiveness still remains unclear. The present paper reveals that the extracellular domain of MUC1 molecule consists of two functional subdomains—the region of tandem repeats (TR) and the region of irregular repeats (IR). We demonstrate the ability of each of these subdomains to alter the invasiveness of cancer cells. The presence of the MUC1 molecules containing TR subdomain (MUC1‐TR) on the surface of low‐invasive cancer cells leads to the increase in their transendothelial migration potency, while the addition of the IR subdomain to the MUC1‐TR molecule (MUC1‐IR‐TR) restores their natural low invasiveness. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4002–4011, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of hemoglobin variants HbJ Bangkok, HbE, HbG Taipei, and HbH on analysis of glycated hemoglobin via ion‐exchange high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐Ming , Wen Dong‐Mei , Xu Sheng‐Nan , Suo Ming‐Huan , Chen Ya‐Qiong 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundTo explore the effects of HbJ Bangkok, HbE, HbG Taipei, and α‐thalassemia HbH on the results of HbA1c assessment using ion‐exchange high‐performance liquid chromatography (IE‐HPLC).MethodsWe enrolled five patients in which the results of the IE‐HPLC HbA1c assay were inconsistent with the average levels of FBG. We performed hemoglobin capillary (Hb) electrophoresis using whole‐blood samples. We also sequenced the genes encoding Hb using dideoxy‐mediated chain termination and analyzed HbA1c using borate affinity HPLC (BA‐HPLC) and turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay (TINIA).ResultsTwo patients had the HbJ Bangkok variant. Hb genotypes of these patients were β41‐42/βJ Bangkok and βN/βJ Bangkok, and the content of HbJ Bangkok was 93.9% and 52.4%, respectively. The remaining three patients had the following: HbE (βN/βE Hb genotype, 23.6% HbE content), HbG Taipei (βN/βG Taipei Hb genotype, 39.4% HbG Taipei content), and α‐thalassemia HbH (6.1% HbH content, 2.8% Hb Bart's content). In the patients with β‐thalassemia and HbJ Bangkok variants, the presence of the variants interfered with the results of HbA1c analyses using IE‐HPLC and TINIA; in the remaining four patients, there was interference with the results of HbA1c IE‐HPLC but not with the TINIA assay. There was no interference with BA‐HPLC HbA1c results.ConclusionsHbJ Bangkok, HbE, HbG Taipei Hb, and α‐thalassemia HbH disease cause varying degrees of interference with the analysis of HbA1c using IE‐HPLC. In these patients, we suggest using methods free from such interference for the analysis of HbA1c and other indicators to monitor blood glucose levels.
Can we truly rely on the urinary antigen test for the diagnosis? Legionella case report
Authors: Miyata Jun , Huh Ji Young , Ito Yukiko , Kobuchi Taketsune , Kusukawa Kazuko , Hayashi Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIt is critical to diagnose and treat Legionella pneumonia (LP) immediately after infection because of the associated high mortality. The urine antigen test (UAT) is often used for the diagnosis of LP; however, it cannot detect the serogroups of all Legionella species. A detained medical history and several clinical findings such as liver enzyme elevation and hyponatremia are useful in diagnosis. Some specific types of Legionella are found in compost. Herein, we report a case of LP in which the patient's medical history and several clinical findings were useful for diagnosis.
Favorable effects of motivational interviewing and support in a patient with schizophrenia and alcohol abuse
Authors: Makuuchi Ayako , Takemoto Yasuhiko , Okamura Hiroshi , Nakane Takahiko , Namikawa Hiroki , Fukumoto Kazuo , Kobayashi Masanori , Kinuhata Shigeki , Morimura Mina , Hirohashi Kazuhiro , Hino Masayuki , Shuto Taichi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA 42‐year‐old man with schizophrenia was referred to our hospital after 2 weeks of worsening fatigue. His hemoglobin level was 2.8 g/dL owing to folic acid deficiency stemming from alcohol abuse and consumption of unbalanced meals. We induced behavioral changes in the patient by motivational interviewing. We had direct methodical conversations with medical staff involved with the patient as well as his family, and established new social support for him as well as public assistance. These have resulted in the patient maintaining a favorable lifestyle ever since.
A year‐round evidence‐based medicine‐learning course organized by medical students at Ehime University
Authors: Watanabe Haruka , Fujiwara Takashi , Kobayashi Naoto 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTo resolve the problem that evidence‐based medicine (EBM) courses are not sufficiently taught in Japanese medical schools, we organized a year‐round EBM‐learning course. This study was an observational study and was designed to evaluate the participants’ understanding of EBM using an original survey. The survey was given three times. In total, 18 students responded to our survey. Of those 18 students, six students answered both the first and the last surveys, and their mean score increased 1.17 of 4.00 (95% CI: 0.72‐1.65). These results suggest our course improved students’ ability to read clinical articles.
Isolated astasia caused by a localized infarction in the suprathalamic white matter
Authors: Takahashi Keiko , Osaka Akiyoshi , Tsuda Hiromasa , Ogasawara Hiroki 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA 73‐year‐old woman with essential hypertension and diabetes mellitus abruptly developed astasia. There were no other neurological abnormalities. Cranial diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a localized infarction in the right‐sided suprathalamic white matter. Under antiplatelet agent and rehabilitation, the patient became asymptomatic within 4 days. This is a first reported case of isolated astasia due to a suprathalamic white matter infarction. We speculated that disruption of the connection from the ventrolateral nucleus of the thalamus to the posterior cingulate gyrus and/or supplementary motor area might cause astasia.
Lambert‐Eaton myasthenic syndrome with anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody and anterior mediastinal tumor
Authors: Matsumoto Hideyuki , Ohtomo Gaku , Akahori Tsugumi , Hashida Hideji 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis report describes the case of a 65‐year‐old male who complained of muscular weakness of the legs with easy fatigability. Blood and imaging examinations showed positive anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody and an anterior mediastinal tumor (probably a thymic cyst), suggesting the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG). However, neurological and electrophysiological examinations suggested the diagnosis of Lambert‐Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). We searched repeatedly for malignant tumors. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) was found. Chemotherapy reduced the SCLC and improved the patient's clinical symptoms. On the basis of an accurate diagnosis of LEMS, we were able to detect SCLC and administer chemotherapy at an early stage. Anti‐P/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel antibody was negative. In our case, MG and LEMS overlap syndrome in addition to MG should be differentiated. For the differentiation, the strict electrophysiological criteria of LEMS were useful.