bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stearic Acid Modified Stearyl Alcohol Oleogel: Analysis of the Thermal, Mechanical and Drug Release Properties
Authors: Yadav Indu , Kasiviswanathan Uvanesh , Soni Chandan , Paul Suprio R. , Nayak Suraj K. , Sagiri Sai S. , Anis Arfat , Pal Kunal 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe present study delineates the effect of stearic acid on the properties of stearyl alcohol oleogel. Herein, a series of oleogels were prepared by mixing different proportions of fatty alcohol (Stearyl alcohol; gelator) and fatty acid (stearic acid; co‐gelator). The characterization of the oleogels was done by thermal, macro‐scale stress relaxation, drug release, and antimicrobial studies. The oleogels were formed by the self‐assembly of stearyl alcohol/stearic acid. Thermal studies indicated that the stearic acid alters the crystal morphology, polymorphic transition and rate of crystallization of stearyl alcohol. The firmness of the oleogels with higher stearic proportion was better, which was due to the formation of a rigid network structure of stearyl alcohol in the presence of stearic acid. The release of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, model drug, from the oleogels was better from the oleogels with higher stearic acid content. The release of the drug from the oleogels was Fickian diffusion‐mediated; except the oleogel with the highest stearic acid proportion. The antimicrobial study showed that the drug loaded oleogels were able to resist the growth of Escherichia coli, model microbe.
Species specific PCR based detection of Escherichia coli from Indian foods
Authors: Godambe Lipika Pansare , Bandekar Jayant , Shashidhar Ravindranath 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Escherichia coli is a faecal indicator and certain virotypes are known as pathogens. Therefore, detection and prevention of E. coli in food is very important. The existing rapid methods concentrate on detecting the pathogenic E. coli instead of total E. coli population. Present study evaluates the use of two molecular markers (uidA and flanking region of uspA) specific for the E. coli in combination with microbiological method for confirmation. Majority of the isolates (77%) were positive for both the genes tested. However, 22% of the E. coli isolates were positive for any one of the two primer sets [uidA (9%) and flanking region of uspA (13%)]. High levels of E. coli incidences (92% samples) were observed in beef while low occurrence (19% samples) was found in sprouts. Low percentage (7.3%) of E. coli isolates was positive for virulence genes tested (lt, ipaH, aggR, eaeA, stx1 and stx2). Two isolates were positive for stx genes. However, none of the isolates including stx positive isolates were E. coli 0157:H7. Maximum number of the E. coli (44%) isolates was characterized under phylogenetic group B2. This phylogenetic group comprises of extra intestinal and virulent E. coli strains.
Ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring devices for evaluating transient loss of consciousness or other related symptoms
Authors: Kohno Ritsuko , Abe Haruhiko , Benditt David G. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCapturing electrocardiograms (ECGs) during spontaneous events is the most powerful available tool to identify or exclude an arrhythmic cause of symptoms, and often can elucidate the definite diagnosis for different conditions, such as transient loss of consciousness (T‐LOC), lightheadedness, or palpitations. Current ambulatory ECG monitoring technologies include 24‐hour Holter, wearable event recorder, external loop recorder (ELR), and insertable cardiac monitoring (ICM). Of them, Holter ECG is most frequently used in daily practice in Japan, while ELR and ICM are less frequently used. However, the appropriate monitor choice should be based on the expected frequency of symptoms. Frequent events may be adequately detected by Holter ECG, but less frequent symptoms are more effectively assessed by longer‐term monitoring (i.e., ELR or ICM). In this report, based on our clinical experience, we review the usefulness of ambulatory ECG monitoring devices, especially of ELR, for evaluating T‐LOC and other potentially arrhythmia‐related symptoms. Specifically, we focus on the use of ELR and ICM for evaluating Japanese patients with T‐LOC.
Damage-induced neuronal endopeptidase (DINE) enhances axonal regeneration potential of retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve injury
Authors: Kaneko Aoi , Kiryu-Seo Sumiko , Matsumoto Sakiko , Kiyama Hiroshi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDamage-induced neuronal endopeptidase (DINE)/endothelin-converting enzyme-like 1 (ECEL1) is a membrane-bound metalloprotease that we identified as a nerve regeneration-associated molecule. The expression of DINE is upregulated in response to nerve injury in both the peripheral and central nervous systems, while its transcription is regulated by the activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), a potent hub-transcription factor for nerve regeneration. Despite its unique hallmark of injury-induced upregulation, the physiological relevance of DINE in injured neurons has been unclear. In this study, we have demonstrated that the expression of DINE is upregulated in injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in a coordinated manner with that of ATF3 after optic nerve injury, whereas DINE and ATF3 are not observed in any normal retinal cells. Recently, we have generated a mature DINE-deficient (KOTg) mouse, in which exogenous DINE is overexpressed specifically in embryonic motor neurons to avoid aberrant arborization of motor nerves and lethality after birth that occurs in the conventional DINE KO mouse. The DINE KOTg mice did not show any difference in retinal structure and the projection to brain from that of wild–type (wild type) mice under normal conditions. However, injured RGCs of DINE KOTg mice failed to regenerate even after the zymosan treatment, which is a well-known regeneration-promoting reagent. Furthermore, a DINE KOTg mouse crossed with a Atf3:BAC Tg mouse, in which green fluorescent protein (GFP) is visualized specifically in injured RGCs and optic nerves, has verified that DINE deficiency leads to regeneration failure. These findings suggest that injury-induced DINE is a crucial endopeptidase for injured RGCs to promote axonal regeneration after optic nerve injury. Thus, a DINE-mediated proteolytic mechanism would provide us with a new therapeutic strategy for nerve regeneration.
Historical and Projected Surface Temperature over India during the 20th and 21st century
Authors: Basha Ghouse , Kishore P. , Ratnam M. Venkat , Jayaraman A. , Agha Kouchak Amir , Ouarda Taha B. M. J. , Velicogna Isabella 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSurface Temperature (ST) over India has increased by ~0.055 K/decade during 1860–2005 and follows the global warming trend. Here, the natural and external forcings (e.g., natural and anthropogenic) responsible for ST variability are studied from Coupled Model Inter-comparison phase 5 (CMIP5) models during the 20th century and projections during the 21st century along with seasonal variability. Greenhouse Gases (GHG) and Land Use (LU) are the major factors that gave rise to warming during the 20th century. Anthropogenic Aerosols (AA) have slowed down the warming rate. The CMIP5 projection over India shows a sharp increase in ST under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 8.5 where it reaches a maximum of 5 K by the end of the 21st century. Under RCP2.6 emission scenarios, ST increases up to the year 2050 and decreases afterwards. The seasonal variability of ST during the 21st century shows significant increase during summer. Analysis of rare heat and cold events for 2080–2099 relative to a base period of 1986–2006 under RCP8.5 scenarios reveals that both are likely to increase substantially. However, by controlling the regional AA and LU change in India, a reduction in further warming over India region might be achieved.
Distinct Biological Potential of Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis Revealed by Comparative Genome Analysis
Authors: Zheng Wenning , Tan Mui Fern , Old Lesley A. , Paterson Ian C. , Jakubovics Nicholas S. , Choo Siew Woh 
Published: June 2017

AbstractStreptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis are pioneer colonizers of dental plaque and important agents of bacterial infective endocarditis (IE). To gain a greater understanding of these two closely related species, we performed comparative analyses on 14 new S. gordonii and 5 S. sanguinis strains using various bioinformatics approaches. We revealed S. gordonii and S. sanguinis harbor open pan-genomes and share generally high sequence homology and number of core genes including virulence genes. However, we observed subtle differences in genomic islands and prophages between the species. Comparative pathogenomics analysis identified S. sanguinis strains have genes encoding IgA proteases, mitogenic factor deoxyribonucleases, nickel/cobalt uptake and cobalamin biosynthesis. On the contrary, genomic islands of S. gordonii strains contain additional copies of comCDE quorum-sensing system components involved in genetic competence. Two distinct polysaccharide locus architectures were identified, one of which was exclusively present in S. gordonii strains. The first evidence of genes encoding the CylA and CylB system by the α-haemolytic S. gordonii is presented. This study provides new insights into the genetic distinctions between S. gordonii and S. sanguinis, which yields understanding of tooth surfaces colonization and contributions to dental plaque formation, as well as their potential roles in the pathogenesis of IE.
SNX10 gene mutation leading to osteopetrosis with dysfunctional osteoclasts
Authors: Stattin Eva-Lena , Henning Petra , Klar Joakim , McDermott Emma , Stecksen-Blicks Christina , Sandström Per-Erik , Kellgren Therese G. , Rydén Patrik , Hallmans Göran , Lönnerholm Torsten , Ameur Adam , Helfrich Miep H. , Coxon Fraser P. , Dahl Niklas , Wikström Johan , Lerner Ulf H. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAutosomal recessive osteopetrosis (ARO) is a heterogeneous disorder, characterized by defective osteoclastic resorption of bone that results in increased bone density. We have studied nine individuals with an intermediate form of ARO, from the county of Västerbotten in Northern Sweden. All afflicted individuals had an onset in early infancy with optic atrophy, and in four patients anemia was present at diagnosis. Tonsillar herniation, foramen magnum stenosis, and severe osteomyelitis of the jaw were common clinical features. Whole exome sequencing, verified by Sanger sequencing, identified a splice site mutation c.212 + 1 G > T in the SNX10 gene encoding sorting nexin 10. Sequence analysis of the SNX10 transcript in patients revealed activation of a cryptic splice site in intron 4 resulting in a frame shift and a premature stop (p.S66Nfs * 15). Haplotype analysis showed that all cases originated from a single mutational event, and the age of the mutation was estimated to be approximately 950 years. Functional analysis of osteoclast progenitors isolated from peripheral blood of patients revealed that stimulation with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) resulted in a robust formation of large, multinucleated osteoclasts which generated sealing zones; however these osteoclasts exhibited defective ruffled borders and were unable to resorb bone in vitro.
Evaluating the impact of vitreomacular adhesion on anti-VEGF therapy for retinal vein occlusion using machine learning
Authors: Waldstein Sebastian M. , Montuoro Alessio , Podkowinski Dominika , Philip Ana-Maria , Gerendas Bianca S. , Bogunovic Hrvoje , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula 
Published: June 2017

AbstractVitreomacular adhesion (VMA) represents a prognostic biomarker in the management of exudative macular disease using anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. However, manual evaluation of VMA in 3D optical coherence tomography (OCT) is laborious and data on its impact on therapy of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) are limited. The aim of this study was to (1) develop a fully automated segmentation algorithm for the posterior vitreous boundary and (2) to study the effect of VMA on anti-VEGF therapy for RVO. A combined machine learning/graph cut segmentation algorithm for the posterior vitreous boundary was designed and evaluated. 391 patients with central/branch RVO under standardized ranibizumab treatment for 6/12 months were included in a systematic post-hoc analysis. VMA (70%) was automatically differentiated from non-VMA (30%) using the developed method combined with unsupervised clustering. In this proof-of-principle study, eyes with VMA showed larger BCVA gains than non-VMA eyes (BRVO: 15 ± 12 vs. 11 ± 11 letters, p = 0.02; CRVO: 18 ± 14 vs. 9 ± 13 letters, p < 0.01) and received a similar number of retreatments. However, this association diminished after adjustment for baseline BCVA, also when using more fine-grained VMA classes. Our study illustrates that machine learning represents a promising path to assess imaging biomarkers in OCT.
Development of a 3D angiogenesis model to study tumour – endothelial cell interactions and the effects of anti-angiogenic drugs
Authors: Amann Arno , Zwierzina Marit , Koeck Stefan , Gamerith Gabriele , Pechriggl Elisabeth , Huber Julia M. , Lorenz Edith , Kelm Jens M. , Hilbe Wolfgang , Zwierzina Heinz , Kern Johann 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe tumour microenvironment and tumour angiogenesis play a critical role in the development and therapy of many cancers, but in vitro models reflecting these circumstances are rare. In this study, we describe the development of a novel tri-culture model, using non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines (A549 and Colo699) in combination with a fibroblast cell line (SV 80) and two different endothelial cell lines in a hanging drop technology. Endothelial cells aggregated either in small colonies in Colo699 containing microtissues or in tube like structures mainly in the stromal compartment of microtissues containing A549. An up-regulation of hypoxia and vimentin, ASMA and a downregulation of E-cadherin were observed in co- and tri-cultures compared to monocultures. Furthermore, a morphological alteration of A549 tumour cells resembling “signet ring cells” was observed in tri-cultures. The secretion of proangiogenic growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured in supernatants. Inhibition of these proangiogenic factors by using antiangiogenic drugs (bevacizumab and nindetanib) led to a significant decrease in migration of endothelial cells into microtissues. We demonstrate that our method is a promising tool for the generation of multicellular tumour microtissues and reflects in vivo conditions closer than 2D cell culture.
Variation in growth rates of branching corals along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Anderson Kristen D. , Cantin Neal E. , Heron Scott F. , Pisapia Chiara , Pratchett Morgan S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCoral growth is an important component of reef health and resilience. However, few studies have investigated temporal and/or spatial variation in growth of branching corals, which are important contributors to the structure and function of reef habitats. This study assessed growth (linear extension, density, and calcification) of three branching coral species (Acropora muricata, Pocillopora damicornis and Isopora palifera) at three distinct locations (Lizard Island, Davies/Trunk Reef, and Heron Island) along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Annual growth rates of all species were highest at Lizard Island and declined with increasing latitude, corresponding with differences in temperature. Within locations, however, seasonal variation in growth did not directly correlate with temperature. Between October 2012 and October 2014, the highest growth of A. muricata was in the 2013–14 summer at Lizard Island, which was unusually cool and ~0.5 °C less than the long-term summer average temperature. At locations where temperatures reached or exceeded the long-term summer maxima, coral growth during summer periods was equal to, if not lower than, winter periods. This study shows that temperature has a significant influence on spatiotemporal patterns of branching coral growth, and high summer temperatures in the northern GBR may already be constraining coral growth and reef resilience.
The shape and size of hydroxyapatite particles dictate inflammatory responses following implantation
Authors: Lebre Filipa , Sridharan Rukmani , Sawkins Michael J. , Kelly Daniel J. , O’Brien Fergal J. , Lavelle Ed C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe extent of regeneration following biomaterial implantation is dependent on the microenvironment surrounding the implant. Since implant composition can have a profound effect on inflammation, it is essential to understand this process as a non-resolving inflammatory response can lead to fibrous encapsulation and insufficient integration. Incorporation of particulates into implants confers structural and functional benefits, thus optimizing particulate characteristics to enhance immune mediated efficacy is important. We investigated the relationship between the nature of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles and the innate immune response, focusing on how particle size (0.1 µm, 5 µm, 20 µm, 100 µm) and morphology (needle-shaped/spherical; smooth/rough surface) modulates inflammatory responses. We observed a shape and size-dependent activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β secretion; while needle-shaped and smaller HA particles significantly enhanced cytokine secretion, larger particles did not. Moreover, HA particle characteristics profoundly influenced patterns of innate immune cell recruitment and cytokine production following injection. While small, needle-shaped particles induced a strong inflammatory response, this was not observed with smooth, spherical particles of comparable size or with larger particles. These findings indicate that hydroxyapatite particle characteristics dictate immune cell recruitment and the ensuing inflammatory response, providing an opportunity to tailor HA particle characteristics to regulate immune responses induced after biomaterial implantation.
Comparison of the active and resident community of a coastal microbial mat
Authors: Cardoso Daniela Clara , Sandionigi Anna , Cretoiu Mariana Silvia , Casiraghi Maurizio , Stal Lucas , Bolhuis Henk 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCoastal microbial mats form a nearly closed micro-scale ecosystem harboring a complex microbial community. Previous DNA based analysis did not necessarily provide information about the active fraction of the microbial community because it includes dormant, inactive cells as well as a potential stable pool of extracellular DNA. Here we focused on the active microbial community by comparing 16S rRNA sequences obtained from the ribosomal RNA pool with gene sequences obtained from the DNA fraction. In addition, we aimed to establish an optimal and feasible sampling protocol that takes potential spatial and temporal heterogeneity into account. The coastal microbial mat investigated here was sampled randomly and at regular time points during one 24-h period. DNA and RNA was extracted and after conversion of the RNA fraction to cDNA, the V1-V3 and the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were targeted for high-throughput amplicon sequencing. We show that the community composition varies little in time and space whereas two amplified 16S regions gave significant different results. The largest differences were found when comparing the “resident community” (DNA) with the “active community” (cDNA/RNA); in the latter, Cyanobacteria dominated for almost 95% while they represented 60% of the resident fraction.
TGF-β-induced hepatocyte lincRNA-p21 contributes to liver fibrosis in mice
Authors: Tu Xiaolong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zheng Xiuxiu , Deng Jia , Li Huanan , Kang Zhiqian , Cao Zhipeng , Huang Zhen , Ding Zhi , Dong Lei , Chen Jiangning , Zang Yuhui , Zhang Junfeng 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHepatocyte death, as well as the following inflammatory and fibrogenic signaling cascades, is the key trigger of liver fibrosis. Here, we isolated hepatocytes from CCl4-induced fibrotic liver and found that hepatocyte lincRNA-p21 significantly increased during liver fibrosis. The increase of hepatocyte lincRNA-p21 was associated with the loss of miR-30, which can inhibit TGF-β signaling by targeting KLF11. We revealed that lincRNA-p21 modulated miR-30 availability by acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). The physiological significance of this interaction is highlighted by the feedback loop, in which lincRNA-p21 works as a downstream effector of the TGF-β signaling to strengthen TGF-β signaling and mediate its role in promoting liver fibrosis by interacting with miR-30. In vivo results showed that knockdown of hepatocyte lincRNA-p21 greatly reduced CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and inflammation, whereas ectopic expression of miR-30 in hepatocyte exhibited the similar results. Mechanistic studies further revealed that inhibition of miR-30 impaired the effects of lincRNA-p21 on liver fibrosis. Additionally, lincRNA-p21 promoted hepatocyte apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, whereas the proliferation rate of hepatocyte was suppressed by lincRNA-p21. The pleiotropic roles of hepatocyte lincRNA-p21 suggest that it may represent an unknown paradigm in liver fibrosis and serve as a potential target for therapy.
Soil Respiration of the Dahurian Larch (Larix gmelinii) Forest and the Response to Fire Disturbance in Da Xing’an Mountains, China
Authors: Hu Tongxin , Sun Long , Hu Haiqing , Weise David R. , Guo Futao 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDespite the high frequency of wildfire disturbances in boreal forests in China, the effects of wildfires on soil respiration are not yet well understood. We examined the effects of fire severity on the soil respiration rate (Rs) and its component change in a Dahurian Larch (Larix gmelinii) in Northeast China. The results showed that Rs decreased with fire burning severity. Compared with the control plots, Rs in the low burning severity plots decreased by 19%, while it decreased by 28% in the high burning severity plots. The Rs decrease was mainly due to a decreased autotrophic respiration rate (Ra). The temperature sensitivity (Q10) of Rs increased after the low severity fire disturbances, but it decreased after the high severity fire disturbance. The Rs were triggered by the soil temperature, which may explain most of the Rs variability in this area. Our study, for the first time, provides the data-based foundation to demonstrate the importance of assessing CO2 fluxes considering both fire severity and environmental factors post-fire in boreal forests of China.
NAD+ augmentation ameliorates acute pancreatitis through regulation of inflammasome signalling
Authors: Shen AiHua , Kim Hyung-Jin , Oh Gi-Su , Lee Su-Bin , Lee Seung Hoon , Pandit Arpana , Khadka Dipendra , Choe Seong-Kyu , Kwak Sung Chul , Yang Sei-Hoon , Cho Eun-Young , Kim Hyun-Seok , Kim Hail , Park Raekil , Kwak Tae Hwan , So Hong-Seob 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAcute pancreatitis (AP) is a complicated disease without specific drug therapy. The cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an important regulator of cellular metabolism and homeostasis. However, it remains unclear whether modulation of NAD+ levels has an impact on caerulein-induced AP. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of increased cellular NAD+ levels on caerulein-induced AP. We demonstrated for the first time that the activities and expression of SIRT1 were suppressed by reduction of intracellular NAD+ levels and the p53-microRNA-34a pathway in caerulein-induced AP. Moreover, we confirmed that the increase of cellular NAD+ by NQO1 enzymatic action using the substrate β-Lapachone suppressed caerulein-induced AP with down-regulating TLR4-mediated inflammasome signalling, and thereby reducing the inflammatory responses and pancreatic cell death. These results suggest that pharmacological stimulation of NQO1 could be a promising therapeutic strategy to protect against pathological tissue damage in AP.