bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stunting among children under 3 years of age in Côte d’Ivoire: spatial and temporal variations between 1994 and 2011
Authors: Barankanira Emmanuel , Molinari Nicolas , Msellati Philippe , Laurent Christian , Bork Kirsten A 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate spatial heterogeneity of stunting prevalence among children in Côte d’Ivoire and examine changes in stunting between 1994 and 2011, to assess the impact of the 2002–2011 civil war that led to temporary partitioning of the country.DesignData from 1994, 1998 and 2011 Côte d’Ivoire Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) were analysed using a geostatistical approach taking into account spatial autocorrelation. Stunting data were interpolated using ordinary kriging; spatial clusters with high and low stunting prevalence were identified using Kulldorff spatial scan statistics. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression was then carried out, with year of survey as the main independent variable and an interaction term for time by geographic zone (Abidjan, South, North).SettingCôte d’Ivoire, West Africa.SubjectsChildren aged 0–35 months included in three DHS (n6709).ResultsOverall stunting prevalence was 30·7, 28·7 and 27·8 % in 1994, 1998 and 2011, respectively (P=0·32). Clusters with high prevalence were found in 1994 (in the West region,P<0·001) and 1998 (in the West and North-West regions,P<0·01 andP=0·01, respectively), but not in 2011. Abidjan was included in a cluster with low prevalence in all surveys (P<0·05). Risk of stunting did not change between 1994 and 2011 at national level (adjusted OR; 95 % CI: 1·39; 0·72, 2·64), but decreased in the South (0·74; 0·58, 0·94) and increased from 1998 to 2011 in Abidjan (1·96; 1·06, 3·64).ConclusionsIn Côte d’Ivoire, significant changes in stunting prevalence were observed at the sub-national level between 1994 and 2011.
DNA damage-induced phosphatase Wip1 in regulation of hematopoiesis, immune system and inflammation
Authors: Uyanik B , Grigorash B B , Goloudina A R , Demidov O N 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPP2C serine–threonine phosphatase, Wip1, is an important regulator of stress response. Wip1 controls a number of critical cellular functions: proliferation, cell cycle arrest, senescence and programmed cell death, apoptosis or autophagy. Ppm1d, the gene encoding Wip1 phosphatase, is expressed in hematopoietic progenitors, stem cells, neutrophils, macrophages B and T lymphocytes in bone marrow and peripheral blood. The Wip1−/− mice display immunodeficiency, abnormal lymphoid histopathology in thymus and spleen, defects in B- and T-cell differentiation, as well as susceptibility to viral infection. At the same time, Wip1 knockout mice exhibit pro-inflammatory phenotype in skin and intestine in the model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with elevated levels of inflammation-promoting cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17. Several Wip1 downstream targets can mediate Wip1 effects on hematopoietic system including, p53, ATM, p38MAPK kinase, NFkB, mTOR. Here, we summarized the current knowledge on the role of Wip1 in the differentiation of various hematopoietic lineages and how Wip1 deficiency affects the functions of immune cells.
On-surface synthesis of aligned functional nanoribbons monitored by scanning tunnelling microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Kalashnyk Nataliya , Mouhat Kawtar , Oh Jihun , Jung Jaehoon , Xie Yangchun , Salomon Eric , Angot Thierry , Dumur Frédéric , Gigmes Didier , Clair Sylvain 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn the blooming field of on-surface synthesis, molecular building blocks are designed to self-assemble and covalently couple directly on a well-defined surface, thus allowing the exploration of unusual reaction pathways and the production of specific compounds in mild conditions. Here we report on the creation of functionalized organic nanoribbons on the Ag(110) surface. C–H bond activation and homo-coupling of the precursors is achieved upon thermal activation. The anisotropic substrate acts as an efficient template fostering the alignment of the nanoribbons, up to the full monolayer regime. The length of the nanoribbons can be sequentially increased by controlling the annealing temperature, from dimers to a maximum length of about 10 nm, limited by epitaxial stress. The different structures are characterized by room-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy. Distinct signatures of the covalent coupling are measured with high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy, as supported by density functional theory calculations.
A bright triggered twin-photon source in the solid state
Authors: Heindel T. , Thoma A. , von Helversen M. , Schmidt M. , Schlehahn A. , Gschrey M. , Schnauber P. , Schulze J. -H. , Strittmatter A. , Beyer J. , Rodt S. , Carmele A. , Knorr A. , Reitzenstein S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA non-classical light source emitting pairs of identical photons represents a versatile resource of interdisciplinary importance with applications in quantum optics and quantum biology. To date, photon twins have mostly been generated using parametric downconversion sources, relying on Poissonian number distributions, or atoms, exhibiting low emission rates. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate the efficient, triggered generation of photon twins using the energy-degenerate biexciton–exciton radiative cascade of a single semiconductor quantum dot. Deterministically integrated within a microlens, this nanostructure emits highly correlated photon pairs, degenerate in energy and polarization, at a rate of up to (234±4) kHz. Furthermore, we verify a significant degree of photon indistinguishability and directly observe twin-photon emission by employing photon-number-resolving detectors, which enables the reconstruction of the emitted photon number distribution. Our work represents an important step towards the realization of efficient sources of twin-photon states on a fully scalable technology platform.
Structure and antagonism of the receptor complex mediated by human TSLP in allergy and asthma
Authors: Verstraete Kenneth , Peelman Frank , Braun Harald , Lopez Juan , Van Rompaey Dries , Dansercoer Ann , Vandenberghe Isabel , Pauwels Kris , Tavernier Jan , Lambrecht Bart N. , Hammad Hamida , De Winter Hans , Beyaert Rudi , Lippens Guy , Savvides Savvas N. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe pro-inflammatory cytokine thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is pivotal to the pathophysiology of widespread allergic diseases mediated by type 2 helper T cell (Th2) responses, including asthma and atopic dermatitis. The emergence of human TSLP as a clinical target against asthma calls for maximally harnessing its therapeutic potential via structural and mechanistic considerations. Here we employ an integrative experimental approach focusing on productive and antagonized TSLP complexes and free cytokine. We reveal how cognate receptor TSLPR allosterically activates TSLP to potentiate the recruitment of the shared interleukin 7 receptor α-chain (IL-7Rα) by leveraging the flexibility, conformational heterogeneity and electrostatics of the cytokine. We further show that the monoclonal antibody Tezepelumab partly exploits these principles to neutralize TSLP activity. Finally, we introduce a fusion protein comprising a tandem of the TSLPR and IL-7Rα extracellular domains, which harnesses the mechanistic intricacies of the TSLP-driven receptor complex to manifest high antagonistic potency.
p53 targets TSPAN8 to prevent invasion in melanoma cells
Authors: Agaësse G , Barbollat-Boutrand L , El Kharbili M , Berthier-Vergnes O , Masse I 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCutaneous melanoma is a very deadly cancer because of its proclivity to metastasize. Despite the recent development of targeted and immune therapies, patient survival remains low. It is therefore crucial to enhance understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying invasion. We previously identified tetraspanin 8 (TSPAN8) as an important modulator of melanoma invasiveness, and several of its transcriptional regulators, which affect TSPAN8 expression during melanoma progression toward an invasive stage. This study found that TSPAN8 promoter contains consensus-binding sites for p53 transcription factor. We demonstrated that p53 silencing was sufficient to turn on Tspan8 expression in non-invasive melanoma cells and that p53 acts as a direct transcriptional repressor of TSPAN8. We also showed that p53 modulated matrigel invasion in melanoma cells in a TSPAN8-dependent manner. In conclusion, this study reveals p53 as a negative regulator of Tspan8 expression. As TP53 gene is rarely mutated in melanoma, it was hitherto poorly studied but its role in apoptosis and growth suppression in melanoma is increasingly becoming clear. The study highlights the importance of p53 as a regulator of melanoma invasion and the concept that reactivating p53 could provide a strategy for modulating not only proliferative but also invasive capacity in melanoma treatment.
Komodo dragon-inspired synthetic peptide DRGN-1 promotes wound-healing of a mixed-biofilm infected wound
Authors: Chung Ezra M. C. , Dean Scott N. , Propst Crystal N. , Bishop Barney M. , van Hoek Monique L. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCationic antimicrobial peptides are multifunctional molecules that have a high potential as therapeutic agents. We have identified a histone H1-derived peptide from the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), called VK25. Using this peptide as inspiration, we designed a synthetic peptide called DRGN-1. We evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of both peptides against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. DRGN-1, more than VK25, exhibited potent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity, and permeabilized bacterial membranes. Wound healing was significantly enhanced by DRGN-1 in both uninfected and mixed biofilm (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus)-infected murine wounds. In a scratch wound closure assay used to elucidate the wound healing mechanism, the peptide promoted the migration of HEKa keratinocyte cells, which was inhibited by mitomycin C (proliferation inhibitor) and AG1478 (epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor). DRGN-1 also activated the EGFR-STAT1/3 pathway. Thus, DRGN-1 is a candidate for use as a topical wound treatment. Wound infections are a major concern; made increasingly complicated by the emerging, rapid spread of bacterial resistance. The novel synthetic peptide DRGN-1 (inspired by a peptide identified from Komodo dragon) exhibits pathogen-directed and host-directed activities in promoting the clearance and healing of polymicrobial (Pseudomonas aeruginosa & Staphylococcus aureus) biofilm infected wounds. The effectiveness of this peptide cannot be attributed solely to its ability to act upon the bacteria and disrupt the biofilm, but also reflects the peptide’s ability to promsote keratinocyte migration. When applied in a murine model, infected wounds treated with DRGN-1 healed significantly faster than did untreated wounds, or wounds treated with other peptides. The host-directed mechanism of action was determined to be via the EGFR-STAT1/3 pathway. The pathogen-directed mechanism of action was determined to be via anti-biofilm activity and antibacterial activity through membrane permeabilization. This novel peptide may have potential as a future therapeutic for treating infected wounds.
Scallop genome provides insights into evolution of bilaterian karyotype and development
Authors: Wang Shi , Zhang Jinbo , Jiao Wenqian , Li Ji , Xun Xiaogang , Sun Yan , Guo Ximing , Huan Pin , Dong Bo , Zhang Lingling , Hu Xiaoli , Sun Xiaoqing , Wang Jing , Zhao Chengtian , Wang Yangfan , Wang Dawei , Huang Xiaoting , Wang Ruijia , Lv Jia , Li Yuli , Zhang Zhifeng , Liu Baozhong , Lu Wei , Hui Yuanyuan , Liang Jun , Zhou Zunchun , Hou Rui , Li Xue , Liu Yunchao , Li Hengde , Ning Xianhui , Lin Yu , Zhao Liang , Xing Qiang , Dou Jinzhuang , Li Yangping , Mao Junxia , Guo Haobing , Dou Huaiqian , Li Tianqi , Mu Chuang , Jiang Wenkai , Fu Qiang , Fu Xiaoteng , Miao Yan , Liu Jian , Yu Qian , Li Ruojiao , Liao Huan , Li Xuan , Kong Yifan , Jiang Zhi , Chourrout Daniel , Li Ruiqiang , Bao Zhenmin 
Published: April 2017

AbstractReconstructing the genomes of bilaterian ancestors is central to our understanding of animal evolution, where knowledge from ancient and/or slow-evolving bilaterian lineages is critical. Here we report a high-quality, chromosome-anchored reference genome for the scallopPatinopecten yessoensis, a bivalve mollusc that has a slow-evolving genome with many ancestral features. Chromosome-based macrosynteny analysis reveals a striking correspondence between the 19 scallop chromosomes and the 17 presumed ancestral bilaterian linkage groups at a level of conservation previously unseen, suggesting that the scallop may have a karyotype close to that of the bilaterian ancestor. ScallopHoxgene expression follows a new mode of subcluster temporal co-linearity that is possibly ancestral and may provide great potential in supporting diverse bilaterian body plans. Transcriptome analysis of scallop mantle eyes finds unexpected diversity in phototransduction cascades and a potentially ancientPax2/5/8-dependent pathway for noncephalic eyes. The outstanding preservation of ancestral karyotype and developmental control makes the scallop genome a valuable resource for understanding early bilaterian evolution and biology.
Microfluidic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of Carbon Composite Nanofluids
Authors: Jung Lee Hye , Bai Seoung-Jai , Seok Song Young 
Published: April 2017

AbstractUnderstanding the internal structure of composite nanofluids is critical for controlling their properties and engineering advanced composite nanofluid systems for various applications. This goal can be made possible by precise analysis with the help of a systematic robust platform. Here, we demonstrate a microfluidic device that can control the orientation of carbon nanomaterials in a suspension by applying external fields and subsequently examine the electrochemical properties of the fluids at microscale. Composite ﻿nanofluids were prepared using carbon nanomaterials, and their rheological, thermal, electrical, and morphological characteristics were examined. The analysis revealed that microfluidic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the device offered more reliable in-depth information regarding the change in the microstructure of carbon composite nanofluids than typical bulk measurements. Equivalent circuit modelling was performed based on the EIS results. Furthermore, the hydrodynamics and electrostatics of the microfluidic platform were numerically investigated. We anticipate that this microfluidic approach can serve as a new strategy for designing and analyzing composite nanofluids more efficiently.
Dual function of tropodithietic acid as antibiotic and signaling molecule in global gene regulation of the probiotic bacterium Phaeobacter inhibens
Authors: Beyersmann Paul G. , Tomasch Jürgen , Son Kwangmin , Stocker Roman , Göker Markus , Wagner-Döbler Irene , Simon Meinhard , Brinkhoff Thorsten 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAntibiotics are typically regarded as microbial weapons, but whereas their function at concentrations lethal for bacteria is often well characterized, the role of antibiotics at much lower concentrations as possibly found under natural conditions remains poorly understood. By using whole-transcriptome analyses and phenotypic screenings of the marine bacterium Phaeobacter inhibens we found that the broad-spectrum antibiotic tropodithietic acid (TDA) causes the same regulatory effects in quorum sensing (QS) as the common signaling molecule N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) at concentrations 100-fold lower than the minimal inhibitory concentration against bacteria. Our results show that TDA has a significant impact on the expression of ~10% of the total genes of P. inhibens, in the same manner as the AHL. Furthermore, TDA needs the AHL associated LuxR-type transcriptional regulator, just as the AHL molecule. Low concentrations of antibiotics can obviously have a strong influence on the global gene expression of the bacterium that produces it and drastically change the metabolism and behaviour of the bacterium. For P. inhibens this includes motility, biofilm formation and antibiotic production, all important for settlement on new host-associated surfaces. Our results demonstrate that bacteria can produce antibiotics not only to antagonise other bacteria, but also to mediate QS like endogenous AHL molecules.
Identification of IGF-1-enhanced cytokine expressions targeted by miR-181d in glioblastomas via an integrative miRNA/mRNA regulatory network analysis
Authors: Ho Kuo-Hao , Chen Peng-Hsu , Hsi Edward , Shih Chwen-Ming , Chang Wei-Chiao , Cheng Chia-Hsiung , Lin Cheng-Wei , Chen Ku-Chung 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 signaling is relevant in regulating cell growth and cytokine secretions by glioblastomas. MicroRNAs determine the cell fate in glioblastomas. However, relationships between IGF-1 signaling and miRNAs in glioblastoma pathogenesis are still unclear. Our aim was to validate the IGF-1-mediated mRNA/miRNA regulatory network in glioblastomas. Using in silico analyses of mRNA array and RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we identified 32 core enrichment genes that were highly associated with IGF-1-promoted cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions. To investigate the IGF-1-downregulated miRNA signature, microarray-based approaches with IGF-1-treated U87-MG cells and array data in TCGA were used. Four miRNAs, including microRNA (miR)-9-5p, miR-9-3p, miR-181d, and miR-130b, exhibited an inverse correlation with IGF-1 levels. The miR-181d, that targeted the most IGF-1-related cytokine genes, was significantly reduced in IGF-1-treated glioma cells. Statistical models incorporating both high-IGF-1 and low-miR-181d statuses better predicted poor patient survival, and can be used as an independent prognostic factor in glioblastomas. The C-C chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1) and interleukin (IL)-1b demonstrated inverse correlations with miR-181d levels and associations with patient survival. miR-181d significantly attenuated IGF-1-upregulated CCR1 and IL-1b gene expressions. These findings demonstrate a distinct role for IGF-1 signaling in glioma progression via miR-181d/cytokine networks.
Biochemical analysis of leishmanial and human GDP-Mannose Pyrophosphorylases and selection of inhibitors as new leads
Authors: Mao Wei , Daligaux Pierre , Lazar Noureddine , Ha-Duong Tâp , Cavé Christian , van Tilbeurgh Herman , Loiseau Philippe M. , Pomel Sébastien 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLeishmaniases are an ensemble of diseases caused by the protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania. Current antileishmanial treatments are limited and present main issues of toxicity and drug resistance emergence. Therefore, the generation of new inhibitors specifically directed against a leishmanial target is an attractive strategy to expand the chemotherapeutic arsenal. GDP-Mannose Pyrophosphorylase (GDP-MP) is a prominent therapeutic target involved in host-parasite recognition which has been described to be essential for parasite survival. In this work, we produced and purified GDP-MPs from L. mexicana (LmGDP-MP), L. donovani (LdGDP-MP), and human (hGDP-MP), and compared their enzymatic properties. From a rationale design of 100 potential inhibitors, four compounds were identified having a promising and specific inhibitory effect on parasite GDP-MP and antileishmanial activities, one of them exhibits a competitive inhibition on LdGDP-MP and belongs to the 2-substituted quinoline series.
Enhanced interstitial fluid drainage in the hippocampus of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Bedussi Beatrice , Naessens Daphne M. P. , de Vos Judith , Olde Engberink Rik , Wilhelmus Micha M. M. , Richard Edo , ten Hove Malyssa , vanBavel Ed , Bakker Erik N. T. P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractHypertension is associated with cognitive decline and various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. In animal models of hypertension, many of Alzheimer’s disease characteristics are recapitulated, including brain atrophy, cognitive decline, amyloid β accumulation and blood brain barrier dysfunction. Removal of amyloid β and other waste products depends in part on clearance via the brain interstitial fluid (ISF). Here we studied the impact of hypertension on ISF drainage, using spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). At 8 months, high (500 kD) and low (3 kD) fluorescent molecular weight tracers released passively into the hippocampus showed a drastically enhanced spreading in SHR. Tracer spreading was inhomogeneous, with accumulation at ISF-CSF borders, around arteries, and towards the stratum lacunosum moleculare. These locations stained positively for the astrocyte marker GFAP, and aquaporin 4. Despite enhanced dispersion, clearance of tracers was not affected in SHR. In conclusion, these data indicate enhanced bulk flow of ISF in the hippocampus of hypertensive rats. ISF drains along astrocytes towards the cerebrospinal fluid compartment, which leads to sieving of high molecular weight solutes. Sieving may lead to a local increase in the concentration of waste products and potentially promotes the aggregation of amyloid β.
Assembly of Ruminococcus flavefaciens cellulosome revealed by structures of two cohesin-dockerin complexes
Authors: Bule Pedro , Alves Victor D. , Israeli-Ruimy Vered , Carvalho Ana L. , Ferreira Luís M. A. , Smith Steven P. , Gilbert Harry J. , Najmudin Shabir , Bayer Edward A. , Fontes Carlos M. G. A. 
Published: April 2017

AbtractCellulosomes are sophisticated multi-enzymatic nanomachines produced by anaerobes to effectively deconstruct plant structural carbohydrates. Cellulosome assembly involves the binding of enzyme-borne dockerins (Doc) to repeated cohesin (Coh) modules located in a non-catalytic scaffoldin. Docs appended to cellulosomal enzymes generally present two similar Coh-binding interfaces supporting a dual-binding mode, which may confer increased positional adjustment of the different complex components. Ruminococcus flavefaciens’ cellulosome is assembled from a repertoire of 223 Doc-containing proteins classified into 6 groups. Recent studies revealed that Docs of groups 3 and 6 are recruited to the cellulosome via a single-binding mode mechanism with an adaptor scaffoldin. To investigate the extent to which the single-binding mode contributes to the assembly of R. flavefaciens cellulosome, the structures of two group 1 Docs bound to Cohs of primary (ScaA) and adaptor (ScaB) scaffoldins were solved. The data revealed that group 1 Docs display a conserved mechanism of Coh recognition involving a single-binding mode. Therefore, in contrast to all cellulosomes described to date, the assembly of R. flavefaciens cellulosome involves single but not dual-binding mode Docs. Thus, this work reveals a novel mechanism of cellulosome assembly and challenges the ubiquitous implication of the dual-binding mode in the acquisition of cellulosome flexibility.