bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis-Based Proteomic Analysis Reveals N-terminal Truncation of the Hsc70 Protein in Cotton Fibers In Vivo
Authors: Tao Chengcheng , Jin Xiang , Zhu Liping , Li Hongbin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractOn two-dimensional electrophoresis gels, six protein spots from cotton ovules and fibers were identified as heat shock cognate 70 kD protein (Hsc70). Three spots corresponded to an experimental molecular weight (MW) of 70 kD (spots 1, 2 and 3), and the remaining three spots corresponded to an experimental MW slightly greater than 45 kD (spots 4, 5 and 6). Protein spots 1, 2 and 3 were abundant on gels of 0-day (the day of anthesis) wild-type (WT) ovules, 0-day fuzzless-lintless mutant ovules and 10-day WT ovules but absent from gels of 10-day WT fibers. Three individual transcripts encoding these six protein spots were obtained by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Edman degradation and western blotting confirmed that the three 45 kD Hsc70 protein spots had the same N-terminal, which started from the T271 amino acid in the intact Hsc70 protein. Furthermore, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis identified a methylation modification on the arginine at position 475 for protein spots 4 and 5. Our data demonstrate that site-specific in vivo N-terminal truncation of the Hsc70 protein was particularly prevalent in cotton fibers, indicating that post-translational regulation might play an important role in cotton fiber development.
The molecular bases of floral scent evolution under artificial selection: insights from a transcriptome analysis in Brassica rapa
Authors: Cai Jing , Zu Pengjuan , Schiestl Florian P. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn an artificial selection experiment using fast-cycling Brassica rapa plants it was recently shown that floral VOCs respond rapidly to selection for increased amounts. Here we carried out transcriptome analysis in these plants to explore the molecular bases of the augmentation in the artificially selected scent compound, phenylacetaldehyde (PAA), as well as other compounds that increased through pleiotropy. In the transcriptome data, we found up-regulation of genes likely underlying PAA synthesis, but also several genes of the shikimate pathway and the related phenylalanine metabolism. As phenylalanine is the precursor of many aromatic volatiles that showed increased emission, this result could explain some of the pleiotropic evolutionary responses. In addition, we found that ribosomal protein genes were up-regulated in “high” (high PAA amount) selection line plants, a mechanism that might further augment the effect of elevated gene expression at the proteomic level. Our study shows that selection on an individual trait can impose changes in the expression of several different genes, which could explain pleiotropic responses in the biosynthetic network of floral volatiles.
Activation of Protein Kinase G (PKG) Reduces Neointimal Hyperplasia, Inhibits Platelet Aggregation, and Facilitates Re-endothelialization
Authors: Kim Ju-Young , Yang Han-Mo , Lee Joo-Eun , Kim Baek-Kyung , Jin Sooryeonhwa , Lee Jaewon , Park Kyung-Woo , Cho Hyun-Jai , Kwon Yoo-Wook , Lee Hae-Young , Kang Hyun-Jae , Oh Byung-Hee , Park Young-Bae , Kim Hyo-Soo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn spite of its great success in reducing restenosis, drug-eluting stent (DES) has unfavorable aspects such as stent thrombosis and delayed re-endothelialization. We examined the effects of PKG activation by Exisulind on neointimal formation, platelet aggregation, and re-endothelialization. Exisulind significantly reduced VSMCs viability, cell cycle progression, migration, and neointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury in rat carotid arteries. Interestingly, in contrast to the effect on VSMC viability, Exisulind did not reduce the viability of endothelial cells. Increased PKG activity by Exisulind inhibited PDGF-stimulated phenotype change of VSMCs from a contractile to a synthetic form. Conversely, the use of PKG inhibitor or gene transfer of dominant-negative PKG reversed the effects of Exisulind, resulting in the increased viability of VSMCs and neointimal formation. In addition, Exisulind facilitated the differentiation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to endothelial lineage via PKG pathway, while inhibiting to VSMCs lineage, which was correlated with the enhanced re-endothelialization in vivo. Finally, Exisulind reduced platelet aggregation, which was mediated via PKG activation. This study demonstrated that Exisulind inhibits neointimal formation and platelet aggregation while increasing re-endothelialization via PKG pathway. These findings suggest that Exisulind could be a promising candidate drug of DES for the prevention of restenosis without other complications.
Effects of Periplocoside P from Periploca sepium on the Midgut Transmembrane Potential of Mythimna separata Larvae
Authors: Wang YingYing , Qi Zhijun , Qi Meng , Hu Zhaonong , Wu Wenjun 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPeriplocoside P (PSP) isolated from the root bark of Periploca sepium contains a pregnane glycoside skeleton and possesses high insecticidal properties. Preliminary studies indicated that PSP disrupts epithelial functions in the midgut of lepidopteran larvae. In the present study, we examined the effects of PSP on the apical and basolateral membrane voltages, Va and Vbl, respectively, of cells from (1) midguts isolated from the larvae of the oriental armyworm Mythimna separata that were in vitro incubated with toxins and (2) midguts isolated from M. separata larvae force-fed with PSP. We compared the effects of PSP with the effects of the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry1Ab and inactive periplocoside E (PSE) on the midgut epithelial cells. The results showed that Va rapidly decreased in the presence of PSP in a time- and dose-dependent manner, similar to the effects of Cry1Ab. By contrast, PSE did not affect the Va and Vbl. Additionally, PSP did not influence the Vbl. Given these results, we speculate that PSP may modulate transport mechanisms at the apical membrane of the midgut epithelial cells by inhibiting the V-type H+ ATPase.
Improved Diagnostics by Assessing the Micromorphology of Breast Calcifications via X-Ray Dark-Field Radiography
Authors: Scherer Kai , Braig Eva , Ehn Sebastian , Schock Jonathan , Wolf Johannes , Birnbacher Lorenz , Chabior Michael , Herzen Julia , Mayr Doris , Grandl Susanne , Sztrókay-Gaul Anikó , Hellerhoff Karin , Pfeiffer Franz 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBreast microcalcifications play an essential role in the detection and evaluation of early breast cancer in clinical diagnostics. However, in digital mammography, microcalcifications are merely graded with respect to their global appearance within the mammogram, while their interior microstructure remains spatially unresolved and therefore not considered in cancer risk stratification. In this article, we exploit the sub-pixel resolution sensitivity of X-ray dark-field contrast for clinical microcalcification assessment. We demonstrate that the micromorphology, rather than chemical composition of microcalcification clusters (as hypothesised by recent literature), determines their absorption and small-angle scattering characteristics. We show that a quantitative classification of the inherent microstructure as ultra-fine, fine, pleomorphic and coarse textured is possible. Insights underlying the micromorphological nature of breast calcifications are verified by comprehensive high-resolution micro-CT measurements. We test the determined microtexture of microcalcifications as an indicator for malignancy and demonstrate its potential to improve breast cancer diagnosis, by providing a non-invasive tool for sub-resolution microcalcification assessment. Our results indicate that dark-field imaging of microcalcifications may enhance the diagnostic validity of current microcalcification analysis and reduce the number of invasive procedures.
Reinforcement of nylon 6,6/nylon 6,6 grafted nanodiamond composites by in situ reactive extrusion
Authors: Choi Eun-Yeob , Kim Kiho , Kim Chang-Keun , Kang Eunah 
Published: November 2016

AbstractNanodiamond (ND), an emerging new carbon material, was exploited to reinforce nylon 6,6 (PA66) polymer composites. Surface modified nanodiamonds with acyl chloride end groups were employed to chemically graft into PA66, enhancing the interfacial adhesion and thus the mechanical properties. The ND grafted PA66 (PA66-g-ND) reinforced PA66 composite prepared by in situ reactive extrusion exhibited increased tensile strength and modulus. The tensile strength and modulus of PA66/3 wt.% PA66-g-ND composites were enhanced by 11.6 and 20.8%, respectively when compared to those of the bare PA66 matrix. Even the PA66/pristine ND composites exhibited enhanced mechanical properties. The PA66-g-ND and the homogeneously dispersed PA66-g-ND in PA66 matrix were examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The mechanical properties and thermal conductivities of the nanodiamond incorporated PA66 composites were also explored. The enhanced mechanical properties and thermal conductivities of the PA66-g-ND/PA66 composites make them potential materials for new applications as functional engineered thermoplastics.
Single GDP-dissociation Inhibitor Protein regulates endocytic and secretory pathways in Leishmania
Authors: Shanmugam Senthil kumar , Kumar Kamal , Singh Pawan Kishor , Rastogi Ruchir , Mukhopadhyay Amitabha 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe role of GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI) protein in regulation of Rab cycle in Leishmania is not known. Here, we have cloned and characterized the functions of GDI homologue in vivo in Leishmania. Our results have shown that LdGDI:WT along with GDP removes the Rab5 from purified endosomes and inhibits the homotypic fusion between early endosomes. Whereas, LdGDI:R239A, a dominant negative mutant of GDI, under the same condition neither removes the Rab5 from endosome nor inhibits fusion. To determine the role of Ld-GDI in vivo, transgenic parasites overexpressing GFP-LdGDI:WT or GFP-LdGDI:R239A, are co-expressed with RFP-LdRab5:WT, RFP-LdRab7:WT or RFP-LdRab1:WT. Our results have shown that overexpression of GFP-LdGDI:WT extracts the RFP-LdRab5, RFP-LdRab7 or RFP-LdRab1 from their discrete endomembrane predominantly into cytosol. No change in the distribution of indicated Rabs is detected with overexpression of GFP-LdGDI:R239A. To determine the functional significance, we have used hemoglobin as an endocytic marker and gp63 as a marker for secretory pathway. We have found that overexpression of GFP-LdGDI:WT enhances the lysosomal targeting of internalized hemoglobin and the secretion of gp63 in the parasites possibly by triggering Rab cycle. This is the first demonstration of a single GDI ubiquitously regulating both endocytic and secretory pathways in Leishmania.
Tetramethylpyrazine nitrone, a multifunctional neuroprotective agent for ischemic stroke therapy
Authors: Zhang Zaijun , Zhang Gaoxiao , Sun Yewei , Szeto Samuel S. W. , Law Henry C. H. , Quan Quan , Li Guohui , Yu Pei , Sho Eiketsu , Siu Michael K. W. , Lee Simon M. Y. , Chu Ivan K. , Wang Yuqiang 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTBN, a novel tetramethylpyrazine derivative armed with a powerful free radical-scavenging nitrone moiety, has been reported to reduce cerebral infarction in rats through multi-functional mechanisms of action. Here we study the therapeutic effects of TBN on non-human primate model of stroke. Thirty male Cynomolgus macaques were subjected to stroke with 4 hours ischemia and then reperfusion. TBN were injected intravenously at 3 or 6 hours after the onset of ischemia. Cerebral infarction was examined by magnetic resonance imaging at 1 and 4 weeks post ischemia. Neurological severity scores were evaluated during 4 weeks observation. At the end of experiment, protein markers associated with the stroke injury and TBN treatment were screened by quantitative proteomics. We found that TBN readily penetrated the blood brain barrier and reached effective therapeutic concentration after intravenous administration. It significantly reduced brain infarction and modestly preserved the neurological function of stroke-affected arm. TBN suppressed over-expression of neuroinflammatory marker vimentin and decreased the numbers of GFAP-positive cells, while reversed down-regulation of myelination-associated protein 2′, 3′-cyclic-nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase and increased the numbers of NeuN-positive cells in the ipsilateral peri-infarct area. TBN may serve as a promising new clinical candidate for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Does extracellular cardiac troponin I play a pathogenic role independently of autoantibodies?
Authors: Redwood Charles S. 
Published: November 2016

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a key component of the Ca2+-regulatory mechanism of cardiac contractility. It is released into the circulation upon ischaemia and has become established as one of the principal diagnostic biomarkers of myocardial damage. The release of cTnI results in the generation of autoantibodies, and these have been suggested to play a pathogenic role. However, in this Edition of Clinical Science, Han, Y. et al. suggests that cTnI can act independently of immunological involvement, with the protein being found to increase infarct size caused by ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) prior to the development of cTnI antibody. In vitro work shows that cTnI can induce increases in vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) expression and cell adhesion, with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) involved in the downstream signalling.
PKA and Apicomplexan Parasite Diseases
Authors: Haidar M. , Ramdani G. , Kennedy E. J. , Langsley G. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe cAMP-dependent protein kinase PKA is a well-characterized member of the
serine-threonine protein AGC kinase family and is the effector kinase of cAMP
signaling. As such, PKA is involved in the control of a wide variety of cellular
processes including metabolism, cell growth, gene expression and apoptosis.
cAMP-dependent PKA signaling pathways play important roles during infection and
virulence of various pathogens. Since fluxes in cAMP are involved in multiple
intracellular functions, a variety of different pathological infectious
processes can be affected by PKA signaling pathways. Here, we highlight some
features of cAMP-PKA signaling that are relevant to Plasmodium
falciparum-infection of erythrocytes and present an update on AKAP targeting
of PKA in PGE2 signaling via EP4 in Theileria annulata-infection of
leukocytes and discuss cAMP-PKA signling in Toxoplasma.
Effects of a structured midsole on spatio‐temporal variables and running economy in overground running
Authors: Wunsch Tobias , Kröll Josef , Stöggl Thomas , Schwameder Hermann 
Published: November 2016

AbstractResearch to enhance running performance has led to the design of a leaf spring‐structured midsole shoe (LEAF). In treadmill running, it has been shown that LEAF led to an increased running economy and increased stride length (SL) through a horizontal foot shift during stance compared to a standard foam shoe (FOAM). The purpose of this study was to analyse whether (a) these findings can also be observed in overground running and (b) relations exist between spatio‐temporal variables and running economy. Ten male long‐distance heel‐strike runners ran at their individual 2 mmol/l blood lactate speed with LEAF and FOAM in randomized order. Kinematic data were recorded with an inertial measurement unit synchronized with 2D video. Oxygen consumption was measured using an automated metabolic gas analysis system. Blood lactate was collected after each run. The strike pattern was unaffected by LEAF. SL was increased by 0.9 ± 1.1 cm (95% CI 0.2 to 1.5; p = .040; dz = 0.76), stride rate (SR) was reduced by −0.4 ± 0.3 strides/min (95% CI −0.6 to −0.1; p = .029; dz = 0.82) and oxygen consumption tended to be reduced by 1% (−0.4 ± 0.6 ml/min/kg; 95% CI −0.8 to 0.0; p = .082; dz = 0.62) when running with LEAF compared to FOAM. Changes in oxygen consumption in LEAF were correlated with SL (r = 0.71; p = .022) and SR (r = −0.68; p = .031). It can be concluded that LEAF has the potential to cause small changes in spatio‐temporal variables during running. Runners increasing SL and decreasing SR in response to LEAF can achieve small improvements in running economy, which is beneficial in terms of performance.
Cochlear microphonics recording during ABR threshold testing in children
Authors: Osman Dabbous Abeir 
Published: November 2016

Objective:
It is agreed that the cochlear microphonic (CM) arises mainly from the normal outer hair cells (OHCs) in cochlea. The aim of this research is to study the CM characteristics in different hearing profiles and reflect the usefulness of recording CM simultaneously during Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) threshold testing in children.

Methods:
This is a retrospective study that included 33 cases comprised of children with autism spectral disorders (ASD), children with cochlear sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) and 41 normal hearing healthy children as controls. The children’s ages ranged from 0.5 to 96 months. Both the CM and ABR waves were simultaneously recorded using alternating split polarity ABR.

Results:
CM amplitudes and thresholds in normal hearing children with ASD did not significantly differ from normal hearing healthy children. CM were preserved in children with ANSD despite the absence of distortion product OAE responses, but in a significantly lower amplitude than those with DPOAE. There was no statistically significant correlation between the children’s ages and CM amplitude at any intensity level and in any of the different child groups, except in the controls where there was a statistically significant negative correlation between the children’s ages and CM amplitude at 70dBnHL, while there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the children’s ages and CM threshold. There were no differences in the CM amplitude between the two ears at any intensity level in all of the different groups of children.

Conclusion:
Children with ASD showed comparable outer hair cell function to normal hearing healthy children, reflecting absence of any peripheral hyperacusis due to loudness recruitment. CM should always be searched for when testing young children when there is absence of ABR response with absence or presence of otoacoustic emissions, to avoid any false negative results for ANSD. CM can be preserved in children with SNHL with loudness recruitment. This finding could be confused with ANSD, so CM should be traced down to its threshold for an appropriate diagnosis.
Transmissibility of Clostridium difficile Without Contact Isolation: Results From a Prospective Observational Study With 451 Patients
Authors: Widmer Andreas F. , Frei Reno , Erb Stefan , Stranden Anne , Kuijper Ed J. , Knetsch Cornelis W. , Tschudin-Sutter Sarah 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Background.
Contact precautions are recommended by health authorities in Europe and the United States for patients with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Recently, the significance of nosocomial transmission has been challenged by screening on admission studies and whole-genome sequencing, providing evidence for an endogenous source of C. difficile. We discontinued contact precautions for patients with CDI, except for patients infected with hypervirulent ribotypes or with stool incontinence, to determine the rate of transmission.

Methods.
From January 2004 to December 2013, contacts of each index case with CDI were screened for toxigenic C. difficile by culturing rectal swabs. Transmission was defined as possible if toxigenic C. difficile was detected in contacts, as probable if the identical polymerase chain reaction ribotype was identified in index–contact pairs, and as confirmed if next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed clonality of strains.

Results.
Four hundred fifty-one contacts were exposed to 279 index patients nursed in 2-to 4-bed rooms. Toxigenic C. difficile was detected in 6.0% (27/451) after a median contact time of 5 days. Identical ribotypes were identified in 6 index–contact pairs, accounting for probable transmission in 1.3% (6/451). NGS was performed for 4 of 6 pairs with identical strains, and confirmed transmission in 2 contact patients.

Conclusions.
The rate of transmission of toxigenic, predominantly nonhypervirulent C. difficile, was low and no outbreaks were recorded over a 10-year period after discontinuing contact precautions for patients with CDI who were not severely incontinent and who used dedicated toilets. As contact precautions may lead to lower levels of care, their implementation needs to be balanced against the risk of nosocomial transmission.
Natural killer cells in asthma
Authors: Gorska Magdalena M. 
Published: November 2016

Purpose of review
This review article discusses current knowledge on natural killer (NK) cells in asthma.

Recent findings
It is now well accepted that NK cell activities go beyond cancer immune surveillance and antiviral defense. Recent reports indicate that NK cells are activated in response to allergens in vivo. NK cells promote allergic sensitization, type-2 immune response, development of eosinophilic inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness. NK cells are activated by respiratory syncytial virus and other respiratory viruses. When infection occurs in the setting of active allergic inflammation, NK cells augment its magnitude and contribute to asthma exacerbations. Proasthma activities of NK cells can be programmed during embryogenesis through maternal exposure to environmental pollutants. Prenatally programmed NK cells produce type-2 and type-3 cytokines and mediate asthma predisposition. NK cells can also act as asthma antagonists. NK cells contribute to the resolution of inflammation through suppression of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells and type-3 immunity. When viral infection occurs in naïve mice prior to allergic sensitization, NK cells antagonize type-2 immunity and prevent development of asthma.

Summary
NK cells are nonredundant participants of allergic inflammation. The environmental context determines whether NK cells act as protagonists or antagonists.