bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An unexpected advantage of insectivorism: insect moulting hormones ingested by song birds affect their ticks
Authors: Hornok Sándor , Kováts Dávid , Flaisz Barbara , Csörgő Tibor , Könczöl Árpád , Balogh György Tibor , Csorba Attila , Hunyadi Attila 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEcdysteroids are important hormones that regulate moulting in arthropods. Three-host ixodid ticks normally moult to the next stage after finishing their blood meal, in the off-host environment. Presumably, three-host ticks that feed on the blood of insectivorous vertebrate hosts can be exposed to high levels of exogenous ecdysteroids causing them to initiate apolysis (the first step of moulting) on the vertebrate host. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ticks undergo apolysis on insectivorous song birds and if this phenomenon is associated with the seasonal variation in the availability of moths and with the presence of naturally acquired ecdysteroids in avian blood. During a triannual survey, 3330 hard tick larvae and nymphs were collected from 1164 insectivorous song birds of 46 species. A noteworthy proportion of ticks, 20.5%, showed apolysis. The occurrence of apolytic ticks on birds was correlated with the known seasonality of lepidopteran caterpillars. In addition, 18 blood samples of tick-infested birds were analysed with liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry. Eight samples contained ecdysteroids or their derivatives, frequently in high concentrations and the presence of these was associated with tick apolysis. In conclusion, naturally acquired ecdysteroids may reach high levels in the blood of insectivorous passerine birds and will affect ticks (feeding on such blood) by shortening their parasitism.
23327Enhanced photoelectric conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells by the incorporation of flower-like Bi2S3:Eu3+ sub-microspheres
Authors: Xu Bingyu , Wang Guofeng , Fu Honggang 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this paper, TiO2-Bi2S3 and TiO2-Bi2S3:Eu3+ composite photoanodes were successfully designed, which can not only fully absorb visible light but also transfer the electron from Bi2S3 to TiO2 conduction band due to the narrow band gap and high conduction band of Bi2S3. Compared to pure TiO2 cell, the photoelectric conversion efficiencies of TiO2-Bi2S3 and TiO2-Bi2S3:Eu3+ composite cells were increased significantly. In addition, the efficiency of TiO2-Bi2S3:Eu3+ composite cells were higher than that of TiO2-Bi2S3 cell which could be attributed to the larger BET surface area of Bi2S3:Eu3+. The electron transport and interfacial recombination kinetics were investigated by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and intensity-modulated photocurrent/photovoltage spectroscopy. The results indicated that the interfacial resistance of the TiO2-dye|I3−/I− electrolyte interface of TiO2-Bi2S3:Eu3+ composite cell was much bigger than that of pure TiO2 cell. In addition, the TiO2-Bi2S3:Eu3+ cell has longer electron recombination time and longer electron transport time than pure TiO2 cell. The charge collection efficiency of TiO2-Bi2S3:Eu3+ composite cell was higher than that of pure TiO2 cell.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 prevents methylglyoxal-induced apoptosis of beta cells through improving mitochondrial function and suppressing prolonged AMPK activation
Authors: Chang Tien-Jyun , Tseng Hsing-Chi , Liu Meng-Wei , Chang Yi-Cheng , Hsieh Meng-Lun , Chuang Lee-Ming 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAccumulation of methylglyoxal (MG) contributes to glucotoxicity and mediates beta cell apoptosis. The molecular mechanism by which GLP-1 protects MG-induced beta cell apoptosis remains unclear. Metformin is a first-line drug for treating type 2 diabetes associated with AMPK activation. However, whether metformin prevents MG-induced beta cell apoptosis is controversial. Here, we explored the signaling pathway involved in the anti-apoptotic effect of GLP-1, and investigated whether metformin had an anti-apoptotic effect on beta cells. MG treatment induced apoptosis of beta cells, impaired mitochondrial function, and prolonged activation of AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK). The MG-induced pro-apoptotic effects were abolished by an AMPK inhibitor. Pretreatment of GLP-1 reversed MG-induced apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction, and suppressed prolonged AMPK activation. Pretreatment of GLP-1 reversed AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICAR)-induced apoptosis, and suppressed prolonged AMPK activation. However, metformin neither leads to beta cell apoptosis nor ameliorates MG-induced beta cell apoptosis. In parallel, GLP-1 also prevents MG-induced beta cell apoptosis through PKA and PI3K-dependent pathway. In conclusion, these data indicates GLP-1 but not metformin protects MG-induced beta cell apoptosis through improving mitochondrial function, and alleviating the prolonged AMPK activation. Whether adding GLP-1 to metformin provides better beta cell survival and delays disease progression remains to be validated.
Associations between nitric oxide synthase 3 gene polymorphisms and preeclampsia risk: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Fangfang , Zhu Sui , Wong Martin Chi-Sang , Yang Zuyao , Tang Jinling , Li Keshen , Su Xuefen 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPrevious studies have examined the role of three NOS3 gene polymorphisms [G894T, T-786C and the variable number of tandem repeats 4b/a (VNTR 4b/a)] in the susceptibility to preeclampsia with inconclusive findings. We therefore conducted an updated meta-analysis by including more studies. The most appropriate genetic model was chosen for each polymorphism by using a well-established method. Pooled results indicated that, compared with the GT + GG genotype, the TT genotype of G894T was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21–1.77, P < 0.001; I2 = 40.2%). The CC genotype of T-786C was also associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia (OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.07–1.58, P = 0.034; I2 = 46.9%) than the CT + TT genotype. No association was found for VNTR 4b/a. Stratified analysis indicated that the increased risk was evident for high-quality studies both for G894T and T-786C and for studies conducted among Caucasians and Africans for T-786C. However, the increased risk for T-786C among Africans needs further confirmation due to the high probability of false-positive reports. Our results suggested that G894T and T-786C polymorphisms, but not VNTR 4b/a, were associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia.
Impact of the representation of stomatal conductance on model projections of heatwave intensity
Authors: Kala Jatin , De Kauwe Martin G. , Pitman Andy J. , Medlyn Belinda E. , Wang Ying-Ping , Lorenz Ruth , Perkins-Kirkpatrick Sarah E. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractStomatal conductance links plant water use and carbon uptake and is a critical process for the land surface component of climate models. However, stomatal conductance schemes commonly assume that all vegetation with the same photosynthetic pathway use identical plant water use strategies whereas observations indicate otherwise. Here, we implement a new stomatal scheme derived from optimal stomatal theory and constrained by a recent global synthesis of stomatal conductance measurements from 314 species, across 56 field sites. Using this new stomatal scheme, within a global climate model, subtantially increases the intensity of future heatwaves across Northern Eurasia. This indicates that our climate model has previously been under-predicting heatwave intensity. Our results have widespread implications for other climate models, many of which do not account for differences in stomatal water-use across different plant functional types and hence, are also likely under projecting heatwave intensity in the future.
Combination of simvastatin, calcium silicate/gypsum, and gelatin and bone regeneration in rabbit calvarial defects
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Huiming , Shi Jue , Wang Ying , Lai Kaichen , Yang Xianyan , Chen Xiaoyi , Yang Guoli 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe present study was performed to determine whether simvastatin improves bone regeneration when combined with calcium silicate/gypsum and gelatin (CS-GEL). The surface morphology was determined using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FSEM). Degradation in vitro was evaluated by monitoring the weight change of the composites soaked in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Drug release was evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxicity testing was performed to assess the biocompatibility of composites. Four 5 mm-diameter bone defects were created in rabbit calvaria. Three sites were filled with CS-GEL, 0.5 mg simvastatin-loaded CS-GEL (SIM-0.5) and 1.0 mg simvastatin-loaded CS-GEL (SIM-1.0), respectively, and the fourth was left empty as the control group. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological analysis were carried out at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively. The composites all exhibited three-dimensional structures and showed the residue with nearly 80% after 4 weeks of immersion. Drug release was explosive on the first day and then the release rate remained stable. The composites did not induce any cytotoxicity. The results in vivo demonstrated that the new bone formation and the expressions of BMP-2, OC and type I collagen were improved in the simvastatin-loaded CS-GEL group. It was concluded that the simvastatin-loaded CS-GEL may improve bone regeneration.
Fabrication, characterization, and biological assessment of multilayer laminin γ2 DNA coatings on titanium surfaces
Authors: Yang Guoli , Zhang Jing , Dong Wenjing , Liu Li , Shi Jue , Wang Huiming 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this work was to fabricate a multilayer laminin γ2 DNA coating on a titanium surface and evaluate its biological properties. A multilayer laminin γ2 DNA coating was fabricated on titanium using a layer-by-layer assembly technique. The rate of coating degradation was evaluated by detecting the amount of cDNA remaining. Surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and surface contact angle measurements revealed the multilayer structure to consist of cationic lipid and confirmed that a laminin γ2 DNA layer could be fabricated on titanium via the layer-by-layer assembly process. The transfection efficiency was highest for five layers in the multilayer structure. HEK293 cells cultured on the multilayer films displayed significantly higher adhesion activity than the control group. The expression of laminin γ2 and the co-localization of integrin β4 and plectin were more obvious in HN4 cells cultured on the multilayer laminin γ2 DNA coating, while weak immunoreactivities were observed in the control group. We concluded that the DNA-loaded multilayer provided a surface with good biocompatibility and that the multilayer laminin γ2 DNA coating might be effective in improving cell adhesion and the formation of hemidesmosomes on titanium surfaces.
Characterization of the Plasmodium Interspersed Repeats (PIR) proteins of Plasmodium chabaudi indicates functional diversity
Authors: Yam Xue Yan , Brugat Thibaut , Siau Anthony , Lawton Jennifer , Wong Daniel S. , Farah Abdirahman , Twang Jing Shun , Gao Xiaohong , Langhorne Jean , Preiser Peter R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPlasmodium multigene families play a central role in the pathogenesis of malaria. The Plasmodium interspersed repeat (pir) genes comprise the largest multigene family in many Plasmodium spp. However their function(s) remains unknown. Using the rodent model of malaria, Plasmodium chabaudi, we show that individual CIR proteins have differential localizations within infected red cell (iRBC), suggesting different functional roles in a blood-stage infection. Some CIRs appear to be located on the surface of iRBC and merozoites and are therefore well placed to interact with host molecules. In line with this hypothesis, we show for the first time that a subset of recombinant CIRs bind mouse RBCs suggesting a role for CIR in rosette formation and/or invasion. Together, our results unravel differences in subcellular localization and ability to bind mouse erythrocytes between the members of the cir family, which strongly suggest different functional roles in a blood-stage infection.
Gradient Permittivity Meta-Structure model for Wide-field Super-resolution imaging with a sub-45 nm resolution
Authors: Cao Shun , Wang Taisheng , Xu Wenbin , Liu Hua , Zhang Hongxin , Hu Bingliang , Yu Weixing 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA gradient permittivity meta-structure (GPMS) model and its application in super-resolution imaging were proposed and discussed in this work. The proposed GPMS consists of alternate metallic and dielectric films with a gradient permittivity which can support surface plasmons (SPs) standing wave interference patterns with a super resolution. By employing the rigorous numerical FDTD simulation method, the GPMS was carefully simulated to find that the period of the SPs interference pattern is only 84 nm for a 532 nm incident light. Furthermore, the potential application of the GPMS for wide-field super-resolution imaging was also discussed and the simulation results show that an imaging resolution of sub−45 nm can be achieved based on the plasmonic structure illumination microscopic method, which means a 5.3-fold improvement on resolution has been achieved in comparison with conventional epifluorescence microscopy. Moreover, besides the super-resolution imaging application, the proposed GPMS model can also be applied for nanolithography and other areas where super resolution patterns are needed.
Lighting Up Clostridium Difficile: Reporting Gene Expression Using Fluorescent Lov Domains
Authors: Buckley Anthony M. , Jukes Caitlin , Candlish Denise , Irvine June J. , Spencer Janice , Fagan Robert P. , Roe Andrew J. , Christie John M. , Fairweather Neil F. , Douce Gillian R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe uses of fluorescent reporters derived from green fluorescent protein have proved invaluable for the visualisation of biological processes in bacteria grown under aerobic conditions. However, their requirement for oxygen has limited their application in obligate anaerobes such as Clostridium difficile. Fluorescent proteins derived from Light, Oxygen or Voltage sensing (LOV) domains have been shown to bridge this limitation, but their utility as translational fusions to monitor protein expression and localisation in a strict anaerobic bacterium has not been reported. Here we demonstrate the utility of phiLOV in three species of Clostridium and its application as a marker of real-time protein translation and dynamics through genetic fusion with the cell division protein, FtsZ. Time lapse microscopy of dividing cells suggests that Z ring assembly arises through the extension of the FtsZ arc starting from one point on the circumference. Furthermore, through incorporation of phiLOV into the flagella subunit, FliC, we show the potential of bacterial LOV-based fusion proteins to be successfully exported to the extracellular environment.
Ancient DNA reveals selection acting on genes associated with hypoxia response in pre-Columbian Peruvian Highlanders in the last 8500 years
Authors: Fehren-Schmitz Lars , Georges Lea 
Published: March 2016

AbstractArchaeological evidence shows that humans began living in the high altitude Andes approximately 12,000 years ago. Andean highlanders are known to have developed the most complex societies of pre-Columbian South America despite challenges to their health and reproductive success resulting from chronic exposure to hypoxia. While the physiological adaptations to this environmental stressor are well studied in contemporary Andean highlanders, the molecular evolutionary processes associated with such adaptations remain unclear. We aim to better understand how humans managed to demographically establish in this harsh environment by addressing a central question: did exposure to hypoxia drive adaptation via natural selection within Andean populations or did an existing phenotype –characterized by reduced susceptibility to hypoxic stress–enable human settlement of the Andes? We genotyped three variable loci within theNOS3andEGLN1genes previously associated with adaptation to high altitude in 150 ancient human DNA samples from Peruvian high altitude and coastal low altitude sites in a time frame between ~8500–560 BP. We compare the data of 109 successful samples to forward simulations of genetic drift with natural selection and find that selection, rather than drift, explains the gradual frequency changes observed in the highland populations for two of the three SNPs.
Hxt13, Hxt15, Hxt16 and Hxt17 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae represent a novel type of polyol transporters
Authors: Jordan Paulina , Choe Jun-Yong , Boles Eckhard , Oreb Mislav 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe genome of S. cerevisae encodes at least twenty hexose transporter-like proteins. Despite extensive research, the functions of Hxt8-Hxt17 have remained poorly defined. Here, we show that Hxt13, Hxt15, Hxt16 and Hxt17 transport two major hexitols in nature, mannitol and sorbitol, with moderate affinities, by a facilitative mechanism. Moreover, Hxt11 and Hxt15 are capable of transporting xylitol, a five-carbon polyol derived from xylose, the most abundant pentose in lignocellulosic biomass. Hxt11, Hxt13, Hxt15, Hxt16 and Hxt17 are phylogenetically and functionally distinct from known polyol transporters. Based on docking of polyols to homology models of transporters, we propose the architecture of their active site. In addition, we determined the kinetic parameters of mannitol and sorbitol dehydrogenases encoded in the yeast genome, showing that they discriminate between mannitol and sorbitol to a much higher degree than the transporters.
HIV-1 cellular and tissue replication patterns in infected humanized mice
Authors: Araínga Mariluz , Su Hang , Poluektova Larisa Y. , Gorantla Santhi , Gendelman Howard E. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHumanized mice have emerged as a testing platform for HIV-1 pathobiology by reflecting natural human disease processes. Their use to study HIV-1 biology, virology, immunology, pathogenesis and therapeutic development has served as a robust alternative to more-well developed animal models for HIV/AIDS. A critical component in reflecting such human pathobiology rests in defining the tissue and cellular sites for HIV-1 infection. To this end, we examined the tissue sites for viral infection in bone marrow, blood, spleens, liver, gut, brain, kidney and lungs of human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell engrafted virus-infected NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ mice. Cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and sorted from species mixtures defined as CD34+ lineage negative progenitor cells, CD14+CD16+ monocyte-macrophages and central, stem cell and effector memory T cells. The cell distribution and viral life cycle were found dependent on the tissue compartment and time of infection. Cell subsets contained HIV-1 total and integrated DNA as well as multi-spliced and unspliced RNA in divergent proportions. The data support the idea that humanized mice can provide a means to examine the multifaceted sites of HIV-1 replication including, but not limited to progenitor cells and monocyte-macrophages previously possible only in macaques and human.
Probiotic supplementation does not improve eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori infection compared to placebo based on standard therapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Chao , Sang Jianzhong , He Haijian , Wan Xingyong , Lin Yiming , Li Lan , Li Youming , Yu Chaohui 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis meta-analysis included eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with the aim of determining whether probiotic supplementation can improve H. pylori eradication rates. PUBMED, EBSCO, Web of Science and Ovid databases were searched. We included RCTs that investigated the effect of combining probiotics, with or without a placebo, with standard therapy. A total of 21 RCTs that reported standard therapy plus probiotics were included. Compared to the placebo group, the probiotics group was 1.21(OR 1.21, 95% CI: 0.86, 1.69) and 1.28 (OR 1.28, 95% CI: 0.88, 1.86) times more likely to achieve eradication of H. pylori infection in intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis and per protocol (PP) analysis, respectively. Probiotics with triple therapy plus a 14-day course of treatment did not improve the eradication of H. pylori infection (OR 1.44, 95% CI: 0.87, 2.39) compared to the placebo. Moreover, the placebo plus standard therapy did not improve eradication rates compared to standard therapy alone (P = 0.816). However, probiotics did improve the adverse effects of diarrhea and nausea. These pooled data suggest that the use of probiotics plus standard therapy does not improve the eradication rate of H. pylori infection compared to the placebo.
Inhibition of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK-3β) as potent therapeutic strategy to ameliorates L-dopa-induced dyskinesia in 6-OHDA parkinsonian rats
Authors: Xie Cheng-long , Lin Jing-Ya , Wang Mei-Hua , Zhang Yu , Zhang Su-fang , Wang Xi-Jin , Liu Zhen-Guo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLevodopa (L-dopa) is the dominating therapy drug for exogenous dopaminergic substitution and can alleviate most of the manifestations of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but long-term therapy is associated with the emergence of L-dopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). Evidence points towards an involvement of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK-3β) in development of LID. In the present study, we found that animals rendered dyskinetic by L-dopa treatment, administration of TDZD8 (2mg/kg) obviously prevented the severity of AIM score, as well as improvement in motor function (P < 0.05). Moreover, the TDZD8-induced reduction in dyskinetic behavior correlated with a reduction in molecular correlates of LID. TDZD8 reduced the phosphorylation levels of tau, DARPP32, ERK and PKA protein, which represent molecular markers of LID, as well as reduced L-dopa-induced FosB mRNA and PPEB mRNA levels in the lesioned striatum. In addition, we found that TDZD8 antidyskinetic properties were overcome by D1 receptor, as pretreatment with SKF38393 (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, reapectively), a D1 receptor agonist, blocked TDZD8 antidyskinetic actions. This study supported the hypothesis that GSK-3β played an important role in the development and expression of LID. Inhibition of GSK-3β with TDZD8 reduced the development of ALO AIM score and associated molecular changes in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats.
Metagenomic analysis of bloodstream infections in patients with acute leukemia and therapy-induced neutropenia
Authors: Gyarmati P. , Kjellander C. , Aust C. , Song Y. , Öhrmalm L. , Giske C. G. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLeukemic patients are often immunocompromised due to underlying conditions, comorbidities and the effects of chemotherapy and thus at risk for developing systemic infections. Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a severe complication in neutropenic patients and is associated with increased mortality. BSI is routinely diagnosed with blood culture, which only detects culturable pathogens. We analyzed 27 blood samples from 9 patients with acute leukemia and suspected BSI at different time points of their antimicrobial treatment using shotgun metagenomics sequencing in order to detect unculturable and non-bacterial pathogens. Our findings confirm the presence of bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens alongside antimicrobial resistance genes. Decreased white blood cell (WBC) counts were associated with the presence of microbial DNA and was inversely proportional to the number of sequencing reads. This study could indicate the use of high-throughput sequencing for personalized antimicrobial treatments in BSIs.