bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of RIF1 SUMOylation is regulated by PIAS4 in the maintenance of Genomic Stability
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Cheok Chit Fang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRIF1 plays a key role in inhibiting DNA end resection and promoting NHEJ mediated DNA double stand break repair in G1. However, whether SUMOlyation may regulate RIF1 functions is still largely unknown. Here, we report that RIF1 is SUMOlyated in response to DNA damage. We identified PIAS4 as the primary SUMO E3 ligase required for the SUMOylation of RIF1 protein. Mammalian cells compromised of PIAS4 expression, show impaired RIF1 SUMOylation and defective for the disassembly of DNA damage responsive RIF1 foci. Mechanistically, we show that PIAS4 knockdown abrogates UHRF1-dependent ubiquitination of RIF1, compromising RIF1 protein turnover. We detected intense RPA foci that colocalize with RIF1 foci in PIAS4 knockdown cells. These data highlight an important role of PIAS4-dependent regulation of RIF1, likely mediated by SUMOylation, in the disassembly of RIF1 DNA damage response (DDR) foci. We propose that unresolved RIF1 protein at sites of DNA damage in PIAS4-depleted cells largely accumulates in S phase, and subsequently leads to DNA double strand breaks. Therefore, PIAS4 promotes genomic stability by regulating the timely removal of RIF1 from sites of DNA damage.
Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfate adjunct therapy reduces high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level in coronary artery disease patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Siming , Jiao Yang , Wang Hanjay , Shang Qinghua , Lu Fang , Huang Li , Liu Jiangang , Xu Hao , Chen Keji 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHigh-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is independently associated with cardiovascular events in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and reducing the hs-CRP level may further benefit this population. We conduct this parallel design, randomized-controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of adjunct sodium tanshinone IIA sulfate (STS) therapy on circulating inflammation markers in CAD patients. Unstable angina or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients with increased hs-CRP level were randomly assigned to atorvastatin-based standard medical therapy or standard therapy plus STS injection (80 mg, once daily for 14 consecutive days). The primary outcome was hs-CRP level. After the 14-day treatment, the experimental group (n = 35) exhibited significantly lower levels of hs-CRP than the control group (n = 35) (1.72 vs 3.20 mg/L, p = 0.0191). Lower levels of interleukin-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and soluble CD40 ligand were also observed in the experimental group. Angina symptoms were also better controlled in the experimental group. At 30 days after treatment completion, MCP-1 levels remained lower in the experimental group than in the control group (313.88 vs 337.91 pg/mL, p = 0.0078). No serious adverse events occurred. Our study demonstrates that on the basis of standard medical therapy, STS further reduce elevated hs-CRP and other circulating inflammation markers in CAD patients. (Chictr.org number: ChiCTR-TRC-12002361).
Dual-energy micro-CT for quantifying the time-course and staining characteristics of ex-vivo animal organs treated with iodine- and gadolinium-based contrast agents
Authors: Martins de Souza e Silva Juliana , Utsch Julian , Kimm Melanie A. , Allner Sebastian , Epple Michael F. , Achterhold Klaus , Pfeiffer Franz 
Published: December 2017

AbstractChemical staining of soft-tissues can be used as a strategy to increase their low inherent contrast in X-ray absorption micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), allowing to obtain fast three-dimensional structural information of animal organs. Though some staining agents are commonly used in this context, little is known about the staining agents’ ability to stain specific types of tissues; the times necessary to provide a sufficient contrast; and the effect of staining solution in distorting the tissue. Here we contribute to studies of animal organs (mouse heart and lungs) using staining combined with dual-energy micro-CT (DECT). DECT was used in order to obtain an additional quantitative measure for the amount of staining agents within the sample in 3D maps. Our results show that the two staining solutions used in this work diffuse differently in the tissues studied, the staining times of some tens of minutes already produce high-quality micro-CT images and, at the concentrations applied in this work, the staining solutions tested do not cause relevant tissue distortions. While one staining solution provides images of the general morphology of the organs, the other reveals organs’ features in the order of a hundred micrometers.
Workflow assessing the effect of gait alterations on stresses in the medial tibial cartilage - combined musculoskeletal modelling and finite element analysis
Authors: Halonen K. S. , Dzialo C. M. , Mannisi M. , Venäläinen M. S. , de Zee M. , Andersen M. S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is most common in the medial tibial compartment. We present a novel method to study the effect of gait modifications and lateral wedge insoles (LWIs) on the stresses in the medial tibial cartilage by combining musculoskeletal (MS) modelling with finite element (FE) analysis. Subject’s gait was recorded in a gait laboratory, walking normally, with 5° and 10° LWIs, toes inward (‘Toe in’), and toes outward (‘Toe out wide’). A full lower extremity MRI and a detailed knee MRI were taken. Bones and most soft tissues were segmented from images, and the generic bone architecture of the MS model was morphed into the segmented bones. The output forces from the MS model were then used as an input in the FE model of the subject’s knee. During stance, LWIs failed to reduce medial peak pressures apart from Insole 10° during the second peak. Toe in reduced peak pressures by −11% during the first peak but increased them by 12% during the second. Toe out wide reduced peak pressures by −15% during the first and increased them by 7% during the second. The results show that the work flow can assess the effect of interventions on an individual level. In the future, this method can be applied to patients with KOA.
Analysis of the cervical microbiome and potential biomarkers from postpartum HIV-positive women displaying cervical intraepithelial lesions
Authors: Curty Gislaine , Costa Raquel L. , Siqueira Juliana D. , Meyrelles Angela I. , Machado Elizabeth S. , Soares Esmeralda A. , Soares Marcelo A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe cervical microbiota composition and diversity of HIV-positive women in the postpartum period is unknown. Using a high-throughput bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we identified four community state types (CSTs). CST III (Lactobacillusdominant) and CST IV (IV-A, IV-B.1, IV-B.2; high-diversity) were found in 41% and 59% of samples, respectively. We did not find association of any CST to postpartum period (six or twelve months), HPV infection or cytology (normal or lesion). However, five bacterial genera were associated with cervical lesions (Gardnerella, Aerococcus, Schlegelella, Moryella and Bifidobacterium), with significant odds ratio (OR) of 40 (2.28–706) for the presence of Moryella and 3.5 (1.36–8.9) for Schlegelella. Longitudinal analysis of samples at postpartum that regressed (lesion to normal), progressed (normal to lesion) and maintained the cytology (lesion or normal) evidenced Gardnerella with a significantly higher abundance in regressing lesions. In the current study, we report the first data on the cervical microbiota of HIV-positive women in the postpartum period. Consistent with previous studies of HIV-negative cohorts, HIV-positive women present a stable cervical microbiota of high-diversity in the postpartum period. Our results highlight that specific microbiota species may serve as sensors for changes in the cervical microenvironment associated with cervical lesions.
Adeno-associated virus serotype rh10 is a useful gene transfer vector for sensory nerves that innervate bone in immunodeficient mice
Authors: Park Sun H. , Eber Matthew R. , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Booker Mary E. , Sunil Aaron G. , Widner D. Brooke , Parker Renee A. , Peters Christopher M. , Shiozawa Yusuke 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAdeno-associated virus (AAV) is frequently used to manipulate gene expression in the sensory nervous system for the study of pain mechanisms. Although some serotypes of AAV are known to have nerve tropism, whether AAV can distribute to sensory nerves that innervate the bone or skeletal tissue has not been shown. This information is crucial, since bone pain, including cancer-induced bone pain, is an area of high importance in pain biology. In this study, we found that AAVrh10 transduces neurons in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia of immunodeficient mice with higher efficacy than AAV2, 5, 6, 8, and 9 when injected intrathecally. Additionally, AAVrh10 has tropism towards sensory neurons in skeletal tissue, such as bone marrow and periosteum, while it occasionally reaches the sensory nerve fibers in the mouse footpad. Moreover, AAVrh10 has higher tropic affinity to large myelinated and small peptidergic sensory neurons that innervate bone, compared to small non-peptidergic sensory neurons that rarely innervate bone. Taken together, these results suggest that AAVrh10 is a useful gene delivery vector to target the sensory nerves innervating bone. This finding may lead to a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms of chronic bone pain and cancer-induced bone pain.
Modelling of the impact of universal added sugar reduction through food reformulation
Authors: Yeung Chris Ho Ching , Gohil Paayal , Rangan Anna M. , Flood Victoria M. , Arcot Jayashree , Gill Timothy P. , Louie Jimmy Chun Yu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFood reformulation has been suggested to be one of the strategies to reduce population added sugar (AS) intake. This study aims to investigate the untested assumption that a reduction in AS through reformulation will result in a reduction in population intakes of AS and energy. Plausible dietary data from 4,140 respondents of an Australian national nutrition survey were used. Dietary modelling was performed at AS reductions of 10%, 15%, and 25% using four strategies: simple removal of AS or replacement with non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), and replacement of AS with NNS and either: polyols, 50% fibres or 50% maltodextrin. Paired t-tests were conducted to compare the intake of energy, fat, and AS pre- and post-reformulation. The chosen reformulation strategies resulted in a projected reduction in AS and energy, with the greatest reduction found in 25% reformulation which was the highest level modelled. The overall projected mean (SD) reduction in energy and AS after 25% reformulation was 114 (92) kJ/day and 11.73 (7.52) g/day, p < 0.001. To conclude, product reformulation may be a potentially useful strategy for reducing AS intake. Although the magnitude of projected reduction was small at the individual level, the impact may be meaningful at a population level.
A Novel Classification Indicator of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in China
Authors: Wang Yannian , Liu Shanshan , Chen Ruoxi , Chen Zhongning , Yuan Jinlei , Li Quanzhong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBecause of the differences of treatment, it is extremely important to classify the types of diabetes, especially for the diagnosis made by clinician. In this study, we proposed a novel scheme calculating an indicator of classifying diabetes, which contains two stages: the first is a model of feature extraction, 17 features are automatically extracted from the curve of glucose concentration acquired by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM); the second is a model of diabetes parameter regression based on an ensemble learning algorithm named double-Class AdaBoost. 1050 curves of glucose concentration of type 1 and type 2 diabetics were acquired at the Department of Endocrinology in People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University China, and an upper threshold μ was set to 7 mmol/L, 8 mmol/L, 9 mmol/L, 10 mmo/L, and 11 mmol/L respectively according to the guideline of WHO. The experiments show that the coincidence rate of our scheme and clinical diagnosis is 90.3%. The novel indicator extends the criteria in diagnosing types of diabetes and provides doctors with a scalar to classify diabetes of type 1 and type 2.
Identification and validation of FaP1D7, a putative marker associated with the biosynthesis of methyl butanoate in cultivated strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa)
Authors: Gor Mian Chee , Candappa Chrishani , de Silva Thishakya , Mantri Nitin , Pang Edwin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBreeding strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) with enhanced fruit flavour is one of the top breeding goals of many strawberry-producing countries. Although several genes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of key aroma compounds have been identified, the development and application of molecular markers associated with fruit flavour remain limited. This study aims to identify molecular markers closely linked to genes controlling strawberry aroma. A purpose-built Subtracted Diversity Array (SDA) known asFragariaDiscovery Panel (FDP) was used for marker screening. Polymorphic sequences associated with key aroma compounds were identified from two DNA bulks with extreme phenotypes, established using 50 F1progeny plants derived from Juliette X 07-102-41 cross, two strawberry genotypes differing in aroma profile. A total of 49 polymorphic markers for eight key aroma compounds were detected using genotypic data of the extreme DNA bulks and phenotypic data obtained from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A similarity search against the physical maps ofFragaria vescarevealed that FaP1D7 is linked to genes potentially involved in the synthesis of methyl butanoate. A C/T SNP was detected within the feature, which could possibly be converted to a molecular tool for rapid screening of the strawberry accessions for their methyl butanoate production capacity.
Replay of large-scale spatio-temporal patterns from waking during subsequent NREM sleep in human cortex
Authors: Jiang Xi , Shamie Isaac , K. Doyle Werner , Friedman Daniel , Dugan Patricia , Devinsky Orrin , Eskandar Emad , Cash Sydney S. , Thesen Thomas , Halgren Eric 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAnimal studies support the hypothesis that in slow-wave sleep, replay of waking neocortical activity under hippocampal guidance leads to memory consolidation. However, no intracranial electrophysiological evidence for replay exists in humans. We identified consistent sequences of population firing peaks across widespread cortical regions during complete waking periods. The occurrence of these “Motifs” were compared between sleeps preceding the waking period (“Sleep-Pre”) when the Motifs were identified, and those following (“Sleep-Post”). In all subjects, the majority of waking Motifs (most of which were novel) had more matches in Sleep-Post than in Sleep-Pre. In rodents, hippocampal replay occurs during local sharp-wave ripples, and the associated neocortical replay tends to occur during local sleep spindles and down-to-up transitions. These waves may facilitate consolidation by sequencing cell-firing and encouraging plasticity. Similarly, we found that Motifs were coupled to neocortical spindles, down-to-up transitions, theta bursts, and hippocampal sharp-wave ripples. While Motifs occurring during cognitive task performance were more likely to have more matches in subsequent sleep, our studies provide no direct demonstration that the replay of Motifs contributes to consolidation. Nonetheless, these results confirm a core prediction of the dominant neurobiological theory of human memory consolidation.
Heat-killed Lactobacillus casei confers broad protection against influenza A virus primary infection and develops heterosubtypic immunity against future secondary infection
Authors: Jung Yu-Jin , Lee Young-Tae , Ngo Vu Le , Cho Young-Hee , Ko Eun-Ju , Hong Sung-Moon , Kim Ki-Hye , Jang Ji-Hun , Oh Joon-Suk , Park Min-Kyung , Kim Cheol-Hyun , Sun Jun , Kang Sang-Moo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the common probiotics. Here, we investigated the antiviral protective effects of heat-killed LAB strain Lactobacillus casei DK128 (DK128) on influenza viruses. Intranasal treatment of mice with DK128 conferred protection against different subtypes of influenza viruses by lessening weight loss and lowering viral loads. Protection via heat-killed DK128 was correlated with an increase in alveolar macrophage cells in the lungs and airways, early induction of virus specific antibodies, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and innate immune cells. Importantly, the mice that were protected against primary viral infection as a result of heat-killed DK128 pretreatment developed subsequent heterosubtypic immunity against secondary virus infection. For protection against influenza virus via heat-killed DK128 pretreatment, B cells and partially CD4 T cells but not CD8 T cells were required as inferred from studies using knockout mouse models. Our study provides insight into how hosts can be equipped with innate and adaptive immunity via heat-killed DK128 treatment to protect against influenza virus, supporting that heat-killed LAB may be developed as anti-virus probiotics.
Antagonistic effect of dopamine structural analogues on human GABAρ1 receptor
Authors: Alaniz-Palacios Alfredo , Martínez-Torres Ataulfo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGABAergic and dopaminergic pathways are co-localized in several areas of the central nervous system and recently several reports have shown co-release of both neurotransmitters. The GABA-A receptor (β and ρ1 subunits) is modulated by dopamine (DA) and, interestingly, GABAρ1 can be modulated by several biogenic amines. Here we explored the effects of the metabolites of the dopaminergic pathway and other structural analogues of DA on GABAρ1 and the DA gated ion channel (LGC-53) from Caenorhabditis elegans expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Our findings show an antagonistic effect of the metabolite 3-Methoxytyramine (3-MT, IC50 = 285 ± 30 µM) with similar potency compared to DA on induced GABA currents; however, it was inactive on LGC-53. The structural DA analogues and metabolites, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 2-phenylethylamine (β-PEA) and 4-amino-1-butanol (4-AM-1-OH), antagonized GABAρ1 currents, whereas β-PEA acted as partial agonists on LGC-53, indicating that the putative binding sites of both receptors may share structural characteristics. These results suggest that the DA metabolites 3-MT, DOPAC and HVA modulate GABAρ1 and possibly affect the activity of the receptors that include this subunit in vivo.
Wettability alteration of calcite oil wells: Influence of smart water ions
Authors: Prabhakar Sanjay , Melnik Roderick 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFurther enhancement of crude oil recovery in the enhanced recovery stage from calcite oil wells is a major global challenge for oil industry. Experimental results suggest that ions present in sea water, also called smart water, have a significant influence on the wettability alteration (less oil wet) of calcite surface. In this paper, by utilizing Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Quantum Molecular Dynamics (QMD) simulations, we investigate the effect of additive ions of sea water in oil recovery by using acetic acid as a model compound of crude oil molecules. We find that Na+ ions precipitate to the calcite surface and form Na acetate. The binding energy of Na acetate is larger than original oil molecule (acetic acid), which reduces oil recovery. On the other hand, Mg2+ and $${\rm{S}}{{\rm{O}}}_{4}^{2-}$$

S

O
4

2
−

ions can also reach to the calcite surface in proximity and modify the calcite surface. The binding energy of oil molecule on modified calcite surface is smaller than on pure calcite surface, which enhances oil recovery. Our results might help in understanding interaction among oil, water and additives ions of smart water for further experimental investigations.
Broadband light trapping strategies for quantum-dot photovoltaic cells (>10%) and their issues with the measurement of photovoltaic characteristics
Authors: Cho Changsoon , Song Jung Hoon , Kim Changjo , Jeong Sohee , Lee Jung-Yong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBandgap tunability and broadband absorption make quantum-dot (QD) photovoltaic cells (PVs) a promising candidate for future solar energy conversion systems. Approaches to improving the electrical properties of the active layer increase efficiency in part. The present study focuses on optical room for enhancement in QD PVs over wide spectrum in the near-infrared (NIR) region. We find that ray-optical light trapping schemes rather than the nanophotonics approach may be the best solution for enhancing broadband QD PVs by suppressing the escape probability of internal photons without spectral dependency. Based on the theoretical study of diverse schemes for various bandgaps, we apply a V-groove structure and a V-groove textured compound parabolic trapper (VCPT) to PbS-based QD PVs along with the measurement issues for PVs with a light scattering layer. The efficiency of the best device is improved from 10.3% to 11.0% (certified to 10.8%) by a V-groove structure despite the possibility of underestimation caused by light scattering in small-area devices (aperture area: 0.0625 cm2). By minimizing such underestimation, even greater enhancements of 13.6% and 15.6% in short circuit current are demonstrated for finger-type devices (0.167 cm2 without aperture) and large-area devices (2.10 cm2 with an aperture of 0.350 cm2), respectively, using VCPT.
Volatile and bioactive compounds in opercula from Muricidae molluscs supports their use in ceremonial incense and traditional medicines
Authors: Nongmaithem Bijayalakshmi Devi , Mouatt Peter , Smith Joshua , Rudd David , Russell Michael , Sullivan Caroline , Benkendorff Kirsten 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMuricidae molluscs are the source of a valuable purple dye that was traded as a luxury item in the Mediterranean region and by the late Byzantine was reserved for royalty and priests. Less well known is the use of muricid opercula in sacred incense and traditional medicines, although they are still used as rare ingredients today. This study provides the first chemical assessment of opercula from Muricidae, based on several traditional preparation procedures. Chemical analysis of opercula smoke revealed aromatic phenols, which act as fragrance stabilisers and produce a “medicinal” odour. Analysis of lipid extracts revealed pharmaceutically active compounds, including brominated indoles, choline esters and adenosine, consistent with their traditional medical applications. Depending on the preparation procedures, toxic pyridine was also detected. ICP-MS analysis of muricid opercula shows the presence of essential macro and microelements, as well as metals, some of which exceed the recommended safe levels for human use. Nevertheless, these findings support the Muricidae as an historically important marine resource, providing Biblical dyes, medicines and perfume. The opercula contains biologically active compounds and produces smoke containing volatile scent compounds, consistent with their identification as the most likely source of onycha, a controversial ingredient in sacred incense.