bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bystander cells enhance NK cytotoxic efficiency by reducing search time
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Zhao Renping , Schwarz Karsten , Mangeat Matthieu , Schwarz Eva C. , Hamed Mohamed , Bogeski Ivan , Helms Volkhard , Rieger Heiko , Qu Bin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells play a central role during innate immune responses by eliminating pathogen-infected or tumorigenic cells. In the microenvironment, NK cells encounter not only target cells but also other cell types including non-target bystander cells. The impact of bystander cells on NK killing efficiency is, however, still elusive. In this study we show that the presence of bystander cells, such as P815, monocytes or HUVEC, enhances NK killing efficiency. With bystander cells present, the velocity and persistence of NK cells were increased, whereas the degranulation of lytic granules remained unchanged. Bystander cell-derived H2O2was found to mediate the acceleration of NK cell migration. Using mathematical diffusion models, we confirm that local acceleration of NK cells in the vicinity of bystander cells reduces their search time to locate target cells. In addition, we found that integrin β chains (β1, β2 and β7) on NK cells are required for bystander-enhanced NK migration persistence. In conclusion, we show that acceleration of NK cell migration in the vicinity of H2O2-producing bystander cells reduces target cell search time and enhances NK killing efficiency.
DNA-conjugated gold nanoparticles based colorimetric assay to assess helicase activity: a novel route to screen potential helicase inhibitors
Authors: Deka Jashmini , Mojumdar Aditya , Parisse Pietro , Onesti Silvia , Casalis Loredana 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHelicase are essential enzymes which are widespread in all life-forms. Due to their central role in nucleic acid metabolism, they are emerging as important targets for anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-cancer drugs. The development of easy, cheap, fast and robust biochemical assays to measure helicase activity, overcoming the limitations of the current methods, is a pre-requisite for the discovery of helicase inhibitors through high-throughput screenings. We have developed a method which exploits the optical properties of DNA-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and meets the required criteria. The method was tested with the catalytic domain of the human RecQ4 helicase and compared with a conventional FRET-based assay. The AuNP-based assay produced similar results but is simpler, more robust and cheaper than FRET. Therefore, our nanotechnology-based platform shows the potential to provide a useful alternative to the existing conventional methods for following helicase activity and to screen small-molecule libraries as potential helicase inhibitors.
Linking the Belowground Microbial Composition, Diversity and Activity to Soilborne Disease Suppression and Growth Promotion of Tomato Amended with Biochar
Authors: Jaiswal Amit K. , Elad Yigal , Paudel Indira , Graber Ellen R. , Cytryn Eddie , Frenkel Omer 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBiochar, in addition to sequestering carbon, ameliorating soil, and improving plant performance, can impact foliar and soilborne plant diseases. Nevertheless, the mechanisms associated with suppression of soilborne diseases and improved plant performances are not well understood. This study is designed to establish the relationships between biochar-induced changes in rhizosphere microbial community structure, taxonomic and functional diversity, and activity with soilborne disease suppression and enhanced plant performance in a comprehensive fashion. Biochar suppressed Fusarium crown and root-rot of tomato and simultaneously improved tomato plant growth and physiological parameters. Furthermore, biochar reduced Fusarium root colonization and survival in soil, and increased the culturable counts of several biocontrol and plant growth promoting microorganisms. Illumina sequencing analyses of 16S rRNA gene revealed substantial differences in rhizosphere bacterial taxonomical composition between biochar-amended and non-amended treatments. Moreover, biochar amendment caused a significant increase in microbial taxonomic and functional diversity, microbial activities and an overall shift in carbon-source utilization. High microbial taxonomic and functional diversity and activity in the rhizosphere has been previously associated with suppression of diseases caused by soilborne pathogens and with plant growth promotion, and may collectively explain the significant reduction of disease and improvement in plant performance observed in the presence of biochar.
Small Molecule-Induced Domain Swapping as a Mechanism for Controlling Protein Function and Assembly
Authors: Karchin Joshua M. , Ha Jeung-Hoi , Namitz Kevin E. , Cosgrove Michael S. , Loh Stewart N. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractDomain swapping is the process by which identical proteins exchange reciprocal segments to generate dimers. Here we introduce induced domain swapping (INDOS) as a mechanism for regulating protein function. INDOS employs a modular design consisting of the fusion of two proteins: a recognition protein that binds a triggering molecule, and a target protein that undergoes a domain swap in response to binding of the triggering ligand. The recognition protein (FK506 binding protein) is inserted into functionally-inactivated point mutants of two target proteins (staphylococcal nuclease and ribose binding protein). Binding of FK506 to the FKBP domain causes the target domain to first unfold, then refold via domain swap. The inactivating mutations become ‘swapped out’ in the dimer, increasing nuclease and ribose binding activities by 100-fold and 15-fold, respectively, restoring them to near wild-type values. INDOS is intended to convert an arbitrary protein into a functional switch, and is the first example of rational design in which a small molecule is used to trigger protein domain swapping and subsequent activation of biological function.
Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans is the predominant chytrid fungus in Vietnamese salamanders
Authors: Laking Alexandra E. , Ngo Hai Ngoc , Pasmans Frank , Martel An , Nguyen Tao Thien 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe amphibian chytrid fungi, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and B. salamandrivorans (Bsal), pose a major threat to amphibian biodiversity. Recent evidence suggests Southeast Asia as a potential cradle for both fungi, which likely resulted in widespread host-pathogen co-existence. We sampled 583 salamanders from 8 species across Vietnam in 55 locations for Bsal and Bd, determined scaled mass index as a proxy for fitness and collected environmental data. Bsal was found within 14 of the 55 habitats (2 of which it was detected in 2013), in 5 salamandrid species, with a prevalence of 2.92%. The globalized pandemic lineage of Bd was found within one pond on one species with a prevalence of 0.69%. Combined with a complete lack of correlation between infection and individual body condition and absence of indication of associated disease, this suggests low level pathogen endemism and Bsal and Bd co-existence with Vietnamese salamandrid populations. Bsal was more widespread than Bd, and occurs at temperatures higher than tolerated by the type strain, suggesting a wider thermal niche than currently known. Therefore, this study provides support for the hypothesis that these chytrid fungi may be endemic to Asia and that species within this region may act as a disease reservoir.
Effects of Cdh23 single nucleotide substitutions on age-related hearing loss in C57BL/6 and 129S1/Sv mice and comparisons with congenic strains
Authors: Johnson Kenneth R. , Tian Cong , Gagnon Leona H. , Jiang Haiyan , Ding Dalian , Salvi Richard 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA single nucleotide variant (SNV) of the cadherin 23 gene (Cdh23c.753A), common to many inbred mouse strains, accelerates age-related hearing loss (AHL) and can worsen auditory phenotypes of other mutations. We used homologous recombination in C57BL/6 NJ (B6N) and 129S1/SvImJ (129S1) embryonic stem cells to engineer mouse strains with reciprocal single base pair substitutions (B6-Cdh23c.753A>G and 129S1-Cdh23c.753G>A). We compared ABR thresholds and cochlear pathologies of these SNV mice with those of congenic (B6.129S1-Cdh23Ahl+ and 129S1.B6-Cdh23ahl) and parental (B6N and 129S1) strain mice. Results verified the protective effect of the Cdh23c.753G allele, which prevented high frequency hearing loss in B6 mice to at least 18 months of age, and the AHL-inducing effect of the Cdh23c.753A allele, which worsened hearing loss in 129S1 mice. ABR thresholds differed between 129S-Cdh23c.753A SNV and 129S1.B6-Cdh23ahl congenic mice, and a linkage backcross involving these strains localized a Chr 10 QTL contributing to the difference. These results illustrate the large effects that strain background and congenic regions have on the hearing loss associated with Cdh23c.753alleles. Importantly, the B6-Cdh23c.753Gstrain can be used to eliminate the confounding influence of the Cdh23c.753Avariant in hearing studies of B6 mice and mutant mice on the B6 background.
Doped zirconia phase and luminescence dependence on the nature of charge compensation
Authors: Smits Krisjanis , Olsteins Dags , Zolotarjovs Aleksejs , Laganovska Katrina , Millers Donats , Ignatans Reinis , Grabis Janis 
Published: March 2017

AbstractZirconia is a relatively new material with many promising practical applications in medical imaging, biolabeling, sensors, and other fields. In this study we have investigated lanthanide and niobium doped zirconia by luminescence and XRD methods. It was proven that charge compensation in different zirconia phases determines the incorporation of intrinsic defects and activators. Thus, the structure of zirconia does not affect the Er luminescence directly; however, it strongly affects the defect distribution around lanthanide ions and the way in which activator ions are incorporated in the lattice. Our results demonstrate the correlation between the crystalline phase of zirconia and charge compensation, as well as the contribution of different nanocrystal grain sizes. In addition, our experimental results verify the theoretical studies of metastable (tetragonal, cubic) phase stabilization determined using only oxygen vacancies. Moreover, it was found that adding niobium drastically increases activator luminescence intensity, which makes Ln3+ doped zirconia even more attractive for various practical applications. Although this study was based on the luminescence of the Er ion, the phase stabilization, charge compensation, and luminescence properties described in our results are expected to be similar for other lanthanide elements. Our results suggest that the luminescence intensity of other oxide matrices where lanthanides incorporate in place of tetravalent cations could be increased by addition of Nb ions.
Restoring the impaired cardiac calcium homeostasis and cardiac function in iron overload rats by the combined deferiprone and N-acetyl cysteine
Authors: Wongjaikam Suwakon , Kumfu Sirinart , Khamseekaew Juthamas , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntracellular calcium [Ca2+]idysregulation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of iron overload cardiomyopathy. Although either iron chelators or antioxidants provide cardioprotection, a comparison of the efficacy of deferoxamine (DFO), deferiprone (DFP), deferasirox (DFX), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or a combination of DFP plus NAC on cardiac [Ca2+]ihomeostasis in chronic iron overload has never been investigated. Male Wistar rats were fed with either a normal diet or a high iron (HFe) diet for 4 months. At 2 months, HFe rats were divided into 6 groups and treated with either a vehicle, DFO (25 mg/kg/day), DFP (75 mg/kg/day), DFX (20 mg/kg/day), NAC (100 mg/kg/day), or combined DFP plus NAC. At 4 months, the number of cardiac T-type calcium channels was increased, whereas cardiac sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase (SERCA) was decreased, leading to cardiac iron overload and impaired cardiac [Ca2+]i homeostasis. All pharmacological interventions restored SERCA levels. Although DFO, DFP, DFX or NAC alone shared similar efficacy in improving cardiac [Ca2+]i homeostasis, only DFP + NAC restored cardiac [Ca2+]i homeostasis, leading to restoring left ventricular function in the HFe-fed rats. Thus, the combined DFP + NAC was more effective than any monotherapy in restoring cardiac [Ca2+]ihomeostasis, leading to restored myocardial contractility in iron-overloaded rats.
Patterns of Default Mode Network Deactivation in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Gonçalves Óscar F. , Soares José Miguel , Carvalho Sandra , Leite Jorge , Ganho-Ávila Ana , Fernandes-Gonçalves Ana , Pocinho Fernando , Carracedo Angel , Sampaio Adriana 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to research the patterns of Default Mode Network (DMN) deactivation in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in the transition between a resting and a non-rest emotional condition. Twenty-seven participants, 15 diagnosed with OCD and 12 healthy controls (HC), underwent a functional neuroimaging paradigm in which DMN brain activation in a resting condition was contrasted with activity during a non-rest condition consisting in the presentation of emotionally pleasant and unpleasant images. Results showed that HC, when compared with OCD, had a significant deactivation in two anterior nodes of the DMN (medial frontal and superior frontal) in the non-rest pleasant stimuli condition. Additional analysis for the whole brain, contrasting the resting condition with all the non-rest conditions grouped together, showed that, compared with OCD, HC had a significantly deactivation of a widespread brain network (superior frontal, insula, middle and superior temporal, putamen, lingual, cuneus, and cerebellum). Concluding, the present study found that OCD patients had difficulties with the deactivation of DMN even when the non-rest condition includes the presentation of emotional provoking stimuli, particularly evident for images with pleasant content.
Development, In Vitro Characterization, Antitumor and Aerosol Performance Evaluation of Respirable Prepared by Self-nanoemulsification Method
Authors: Naseri Neda , Zakeri-Milani Parvin , Hamishehkar Hamed , Pilehvar-Soltanahmadi Younes , Valizadeh Hadi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPoor water solubility and low oral bioavailability limit the clinical application of Erlotinib as an anticancer. For this purpose, we encapsulated erlotinib in the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and designed a spray-dried dry powder inhalable (DPI) formulation. Erlotinib-loaded SLNs were prepared using self-nanoemulsifying and characterized for physicochemical properties. Pulmonary deposition of spray-dried DPI formulation was performed using Next Generation Impactor. The particle size and zeta potential of Erlotinib-loaded SLNs were 300 to 800 nm and −18 to −32 mV, respectively. High drug entrapment efficiency in the narrow range of 80–85% was achieved. Cytotoxicity results indicated that cell growth inhibition of free drug and drug loaded nanoparticles is dose- and time-dependent. Inhalable dry powders prepared from drug-loaded SLNs were found to have a fine particle fraction in the range of 6.92±0.99 –11.24±2.4%, mean mass aerodynamic diameter in the range of 4.52±0.1 to 6.67±0.5 µm. The findings revealed that the proposed inhalable dry powder formulation loaded with erlotinib SLN has potential in lung cancer therapy through pulmonary route.
A simple ergonomic measure reduces fluoroscopy time during ERCP: A multivariate analysis
Authors: Jowhari Fahd , Hopman Wilma , Hookey Lawrence 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatgraphy (ERCP) carries a radiation risk to patients undergoing the procedure and the team performing it. Fluoroscopy time (FT) has been shown to have a linear relationship with radiation exposure during ERCP. Recent modifications to our ERCP suite design were felt to impact fluoroscopy time and ergonomics. This multivariate analysis was therefore undertaken to investigate these effects, and to identify and validate various clinical, procedural and ergonomic factors influencing the total fluoroscopy time during ERCP. This would better assist clinicians with predicting prolonged fluoroscopic durations and to undertake relevant precautions accordingly.
Patients and methods A retrospective analysis of 299 ERCPs performed by 4 endoscopists over an 18-month period, at a single tertiary care center was conducted. All inpatients/outpatients (121 males, 178 females) undergoing ERCP for any clinical indication from January 2012 to June 2013 in the chosen ERCP suite were included in the study. Various predetermined clinical, procedural and ergonomic factors were obtained via chart review. Univariate analyses identified factors to be included in the multivariate regression model with FT as the dependent variable.
Results Bringing the endoscopy and fluoroscopy screens next to each other was associated with a significantly lesser FT than when the screens were separated further (–1.4 min, P = 0.026). Other significant factors associated with a prolonged FT included having a prior ERCP (+ 1.4 min, P = 0.031), and more difficult procedures (+ 4.2 min for each level of difficulty, P < 0.001). ERCPs performed by high-volume endoscopists used lesser FT vs. low-volume endoscopists (–1.82, P = 0.015).
Conclusions Our study has identified and validated various factors that affect the total fluoroscopy time during ERCP. This is the first study to show that decreasing the distance between the endoscopy and fluoroscopy screens in the ERCP suite significantly reduces the total fluoroscopy time, and therefore radiation exposure to patients and staff involved in the procedure.
Correlating In Vitro Target-Oriented Screening and Docking: Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinases Activities by Flavonoids
Authors: Crascì Lucia , Basile Livia , Panico Annamaria , Puglia Carmelo , Bonina Francesco , Basile Pierluigi , Rizza Luisa , Guccione Salvatore 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMetalloproteases are a family of zinc-containing endopeptidases involved in a variety of pathological disorders. The use of flavonoid derivatives as potential metalloprotease inhibitors has recently increased.Particular plants growing in Sicily are an excellent yielder of the flavonoids luteolin, apigenin, and their respective glycoside derivatives (7-O-rutinoside, 7-O-glucoside, and 7-O-glucuronide).The inhibitory activity of luteolin, apigenin, and their respective glycoside derivatives on the metalloproteases MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, MMP-8, and MMP-9 was assessed and rationalized correlating in vitro target-oriented screening and in silico docking.The flavones apigenin, luteolin, and their respective glucosides have good ability to interact with metalloproteases and can also be lead compounds for further development. Glycones are more active on MMP-1, -3, -8, and -13 than MMP-9. Collagenases MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-13 are inhibited by compounds having rutinoside glycones. Apigenin and luteolin are inactive on MMP-1, -3, and -8, which can be interpreted as a better selectivity for both -9 and -13 peptidases. The more active compounds are apigenin-7-O-rutinoside on MMP-1 and luteolin-7-O-rutinoside on MMP-3. The lowest IC50 values were also found for apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, apigenin-7-O-rutinoside, and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide. The glycoside moiety might allow for a better anchoring to the active site of MMP-1, -3, -8, -9, and -13. Overall, the in silico data are substantially in agreement with the in vitro ones (fluorimetric assay).
Hobbes’s agnostic theology before Leviathan
Authors: Abizadeh Arash 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPrior to 1651, Hobbes was agnostic about the existence of God. Hobbes argued that God’s existence could neither be demonstrated nor proved, so that those who reason about God’s existence will systematically vacillate, sometimes thinking God exists, sometimes not, which for Hobbes is to say they will doubt God’s existence. Because this vacillation or doubt is inherent to the subject, reasoners like himself will judge that settling on one belief rather than another is epistemically unjustified. Hobbes’s agnosticism becomes apparent once we attend to his distinctions between the propositional attitudes one might adopt towards theological claims, including supposing, thinking, having faith and knowing.
Evaluation of a static stretching intervention on vascular endothelial function and arterial stiffness
Authors: Shinno Hiromi , Kurose Satoshi , Yamanaka Yutaka , Higurashi Kyoko , Fukushima Yaeko , Tsutsumi Hiromi , Kimura Yutaka 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurpose: Maintenance and enhancement of vascular endothelial function contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease and prolong a healthy life expectancy. Given the reversible nature of vascular endothelial function, interventions to improve this function might prevent arteriosclerosis. Accordingly, we studied the effects of a 6‐month static stretching intervention on vascular endothelial function (reactive hyperaemia peripheral arterial tonometry index: RH‐PAT index) and arterial stiffness (brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity: baPWV) and investigated the reversibility of these effects after a 6‐month detraining period following intervention completion. Methods: The study evaluated 22 healthy, non‐smoking, premenopausal women aged ≥40 years. Subjects were randomly assigned to the full‐intervention (n = 11; mean age: 48.6 ± 2.8 years) or a half‐intervention that included a control period (n = 11; mean age: 46.9 ± 3.6 years). Results: Body flexibility and vascular endothelial function improved significantly after 3 months of static stretching. In addition to these improvements, arterial stiffness improved significantly after a 6‐month intervention. However, after a 6‐month detraining period, vascular endothelial function, flexibility, and arterial stiffness all returned to preintervention conditions, demonstrating the reversibility of the obtained effects. Conclusion: A 3‐month static stretching intervention was found to improve vascular endothelial function, and an additional 3‐month intervention also improved arterial stiffness. However, these effects were reversed by detraining.
Acute effects of Kinesio taping on muscle function and self‐perceived fatigue level in healthy adults
Authors: Lee Nan Hee , Jung Hyun Chul , Ok Gina , Lee Sukho 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study investigated the acute effects of Kinesio taping (KT) on muscular power, strength, endurance, and self‐perceived fatigue level. This is a randomized, partial double‐blind, crossover trial. Eighteen healthy adults (7 males [23.86 ± 1.68 years] and 11 females [24.82 ± 3.71 years]) were enrolled in this study. All subjects underwent three different trials which included no tap (NT), placebo tap (PT), and KT. Idividuals were assessed for peak and mean power, muscular strength and endurance, and self‐perceived fatigue after each condition. The results revealed no significant differences in all variables (p > 0.05) except muscular endurance (F = 5.775, p = 0.007). Muscular endurance in the NT (58.28 ± 12.18 reps/min) condition was significantly higher than that in the KT (52.83 ± 11.76 reps/min) condition. These results suggest that KT on rectus femoris and the patella of the lower limb does not improve muscular function and self‐perceived fatigue level. KT is unlikely to enhance exercise performance capacity in healthy adults.