bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revealing the cellular localization of STAT1 during the cell cycle by super-resolution imaging
Authors: Gao Jing , Wang Feng , Liu Yanhou , Cai Mingjun , Xu Haijiao , Jiang Junguang , Wang Hongda 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSignal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) can transduce cytokine signals and regulate gene expression. The cellular localization and nuclear trafficking of STAT1, a representative of the STAT family with multiple transcriptional functions, is tightly related with transcription process, which usually happens in the interphase of the cell cycle. However, these priority questions regarding STAT1 distribution and localization at the different cell-cycle stages remain unclear. By using direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM), we found that the nuclear expression level of STAT1 increased gradually as the cell cycle carried out, especially after EGF stimulation. Furthermore, STAT1 formed clusters in the whole cell during the cell cycle, with the size and the number of clusters also increasing significantly from G1 to G2 phase, suggesting that transcription and other cell-cycle related activities can promote STAT1 to form more and larger clusters for fast response to signals. Our work reveals that the cellular localization and clustering distribution of STAT1 are associated with the cell cycle and further provides an insight into the mechanism of cell-cycle regulated STAT1 signal transduction.
A Filifactor alocis-centered co-occurrence group associates with periodontitis across different oral habitats
Authors: Chen Hui , Liu Ying , Zhang Menghui , Wang Guoyang , Qi Zhengnan , Bridgewater Laura , Zhao Liping , Tang Zisheng , Pang Xiaoyan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPeriodontitis is a highly prevalent polymicrobial disease worldwide, yet the synergistic pattern of the multiple oral pathogens involved is still poorly characterized. Here, saliva, supragingival and subgingival plaque samples from periodontitis patients and periodontally healthy volunteers were collected and profiled with 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. Different oral habitats harbored significantly different microbiota and segregation of microbiota composition between periodontitis and health was observed as well. Two-step redundancy analysis identified twenty-one OTUs, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Filifactor alocis, as potential pathogens that were significantly associated with periodontitis and with two periodontitis diagnostic parameters (pocket depth and attachment loss) in both saliva and supragingival plaque habitats. Interestingly, pairwise correlation analysis among the 21 OTUs revealed that Filifactor alocis was positively correlated with seven other putative pathogens (R > 0.6, P < 0.05), forming a co-occurrence group that was remarkably enriched in all three habitats of periodontitis patients. This bacterial cluster showed a higher diagnostic value for periodontitis than did any individual potential pathogens, especially in saliva. Thus, our study identified a potential synergistic ecological pattern involving eight co-infecting pathogens across various oral habitats, providing a new framework for understanding the etiology of periodontitis and developing new diagnoses and therapies.
Rightward-biased hemodynamic response of the parahippocampal system during virtual navigation
Authors: Baker Travis E. , Umemoto Akina , Krawitz Adam , Holroyd Clay B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPhase reset of parahippocampal electrophysiological oscillations in the theta frequency range is said to contribute to item encoding and retrieval during spatial navigation. Although well-studied in non-human animals, this mechanism is poorly understood in humans. Previously we found that feedback stimuli presented in a virtual maze environment elicited a burst of theta power over right-posterior areas of the human scalp and that the power and phase angle of these oscillations were greater following right turns compared to left turns in the maze. Here we investigated the source of this effect with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Consistent with our predictions, we found that 1) feedback encountered in the maze task activated right parahippocampal cortex (PHC), 2) right PHC was more activated by rewards following right turns compared to left turns in the maze and 3) the rightward-biased activation was more pronounced in individuals who displayed good spatial abilities. These findings support our previous electrophysiological findings and highlight, in humans, a role for PHC theta oscillations in encoding salient information for the purpose of spatial navigation.
PERK silence inhibits glioma cell growth under low glucose stress by blockage of p-AKT and subsequent HK2's mitochondria translocation
Authors: Hou Xu , Liu Yaohua , Liu Huailei , Chen Xin , Liu Min , Che Hui , Guo Fei , Wang Chunlei , Zhang Daming , Wu Jianing , Chen Xiaofeng , Shen Chen , Li Chenguang , Peng Fei , Bi Yunke , Yang Zhuowen , Yang Guang , Ai Jing , Gao Xin , Zhao Shiguang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractGlioma relies on glycolysis to obtain energy and sustain its survival under low glucose microenvironment in vivo. The mechanisms on glioma cell glycolysis regulation are still unclear. Signaling mediated by Double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) – like ER kinase (PERK) is one of the important pathways of unfolded protein response (UPR) which is comprehensively activated in cancer cells upon the hypoxic and low glucose stress. Here we show that PERK is significantly activated in human glioma tissues. PERK silencing results in decreased glioma cell viability and ATP/lactate production upon low glucose stress, which is mediated by partially blocked AKT activation and subsequent inhibition of Hexokinase II (HK2)'s mitochondria translocation. More importantly, PERK silenced glioma cells show decreased tumor formation capacity. Our results reveal that PERK activation is involved in glioma glycolysis regulation and may be a potential molecular target for glioma treatment.
Shot-noise Limited Faraday Rotation Spectroscopy for Detection of Nitric Oxide Isotopes in Breath, Urine and Blood
Authors: Wang Yin , Nikodem Michal , Zhang Eric , Cikach Frank , Barnes Jarrod , Comhair Suzy , Dweik Raed A. , Kao Christina , Wysocki Gerard 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMeasurement of NO and/or its metabolites in the various body compartments has transformed our understanding of biology. The inability of the current NO measurement methods to account for naturally occurring and experimental NO isotopes, however, has prevented the scientific community from fully understating NO metabolism in vivo. Here we present a mid-IR Faraday rotation spectrometer (FRS) for detection of NO isotopes. The instrument utilizes a novel dual modulation/demodulation (DM) FRS method which exhibits noise performance at only 2 times the fundamental quantum shot-noise level and provides the record sensitivity in its class. This is achieved with a system that is fully autonomous, robust, transportable and does not require cryogenic cooling. The DM-FRS enables continuous monitoring of nitric oxide isotopes with the detection limits of 3.72 ppbv/Hz1/2 to14NO and 0.53 ppbv/Hz1/2 to15NO using only 45 cm active optical path. This DM-FRS measurement method can be used to improve the performance of conventional FRS sensors targeting other radical species. The feasibility of the instrument to perform measurements relevant to studies of NO metabolism in humans is demonstrated.
Lipidomic-based investigation into the regulatory effect of Schisandrin B on palmitic acid level in non-alcoholic steatotic livers
Authors: Kwan Hiu Yee , Niu Xuyan , Dai Wenlin , Tong Tiejun , Chao Xiaojuan , Su Tao , Chan Chi Leung , Lee Kim Chung , Fu Xiuqiong , Yi Hua , Yu Hua , Li Ting , Tse Anfernee Kai Wing , Fong Wang Fun , Pan Si-Yuan , Lu Aiping , Yu Zhi-Ling 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSchisandrin B (SchB) is one of the most abundant bioactive dibenzocyclooctadiene derivatives found in the fruit of Schisandra chinensis. Here, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects of SchB on non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease (NAFLD). In lipidomic study, ingenuity pathway analysis highlighted palmitate biosynthesis metabolic pathway in the liver samples of SchB-treated high-fat-diet-fed mice. Further experiments showed that the SchB treatment reduced expression and activity of fatty acid synthase, expressions of hepatic mature sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α and hepatic level of palmitic acid which is known to promote progression of steatosis to steatohepatitis. Furthermore, the treatment also reduced hepatic fibrosis, activated nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor-2 which is known to attenuate the progression of NASH-related fibrosis. Interestingly, in fasting mice, a single high-dose SchB induced transient lipolysis and increased the expressions of adipose triglyceride lipase and phospho-hormone sensitive lipase. The treatment also increased plasma cholesterol levels and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity, reduced the hepatic low-density-lipoprotein receptor expression in these mice. Our data not only suggest SchB is a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD, but also provided important information for a safe consumption of SchB because SchB overdosed under fasting condition will have adverse effects on lipid metabolism.
Articulatory-to-Acoustic Relations in Talkers With Dysarthria: A First Analysis
Authors: Mefferd Antje 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
The primary purpose of this study was to determine the strength of interspeaker and intraspeaker articulatory-to-acoustic relations of vowel contrast produced by talkers with dysarthria and controls.

Methods
Six talkers with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), six talkers with Parkinson's disease (PD), and 12 controls repeated a sentence at typical, slow, and fast rates. Tongue displacements and acoustic vowel distances were measured to determine articulatory and acoustic vowel contrasts.

Results
Interspeaker articulatory-to-acoustic relations were strong for talkers with PD and controls but weak for talkers with ALS and controls. Further, predominantly moderate and strong intraspeaker articulatory-to-acoustic relations were found in response to rate modulations; however, correlation coefficients were significantly lower in talkers with ALS than in controls.

Conclusions
The findings on interspeaker articulatory-to-acoustic relations suggested that the degree of tongue displacement can be accurately inferred from the degree of acoustic vowel contrast in talkers with PD but not in talkers with ALS. Findings on intraspeaker articulatory-to-acoustic relations generally supported the longstanding notion that speaking rate–induced changes in tongue displacement evoke similar changes in acoustic vowel contrast. Differential effects of the pathophysiology on inter- and intraspeaker articulatory-to-acoustic relations are discussed.
The Fe-S cluster-containing NEET proteins mitoNEET and NAF-1 as chemotherapeutic targets in breast cancer
Authors: Bai Fang , Morcos Faruck , Sohn Yang-Sung , Darash-Yahana Merav , Rezende Celso O. , Lipper Colin H. , Paddock Mark L. , Song Luhua , Luo Yuting , Holt Sarah H. , Tamir Sagi , Theodorakis Emmanuel A. , Jennings Patricia A. , Onuchic José N. , Mittler Ron , Nechushtai Rachel 
Published: March 2015

Significance
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with the identification of novel drug targets and chemotherapeutic agents being a high priority in the fight against it. The NEET proteins mitoNEET (mNT) and nutrient-deprivation autophagy factor-1 (NAF-1) were recently shown to be required for cancer cell proliferation. Utilizing a combination of experimental and computational techniques, we identified a derivative of the mitocan cluvenone that binds to NEET proteins at the vicinity of their 2Fe-2S clusters and facilitates their destabilization. The new drug displays a high specificity in the selective killing of human epithelial breast cancer cells, without any apparent effects on normal breast cells. Our results identify the 2Fe-2S clusters of NEET proteins as a novel target in the chemotherapeutic treatment of breast cancer.
miR2GO: comparative functional analysis for microRNAs
Authors: Bhattacharya Anindya , Cui Yan 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Summary: miR2GO is a web-based platform for comparative analyses of human miRNA functions. It includes two programs: miRmut2GO and miRpair2GO. miRmut2GO implements a knowledge-based method to assess the functional effects of genetic and somatic mutations in microRNA seed regions. The functional effects of a mutation are analysed by semantic comparison of enriched gene ontology (GO) annotations of the target gene sets for the wild-type and mutated alleles. miRpair2GO compares the functions of two different miRNAs based on the enriched functional annotations of their target gene sets.
Availability and implementation: The miR2GO web server is available at http://compbio.uthsc.edu/miR2GO.
Contact: ycui2@uthsc.edu
Assessment of multidrug resistance, clonality and virulence in non-PCV-13 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in Canada, 2011–13
Authors: Golden Alyssa R. , Adam Heather J. , Gilmour Matthew W. , Baxter Melanie R. , Martin Irene , Nichol Kimberly A. , Demczuk Walter H. B. , Hoban Daryl J. , Zhanel George G. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Serotype replacement in Streptococcus pneumoniae following the implementation of a new vaccine has been associated with the emergence of non-vaccine serotypes as prominent causes of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). The aim of this study was to characterize specific non-PCV-13 serotypes 15A, 22F, 33F and 35B from IPD, isolated in Canada post-PCV-13 introduction in 2010.

Methods
Of 3802 IPD isolates collected from across Canada in 2011–13, 18.4% were found to be serotypes 15A, 22F, 33F and 35B. These 699 isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PFGE, MLST, molecular detection of pneumococcal pili and comparison with Pneumococcal Molecular Epidemiology Network (PMEN) clones.

Results
This study demonstrated clonal spread of specific STs, including MDR ST63 and its Sweden15A-25-related variants, the increasingly common ST433 and a variant of piliated, penicillin-non-susceptible ST558, related to PMEN clone Utah35B-24 (ST377). New STs of serotype 33F were identified. Several potential capsular switching events were identified within these serotypes.

Conclusions
Non-PCV-13 serotype 22F is increasing in Canada through the rapid clonal expansion of ST433. Numerous new STs associated with serotype 33F indicate the potential divergence of the serotype. Serotypes 15A and 35B in Canada are related to international clones of S. pneumoniae.
The Minimum Data Set 3.0 Cognitive Function Scale
Authors: Thomas Kali S. , Dosa David , Wysocki Andrea , Mor Vincent 
Published: March 2015

Background:
The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 introduced the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS), a short performance-based cognitive screener for nursing home (NH) residents. Not all residents are able to complete the BIMS and are consequently assessed by staff. We designed a Cognitive Function Scale (CFS) integrating self-report and staff-report data and present evidence of the scale’s construct validity.

Design:
A retrospective cohort study.

Subjects:
The subjects consisted of 3 cohorts: (1) long-stay NH residents (N=941,077) and (2) new admissions (N=2,066,580) during 2011–2012, and (3) residents with the older MDS 2.0 assessment in 2010 and the newer MDS 3.0 assessment (n=688,511).

Measures:
MDS 3.0 items were used to create a single, integrated 4-category hierarchical CFS that was compared with residents’ prior MDS 2.0 Cognitive Performance Scale scores and other concurrent MDS 3.0 measures of construct validity.

Results:
The new CFS suggests that 28% of the long-stay cohort in 2011–2012 were cognitively intact, 22% were mildly impaired, 33% were moderately impaired, and 17% were severely impaired. For the admission cohort, the CFS noted 56% as cognitively intact, 23% as mildly impaired, 17% as moderately impaired, and 4% as severely impaired. The CFS corresponded closely with residents’ prior MDS 2.0 Cognitive Performance Scale scores and with performance of Activities of Daily Living, and nurses’ judgments of function and behavior in both the admission and long-stay cohorts.

Conclusions:
The new CFS is valuable to researchers as it provides a single, integrated measure of NH residents’ cognitive function, regardless of the mode of assessment.
Measuring forces and stressesin situin living tissues
Authors:   “Forces in tissues” workshop participants
Published: March 2015

AbstractDevelopment, homeostasis and regeneration of tissues result from the interaction of genetics and mechanics. Kinematics and rheology are two main classes of measurements respectively providing deformations and mechanical properties of a material. They are now applied to living tissues and have contributed to the better understanding of their mechanics. Due to the complexity of living tissues, however, a third class of mechanical measurements, that of in situ forces and stresses, appears to be increasingly important to elaborate realistic models of tissue mechanics. We review here several emerging techniques of this class, their fields of applications, their advantages and limitations, and their validations. We argue that they will strongly impact on our understanding of developmental biology in the near future.
Characterization and Survival of Environmental Escherichia coli O26 Isolates in Ground Beef and Environmental Samples
Authors: Palmer Christine E. , Bratcher Christy L. , Singh Manpreet , Wang Luxin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn addition to Escherichia coli O157:H7, shiga toxin‐producing E. coli (STEC) O26 was added to the zero‐tolerance adulterant list together with other 5 non‐O157 STEC serogroups in 2012. Four farm O26 isolates were used in this study; they were obtained from a on‐farm survey study conducted in Alabama. The presence of 3 major pathogenic genes (stx1, stx2, and eaeA) was determined through multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two major pathogenic gene profiles were observed: 3 of the farm isolates contain only the eaeA gene whereas 1 farm isolate has both the eaeA and the stx1 genes. No significant difference was seen among the 4 farm isolates in the antibiotic resistance tests. To test their survival in ground beef and environmental samples, 2 inoculums were prepared and inoculated at various concentrations into samples of ground beef, bovine feces, bedding materials, and trough water. One inoculum was made of 3 farm isolates containing only the eaeA gene and another inoculum contained the isolate with both the eaeA and stx1 genes. Inoculated beef samples were stored at 4 °C for 10 d and the inoculated environmental samples were stored at ambient temperature for 30 d. Results showed that virulence gene profiles do not have an impact on O26's ability to survive in ground beef and in environment (P > 0.05). The inoculation levels, sample types as well as the storage times are the major factors that impact O26 survival (P < 0.05).
A high‐fat plus fructose diet produces a vascular prostanoid alterations in the rat
Authors: Peredo H. A. , Lee H. , Donoso A. S. , Andrade V. , Sánchez Eluchans N. , Puyó A. M. 
Published: March 2015

Summary

In the rat, a high‐fat (HF) plus fructose (F) diet produces cardiovascular and metabolic alterations that resemble human metabolic syndrome. Prostanoids (PR), cyclo‐oxygenase‐derived arachidonic acid metabolites, have vasoactive properties and mediate inflammation.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of a HF+F diet on blood pressure (BP), metabolic parameters and mesenteric vascular bed PR production in male Sprague–Dawley rats.

Four groups were studied over 9 weeks (n = 6 each): control (C), standard diet (SD) and tap water to drink; F+SD and 10% w/v F solution to drink; HF 50% (w/w) bovine fat added to SD and tap water; and HFF, both treatments. PR were determined by HPLC.

Blood pressure was elevated in all experimental groups. Triglyceridaemia, insulinaemia and HOMA‐IR were increased in the F and HF groups. HF+F animals showed elevated glycaemia, insulinaemia, HOMA‐IR and triglyceridaemia. F decreased the vasodilator prostanoids PGI2 and PGE2 in the mesenteric vascular bed. Body weight was not significantly altered. In HFF, production of PGE2, PGF2alpha and TXB2 was elevated.

The increased BP in HF and HFF could be partly attributed to the imbalance in vascular PR production towards vasoconstrictors. On the other hand, this dietary modification could induce inflammation, which would explain the elevation of PGE2. In the F group, hypertension could be related to decreased vasodilator PRs.

The simultaneous administration of HF and F in the rat produces deleterious effects greater than observed when treatments are applied separately.
Landscape context influences chytrid fungus distribution in an endangered European amphibian
Authors: Scheele B. C. , Driscoll D. A. , Fischer J. , Fletcher A. W. , Hanspach J. , Vörös J. , Hartel T. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWildlife disease is an emerging threat to biodiversity. The amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes the disease chytridiomycosis, has been documented in over 500 amphibian species globally. Understanding conditions under which amphibians are vulnerable to Bd is important for evaluating species risk and developing surveillance strategies. Here, we investigate the spatial distribution of Bd infection in the ephemeral pond‐breeding yellow‐bellied toad Bombina variegata, a species of high conservation concern in the European Union. We sampled 550 toads from 60 ponds in a traditional agricultural landscape in Southern Transylvania, Romania. Overall, Bd prevalence was low in B. variegata, but infected toads were widely dispersed through the landscape and were found in a quarter of all sampled ephemeral ponds. At the pond level, increased Bd occurrence was associated with short distances to perennial water sources and high forest cover. These findings suggest that perennial water sources may act as source habitat for Bd, with amphibian movements resulting in Bd spillover into ephemeral ponds. Increased Bd occurrence in ponds surrounded by high levels of forest cover is likely related to cooler and wetter conditions that are more favourable for Bd. Throughout the study landscape, patchy environmental suitability for Bd appears to restrict the pathogen to a subset of B. variegata habitat. Ephemeral ponds in open landscapes, without nearby perennial habitat, likely provide an environmental refuge from Bd, where the risk of infection is low. From a conservation perspective, these findings highlight the importance of maintaining ephemeral ponds in open landscapes, but these are currently threatened by land‐use change.
Dental demographics and metrics of oral diseases in the ageing Australian population
Authors: Hopcraft MS 
Published: March 2015

AbstractOne of the biggest challenges currently facing the dental profession in Australia is the provision of quality and timely dental care to the elderly. Adults aged 65+ years are an exponentially growing section of the community with rapidly changing dental needs, thanks in part to improvements in oral health over the past 60 years that have resulted in a dramatically decreased rate of edentulism and subsequently an increased number of teeth present. This is a challenge not only for the public dental services, but also public health policy makers, private dental practitioners, professional organizations and dental education providers. It is an issue that crosses a range of dental care providers, not only dentists but also dental prosthetists and dental hygienists, whose role in the provision of dental services has been slowly growing in Australia. Furthermore, with evidence of links between oral and systemic health, this issue has significant impacts for the broader health system.