bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chromodomain protein Tcd1 is required for macronuclear genome rearrangement and repair in Tetrahymena
Authors: Xu Jing , Yuan Yajing , Liang Aihua , Wang Wei 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe survival of an organism’s progeny depends on the maintenance of its genome. Programmed DNA rearrangement and repair in Tetrahymena occur during the differentiation of the developing somatic macronuclear genome from the germ line micronuclear genome. Tetrahymena chromodomain protein (Tcd1) exhibited dynamic localization from the parental to the developing macronuclei. In the developing macronuclei, Tcd1 colocalized with Pdd1 and H3K9me3. Furthermore, Tcd1 colocalized with Pdd1 in the conjusome and “donut structure” of DNA elimination heterochromatin region. During the growth and conjugation stages, TCD1 knockout cells appeared normal and similar to wild-type strains. In addition, these knockout cells proceeded to the 2MAC-1MIC stage. However, the progeny of the TCD1 knockout cells did not grow upon return to SPP medium and eventually died. The deletion of the internal elimination sequence R element was partially disrupted in the developing new macronuclei. Gamma H2A staining showed that Tcd1 loss induced the accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks and the failure of genome repair. These results suggest that the chromodomain protein Tcd1 is required for the rearrangement and repair of new macronuclear genome in Tetrahymena.
Genomic analysis of a ginger pathogen Bacillus pumilus providing the understanding to the pathogenesis and the novel control strategy
Authors: Yuan Yihui , Gao Meiying 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBacillus pumilushas been widely identified as a pathogen of plant and human, while the genetic information is rarely available for pathogenicB. pumilusstrains.B. pumilusGR8 is a pathogen that causes ginger rhizome rot disease by invading ginger rhizome parenchymatous tissues, growing in the extracellular space and producing plant cell wall-degrading enzymes to destroy ginger cells. In this study, the genome of GR8 was sequenced and characterized. This genome was the third completely sequenced genome of theB. pumilusspecies and it exhibited high similarity to the genome of theB. pumilusstrain B6033. The genome of GR8 was 3.67 Mb in length and encoded 3,713 putative ORFs. Among these predicted proteins, numerous plant cell wall-degrading enzymes and several proteins associated with invading and adapting to the environment in the extracellular space of the ginger rhizome parenchymatous tissue were found. The GR8 genome contained only one restriction-modification system and no CRISPR/Cas system. The lack of phage-resistant system suggested that phages might be potential agents for the control of GR8. The genomic analysis of GR8 provided the understanding to the pathogenesis and the phage-control strategy of pathogenicB. pumilusstrains.
Heparin affinity purification of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Balaj Leonora , Atai Nadia A. , Chen Weilin , Mu Dakai , Tannous Bakhos A. , Breakefield Xandra O. , Skog Johan , Maguire Casey A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid membrane vesicles released by cells. They carry active biomolecules including DNA, RNA and protein which can be transferred to recipient cells. Isolation and purification of EVs from culture cell media and biofluids is still a major challenge. The most widely used isolation method is ultracentrifugation (UC) which requires expensive equipment and only partially purifies EVs. Previously we have shown that heparin blocks EV uptake in cells, supporting a direct EV-heparin interaction. Here we show that EVs can be purified from cell culture media and human plasma using ultrafiltration (UF) followed by heparin-affinity beads. UF/heparin-purified EVs from cell culture displayed the EV marker Alix, contained a diverse RNA profile, had lower levels of protein contamination and were functional at binding to and uptake into cells. RNA yield was similar for EVs isolated by UC. We were able to detect mRNAs in plasma samples with comparable levels to UC samples. In conclusion, we have discovered a simple, scalable and effective method to purify EVs taking advantage of their heparin affinity.
The Galvanotactic Migration of Keratinocytes is Enhanced by Hypoxic Preconditioning
Authors: Guo Xiaowei , Jiang Xupin , Ren Xi , Sun Huanbo , Zhang Dongxia , Zhang Qiong , Zhang Jiaping , Huang Yuesheng 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe endogenous electric field (EF)-directed migration of keratinocytes (galvanotaxis) into wounds is an essential step in wound re-epithelialization. Hypoxia, which occurs immediately after injury, acts as an early stimulus to initiate the healing process; however, the mechanisms for this effect, remain elusive. We show here that the galvanotactic migration of keratinocytes was enhanced by hypoxia preconditioning as a result of the increased directionality rather than the increased motility of keratinocytes. This enhancement was both oxygen tension- and preconditioning time-dependent, with the maximum effects achieved using 2% O2 preconditioning for 6 hours. Hypoxic preconditioning (2% O2, 6 hours) decreased the threshold voltage of galvanotaxis to < 25 mV/mm, whereas this value was between 25 and 50 mV/mm in the normal culture control. In a scratch-wound monolayer assay in which the applied EF was in the default healing direction, hypoxic preconditioning accelerated healing by 1.38-fold compared with the control conditions. Scavenging of the induced ROS by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) abolished the enhanced galvanotaxis and the accelerated healing by hypoxic preconditioning. Our data demonstrate a novel and unsuspected role of hypoxia in supporting keratinocyte galvanotaxis. Enhancing the galvanotactic response of cells might therefore be a clinically attractive approach to induce improved wound healing.
Mangiferin supplementation improves serum lipid profiles in overweight patients with hyperlipidemia: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Na Lixin , Zhang Qiao , Jiang Shuo , Du Shanshan , Zhang Wei , Li Ying , Sun Changhao , Niu Yucun 
Published: May 2015

AbstractOur previous studies have shown that mangiferin decreased serum triglycerides and free fatty acids (FFAs) by increasing FFAs oxidation in both animal and cell experiments. This study sought to evaluate the effects of mangiferin on serum lipid profiles in overweight patients with hyperlipidemia. Overweight patients with hyperlipidemia (serum triglyceride ≥ 1.70 mmol/L and total cholesterol ≥ 5.2 mmol/L) were included in this double-blind randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly allocated to groups, either receiving mangiferin (150 mg/day) or identical placebo for 12 weeks. The lipid profile and serum levels of mangiferin, glucose, L-carnitine, β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate were determined at baseline and 12 weeks. A total of 97 participants completed the trial. Compared with the placebo control, mangiferin supplementation significantly decreased the serum levels of triglycerides and FFAs and insulin resistance index. Mangiferin supplementation also significantly increased the serum levels of mangiferin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, L-carnitine, β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate and increased lipoprotein lipase activity. However, there were no differences in the serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum glucose and insulin between groups. Mangiferin supplementation could improve serum lipid profiles by reducing serum triglycerides and FFAs in overweight patients with hyperlipidemia, partly due to the promotion of FFAs oxidation.
A planar chiral meta-surface for optical vortex generation and focusing
Authors: Ma Xiaoliang , Pu Mingbo , Li Xiong , Huang Cheng , Wang Yanqin , Pan Wenbo , Zhao Bo , Cui Jianhua , Wang Changtao , Zhao ZeYu , Luo Xiangang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractData capacity is rapidly reaching its limit in modern optical communications. Optical vortex has been explored to enhance the data capacity for its extra degree of freedom of angular momentum. In traditional means, optical vortices are generated using space light modulators or spiral phase plates, which would sharply decrease the integration of optical communication systems. Here we experimentally demonstrate a planar chiral antenna array to produce optical vortex from a circularly polarized light. Furthermore, the antenna array has the ability to focus the incident light into point, which greatly increases the power intensity of the generated optical vortex. This chiral antenna array may have potential application in highly integrated optical communication systems.
Direct laser-writing of ferroelectric single-crystal waveguide architectures in glass for 3D integrated optics
Authors: Stone Adam , Jain Himanshu , Dierolf Volkmar , Sakakura Masaaki , Shimotsuma Yasuhiko , Miura Kiyotaka , Hirao Kazuyuki , Lapointe Jerome , Kashyap Raman 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDirect three-dimensional laser writing of amorphous waveguides inside glass has been studied intensely as an attractive route for fabricating photonic integrated circuits. However, achieving essential nonlinear-optic functionality in such devices will also require the ability to create high-qualitysingle-crystalwaveguides. Femtosecond laser irradiation is capable of crystallizing glass in 3D, but producing optical-quality single-crystal structures suitable for waveguiding poses unique challenges that are unprecedented in the field of crystal growth. In this work, we use a high angular-resolution electron diffraction method to obtain the first conclusive confirmation that uniform single crystals can be grown inside glass by femtosecond laser writing under optimized conditions. We confirm waveguiding capability and present the first quantitative measurement of power transmission through a laser-written crystal-in-glass waveguide, yielding loss of 2.64 dB/cm at 1530 nm. We demonstrate uniformity of the crystal cross-section down the length of the waveguide and quantify its birefringence. Finally, as a proof-of-concept for patterning more complex device geometries, we demonstrate the use of dynamic phase modulation to grow symmetric crystal junctions with single-pass writing.
Resonant light scattering from a single dielectric nano-antenna formed by electron beam-induced deposition
Authors: Lee Eun-Khwang , Song Jung-Hwan , Jeong Kwang-Yong , Kang Ju-Hyung , Park Hong-Gyu , Seo Min-Kyo 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDielectric nano-antennas are promising elements in nanophotonics due to their low material loss and strong leaky-mode optical resonances. In particular, light scattering can be easily manipulated using dielectric nano-antennas. To take full advantage of dielectric nano-antennas and explore their new optical applications, it is necessary to fabricate three-dimensional nano-structures under arbitrary conditions such as in non-planar substrates. Here, we demonstrate full-visible-range resonant light scattering from a single dielectric optical nano-rod antenna. The nano-rod antenna was formed by electron beam-induced deposition (EBID), a promising three-dimensional nanofabrication technique with a high spatial resolution. The nano-rods consist of amorphous alloys of C and O, with a width of 180 nm on average and a length of 4.5 μm. Polarization-resolved dark-field scattering measurements show that both transverse-electric and transverse-magnetic mode resonances cover the full visible range as the height of the nano-rod antenna varies from 90 to 280 nm. Numerical simulations successfully reproduce the measured scattering features and characterize the modal properties, using the critical points dispersive dielectric constant of the EBID carbonaceous material. Our deep understanding of resonant light scattering in the EBID dielectric nano-antenna will be useful for near-field measurement or for the implementation of three-dimensional nanophotonic devices.
Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Does Sex Moderate the Pathway from Clinical Symptoms to Adaptive Behavior?
Authors: Mandic-Maravic Vanja , Pejovic-Milovancevic Milica , Mitkovic-Voncina Marija , Kostic Milutin , Aleksic-Hil Olivera , Radosavljev-Kircanski Jelena , Mincic Teodora , Lecic-Tosevski Dusica 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe explored sex differences in diagnostic categories, clinical symptoms and adaptive behavior of persons with autism spectrum disorders, as well as sex-specific correlations of clinical and adaptive caracteristics. The study involved 108 patients (83 males, 6.73 ± 4.33 years old) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Assessment included ADI-R and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale II. Males were more often diagnosed with typical autism. There were no sex differences in the autistic symptoms, while females showed better functioning in Daily living skills, without reaching statistically significant difference (p = 0.062). We have found different associations of autistic symptoms with different aspects of adaptive behavior in males and females. Social reciprocity in females correlated with social domain of adaptive behavior, in a positive direction. Our findings have shown that although there are no sex differences in autistic symptoms, females tend to be somewhat more functional and are also less frequently diagnosed with typical autism. Our results have also shown that sex might moderate the way clinical symptoms are expressed in adaptive behavior. Social reciprocity might be the core feature regarding sex differences in ASD. Our findings might have diagnostic and therapeutical implications, pointing out to the need for individualized, sex-specific treatment in this group of disorders.
Paleoarchean trace fossils in altered volcanic glass
Authors: Staudigel Hubert , Furnes Harald , DeWit Maarten 
Published: May 2015

Significance
The dawn of sustainable life on earth is preserved in the form of fossil or chemical evidence in ancient rock sequences, such as the Barberton Greenstone Belt in South Africa. Studies of sedimentary rocks offered a glimpse at life at the earth’s surface, and trace fossils in pillow lavas offered evidence for a potential deep biosphere back in time to the Paleoarchean. Recent data cast doubt on the biogenicity of these putative trace fossils, rejecting their potential in exploring a deep biosphere. We discuss biogenicity of Cenozoic and Archean examples of such putative biocorrosion textures and conclude that microbial origin remains the best explanation for the textures described previously in these Paleoarchean rocks (e.g., >3.4 Ga).
Reversal of mitochondrial defects with CSB-dependent serine protease inhibitors in patient cells of the progeroid Cockayne syndrome
Authors: Chatre Laurent , Biard Denis S. F. , Sarasin Alain , Ricchetti Miria 
Published: May 2015

Significance
Ageing is dramatically accelerated in Cockayne syndrome (CS), but the impairments that lead to this phenotype have not been elucidated. The DNA repair proteins CSA or CSB are mutated in CS, but premature ageing is not caused by the DNA repair defect. CSB also affects mitochondrial turnover. Our data reveal a novel pathway that is affected in CS cells. We show that CSB deregulates the expression of a serine protease, which degrades mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma and impairs mitochondrial function. We rescue this defect, by two independent strategies, in primary cells from patients. Our findings open novel possibilities for developing treatments, which are presently missing for CS patients. Abnormalities revealed here might occur at a slower rate during normal physiological ageing.
Mechanical force effect on the two-state equilibrium of the hyaluronan-binding domain of CD44 in cell rolling
Authors: Suzuki Takashi , Suzuki Miho , Ogino Shinji , Umemoto Ryo , Nishida Noritaka , Shimada Ichio 
Published: May 2015

Significance
Rolling is a first step for cells to transmigrate across the endothelium and is mediated by specialized adhesion receptors. Although it has been demonstrated that the mechanical force positively regulates rolling mediated by selectins and integrins, it remains elusive how force affects the rolling mediated by a hyaluronan receptor, CD44. Here, we demonstrate that the force applied from the C terminus of the hyaluronan-binding domain of CD44 stabilized the CD44-mediated rolling. We also found that the effect of force is to shorten the transition time from the low- to the high-affinity state. The mechanism described here provides the structural basis for the CD44-mediated rolling, which is important for lymphocyte trafficking and the stem cell homing.
Intercondylar Notch Width as a Risk Factor for Medial Femoral Condyle Osteochondritis Dissecans in Skeletally Immature Patients
Authors: Chow Roxanne M. , Guzman Maurice S. , Dao Quang 
Published: May 2015

Background:
Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the medial femoral condyle (MFC) is one of the most common causes of knee pain in adolescents. Wilson sign reproduces knee pain with internal rotation of the tibia during extension of the knee from 90 to 30 degrees due to impingement of the tibial eminence on the MFC. This impingement may result in microtrauma and contribute to lesion formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate anatomic factors that may increase the likelihood of impingement by using magnetic resonance imaging scans of patients with MFC OCD lesions to measure tibial eminence height and femoral notch width.

Methods:
A retrospective, case-control study was performed using the radiology database at our institution between July 2009 and February 2014. Magnetic resonance imagings of patients with MFC OCD lesions and matched controls were identified. For each patient, tibial eminence height and femoral notch width were measured and then normalized for patient size [creating the tibial eminence height normalized, and the notch width index (NWI), respectively]. Values for OCD and control knees were compared using Student t test. Interrater and intrarater reliability were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results:
Thirty-five MFC OCD patients and matched controls were identified. Comparison of the groups showed a significantly smaller NWI in MFC OCD knees than in the matched controls (0.2620±0.0248 vs. 0.2886 ±0.0323, P=0.0003). There was no difference in tibial eminence height normalized between groups (0.1387±0.0161 vs. 0.1428±0.0108, P=0.21). Interrater and intrarater reliability of all measurements was good to excellent (0.81 to 1.00) when measurements were made using bony margins.

Conclusions:
Knees with MFC OCD lesions have significantly smaller NWIs than matched controls. This anatomic factor may increase the likelihood of tibial eminence impingement and contribute to OCD lesion formation.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—case-control study.
Poor Efficiency of Eight-Plates in the Treatment of Lower Limb Discrepancy
Authors: Gaumétou Elodie , Mallet Cindy , Souchet Philippe , Mazda Keyvan , Ilharreborde Brice 
Published: May 2015

Background:
Among the numerous existing epiphysiodesis procedures, the eight-plate–guided growth technique, initially described for angular deformities correction, has progressively gained popularity among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons to treat lower limb discrepancy (LLD). The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of eight-plates in LLD.

Methods:
All children treated for LLD with eight-plates were prospectively included and followed until skeletal maturity. Efficacy of the epiphysiodesis was calculated 6 and 18 months postoperatively and at latest follow-up, according to a method previously validated for percutaneous epiphysiodesis using transphyseal screws (PETS). Radiologic measurements were performed using 3-dimensional low-dose stereoradiography. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported.

Results:
Thirty-two patients were included (average age at surgery, 12.5 y). For femoral epiphysiodesis, efficacy was only 23% at 6 months and 68% at latest follow-up. The procedure was even less efficient on the proximal tibia, with only 42% of the expected growth arrest at latest examination. Eight patients (20%) experienced plate-related pain during follow-up, and 5 physes (12.5%) required unplanned revision surgery.

Conclusions:
Results of the current series show that the eight-plate technique procedure was associated with few perioperative complications, but the growth arrest observed at follow-up was unpredictable and lower than that achieved with PETS in previous reports. Eight-plate procedures cannot be considered as an efficient epiphysiodesis technique in comparison with standard technique.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV.
Hepatitis B Virus Revaccination With Standard Versus Pre‐S Vaccine in Previously Immunized Patients With Celiac Disease
Authors: Heshin‐Bekenstein Merav , Turner Dan , Shamir Raanan , Bar‐Meir Maskit , Dagan Ron , Zevit Noam , Silbermintz Ari 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTObjective:Previous studies have suggested that hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines may be less immunogenic in individuals with celiac disease (CD). A pre‐S vaccine (Sci‐B‐Vac) has demonstrated superior immunogenicity compared with standard HBV vaccines in several diseases. We compared the short‐term immunogenicity of a pre‐S vaccine with a HBV vaccine (Engerix B) for repeat vaccination of seronegative, previously immunized patients with CD.Methods:Participants were 1 to 18‐year‐old children with CD who despite standard HBV vaccines in infancy had nonprotective hepatitis B surface antibody (HBs‐Ab) concentrations (≤10 mIU/mL). Patients were randomized to receive either Engerix B or pre‐S vaccine. HBs‐Ab concentrations were measured 1 month after the first dose. For those who had not responded after 1 dose, measurement was repeated after the third dose.Results:Children (n = 82) were analyzed (42 pre‐S vaccine and 40 Engerix B). Baseline characteristics were similar for both groups, including gluten‐free diet status. Both arms showed high response rates following the first injection: 41 (98%) versus 35 (87%) for pre‐S vaccine and Engerix B recipients, respectively (P = 0.08). All other patients responded when measured after dose 3. HBs‐Ab concentrations (mIU/mL) were higher in the pre‐S vaccine group (median 925, interquartile range [IQR] 424–1000) than the Engerix B group (median 363, IQR 106–996, P = 0.005). Twenty (48%) of the pre‐S vaccine recipients were “high responders” (>1000 mIU/mL) versus 10 (25%) in Engerix B recipients (P = 0.008).Conclusions:Both vaccines elicited adequate booster responses in most previously vaccinated patients with CD with nonprotective HBs‐Ab concentrations. Pre‐S vaccine administration resulted in higher Hbs‐Ab concentrations. Our data suggest that a single dose of either vaccine is sufficient to raise titers to protective levels in most patients with CD.
Omega‐3 Fatty Acid–Rich Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Kyrana Eirini , Dhawan Anil 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTParenteral nutrition (PN) has been strongly associated with intestinal failure–associated liver disease. Cholestasis, liver steatosis, and liver fibrosis are features of this liver injury, which can progress to end stage liver disease. Omega‐3 fatty acid rich PN has been shown to alleviate cholestasis and steatosis. There have been reports although suggesting that it may not be able to arrest or reverse the progression to liver fibrosis. In this article, we develop a hypothesis of the mechanism of how Ω‐3 fatty acid rich PN may influence the progression of fibrosis.