PReD-Bench/PRed-Bench huggingface dataset:
HOTAIR contributes to cell proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer via targetting miR-23b/MAPK1 axis
Authors: Qin Li
Bin Wang
Man Liang
Zhenning Zhu
Shuai Shi
Yumei Qiao
Xu Chao
Yanhong Feng
Pin Wang
Journal: Bioscience Reports (2018)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: Cervical cancer; HOTAIR; MAPK1; miR23b.
Affiliations: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China., School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China., School of Pharmacy, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China., Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China .

Abstract:  The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) has been found to be overexpressed in many human malignancies and involved in tumor progression and metastasis. Although the downstream target through which HOTAIR modulates tumor metastasis is not well-known, evidence suggests that miR-23b might be involved in this event. In the present study, the expressions of HOTAIR and miR-23b were detected by real-time PCR in 33 paired cervical cancer tissue samples and cervical cell lines. The effects of HOTAIR on the expressions of miR-23b and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) were studied by overexpression and RNAi approaches. We found that HOTAIR expression was significantly increased in cervical cancer cells and tissues. In contrast, the expression of miR-23b was obviously decreased. We further demonstrated that HOTAIR knockdown promoted apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo Moreover, our data indicated that HOTAIR may competitively bind miR-23b and modulate the expression of MAPK1 indirectly in cervical cancer cells. Taken together, our study has identified a novel pathway through which HOTAIR exerts its oncogenic role, and provided a molecular basis for potential applications of HOTAIR in the prognosis and treatment of cervical cancer. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Footnote 42 refers to iapac.org but says that the content referred to is no longer available. The Wayback Machine has copies: https: web.archive.org web 19991003043516 http: iapac.org norvir abt_sun.html https: web.archive.org web 19991115063806 http: iapac.org norvir abt_byrn.html https: web.archive.org web 19991115064921 http: iapac.org norvir abt_lichter.html https: web.archive.org web 19991115070715 http: iapac.org norvir abt_dintruff.html ,
Developmental regulation of NO-mediated VEGF-induced effects in the lung
Authors: Kamran Yusuf
Jonathan H Nedrelow
Chun G Lee
Vineet Bhandari
Robert J Homer
Namasivayam Ambalavanan
Jack A Elias
Rayman Choo-Wing
Herbert Malkus
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology (2008)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: VEGF; lung development; NO; pulmonary hemorrhage; surfactant production
Affiliations: Division of Perinatal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New Haven, CT 06520-8057, USA. 

Abstract:  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to have a pivotal role in lung development and in a variety of pathologic conditions in the adult lung. Our earlier studies have shown that NO is a critical mediator of VEGF-induced vascular and extravascular effects in the adult murine lung. As significant differences have been reported in the cytokine responses in the adult versus the neonatal lung, we hypothesized that there may be significant differences in VEGF-induced alterations in the developing as opposed to the mature lung. Furthermore, nitric oxide (NO) mediation of these VEGF-induced effects may be developmentally regulated. Using a novel externally regulatable lung-targeted transgenic murine model, we found that VEGF-induced pulmonary hemorrhage was mediated by NO-dependent mechanisms in adults and newborns. VEGF enhanced surfactant production in adults as well as increased surfactant and lung development in newborns, via an NO-independent mechanism. While the enhanced survival in hyperoxia in the adult was partly NO-dependent, there was enhanced hyperoxia-induced lung injury in the newborn. In addition, human amniotic fluid VEGF levels correlated positively with surfactant phospholipids. Tracheal aspirate VEGF levels had an initial spike, followed by a decline, and then a subsequent rise, in human neonates with an outcome of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death. Our data show that VEGF can have injurious as well as potentially beneficial developmental effects, of which some are NO dependent, others NO independent. This opens up the possibility of selective manipulation of any VEGF-based intervention using NO inhibitors for maximal potential clinical benefit. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 3C. Much more similar than expected. https: imgur.com La0JG4S , 
 There seem to be several mis-alignments between figures 6A and 6D. https: imgur.com NsXvNqe ,
Inhibition of BATF/JUN transcriptional activity protects against osteoarthritic cartilage destruction
Authors: Seul-Ki Kim
Jin-Hong Kim
Jinseol Rhee
Chul-Won Ha
Seo-Hee Park
Churl-Hong Chun
Jang-Soo Chun
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2017)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: Chondrocytes; Cytokines; Osteoarthritis.
Affiliations: School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea., School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Korea., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, SungKyunKwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea., Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, SungKyunKwan University, Seoul, South Korea., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea.

Abstract:  Objective: The basic leucine zipper transcription factor, ATF-like (BATF), a member of the Activator protein-1 family, promotes transcriptional activation or repression, depending on the interacting partners (JUN-B or C-JUN). Here, we investigated whether the BATF/JUN complex exerts regulatory effects on catabolic and anabolic gene expression in chondrocytes and contributes to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Primary cultured mouse chondrocytes were treated with proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, IL-6 or tumour necrosis factor-α) or infected with adenoviruses carrying the Batf gene (Ad-Batf). Expression of BATF and JUN was examined in human and mouse experimental OA cartilage samples. Experimental OA in mice was induced by destabilisation of the medial meniscus or intra-articular injection of Ad-Batf. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to examine the binding of BATF and JUN to the promoter regions of candidate genes. Results: Overexpression of BATF, which forms a heterodimeric complex with JUN-B and C-JUN, induced upregulation of matrix-degrading enzymes and downregulation of cartilage matrix molecules in chondrocytes. BATF expression in mouse joint tissues promoted OA cartilage destruction, and conversely, knockout of Batf in mice suppressed experimental OA. Pharmacological inhibition of BATF/JUN transcriptional activity reduced the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes and protected against experimental OA in mice. Conclusions: BATF/JUN-B and BATF/C-JUN complexes play important roles in OA cartilage destruction through regulating anabolic and catabolic gene expression in chondrocytes. Our findings collectively support the utility of BATF as a therapeutic target for OA. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 4. * Blue boxes: A panel in Figure 4A representing WT mice injected with Ad-C appears to look similar to a panel in Figure 4E representing WT mice that received a sham operation. ![file] ,
FGF receptor-mediated gene delivery using ligands coupled to polyethylenimine
Authors: Guping Tang
Hongliang Huang
Fenping Shen
Xiaoyuan Wu
Da Li
Qingqing Wang
Xuetao Cao
Hai Yu
Jianli Wang
Jingzhong Li
Journal: Journal of biomaterials applications (2007)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: nonviral vectors; gene delivery efficiency; cell targeting; ligands; polyethylenimine
Affiliations: Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University Hangzhou, 310058, PR China.

Abstract:  To obtain new nonviral vectors with high gene delivery efficiency and special cell targeting ability, an attractive strategy is to link ligands to polyethylenimine (PEI). Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are highly expressed on a variety of human cancer cells and are potential targets for cancer gene therapy. In this study, the peptides NH2-Met-Gln-Leu-Pro-Leu-Ala-ThrGly-Gly-Gly-Cys-COOH (MC11) which have been proved to combine specially with the FGFR on cell membrane are coupled to PEI using N-Succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP) as a linker with different molar ratios (1 : 0.3, 1 : 0.75, 1 : 1.5, and 1 : 3.0) and the new polymer PEI-MC11 is verified by a series of physicochemical methods including 1H-NMR and FTIR. The agarose gel electrophoresis assay, particle size test, zeta potential test, and electron microscope observation show that PEI-MC11 can efficiently condense plasmid DNA into nanoparticles with about 200 nm in diameter and with positive surface charge at the suitable N/P ratio. The MTT assay suggests the decreased toxicity of the polymers. The results of the gene delivery efficiency in vitro show that PEI-MC11/pDNA polyplexes have significantly greater transgene activity than PEI/pDNA in COS-7 and HepG2 cells which express FGFR positively, while no such effect is observed in PC3 cells which have negative FGFR. The enhanced gene delivery efficiency of PEI-MC11 can be blocked by the co-culture of free peptides MC11 before the gene delivery procedure. The synthesized nonviral vector based on PEI with the targeting peptides MC11 for binding FGFR has improved efficiency of gene delivery and targeting specificity in FGFR positive cells. It may have potential application in cancer gene therapy. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 6. Some unexpected repetitive background patterns might be observed in panel b. Almost all of these appear to be visible once in panel a. The legend reads:  The transmission electron microscope appearances of the polyplexes: (a) PEI pDNA and (b) PEI-MC11(1 : 0.75) pDNA. 150u2013200 nm in diameter. ![file] , 
 And just for those who believe more in computer tools than the human eye, here is a Forensically-annotated version of this figure. ![file] ,
Effects of photoperiod on morphology and function in testis and epididymis of Cricetulus barabensis
Authors: Chuanli Wang
Xingchen Wang
Ming Wu
Laixiang Xu
Junjie Mou
Jinhui Xu
Xueqi Yang
Zhe Wang
Huiliang Xue
Journal: Journal of cellular physiology (2021)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: Cricetulus barabensis; apoptosis; autophagy; mitochondria; photoperiod.
Affiliations: College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, China.

Abstract:  Photoperiod regulates the seasonal reproductive rhythms of mammals by influencing the development and function of sexual organs; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We examined the morphology and functioning of the main sex organs of striped dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) under different photoperiods (short daylight [SD], moderate daylight [MD], and long daylight [LD]) and further investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. There was an inverse correlation between blood melatonin levels and photoperiod in the order SD &gt; MD &gt; LD. Decreases in body and tissue weights were observed under SD, whereas testis and epididymis weights between MD and LD were comparable. The diameters of the spermatogenic tubules, thickness of the spermatogenic epithelium, and the number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells decreased under SD, whereas the serum-luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and fecal testosterone concentrations decreased under LD. In SD, bax/bcl2 protein expression increased in the testes and decreased in the epididymides, whereas LC3II/LC3I remained unchanged in the testes and increased in the epididymides compared with the MD group. In LD, bax/bcl2 and LC3II/LC3I protein expression levels were unchanged in the testes but were decreased in the epididymides. In SD and LD, adenosine triphosphate synthase and citrate synthase protein expression levels were unchanged in the testes but were decreased in the epididymides. Drp1 and Mff protein expression increased in the testes and decreased in the epididymides. Overall, different regulatory mechanisms in the testis and epididymis led to degeneration under SD and maintenance under LD, preferentially protecting mitochondrial function in the testis by regulating mitochondrial fission. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 In Figure 7, a micrograph has been duplicated and presented as something else. ![file] ,
Inhibiting caspase cleavage of huntingtin reduces toxicity and aggregate formation in neuronal and nonneuronal cells
Authors: N Thornberry
J Savill
R Singaraja
D W Nicholson
M R Hayden
D E Bredesen
A Hackam
B Leavitt
C L Wellington
S Roy
L Ellerby
E Cattaneo
A Sharp
Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry (2000)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: Huntington's disease; neurodegenerative disorder; CAG expansion; polyglutamine tract; huntingtin
Affiliations: Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.

Abstract:  Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG expansion that results in expansion of a polyglutamine tract at the extreme N terminus of huntingtin (htt). htt with polyglutamine expansion is proapoptotic in different cell types. Here, we show that caspase inhibitors diminish the toxicity of htt. Additionally, we define htt itself as an important caspase substrate by generating a site-directed htt mutant that is resistant to caspase-3 cleavage at positions 513 and 530 and to caspase-6 cleavage at position 586. In contrast to cleavable htt, caspase-resistant htt with an expanded polyglutamine tract has reduced toxicity in apoptotically stressed neuronal and nonneuronal cells and forms aggregates at a much reduced frequency. These results suggest that inhibiting caspase cleavage of htt may therefore be of potential therapeutic benefit in Huntington's disease. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 ![file] , 
 Parts of Fig. 5D seem to have been modified in a non-uniform manner. ![file] , 
 #2 Note, these irregularities can be detected in the original  in press version of the manuscript , but they have become obscured due to reductions in resolution and or resampling in both the final published PDF and the HTML-based figures. ,
High Expression of Cancer-Derived Glycosylated Immunoglobulin G Predicts Poor Prognosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xiaoyan Qiu
Jing Huang
Boju Pan
Yupei Zhao
Xinmei Huang
Lei You
Qiaofei Liu
Bang Zheng
Ming Cui
Quan Liao
Journal: Journal of Cancer (2020)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: cancer-derived IgG; pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; prognosis; survival.
Affiliations: Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China., School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, UK., Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China., Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing 100191, China., Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.

Abstract:  Background: Cancer-derived immunoglobulin G (CIgG) has been detected in various cancers and plays important roles in carcinogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate its clinical significance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: Using tissue microarrays (TMAs) and immunohistochemistry, we assessed CIgG expression in 326 patients who underwent surgical resection for PDAC. The associations between CIgG expression and clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Functional experiments were also performed to investigate the effect of CIgG on PDAC cells. Results: High CIgG expression was related to poor tumor differentiation and metastasis during follow-up and was associated with poor disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). A multivariate Cox regression analysis identified high CIgG expression as an independent prognostic factor for DFS and OS. The incorporation of CIgG expression improved the accuracy of an established prognosis prediction model for 1-year OS and 2-year OS. In vitro studies showed that knocking down CIgG profoundly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacity of PDAC cells. Conclusions: CIgG contributes to the malignant behaviors of PDAC and offers a powerful prognostic predictor for these patients. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Two images in Figure 3G appear to overlap. I did not check elsewhere. *** ![file] , 
 Thank you for your comment! we will check the primary data and then contact the editorial board as soon as possible. , 
 Published 2021-9-5  In the original version of the article, the representative image of siRNA2-silenced T3M4 cells in Figure 3G is incorrect. The correct Figure 3G is as follows. This correction will not affect the results and conclusions. The authors would like to apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. ![file] ,
IL-6 expression regulates tumorigenicity and correlates with prognosis in bladder cancer
Authors: Chun-Te Wu
Paul-Yang Lin
Ching-Fang Wu
Miao-Fen Chen
Wen-Cheng Chen
Journal: PLoS ONE (2013)
Discipline: Multidisciplinary
Keywords: tumor markers; IL-6; bladder cancer; treatment; prognosis
Affiliations: Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.

Abstract:  Identification of potential tumor markers will help stratify and identify a tumor's malignant potential and its response to specific therapies. IL-6 has been reported to be a predictor in various cancers. Therefore, the present study was performed to highlight the role of IL-6 in improving treatment and determining prognosis of bladder cancer. The human bladder cancer cell lines HT1376 and HT1197 were selected for cell and animal experiments, in which biological changes after experimental manipulation of IL-6 were explored, including tumor behavior and related signaling in bladder cancer. In addition, clinical specimens from 85 patients with muscle-invasive, and 50 with non-muscle invasive bladder cancers were selected for immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the predictive capacity of IL-6 in relation to clinical outcome. The data revealed that IL-6 was overexpressed in the bladder cancer specimens compared with non-malignant tissues at both mRNA and protein levels. Positive staining of IL-6 was significantly correlated with higher clinical stage, higher recurrence rate after curative treatment, and reduced survival rate. Tumor growth and invasive capability were attenuated when IL-6 was blocked. The underlying changes included decreased cell proliferation, less epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), decreased DNA methyltransferase 1 expression and attenuated angiogenesis. In conclusion, our findings showed that IL-6 could be a significant predictor for clinical stage and prognosis of bladder cancer. Moreover, targeting IL-6 may be a promising strategy for treating bladder cancer. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 *[right]* Fig 3C.  Representative photograph of xenograft tumors . *[left]* Fig 2E from [Ye et al (2017)] .  Image of tumor tissues of each group . ![file] Could the authors of either paper comment on the number of tumors appearing in both? UPDATE: Fig 6B from [Jing et al (2019)] .  The tumor image . ![file] , 
 Fig 5D had overlapping images after rotating. ![file] ,
Effect of angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 on the growth, blood flow, and microvessel density in xenografts of human uterine carcinosarcoma in nude mice
Authors: Tatsuhiko Kawarabayashi
Makoto Emoto
Masako Ishiguro
Masahiro Kikuchi
Hiroshi Iwasaki
Journal: Gynecologic Oncology (2003)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: Carcinosarcoma; angiogenesis inhibitor; TNP-470; uterine malignancies; chemotherapeutic drug
Affiliations: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fukuoka University Medical School, Fukuoka, Japan. 

Abstract:  Objectives: Carcinosarcoma is the most aggressive neoplasm of among the known uterine malignancies. Most tumors show lymph-vascular space invasion and are clinically resistant to any chemotherapeutic drug currently used as well as any radiotherapy. This is the first study to investigate a novel therapeutic approach using an angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470, a synthetic analogue of fumagillin, for human uterine carcinosarcoma in vivo. Methods: The growth-inhibitory and anti-angiogenic effects of TNP-470 were examined after inoculating a human uterine carcinosarcoma cell line, FU-MMT-1, in nude mice. Intratumoral blood flow was evaluated weekly by color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) after the xenografts measurably developed during the period of treatment. The microvessel density (MVD) in TNP-470-treated xenografts was also immunohistochemically examined. Results: TNP-470 significantly reduced the volume as well as the weight of the xenografts when this therapy was started 3 weeks (Day 21) after the inoculation of FU-MMT-1, in comparison to the controls. Neither weight loss nor ataxia was observed in any mice of this therapy. A main feeding artery for the xenograft was detected by CDU in all mice treated in this study. However, no significant difference in either the vessel density visualized by CDU or MVD between the TNP-470-treated xenografts and controls was observed. Conclusion: These results suggest that TNP-470 may inhibit the growth of human uterine carcinosarcoma in vivo. We speculate that TNP-470 may be a useful agent for adjuvant therapy in patients with advanced or recurrent uterine carcinosarcomas. However, a further evaluation in molecular level of the anti-angiogenic effect of TNP-470 against this tumor in vivo is thus called for. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Even way back in 2002 2003, the ethics of animal husbandry was a thing. Though, judging by these enormous xenografts, Elsevier journals were blissfully unaware of such issues. ![image] ,
Pt NPs@GO as a highly efficient and reusable catalyst for one-pot synthesis of acridinedione derivatives
Authors: Handan Pamuk
Burak Aday
Fatih Şen
Muharrem Kaya
Journal: RSC Advances (2015)
Discipline: CHEMISTRY
Keywords: Graphene oxide; platinum nanoparticles; catalyst; acridinedione derivatives; synthesis
Affiliations: Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Arts and Science, Dumlupınar University, 43100 Kütahya, Turkey, Chemistry Department

Abstract: Graphene oxide decorated with platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs@GO) has been used for the first time as a highly stable, exceptionally reusable, isolable, bottleable, long-lived and highly efficient catalyst for the synthesis of acridinedione derivatives from dimedone, aromatic aldehydes and various amines with great catalytic performance. All the acridinedione compounds were synthesized in DMF in a single process through two successive reactions (aldol condensation and Michael addition) in the presence of highly efficient Pt NPs@GO. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). All products obtained using Pt NPs@GO were characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HRMS techniques.

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Dear authors, Fig.3 B and C contain the same FACS plot, I think C was ment to show netrophils. ![file] ,
MicroRNA-31 inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting PIK3C2A
Authors: H Chen
L-M Chao
P-F Li
B-Y Liu
W Sun
D-W Zhao
Journal: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences (2018)
Discipline: PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
Keywords: microRNA-31; osteosarcoma; proliferation; migration; invasion
Affiliations: Graduate School of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China. .

Abstract:  Objective: To elucidate the role of microRNA-31 (miR-31) in osteosarcoma and the molecular mechanism of miR-31 in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma. Patients and methods: Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to examine the expression of microRNA-31 in human osteosarcoma tissues. Pearson's chi-squared test was used to analyze the correlation between microRNA-31 and clinicopathological features. Proliferation, migration, invasion, and PI3K3C2A protein in treated osteosarcoma cells were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, transwell assay without Matrigel, transwell assay with Matrigel, and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results: qRT-PCR showed that miR-31 was down-regulated in osteosarcoma tissues compared with paired para-tumor bone tissues. The lower level of miR-31 was closely associated with high-grade osteosarcoma, metastasis, and poor overall survival. CCK-8 and transwell assay showed that miR-31 inhibited osteosarcoma cells proliferation, migration, and invasion. According to luciferase assay, miR-31 inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through inhibiting PIK3C2A. Reversely, overexpression of PIK3C2A inhibited partial effect of miR-31 on proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Conclusions: MiR-31 inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting PICK3C2A. MiR-31 can thus be used as a therapeutic target in osteosarcoma treatment. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
  Fig. 7 Cell apoptosis of MGC-803 cells at 48 h after transfection detected by flow cytometer. Notes: A cell apoptosis diagrams under microscope . Three of the panels are identical in three of the quadrants. ![file] When does flow cytometry involve microscopy? , 
 #1 Not to forget the upper right quadrant shared between two panels. ![file]  Fig. 5 Cell migration and invasion ability of MGC-803 cells detected by Transwell assay. Notes: A the blank group; B the NC group; C the miR218 mimics group; D the miR-218 inhibitors group; E the miR-218 inhibitors + siLASP1 group; F the miR-218 mimics + siLASP1 group . ![file] One panel overlaps with a panel from Fig 12A of [Wu et al (2018)] . ![file] No authors in common. , 
 #2 The NC panel of Fig 7A overlaps substantially with 5B (c) from [Qu et al (2016)] . At left. ![file] , 
 #3 Fig 7A again. ![] The yellow and orange boxes are to call attention to unexpectedly similar arrangements of cells in Fig 6 of [Ao et al (2017)] . ![] There is also this unexpected internal similarity (after a rotation) within the middle-lower-row column: ![file] ,
Potent Acetylcholinesterase Selective and Reversible Homodimeric Agent Based on Tacrine for Theranostics
Authors: Shubhra Chaturvedi
Puja Panwar Hazari
Virendra Kumar Meena
Anil Kumar Mishra
Rakesh Kumar Sharma
Journal: Molecular Pharmaceutics (2019)
Discipline: PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; acetylcholinesterase; amyloid β peptide; multitarget directed ligands; tacrine
Affiliations: Division of Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Brig S.K. Mazumdar Road, Delhi 110054, India, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India

Abstract:  Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been an important biomarker for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD), due to reduction in AChE activity in post-mortem brains of AD patients. A potent, selective, and reversible homodimeric inhibitor of AChE, 5-amino- N1, N3-bis(2-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridin-9-ylamino)ethyl)isophthalamide (compound 4), was synthesized by using 9-alkyl(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine) pharmacophore with appended functionality. In the present work, we report the synthesis of this bivalent inhibitor of AChE. The homodimeric ligand structure was designed and studied with molecular docking tools, which revealed its high affinity and interactions with active site gorge of AChE, which includes both catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral active site (PAS). The IC50 value of this bivalent inhibitor for AChE and BuChE were 0.54 ± 0.06 and 32.49 ± 1.2 nM, respectively, with a selectivity ratio of 60.16 toward AChE. The designed ligand also showed potent inhibitory properties on PAS activity as well as on AChE-induced amyloid aggregation with low cytotoxicity on rat hippocampal neurons. The AFM images further corroborated the Aβ1-42 aggregation inhibition by compound 4 to an extent similar to bis(7)-tacrine. Moreover, the bivalent ligand was also proven to be of neurogenic potential due to its ability to induce S-phase post-treatment in rat hippocampal neuronal cells. On the basis of initial results, the agent could be further explored for its theranostic value clinically, which gives the possibility of tracing the AChE levels by molecular imaging techniques in correlation with progression of neurocognitive disorders like AD for better therapy response and patient management. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure-8. 11th day has uncanny similarity with figure-4b of another paper u2013u201c Bivalent KDP Peptide to Enhance Neurite Growth for Traumatic Brain Injuryu201d by Raunak Varshney and Anil K. Mishra( Defence Life Science Journal, Vol. 1, No. 1, June 2016, pp. 57-62, DOI : 10.14429 dlsj.1.1006) , 
 Despite the image similarity between two papers, The Figure-4 of 2016 paper (DOI : 10.14429 dlsj.1.10062) says that it is u201cSH-SY5Y cellsu201d but Figure 8 of 2019 paper(Mol. Pharmaceutics 2019, 16, 6, 2296u20132308) explains it as u201cprimary hippocampal neuronal cultures from adult mice brainu201d ![file] ,
Reduced levels of miR‐485‐5p in HPV‐infected cervical cancer promote cell proliferation and enhance invasion ability
Authors: Yan Chen
Yuanyuan Dai
Fengyan Xie
Journal: FEBS Open Bio (2020)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: FLOT-1; HPV-infected; cell proliferation; cervical cancer; invasion
Affiliations: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.

Abstract:  Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common gynecological malignancy, with high incidence and mortality rates in China. The microRNA miR-485-5p has previously been reported to serve as a negative regulator of tumorigenesis in breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, and miR-485-5p has been observed to be differentially expressed between CC and normal control tissue. Here, we confirmed that miR-485-5p expression is lower in CC than in adjacent normal tissue and proceeded to investigate the effects of miR-485 on tumor behavior in CC cell lines. We report that miR-485-5p transcription is decreased in HPV-infected CC tissue, and levels of miR-485 in clinical samples are positively correlated with the 5-year overall survival rate. The Transwell assay showed that miR-485-5p inhibited cell invasion and migration but had no influence on apoptosis and cell proliferation. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated that miR-485-5p partially abrogated cell migration and proliferation by targeting FLOT-1 mRNA. Transfection of HPV-infected cervical carcinoma cells with an adenovirus vector encoding human FLOT-1 partially diminished the inhibitory effects of miR-485 on cell invasion. Taken, together, these data demonstrated that miR-485-5p suppresses the invasion of cancer cells by targeting FLOT-1 in HPV-infected cervical carcinoma cells. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 I have some questions about the measurement of miR-485-5p in this publication. Contradictory methods appear to be provided. RNA is said to have been isolated with a Norgen kit, referencing a publication from 2013 (reference 24, PMID: 24330780). However, this kit is not mentioned in reference 24. Next, RNA was reverse transcribed using random primers, followed by mRNA and miRNA amplification. However, this approach would not have allowed amplification of miRNAs such as miR-485-5p. A special RT approach is needed. Even more confusing, miRNA is later said to have been reverse transcribed and amplified as described in the 2013 publication (Ref 24, PMID: 24330780). However, that publication used a standard, valid miRNA approach that would be incompatible with the primers that are listed in this publication. On that note, the primers are: miRu2010485u20105p, forward, 5 u2010CCAAGCTTCACCCATTCCTAACAGGACu20103 and reverse, 5 u2010CGGGATCCGTAGGTCAGTTACATGCATCu20103 . The sequence of miR-485-5p is AGAGGCUGGCCGUGAUGAAUUC, and I cannot understand how the indicated primers would recognize any part of it. ,
RETRACTED: Proinflammatory Cytokines Induce Stromelysin-1–mediated Cell Proliferation in Dental Pulp Fibroblast-like Cells
Authors: Hiroshi Nakamura
Kazuhiko Nakata
Tsuyoshi Tanaka
Nobuaki Ozeki
Taiki Hiyama
Hideyuki Yamaguchi
Makio Mogi
Rie Kawai
Journal: Journal of Endodontics (2014)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: Cytokine; dental pulp fibroblast-like cells; inflammation; stromelysin-1.
Affiliations: Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, Aichi, Japan., Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, Aichi, Japan. Electronic address: ., Department of Medicinal Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Aichi Gakuin University, Aichi, Japan.

Abstract:  This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of a member of the author team as it contains fabricated/falsified data. All of the authors except Nobuaki Ozeki and Taiki Hiyama have agreed to retract the article; N Ozeki left Aichi Gakuin University in March 2018 and does not respond to coauthor inquiries. T Hiyama left Aichi Gakuin University and could not be reached. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 (a) The term u201c**indeterminacy membership degree**u201d and its calculation presented in Definition 1 did not appear in the quoted paper Ref[17]. It is interesting to point out this form appeared in several papers authored by different author groups. See, e.g., the comments on https: pubpeer.com publications FFF05A3164FA1A15EFDF1E667DDBEC#2 https: pubpeer.com publications 33A7BB5E40830A3DF909E58971A872#1 (b) The operator q-ROFPWA in Definition 7 is not order preserving with respect to the order relation defined by Definition 3 and Definition 4. The multi-criteria decision making method based on such an operator makes no sense. ![file] ![file] ![file] ,
Complementation of dopaminergic signaling by Pitx3–GDNF synergy induces dopamine secretion by multipotent Ntera2 cells
Authors: Mahdi Eskandarian Boroujeni
Abbas Aliaghaei
Mossa Gardaneh
Nader Maghsoudi
Journal: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry (2020)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: GDNF; Ntera2; Parkinson; Pitx3; dopaminergic
Affiliations: Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medical BiotechnologyNational Institute of Genetic Engineering and BiotechnologyTehran Iran, Anatomy and Cell Biology DepartmentShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehran Iran, Neuroscience Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehran Iran

Abstract:  Human teratocarcinoma cell line Ntera2 (NT2) expresses dopamine signals and has shown its safe profile for clinical applications. Attempts to restore complete dopaminergic (DAergic) phenotype enabling these cells to secrete dopamine have not been fully successful so far. We applied a blend of gene transfer techniques and a defined medium to convert NT2 cells to fully DAergic. The cells were primarily engineered to overexpress the Pitx3 gene product and then cultured in a growth medium supplemented with knockout serum and retinoic acid to form embroid bodies (EBs). Trypsinization of EB colonies produced single cells ready for differentiation. Neuronal/DAergic induction was promoted by applying conditioned medium taken from engineered human astrocytomas over-secreting glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Immunocytochemistry, reverse-transcription and real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses confirmed significantly induced expression of molecules involved in dopamine signaling and metabolism including tyrosine hydroxylase, Nurr1, dopamine transporter, and aromatic acid decarboxylase. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis indicated release of dopamine only from a class of fully differentiated cells expressing Pitx3 and exposed to GDNF. In addition, Pitx3 and GDNF additively promoted in vitro neuroprotection against Parkinsonian toxin. One month after transplantation to the striatum of 6-OHDA-leasioned rats, differentiated NT2 cells survived and induced significant increase in striatal volume. Besides, cell implantation improved motor coordination in Parkinson's disease (PD) rat models. Our findings highlight the importance of Pitx3-GDNF interplay in dopamine signaling and indicate that our strategy might be useful for the restoration of DAergic fate of NT2 cells to make them clinically applicable toward cell replacement therapy of PD. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 4A. In the Actin blot, lanes 2 and 3 look unexpectedly similar to lanes 5 and 6, respectively. ![file] ,
MiR-34a regulates cell apoptosis after myocardial infarction in rats through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: B Han
J Dai
J-H Li
G-H Wu
C-H Wang
Journal: European review for medical and pharmacological sciences (2019)
Discipline: PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
Keywords: miR-34a; apoptosis; myocardial cells; myocardial infarction; rat model
Affiliations: Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. .

Abstract:  Objective: To explore the molecular mechanism of micro ribonucleic acid-34a (miR-34a) in promoting the apoptosis of myocardial cells in the rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). Materials and methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were ligated with a left anterior descending branch to construct the MI model. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation group (Sham group), MI group, MI + miR-34a inhibitor group (MI + miR-34a antagomir group) and MI + miR-34a inhibitor negative control group (MI + antagomir NC group). Echocardiography (ECG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were adopted to detect the ejection fraction [EF (%)] and fraction shortening [FS (%)] of SD rats. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect expression levels of the apoptotic marker Caspase-3 and genes in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) staining was applied to detect cardiac injury. In in vitro experiments, the rat-derived myocardial cell line H9C2 was selected to simulate myocardial ischemia and hypoxia at the time of MI with an anoxic and serum-free injury model. C59, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitor was applied in MI + miR-34a antagomir + C59 group, and the effect of miR-34a on the apoptosis of myocardial cells through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was measured with Real-Time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiazol(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell activity detection kits, respectively. Results: It was found that after miR-34a antagomir reversed FS (%) and EF (%) in MI rats, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of Caspase-3 in Sham group and MI + miR-34a antagomir group were significantly lower than those in the MI group (p &lt; 0.05), indicating that the addition of miR-34a antagomir inhibited myocardial cell apoptosis after infarction, while the mRNA and protein levels of Wnt/β-catenin were both higher than those in the MI group. Besides, H&amp;E staining proved that miR-34a reversed the myocardial injury after MI. Similarly, in vitro experiments showed that, compared with those in Hypoxia group, the level of Caspase-3 decreased in Hypoxia + miR-34a inhibitor group and Sham group, while the apoptosis level in Hypoxia + miR-34a inhibitor + C59 group increased (p &lt; 0.05). The results of the MTT assay were consistent with those of PCR. MiR-34a affects myocardial cell apoptosis by regulating the activation and inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Fig 4. I have concerns. ![file] ,
Antileukotriene reverts the early effects of inflammatory response of distal parenchyma in experimental chronic allergic inflammation
Authors: Edna Aparecida Leick
Carla Máximo Prado
Fernanda Degobbi Tenório Quirino Dos Santos Lopes
Flávia Castro Ribas de Souza
Milton Arruda Martins
Iolanda de Fátima Lopes Calvo Tibério
Stella Bruna Napolitano Fumagalli
Nathália Brandão Gobbato
Journal: BioMed Research International (2013)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: montelukast; dexamethasone; guinea pigs; chronic allergic inflammation; eosinophils
Affiliations: Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo(USP), 01246-903 São Paulo, SP, Brazil., Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo(USP), 01246-903 São Paulo, SP, Brazil, Biological Science Department, Universidade Federal de São Paulo(UNIFESP), 09972-270 Diadema, SP, Brazil

Abstract:  Aims: Compare the effects of montelukast or dexamethasone in distal lung parenchyma and airway walls of guinea pigs (GP) with chronic allergic inflammation. Methods: GP have inhaled ovalbumin (OVA group-2x/week/4weeks). After the 4th inhalation, GP were treated with montelukast or dexamethasone. After 72 hours of the 7th inhalation, GP were anesthetised, and lungs were removed and submitted to histopathological evaluation. Results: Montelukast and dexamethasone treatments reduced the number of eosinophils in airway wall and distal lung parenchyma compared to OVA group (P &lt; 0.05). On distal parenchyma, both treatments were effective in reducing RANTES, NF- κ B, and fibronectin positive cells compared to OVA group (P &lt; 0.001). Montelukast was more effective in reducing eotaxin positive cells on distal parenchyma compared to dexamethasone treatment (P &lt; 0.001), while there was a more expressive reduction of IGF-I positive cells in OVA-D group (P &lt; 0.001). On airway walls, montelukast and dexamethasone were effective in reducing IGF-I, RANTES, and fibronectin positive cells compared to OVA group (P &lt; 0.05). Dexamethasone was more effective in reducing the number of eotaxin and NF- κ B positive cells than Montelukast (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: In this animal model, both treatments were effective in modulating allergic inflammation and remodeling distal lung parenchyma and airway wall, contributing to a better control of the inflammatory response. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 image duplication ![file] Disclaimer: These potential image duplications have been detected automatically using ImageTwin http: dx.doi.org 10.1145 3019612.3019875 Although results have been curated, the automatic algorithm may have generated false positive results and cannot take into account all scientific explanations for apparent duplications like stripped and reprobed blots, time series, serial sections and reused controls. ,
Synthesis, spectral characterization, and antiproliferative studies of mixed ligand titanium complexes of adamantylamine
Authors: Nitesh Kumar
Ashun Chaudhary
Raj Kaushal
Pamita Awasthi
Saroj Arora
Journal: Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications (2014)
Discipline: CHEMISTRY
Keywords: Titanium complexes; Bidentate ligand; Cytotoxic potential; Cell cycle; Apoptosis
Affiliations: Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh 177005, India., Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005, India.

Abstract:  Titanium complexes have been synthesized by the reaction between titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4), respective bidentate ligand [4,4' -dimethoxy-2,2' -bipyridine (bpome), 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (dpme), 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (dach), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), and benzoylacetone (bzac)], and adamantylamine (ada) in 1 : 2 : 2 molar ratios, respectively. The structure of synthesized complexes was confirmed using elemental analysis, FTIR, UV-visible, (1)H NMR, and mass spectrometry techniques. The nanocrystalline nature of complexes was confirmed by powder XRD study. The complexes were evaluated for cytotoxic potential in HeLa (cervical), C6 (glioma), and CHO (Chinese hamster ovarian) cell lines. The complex E was found to be more effective cytotoxic agent against HeLa cell line with an IC50 value of 4.06 µM. Furthermore, the effect of synthesized complexes was studied on different stages of the cell cycle in CHO cells. All complexes exhibited the dose dependent increase in cytotoxicity. The results have shown an increase in sub-G0 population with increase in concentration which is an indicative measure of apoptosis. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 numerous image duplications ![file] Disclaimer: These potential image duplications have been detected automatically using ImageTwin http: dx.doi.org 10.1145 3019612.3019875 Although results have been curated, the automatic algorithm may have generated false positive results and cannot take into account all scientific explanations for apparent duplications like stripped and reprobed blots, time series, serial sections and reused controls. ,
Construction and application of carbohydrate microarrays to detect foodborne bacteria
Authors: Qi-Min Shi
Jian Yin
Shu-An Shao
Yong Xiao
Rui Gu
Zhong-Hua Liu
Jing Hu
Journal: Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (2020)
Discipline: PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
Keywords: Adhesin; Carbohydrate microarray; FimH; Mannose.

Abstract:  The rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria is vital for the prevention of outbreaks of infectious diseases, including infections by the common foodborne bacteria E.coli and Salmonella Carbohydrate microarrays have been developed as a powerful method to investigate carbohydrate-protein interaction with only very small amounts of glycans, which show great potential for detect the carbohydrate mediated interaction with pathogens. Here, different mannose-coated microarrays were constructed and tested with E.coli (K-12 and BL-21) and Salmonella enterica strains (ATCC9184 and ATCC31685) exhibiting different mannose binding affinities. The optimized carbohydrate microarray was then applied to test the binding of 12 Salmonella enterica and 9 E.coli isolates from local patients for the first time and showed strong binding with certain serovars or subtypes. The results showed that microarray probed with the single mannose structure is not enough for the detection of bacteria with various serovars or subtypes, which contain a high degree of allelic variation in adhesin. We suggest that a complex carbohydrate microarray containing different glycan conformation may be needed for detection of different bacteria isolates. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 3A appears to have a repeated image (green boxes). *** False color, brightness enhanced ![file] *** Brightness enhanced ![file] , 
 Two images in Figure 2A appear to overlap (red boxes). *** False color brightness enhanced ![file] *** Brightness enhanced ![file] ,