PReD-Bench/PRed-Bench huggingface dataset:
Distinct functions of CAR-T cells possessing a dectin-1 intracellular signaling domain
Authors: Lin Jiang
Yong Huang
Nianyong Chen
Wei Wang
Xiao Yang
Dan Li
Weilin Zhou
Jinhua Su
Xiao Liang
Journal: Gene Therapy (2021)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: CAR-T cell therapy; costimulatory signaling; dectin-1; antitumor activity; cytokine secretion
Affiliations: Department of Head & Neck Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China., State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China., State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. .

Abstract:  Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacies in treating hematopoietic malignancies, but not in the solid tumors. Incorporating costimulatory signaling domains, such as ICOS or 4-1BB, can positively influence CAR-T cell functions and then the immune responses. These CAR-engineered T cells have showed their enhanced persistence and effector functions with improved antitumor activities, and provided a new approach for the treatment of solid tumors. Here, we designed novel 2nd generation CARs with a costimulatory signaling molecule, dectin-1. The impacts of dectin-1 signaling domain on CAR-T cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Our data show that in vitro cytokine secretions by HER2 or CD19 specific CAR-T cells increase significantly via incorporating this dectin-1 signaling domain. Additional properties of these novel CAR-T cells are affected by this costimulatory domain. Compared with a popular reference (i.e., anti-HER2 CAR-T cells with 4-1BB), in vitro T cell functions and in vivo antitumor activity of the dectin-1 engineered CAR-T cells are similar to the 4-1BB based, and both are discrete to the mock T cells. Furthermore, we found that the CAR-T cells with dectin-1 show distinct phenotype and exhaustion marker expression. These collective results suggest that the incorporation of this new signaling domain, dectin-1, into the CARs may provide the clinical potential of the CAR-T cells through this signaling domain in treating solid tumors. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 4: I ve highlighted in pink two mice. I m not convinced that these are different animals. Looks like the pattern on the fur is basically identical. Would the authors please check? Is this the same mouse, imaged a second time? , 
 ![file] ,
Overexpression of miR-32 inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells by targeting BTLA
Authors: L-M Wang
J-J Shen
R-R Zhang
Journal: European review for medical and pharmacological sciences (2020)
Discipline: PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
Keywords: microRNA-32; ovarian cancer; proliferation; migration; invasion
Affiliations: Department of Gynecology, The Ninth People's Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, China. .

Abstract:  Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of microRNA-32 (miR-32) in ovarian cancer and the possible underlying mechanism. Patients and methods: Ovarian cancer tissues were collected from 100 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer in our hospital. Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of miR-32 and its target gene in ovarian tissues. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was conducted to detect the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Meanwhile, the transwell and wound healing assays were used to evaluate the migration and invasion abilities of ovarian cancer cells, respectively. Bioinformatics (including TargetScan, miRDB, and microRNA) were used to predict the target genes of miR-32. Furthermore, The Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the binding relationship. Results: MiR-32 was significantly downregulated in both ovarian cancer tissues and cells. The overexpression of miR-32 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. B and T lymphocyte associated (BTLA) was screened out as a target gene of miR-32. Furthermore, BTLA could counteract the effects of miR-32 on ovarian cancer cells. Conclusions: Acting as a suppressor gene, miR-32 inhibited the malignant behaviors of ovarian cancer cells by regulating its target gene BTLA. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
  Figure 1. Concentrations of serum NO and ET-1 in the three groups of rats. a: p 0.05 vs. control group, and b: p 0.05 vs. model group. ![file] The first part of this Figure Legend seems to have wandered in from a completely different paper. Probably from Fig 6 of [Zhang, Yan Bao (2020)] , which in contrast to the present paper, did involve rats, serum NO, and ET-1. It appears that someone had been writing both papers at once. But who? ,
Recycling of the general transcription factors during RNA polymerase II transcription
Authors: L Zawel
K P Kumar
D Reinberg
Journal: Genes & Development (1995)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: RNA polymerase II; general transcription factors; initiation; elongation; TFIID

Abstract: We have analyzed the fate of the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) general transcription factors during the transition from initiation to elongation using multiple approaches. We demonstrate that all of the basal factors coexist in mature initiation complexes but that following nucleotide addition, this complex becomes disrupted. During this transition, TFIID remains promoter-bound whereas TFIIB, TFIIE, TFIIF, and TFIIH are released. Upon release, TFIIB reassociates with TFIID, reforming the RNAPII docking site, the DB complex. TFIIE is released before formation of the tenth phosphodiester bond. This precedes TFIIH release, which occurrs after the transcription complex reaches +30. TFIIF is unique in that it is the only basal factor detected in the RNAPII elongation complex. Following its release from the initiation complex, TFIIF has the ability to reassociate with a stalled RNAPII. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 1. Splicing in some panels, but not in others. ![file] ,
Classification and Recognition of Ovarian Cells Based on Two-Dimensional Light Scattering Technology
Authors: Jianling Zhang
Qi Chen
Journal: Journal of Medical Systems (2019)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: HOG feature extraction; Machine learning; Ovarian cancer cell detection; Two-dimensional light scattering patterns.
Affiliations: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zoucheng People's Hospital, No.59 Qianquan Road, Zoucheng, 273500, Shandong, China., Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zoucheng People's Hospital, No.59 Qianquan Road, Zoucheng, 273500, Shandong, China. .

Abstract:  Ovarian cancer is a very insidious malignant tumor. In order to detect ovarian cancer cells early, the classification and recognition of ovarian cancer cells is mainly studied by two-dimensional light scattering technology. Firstly, a single-cell two-dimensional light scattering pattern acquisition platform based on single-mode optical fiber illumination is designed to collect a certain number of two-dimensional light scattering patterns of ovarian cancer cells and normal ovarian cells. Then, the HOG (Histogram of Oriented Gradient) algorithm is used to extract shaving anisotropy feature of two-dimensional light scattering pattern. The results show that the accuracy of classification and identification of ovarian cancer cells by two-dimensional light scattering technology is 90.81%, which suggests that the specificity of cancer cells and normal cells can be characterized by two-dimensional light scattering technology. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 The whole paper is an plagiarism of a master thesis: http: d.wanfangdata.com.cn thesis Y3412821 For the text, The authors just simply copied and translated the selective paragraph of the master thesis using Google translator. And all the images in this paper is faked by authors. Here are some information for quick check: The submit time of the JMS paper is a few months later than the SDU thesis. The title of the JMS paper is almost the same as the title of the SDU thesis. The key words of the JMS paper are totally the same as the SDU thesisu2019 key words. There are some inconsistences in the JMS paper due to plagiarism, e.g. they miss the formulas, but still copy the sentence like  From the above three formulas . to give an example: original text: ![file] google translation: ![file] text on this paper: ![file] , 
 ![file] ![file] ![file] ALL OF OTHER PARAGRAPHS are translated by google from the master thesis!!!!! ,
RETRACTED: The Fas/Fas Ligand Pathway and Bcl-2 Regulate T Cell Responses to Model Self and Foreign Antigens
Authors: D A Peterson
A K Abbas
L Van Parijs
Journal: Immunity (1998)
Discipline: IMMUNOLOGY
Keywords: Fas; Bcl-2; T cell survival; antigen; in vivo

Abstract:  We have examined the role of Fas and Bcl-2 in T cell survival and responses to antigen in vivo using T cells that express a transgenic antigen receptor specific for hen egg lysozyme (HEL) and that either lack functional Fas or Fas ligand (FasL) or overexpress Bcl-2 as a transgene. HEL-specific, Bcl-2-transgenic T cells showed prolonged responses to immunization with cognate peptide but were eliminated rapidly when exposed to HEL expressed systemically as a self antigen. In contrast, Fas- and FasL-defective T cells did not display exaggerated responses to immunization with HEL peptide, but did show increased expansion and survival in response to systemic self antigen and were able to activate anti-HEL (self) antibody-forming cells. Thus, Bcl-2 and Fas play different roles in the regulation of T cell responses to antigen in vivo and in self tolerance. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 2009 retraction. https: www.cell.com immunity fulltext S1074-7613(09)00152-6?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1074761309001526%3Fshowall%3Dtrue The authors have agreed to retract this paper because of duplication of the flow cytometry dot plots in Figure 1 (labeled as 3A9 +, 3A9 lpr and 3A9 gld) by the first author. This figure shows TCR and the CD4 and CD8 coreceptor expression in cells expressing a single TCR (3A9) on the lpr or gld background, which is important for establishing that TCR and coreceptor expression is not perturbed by the abnormalities in Fas or Fas ligand. This matter was investigated by Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women s Hospital, as well as the Office of Research Integrity at the United States Department of Human Services, which found the first author to be responsible for the scientific misconduct pertaining to the issue described here. The authors stand by the validity of the other figures and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by this retraction. ,
Self-efficacy training for patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Shiow-Luan Tsay
Journal: Journal of advanced nursing (2003)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: End-stage renal disease; self-efficacy training; fluid intake compliance; haemodialysis; Bandura's theory

Abstract:  Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease often fail to follow a prescribed diet and fluid regimen, which undermines the effectiveness of care and leads to unpredictable progression of the disease and greater likelihood of complications. Aim: The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to examine the effectiveness of self-efficacy training on fluid intake compliance. Methods: This study took place in northern Taiwan. Eligible patients were receiving routine haemodialysis; 20-65 years of age; living in a community setting; able to read and write; and willing to participate. Sixty-two end-stage renal disease patients participated in the study. Those in the experimental group (n = 31) received 12 sessions of structured self-efficacy training; the control group patients (n = 31) received only routine care. The intervention was based on Bandura's theory and included an educational component, performance mastery, experience sharing, and stress management. The outcome measure was the mean body weight gain between dialysis sessions. Data were collected at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months following the intervention and analysed by a descriptive and repeated-measures anova. Results: Experimental group mean weight gains decreased gradually following self-efficacy training. However, control group mean weight gains decreased only slightly over time. These results were statistically significant when baseline differences controlled for (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The study supports the effectiveness of the self-efficacy training in controlling mean body weight gains of end-stage renal disease patients receiving haemodialysis. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 See related comments on this and another publication.... https: pubpeer.com publications 1349C1B351BD48DA44F17E978125B8 ,
MiR-146a negatively regulates neutrophil elastase-induced MUC5AC secretion from 16HBE human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Juliy M Perelman
Tian Zhong
Xiang-dong Zhou
Victor P Kolosov
Journal: Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry (2011)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: Mucus hypersecretion; MUC5AC protein; neutrophil elastase; miR-146a; inflammatory diseases
Affiliations: Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing University of Medical Science, Chongqing 400010, China.

Abstract:  Mucus hypersecretion is a major manifestation in patients with chronic inflammatory airway diseases, and MUC5AC protein is a major component of airway mucus. Earlier studies have demonstrated that neutrophil elastase (NE), a serine protease, mainly produced by neutrophils, stimulates the production of MUC5AC from airway epithelial cells. The microRNA miR-146a has been linked to inflammatory diseases. However, the role of miR-146a in the NE-induced MUC5AC expression remains unclear. Here, we show that NE exerts a dose- and time-dependent induction of both MUC5AC and miR-146a in human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE). Ectopic expression of miR-146a in 16HBE cells inhibited the stimulation of MUC5AC by NE, while, conversely, depletion of endogenous miR-146a enhanced the MUC5AC production. Knockdown of intrinsic miR-146a activated both c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Moreover, targeting JNK or NF-κB by specific chemical inhibitors blocked the upregulation of MUC5AC by miR-146a silencing. Taken together, our data highlight a negative feedback role for miR-146a in the control of MUC5AC production from airway epithelial cells stimulated by NE, which may be associated with the inactivation of JNK and NF-κB signaling. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 4 * Blue boxes: two panels appear to show an overlap * Red boxes: two panels appear to show an overlap Reported to the journal in October 2015, but no response as of today. ![file] ,
The house dust mite allergen Der p 1, unlike Der p 3, stimulates the expression of interleukin-8 in human airway epithelial cells via a proteinase-activated receptor-2-independent mechanism
Authors: Morley D Hollenberg
Xavier Duhant
Kristina K Hansen
Alain Jacquet
Olaya Astudillo Fernandez
Emmanuelle Adam
Françoise Bex
Erika Jaumotte
Ludivine Coulon
Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry (2006)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: dust mite; proteolytic allergens; Der p 1; Der p 3; peptide agonist
Affiliations: Department of Applied Genetics, Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires, Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-6041 Gosselies, Belgium.

Abstract:  We investigated and compared the mechanisms by which two dust mite proteolytic allergens, Der p 1 and Der p 3, and a peptide agonist of proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR(2)AP) trigger interleukin (IL)-8 release from human pulmonary epithelial cells (A549). Although all three stimuli tested induced the up-regulation of IL-8 (mRNA and protein), the Der p 1-mediated signaling events did not exactly match those induced by PAR(2)AP and Der p 3. First, Der p 1 was less effective in stimulating IL-8 gene transcriptional activity than PAR(2)AP and Der p 3. Second, Der p 1-mediated IL-8 expression was mainly dependent on NF-kappaB, whereas Der p 3 and PAR(2)AP regulated IL-8 expression through the activation of both NF-kappaB and AP-1. Third, although all three MAP kinases, ERK1/2, p38, and JNK, were activated, Der p 1 induced IL-8 release exclusively via the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, whereas PAR(2)AP and Der p 3 also involved the other kinases. Fourth, in HeLa cells, Der p 1 was able to up-regulate IL-8 secretion independent of PAR(2) expression, and in contrast with PAR(2)AP and Der p 3, Der p 1 was unable to affect calcium signaling via PAR(2) in PAR(2)-expressing KNRK cells. Finally, cleavage by Der p 1 of a synthetic peptide representing the N-terminal activation-cleavage site of PAR(2) did not release a high potency activator of PAR(2) as does Der p 3. We conclude that Der p 1 (but not Der p 3)-induced IL-8 production in A549 epithelial cells is independent of PAR(2) activation. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 6C. Much more similar than you would expect. https: imgur.com nKlB1ie The 2007 correction does not mention figure 6C. ,
Arsenic Trioxide and Icariin Show Synergistic Anti-leukemic Activity
Authors: Liling Dai
Ping Li
Hong Zhang
Yali Liu
Luning Wang
Zhi Wang
Tongguo Song
Journal: Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics (2015)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: APL; ATO; Icariin; ROS; Synergistic effect.
Affiliations: Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China., Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China. ., Emergency Department of Qingdao Emergency Center, Qingdao, 266035, China.

Abstract:  Although As2O3 (ATO) has been recommended as the front-line agent for treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), particularly for relapsed or refractory APL, it has been associated with profound toxicity. Icariin is a natural compound with activity against a variety of cancers. This study was designed to investigate the effect of Icariin on APL cells and to determine whether Icariin can potentiate the antitumor activity of ATO in APL cells. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured using MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of apoptosis and proliferation-related molecules was detected by Western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined with florescence staining. Icariin inhibited proliferation in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis in both of the tested APL cell lines. Icariin enhanced the in vitro antitumor activity of ATO against APL. The antitumor activity of Icariin and its enhancement of the antitumor activity of ATO correlated with the increase in accumulation of intracellular ROS. Our results showed that Icariin, by increasing intracellular ROS, exhibited antitumor activity and potentiated the antitumor activity of ATO against APL. Therefore, combination treatment with Icariin and ATO might offer a novel therapeutic option for patients with APL, although further studies are needed. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Below, Fig 3C  Co-treatment of Icariin further increased ATO-induced oxidative stress in HL-60 and NB4 cells Above, Fig 3 from [Chen et al (2016)]  Physcion induces mitochondrial apoptosis in HCT116 cells. The HCT116 cells were incubated with physcion at the indicated concentrations for 48h. ....D. Mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by flow cytometry analysis . ![file] I am hoping that the authors can get together and decide whether the indicated panels represent HCT116 cells exposed to various levels of Physcion, or HL-60 and NB4 cells exposed to combinations of Icariin and arsenic trioxide. ,
Effect of sophora japonica total flavonoids on pancreas, kidney tissue morphology of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice model
Authors: Yan Li
Ting Wang
Cairong Li
Min Li
Ming Bai
Mingsan Miao
Yuyin Xu
Journal: Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences (2017)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: Diabetes model; Mice; Morphology; Sophora japonica total flavonoids.
Affiliations: College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China., Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China.

Abstract:  To observe effect of sophora japonica total flavonoids on pancreas, kidney tissue morphology of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice model. Mice received tail vein injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) for diabetes modeling. The model mice were divided into five groups, to be respectively fed with high, middle and small doses of sophora japonica total flavonoids solution, metformin solution and saline of the same volume. Another blank control group was set to be fed with saline of the same volume. The mice were administered once a day for 30 consecutive days, to be euthanatized after fasting blood glucose level testing on 30th day with pancreas, kidney taken out for pathological section and microscopic examination. The mice chain streptozotocin diabetes modeling was successful, with significant pathological changes (P &lt; 0.01) in pancreas, kidney. Compared with model group, high, middle and small doses of sophora japonica total flavonoids could significantly alleviate streptozotocin-induced pancreas, kidney damage (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: Sophora japonica total flavonoids can effectively alleviate pancreas, kidney injury of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice model. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 3: There are some images here which are duplicates but described differently, I ve added the coloured rectangles to show where I mean. Would the authors the comment? ![file] ,
Tailoring nonlinear optical properties of Bi2Se3 through ion irradiation
Authors: Fang Liu
Yang Tan
Zhen Shang
Xuefeng Yu
Roman Böttger
Feng Chen
Shengqiang Zhou
Han Zhang
Jundong Shao
Zhinan Guo
Journal: Scientific Reports (2016)
Discipline: Multidisciplinary
Keywords: nonlinear optical property; topological insulator; bismuth selenide; ion irradiation; defects
Affiliations: School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials and Key Laboratory of Particle Physics and Particle Irradiation (Ministry of Education) Shandong University Shandong, Jinan, 250100, China., SZU-NUS Collaborative Innovation Center for Optoelectronic Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P.R. China., Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, P.R. China., Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Ion Beam and Materials Research, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.

Abstract:  The nonlinear optical property of topological insulator bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) is found to be well-tailored through ion irradiation by intentionally introducing defects. The increase of the optical modulation depth sensitively depends on the careful selection of the irradiation condition. By implementing the ion irradiated Bi2Se3 film as an optical saturable absorber device for the Q-switched wave-guide laser, an enhanced laser performance has been obtained including narrower pulse duration and higher peak power. Our work provides a new approach of tailoring the nonlinear optical properties of materials through ion irradiation, a well-developed chip-technology, which could find wider applicability to other layered two-dimensional materials beyond topological insulators, such as graphene, MoS2, black phosphours etc. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Fig. 1(b) shows the effect of exposure duration on the absorption of O-AgNPs at high intensity. Fig. 1(a) shows the absorption as a function of intensity. The 30 min curve of (b) overlaps with the high intensity curve of (a) (both purple). Presumable it was measured after 30 minutes. It is more surprising that the 25 minute high intensity curve (red) perfectly overlaps with the ? minutes curve at ~1 16th of that intensity (blue). Can the authors please check? (click to animate) ![file] ,
Curcumin inhibits proliferation and soluble collagen synthesis of NIH/3T3 cell line by modulation of miR-29a and via ERK1/2 and β-catenin pathways
Authors: Yuguo Li
Jianhua Zhang
Weifeng Li
Mei Song
Feng Zhao
Journal: Molecular immunology (2019)
Discipline: IMMUNOLOGY
Keywords: Curcumin; Scars; TGFβ1; miR-29a.
Affiliations: Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276003, Shandong, China., Department of Endocrinology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276003, Shandong, China., Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276003, Shandong, China. Electronic address: ., Department of Orthopaedics, Lanling County People's Hospital, Linyi 277799, Shandong, China. Electronic address: .

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 the Editor-in-Chief. As originally reported in https://pubpeer.com/publications/F4F79D78FA1249D847FBB6EA4B3381, Fig. 4E shows evidence of data manipulation, visible as patterns of repeated background artifacts in independent western blots that are unlikely to be the result of serendipity. The authors were contacted to investigate further the validity of these allegations and to provide the raw data but the journal received no response and therefore the Editor-in-Chief decided to retract the article. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 The statistical analysis of Fig. 1E seems to involve pseudoreplication. ![file] According to the legend:  Data points represent n ~120 cells collected in four independent replicate experiments. Box dimensions represent the 25th and 75th percentiles, whiskers extend to the 5th and 95th percentiles. Data points beyond these values were considered outliers. Significance based on Studentu2019s t tests as ***p 0.001. Although the authors do not make it explicit (and the supplied data are undifferentiated with respect to the replicates), I believe they have used ~120 for the degrees of freedom, not something in relation to the number of cultures. There is no way to know whether the observed differences arise from variations at the culture level or not. Similar issues pertain in Fig. 3A, while in Fig. 3B only a single replicate out of 3 is shown. ![image] Legend:  Box plots represent data points collected from n~120 cells combined from three independent replicate experiments. Significance based on Studentu2019s t tests as **p 0.01; ***p 0.001. And again in Fig. 3 - supplement 1BC. (figure not pasted). ,
Anastellin, a fragment of the first type III repeat of fibronectin, inhibits extracellular signal-regulated kinase and causes G(1) arrest in human microvessel endothelial cells
Authors: R Matthew Klein
Kevin M Pumiglia
Paula J McKeown-Longo
Anthony Ambesi
Journal: Cancer Research (2005)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: microvascular endothelium; tumor growth; metastasis; fibronectin; anastellin
Affiliations: Center for Cell Biology and Cancer Research, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA.

Abstract:  The formation of a microvascular endothelium plays a critical role in the growth and metastasis of established tumors. The ability of a fragment from the first type III repeat of fibronectin (III(1C)), anastellin, to suppress tumor growth and metastasis in vivo has been reported to be related to its antiangiogenic properties, however, the mechanism of action of anastellin remains unknown. Utilizing cultures of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells, we provide evidence that anastellin inhibits signaling pathways which regulate the extracellular signal-regulated (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and subsequent expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins. Addition of anastellin to primary microvascular endothelial cells resulted in a complete inhibition of serum-dependent proliferation. Growth inhibition correlated with a decrease in serum-dependent expression of cyclin D1, cyclin A and the cyclin-dependent kinase, cdk4, key regulators of cell cycle progression through G(1) phase. Consistent with a block in G(1)-S transition, anastellin inhibited serum-dependent incorporation of [(3)H]-thymidine into S-phase nuclei. Addition of anastellin to serum-starved microvessel cells resulted in a time-dependent and dose-dependent decrease in basal levels of phosphorylated MEK/ERK and blocked serum-dependent activation of ERK. Adenoviral infection with Ad.DeltaB-Raf:ER, an inducible estrogen receptor-B-Raf fusion protein, restored levels of active ERK in anastellin-treated cells, rescued levels of cyclin D1, cyclin A, and cdk4, and rescued [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation. These data suggest that the antiangiogenic properties of anastellin observed in mouse models of human cancer may be due to its ability to block endothelial cell proliferation by modulating ERK signaling pathways and down-regulating cell cycle regulatory gene expression required for G(1)-S phase progression. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 6A. https: imgur.com aLVfcQa ,
Clinical impact of de-regulated Notch-1 and Notch-3 in the development and progression of HPV-associated different histological subtypes of precancerous and cancerous lesions of human uterine cervix
Authors: Shweta Sharma
Suresh Bhambhani
Richa Tripathi
Poonam Jawanjal
Gayatri Rath
Showket Hussain
Pallavi Singhal
Mausumi Bharadwaj
Journal: PLoS ONE (2014)
Discipline: Multidisciplinary
Keywords: Cervical cancer; Notch-1; Notch-3; HPV infection; cell proliferation
Affiliations: Division of Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology (ICPO), ICMR, Noida, India., Department of Anatomy, VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, India., Division of Pathology, Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology (ICPO), ICMR, Noida, India.

Abstract:  Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths among women in India. Limited reports are available for Notch-1 and Notch-3 protein in cervical carcinoma, which play crucial role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Methods: This study was designed to evaluate the role of Notch-1 and Notch-3 with context to HPV infection in cervical carcinoma. A total of 168 tissue biopsy samples comprising of tumor specimens (n = 98), precancer (n = 30) and non-neoplastic cervical tissues (n = 40) were screened for HPV infection by PCR and expression of Notch-1 and Notch-3 protein by Immunohistochemistry and Immunoblotting. Results: 80% (24/30) were found to be positive for HPV in precancer and 86.7% (85/98) in cancer patients. Notch-1 expression of precancer and cancer cases was found to be significantly down-regulated with severity of disease in nuclear (3.43±0.29; 2.04±0.19, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001) and cytoplasm (3.07±0.29; 2.29±0.17, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001) obtained from different stages as compared to normal cervix tissue (5.40±0.19, 4.97±0.15; p&lt;0.001; p&lt;0.001). However, Notch-3 expression of above cases was significantly up-regulated with severity of disease and showed intense nuclear (4.17±0.39; 4.74±0.18, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001) and cytoplasm (3.67±0.36; 4.48±0.18, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001) of different stages as compared to normal cervix tissue (0.95±0.20, 0.70±0.20; p&lt;0.001; p&lt;0.001) respectively. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Notch-1 and Notch-3 may play an important role with synergistic effect of HPV in regulating development and proliferation of cervical cancer through the deregulation of Notch signalling. This study also shows the clinical utility of both proteins which may be used as predictable biomarkers in diagnosing different histological sub-types of HPV associated cervical cancer. Nevertheless, abnormal activation of this pathway may provide legitimate targets for cervical cancer therapy. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 ![file] , 
 We appreciate for pointing out this mistake. As senior author, I am taking the responsibility and retracting the paper. , 
 Dear Author We appreciated your response and taking responsibility for retraction but after a year nothing happened. ,
The study of sclareol in inhibiting proliferation of osteosarcoma cells by apoptotic induction and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential
Authors: Bin Deng
Su Hou
Guoqing Duan
Jianjun Ji
Journal: Cancer Biomarkers (2018)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: Sclareol; cell apoptosis; mitochondrial membrane potential; osteosarcoma cells.
Affiliations: Department of Bone and Joint Surgery., Pediatric Surgery, Zoucheng People's Hospital, Zoucheng, Shandong, China., Department of Bone Surgery, Zoucheng People's Hospital, Zoucheng, Shandong, China.

Abstract:  Sclareol (sclarcol) is an organic compound extracted from sage clary plants. Recent study has showed its anti-tumor effects against breast cancer, gastric carcinoma, osteosarcoma and colorectal cancer. However, its exact mechanisms in inhibiting tumor growth remain unknown. This study thus observed the effect of sclareol on the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells, in an attempt to investigate the role of sclarcol on osteosarcoma growth. MG63 osteosarcoma cell was treated with different concentrations of sclarcol. CCK8 assay was used to test its effect on cell proliferation. LC50 value was then determined to obtain optimal treatment dose. MG63 cells were then divided into control and drug treated group, for measuring apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential by flow cytometry, and the expression of cytochrome c, Bax and Bcl-2 by western blot. CCK8 analysis showed that sclareol inhibited MG63 cell proliferation, with an LC50 value at 11.0 μM. Flow cytometry results showed the apoptotic cell ratio was 13.8%, 24.1% and 37.3% after treated with 2.0 μM, 4.0 μM and 8.0 μM sclareol respectively. Compared to control group, sclareol significantly depressed mitochondrial membrane potential of MG63 cells, increased the expression of cytochrome c and Bax, but decreased Bcl-2 expression. In conclusion, Sclareol can inhibit the proliferation of MG63 cells, and induce cell apoptosis and decrease mitochondrial membrane potential suggesting the inhibition of osteosarcoma cells by sclareol might be via both apoptosis induction and decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Parts of this paper are written in a heavily paraphrased language, which makes the text almost incomprehensible. An example is below. Presumed *tortured phrases* are underlined. ![file] ,
The weather-beaten dorsal hand clinical rating, shadow casting optical profilometry, and skin capacitance mapping
Authors: Claudine Piérard-Franchimont
Adelin Albert
Gérald E Piérard
Marie Delvenne
Laurence Seidel
Journal: BioMed Research International (2013)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: skin xerosis; withering; roughness; dorsal hands; menopausal women
Affiliations: Laboratory of Skin Bioengineering and Imaging (LABIC), Department of Clinical Sciences, Liège University, 4000 Liège, Belgium., Laboratory of Skin Bioengineering and Imaging (LABIC), Department of Clinical Sciences, Liège University, 4000 Liège, Belgium, Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital St Jacques, 25030 Besançon, France

Abstract:  Laypeople commonly perceive some skin xerosis and withering (roughness) changes during winter on some parts of the body, particularly on the dorsal hands. The aim of the study was to assess the withered skin surface changes occurring during the four seasons. A total of 47 menopausal women completed the study. A group of 31 volunteers were on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and 16 were out of HRT. Skin xerosis and scaliness were rated clinically. In addition, skin whitening was assessed by computerized shadow casting optical profilometry and by skin capacitance mapping. The volunteers were not using topical creams and over-the-counter products on their hands. Marked changes, recorded over the successive seasons, corresponded to patchy heterogeneous stratum corneum hydration and heterogeneous skin surface roughness changing over seasons; they likely resulted from changes in the environmental temperature and atmosphere moisture. The severity of the changes revealed by clinical inspection was not supported by similar directions of fluctuations in the instrumental assessments. This seemingly contradiction was in fact due to different levels of scale observation. The clinical centimetric scale and the instrumental inframillimetric scale possibly provide distinct aspects of a given biological impact. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 partial image duplication contradicts labels ![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. ,
Novel multifunctional pH-sensitive nanoparticles loaded into microbubbles as drug delivery vehicles for enhanced tumor targeting
Authors: Ya Ran
Yan Bai
Wenjing Hu
Lan Hao
Liangke Zhang
Yongjiu Lv
Journal: Scientific reports (2016)
Discipline: Multidisciplinary
Keywords: pH-sensitive nanoparticles; microbubbles; drug delivery; resveratrol; antitumor
Affiliations: Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China., Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, Institute of Ultrasound Imaging, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China., Chongqingshi Shapingba District People's Hospital, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China.

Abstract:  This study fabricated novel multifunctional pH-sensitive nanoparticles loaded into microbubbles (PNP-MB) with the combined advantages of two excellent drug delivery vehicles, namely, pH-sensitive nanoparticles and microbubbles. As an antitumor drug, resveratrol (RES) was loaded into acetylated β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles (RES-PNP). The drug-loaded nanoparticles were then encapsulated into the internal space of the microbubbles. The characterization and morphology of this vehicle were investigated through dynamic light scattering and confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively. In vitro drug release was performed to investigate the pH sensitivity of RES-PNP. The antitumor property of RES-loaded PNP-MB (RES-PNP-MB) was also analyzed in vivo to evaluate the antitumor effect of RES-PNP-MB. Results suggested that PNP exhibited pH sensitivity, and was successfully encapsulated into the microbubbles. RES-PNP-MB exhibit effective tumor growth suppressing in vivo. Therefore, such drug delivery vehicle should be of great attention in tumor therapy. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 9: Panels in red boxes are more similar than would be expected. It seems likely they are serial sections from the same tissue sample rather than being from two different tissue samples.![file] , 
 Thank you very much for pointing out this error. We unintendedly made this mistake during the image assembly process. We sincerely regret this error. We will contact the journal editorial office as soon as possible to correct the error. Thank you again for helping us find and correct the error. , 
 Thank you very much for pointing out this error. We unintendedly made this mistake during the image assembly process. We sincerely regret this error. We will contact the journal editorial office as soon as possible to correct the error. Thank you again for helping us find and correct the error. ,
Copper Ion Mediated Selective Cleavage of C–S Bond in Ferrocenylthiosemicarbazone Forming Mixed Geometrical [(PPh3)Cu(μ-S)2Cu(PPh3)2] Having Cu2S2 Core: Toward a New Avenue in Copper–Sulfur Chemistry
Authors: Palaniappan Kalaivani
Somanur V Renukadevi
Karuppannan Natarajan
Ramasamy Karvembu
Rathinasabapathi Prabhakaran
Rui Huang
Kittusamy Senthilkumar
Journal: Inorganic Chemistry (2012)
Discipline: CHEMISTRY
Keywords: selective cleavage; carbon-sulfur bond; ferrocenylthiosemicarbazone; binuclear copper complex; direct synthesis
Affiliations: Department of Chemistry, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India. , Department of Chemistry, Bharathiar
University, Coimbatore 641 046, India, Department of Chemistry, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States, Department of Physics, Bharathiar
University, Coimbatore 641 046, India, Department of Chemistry, National
Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli 620 015, India

Abstract:  Unprecedented selective cleavage of the carbon-sulfur bond of the ferrocenylthiosemicarbazone moiety has been observed for the first time, resulting in the formation of mixed geometrical binuclear copper complex [(PPh(3))Cu(μ-S)(2)Cu(PPh(3))(2)]. Upon trying direct synthesis of the title complex, an unusual tetranuclear [Cu(4)(μ(3)-Cl)(4)(PPh(3))(4)] cubane resulted. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 **SELF-CITATIONS** of the author **(Roger G. Eston)** in a high number! ![file] ![file] ![file] ![file] ![file] ![file] ![file] ![file] ![file] ![file] ![file] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ![file] , 
 Have the reviewers checked the claimed references [for the blue boxed text shown in below] for direct relevance? **Reference [55]** is completely checked and it is totally **irrelevant** to the subject and none of the wordings or abbreviations in the blue boxed text (shown in below) were found in the claimed reference [55]! ![file] ![file] ![file] ![file] ![file] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ![file] https: pubpeer.com search?q=Roger+Eston **https: people.unisa.edu.au roger.eston** ![file] ,
Biocompatible, biodegradable and thermo-sensitive chitosan-g-poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) nanocarrier for curcumin drug delivery
Authors: K P Chennazhi
N Sanoj Rejinold
S V Nair
P R Sreerekha
R Jayakumar
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (2011)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: nano formulation; curcumin; thermoresponsive; chitosan-g-poly (N-isopropylacrylamide); nanoparticles
Affiliations: Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, Kochi, India.

Abstract:  A nano formulation of curcumin loaded biodegradable thermoresponsive chitosan-g-poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) co-polymeric nanoparticles (TRC-NPs) (150 nm) were prepared by ionic cross-linking method and characterized. The in vitro drug release was prominent at above LCST. Cytocompatibility of TRC-NPs (100-1000 μg/ml) on an array of cell line is proved by MTT assay. The drug loaded TRC-NPs showed specific toxicity on cancer cells. The cell uptake studies were confirmed by fluorescent microscopy. Flowcytometric analysis of curcumin loaded TRC-NPs showed increased apoptosis on PC3 cells. These results indicated that TRC-NPs could be a potential nanovehicle for curcumin drug delivery. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 1 appears to include a repeated image. Marked here in green. *** ![file] ,
Endurance exercise rescues progeroid aging and induces systemic mitochondrial rejuvenation in mtDNA mutator mice
Authors: Jonathan P Little
Mark A Tarnopolsky
James E Thompson
Adeel Safdar
Gregory C Kujoth
Nicholas J Mocellin
Daniel I Ogborn
Bart P Hettinga
Tomas A Prolla
Simon Melov
Mahmood Akhtar
Jacqueline M Bourgeois
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (2011)
Discipline: Multidisciplinary
Keywords: mitochondrial DNA mutagenesis; aging; mtDNA mutator mouse; endurance exercise; systemic mitochondrial biogenesis
Affiliations: Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8N 3Z5.

Abstract:  A causal role for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutagenesis in mammalian aging is supported by recent studies demonstrating that the mtDNA mutator mouse, harboring a defect in the proofreading-exonuclease activity of mitochondrial polymerase gamma, exhibits accelerated aging phenotypes characteristic of human aging, systemic mitochondrial dysfunction, multisystem pathology, and reduced lifespan. Epidemiologic studies in humans have demonstrated that endurance training reduces the risk of chronic diseases and extends life expectancy. Whether endurance exercise can attenuate the cumulative systemic decline observed in aging remains elusive. Here we show that 5 mo of endurance exercise induced systemic mitochondrial biogenesis, prevented mtDNA depletion and mutations, increased mitochondrial oxidative capacity and respiratory chain assembly, restored mitochondrial morphology, and blunted pathological levels of apoptosis in multiple tissues of mtDNA mutator mice. These adaptations conferred complete phenotypic protection, reduced multisystem pathology, and prevented premature mortality in these mice. The systemic mitochondrial rejuvenation through endurance exercise promises to be an effective therapeutic approach to mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and related comorbidities. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 2018 notice of concern. http: www.pnas.org content early 2018 06 05 1808586115  The editors wish to note that the following concerns were brought to our attention by Mark Tarnopolsky: u201cThe loading controls in Fig. 3B, vi, and Fig. S6A, vi, appear to be identical in both figures.u201d The editors are therefore issuing an expression of concern and will notify readers once more information is available. , 
 https: retractionwatch.com 2021 04 07 researcher-charged-with-abusing-his-wife-has-third-paper-retracted ,