bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Antiulcer and Cytotoxic Potential of the Leaf, Flower, and Fruit Extracts of Calotropis procera and Isolation of a New Lignan Glycoside
Authors: Al-Taweel Areej Mohammad , Perveen Shagufta , Fawzy Ghada Ahmed , Rehman Attiq Ur , Khan Afsar , Mehmood Rashad , Fadda Laila Mohamed
Published: August 2017

Calotropis procera is traditionally used for treating many diseases including ulcers and tumors. It was thus deemed of interest to investigate and compare the antiulcer and cytotoxic activities of C. procera leaf, flower, and fruit extracts in an attempt to verify its traditional uses. Phytochemical studies on the fruits, flowers, and leaves of C. procera, collected from the desert of Saudi Arabia, led to the isolation of one new lignan 7′‐methoxy‐3′‐O‐demethyl‐tanegool‐9‐O‐β ‐d‐glucopyranoside and five known compounds from the flowers, four compounds from leaves, and a flavonoid glycoside and a lignan glycoside from the fruits. The structures of compounds were determined by spectroscopic techniques. Ethanol extracts of the three parts of C. procera were evaluated for their antiulcer activity and we found that the leaf extract possessed a powerful antiulcer activity which could be considered as a promising drug candidate. All the extracts and the isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7, HCT‐116, HepG‐2, and A‐549 human cancer cell lines. Compound 2 was highly active on all the cell lines, whereas compounds 5 and 11 were more selective on colon and liver cell lines. Compound 10 demonstrated a significant activity on liver and lung cancer cell lines.
Magnifying Endoscopy with Blue Laser Imaging Improves the Microstructure Visualization in Early Gastric Cancer: Comparison of Magnifying Endoscopy with Narrow-Band Imaging
Authors: Kimura-Tsuchiya Reiko , Dohi Osamu , Fujita Yasuko , Yagi Nobuaki , Majima Atsushi , Horii Yusuke , Kitaichi Tomoko , Onozawa Yuriko , Suzuki Kentaro , Tomie Akira , Okayama Tetsuya , Yoshida Naohisa , Kamada Kazuhiro , Katada Kazuhiro , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Takeshi , Takagi Tomohisa , Handa Osamu , Konishi Hideyuki , Kishimoto Mitsuo , Naito Yuji , Yanagisawa Akio , Itoh Yoshito
Published: August 2017

Backgrounds. Magnifying endoscopy with blue laser imaging (ME-BLI) for diagnosis of early gastric cancer (EGC) is as effective as magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI). However, there are different EGCs in microstructure visualization between ME-BLI and ME-NBI. This study aimed to clarify the pathological features of the EGCs, in which microstructure visualization was different between ME-NBI and ME-BLI. Methods. EGCs were classified into groups A (irregular microsurface pattern (MSP) in ME-BLI and absent MSP in ME-NBI), B (irregular MSP in two modalities), or C (absent MSP in two modalities), according to the vessel plus surface classification. We compared the pathological features of EGCs between the three groups. Results. 17, four, and five lesions could be evaluated in detail in groups A, B and C, respectively. Well-differentiated adenocarcinomas with shallow crypts were more frequent in group A than in group B (58.8 and 0%, resp.). The mean crypt depth of group A was significantly shallower than that of group B (56 ± 20, 265 ± 64 μm, resp., P=0.0002). Conclusions. ME-BLI could better visualize the microstructures of the EGCs with shallow crypts compared with ME-NBI. Therefore, ME-BLI could enable a more accurate diagnosis of EGC with shallow crypts.
Supersymmetry across the Hadronic Spectrum
Authors: Dosch Hans Günter
Published: August 2017

Semiclassical light-front bound-state equations for hadrons are presented and compared with experiment. The essential dynamical feature is the holographic approach; that is, the hadronic equations in four-dimensional Minkowski space are derived as holograms of classical equations in a 5-dimensional anti-de Sitter space. The form of the equations is constrained by the imposed superconformal algebra, which fixes the form of the light-front potential. If conformal symmetry is strongly broken by heavy quark masses, the combination of supersymmetry and the classical action in the 5-dimensional space still fixes the form of the potential. By heavy quark symmetry, the strength of the potential is related to the heavy quark mass. The contribution is based on several recent papers in collaboration with Stan Brodsky and Guy de Téramond.
Estimation of Oxidation Kinetics and Oxide Scale Void Position of Ferritic-Martensitic Steels in Supercritical Water
Authors: Sun Li , Yan Weiping
Published: August 2017

Exfoliation of oxide scales from high-temperature heating surfaces of power boilers threatened the safety of supercritical power generating units. According to available space model, the oxidation kinetics of two ferritic-martensitic steels are developed to predict in supercritical water at 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C. The iron diffusion coefficients in magnetite and Fe-Cr spinel are extrapolated from studies of Backhaus and Töpfer. According to Fe-Cr-O ternary phase diagram, oxygen partial pressure at the steel/Fe-Cr spinel oxide interface is determined. The oxygen partial pressure at the magnetite/supercritical water interface meets the equivalent oxygen partial pressure when system equilibrium has been attained. The relative error between calculated values and experimental values is analyzed and the reasons of error are suggested. The research results show that the results of simulation at 600°C are approximately close to experimental results. The iron diffusion coefficient is discontinuous in the duplex scale of two ferritic-martensitic steels. The simulation results of thicknesses of the oxide scale on tubes (T91) of final superheater of a 600 MW supercritical boiler are compared with field measurement data and calculation results by Adrian’s method. The calculated void positions of oxide scales are in good agreement with a cross-sectional SEM image of the oxide layers.
The First Reported Case of Majocchi’s Granuloma withMalbrancheasp. in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Govind Anusha , L’Etoile Nathan , Vasquez Gustavo
Published: August 2017

Majocchi’s granuloma is a rare condition in which a dermatophyte invades the deeper layers of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue and can often be misidentified and treated as eczema. It has a variable presentation ranging from cutaneous lesions to deeper infections in immunocompromised patients. No prior cases have described the formation of Majocchi’s granuloma with the deuteromycetes,Malabranchea.
Vagotomy Reduces Insulin Clearance in Obese Mice Programmed by Low-Protein Diet in the Adolescence
Authors: Lubaczeuski Camila , Gonçalves Luciana Mateus , Vettorazzi Jean Franciesco , Kurauti Mirian Ayumi , Santos-Silva Junia Carolina , Bonfleur Maria Lúcia , Boschero Antonio Carlos , Costa-Júnior José Maria , Carneiro Everardo Magalhães
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of subdiaphragmatic vagotomy on insulin sensitivity, secretion, and degradation in metabolic programmed mice, induced by a low-protein diet early in life, followed by exposure to a high-fat diet in adulthood. Weaned 30-day-old C57Bl/6 mice were submitted to a low-protein diet (6% protein). After 4 weeks, the mice were distributed into three groups: LP group, which continued receiving a low-protein diet; LP + HF group, which started to receive a high-fat diet; and LP + HFvag group, which underwent vagotomy and also was kept at a high-fat diet. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in isolated islets, ipGTT, ipITT, in vivo insulin clearance, and liver expression of the insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) was accessed. Vagotomy improved glucose tolerance and reduced insulin secretion but did not alter adiposity and insulin sensitivity in the LP + HFvag, compared with the LP + HF group. Improvement in glucose tolerance was accompanied by increased insulinemia, probably due to a diminished insulin clearance, as judged by the lower C-peptide : insulin ratio, during the ipGTT. Finally, vagotomy also reduced liver IDE expression in this group. In conclusion, when submitted to vagotomy, the metabolic programmed mice showed improved glucose tolerance, associated with an increase of plasma insulin concentration as a result of insulin clearance reduction, a phenomenon probably due to diminished liver IDE expression.
A Panel of Novel Detection and Prognostic Methylated DNA Markers in Primary Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer and Serum DNA
Authors: Ooki Akira , Maleki Zahra , Tsay Jun-Chieh J. , Goparaju Chandra , Brait Mariana , Turaga Nitesh , Nam Hae-Seong , Rom William N. , Pass Harvey I. , Sidransky David , Guerrero-Preston Rafael , Hoque Mohammad Obaidul
Published: August 2017

Purpose: To establish a novel panel of cancer-specific methylated genes for cancer detection and prognostic stratification of early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Experimental Design: Identification of differentially methylated regions (DMR) was performed with bumphunter on “The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)” dataset, and clinical utility was assessed using quantitative methylation-specific PCR assay in multiple sets of primary NSCLC and body fluids that included serum, pleural effusion, and ascites samples.

Results: A methylation panel of 6 genes (CDO1, HOXA9, AJAP1, PTGDR, UNCX, and MARCH11) was selected from TCGA dataset. Promoter methylation of the gene panel was detected in 92.2% (83/90) of the training cohort with a specificity of 72.0% (18/25) and in 93.0% (40/43) of an independent cohort of stage IA primary NSCLC. In serum samples from the later 43 stage IA subjects and population-matched 42 control subjects, the gene panel yielded a sensitivity of 72.1% (31/41) and specificity of 71.4% (30/42). Similar diagnostic accuracy was observed in pleural effusion and ascites samples. A prognostic risk category based on the methylation status of CDO1, HOXA9, PTGDR, and AJAP1 refined the risk stratification for outcomes as an independent prognostic factor for an early-stage disease. Moreover, the paralog group for HOXA9, predominantly overexpressed in subjects with HOXA9 methylation, showed poor outcomes.

Conclusions: Promoter methylation of a panel of 6 genes has potential for use as a biomarker for early cancer detection and to predict prognosis at the time of diagnosis. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 7141–52. ©2017 AACR.
EPAC–RAP1 Axis-Mediated Switch in the Response of Primary and Metastatic Melanoma to Cyclic AMP
Authors: Rodríguez Carlos I. , Castro-Pérez Edgardo , Prabhakar Kirthana , Block Laura , Longley B. Jack , Wisinski Jaclyn A. , Kimple Michelle E. , Setaluri Vijayasaradhi
Published: August 2017

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is an important second messenger that regulates a wide range of physiologic processes. In mammalian cutaneous melanocytes, cAMP-mediated signaling pathways activated by G-protein–coupled receptors (GPCR), like melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), play critical roles in melanocyte homeostasis including cell survival, proliferation, and pigment synthesis. Impaired cAMP signaling is associated with increased risk of cutaneous melanoma. Although mutations in MAPK pathway components are the most frequent oncogenic drivers of melanoma, the role of cAMP in melanoma is not well understood. Here, using the Braf(V600E)/Pten-null mouse model of melanoma, topical application of an adenylate cyclase agonist, forskolin (a cAMP inducer), accelerated melanoma tumor development in vivo and stimulated the proliferation of mouse and human primary melanoma cells, but not human metastatic melanoma cells in vitro. The differential response of primary and metastatic melanoma cells was also evident upon pharmacologic inhibition of the cAMP effector protein kinase A. Pharmacologic inhibition and siRNA-mediated knockdown of other cAMP signaling pathway components showed that EPAC–RAP1 axis, an alternative cAMP signaling pathway, mediates the switch in response of primary and metastatic melanoma cells to cAMP. Evaluation of pERK levels revealed that this phenotypic switch was not correlated with changes in MAPK pathway activity. Although cAMP elevation did not alter the sensitivity of metastatic melanoma cells to BRAF(V600E) and MEK inhibitors, the EPAC–RAP1 axis appears to contribute to resistance to MAPK pathway inhibition. These data reveal a MAPK pathway–independent switch in response to cAMP signaling during melanoma progression.

Implications: The prosurvival mechanism involving the cAMP–EPAC–RAP1 signaling pathway suggest the potential for new targeted therapies in melanoma. Mol Cancer Res; 15(12); 1792–802. ©2017 AACR.
A First-in-Class TWIST1 Inhibitor with Activity in Oncogene-Driven Lung Cancer
Authors: Yochum Zachary A. , Cades Jessica , Mazzacurati Lucia , Neumann Neil M. , Khetarpal Susheel K. , Chatterjee Suman , Wang Hailun , Attar Myriam A. , Huang Eric H.-B. , Chatley Sarah N. , Nugent Katriana , Somasundaram Ashwin , Engh Johnathan A. , Ewald Andrew J. , Cho Yoon-Jae , Rudin Charles M. , Tran Phuoc T. , Burns Timothy F.
Published: August 2017

TWIST1, an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factor, is critical for oncogene-driven non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumorigenesis. Given the potential of TWIST1 as a therapeutic target, a chemical–bioinformatic approach using connectivity mapping (CMAP) analysis was used to identify TWIST1 inhibitors. Characterization of the top ranked candidates from the unbiased screen revealed that harmine, a harmala alkaloid, inhibited multiple TWIST1 functions, including single-cell dissemination, suppression of normal branching in 3D epithelial culture, and proliferation of oncogene driver-defined NSCLC cells. Harmine treatment phenocopied genetic loss of TWIST1 by inducing oncogene-induced senescence or apoptosis. Mechanistic investigation revealed that harmine targeted the TWIST1 pathway through its promotion of TWIST1 protein degradation. As dimerization is critical for TWIST1 function and stability, the effect of harmine on specific TWIST1 dimers was examined. TWIST1 and its dimer partners, the E2A proteins, which were found to be required for TWIST1-mediated functions, regulated the stability of the other heterodimeric partner posttranslationally. Harmine preferentially promoted degradation of the TWIST1-E2A heterodimer compared with the TWIST-TWIST1 homodimer, and targeting the TWIST1-E2A heterodimer was required for harmine cytotoxicity. Finally, harmine had activity in both transgenic and patient-derived xenograft mouse models of KRAS-mutant NSCLC. These studies identified harmine as a first-in-class TWIST1 inhibitor with marked anti-tumor activity in oncogene-driven NSCLC including EGFR mutant, KRAS mutant and MET altered NSCLC.

Implications: TWIST1 is required for oncogene-driven NSCLC tumorigenesis and EMT; thus, harmine and its analogues/derivatives represent a novel therapeutic strategy to treat oncogene-driven NSCLC as well as other solid tumor malignancies. Mol Cancer Res; 15(12); 1764–76. ©2017 AACR.
The Influential Role of BCL2 Family Members in Synovial Sarcomagenesis
Authors: Barrott Jared J. , Zhu Ju-Fen , Smith-Fry Kyllie , Susko Asia M. , Nollner Dakota , Burrell Lance D. , Pozner Amir , Capecchi Mario R. , Yap Jeffrey T. , Cannon-Albright Lisa A. , Deng Xingming , Jones Kevin B.
Published: August 2017

Synovial sarcomas are deadly soft tissue malignancies associated with t(X;18) balanced chromosomal translocations. Expression of the apoptotic regulator BCL2 is prominent in synovial sarcomas and has prompted the hypothesis that synovial sarcomagenesis may depend on it. Herein, it is demonstrated that Bcl2 overexpression enhances synovial sarcomagenesis in an animal model. Furthermore, we determined increased familial clustering of human synovial sarcoma patients with victims of other BCL2-associated malignancies in the Utah Population Database. Conditional genetic disruption of Bcl2 in mice also led to reduced sarcomagenesis. Pharmacologic inhibition specific to BCL2 had no demonstrable efficacy against human synovial sarcoma cell lines or mouse tumors. However, targeting BCLxL in human and mouse synovial sarcoma with the small molecule BH3 domain inhibitor, BXI-72, achieved significant cytoreduction and increased apoptotic signaling. Thus, the contributory role of BCL2 in synovial sarcomagenesis does not appear to render it as a therapeutic target, but mitochondrial antiapoptotic BCL2 family members may be.

Implications: The association of BCL2 expression with synovial sarcoma is found to fit with a subtle, but significant, impact of its enhanced presence or absence during early tumorigenesis. However, specific pharmacologic inhibition of BCL2 does not demonstrate a persistent dependence in fully developed tumors. Conversely, inhibition of the BCL2 family member BCLxL resulted in nanomolar potency against human synovial sarcoma cell lines and 50% tumor reduction in a genetically engineered mouse model. Mol Cancer Res; 15(12); 1733–40. ©2017 AACR.
Effect of Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Elderly Colorectal Cancer Patients: Lack of Evidence
Authors: Nitsche Ulrich , Stöss Christian , Friess Helmut
Published: August 2017

Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy has become the standard form of treatment for all patients with stage III colorectal cancer and is also recommended for patients with stage II disease and defined risk factors. However, clinical studies that evaluate the effect of adjuvant treatment regimens have a selection bias in favor of younger patients, so that even retrospective subgroup analyses cannot define the best therapeutic procedure in elderly patients with comorbidities. Summary: As long as the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly colorectal cancer patients is not investigated in comprehensive trials, no clear recommendations are possible. Key Message: An exploratory review of the relevant literature revealed that a formal meta-analysis concerning adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly patients with colorectal cancer is not feasible due to varying definitions of elderly patients, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a plethora of chemotherapeutic regimens. Practical Implications: Given the high incidence of colorectal cancer and the median age of 68 years for patients at the time of diagnosis, health economic considerations should promote randomized controlled trials regarding the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in the elderly.
Relevance of Endothelial Cell-Specific Molecule 1 (Endocan) Plasma Levels for Predicting Pulmonary Infection after Cardiac Surgery in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: The Endolung Pilot Study
Authors: Perrotti Andréa , Chenevier-Gobeaux Camille , Ecarnot Fiona , Barrucand Benoit , Lassalle Philippe , Dorigo Enrica , Chocron Sidney
Published: August 2017

Objectives: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the relevance of endocan plasma levels for predicting pulmonary infection after cardiac surgery in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: Serum collected in a previous prospective cohort study (from 166 patients with preoperative CKD who underwent cardiac surgery) was used. Five patients with postoperative pulmonary infection were compared with 15 randomly selected CKD patients with an uneventful outcome. Blood samples were tested at 4 time points (preoperatively and 6, 12, and 24 h after the end of surgery). Endocan, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein plasma levels were compared between the two groups. Results: At 6 h, the patients with pulmonary infection had significantly higher levels of endocan than the patients without pulmonary infection (24.2 ± 15.6 vs. 6.4 ± 3.2 ng/mL; p = 0.03). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity for endocan to predict pulmonary infection (area under the curve 0.84), with a cutoff value of 15.9 ng/mL. The time saved by assessment of the endocan dosage compared to a clinical diagnosis of pulmonary infection was 47 h. Conclusion: This pilot study showed that a specific study to assess the link between endocan plasma levels and pulmonary infection after cardiac surgery in CKD patients is of potential utility.
Effects of Blue Light Emitting Diode Irradiation On the Proliferation, Apoptosis and Differentiation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Yuan Ye , Yan Gege , Gong Rui , Zhang Lai , Liu Tianyi , Feng Chao , Du Weijie , Wang Ying , Yang Fan , Li Yuan , Guo Shuyuan , Ding Fengzhi , Ma Wenya , Idiiatullina Elina , Pavlov Valentin , Han Zhenbo , Cai Benzhi , Yang Lei
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: Blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been proven to affect the growth of several types of cells. The effects of blue LEDs have not been tested on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), which are important for cell-based therapy in various medical fields. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of blue LED on the proliferation, apoptosis and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Methods: BMSCs were irradiated with a blue LED light at 470 nm for 1 min, 5 min, 10 min, 30 min and 60 min or not irradiated. Cell proliferation was measured by performing cell counting and EdU staining assays. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by ALP and ARS staining. DCFH-DA staining and γ-H2A.X immunostaining were used to measure intracellular levels of ROS production and DNA damage. Results: Both cell counting and EdU staining assays showed that cell proliferation of BMSCs was significantly reduced upon blue LED irradiation. Furthermore, treatment of BMSCs with LED irradiation was followed by a remarkable increase in apoptosis, indicating that blue LED light induced toxic effects on BMSCs. Likewise, BMSC osteogenic differentiation was inhibited after exposure to blue LED irradiation. Further, blue LED irradiation was followed by the accumulation of ROS production and DNA damage. Conclusions: Taken together, our study demonstrated that blue LED light inhibited cell proliferation, inhibited osteogenic differentiation, and induced apoptosis in BMSCs, which are associated with increased ROS production and DNA damage. These findings may provide important insights for the application of LEDs in future BMSC-based therapies.
Tetrahydroxystilbene Glycoside Improves Microvascular Endothelial Dysfunction and Ameliorates Obesity-Associated Hypertension in Obese ZDF Rats Via Inhibition of Endothelial Autophagy
Authors: Dong Qianqian , Xing Wenjuan , Su Feifei , Liang Xiangyan , Tian Fei , Gao Feng , Wang Siwang , Zhang Haifeng
Published: August 2017

Aims: Obesity is a major risk for hypertension. Endothelial dysfunction contributes to increased peripheral vascular resistance and subsequent hypertension. Autophagy regulates endothelial function, however, whether autophagy is related to hypertension in obesity remains largely unclear. We wished to ascertain: (i) the role of autophagy in obesity-induced hypertension and the underlying mechanisms; (ii) if tetrahydroxystilbene glycoside (TSG) influences endothelial dysfunction and obesity-associated hypertension. Methods: (TSG-treated) male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used. Blood pressure was measured non-invasively with a tail-cuff system. Westernblotting was performed to determine the expression of autophagy-associated proteins. Autophagy flux was assessed by transfection HUVECs with the Ad-mGFP–RFP–LC3. Results: Compared with their lean counterparts, obese ZDF rats exhibited hypertension and endothelial dysfunction, along with impaired Akt/mTOR signaling and upregulated expression of autophagy-associated proteins beclin1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 II/I, autophagy protein (ATG)5 and ATG7. Two-week TSG administration restored blood pressure and endothelial function, reactivated Akt/mTOR pathway and decreased endothelial autophagy in ZDF rats. Rapamycin pretreatment blocked the hypotensive effect of TSG in ZDF rats. Suppression of Akt/mTOR expression with siRNA significantly blunted the anti-autophagic effect of TSG in HUVECs as evidenced by abnormal autophagic flux and increased expression of autophagy-associated proteins. Conclusion: Endothelial dysfunction in ZDF rats is partially attributable to excessive autophagy. TSG improves endothelial function and exerts hypotensive effects via regulation of endothelial autophagy.
Effects of the Long Non-Coding RNA HOST2 On the Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Apoptosis of Human Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Xiao , Meng Fan-Bin , Wang Zhen-Xing , Zhao Ren-Tao , Yang Chun-Yang
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: This study aimed to explore the effects of the long non-coding RNA HOST2 (lnc-HOST2) on the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Methods: Osteosarcoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues from 52 patients were selected. Human osteosarcoma cell lines (SaOS2, HOS, U2OS and MG-63) were collected and cultured; MG-63 cells had the highest lnc-HOST2 expression and thus were used in subsequent experiments. Then, MG-63 cells were transfected and divided into the blank (no transfection), si-CON (transfected with negative control siRNA) and si-lnc-HOST2 (transfected with small interference lnc-HOST2 siRNA) groups. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression of lnc-HOST2 in primary tissues and cells. Cell growth was detected using the CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Cell doubling time was detected. Cell migration and invasion were observed using the scratch test and Transwell assays. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression of osteosarcoma cells were detected using flow cytometry with annexin V/PI double staining and PI staining, respectively. Results: The level of lnc-HOST2 expression in the si-lnc-HOST2 group was significantly decreased compared to that in the blank and si-CON groups. The OD values in the si-lnc-HOST2 group were significantly lower than those in the blank and si-CON groups. Compared to the blank and si-CON groups, the si-lnc-HOST2 group presented significant decreases in the colony number and healing rates after scratching. The number of invasive cells in the si-lnc-HOST2 group was significantly less than that in the blank and si-CON groups. In the si-lnc-HOST2 group, the cell cycle was mainly halted in the G1 phase, and the apoptosis rate and doubling time in this group were significantly higher than those in the blank group and si-CON group. Conclusions: Inhibition of lnc-HOST2 could suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion and promote the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells.
Ursolic Acid Improves Liver Transplantation and Inhibits Apoptosis in Miniature Pigs Using Donation After Cardiac Death
Authors: Zhou Wei , Lin Li , Cheng Ying , Liu Yongfeng
Published: August 2017

Background: Ursolic acid (UA) possesses extensive pharmacological activities, including anti-oxidation, anti-infection, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, liver protection. This study was designed to investigate the effect of UA on liver transplantation after liver transplantation using donation after cardiac death (DCD), and to assess the mechanisms. Methods: 24 healthy experimental pigs were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. Each group received six DCD liver transplantations. In the experimental group, the recipient pigs received 120 mg/kg UA 4 h before surgery by intraperitoneal injection. The liver tissues and vein blood were collected 0 h, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after transplantation. Morphological change, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK)-CHOP signaling pathway and apoptosis in liver tissue and serum aminotransferase (ALT) level were assessed. Results: Compared with control group, ALT level was significantly decreased (P<0.05) and pathological changes in liver were ameliorated in experimental group. UA treatment also decreased MDA level in liver tissue and attenuated the apoptosis. Compared with control group, Bax decreased and Bcl-2 increased in UA-treated group. Importantly, UA decreased p-PERK, PERK, p-eIF2α, eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP levels compared with control group. Conclusion: Our results showed that UA treatment could improve the DCD liver transplantation likely through inhibiting apoptosis and PERK-CHOP pathway.
Small Scale Wind Generation System: Part I – Experimental Verification Of Flux Reversal Generator Block
Authors: Vidhya B. , Srinivas K. N.
Published: August 2017

This research work, titled Small Scale Wind Generation System, reported in part I and part II, proposes modeling, analysis and control of a small scale wind energy conversion system employing a direct driven Flux Reversal Generator (FRG) connected to the micro grid through a Quasi-Z-Source Inverter (QZSI). The application of QZSI using FRG to feed micro grid is proposed for the first time in this research work. The QZSI can realize buck/boost, inversion and power conditioning in a single stage with improved reliability. Also it features a wide range of voltage gain which is suitable for applications in wind systems, due to the fact that the wind generator output varies widely with wind velocity. In addition, the modified Space Vector PWM (SVPWM) technique is proposed in this paper to satisfy the shoot-through characteristic of QZSI. This also adds to the contribution of this research work. In this part I of this full research, modelling of the small scale FRG for wind system using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is presented. The major parameter of FRG viz, voltage, current, torque and power are analyzed, validated and then represented in d-q model. The simulation results are validated with the analytical results. An experimental set-up to run the full procedure reported in this paper. These results form the basis for part II of this research work.
Power System Performance Improvement by Optimal Placement and Sizing of SVC using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Duraisamy Prasanth , Ponnusamy Arul
Published: August 2017

The power system loss minimization becomes more important as the need of power generation is more recent days. The loss minimization improves the voltage profile which improves the loadability of the system. In many types of Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices Static Var Compensators (SVC) are cost vise it is affordable and it improves the system performance with lesser size. Here SVC is optimally placed in a test system of 30 bus system. Genetic algorithm is used to find the optimal results.
Assessment of Remote Heart Rhythm Sampling Using the AliveCor Heart Monitor to Screen for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Halcox Julian P.J. , Wareham Kathie , Cardew Antonia , Gilmore Mark , Barry James P. , Phillips Ceri , Gravenor Michael B.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasingly common in the aging population and implicated in many ischemic strokes. Earlier identification of AF with appropriate anticoagulation may decrease stroke morbidity and mortality.

Methods:

We conducted a randomized controlled trial of AF screening using an AliveCor Kardia monitor attached to a WiFi-enabled iPod to obtain ECGs (iECGs) in ambulatory patients. Patients ≥65 years of age with a CHADS-VASc score ≥2 free from AF were randomized to the iECG arm or routine care (RC). iECG participants acquired iECGs twice weekly over 12 months (plus additional iECGs if symptomatic) onto a secure study server with overread by an automated AF detection algorithm and by a cardiac physiologist and/or consultant cardiologist. Time to diagnosis of AF was the primary outcome measure. The overall cost of the devices, ECG interpretation, and patient management were captured and used to generate the cost per AF diagnosis in iECG patients. Clinical events and patient attitudes/experience were also evaluated.

Results:

We studied 1001 patients (500 iECG, 501 RC) who were 72.6±5.4 years of age; 534 were female. Mean CHADS-VASc score was 3.0 (heart failure, 1.4%; hypertension, 54%; diabetes mellitus, 30%; prior stroke/transient ischemic attack, 6.5%; arterial disease, 15.9%; all CHADS-VASc risk factors were evenly distributed between groups). Nineteen patients in the iECG group were diagnosed with AF over the 12-month study period versus 5 in the RC arm (hazard ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval=1.4–10.4;
P
=0.007) at a cost per AF diagnosis of $10 780 (£8255). There was a similar number of stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolic events (6 versus 10, iECG versus RC; hazard ratio=0.61; 95% confidence interval=0.22–1.69;
P
=0.34). The majority of iECG patients were satisfied with the device, finding it easy to use without restricting activities or causing anxiety.

Conclusions:

Screening with twice-weekly single-lead iECG with remote interpretation in ambulatory patients ≥65 years of age at increased risk of stroke is significantly more likely to identify incident AF than RC over a 12-month period. This approach is also highly acceptable to this group of patients, supporting further evaluation in an appropriately powered, event-driven clinical trial.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.isrctn.com
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN10709813.
Feeding ecology of the shrimp Crangon allmanni Kinahan, 1860 (Decapoda, Crangonidae) in the North and White seas
Authors: Burukovsky R. N.
Published: August 2017

The food composition of the shrimp Crangon allmanni from the Helgoland Trench (North Sea) and Onega Bay (White Sea) is described. The main food items (>60%) include detritus, representatives of about 30 benthic species, dominated by polychaetes, malacostracans, ophiuroids, bivalves and ophistobranchs (Cylichna, Diaphana spp.) as well as plant remains. In the North Sea, C. allmanni is closer to an attacking predator than to a predator-gatherer like in the White Sea. This difference may be caused by diverging habitat- and community characteristics and dissimilar size composition of the two studied shrimp populations. Moreover, C. allmanni changes its foraging mode (grazing, gathering, attacking) during ontogenesis. A comparison of the obtained food composition data of C. allmanni with literature data on six other species of the same genus showed all to be benthos feeders, predator-gatherers with elements of detrito- and necrophagia, using grains of sand as millstones in their gastric mill.
A second report on material from Dr. Mortensen’s collection of Thalassinidea and Callianassidea (Decapoda) in the Zoological Museum, Copenhagen
Authors: Sakai Katsushi
Published: August 2017

Material collected during the Pacific Expedition (1913-1916) under the leadership of Dr. Th. Mortensen was studied. As a result of the examination, Jaxea novaezealandiae Wear & Yaldwyn, 1966 (Laomediidae Borradaile, 1903) and Eucalliax kensleyi Dworschak, 2005 (Callianassidae Dana, 1852, sensu Sakai & Sawada, 2006) are recorded, and Tuerkaygourretia galathea gen. et sp. nov. (Gourretiidae Sakai, 1999) and Garyia sachikoae sp. nov. (Thomassiniidae De Saint Laurent, 1979) are newly described. The family Gourretiidae, reviewed on this occasion, is safely considered to comprise eight genera, including five new ones, Heterogourretia gen. nov., Ivorygourretia gen. nov., Plantesgourretia gen. nov., Ruiyuliugourretia gen. nov. and Tuerkaygourretia gen. nov.
The coral genus Caulastraea Dana, 1846 (Scleractinia, Merulinidae) as a new host for gall crabs (Decapoda, Cryptochiridae), with the description of Lithoscaptus tuerkayi sp. nov.
Authors: van der Meij Sancia E. T.
Published: August 2017

A new gall crab species is described from the stony coral genus Caulastraea, a new host coral genus for Cryptochiridae crabs. Specimens were collected during fieldwork off Kudat (Malaysian Borneo) and Okinawa (Japan). Further material was retrieved from the collections of the Institute of Oceanography in Nha Trang (Vietnam). The new species, here named Lithoscaptus tuerkayi sp. nov., is the tenth assigned to the genus in which it is tentatively placed. It can be separated from its congeners by the strongly demarcated, inverted V-shaped protuberance flanking the mesogastric region, with denuded spots on the anterolateral sides of this inverted V-shape, as well as the denuded area just below the frontal margin. Based on morphology and COI sequence data, the closest species to L. tuerkayi sp. nov. is determined to be Lithoscaptus helleri (Fize & Serène, 1957).
Uroptychus michaeli (Decapoda, Chirostylidae), a new species of deep-water squat lobster from north-western Australia and Taiwan
Authors: Ahyong Shane T. , Baba Keiji
Published: August 2017

Uroptychus michaeli sp. nov. is described from northwestern Australia and Taiwan. The new species closely resembles U. nigricapillis, to which northwestern Australian and some Taiwanese records had been previously referred. Uroptychus michaeli sp. nov. is readily distinguished from U. nigricapillis by the deeply excavate cervical groove on the carapace (versus shallow, weakly indicated), more elongate pereopods 2-4 in which the pereopod 2 merus is longer than the postorbital carapace length (versus shorter), and the proportionally longer pereopod 2 carpus, which is as long as or longer than half postorbital carapace length (versus less than half) and approximately twice the length of the dactylus (versus 1.2× or less).
A new squat lobster species of the genus Munida (Decapoda, Anomura, Munididae) from the deep-sea off the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: Komai Tomoyuki
Published: August 2017

Munida michaeli, a new species of deep-sea squat lobster (Munididae), is described and illustrated on the basis of a single male specimen collected off Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, at depths of 641-650 m. It closely resembles M. sacksi Macpherson, 1993 known with certainty only from the Philippines, but different spination of the carapace dorsum and the greatly reduced armature of the flexor margins of the ambulatory dactyli distinguish the new species from the latter. With the addition of the present new species, 41 species of Munida Leach, 1820 are now known from Japanese waters.
Palaeogene and Neogene brachyurans of the Amazon basin: a revised first appearance date for primary freshwater crabs (Brachyura, Trichodactylidae)
Authors: Klaus Sebastian , Magalhães Célio , Salas-Gismondi Rodolfo , Gross Martin , Antoine Pierre-Olivier
Published: August 2017

We describe claw fragments of fossil primary freshwater crabs from three areas in the Amazon basin, Tarapoto (Early Oligocene) and Contamana (Middle Eocene to early Late Miocene) in Peru, and Eirunepé (Late Miocene) in Brazil. All these fragments most likely belong to the family Trichodactylidae. We show a continuous presence of primary freshwater crabs in proto-Amazonian lowlands from the Middle Eocene to the Late Miocene and can thus shift the earliest appearance date of freshwater-adapted brachyurans into the Eocene, at least in the Neotropics.
Sundathelphusa miguelito, a new species of freshwater crab from the southern Philippines (Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae)
Authors: Mendoza Jose C. E. , Sy E. Y.
Published: August 2017

A new species of the freshwater crab genus Sundathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Gecarcinucidae) is described from the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. The Philippine Islands host the greatest species diversity of this genus, although only four species were previously known from Mindanao. The new species is most similar to S. mistio (Rathbun, 1904) and S. montanoanus (Rathbun, 1904) in the general carapace outline and leg proportions, but it can be distinguished by features of the carapace, thoracic sternum and gonopods. With this discovery, there are now 29 species of Sundathelphusa known from the Philippines.
A new species of the genus Leptochela (Decapoda, Caridea, Pasiphaeidae) from the Yellow Sea
Authors: Wang Yaqin , Gan Zhibin , Li Xinzheng
Published: August 2017

Based on samples collected from the Yellow Sea in October 2014, a new species of pasiphaeid shrimp, Leptochela (Leptochela) tuerkayi sp. nov., is described. The new species is closely related to L. (L.) gracilis Stimpson, 1860 in morphology but differs from the latter and other congeners by the following combination of characters: three longitudinal dorsal carinae in ovigerous females, third maxilliped with the rather short exopod slightly overreaching the distal margin of the antepenultimate segment and the fourth pereiopod with the exopod reaching beyond the end of the merus. Morphological data and a partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of the new species are provided to show its systematic position.
A new sponge associated shrimp species of the Indo-West Pacific genus Paraclimenaeus (Decapoda, Caridea, Palaemonidae)
Authors: Odijk Machteld , Fransen Charles H. J. M.
Published: August 2017

A new sponge-associated species, Paraclimenaeus michaeli sp. nov. from Sulawesi, Indonesia, and Singapore, is described and illustrated. The new species can be distinguished from its congenerics by: (1) the downwards curved rostrum with 2 acute dorsal teeth subdistally, (2) the absence of subdistal teeth on the fixed finger of the major second chela, (3) the pairs of dorsal telson spines at about 0.33 and 0.66 of the telson length, (4) the caudal fan sparsely setose, and (5) the second pereiopods without subdistal teeth on fixed finger. To evaluate its relationship with congenerics and species of the related genera Apopontonia and Climeniperaeus, a phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S mitochondrial gene is presented. A key for the identification of the species in Apopontonia, Climeniperaeus and Paraclimenaeus is proposed.
Host specificity and feeding in European pea crabs (Brachyura, Pinnotheridae)
Authors: Becker Carola , Türkay Michael
Published: August 2017

Pinnotherids, or pea crabs, are symbionts of invertebrates used for shelter and as food source. Feeding strategies and morphological adaptations to food uptake are important to understand host relations and how the host specificity is determined. We herein re-examine the host range of pinnotherids based on long-term collections from different localities in European waters. Both species of Pinnotheres are restricted to bivalves. Pinnotheres pisum infests mussels, oysters, the noble pen shell Pinna nobilis and other bivalves. Pinnotheres pectunculi is symbiotic with Glycymeris glycymeris and several other species of venerids. Nepinnotheres pinnotheres infests ascidians and Pinna nobilis. Observations on feeding in Pinnotheres reveal how mucus strings are brushed from the host gills with a setal comb in the chelipeds, which we describe by using scanning electron microscopy. Our observations on feeding structures are discussed in relation to the host specificity of each species and compared to other pinnotherid taxa, taking additional factors of host choice into account.
Species diversity of freshwater decapod crustaceans (crabs and shrimps) from Colombia
Authors: Campos Martha R. , Campos Diógenes
Published: August 2017

The aim of this paper is to characterize the species diversity of freshwater decapod crustaceans (crabs and shrimps) from Colombia by using a dataset containing 964 digitized records and 13 881 specimens collected between 1910 and 2016, information that has been assembled with data from 21 museums and other institutions worldwide. The characterization of species diversity is based on the estimation of relative abundance of species and it is calculated in three separate analyses in which the data were partitioned as follows: (a) by decapod families (six in Colombia) (b) the unpartitioned dataset of all 139 Colombian species and (c) by the five biogeographic regions in the country. In each case, Campos & Isaza’s species diversity index and the Shannon entropy index were calculated. The calculations performed here also allowed the identification of predominant species and those that are least represented in collections and might therefore be at greater risk of extinction.
Prosecution of Rhino Poachers: The Need to Focus on Prosecution of the Higher Echelons of Organised Crime Networks
Authors: Nanima Robert Doya
Published: August 2017

There has been a focus on the prosecution of persons who are arrested in the course of poaching rhinos in national parks, other than the members who form the higher echelons of the networks. This contribution advances the argument that there is need to create a framework that leads to the prosecution of the higher echelons of the organised crime groups, who are usually beyond South Africa’s borders. To advance this argument, the author evaluates the classification system of networks, the legal regime and the prosecutorial gaps and the evaluation system of progress employed by the National Prosecuting Authority and the Department of Environmental Affairs. Recommendations for reform follow.
Effectiveness of the Current Regimes to Combat Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea: An Evaluation
Authors: Hassan Daud , Hasan Sayed
Published: August 2017

In recent years, piracy has emerged as a growing problem in the gulf of guinea region (the region). The gulf has, in the past years, witnessed a sharp rise in pirate attacks. The aim of this paper is to assess the application and shortcomings of the current arrangements in addressing the problem of piracy in the region. In doing so, the paper presents the possible means of combating piracy in the region and provides an analysis of counter-piracy responses that have been employed in the region. Analysis includes an evaluation of the steps taken by the governments of the region and the effectiveness of the implemented strategies to counter the threat posed by piracy in the region. Identifying the barriers and challenges to combat piracy, a comprehensive arrangement based effective cooperation is proposed in the paper.
Ten new species of Amphidraus Simon, 1900 (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini) and three new combinations
Authors: SALGADO ALEXANDRE , RUIZ GUSTAVO R.S.
Published: August 2017

Ten new species of Amphidraus Simon, 1900 from Brazil are described: A. belzonte sp. nov. (♂), A. bifidus sp. nov. (♂♀), A. caxiuanan sp. nov. (♂), A. draconicaudatus sp. nov. (♂♀), A. janauari sp. nov. (♂), A. loxodontillus sp. nov. (♂), A. mysticetus sp. nov. (♂♀), A. nigrigenu sp. nov. (♂), A. pulvinus sp. nov. (♂) and A. simplex sp. nov. (♂♀). A new diagnosis is proposed for the genus and three new combinations are established for species presently misplaced in Amphidraus: Titanattus parvus (Mello-Leitão, 1945) comb. nov., Truncattus manni (Bryant, 1943) comb. nov. and Truncattus mendicus (Bryant, 1943) comb. nov. Several new records for A. santanae Galiano, 1967 are provided, enabling brief comments on the morphological variations in this species.
A new species of Chaetozone (Polychaeta, Cirratulidae) from the Bay of Biscay offshore France, together with a review of Chaetozone species from the North Atlantic and adjacent waters
Authors: BLAKE JAMES A. , LAVESQUE NICOLAS
Published: August 2017

A new cirratulid species of the genus Chaetozone has been discovered offshore in fine muddy sediments in the Bay of Biscay, France. This species is unusual in having an expanded fusiform anterior body region and numerous subdermal glands along the entire body that produce an elaborate and distinctive pattern when stained with Methyl Green. The new species is compared with closely related congeners and a review of Chaetozone species from the North Atlantic Ocean is presented.
Description of Antho (Plocamia) bremecae sp. nov. and checklist of Microcionidae (Demospongiae: Poecilosclerida) from Burdwood Bank and neighboring areas, SW Atlantic Ocean
Authors: LAURA SCHEJTER , MARCO BERTOLINO , BARBARA CALCINAI
Published: August 2017

In this contribution, we describe a new Demospongiae species, Antho (Plocamia) bremecae sp. nov., from the west slope of Burdwood bank, a poorly studied region in the SW Atlantic Ocean. We also recorded for the first time in the region two other microcionid species, Clathria (Axosuberites) nidificata and Clathria (Microciona) antarctica. In addition, a regional checklist of Microcionidae from Burdwood Bank and neighboring areas, including Malvinas (Falkland) Islands, Tierra del Fuego Province and the North of the Scotia Arc (South Georgia and Shag Rocks) is provided.