bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Effects of microRNA‐330 on vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques formation and vascular endothelial cell proliferation through the WNT signaling pathway in acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Ren Jing , Ma Rui , Zhang Zhu‐Bo , Li Yang , Lei Ping , Men Jian‐Long
Published: December 2017

This study is designed to investigate the effects of microRNA (miR)‐330 on atherosclerotic plaques formation and vascular endothelial (VE) cell proliferation by targeting MAPK8 through the WNT signaling pathway in rats with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Expression of hemodynamic variables were tested. Rats were allocated into control, blank, negative control (NC), miR‐330 mimic, miR‐330 inhibitor, DDK‐1, miR‐330 inhibitor + DDK‐1 groups. ELISA was used to evaluate the expression of TC, TG, LDL‐C, hs‐CRP, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and SAA. Immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used for expression of VEGF, MAPK8, WNT1, β‐catenin, GSK‐3β, p‐GSK‐3β, CyclinD1, MMP‐9, IL‐6, and IL‐8. MTT assay and flow cytometry for cell proliferation and apoptosis. Compared with the control group, other groups had lower levels of SBP, DBP, MBP, LVSP, and miR‐330, higher levels of HR, LVEDP, TC, TG, LDC‐C, hs‐CRP, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, SAA, higher positive protein expression rates of MAPK8, VEGF, and MMP‐9, elevated WNT1, β‐catenin, GSK‐3β and CyclinD1, and reduced cell proliferation. MAPK8‐3'‐UTR was targeted by miR‐330. Compared with the blank group, the miR‐330 mimic and DDK‐1 groups had higher levels of SBP, DBP, MBP, LVSP, lower levels of HR, LVEDP, TC, TG, LDC‐C, hs‐CRP, IL‐6, TNF‐α, SAA, elevated IL‐10, decreased positive protein expression rates of MAPK8 and VEGF, raised cell proliferation and reduced cell apoptosis rates. We conclude that overexpressed miR‐330 suppresses atherosclerotic plaques formation while promotes VE cell proliferation by targeting MAPK8 through the WNT signaling pathway in ACS rats.
RETRACTED: microRNA‐383 suppresses the PI3K‐AKT‐MTOR signaling pathway to inhibit development of cervical cancer via down‐regulating PARP2
Authors: Teng Peng , Jiao Yan , Hao Min , Tang Xin
Published: December 2017

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the regulatory relationship between microRNA‐383 (miR‐383) and PARP2 in the cell migration and invasion in human with cervical cancer (CC) via the PI3K‐AKT‐MTOR signaling pathway. Cancerous tissues and corresponding paracancerous tissues were collected from 115 patients with CC. The positive expression rate of PARP2 was detected by immunohistochemistry. HeLa cells with highest miR‐383 expression were selected and assigned into the blank, negative control (NC), miR‐383 mimic, miR‐383 inhibitor, si‐PARP2, and miR‐383 inhibitor + si‐PARP2 groups. qRT‐PCR and Western blot were performed to evaluate the expression of miR‐383, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, PARP2, and p70S6K. MTT assay were utilized to measure cell viability. Transwell assay were applied to evaluate cell invasion and metastasis. Dual luciferase reporter assay identified that PARP2 is a target gene of miR‐383. Cancerous tissues manifested higher expression of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, PARP2, and p70S6K but lower miR‐383 expression than paracancerous tissues. Compared with the blank and NC groups, the miR‐383 mimic and si‐PARP2 groups had decreased expression of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, PARP2, and p70S6K mRNA and protein. In the miR‐383 mimic and si‐PARP2 groups, the cell viability, migration, and invasion were descended, in comparison to the blank and NC groups. All above parameters showed an opposite trend in the miR‐383 inhibitor group when compared with the blank and NC groups. This study demonstrates that miR‐383 could down‐regulate PARP2 to protect against CC by inhibiting PI3K‐AKT‐MTOR signaling pathway.
Reduction of two histone marks, H3k9me3 and H3k27me3 by epidrug induces neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer
Authors: Lee Eunsohl , Wang Jingcheng , Jung Younghun , Cackowski Frank C. , Taichman Russell S.
Published: December 2017

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NE PCa) is an aggressive malignancy, often presenting with advanced metastasis. We previously reported that reduction of histone marks regulated by DNMT1 following epidrug (5‐Azacitidine, 5‐Aza) treatment controls induction of epithelial to mesenchymal (EMT) and a cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype, which facilitates tumorigenesis in PCa cells. Here, we use the epidrug 5‐Aza as a model for how histone marks may regulate the reprogramming of prostate adenocarcinoma into NE phenotypic cells. First, we observed that 5‐Aza treatment of PCa cells in vitro induces a neuron‐like phenotype. In addition, significant increases in the expression of the NE markers N‐Myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), enolase‐2 (ENO2), and synaptophysin were observed. Critically, a high density of NE cells with synaptophysin expression was found in tumors generated by 5‐Aza pretreatment of PCa cells. Importantly, induction of NE differentiation of PCa cells was associated with an enhancement of NDRG1 expression by reduction of two histone marks, H3K9me3 and H3K27me3. Further, more NDRG1 expression was detected in the subset of PCa cells with reduced expression of H3K9me3 or H3K27me3 in the tumors generated by 5‐Aza pretreated PCa cells and critically, these biological differences are also observed in small cell carcinoma in advanced stage of human primary PCa tumors. Our results suggest that reduction of histone marks regulated by the epidrug 5‐Aza may control induction of a NE phenotype, which facilitates PCa progression. These studies suggest a strong rationale for developing therapeutics, which target epigenetic regulation.
Lnc RNA SNHG20 participated in proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells via miR‐495
Authors: Guan Yan‐Xing , Zhang Meng‐zhi , Chen Xue‐Zhong , Zhang Qing , Liu Shao‐Zheng , Zhang Yong‐Lu
Published: December 2017

To explore the mechanism of lnc SNHG20 in the regulation of proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells. mRNA levels of SNHG20, miR‐495, and HER2 were detected by qRT‐PCR. Protein level of HER2 was measured by Western blot. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were detected by CCK‐8 assay, Boyden chamber assay, and Transwell assay. The combination between SNHG20 and miR‐495 was confirmed by RNA pull down assay. The combination between miR‐495 and HER2 was confirmed by luciferase report assays. We also established breast cancer‐bearing mice model and analyzed tumor volumes. Our data showed SNHG20 expression was significantly upregulated, miR‐495 expression was significantly downregulated, and HER2 expression was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Besides, SNHG20 promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells. We also found SNHG20 negatively regulated miR‐495, and miR‐495 could negatively regulate HER2. Moreover, we discovered that SNHG20 regulated HER2 via miR‐495. SNHG20 regulated proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells via miR‐495/HER2. Finally, we confirmed the mechanism of SNHG20 in the regulation of proliferation, invasion, and migration in breast cancer‐bearing mice model. SNHG20 regulates HER2 via miR‐495 to promote proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells.
Leptin induces MMP1/13 and ADAMTS 4 expressions through bone morphogenetic protein‐2 autocrine effect in human chondrocytes
Authors: Su Yu‐Ping , Chen Cheng‐Nan , Huang Kuo‐Chin , Chang Hsin‐I , Lee Ko‐Chao , Lo Chun‐Min , Chang Shun‐Fu
Published: December 2017

The induction of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2 in injured and arthritis articular cartilage has been proposed, but the precise mechanism has not been clearly clarified. Our previous study has found that leptin could stimulate the BMP2 autocrine effect to increase the anabolic collagen II expression when it initiates the catabolic response in human chondrocytes. It has been suggested that this BMP2 autocrine effect contributes to a reparative role in leptin‐stimulated human chondrocytes. In this study, we further determined whether this BMP2 autocrine effect also affect the expressions of catabolic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif (ADAMTS). Human primary and SW1353 chondrocytes were used in this study. It was shown that leptin could induce the expressions of MMP1, 3, and 13 and ADAMTS4 and 5 in both human primary and SW1353 chondrocytes. Leptin‐increased MMP1/13 (not MMP3) and ADAMTS4 (not ADAMTS5) expressions were affected by the leptin‐upregulated BMP2 and its specific downstream Smad1/5 signaling. Moreover, both HDAC3 and 4 are involved in regulating leptin‐induced BMP2 upregulation and then affect MMP1 and 13 and ADAMTS4 expression. Both HDAC3 and 4 also affect leptin‐increased MMP3 mRNA expression but not through BMP2 autocrine effect of leptin induction. Our results further elucidated the role of BMP2 autocrine effect in matrix‐degrading enzymes expressions under leptin stimulation. The findings in this study provide new insights into the possible mechanism of BMP2 induction in leptin‐stimulated chondrocytes and in leptin‐induced OA development.
Knockdown of Ski decreased the reactive astrocytes proliferation in vitro induced by oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhou Kai‐Sheng , Li Zhong‐Hao , Nan Wei , Wang Jing , Xia Ya‐Yi , Zhang Hai‐Hong
Published: December 2017

Glia scar is a pathological marker in late phase of brain ischemia disease, which constitutes a major physical biochemical barrier to impede axonal regrowth. Astrocytes are known to be critically involved in the formation of glial scar. However, their response to ischemia and their role in neuroprotection after central nervous system (CNS) injury are not completely clear. Recently, we have demonstrated for the first time that Ski was up‐regulated in reactive astrocytes after spinal cord injury in vivo and in vitro, which indicates Ski may be a new molecule that control astrocytes biologic properties after CNS injury. However, its role in the process of reactive astrogliosis after cerebral ischemia and its definite mechanism still remains unknown. This study is to elucidate the role of Ski in reactive astrocytes induced by oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in vitro. The expression of Ski was proved to be up‐regulated in OGD/R model. Meanwhile, Up‐regulation of Ski was accompanied with high ratio of EdU (+) cells and up‐expression of related proteins including GFAP, PCNA, CDK4, and CyclinD1, which demonstrated the distinct activation and proliferation of astrocytes after stimulation by OGD/R. Astrocytes were transfected with Ski‐specific siRNA to knockdown Ski expression and subsequently attenuated OGD‐induced astrocyte proliferation. Our results also showed that Ski down‐regulation could suppress the activity of the Ras‐Raf‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Together, knockdown of Ski can effectively inhibit the proliferation of reactive astrogliosis via suppressing the Ras‐Raf‐ERK1/2 pathway. These findings indicated that maybe Ski is a promising therapeutic target for cerebral ischemic injury.
IL‐1β‐induced miR‐34a up‐regulation inhibits Cyr61 to modulate osteoarthritis chondrocyte proliferation through ADAMTS‐4
Authors: Yang Bo , Ni Jiangdong , Long Hui , Huang Jun , Yang Cheng , Huang Xianzhe
Published: December 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent degenerative joint disease with multifactorial etiology caused by risk factors. The degradation of aggrecan by upregulated ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) is the key event in the development of OA. ADAMTS‐4 contributes to aggrecan degradation in human OA. Cysteine‐rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61), which is associated with diseases related to chronic inflammation, is found in articular cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis and appears to suppress ADAMTS‐4 activity, possibly leading to chondrocyte cloning. Herein, we first revealed that Cyr61 and ADAMTS‐4 protein levels were remarkably increased in OA cartilage tissues and OA chondrocytes, and verified Cyr61 regulation of ADAMTS‐4 in normal and OA chondrocyte. Further, we revealed that Cyr61 could promote OA chondrocyte proliferation through inhibiting ADAMTS‐4. Overproduction of inflammatory cytokines plays a vital role in the pathological development of OA; herein, we demonstrated that IL‐1β inhibited Cyr61, while promoted ADAMTS‐4 expression. By using online tools and luciferase assays, we confirmed that miR‐34a, a regulatory miRNA of chondrocyte proliferation, could directly bind to the 3′‐UTR of Cyr61 to inhibit its expression; further, IL‐1β regulated Cyr61 and ADAMTS‐4 expression through miR‐34a. In OA cartilage tissues, miR‐34a, and IL‐1β mRNA expression was up‐regulated and positively correlated; miR‐34a and Cyr61 mRNA was positively correlated, further indicating that suppressing miR‐34a expression might rescue IL‐1β‐induced Cyr61 suppression, and promote OA chondrocyte proliferation. Taken together, we provided novel experimental basis for rescuing OA chondrocyte proliferation through miR‐34a/Cyr61 axis.
2,5‐hexanedione induces bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell apoptosis via inhibition of Akt/Bad signal pathway
Authors: Sun Jingsong , Shi Xiaoxia , Li Shuangyue , Piao Fengyuan
Published: December 2017

2,5‐Hexanedione (HD) is an important bioactive metabolite of n‐hexane and mediates the neurotoxicity of parent compound. Studies show that HD induces apoptotic death of neural progenitor cells. However, its underlying mechanism remains unknown. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotential stem cells with the ability to differentiate into various cell types and have been used as cell model for studying the toxic effects of chemicals on stem cells. In this study, we exposed rat bone marrow MSCs to 0, 10, 20, and 40 mM HD in vitro. Apoptosis and disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential were estimated by immunochemistry staining. The expression of Akt, Bad, phosphorylated Akt (p‐Akt), and Bad (p‐Bad) as well as cytochrome c in mitochondria and cytosol were examined by Western blot. Moreover, caspase 3 activity, viability, and death of cells were measured by spectrophotometry. Our results showed that HD induced cell apoptosis and increased caspase 3 activity. HD down‐regulated the expression levels of p‐Akt, p‐Bad and induced MMP depolarization, followed by cytochrome c release. Moreover, HD led to a concentration‐dependent increase in the MSCs death, which was relative to MSCs apoptosis. However, these toxic effects of HD on the MSCs were significantly mitigated in the presence of IGF, which could activate PI3 K/Akt pathway. These results indicated that HD induced mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis in the MSCs via inhibiting Akt/Bad signaling pathway and apoptotic death of MSCs via the signaling pathway. These results might provide some clues for studying further the mechanisms of HD‐induced stem cell apoptosis and adverse effect on neurogenesis.
Retracted: Effects of long non‐coding RNA HOST2 on cell migration and invasion by regulating MicroRNA let‐7b in breast cancer
Authors: Lu Peng‐Wei , Li Lin , Wang Fang , Gu Yuan‐Ting
Published: December 2017

The study intends to investigate the effects of long non‐coding RNA HOST2 (lncRNA HOST2) on cell migration and invasion by regulating microRNA let‐7b (let‐7b) in breast cancer. Breast cancer and adjacent normal tissues were collected from 98 patients with breast cancer. Breast cancer MCF‐7 cells were divided into the blank, negative control (NC), pcDNA3‐Mock, siHOST2, let‐7b inhibitor, pcDNA3‐HOST2, let‐7b mimic, pcDNA3‐HOST2 + let‐7b mimic, and siHOST2 + let‐7b inhibitor groups. RT‐qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of HOST2, let‐7b, and c‐Myc. Western blotting was conducted to measure the c‐Myc expression. Scratch test and Transwell assay were applied to detect the cell motility, migration, and invasion. Xenograft tumor in nude mice was performed to evaluate the effect of different transfection on the tumor growth. Compared with adjacent normal tissues, HOST2 expression was higher but let‐7b expression lower in breast cancer tissues. HOST2 expression in breast cancer cells was remarkably increased compared with that in the normal breast epithelial MCF‐10A cells. In MCF‐7 cells, in comparison with the blank and NC groups, expressions of HOST2 and c‐Myc were reduced, but let‐7b expression was remarkably elevated in the siHOST2 and let‐7b mimic groups; the let‐7b inhibitor group exhibited higher expressions of HOST2 and c‐Myc but lower let‐7b expression. Overexpression of HOST2 could promote cell motility, migration and invasion, thus enhancing the growth of breast cancer tumor. By inhibiting HOST2, opposite trends were found. LncRNA HOST2 promotes cell migration and invasion by inhibiting let‐7b in breast cancer patients.
Association of gene polymorphisms of pattern‐recognition receptor signaling pathway with the risk and severity of hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by enterovirus 71 in Chinese Han population
Authors: Li Ya‐Ping , Li Mei , Jia Xiao‐Li , Deng Hui‐Ling , Wang Wen‐Jun , Wu Feng‐Ping , Wang Jun , Dang Shuang‐Suo
Published: December 2017

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71) presents with a wide variety of clinical manifestations. Host immune response is a factor that influences disease susceptibility and severity. We investigated the potential association of gene polymorphisms in the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) pathway with the risk and severity of EV71 infection. A total of 180 EV71 HFMD cases (108 severe case; 72 mild cases) were enrolled. A group of 201 sex‐ and age‐matched children was included as a control. All subjects were genotyped for the most common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PRR and the PRR signaling pathway using the SNPscan multiple SNP typing method. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant differences in polymorphism of RIG‐1 between patients and controls (rs3739674 G vs C: OR = 1.502, 95%CI: 1.120‐2.014; rs9695310 G vs C: OR = 1.782, 95%CI: 1.312‐2.419). Polymorphisms of RIG‐1 rs3739674 (G vs C: OR = 2.047, 95%CI: 1.307‐3.205) and TLR3 rs5743305 (A vs T: OR = 0.346, 95%CI: 0.212‐0.566) were found to be associated with disease severity. The results indicated that RIG‐1 (rs3739674 and rs9695310) polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of EV71‐induced HFMD in Chinese children, whereas RIG‐1 rs3739674 and TLR3 rs5743305 polymorphisms are associated with disease severity. These findings support an important role of innate immune mechanism in EV71 infection.
Characterization of a Norovirus‐specific monoclonal antibody that exhibits wide spectrum binding activities
Authors: Zheng Lijun , Wang Wenhui , Liu Jinjin , Chen Xuhui , Li Sanjing , Wang Qiaoli , Huo Yuqi , Qin Chuan , Shen Shuo , Wang Mingchen
Published: December 2017

Noroviruses (NoVs) are increasingly recognized as the leading cause of acute non‐bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. To screen for NoV‐specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with wide spectrum binding activities that could be used for the development of NoV‐related detection reagents, we immunized mice with a combination of virus like particles (VLPs) derived from eight different genotypes (two from genogroup I and six from genogroup II), of which two (GI.7 and GII.2) were newly produced VLPs. Indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) confirmed that two mAbs (8D8 and 10B11) bound to all eight major capsid proteins (VP1) with varied binding abilities. Epitope mapping using short peptides covering the N‐terminal half of GII.3 VP1 indicated that the binding site of mAb 8D8 was located between amino acid 31 and 60. Multiple amino acid sequence alignment of VP1 suggested that this site harbors conservative sequences across all genogroups. Indirect and sandwich ELISA indicated that mAb 8D8 was unable bind intact VLPs. In summary, we successfully produced GI.7 and GII.2 VLPs using recombinant baculovirus expression system and a cross‐reactive mAb by immunizing mice with eight different VLPs that might be useful in the studying and detecting NoVs.
Real time PCR to evaluate HSV‐2 shedding from anal and genital samples among men who have sex with men, living with HIV
Authors: Vergara‐Ortega Dayana N. , Sevilla‐Reyes Edgar E. , Herrera‐Ortiz Antonia , Torres‐Ibarra Leticia , Salmerón Jorge , Lazcano‐Ponce Eduardo , Sánchez‐Alemán Miguel A.
Published: December 2017

This study shows the relative quantification of HSV‐2 by qPCR, using the MIQE Guidelines. The reaction efficiency was evaluated, and the relative quantification used the R = 2−ΔCq method. The relative quantification of HSV‐2 was conducted with anal and genital samples from men who have sex with men (MSM), living with HIV. The presence of a single amplification product was validated with a dissociation curves profile and the determination of the melting temperature. The limit of detection for β‐globin was determined as 3.3 × 10−5 ng/μL, and for HSV‐2 at 6.0 × 10−6 ng/μL. The efficiency for β‐globin was 100.2% and for HSV‐2 was 106.8%. From 336 MSM, 2.1% and 3.9% individuals presented anal or genital HSV‐2 shedding, respectively. The HSV‐2 viral load was 9.2 RU, individuals with fewer CD4+ presented higher HSV‐2 viral load. The qPCR method is reproducible and has optimal reaction efficiency.
Institutional ownership and return volatility in the casino industry
Authors: Lin Yongjia , Fu Xiaoqing , Gu Xinhua , Song Haiyan
Published: December 2017

Using a sample that covers all casino companies in Macao from March 2010 to June 2015, this paper investigates the impact of institutional investment on stock return volatility in the casino industry. The results suggest that higher institutional ownership is conducive to lower return volatility on Macao casino stocks. Such volatility also hinges on policy shifts, such as China's anti‐corruption campaign, in tourist source communities. In addition, the estimation reveals that both smoking bans and business size significantly decrease return volatility, whereas cross‐listing increases return volatility significantly.
Enrichment of Circular Tanks with Vertically Suspended Strings of Colored Balls Improves Rainbow Trout Rearing Performance
Authors: Kientz Jeremy L , Crank Kathleen M , Barnes Michael E
Published: December 2017

This study evaluated the effectiveness of two different environmental enrichment structures on the growth and condition of juvenile Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fish were reared in covered tanks with vertically suspended linear or spherical structures. Spherical structures were comprised of seven colored plastic balls that were vertically stacked and suspended on a string from the overhead tank covers, while linear structures consisted of vertically oriented aluminum rods. In the tanks with either of the environmental enrichment treatments, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved relative to control tanks. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio were also significantly improved with the use of spherical structures compared to the use of linear structures. To provide substantial benefits during the rearing of Rainbow Trout in circular tanks, the use of vertically suspended spherical structures is recommended.
Carbon Governance Arrangements and the Nation‐State: The Reconfiguration of Public Authority in Developing Countries
Authors: Hickmann Thomas , Fuhr Harald , Höhne Chris , Lederer Markus , Stehle Fee
Published: December 2017

Several scholars concerned with global policy‐making have recently pointed to a reconfiguration of authority in the area of climate politics. They have shown that various new carbon governance arrangements have emerged, which operate simultaneously at different governmental levels. However, despite the numerous descriptions and mapping exercises of these governance arrangements, we have little systematic knowledge on their workings within national jurisdictions, let alone about their impact on public‐administrative systems in developing countries. Therefore, this article opens the “black box” of the nation‐state and explores how and to what extent two different arrangements, that is, Transnational City Networks and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, generate changes in the distribution of public authority in nation‐states and their administrations. Building upon conceptual assumptions that the former is likely to lead to more decentralized, and the latter to more centralized policy‐making, we provide insights from case studies in Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, and India. In a nutshell, our analysis underscores that Transnational City Networks strengthen climate‐related actions taken by cities without ultimately decentralizing climate policy‐making. On the other hand, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation tends to reinforce the competencies of central governments, but apparently does not generate a recentralization of the forestry sector at large.
Chlorantraniliprole resistance and its biochemical and new molecular target mechanisms in laboratory and field strains of Chilo suppressalis (Walker)
Authors: Sun Yang , Xu Lu , Chen Qiong , Qin Wenjing , Huang Shuijin , Jiang Ying , Qin Houguo
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The rice striped stem borer (SSB), Chilo suppressalis (Walker), is one of the most economically important and destructive rice pests in China. To date, the efficiency of conventional insecticides has decreased greatly because of the development of high resistance. Since the introduction of chlorantraniliprole in 2008, SSB has presented resistance issues.

RESULTS

In this study, laboratory resistant strains R1 and R2 [resistance ratio (RR) of 38.8 and 110.4, respectively] were established and a field population HR (RR of 249.6) was collected. Synergist assessment and enzyme activity data suggested the potential involvement of P450s and esterases in the resistance mechanism. No target (ryanodine receptor, RyR) mutation was found in R1, but a novel mutation Y4667D was found in R2. At the same position of RyR in HR strain, Y4667D and Y4667C were observed at low frequencies. In addition, the conserved mutation I4758M was found with a frequency of 94.4%. RyR mRNA expression was significantly lower in R1, R2 and HR than in S. When treated with chlorantraniliprole, RyR mRNA expression in all four strains was downregulated to ∼ 50%.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive analysis, including biochemical, target mutations and target mRNA expression, was conducted in an attempt to interpret the chlorantraniliprole resistance mechanism in both laboratory and field SSB strains. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Derivatives of 4, 4’‐Oxydianiline Show Distinct In Vitro Cytotoxicity, Apoptosis Induction, and Selectivity against HepG2 Cancer Cells
Authors: Pillai Vineeta , Buch Lipi , Desai Arpita , Singh Vinay K.
Published: December 2017

Gathering of number of pharmacophore on a single molecular platform evidently lead to improved therapeutic efficiencies and reduced side effects of conventional chemotherapy drugs. Three diamino precursors 4,4’‐bis(2‐(alkylamino)acetamido)diphenylether (L1‐L3) was selected to derive new series of metallomacrocyclic dithiocarbamate complexes [M2‐μ2‐bis‐{(κ2S,S‐S2CN(R)CH2CONHC6H4)2O}] {R=Cy, M=NiII1a, CuII 1 b, ZnII1c; R=iPr, M=NiII2a, CuII 2 b, ZnII2c; R=nBu, M=NiII3a, CuII 3 b, ZnII3c}. These were characterized by standard spectroscopic and thermogravimetric methods. MTT assay was carried out on these compounds to explore their in vitro cytotoxicity against HepG2 (hepatoma) cell line. The diamino derivatives (L1‐L3) in their metal‐free form and metallomacrocyclic complexes, 1 a, 1 c, 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 3 a, 3 b and 3 c exhibit improved cytotoxicity than Cisplatin and selectivity against HepG2 over normal cells. Remarkably, complexes 2 c (3.55 ± 0.06 μM) and 3 c (2.19 ± 0.04 μM) demonstrate 21 folds to 34 folds better cytotoxic activity whereas L3 (5.49 ± 0.04 μM), 1 a (7.27 ± 0.16 μM) and 3 a (4.42 ± 0.06 μM) showed more than 10 fold better cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell line as compared to the reference drug Cisplatin. Morphological evidences like shrinking of cells indicates the induction of apoptosis as part of the mechanism of action of these compounds which is further supported by the distinct staining of the cells by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB).
An overview of combined D‐2‐ and L‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria: functional analysis of CIC variants
Authors: Pop Ana , Williams Monique , Struys Eduard A. , Monné Magnus , Jansen Erwin E. W. , De Grassi Anna , Kanhai Warsha A. , Scarcia Pasquale , Ojeda Matilde R. Fernandez , Porcelli Vito , van Dooren Silvy J. M. , Lennertz Pascal , Nota Benjamin , Abdenur Jose E. , Coman David , Das Anibh Martin , El‐Gharbawy Areeg , Nuoffer Jean‐Marc , Polic Branka , Santer René , Weinhold Natalie , Zuccarelli Britton , Palmieri Ferdinando , Palmieri Luigi , Salomons Gajja S.
Published: December 2017

Combined D‐2‐ and L‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria (D/L‐2‐HGA) is a devastating neurometabolic disorder, usually lethal in the first years of life. Autosomal recessive mutations in the SLC25A1 gene, which encodes the mitochondrial citrate carrier (CIC), were previously detected in patients affected with combined D/L‐2‐HGA. We showed that transfection of deficient fibroblasts with wild‐type SLC25A1 restored citrate efflux and decreased intracellular 2‐hydroxyglutarate levels, confirming that deficient CIC is the cause of D/L‐2‐HGA. We developed and implemented a functional assay and applied it to all 17 missense variants detected in a total of 26 CIC‐deficient patients, including eight novel cases, showing reduced activities of varying degrees. In addition, we analyzed the importance of residues affected by these missense variants using our existing scoring system. This allowed not only a clinical and biochemical overview of the D/L‐2‐HGA patients but also phenotype–genotype correlation studies.
Persuasion strategies and sexual solicitations and interactions in online sexual grooming of adolescents: Modeling direct and indirect pathways
Authors: Gámez‐Guadix Manuel , Almendros Carmen , Calvete Esther , De Santisteban Patricia
Published: December 2017

Online sexual grooming and exploitation of adolescents is receiving increasing social attention. Drawing on a social influence framework, the aim of this study was to test a model of the direct and mediated relationships between an adult's use of persuasion strategies and online sexual grooming of early adolescents. The initial sample of the study consisted of 2731 early Spanish adolescents between 12 and 15 years old (50.6% female). Of these, 196 adolescents (7.17% of the total; 53% girls) were involved in online grooming (mean age = 14.93, SD = 0.90). Persuasion strategies by the adult through internet increased the probability of using deceit, bribery, and the minor's nonsexual involvement. In addition, deceit and bribery were associated with higher rates of sexual solicitation, which in turn increased abusive sexual interactions. Understanding strategies used by adults to groom minors contributes to the prevention of and intervention in this crucial societal problem.
Drag coefficient of a liquid domain with distinct viscosity in a fluid membrane
Authors: Tani Hisasi , Fujitani Youhei
Published: December 2017

We calculate the drag coefficient of a circular liquid domain in a flat fluid membrane surrounded by three-dimensional fluids on both sides. The coefficient of a rigid disk is well known, while that of a circular liquid domain is also well known when the membrane viscosity inside the domain equals the one outside the domain. As the ratio of the former viscosity to the latter increases to infinity, the drag coefficient of a liquid domain should approach that of the disk of the same size in the same ambient viscosities. This approach has not yet been shown explicitly, however. When the ratio is not unity, the continuity of the stress makes the velocity gradient discontinuous across the domain perimeter in the membrane. On the other hand, the velocity gradient is continuous in the ambient fluids, whose velocity field should agree with that of the membrane as the spatial point approaches the membrane. This means that we need to assume dipole singularity along the domain perimeter in solving the governing equations unless the ratio is unity. In the present study, we take this singularity into account and obtain the drag coefficient of a liquid domain as a power series with respect to a dimensionless parameter, which equals zero when the ratio is unity and approaches unity when the ratio tends to infinity. As the parameter increases to unity, the sum of the series is numerically shown to approach the drag coefficient of the disk.
Using targeted solution tools as an initiative to improve hand hygiene: challenges and lessons learned
Authors: AL-TAWFIQ J. A. , TREBLE M. , ABDRABALNABI R. , OKEAHIALAM C. , KHAZINDAR S. , MYERS S.
Published: December 2017

The Joint Commission Centre for Transforming Healthcare's Web-based Targeted Solutions Tool (TST) for improving hand hygiene was implemented to elucidate contributing factors to low compliance rates of hand hygiene. Monitoring of compliance was done by trained unknown and known observers and rates of hospital-acquired infections were tracked and correlated against the changes in hand hygiene compliance. In total, 5669 of hand hygiene observations were recorded by the secret observers. The compliance rate increased from 75·4% at baseline (May–August 2014) to 88·6% during the intervention (13 months) and the control periods (P < 0·0001). Reductions in healthcare-associated infection rates were recorded for Clostridium difficle infections from 7·95 (CI 0·8937–28·72) to 1·84 (CI 0·02411–10·26) infections per 10 000 patient-days (P = 0·23), central line-associated blood-stream infections from 5·9 (CI 1·194–17·36) to 2·9 (0·7856–7·475) per 1000 device days (P = 0·37) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections from 5·941 (CI 1·194–17·36) to 0 per 1000 device days (P = 0·42). The top contributing factors for non-compliance were: improper use of gloves, hands full of supplies or medications and frequent entry or exit in isolation areas. We conclude that the application of TST allows healthcare organisations to improve hand hygiene compliance and to identify the factors contributing to non-compliance.
Dengue hospitalisations in Brazil: annual wave from West to East and recent increase among children
Authors: WUNDERLICH J. , ACUÑA-SOTO R. , ALONSO W. J.
Published: December 2017

The number of dengue epidemics in Brazil has increased dramatically in the last 15 years. In this study, we analysed the seasonal patterns in the incidence of hospitalisations due to dengue across the different states of Brazil and compared these with the corresponding climatic patterns. We discovered that the seasonality of dengue hospitalisations in Brazil has a clear zonal gradient, characterised by the progression of primary peaks from West to East during the first half of the year, which may be associated with the increased vapour pressure and rainfall during this period, leading to increased mosquito abundance and activity. We also found that the proportion of children among hospitalised individuals was especially high during the peak outbreaks in 2007/2008 and 2010. This may be due to the emergence and spread of the new DENV-2 Southeast Asian genotype lineage II from 2007, which has probably arrived from the Caribbean and may have caused an increase in incidence and severity of the disease, particularly among children. Our findings may allow health systems to improve control interventions and contribute to reducing dengue morbidity and mortality by using integrated vector control in conjunction with early diagnosis and prompt supportive care.
Chromosome 22q11 deletion in a patient with pulmonary atresia, intact ventricular septum, and confluent branch pulmonary arteries
Authors: Aggarwal Varun , Imamura Michaki , Acuna Carlos , Cabrera Antonio G.
Published: December 2017

In this study, we report a patient with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS), confluent pulmonary arteries supplied by an arterial duct, and chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion. The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome has been associated with anomalies of the outflow tracts, such as tetralogy of Fallot with either pulmonary stenosis or atresia, but we are aware of a solitary case described with pulmonary atresia when the ventricular septum is intact. The presence of genetic malformations can have long-term co-morbidities. By describing our patient, we aim to create awareness of this rare association.
Helicobacter pylori VacA induces autophagic cell death in gastric epithelial cells via the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway
Authors: Zhu Pan , Xue Jun , Zhang Zhu-jun , Jia Yin-ping , Tong Ya-nan , Han Dan , Li Qian , Xiang Yang , Mao Xu-hu , Tang Bin
Published: December 2017

Abstract

TheHelicobacter pylorivacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) can promote progressive vacuolation and gastric injury and may be associated with human gastric cancer. Increasing evidence indicates that autophagy is involved in the cell death induced by VacA, but the specific mechanisms need to be further elucidated. We show here that VacA could induce autophagy and increase cell death in human gastric cancer cell lines. Further investigations revealed that inhibition of autophagy could decrease the VacA-induced cell death in AGS cells. Furthermore, numerous dilated endoplasmic reticula (ER) were observed, and the phosphorylation of a subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit 1 also increased in the VacA-treated AGS cells, while repression of ER stress could reduce autophagy and cell death through knockdown of activating transcription factor 4 and DNA-damage-inducible transcript 3. In addition, the expression of pseudokinase tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) upon ER stress was triggered by VacA, and knockdown of TRIB3 could also decrease VacA-induced cell death. Finally, inhibition of autophagy could decrease VacAs1m1-induced cell death and apoptosis, and apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD had no significant effect on autophagy induced by VacAs1m1. Thus, these results suggested that VacA causes autophagic cell death via ER stress in gastric epithelial cells.
Shear-Assisted Production of Few-Layer Boron Nitride Nanosheets by Supercritical CO2 Exfoliation and Its Use for Thermally Conductive Epoxy Composites
Authors: Tian Xiaojuan , Li Yun , Chen Zhuo , Li Qi , Hou Liqiang , Wu Jiaye , Tang Yushu , Li Yongfeng
Published: December 2017

Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) hold the similar two-dimensional structure as graphene and unique properties complementary to graphene, which makes it attractive in application ranging from electronics to energy storage. The exfoliation of boron nitride (BN) still remains challenge and hinders the applications of BNNS. In this work, the preparation of BNNS has been realized by a shear-assisted supercritical CO2 exfoliation process, during which supercritical CO2 intercalates and diffuses between boron nitride layers, and then the exfoliation of BN layers is obtained in the rapid depressurization process by overcoming the van der Waals forces. Our results indicate that the bulk boron nitride has been successfully exfoliated into thin nanosheets with an average 6 layers. It is found that the produced BNNS is well-dispersed in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) with a higher extinction coefficient compared with the bulk BN. Moreover, the BNNS/epoxy composite used as thermal interface materials has been prepared. The introduction of BNNS results in a 313% enhancement in thermal conductivity. Our results demonstrate that BNNS produced by supercritical CO2 exfoliation show great potential applications for heat dissipation of high efficiency electronics.
Clinical Implications of the Autophagy Core Gene Variations in Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Treated with Gefitinib
Authors: Yuan Jupeng , Zhang Nasha , Yin Longbin , Zhu Hui , Zhang Li , Zhou Liqing , Yang Ming
Published: December 2017

EGFR-TKIs show dramatic treatment benefits for advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with activatingEGFRmutations. Considering the essential role of autophagy in EGFR-TKIs treatments, we hypothesized that genetic variants in autophagy core genes might contribute to outcomes of advanced lung adenocarcinoma treated with gefitinib. We systematically examined 27 potentially functional genetic polymorphisms in 11 autophagy core genes among 108 gefitinib-treated advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients. We found thatATG10rs10036653,ATG12rs26538,ATG16L1rs2241880 andATG16L2rs11235604 were significantly associated with survival of lung adenocarcinoma patients (allP < 0.05). AmongEGFR-mutant patients,ATG5rs688810,ATG5rs510432,ATG7rs8154,ATG10rs10036653,ATG12rs26538,ATG16L1rs2241880 andATG16L2rs11235604 significantly contributed to disease prognosis. We also found thatATG5rs510432,ATG5rs688810,ATG10rs10036653 andATG10rs1864182 were associated with primary or acquired resistance to gefitinib. Functional analyses ofATG10rs10036653 polymorphism suggested thatATG10A allele might increase transcription factor OCT4 binding affinity compared to the T allele in lung cancer cells. Our results indicate that autophagy core genetic variants show potential clinical implications in gefitinib treatment, especially among advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients, highlighting the possibility of patient-tailored decisions during EGFR-TKIs based on both germline and somatic variation detection.
Tuck-in Lamellar keratoplasty with an lenticule obtained by small incision lenticule extraction for treatment of Post- LASIK Ectasia
Authors: Jiang Yang , Li Ying , Yang Shan , Lu Thomas Chengxuan
Published: December 2017

Corneal ectasia is a rare but serious post-operative complication of LASIK. Our main aim was to describe and evaluate the efficacy and safety of tuck-in lamellar keratoplasty with an lenticule obtained by SMILE for treatment of Post LASIK Ectasia. Tuck-in lamellar keratoplasty was performed on three post-LASIK cornea ectasia patients (three eyes) with central corneal thickness less than 400 µm. Each patient was monitored for at least 12 months. Our primary outcomes measured pre and post-operatively included: Anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT), corneal topography and monitored by slit-lamp microscopy. The mean total corneal thickness preoperatively and 1 day, 1 month, 3 months and 12 months post-op were 360.00 ± 32.07 µm, 590.00 ± 10.00 µm, 536.67 ± 11.54 µm, 523.33 ± 37.85 µm, 466.67 ± 41.63 µm. The mean lenticule implanted 1 day, 1 month, 3 months and 12 months post-op were 173.33 ± 41.63 µm,136.67 ± 25.16 µm, 133.33 ± 40.41 µm, 130.00 ± 17.32 µm. There was no evidence of immune rejection or other complications. Tuck-in lamellar keratoplasty with an lenticule obtained by SMILE seems to be a safe and alternative surgical approach in the treatment of post - LASIK cornea ectasia, especially for severe cases with cornea thickness less than 400 μm.
Two novel mutations identified in ADCC families impair crystallin protein distribution and induce apoptosis in human lens epithelial cells
Authors: Li Li , Fan Da-Bei , Zhao Ya-Ting , Li Yun , Kong De-Qian , Cai Fang-Fei , Zheng Guang-Ying
Published: December 2017

Congenital cataract (CC) is a clinical and genetically heterogeneous eye disease that primarily causes lens disorder and even amblyopic blindness in children. As the mechanism underlying CC is genetically inherited, identification of CC-associated gene mutations and their role in protein distribution are topics of both pharmacological and biological research. Through physical and ophthalmic examinations, two Chinese pedigrees with autosomal dominant congenital cataract (ADCC) were recruited for this study. Mutation analyses of CC candidate genes by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing revealed a novel missense mutation in CRYBB2 (p.V146L) and a deletion mutation in CRYAA (p.116_118del). Both mutations fully co-segregated were not observed in unaffected family members or in 100 unrelated healthy controls. The CRYBB2 missense mutation disrupts the distribution of CRYBB2 in human lens epithelial cells (HLEpiCs), and the CRYAA deletion mutation causes hyperdispersion of CRYAA. Furthermore, these two crystallin mutations result in aberrant expression of unfolded protein response (UPR) marker genes as well as apoptosis in HLEpiCs. Collectively, these findings broaden the genetic spectrum of ADCC.
Water soluble two-photon fluorescent organic probes for long-term imaging of lysosomes in live cells and tumor spheroids
Authors: Kumari Pratibha , Verma Sanjay K. , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: December 2017

Schematic representation of the proposed work.
The region-specific segregation and catalytic activity of gold–silver nanoparticles
Authors: He Xiang , Zhang Sheng-En , Cheng Feng , Chen Zhao-Xu
Published: December 2017

The surface segregation on nanoparticles is region specific, size and temperature dependent and is an effective means to tune catalytic activity.
Bioinspired design of a hybrid bifunctional enzymatic/organic electrocatalyst for site selective alcohol oxidation
Authors: Lancaster Louis , Hickey David P. , Sigman Matthew S. , Minteer Shelley D. , Wheeldon Ian
Published: December 2017

TEMPO and AdhD were chemically conjugated into a bifunctional catalyst that selectively oxidizes primary and secondary alcohols.
Hierarchical TiO2−x imbedded with graphene quantum dots for high-performance lithium storage
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Xu Tan , Liu Zhenwei , Wu Nae-Lih , Wei Mingdeng
Published: December 2017

TiO2−x/GQDs with large specific surface areas and better electrical conductivity facilitate ion diffusion and electron transportation, leading to a high reversible capacity and a superior rate capability.
Amides as anticaking agents for sodium chloride: is a triple branched variant necessary?
Authors: Townsend Eleanor R. , van Enckevort Willem J. P. , Meijer Jan A. M. , Vlieg Elias
Published: December 2017

The creeping pattern observed when a saturated sodium chloride solution containing 1% (w/w) methylglycine diacetamide is allowed to dry at ambient temperature.
Comparative photophysical investigation of doubly-emissive photochromic-fluorescent diarylethenes
Authors: Barrez E. , Laurent G. , Pavageau C. , Sliwa M. , Métivier R.
Published: December 2017

Diarylethene molecules showing photochromism and fluorescence properties in both open and closed forms, associated with two different emission colors, have been investigated by steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy, combined with theoretical calculations.
Understanding the interactions between sebum triglycerides and water: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Tascini Anna Sofia , Noro Massimo G. , Chen Rongjun , Seddon John M. , Bresme Fernando
Published: December 2017

Sebum triglycerides actively contribute to the water transport across the sebum layerviathe percolating network of triglyceride head groups.
Correction: Geobacter sulfurreducens pili support ohmic electronic conduction in aqueous solution
Authors: Ing Nicole L. , Nusca Tyler D. , Hochbaum Allon I.
Published: December 2017

Correction for ‘Geobacter sulfurreducens pili support ohmic electronic conduction in aqueous solution’ by Nicole L. Ing et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 21791–21799.
Cellulose as a template to fabricate a cellulase-immobilized composite with high bioactivity and reusability
Authors: Tan Lin , Tan Zhaojun , Feng Huixia , Qiu Jianhui
Published: December 2017

Herein, a new strategy was developed to fabricate an oriented cellulase/chitosan/Fe3O4composite, which possesses extremely high activity, reusability, and stability.
Conformational studies of Ant–Pro motif-incorporated cyclic peptides: gramicidin S and avellanin
Authors: Kotmale Amol S. , Sangtani Ekta , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Sarkar Dhiman , Burade Sachin , Rajamohanan Pattuparambil R. , Sanjayan Gangadhar J.
Published: December 2017

Conformational studies suggest that an AntDPro motif-incorporated synthetic gramicidin S analog retains β-sheet conformation, while its truncated analog avellanin disturbs the β-sheet conformation.