bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of efficacy of eight treatments for plantar fasciitis: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Haibo , Lv Hao , Lin Ting
Published: August 2018

The objective of this network meta‐analysis (NMA) was to assess the pain relief performance of eight different plantar fasciitis therapies, including nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections (CSs), autologous whole blood, platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound therapy (US), botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A), and dry needling (DN). Published prospective or randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as for the above eight therapies were identified by searching CNKI, PubMed, and Embase. Mean difference (MD) and 95% credible intervals (CrIs) of visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate multiaspect comparisons. The ranking result was obtained by utilizing surface under cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Node‐splitting plots were conducted to assess the consistency between direct and indirect evidence. Egger’s test and funnel plots were performed to examine publication bias. Forty‐one trials with a total of 2,889 cases were involved in this NMA. In terms of 1‐month VAS, only ESWT turned out to be of better efficacy than placebo (MD = −3.3; CrI: [−5.3, −1.1]). No statistically significant difference was found between pair‐wise comparisons concerning 2‐month VAS. ESWT also demonstrated better efficacy as for 3‐month results (MD = −2.7; CrI: [−4.2, −1.3]). Besides, CSs was significantly better than placebo as well in 3‐month results (MD = −2.1; CrI: [−4.1, −0.19]). With regard to 6‐month VAS results, ESWT performed better than placebo (MD = −3.0; CrI: [−5.0, −0.51]). According to the SUCRA, ESWT ranked the first as for all seven outcomes. ESWT might be the optimal treatment. In addition, BTX‐A and PRP were considered as suboptimal.
Potential role of RAB6C‐AS1 long noncoding RNA in different cancers
Authors: Salavaty Adrian , Motlagh Fatemeh Movahedi , Barabadi Mehri , Cheshomi Hamid , Esmatabadi Mohammad Javad Dehghan , Shahmoradi Mozhdeh , Soleimanpour‐Lichaei Hamid Reza
Published: August 2018

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) refer to a group of non‐protein‐coding RNAs that are usually more than 200 nucleotides. These long transcripts play significant roles in diverse cellular processes, mostly through epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, dysregulation of lncRNAs is associated with various diseases, especially cancer. This study aims to investigate the probable roles of RAB6C‐AS1 lncRNA in different cancers.
Methods: Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was applied for the analysis of RAB6C‐AS1 lncRNA amplification in gastric cancer (GC) samples compared with normal ones. Also, several online and offline data sets and tools were used to analyze the relation between RAB6C‐AS1 lncRNA and different cancers.
Results: The end result of our analyses indicated that RAB6C‐AS1 was overexpressed in 40% of the investigated GC specimens. Also, the results demonstrated a true relation between RAB6C‐AS1 overexpression and higher GC tumor grades. However, bioinformatic analyses showed that while RAB6C‐AS1 possibly functions as an oncogene in some cancer types, including prostate and breast cancers, it might have a tumor suppressive function in some others including brain tumors.
Conclusions: We found that RAB6C‐AS1 lncRNA is mostly overexpressed in GC. Also, based on bioinformatic and systems biology analyses, RAB6C‐AS1 might function either as an oncogenic factor or tumor suppressor in a tissue‐specific manner. Thus, RAB6C‐AS1 could be considered as a candidate biomarker for various malignancies, especially prostate and brain cancers. According to our results, RAB6C‐AS1 has a notable prognostic value for patients with brain lower grade glioma.
MFG‐E8 reverses microglial‐induced neurotoxic astrocyte (A1) via NF‐κB and PI3K‐Akt pathways
Authors: Xu Xiaotian , Zhang Aiwu , Zhu Yingting , He Wen , Di Wei , Fang Yannan , Shi Xiaolei
Published: August 2018

Recent evidence have suggested that neuroinflammation and ischemia induce the activation of two different types of reactive astrocytes, termed A1 and A2. Additionally, A1 astrocytes contribute to the death of neurons and oligodendrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In the current study, we constructed an Aβ42‐activated microglia‐conditioned medium to induce A1 astrocytic activation via secretion of interleukin 1α, tumor necrosis factor, and complement component 1q in vitro, and indicated the regulatory role of milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG‐E8) on A1/A2 astrocytic alteration through the downregulation of nuclear factor‐κB and the upregulation of PI3K‐Akt. This study showed that MFG‐E8 suppressed A1 astrocytes and holds great potential for the treatment of AD.
Nicotine downregulates microRNA‐200c to promote metastasis and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Lei Zhou , Xiaomin Yang , He Huang , Jian Chen , Xiaowu Xu
Published: August 2018

Background

Cigarette smoking is the most well‐established risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanisms of smoking‐associated colorectal carcinogenesis are poorly understood.

Methods

The effects of prediagnosis tobacco use on clinical characteristics, overall survival (OS), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were analyzed in 396 patients with CRC. Associations between smoking status and OS and RFS were evaluated using Cox’s proportional hazards regression. Furthermore, the effects of nicotine on the CRC cell lines SW620 and HT‐29 were evaluated using in vitro assays.

Results

“Ever smoking” was associated with elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen, American Joint Committee on Cancer T category, metastasis, and poorer OS and RFS in patients with CRC (OS: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–2.81, p = 0.025; RFS: HR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.18–2.34, p = 0.004). MicroRNA (miR)‐200c was downregulated in CRC and tumor‐adjacent tissues from ever smokers compared with the corresponding tissues from never smokers with CRC. Nicotine inhibited miR‐200c expression in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner in SW620 and HT‐29 CRC cell lines. Nicotine induced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in SW620 and HT‐29 cells, and these effects were attenuated by overexpression of miR‐200c.

Conclusion

Our findings support the adverse effects of prediagnosis cigarette smoking on prognosis and clinical behavior in CRC. We demonstrate a novel oncogenic mechanism by which nicotine promotes growth and metastasis in CRC by downregulating miR‐200c.
Venom of the Phoneutria nigriventer spider alters the cell cycle, viability, and migration of cancer cells
Authors: Barreto dos Santos Natália , Bonfanti Amanda Pires , Rocha‐e‐Silva Thomaz Augusto Alves da , da Silva Pedro Ismael , da Cruz‐Höfling Maria Alice , Verinaud Liana , Rapôso Catarina
Published: August 2018

The mechanisms of cancer involve changes in multiple biological pathways. Multitarget molecules, which are components of animal venoms, are therefore a potential strategy for treating tumors. The objective of this study was to screen the effects of Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom (PnV) on tumor cell lines. Cultured human glioma (NG97), glioblastoma (U‐251) and cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells, and nontumor mouse fibroblasts (L929) were treated with low (14 µg/ml) and high (280 µg/ml) concentrations of PnV, and analyzed through assays for cell viability (thiazolyl blue tetrazolium blue), proliferation (carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester), death (annexin V/propidium iodide [Pi]), the cell cycle (Pi), and migration (wound healing and transwell assay). The venom decreased the viability of U‐251 cells, primarily by inducing cell death, and reduced the viability of NG97 cells, primarily by inhibiting the cell cycle. The migration of all the tumor cell lines was delayed when treated with venom. The venom significantly affected all the tumor cell lines studied, with no cytotoxic effect on normal cells (L929), although the nonglial tumor cell (HeLa) was less sensitive to PnV. The results of the current study suggest that PnV may be composed of peptides that are highly specific for the multiple targets involved in the hallmarks of cancer. Experiments are underway to identify these molecules.
Identification of key genes and pathways associated with osteogenic differentiation of adipose stem cells
Authors: Zhao Xinyuan , Liang Minlu , Li Xiaona , Qiu Xiaoling , Cui Li
Published: August 2018

Adipose stem cells (ASCs) are considered a great alternative source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and have shown great promise on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, including bone repair. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating the osteogenic differentiation of ASCs remain poorly known. Gene expression profiles of GSE63754 and GSE37329 were downloaded from gene expression omnibus database. R software and Bioconductor packages were used to compare and identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) before and after ASC osteogenic differentiation. The common significant DEGs between GSE63754 and GSE37329 were then subjected to gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), and protein–protein interactions (PPIs) networks analysis. One of the central node genes FOXO1 was selected for further investigation. A total of 142 up‐ and 69 downregulated genes were aberrantly expressed in both GSE63754 and GSE37329. GO analysis revealed that these DEGs were associated with extracellular matrix organization, proteinaceous extracellular matrix, and Wnt‐protein binding. IPA analysis showed that canonical pathways, such as FXR/RXR activation, adipogenesis pathway, and LXR/RXR activation, were involved in regulating osteogenic differentiation of ASCs. A total of three subnetworks and 39 nodes were identified with PPI network and MCODE plugin. Moreover, suppression of one central node gene FOXO1 inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of ASCs. Our study provides a registry of genes and pathways that play important roles in regulating osteogenic differentiation of ASCs, which might have potential therapeutic applications in bone regeneration and bone tissue engineering.
Mutual regulation between IGF‐1R and IGFBP‐3 in human corneal epithelial cells
Authors: Titone Rossella , Zhu Meifang , Robertson Danielle M.
Published: August 2018

The insulin‐like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF‐1R) is part of the receptor tyrosine kinase superfamily. The activation of IGF‐1R regulates several key signaling pathways responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis, including survival, growth, and proliferation. In addition to mediating signal transduction at the plasma membrane, in serum‐based models, IGF‐1R undergoes SUMOylation by SUMO 1 and translocates to the nucleus in response to IGF‐1. In corneal epithelial cells grown in serum‐free culture, however, IGF‐1R has been shown to accumulate in the nucleus independent of IGF‐1. In this study, we report that the insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) mediates nuclear translocation of IGF‐1R in response to growth factor withdrawal. This occurs via SUMOylation by SUMO 2/3. Further, IGF‐1R and IGFBP‐3 undergo reciprocal regulation independent of PI3k/Akt signaling. Thus, under healthy growth conditions, IGFBP‐3 functions as a gatekeeper to arrest the cell cycle in G0/G1, but does not alter mitochondrial respiration in cultured cells. When stressed, IGFBP‐3 functions as a caretaker to maintain levels of IGF‐1R in the nucleus. These results demonstrate mutual regulation between IGF‐1R and IGFBP‐3 to maintain cell survival under stress. This is the first study to show a direct relationship between IGF‐1R and IGFBP‐3 in the maintenance of corneal epithelial homeostasis.
The MicroRNA‐326: Autoimmune diseases, diagnostic biomarker, and therapeutic target
Authors: Jadideslam Golamreza , Ansarin Khalil , Sakhinia Ebrahim , Alipour Shahriar , Pouremamali Farhad , Khabbazi Alireza
Published: August 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are uniquely regulated in healthy, inflamed, activated, cancerous, or other cells and tissues of a pathological state. Many studies confirm that immune dysregulation and autoimmune diseases with inflammation are correlated with various miRNA expression changes in targeted tissues and cells in innate or adaptive immunity. In this review, we will explain the history and classification of epigenetic changes. Next, we will describe the role of miRNAs changes, especially mir‐326 in autoimmunity, autoinflammatory, and other pathological conditions. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library was presented for all related studies from 1899 to 2017 with restrictions in the English language. In recent years, researchers have concentrated on mostly those roles of miRNA that are correlated with the inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory process. Latest studies have proposed a fundamental pathogenic role in cancers and autoinflammatory diseases. Studies have described the role of microRNAs in autoimmunity and autoinflammatory diseases, cancers, and so on. The miRNA‐326 expression plays a significant role in autoimmune and other types of diseases.
The role of ErbB3 binding protein 1 in cancer: Friend or foe?
Authors: Nguyen Dang Quan , Hoang Dinh Hoa , Nguyen Vo Thanh Thao , Huynh Vu , Ghoda Lucy , Marcucci Guido , Nguyen Le Xuan Truong
Published: August 2018

ErbB3, a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor family, reportedly plays an essential role in the regulation of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Numerous studies have indicated that ErbB3 binding protein 1 (Ebp1), a binding partner for ErbB3, plays an important regulatory role in the expression and function of ErbB3, but there is no agreement as to whether Ebp1 also has an ErbB3‐independent function in cancer and how it might contribute to tumorigenesis. In this review, we will discuss the different functions of the two Ebp1 isoforms, p48 and p42, that may be responsible for the potentially dual role of Ebp1 in cancer growth.
TBX18 transcription factor overexpression in human‐induced pluripotent stem cells increases their differentiation into pacemaker‐like cells
Authors: Gorabi Armita M. , Hajighasemi Saeideh , Tafti Hossein A. , Atashi Amir , Soleimani Masoud , Aghdami Nasser , Saeid Ali K. , Khori Vahid , Panahi Yunes , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2018

Background

The discovery of gene‐ and cell‐based strategies has opened a new area to investigate novel approaches for the treatment of many conditions caused by cardiac cell failure. The TBX18 (T‐box 18) transcription factor is considered as a prominent factor in the sinoatrial node (SAN) formation during the embryonic development. In this in vitro study, the effect of TBX18 gene expression on human‐induced pluripotent‐stem‐cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS‐CMs) to induce pacemaker‐like cells was examined.

Methods

The human‐dermal‐fibroblast‐derived iPSCs were transfected using chemical, physical, and Lentiviral methods of TBX18 gene delivery during differentiation into cardiomyocytes (CMs). After the differentiation process through small‐molecule‐based temporal modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, the hiPSC‐CMs were analyzed using the real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording, and western blotting to investigate the accuracy of differentiation and identify the effect exerted by TBX18.

Results

The hiPS‐CMs showed spontaneous beating and expressed specific markers of cardiac cells. The lentiviral‐mediated TBX18 delivery was the most efficient method for transfection. The results showed the increment in Connexin 43 expression among untransfected hiPS‐CMs, whereas this protein was significantly downregulated followed by TBX18 overexpression. TBX18‐hiPSCMs were detected with pacemaker cell features.

Conclusions

It was demonstrated that the TBX18 gene is able to conduct hiPSCs to differentiate into pacemaker‐like cells. The TBX18 gene delivery seems to have the potential for the development of biological pacemakers; however, more investigations are still needed to assess its usefulness to fix arrhythmic conditions with SAN failure basis.
Exercise protects against diabetic cardiomyopathy by the inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in rats
Authors: Chengji Wang , Xianjin Fan
Published: August 2018

To explore the protective effect of exercise training on the injury of myocardium tissues induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in diabetic rats and the relationship with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), the male sprague‐dawley (SD) rats were fed with high‐fat and high‐sugar diet for 4 weeks, followed by intraperitoneal injection of STZ, 40 mg/kg, to establish a diabetes model, and then 10 rats were randomly selected as diabetes mellitus (DM) controls and 20 eligible diabetic rats were randomized into two groups: low‐intensity exercise training (n = 10) and high‐intensity exercise training (n = 10). After 12 weeks of exercise training, rats were killed and serum samples were used to determine cardiac troponin‐I (cTn‐I). Myocardial tissues were sampled for morphological analysis to detect myocardial cell apoptosis, and to analyze protein expression of glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and caspase‐12. Different intensities (low and high) significantly reduced serum cTn‐I levels compared with the DCM group (p < 0.01), and significantly reduced the percentage of apoptotic myocardial cells and improved the parameters of cardiac function. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining indicated that exercise training could attenuate myocardial apoptosis. Additionally, exercise training significantly reduced GRP78, CHOP, and cleaved caspase‐12 protein expression in an intensity‐dependent manner. These findings suggest that exercise appeared to ameliorate diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress‐induced apoptosis in diabetic rats.
Implication of basal lamina dependency in survival of Nrf2‐null muscle stem cells via an antioxidative‐independent mechanism
Authors: Takemoto Yusei , Inaba Shoya , Zhang Lidan , Tsujikawa Kazutake , Uezumi Akiyoshi , Fukada So‐ichiro
Published: August 2018

Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator for the induction of antioxidative genes and plays roles in diverse cellular functions. The roles of Nrf2 in muscle regeneration have been investigated, and both important and unimportant roles of Nrf2 for muscle regeneration have been reported. Here, using aged Nrf2‐null and Nrf2–dystrophic double‐null mice, we showed nonsignificant phenotypes in the muscle regeneration ability of Nrf2‐null mice. In contrast with these results, strikingly, almost all Nrf2‐null muscle stem cells (MuSCs) isolated by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting died in vitro of apoptosis and were not rescued by antioxidative reagents. Although their proliferation was still impaired, the Nrf2‐null MuSCs attached to myofibers activated and divided normally, at least in the first round. To elucidate these discrepancies of MuSCs behaviors, we focused on the basal lamina, because both in vivo and single myofiber culture allow MuSCs within the basal lamina to become activated. In a basal lamina–disrupted model, Nrf2‐null mice exhibited remarkable regeneration defects without increased levels of reactive oxidative species in MuSCs, suggesting that the existence of the basal lamina affects the survival of Nrf2‐null MuSCs. Taken together, these results suggest that the basal lamina compensates for the loss of Nrf2, independent of the antioxidative roles of Nrf2. In addition, experimental conditions might explain the discrepant results of Nrf2‐null regenerative ability.
Regulation of tumor angiogenesis by microRNAs: State of the art
Authors: Goradel Nasser H. , Mohammadi Nejad , Haghi‐Aminjan Hamed , Farhood Bagher , Negahdari Babak , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small (21–25 nucleotides) endogenous and noncoding RNAs involved in many cellular processes such as apoptosis, development, proliferation, and differentiation via binding to the 3′‐untranslated region of the target mRNA and inhibiting its translation. Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer, which provides oxygen and nutrition for tumor growth while removing deposits and wastes from the tumor microenvironment. There are many angiogenesis stimulators, among which vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most well known. VEGF has three tyrosine kinase receptors, which, following VEGF binding, initiate proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of endothelial cells in the tumor environment. One of the tumor microenvironment conditions that induce angiogenesis through increasing VEGF and its receptors expression is hypoxia. Several miRNAs have been identified that affect different targets in the tumor angiogenesis pathway. Most of these miRNAs affect VEGF and its tyrosine kinase receptors expression downstream of the hypoxia‐inducible Factor 1 (HIF‐1). This review focuses on tumor angiogenesis regulation by miRNAs and the mechanism underlying this regulation.
Genistein‐induced DNA damage is repaired by nonhomologous end joining and homologous recombination in TK6 cells
Authors: Hu Xiaoqing , Wu Xiaohua , Liu Hao , Cheng Ziyuan , Zhao Zilu , Xiang Cuifang , Feng Xiaoyu , Takeda Shunichi , Qing Yong
Published: August 2018

Genistein (GES), a phytoestrogen, has potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects on cancer. The anticancer mechanism of GES may be related with topoisomerase II associated DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs). However, the precise molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we performed genetic analyses using human lymphoblastoid TK6 cell lines to investigate whether non‐homologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR), the two major repair pathways of DSBs, were involved in repairing GES‐induced DNA damage. Our results showed that GES induced DSBs in TK6 cells. Cells lacking Ligase4, an NHEJ enzyme, are hypersensitive to GES. Furthermore, the sensitivity of Ligase4−/− cells was associated with enhanced DNA damage when comparing the accumulation of γ‐H2AX foci and number of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) with WT cells. In addition, cells lacking Rad54, a HR enzyme, also presented hypersensitivity and increased DNA damages in response to GES. Meanwhile, Treatment of GES‐lacking enhanced the accumulation of Rad51, an HR factor, in TK6 cells, especially in Ligase4−/−. These results provided direct evidence that GES induced DSBs in TK6 cells and clarified that both NHEJ and HR were involved in the repair of GES‐induced DNA damage, suggesting that GES in combination with inhibition of NHEJ or HR would provide a potential anticancer strategy.
Evidence of curcumin and curcumin analogue effects in skin diseases: A narrative review
Authors: Panahi Yunes , Fazlolahzadeh Omid , Atkin Stephen L. , Majeed Muhammed , Butler Alexandra E. , Johnston Thomas P. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2018

Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic and yellow pigment obtained from the spice turmeric, has strong antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Due to these properties, curcumin has been used as a remedy for the prevention and treatment of skin aging and disorders such as psoriasis, infection, acne, skin inflammation, and skin cancer. Curcumin has protective effects against skin damage caused by chronic ultraviolet B radiation. One of the challenges in maximizing the therapeutic potential of curcumin is its low bioavailability, limited aqueous solubility, and chemical instability. In this regard, the present review is focused on recent studies concerning the use of curcumin for the treatment of skin diseases, as well as offering new and efficient strategies to optimize its pharmacokinetic profile and increase its bioavailability.
Specific neural phase relation of serotonin and dopamine modulate the testicular activity in Japanese quail
Authors: Banerjee Somanshu , Chaturvedi Chandra Mohini
Published: August 2018

Specific phase relation of serotonin and dopamine modulate the hypothalamo–hypophyseal–gonadal axis as well as photosexual responses in Japanese quail, but the effect of these specific phase relations on testicular activity and steroidogenesis is not yet been investigated. We hypothesized that temporal phase relation induced alteration in local testicular gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)–Gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH) and their receptor system may modulate the testicular activity and steroidogenesis through local (paracrine and autocrine) action. To validate this hypothesis, we have checked the alterations in the expression of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptor (GnRH‐R), gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone receptor (GnIH‐R) messenger RNA (mRNA), growth hormone receptor (GH‐R), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cell communication and gap junctional proteins (14‐3‐3 and connexin‐43 [Cnx‐43]), steroidogenic factor‐1 (SF‐1), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, steroidogenic enzyme (3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [3β‐HSD]) in testis as well as androgen receptor (AR) in testis and epididymis of control, 8‐, and 12‐hr quail. Experimental findings clearly indicate the increased expression of GnIH‐R mRNA and suppression of GnRH‐R, GH‐R, PCNA, 14‐3‐3, Cnx‐43, SF‐1, StAR, 3β‐HSD in testis as well as AR in testis and epididymis in 8‐hr quail, while 12‐hr quail exhibited the opposite results that is significantly decreased expression of GnIH‐R mRNA and increased expression of GnRH‐R, GH‐R, PCNA, 14‐3‐3, Cnx‐43, SF‐1, StAR, 3β‐HSD in testis as well as AR in testis and epididymis. The significantly increased intratesticular testosterone has been observed in the 12‐hr quail while, 8‐hr quail showed opposite result. Hence, it can be concluded that 12‐hr quail showed significantly increased testicular activity and steroidogenesis while opposite pattern was observed in 8‐hr quail.
CTNNBIP1 downregulation is associated with tumor grade and viral infections in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kosari‐Monfared Mohadeseh , Nikbakhsh Novin , Fattahi Sadegh , Ghadami Elham , Ranaei Mohammad , Taheri Hassan , Amjadi‐Moheb Fatemeh , Godazandeh Gholam A. , Shafaei Shahryar , Pilehchian‐Langroudi Maryam , Samadani Ali Akbar , Akhavan‐Niaki Haleh
Published: August 2018

Gastric cancer is a life‐threatening disease; resulting from interaction among genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Aberrant dysregulation and methylation changes in Wnt/β‐catenin signaling downstream elements are a prevalent phenomenon encountered in gastric tumorigenesis. Also, viral infections play a role in gastric cancer development. CTNNBIP1 (β‐catenin interacting protein 1) gene is an antagonist of Wnt signaling which binds to the β‐catenin molecules. The CTNNBIP1 function as tumor suppressor gene or oncogene in different types of cancer is controversial. Moreover, its function and regulatory mechanisms in gastric cancer progression is unknown. In the present study, we examined CTNNBIP1 gene expression, the methylation status of the regulatory region of the gene, and their association with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Helicobacter pylori infections in human gastric adenocarcinoma tissues in comparison with their adjacent nontumoral tissues. Our data revealed a significant downregulation of CTNNBIP1 in gastric tumors. Female patients showed lower level of CTNNBIP1 than males (p < 0.05). Also, decreased expression of CTNNBIP1 was markedly associated with well‐differentiated tumor grades (p < 0.05). No methylation change was observed between tumoral and nontumoral tissues. Additionally, CTNNBIP1 down regulation was significantly associated with CMV infection (p < 0.05). In the absence of EBV infection, lower expression of CTNNBIP1 was observed. There was no association between H. pylori infection and CTNNBIP1 expression. Our findings revealed the tumor suppressor role for CTNNBIP1 in gastric adenocarcinoma. Interestingly, EBV and CMV infections modulate CTNNBIP1 expression.
Selective adsorption of uranium from salt lake‐simulated solution by phenolic‐functionalized hollow sponge‐like adsorbent
Authors: He Yu , Lin Xiaoyan , Yan Tingsong , Zhang Xiaonuo , Zhou Jian , Chen Yan , Luo Xuegang
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Hydrothermal carbonization has become a proficient technique to synthesize carbon materials from biomass owing to its availability and environmental friendliness. Chrome‐tanned leather, a biomass waste that contains numerous functional groups, is a potential adsorbent for separation of heavy metal ions. In the present work, a phenolic‐functionalized hollow sponge‐like adsorbent (HSLW) was synthesized from leather waste via hydrothermal carbonization in the presence of tannin. This study aims to develop a novel adsorbent for uranium separation from salt lake.

RESULTS

The adsorbent was characterized by several techniques and the adsorption behavior of the adsorbent towards uranium was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of the absorbent reached 200.10 mg g−1 at 328.15 K. The adsorption process fitted well with the linear Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo‐second‐order model. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous, feasible and endothermic in nature. Selective adsorption in competitive multi‐ion solution and simulated high‐salinity system showed that the adsorbent had not only strong affinity but also high selectivity towards uranium.

CONCLUSION

HSLW could become a promising adsorbent for practical and efficient selective separation and recovery of uranium from salt lakes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Advanced cardiac MRI techniques for evaluation of left‐sided valvular heart disease
Authors: Blanken Carmen P.S. , Farag Emile S. , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , Leiner Tim , Kluin Jolanda , Nederveen Aart J. , van Ooij Pim , Planken R. Nils
Published: August 2018

The most common types of left‐sided valvular heart disease (VHD) in the Western world are aortic valve stenosis, aortic valve regurgitation, and mitral valve regurgitation. Comprehensive clinical evaluation entails both hemodynamic analysis and structural as well as functional characterization of the left ventricle. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an established diagnostic modality for assessment of left‐sided VHD and is progressively gaining ground in modern‐day clinical practice. Detailed flow visualization and quantification of flow‐related biomarkers in VHD can be obtained using 4D flow MRI, an imaging technique capable of measuring blood flow in three orthogonal directions over time. In addition, recent MRI sequences enable myocardial tissue characterization and strain analysis. In this review we discuss the emerging potential of state‐of‐the‐art MRI including 4D flow MRI, tissue mapping, and strain quantification for the diagnosis and prognosis of left‐sided VHD.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:318–329.
Desiccation and radiation stress tolerance in cyanobacteria
Authors: Singh Harinder
Published: August 2018

Cyanobacteria are among the oldest living organisms on this planet, existing since more than 3 billion years. They are ideal organisms for investigating biological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, circadian rhythm, photoregulation of gene expression, developmental gene rearrangements, and specialized cell differentiation. They are nearly ubiquitous in distribution, have colonized a wide range of ecosystems including soil, air, dry rock, and aquatic systems, and even occupy extreme niches that are inaccessible to other organisms. Such wide ecological distribution reflects their capacity to acclimate to extreme environments. They show great adaptive abilities and have survived various adverse physiological growth conditions like desiccation, high temperatures, extreme pH, cold, osmosis, salt, light, nitrogen, and high salinity. Their ancient origin and surviving through numerous stresses during evolution indicates their remarkable capabilities to survive and prevail under different environmental and man‐made stresses. It has been hypothesized that similar and overlap stress response mechanisms help them to survive different stresses. It has been stated that responses against stresses like radiation has been accidental‐exhibited because of similar response against desiccation stress, which has prevailed more during evolution. These overlaps and similarities in stress responses have been instrumental in making these organisms a large class of biological entities today. Present review discuss about stress tolerance in cyanobacteria against two extreme stresses – desiccation and gamma radiation. It also discuss the commonality and underlying molecular mechanisms in these two stress responses.
Hydrological drought associations with extreme phases of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oscillations over Turkey and northern Iran
Authors: Vazifehkhah Saeed , Kahya Ercan
Published: August 2018

Impacts of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Arctic Oscillation (AO) on hydroclimatic variables have been previously studied in various viewpoints. This study adds a new perspective by focusing on the influences of winter NAO and AO extreme phases on hydrological drought using a standardized streamflow index (SSFI) over Turkey and northern Iran. Moreover, the physical mechanisms associated with the extreme phases of NAO over different atmospheric conditions were investigated. The results concerning short‐term droughts across Turkey revealed that wet conditions dominate particularly in the winter and following spring during the negative NAO and AO extreme phases while the NAO and AO impacts in Iran are only significant during simultaneous winter. Furthermore, the outputs of SSFI for the positive extreme phases of NAO and AO considerably differed in Turkey and Iran so that multiple drought events were detected in Turkey for all timescales as generally opposed to Iran. Western and eastern Turkey suffered from drought in various magnitudes during the positive extreme phases of NAO while fewer droughts were observed in Iran around the Caspian Sea during the negative NAO and AO extreme phases. Results of correlation analysis depicts that negative cycles are controlling wetness (drought) in Turkey (Iran) while there is a weak correlation between positive NAO cycles and SSFIs in the study area. In addition, our study showed that negative NAO and AO extreme phases could affect the hydrological drought stronger but in a shorter period compared with a longer period regarding the positive NAO and AO phases.
Characteristics of ADHD Related to Executive Function: Differential Predictions for Creativity‐Related Traits
Authors: Taylor Christa L. , Zaghi Arash E. , Kaufman James C. , Reis Sally M. , Renzulli Joseph S.
Published: August 2018

Although the relationship between creativity and ADHD is uncertain, recent studies examining how dimensionally assessed characteristics of ADHD relate to creativity and divergent thinking in adults suggest an occasional positive, linear relationship between the constructs. However, the executive functions proposed to underlie characteristics of ADHD have not been examined in relation to creativity. This study was conducted to determine how different characteristics of ADHD related to executive functioning (as assessed by the Brown ADD Scales) predict different components of figural divergent thinking, intellectual risk‐taking, and creative self‐efficacy. Undergraduate engineering students (N = 60) completed the Brown ADD Scales, a figural divergent thinking task, and self‐report measures of intellectual risk‐taking and creative self‐efficacy. A series of multivariate regression models demonstrated that several components of divergent thinking (i.e., fluency, originality, and resistance to closure) were predicted by different characteristics of ADHD. Although fluency was predicted by affect only and originality was predicted by activation only, resistance to closure was predicted by activation, effort, and attention. Additionally, intellectual risk‐taking was predicted by memory, effort, and activation, whereas creative self‐efficacy was predicted by effort. The implications of these results relating to the relationship between ADHD and creativity, as well as for engineering undergraduate education are discussed.
Automated femoral version estimation without the distal femur
Authors: Veilleux Nathan J. , Kalore Niraj V. , Wegelin Jacob A. , Vossen Josephina A. , Jiranek William A. , Wayne Jennifer S.
Published: August 2018

Femoral version impacts the long‐term functioning of the femoroacetabular joint. Accurate measurements of version are thus required for success in total hip arthroplasties and hip reconstructive surgeries. These are impossible to obtain without visualization of the distal femur, which is often unavailable preoperatively as the majority of imaging scans are isolated to the pelvis and proximal femur. We developed an automated algorithm for identifying the major landmarks of the femur. These landmarks were then used to identify proximal axes and create a statistical shape model of the proximal femur across 144 asymptomatic femora. With six proximal axes selected, and 200 parameters (distances and angles between points) from the shape model measured, the best‐fitting linear correlation was found. The difference between true version and version predicted by this model was 0.00 ± 5.13° with a maximum overestimation and underestimation of 11.80 and 15.35°, respectively. The mean absolute difference was 4.14°. This model and its prediction of femoral version are a substantial improvement over pre‐operative 2D or intra‐operative visual estimation measures. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3161–3168, 2018.
Energy and Fat Intake for Preterm Infants Fed Donor Milk Is Significantly Impacted by Enteral Feeding Method
Authors: Castro Marina , Asbury Michelle , Shama Sara , Stone Debbie , Yoon Eugene W. , O'Connor Deborah L. , Unger Sharon
Published: August 2018

Background: Pasteurized donor milk is the recommended supplement for preterm infants when mother's milk volumes are insufficient. Compared with mother's milk, the macronutrient content of donor milk is thought to be lower due to pasteurization and additional container changes during processing. Given that poor growth is concerning for preterm infants, it is important to understand how processing and feeding methods influence the nutrition composition of donor milk feeds. The research aim of this study was to determine the effects of pasteurization and feeding method on the macronutrient and energy composition of donor milk. Ten donor milk pools were pasteurized, prepared according to neonatal practices, and infused through nasogastric tubes to simulate 4 feeding methods: bolus, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and continuous feeding over 4 hours. Macronutrient concentrations were assessed after pasteurization, preparation, and each feeding method using a mid‐infrared human milk analyzer. Results: There were no significant decreases in macronutrient content after pasteurization or bolus feeding. However, energy and fat losses increased with slower infusion rates. After continuous feeding for 4 hours, energy and fat concentrations decreased by a mean of 17.3 (15.8–18.8) kcal/dL and 2.08 (1.90–2.25) g/dL (P < .0001), respectively. Conclusions: Pasteurization did not significantly reduce donor milk macronutrient and energy content; however, feeding method significantly impacted the final delivery of energy and fat.
A cross‐sectional survey to assess the knowledge, attitudes and common barriers to the reporting of adverse drug reactions by the general public in Malaysia
Authors: Mohammad Arief , Bheemavarapu Harika , Khan Muhammad Umair , Khan Anam , Ahmad Akram , Hassali Mohamed Azmi Ahmed , Blebil Ali Qais
Published: August 2018

Background

An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is a noxious and unintended response to a drug which occurs at a normal therapeutic dose. Most non‐dose related ADRs remain unpredicted and increase morbidity and mortality. Despite the introduction, in Malaysia, of a spontaneous ADR reporting system, a sizable number of ADR cases remain under‐reported.

Objective

To assess the knowledge and attitudes of consumers toward ADRs, and to determine the common barriers toward reporting an ADR in Malaysia.

Methods

A descriptive, cross‐sectional study was carried out for a period of 3 months in Cheras, Malaysia. The data were collected by a self‐administered questionnaire consisting of four sections.

Results

Among the 400 respondents, 144 (36%) were male and 256 (64%) were female. The majority of the respondents were Chinese (n = 227, 57%) and 54.5% of them were treated with a medication in the past year. About 60.75% (n = 243) of participants reflected inadequate knowledge when asked what is an ADR. A sizable number of the participants (n = 333, 83%) were unaware of the ADR reporting centre in Malaysia, and about 86% (n = 344) stated that they were not aware of the ADR reporting procedure. The main reasons as considered by the participants for under‐reporting an ADR were inadequate knowledge regarding the drugs (n = 395, 87.4%), unawareness of the reporting procedure (n = 320, 80%), lack of an online process to report an ADR (n = 299, 75%), and other significant factors such as lack of time, incentives, proper advertisement, motivation and uncertainty of an ADR, with percentages of 62 (n = 248), 50 (n = 201), 80.5 (n = 322), 78 (n = 312) and 83 (n = 331) respectively.

Conclusion

As most of the participants were still unaware about the availability of the ConSERF form which was introduced by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) in 2015, healthcare providers, as well as the Malaysian Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee, need to improve public education regarding this system. The public awareness about the availability of various methods of the ADR reporting can help improve ADR reporting by consumers.
Deglaciation of coastal south‐western Spitsbergen dated with in situ cosmogenic 10Be and 14C measurements
Authors: Young Nicolás E. , Lamp Jennifer , Koffman Toby , Briner Jason P. , Schaefer Joerg , Gjermundsen Endre F. , Linge Henriette , Zimmerman Susan , Guilderson Thomas P. , Fabel Derek , Hormes Anne
Published: August 2018

The Svalbard–Barents ice sheet was predominantly a marine‐based ice sheet and reconstructing the timing and rate of its decay during the last deglaciation informs predictions of future decay of marine‐based ice sheets (e.g. West Antarctica). Records of ice‐sheet change are routinely built with cosmogenic surface exposure ages, but in some regions, this method is complicated by the presence of isotopic inheritance yielding artificially old and erroneous exposure ages for the most recent deglaciation. We present 46 10Be ages from south‐western Spitsbergen that, when paired with in situ 14C measurements (n = 5), constrain the timing of coastal deglaciation following the last glacial maximum. 10Be and in situ 14C measurements from bedrock along a ∼400‐m elevation transect reveal inheritance‐skewed 10Be ages, whereas in situ 14C measurements constrain 400 m of ice‐sheet thinning and coastal deglaciation at 17.4 ± 1.5 ka. Our in situ 14C‐dated transect, combined with three additional 10Be‐dated coastal sites, show that the south‐western margin of the Svalbard–Barents ice sheet retreated out of the Norwegian Sea between ∼18 and 16 ka. In situ 14C measurements provide key chronological information on ice‐sheet response to the last termination in cases where measurements of long‐lived nuclides are compromised by isotopic inheritance.
On the criteria for the discrimination of inkjet printer inks using micro‐Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Buzzini Patrick , Polston Carrie , Schackmuth Madison
Published: August 2018

Inkjet printers are ubiquitous devices in our society. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are used to commit different types of illicit activities such as threats or extortions by means of anonymous letters, frauds in the context of disputed contracts, alterations to or counterfeit of ID documents, or counterfeit of currency banknotes. This latter application is of primary interest in this study, where a method to rapidly develop investigative leads is required. Inkjet printed documents produce microscopic colored dots that can be detected using a microscopical approach in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy. The overall goal of this project is to investigate if Raman data gathered from the three cyan, magenta, and yellow microscopic colored dots constitute, in conjunction, a chemical signature of sufficient discriminating quality to provide reliable investigative leads in a time‐effective and nondestructive manner. In the present phase of this study, the criteria necessary to achieve discriminations between inkjet printer inks from different manufacturers, the same manufacturers, and even the same models have been evaluated on a set of 11 samples. Although Raman spectroscopy is already a relatively well‐established method for the characterization of colorants (both dyes and pigments), this study demonstrates that the contribution of minor peaks within Raman spectra improves the discriminating capabilities of the technique. The joint consideration of the three colored components was also effective in differentiating inkjet printer ink samples, especially those from the same manufacturer and in some instances from the same model as well.
Ageing of ancient paper: A kinetic model of cellulose degradation from Raman spectra
Authors: Chiriu Daniele , Ricci Pier Carlo , Cappellini Giancarlo , Salis Marcello , Loddo Giorgia , Carbonaro Carlo Maria
Published: August 2018

In this study, the degradation of cellulose is investigated with particular attention to the breaking of glucose chain units. Based on the analysis of the Raman spectra of experimental samples, public and private collections of books covering a period of seven centuries (XV–XXI), and literature data on cellulose, a successful kinetic model was proposed with the intention to correlate an estimated ageing time with the degradation process of cellulose. Raman spectra were collected by means of portable non‐destructive NIR μ‐Raman spectroscopy (B&W TEK i‐Raman Ex integrated system), a valuable characteristic for monitoring documentary heritage. The model was successfully applied to study the conservation conditions of books of a public library, evidencing how conservation conditions and use affect the ageing. The kinetic model promotes Raman spectroscopy as a very useful tool for conservation and restoration of ancient books and papers.
Cleaning Efficiency of Amino‐Acid Surfactants with Polyoxyethylene Ether and Isopropanol in Liquid Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Wang Zhanyan , Yu Simiao , Wei Junnan , Qiao Weihong
Published: August 2018

Although anionic surfactants have a distinct positive influence on the removal of particulate soil, the removal of particulate soils is insufficient in CO2 compared to perchloroethylene. A series of amino‐acid surfactants was selected as main surfactants to study the influence of polyoxyethylene ether and cosolvent on the cleaning effect. Glu‐C12 and C16(3) gave the best cleaning results, which increased from a detergency value of 4.6 when no surfactants were used to 8.32 when surfactants were used. In all experiments, charged anionic surfactant particles were formed, which are responsible for the removal of particulate soil from fabric by electrostatic repulsion. The use of a cosolvent (Isopropanol [IPA]) had a positive effect on the removal of particulate soil when using Glu‐C12 and TX‐45. However, for other compounding combinations, the addition of IPA had a negative effect on particulate soil removal. Of the cosolvents investigated, IPA was the most suitable. With the polarity of the system increasing after adding IPA, the ethylene oxide groups of TX‐45 were partially extended to CO2. Through the steric effects of branched methyl groups, the cleaning effect was improved.