bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composición y distribución de la ictiofauna asociada a jagüeyes, en la región Caribe colombiana
Authors: Navarro Blas , Tovar Hernando , Caraballo Pedro
Published: May 2020

Se estudiaron las comunidades de peces en 12 jagüeyes, en función del uso del suelo dado a la zona de captación (agrícola, ganadero y urbanístico), en los municipios de Magangué, Bolívar y Los Palmitos, Sucre. Se capturaron 5695 individuos pertenecientes a nueve familias y cinco órdenes y 13 especies: Hoplias malabaricus, Curimata magdalenae, Astianax fasciatus, Piaractus brachypomus, Roeboides dayii, Prochilodus magdalenae, Hoplosternum thoracatum, Hemiancistrus wilsoni, Caquetaia kraussii, Oreochromis spp., Andinoacara latifrons, Poecilia caucana, Synbranchus marmoratus. Los jagüeyes con mayor riqueza y abundancia fueron los de uso urbanístico con 11 especies y 2512 individuos, seguido del ganadero con siete especies y 2252 individuos, con aplicación de la Prueba F, no existe una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las medias de las tres variables con un nivel de confianza del 95,0 %, con un p= 0,54 para A. fasciatus y 0,47 para A. latifrons, p ≥ 0,05. El grado de recambio de especies  (diversidad β) entre los jagüeyes y los tres usos dados a su zona de captación fue alto, porque la diferencia en la composición del ensamblaje de peces entre hábitat varía considerablemente, de 13 especies registradas  compartieron entre dos y cuatro especies, con valores de complementariedad entre el 50 y 67 % (agricultura), 20 y 50 % (ganadería) y entre el 50 y 86 % (urbanístico), la similitud fue alta en los jagüeyes de uso ganadero. La riqueza y abundancia de peces en jagüeyes encontradas en este estudio tiene una gran significancia ecológica en la conservación y preservación de la diversidad biológica íctica en las sabanas y Bosque seco Tropical en los departamentos de Sucre y Bolívar muy a pesar de la presión ejercida por la contaminación orgánica e inorgánica, producida por las actividades: agrícola, ganadera y urbana.
Anti-atherosclerotic Effects of Spice-Derived Phytochemicals
Authors: Enayati Ayesheh , Johnston Thomas P. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: May 2020

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. Atherosclerosis is characterized
by oxidized lipid deposition and inflammation in the arterial wall and represents a significant
problem in public health and medicine. Some dietary spices have been widely used in many countries;
however, the mechanism of their action as it relates to the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis
is still poorly understood. In this review, we focus on the properties of various spice-derived active
ingredients used in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, as well as associated atherosclerotic
risk factors. We provide a summary of the mechanisms of action, epidemiological analyses, and studies
of various components of spice used in the clinic, animal models, and cell lines related to atherosclerosis.
Most notably, we focused on mechanisms of action by which these spice-derived compounds elicit
their lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, as well as their
involvement in selected biochemical and signal transduction pathways. It is suggested that future research
should aim to design well-controlled clinical trials and more thoroughly investigate the role of
spices and their active components in the prevention/treatment of atherosclerosis. Based on this literature
review, it appears that spices and their active components are well tolerated and have few adverse
side effects and, therefore, provide a promising adjunctive treatment strategy for patients with atherosclerosis.
The Roles of Dietary, Nutritional and Lifestyle Interventions in Adipose Tissue Adaptation and Obesity
Authors: Bjørklund Geir , Tippairote Torsak , Dadar Maryam , Lizcano Fernando , Aaseth Jan , Borisova Olga
Published: May 2020

The obesity and the associated non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are globally
increasing in their prevalence. While the modern-day lifestyle required less ventilation of
metabolic energy through muscular activities, this lifestyle transition also provided the unlimited
accession to foods around the clock, which prolong the daily eating period of foods that
contained high calorie and high glycemic load. These situations promote the high continuous
flux of carbon substrate availability in mitochondria and induce the indecisive bioenergetic
switches. The disrupted bioenergetic milieu increases the uncoupling respiration due to the
excess flow of the substrate-derived reducing equivalents and reduces ubiquinones into the
respiratory chain. The diversion of the uncoupling proton gradient through adipocyte thermogenesis
will then alleviate the damaging effects of free radicals to mitochondria and other
organelles. The adaptive induction of white adipose tissues (WAT) to beige adipose tissues
(beAT) has shown beneficial effects on glucose oxidation, ROS protection and mitochondrial
function preservation through the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-independent thermogenesis of
beAT. However, the maladaptive stage can eventually initiate with the persistent unhealthy
lifestyles. Under this metabolic gridlock, the low oxygen and pro-inflammatory environments
promote the adipose breakdown with sequential metabolic dysregulation, including insulin
resistance, systemic inflammation and clinical NCDs progression. It is unlikely that a single
intervention can reverse all these complex interactions. A comprehensive protocol that includes
dietary, nutritional and all modifiable lifestyle interventions, can be the preferable
choice to decelerate, stop, or reverse the NCDs pathophysiologic processes.
Three Musketeers for Lowering Cholesterol: Statins, Ezetimibe and Evolocumab
Authors: Xu Qian , Deng Yiming , Xiao Jun , Liu Xiangrui , Zhou Min , Ren Zhong , Peng Juan , Tang Yaling , Jiang Zhisheng , Tang Zhihan , Liu Lushan
Published: May 2020

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is closely related to hypercholesterolemia, and lowering serum cholesterol is currently the most important strategy in reducing CHD. In humans, the serum cholesterol level is determined mainly by three metabolic pathways, namely, dietary cholesterol intake, cholesterol synthesis, and cholesterol degradation in vivo. An intervention that targets the key molecules in the three pathways is an important strategy in lowering serum lipids. Statins inhibit 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by about 20% to 45%. However, up to 15% of patients cannot tolerate the potential side effects of high statin dosages, and several patients also still do not reach their optimal LDL goals after being treated with statins. Ezetimibe inhibits cholesterol absorption by targeting the Niemann–Pick C1-like 1 protein (NPC1L1), which is related to cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Ezetimibe lowers LDL by about 18% when used alone and by an additional 25% when combined with statin therapy. The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) increases hepatic LDLR degradation, thereby reducing the liver’s ability to remove LDL, which can lead to hypercholesterolemia. Evolocumab, which is a PCSK9 monoclonal antibody, can reduce LDL from baseline by 53% to 56%. The three drugs exert lipid-lowering effects by regulating the three key pathways in lipid metabolism. Combining any with the two other drugs on the basis of statin treatment has improved the lipid-lowering effect. Whether the combination of the three musketeers will reduce the side effects of monotherapy and achieve the lipid-lowering effect should be studied further in the future.
Genetic Analysis of Pharmacogenomic VIP Variants of ABCB1, VDR and TPMT Genes in an Ethnically Isolated Population from the North Caucasus Living in Jordan
Authors: AL-Eitan Laith Naser , Al-Maqableh Haneen Waleed , Mohammad Namarg Nawwaf , Khair Hakooz Nancy Mohamed , Dajani Rana Basem
Published: May 2020

Background:

Differences in individual responses to the same medications remarkably differ among
populations. A number of genes that play integral roles in drug responses have been designated as very important
pharmacogenes (VIP), as they are responsible for differences in drug safety, efficacy, and adverse drug reactions
among certain ethnic groups. Identifying the polymorphic distribution of VIP in a range of ethnic groups will be
conducive to population-based personalized medicine.

Objective:

The aim of the current study is to identify the polymorphic distribution of VIP regarding the Chechen
minority group from Jordan and compare their allele frequencies with other populations.

Methods:

A total of 131 unrelated Chechen individuals from Jordan were randomly recruited for blood collection.
Identification of allelic and genotypic frequencies of eleven VIP variants within the genes of interest (ABCB1, VDR
and TPMT) was carried out by means of the MassARRAY®System (iPLEX GOLD).

Results:

Within ABCB1, we found that the minor allele frequencies of the rs1128503 (A: 0.43), rs2032582 (A: 0.43),
rs1045642 (A: 0.43). For VDR, the minor allele frequencies of rs11568820 (T: 0.18), rs1540339 (T: 0.30), rs1544410
(T: 0.41), rs2228570 (T: 0.24), rs3782905 (C: 0.28) and rs7975232 (C: 0.45). Finally, the minor allele frequencies for
the TPMT rs1142345 and rs1800460 polymorphisms were found to be (C: 0.02) and (T: 0.01), respectively.

Conclusion:

Significant differences in allelic frequencies of eleven ABCB1, VDR and TPMT VIP variants were
found between Jordanian Chechens and other populations. In our study, most populations that are similar to
Chechens are those from South Asian, European (Finnish) and European, including: Utah residents with Northern
and Western European ancestry, Toscani in Italia, Mexican ancestry in Los Angeles and Circassian from Jordan. The
level of similarity between Chechens and those populations means that they might have shared high levels of gene
flow in the past. The results obtained in this study will contribute to the worldwide pharmacogenomic databases and
provide valuable information for future studies and better individualized treatments.
Role of Bacterial-Fungal Consortium for Enhancement in the Degradation of Industrial Dyes
Authors: Mawad Asmaa M.M. , El-Latif Hesham Abd , Yousef Naiema M.H. , Shoreit Ahmed A.M. , Gathergood Nicholas , Gupta Vijai Kumar
Published: May 2020

Background:

The presence of anthraquinone (Disperse blue 64) and azodyes (Acid yellow
17) in a waterbody are considered among the most dangerous pollutants.

Methods:

In this study, two different isolated microbes, bacterium and fungus, were individually and
as a co-culture applied for the degradation of Disperse Blue 64 (DB 64) and Acid Yellow 17 (AY 17)
dyes. The isolates were genetically identified based upon 16S (for bacteria) and ITS/5.8S (for fungus)
rRNA genes sequences as Pseudomoans aeruginosa and Aspergillus flavus, respectively.

Results:

The fungal/bacterial consortium exhibited a higher percentage of dyes degradation than the
individual strains, even at a high concentration of 300 mg/L. Azoreductase could be identified as the
main catabolic enzyme and the consortium could induce azoreductase enzyme in the presence of both
dyes. However, the specific substrate which achieved the highest azoreductase specific activity was
Methyl red (MR) (3.5 U/mg protein). The tentatively proposed metabolites that were detected by
HPLC/MS suggested that the reduction process catalyzed the degradation of dyes. The metabolites
produced by the action consortium on two dyes were safe on Vicia faba and Triticum vulgaris germination
and health of seedlings. Toxicity of the dyes and their degradation products on the plant was
different according to the type and chemistry of these compounds as well as the type of irrigated
seeds.

Conclusion:

We submit that the effective microbial degradation of DB64 and AY17 dyes will lead to
safer metabolic products.
The Role of Glyoxalase in Glycation and Carbonyl Stress Induced Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Saeed Mohd , Kausar Mohd Adnan , Singh Rajeev , Siddiqui Arif J. , Akhter Asma
Published: May 2020

Glycation refers to the covalent binding of sugar molecules to macromolecules, such as
DNA, proteins, and lipids in a non-enzymatic reaction, resulting in the formation of irreversibly bound
products known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are synthesized in high amounts
both in pathological conditions, such as diabetes and under physiological conditions resulting in aging.
The body’s anti-glycation defense mechanisms play a critical role in removing glycated products.
However, if this defense system fails, AGEs start accumulating, which results in pathological conditions.
Studies have been shown that increased accumulation of AGEs acts as key mediators in multiple
diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, arthritis, cancer, atherosclerosis, decreased skin elasticity, male
erectile dysfunction, pulmonary fibrosis, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, glycation of
nucleotides, proteins, and phospholipids by α-oxoaldehyde metabolites, such as glyoxal (GO) and
methylglyoxal (MGO), causes potential damage to the genome, proteome, and lipidome. Glyoxalase-1
(GLO-1) acts as a part of the anti-glycation defense system by carrying out detoxification of GO and
MGO. It has been demonstrated that GLO-1 protects dicarbonyl modifications of the proteome and
lipidome, thereby impeding the cell signaling and affecting age-related diseases. Its relationship with
detoxification and anti-glycation defense is well established. Glycation of proteins by MGO and GO
results in protein misfolding, thereby affecting their structure and function. These findings provide
evidence for the rationale that the functional modulation of the GLO pathway could be used as a potential
therapeutic target. In the present review, we summarized the newly emerged literature on the GLO
pathway, including enzymes regulating the process. In addition, we described small bioactive molecules
with the potential to modulate the GLO pathway, thereby providing a basis for the development
of new treatment strategies against age-related complications.
Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Studies of Metal Complexes of 2-methoxy-4-((3-methylpyridin-2-ylimino)methyl)phenol
Authors: Mishra Akanksha , Tahlan Sumit , Ramasamy Kalavathy , Lim Siong Meng , Shah Syed Adnan Ali , Narasimhan Balasubramanian
Published: May 2020

Background:

Being derived from primary amine and aromatic aldehyde, Schiff base and
their complexes have an imperative role in the improvement of inorganic chemistry, which are broadly
studied as coordination compounds and are gradually becoming more important in biochemical and
analytical applications.

Methods:

They have also been used for antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antitubercular activities.
Novel synthesised Schiff’s base 2-methoxy-4-((3-methylpyridin-2-ylimino)methyl)phenol (SB) and its
metal complexes (Zn[II], Cu[II], Co[II] and Ni[II]) were characterised by UV, IR and NMR spectroscopy.
Formation of the Schiff base and the metal (Zn[II], Cu[II], Co[II] and Ni[II]) chelates was supported
by spectral and analytical data. The ligand and metal complexes have been screened for their
antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella
pneumoniae and antifungal activity against the fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Further,
the synthesised compounds were also screened for antiproliferative activity against the human colorectal
carcinoma (HCT116) cell line using the Sulforhodamine B assay.

Results:

Metal complexes formed were found to enhance the potency of the Schiff base due to coordination
with a copper complex, showing better activity than others.

Conclusion:

Copper complex was observed to be more potent than other complexes against all the
pathogenic microbes and cancer cell line (HCT116).
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Meningitis is More Sensitive in Patients with HIV Co-Infection
Authors: de Almeida Sergio M. , Santana Lucas B. , Golin Gilberto , Kussen Gislene B. , Nogueira Keite
Published: May 2020

Background:

Tuberculous meningitis (TbM) is the most severe complication of extra pulmonary tuberculosis (Tb). There is a higher frequency of positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb) in samples from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infected patients than in those from HIV-negative patients. We hypothesized that real time PCR assays for MTb (MTb qPCR) using CSF would be more sensitive in HIV co-infected patients owing to a greater MTb burden. The present study aimed to verify the diagnostic performance of MTb qPCR in CSF of TbM patients who either were co-infected with HIV or were HIVnegative.

Methods:

A total of 334 consecutive participants with suspected TbM were divided into two groups: HIV co-infected and HIV-negative; each group was categorized into definite TbM, probable TbM, possible TbM, and TbM-negative subgroups based on clinical, laboratory and imaging data. We evaluated the diagnostic characteristics of MTb qPCR analysis to detect TbM in CSF by comparing the results to those obtained for definite TbM (i.e., positive MTb culture) and/or probable TbM in CSF, as gold standard.

Results:

The sensitivity of MTb qPCR in the definite and probable subgroups of the HIV coinfected participants (n = 14) was 35.7%, with a specificity of 93.8%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 94.4%, and negative clinical utility index (CUI−) of 0.89. Results of the HIV-negative group (n = 7) showed lower sensitivity (14.3%) and similar specificity, NPV, and CUI−.

Conclusion:

The findings confirmed our hypothesis, despite the low sensitivity. MTb qPCR may significantly contribute to diagnosis when associated with clinical criteria and complementary examinations.
Prediction of Prophylactic Peptide Vaccine Candidates for Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Immunoinformatics and Reverse Vaccinology Approaches
Authors: Ismail Mehreen , Sajid Zureesha , Ali Amjad , Wu Xiaogang , Muhammad Syed Aun , Shaikh Rehan Sadiq
Published: May 2020

Background:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. We predicted
immunogenic promiscuous monovalent and polyvalent T-cell epitopes from the polyprotein of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) using a range
of bioinformatics tools and servers.

Methods:

We used immunoinformatics and reverse vaccinology-based approaches to design prophylactic
peptides by antigenicity analysis, T-cell epitopes prediction, proteasomal and conservancy
evaluation, host-pathogen protein interactions, and in silico binding affinity analysis.

Results:

We found two early proteins (E2 and E6) and two late proteins (L1 and L2) of HPV as potential vaccine candidates. Of these proteins
(E2, E6, L1 & L2), 2-epitopes of each candidate protein for multiple alleles of MHC class I and II bearing significant binding affinity (>-6.0
kcal/mole). These potential epitopes for CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were also linked to design polyvalent construct using GPGPG linkers. Cholera
toxin B and mycobacterial heparin-binding hemagglutinin adjuvant with a molecular weight of 12.5 and 18.5 kDa were used for epitopes of
CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells respectively. The molecular docking indicated the optimum binding affinity of HPV peptides with MHC molecules.
This interaction showed that our predicted vaccine candidates are suitable to trigger the host immune system to prevent HPV infections.

Conclusion:

The predicted conserved T-cell epitopes would contribute to the imminent design of HPV vaccine candidates, which will be able
to induce a broad range of immune-responses in a heterogeneous HLA population.
Development of a Lung Cancer Model in Wistar Rat and In Silico Screening of its Biomarkers
Authors: Alam Nisat , Najnin Hasina , Islam Maidul , Iqbal Saleem , Zaidi Rana
Published: May 2020

Background:

Cancer is usually caused by three factors: Nutrition, inflammation and cigarette
smoke. This study on rat experimental models would enable us to understand the mechanism
of lung cancer caused by NNK to which humans are continuously exposed, help us understand possible
molecular targets, and assist in designing drugs for humans against lung cancer.

Aim:

A lung cancer model was developed by administering tobacco-specific carcinogen: NNK [4-
methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone] to male Wistar rats for 24 weeks. Furthermore, in
silico approach was followed to screen the molecular targets.

Methods:

A method was established in which subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections of NNK
were administered to male Wistar rats simultaneously. For authentication of lung cancer in vivo, we
performed molecular docking simulations with protein biomarkers: Cox-2, p53, p38 MAPKs and
EGFR using Hex-Discovery Studio, Schrödinger-maestro software.

Results:

Lung morphology and histopathology indicated the initiation of bronchiolar epithelial hyperplasia
and squamous dysplasia in the cancer 1 group after 16 weeks of NNK exposure. 66.66%
incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 33.3% incidence of adenocarcinoma were observed
in cancer 2 group after being exposed to NNK. Results indicated that the incidence of SCC
and adenocarcinoma gradually increased from 66.66% to 85.71% in cancer 2 group and from
33.33% to 42.58% in cancer 3 group, respectively. Docking results indicate the total binding energy
and glide energy of Cox-2, p53, p38 MAPKs, EGFR : 38.14, -211.58, -181.58, -213.05 Kcal/mol
and -39.25, -32.16,-36.49, -40.19 Kcal/mol, respectively.

Conclusion:

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma model was developed by administering tobacco-specific
carcinogen: NNK [4-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone] to male Wistar rats in 24
weeks. In silico experiments confirmed EGFR to be the most potential target for NNK induced lung
Cancer.
Obesity and Cathepsin K: A Complex Pathophysiological Relationship in Breast Cancer Metastases
Authors: Vashum Yaongamphi , Khashim Zenith
Published: May 2020

Background:

Breast cancer appears in a strong inclination to metastasize in bone tissue.
Several strategies are discussed in combating bone metastasis in breast cancer. However, therapy is
only palliative and does not provide any improvement in survival to the majority of patients with advanced
cancer. Obese and overweight women with breast cancer are three times more likely to develop
metastatic disease compared to normal-weight women with the same treatment regimen. Overweight
greatly intensify adipocytes formation in the bone marrow affecting bone metabolism by decreasing
osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Cathepsin K (CTSK), a cysteine protease, effectively
degrades several components of the extracellular matrix and has the ability to differentiate adipocytes
from bone marrow lineage. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to emphasize the underlying
mechanism of CTSK and obesity role in breast cancer metastasis.

Methods:

Systematic review was performed using PubMed, EMBASE. The evidence of obesity and
CTSK in breast cancer skeletal metastasis were analyzed, summarized and compared.

Results:

The present investigation argues for a specific association of CTSK with breast cancer skeletal
metastasis by promoting adipocyte differentiation. The potential tumor-supporting roles of adipocytes
are well documented, and in fact, suppressing adipocyte could be a new therapeutic option in the
battle against lethal metastatic breast cancers.

Conclusion:

This review emphasizes CTSK through its multifaceted role in differentiating adipocytes,
inflammation, and extracellular degradation, may be a critical factor in an obesity-cancer connection.
Thus, integration of CTSK targeting strategies into established traditional therapies seems to hold substantial
promise.
T Cell Proliferative Responses and IgG Antibodies to β2GPI in Patients with Diabetes and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Monjezi Mohammad R. , Fouladseresht Hamed , Farjadian Shirin , Gharesi-Fard Behrouz , Khosropanah Shahdad , Doroudchi Mehrnoosh
Published: May 2020

Background:

Diabetes increases the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) by 2 to 3 folds. Tlymphocytes
play a role in atherosclerosis, which is the main pathology behind MI. Cellular immune
responses to beta-2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI) are shown in carotid atherosclerosis.

Objective:

To investigate the self-reactive, β2GPI-specific T-lymphocytes in patients with and without
diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Methods:

Collectively, 164 subjects with and without diabetes that underwent coronary angiography
were divided into four groups based on their diabetes status and coronary stenosis. Group I=Diabetic
with ≥50% stenosis: A+D+ (n=66); Group II=Non-diabetic with ≥50% stenosis, A+D- (n=39); Group
III=Diabetic with <50% stenosis: A-D+ (n=28); and Group IV=Non-diabetic with <50% stenosis: AD-
(n=31). All groups were evaluated for anti-β2GPI IgG antibody by ELISA method. Then, PBMCs
were isolated from 18 subjects and were stimulated with β2GPI-derived peptides to assess their proliferation
in accordance with their HLA-DRB1 alleles.

Results:

Mean β2GPI IgG levels were higher in groups with ≥50% stenosis (A+) compared to those
with <50% stenosis (A-), (P=0.02). The co-presence of diabetes in A+ individuals increased
mean β2GPI-specific IgG. Auto-reactive β2GPI-specific T cells were detected in the repertoire
of T-lymphocytes in all groups. β2GPI-peptides showed promiscuous restriction by various HLADRB1.

Conclusion:

β2GPI is the target of cellular and humoral immune responses in patients with atherosclerosis.
Since the T cell responses but not antibodies were detectable in A-D+ and A-D- groups, it is
reasonable to assume that cellular responses preceded the humoral responses. Post-translation modifications
of β2GPI under oxidative and glycemic stresses may have increased the IgG levels in patients
with diabetes. Finally, identification of antigens that trigger immuno-pathogenesis in atherosclerosis
and diabetes may help the development of immunomodulation methods to prevent or treat these debilitating
diseases.
CircRNA 001418 Promoted Cell Growth and Metastasis of Bladder Carcinoma via EphA2 by miR-1297
Authors: Peng Guorui , Meng Hongxue , Pan Hongxin , Wang Wentao
Published: May 2020

Background:

Cancer is one of the major causes of human deaths at present. It is the leading
cause of deaths in developed countries. Moreover, Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been discovered
to play important roles in tumor genesis and development and are abnormally expressed in
bladder cancer .

Objective:

The present study aims to investigate the anti-cancer effects of circ 001418 on bladder carcinoma and its possible
mechanism.

Methods:

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and gene chip were used to measure the circ 001418 expression. Cell proliferation and
transfer, apoptosis and caspase-8 and caspase-3 activity levels were measured using MTT, Transwell assay, Flow cytometry.
Caspase-3 and 9 activity levels, EphA2, cytochrome c and FADD protein expression were detected using Western blotting.

Results:

The expression of circ 001418 was increased in patients with bladder carcinoma. Over-expression of circ 001418
promoted cell proliferation and transfer, and reduced apoptosis in vitro model of bladder carcinoma. Down-regulation of Circ
001418 inhibited cell proliferation and transfer, and induced apoptosis in vitro model of bladder carcinoma. Meanwhile, Overexpression of circ 001418 induced EphA2 and cytochrome c protein expression, suppressed FADD protein expression in vitro
model of bladder carcinoma by suppression of miR-1297. MiR-1297 reduced the pro-cancer effect of circ 001418 on apoptosis
of bladder carcinoma.

Conclusion:

Results showed thatcircRNA 001418 promoted cell growth and metastasis of bladder carcinoma via EphA2 by
miR-1297.
Emerging Molecular Targets for Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaque using Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Werner Rudolf A. , Bengel Frank M. , Derlin Thorsten
Published: May 2020

Positron-emission-tomography (PET) using the radiopharmaceutical 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose
(FDG) has become an established and validated molecular imaging modality for characterization
of the inflammatory activity of atherosclerotic plaque. In the latest years, new innovative radiopharmaceuticals
and applications have emerged, providing specific information on atherosclerotic
plaque biology, particularly focused on inflammatory processes. To review and highlight recent evidence
on the role of PET for atherosclerosis imaging using emerging radiotracers. A comprehensive
computer literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE was carried out to find relevant published articles
concerning the usefulness of nuclear hybrid imaging in atherosclerosis imaging using 18F--
sodium fluoride PET, CXCR4-targeted PET, and amyloid-β-targeted PET. Atherosclerosis imaging
with PET using emerging, specific tracers holds promise in improving our understanding of the
pathophysiologic processes that underlie plaque progression and adverse cardiovascular events.
There is increasing, high-quality evidence on the usefulness of 18F-sodium fluoride PET and – to a
lesser extent – CXCR4-targeted PET, whereas amyloid-β-targeted PET is still in its infancy. F-sodium
fluoride PET, CXCR4-targeted PET and amyloid-β-targeted PET may be used to obtain molecular
information on different aspects of plaque biology. Further work is required to improve the
technical aspects of these imaging techniques and to elucidate their ability to predict adverse cardiac
events prospectively.
Synthesis of Dandelion-like Porous Au Nanoparticles for Catalytic Reduction of Nitrophenol
Authors: Wu Huiying , Liang Feng
Published: May 2020

Background:

Porous Au nanomaterials show great potential in the fields of
biomedicine, drug delivery, and catalysis for the merits of low density, large void space, and large
specific surface area. The preparation of porous Au nanomaterials is usually carried out by using a
hard-templating method, which is cumbersome.

Methods:

Dandelion-like porous Au nanoparticles were synthesized through a soft-templating
method in our work. The synthesized porous Au nanoparticles were characterized via transmission
electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and cyclic
voltammetry (CV). The reduction of nitrophenol was carried out to evaluate the catalytic behavior
of porous Au nanoparticles.

Results:

Porous Au nanoparticles prepared were in uniform size (47.9±6.4 nm) and the
morphology could be regulated by adjusting the molar ratio of reactants. The apparent rate constant
(kapp) value of reducing nitrophenol catalyzed by porous Au nanoparticles was higher than Au
nanospheres and nanobranches in a similar size. It could be attributed to a large amount of active
sites and high proportion of high-order crystal faces proved by CV and XRD.

Conclusion:

We developed a facile and reproducible method for synthesizing porous Au
nanoparticles. The morphology of porous Au nanoparticles can be ajusted by changing the molar
ratio of reactants. Porous Au nanoparticles that we prepared behaved better in catalysis compared
with Au nanospheres and Au nanobranches.
Normativas para la protección de mascotas: Situación de Colombia, Chile, Uruguay y México
Authors: Villafañe-Ferrer Lucy Margarita , Gómez-Camargo Doris Esther , Gómez-Arias Rubén Dario
Published: May 2020

Actualmente, la sociedad se ha enfocado en la tenencia de mascotas para adquirirlas por compañía desestimando el deber de atender sus necesidades y hacerse responsable de sus acciones. Debido a esto, grupos sociales sensibles a esta problemática, promueven cambios culturales y han influenciado a los gobiernos de países de América Latina con el fin de formular e implementar directrices para proteger a las mascotas. En la presente revisión se comparan aspectos esenciales de las normativas de protección de mascotas de cuatro países de América Latina, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay y México. Se realizó una revisión narrativa de la literatura publicada y de los sitios web de los entes gubernamentales responsables de la formulación y puesta en marcha de las normativas de los cuatro países con el propósito de establecer una comparación entre su contenido y su desempeño. Se identificaron diferencias en cuanto a los objetivos de las directrices y el proceso de su formulación. Se describen, además, los actores que intervinieron en el proceso de formulación, estructura, objeto y los resultados más importantes reportados en cada país a partir de la implementación de estas normativas.
A Final Link From a Lost Arctic Expedition: A Letter by Sir John Franklin (1845)
Authors: Jin Hanna , Bailey Spenser
Published: May 2020

Vol. 1, No. 3 (2019)

With contributions by Bijan Mansoorieh

This issue of SourceLab presents one of the last letters written by the Victorian explorer Sir John Franklin, who perished in the late 1840s while seeking the Northwest Passage.

This publication is part of the digital documentary edition series SourceLab, based at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Our Editorial Board conducts rigorous peer-review of every edition.
Courtship, Community, and Conflict: Montgomery County in the Civil War
Authors: Arianlou Yoss , Beltran Allen , Daniels Russell , Khoshbin Broderick , Miller Michelle , Poker Kris
Published: May 2020

Vol. 1, No. 5 (2019)

With contributions by Alison Mink. 

This issue of SourceLab presents correspondence from the McNitt family archive.  The McNitts lived in Montgomery County, Illinois during the US Civil War.

This publication is part of the digital documentary edition series SourceLab, based at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Our Editorial Board conducts rigorous peer-review of every edition.
The Resurgence of Cyber Racism During the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Aftereffects: Analysis of Sentiments and Emotions in Tweets (Preprint)
Authors: Dubey Akash Dutt
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

With increasing numbers of patients with COVID-19 globally, China and the World Health Organization have been blamed by some for the spread of this disease. Consequently, instances of racism and hateful acts have been reported around the world. When US President Donald Trump used the term “Chinese Virus,” this issue gained momentum, and ethnic Asians are now being targeted. The online situation looks similar, with increases in hateful comments and posts.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper is to analyze the increasing instances of cyber racism during the COVID-19 pandemic, by assessing emotions and sentiments associated with tweets on Twitter.

METHODS

In total, 16,000 tweets from April 11-16, 2020, were analyzed to determine their associated sentiments and emotions. Statistical analysis was carried out using R. Twitter API and the sentimentr package were used to collect tweets and then evaluate their sentiments, respectively. This research analyzed the emotions and sentiments associated with terms like “Chinese Virus,” “Wuhan Virus,” and “Chinese Corona Virus.”

RESULTS

The results suggest that the majority of the analyzed tweets were of negative sentiment and carried emotions of fear, sadness, anger, and disgust. There was a high usage of slurs and profane words. In addition, terms like “China Lied People Died,” “Wuhan Health Organization,” “Kung Flu,” “China Must Pay,” and “CCP is Terrorist” were frequently used in these tweets.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insight into the rise in cyber racism seen on Twitter. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that a substantial number of users are tweeting with mostly negative sentiments toward ethnic Asians, China, and the World Health Organization.
Miradas lascivas, violencia contra las estudiantes universitarias
Authors: Huerta Mata Rosa María
Published: May 2020

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar las representaciones sociales de los y las estudiantes universitarios en torno al hostigamiento sexual de los docentes masculinos a través de miradas lascivas. Se realizaron cuatro grupos focales con estudiantes de las licenciaturas en Derecho y Psicología de la Escuela Superior de Actopan de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. La muestra poblacional es de 28 mujeres y 20 hombres. La metodología de grupos focales no permite obtener en detalle la información de cada participante. Los estudiantes de ambos sexos manifiestan indignación y rechazo por este tipo de hostigamiento sexual; sin embargo, no lo expresan en términos de derechos humanos. Los resultados de esta investigación pueden aportar elementos para la elaboración del protocolo contra la violencia de género en la universidad. Las evidencias muestran que es indispensable desarrollar una vinculación más precisa entre la definición legal de miradas lascivas y los términos que al respecto utilizan los protocolos universitarios.
Índice de Capacidad Administrativa de Política Pública. Un análisis de políticas LGBT en Colombia
Authors: Rave Restrepo Juan Camilo
Published: May 2020

El propósito de este trabajo es presentar los resultados preliminares de una investigación financiada por el PNUD y el Ministerio del Interior de la República de Colombia. En este documento, se expone el “Índice de Capacidad Administrativa de Política Pública” como estrategia de medición de la capacidad administrativa de 12 alcaldías de ciudades capitales y 11 gobernaciones departamentales con relación a dos frentes complementarios. El primero, la capacidad para la territorialización de la política nacional1 que desarrolla lineamientos en la gestión pública de los derechos humanos de los sectores sociales de personas gays, lesbianas, bisexuales y trans y el segundo, la capacidad para garantizar los derechos humanos de dicho sector
poblacional.
Roles democráticos y retos para la práctica de periodistas mexicanos
Authors: Galarza Molina Rocío Araceli
Published: May 2020

Asumiendo que el periodismo posee un valor democrático normativo en su esencia, esta investigación integra 17 entrevistas en profundidad con periodistas mexicanos, principalmente ubicados en la ciudad de Monterrey y Ciudad de México, para determinar cómo estos profesionales conciben sus roles normativos en una democracia no consolidada. Los resultados indican que los periodistas mexicanos identifican principalmente la función de monitoreo, es decir, el proporcionar información a ciudadanos para la toma de decisiones. Sin embargo, al reflexionar sobre su capacidad para realizar este rol, dichos periodistas lamentan que fallan a la democracia en el desempeño de éste. Ello se debe tanto a desafíos relacionados con su contexto particular, como a vicisitudes que afectan al periodismo mundialmente. Los periodistas señalan problemas con dueños de medios de comunicación y autoridades políticas que se piensan todavía “en el viejo sistema”, y dicen verse afligidos por instituciones políticas débiles incapaces de garantizar su seguridad.
Políticas de la memoria de las violaciones a los derechos humanos en la historia reciente: una revisión bibliográfica desde el 2008 al 2018
Authors: Arboleda-Ariza Juan Carlos , Piper-Shafir Isabel , Vélez-Maya Margarita María
Published: May 2020

El estudio de las políticas de memoria sobre las violaciones a los derechos humanos ocurridas en dictaduras militares, conflictos armados y guerras civiles en el mundo en la historia reciente ha tenido un importante auge en las últimas décadas, constituyéndose en un ámbito de disputas simbólicas entre los relatos del pasado. El objetivo del presente texto es la revisión bibliográfica sobre los trabajos que se han realizado en torno a las políticas de memoria oficiales y no oficiales en los últimos diez años. La búsqueda arrojó un resultado de 128 publicaciones obtenidas en bases de datos como SCOPUS, EBSCO, WOS, Science Direct, Scielo y Dialnet. A partir del análisis de los trabajos encontrados se identificaron conceptualizaciones, caracterizaciones y abordajes teóricos en torno a las políticas de memoria. Se discute la presencia de un modelo memorial centrado en las víctimas, siendo sus relatos los que más aparecen en las políticas de memoria, y su dolor, el principal activo para la construcción de éstas.
Las élites se movilizan para combatir la inseguridad. Estructura de apoyo y litigio estratégico en la regulación del cannabis
Authors: Martínez Carmona Gabriel
Published: May 2020

El presente artículo analiza el caso de México Unido Contra la Delincuencia (MUCD), grupo de la sociedad civil que emprendió una movilización legal para cuestionar el modelo prohibicionista en materia de drogas, en tanto consideran que éste es una de las causas primordiales de la inseguridad en México. Ante la negativa de los poderes Ejecutivo y Legislativo para establecer reformas, mucd acudió al poder Judicial, en donde cuestionó de manera indirecta la política prohibicionista del Estado mexicano. Mediante el análisis de entrevistas, documentos oficiales, así como del proyecto y sentencia de la Suprema Corte, este artículo sostiene que el éxito de la movilización radicó en la construcción de una estructura de apoyo, así como en la utilización del litigio estratégico, cuyo establecimiento de alianzas entre abogados, con vínculos sociales, profesionales y de parentesco de alto perfil jugó un papel central en la obtención de un fallo favorable de la Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación.
Cómo el movimiento LGBT define disputar en derechos de minorías. Enmarcamiento legal mediante difusión relacional
Authors: Martínez Carmona Carlos Arturo
Published: May 2020

La literatura de movilización legal se ha apoyado en el concepto de “marco maestro” para comprender la definición de las demandas basadas en derechos de los movimientos sociales. Entrado el siglo xxi, en diferentes latitudes de América Latina, los movimientos LGBT presentaron un manejo discursivo y estrategias basadas en derechos, a pesar de que en sus contextos no se encontraba disponible un marco maestro legal. Mediante el estudio de caso de la movilización por el reconocimiento de las uniones entre parejas del mismo sexo en la Ciudad de México (2000-2006) este artículo tiene como objetivo comprender el proceso de definición de la disputa realizada por el movimiento. La comparación e interacción entre los movimientos LGBT y de mujeres permite sostener que por medio de “difusión relacional” los activistas concretaron un discurso y estrategias legales. Al seleccionar el caso de estudio por muestreo teórico esta investigación contribuye ampliando las categorías de análisis relacionadas con las definiciones legales de los movimientos LGBT latinoamericanos, y en general, es de utilidad para reconsiderar las categorías articuladas al concepto de enmarcamiento legal.
Genotype reaction of Solanum tuberosum, andigena and phureja groups to late blight (Phytophthora infestans Mont. De Bary)
Authors: Moncayo Jennyfer , Delgado Roberth , Marcillo Carlos , Salazar Claudia , Betancourth Carlos
Published: May 2020

Potato crop is the fourth main food product in the world, but is affected by Phytophthora infestans, the late blight disease causal agent. This research was carried out in a town of Pasto high plateau, South of Colombia. In order to evaluate the reaction of different genotypes of creole potato (Solanum tuberosum groups Phureja and Andigena) with regard the disease. A Randomized Complete Block design was established with three repetitions, where 30 genotypes were distributed and three plants were evaluated per repetition during two crop cycles in natural exposure to the pathogen. To assess the disease effect on production, the same genotypes were maintained with chemical control in an adjacent batch. Genotypes classified as tolerant are Chaucha Manzana, Cachuda, Criolla Colombia, Malvaseña, Andina and Criolla, during the first cycle with performance values ​​between 23 to 26t.ha-1 and during the second to Calavera Negra, Chaucha Paisa, Ratona, Criolla Galeras, Ratona Roja, Tornilla Roja and Aguacata with performance values ​​between 23 to 28t.ha-1. The graphic severity scale allowed genotypes to be categorized as susceptible and highly susceptible. The results indicate that for the prevalent pathogen race in this study area, there are no resistance sources within the studied collection. However, genotypes such as Criolla Colombia and Andina showed a better performance in terms of yield.
What Is the Impact on Rural Area Residents When the Local Physician Leaves?
Authors: Mui Paulius , Gonzalez Martha M. , Etz Rebecca
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives: Scarce evidence exists in the medical literature describing the attitudes of rural community residents about the impact of losing their local physician. This pilot study explores aspects of access to care, both within and outside of primary care settings, that result from loss of a rural family physician.
Methods: We selected study participants through convenience and snowball sampling, and we conducted in-person interviews of up to 60 minutes. We audio recorded and transcribed the interviews (May to August, 2018), then analyzed transcripts using immersion crystallization and managed within Atlas.ti 7.0 software (Berlin, Germany).
Results: We interviewed 18 participants, some of whom interviewed as pairs. Our analysis revealed three significant themes: rurally-specific access to care concerns, relationships valued for being both community and care based, and loss felt specific to the integrated community leadership roles occupied by family physicians. In addition, participants identified social challenges they associated with losing their “country doctor,” such as withering community cohesion.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that rural physicians offer tremendous value to their communities, both inside and beyond their clinic walls. Issues of social cohesion and local health leadership affected by physician loss should be addressed by policy makers and educators charged with designing patient-centered solutions to improve health outcomes in rural communities. Current health and medical education reforms would benefit from greater focused attention on these issues.
Maintaining Myocardial Glucose Utilization in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Accelerates Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Wende Adam R. , Schell John C. , Ha Chae-Myeong , Pepin Mark E. , Khalimonchuk Oleh , Schwertz Hansjörg , Pereira Renata O. , Brahma Manoja K. , Tuinei Joseph , Contreras-Ferrat Ariel , Wang Li , Andrizzi Chase A. , Olsen Curtis D. , Bradley Wayne E. , Dell’Italia Louis J. , Dillmann Wolfgang H. , Litwin Sheldon E. , Abel E. Dale
Published: May 2020

Cardiac glucose uptake and oxidation are reduced in diabetes despite hyperglycemia. Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to heart failure in diabetes. It is unclear whether these changes are adaptive or maladaptive. To directly evaluate the relationship between glucose delivery and mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy, we generated transgenic mice with inducible cardiomyocyte-specific expression of the GLUT4. We examined mice rendered hyperglycemic following low-dose streptozotocin prior to increasing cardiomyocyte glucose uptake by transgene induction. Enhanced myocardial glucose in nondiabetic mice decreased mitochondrial ATP generation and was associated with echocardiographic evidence of diastolic dysfunction. Increasing myocardial glucose delivery after short-term diabetes onset exacerbated mitochondrial oxidative dysfunction. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the largest changes, driven by glucose and diabetes, were in genes involved in mitochondrial function. This glucose-dependent transcriptional repression was in part mediated by O-GlcNAcylation of the transcription factor Sp1. Increased glucose uptake induced direct O-GlcNAcylation of many electron transport chain subunits and other mitochondrial proteins. These findings identify mitochondria as a major target of glucotoxicity. They also suggest that reduced glucose utilization in diabetic cardiomyopathy might defend against glucotoxicity and caution that restoring glucose delivery to the heart in the context of diabetes could accelerate mitochondrial dysfunction by disrupting protective metabolic adaptations.