bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance of the eating disorders examination‐questionnaire across four male samples in Argentina
Authors: Compte Emilio J. , Nagata Jason M. , Sepúlveda Ana R. , Schweiger Sofia , Sbdar Lara S. , Silva Bárbara Camila , Bressan Michelle , Rivas Andrés , Menga Sol , Cortes Camila , Bidacovich German , López Pablo L. , Muiños Roberto , Rutsztein Guillermina , Torrente Fernando , Murray Stuart B.
Published: March 2019

Objective

The eating disorder examination‐questionnaire (EDE‐Q) is among the most widely used instruments in eating disorder research and clinical practice. However, the underlying structure remains a source of confusion, and contradictory results have emerged in studies among male populations. In the current study, we examined previously proposed models of EDE‐Q structure in four community samples of Argentinian men.

Method

A series of confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were performed for five previous factor structure models of the EDE‐Q among 232 Argentinian male university students, 277 weightlifters, 275 cross‐fit users, and 202 athletes. A multigroup CFA was conducted in the model we retained, to assess measurement invariance across groups.

Results

A respecified model of the brief eight‐item one‐factor proposal provided acceptable fit to the data over the original four‐factor structure and three other proposed models. Results from the multigroup CFA showed that the retained model was invariant across samples.

Conclusion

Our results provide support for retaining a one‐factor EDE‐Q structure over a multifactor solution for research purposes among male community samples in Argentina. These data underscore the importance of undertaking psychometric assessment of eating disorder symptom measures before their utilization in specific populations.
Polymorphism and multiple correlated characters: Do flatfish asymmetry morphs also differ in swimming performance and metabolic rate?
Authors: Bergstrom Carolyn A. , Alba JoMarie , Pacheco Julienne , Fritz Trevor , Tamone Sherry L.
Published: March 2019

Phenotypic polymorphisms often differ in multiple correlated traits including morphology, behavior, and physiology, all of which can affect performance. How selection acts on these suites of traits can be complex and difficult to discern. Starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) is a pleuronectid flatfish that exhibits rare polymorphism for the direction of eye migration and resulting whole‐body asymmetry.P. stellatusasymmetry morphs differ subtly in several anatomical traits, foraging behavior, and stable isotope signatures, suggesting they may be ecologically segregated, yet performance and metabolic differences are unknown.

Here we tested the hypothesis that sinistral and dextralP. stellatusasymmetry morphs diverge in performance and routine metabolic rate (RMR) by comparing prolonged swimming endurance (time to exhaustion at a constant swimming speed), fast‐start swimming velocity and acceleration, and rate of oxygen consumption. Based on subtle morphological differences in caudal tail size, we expected sinistralP. stellatusto have superior prolonged swimming endurance relative to dextral fish, but inferior fast‐start performance.

SinistralP. stellatusexhibited both significantly greater prolonged swimming performance and fast‐start swimming performance. However, sinistralP. stellatusalso exhibited greater RMR, suggesting that their general swimming performance could be enhanced by an elevated metabolic rate.

Divergence betweenP. stellatusasymmetry morphs in swimming performance and metabolic rates contributes to growing evidence of ecological segregation between them, as well as our understanding of possible ecological consequences of asymmetry direction in flatfishes. These data provide an example of the complexity of polymorphisms associated with multiple correlated traits in a rare case of asymmetry polymorphism in a marine flatfish species.
Chloroplast DNA variation in a hyperdiverse tropical tree community
Authors: Caron Henri , Molino Jean‐François , Sabatier Daniel , Léger Patrick , Chaumeil Philippe , Scotti‐Saintagne Caroline , Frigério Jean‐Marc , Scotti Ivan , Franc Alain , Petit Rémy J.
Published: March 2019

We investigate chloroplast DNA variation in a hyperdiverse community of tropical rainforest trees in French Guiana, focusing on patterns of intraspecific and interspecific variation. We test whether a species genetic diversity is higher when it has congeners in the community with which it can exchange genes and if shared haplotypes are more frequent in genetically diverse species, as expected in the presence of introgression.

We sampled a total of 1,681 individual trees from 472 species corresponding to 198 genera and sequenced them at a noncoding chloroplast DNA fragment.

Polymorphism was more frequent in species that have congeneric species in the study site than in those without congeners (30% vs. 12%). Moreover, more chloroplast haplotypes were shared with congeners in polymorphic species than in monomorphic ones (44% vs. 28%).

Despite large heterogeneities caused by genus‐specific behaviors in patterns of hybridization, these results suggest that the higher polymorphism in the presence of congeners is caused by local introgression rather than by incomplete lineage sorting. Our findings suggest that introgression has the potential to drive intraspecific genetic diversity in species‐rich tropical forests.
TCR density in early iNKT cell precursors regulates agonist selection and subset differentiation in mice
Authors: Joseph Claudine , Klibi Jihene , Amable Ludivine , Comba Lorenzo , Cascioferro Alessandro , Delord Marc , Parietti Veronique , Lenoir Christelle , Latour Sylvain , Lucas Bruno , Viret Christophe , Toubert Antoine , Benlagha Kamel
Published: March 2019

It is established that iNKT cells are a cell type that require strong TCR signal for their proper development and represent a model for thymic agonist selection. The nature of the signal perceived by iNKT cells promoting their specification is not well understood. To address this question, we analyzed iNKT cell development in relevant TCR Vα14‐Jα18 alpha chain transgenic mice (Vα14Tg). In CD4‐Vα14Tg mice, where the transgene is driven by CD4 promoter, we identified a block in iNKT cell development at early developmental stages due to a reduced expression of key transcription factors accompanied with a reduced TCR expression levels. This indicates that TCR signal strength control iNKT cell differentiation. Importantly, we found in WT mice that early precursors of iNKT cells express higher TCR levels compared to positively selected precursors of mainstream T cells showing that TCR levels could contribute to the strength of iNKT cell TCR signaling. Overall, our study highlights TCR signal strength associated with a higher TCR density as an important regulator of iNKT cell lineage specification.
[5×1 + 1×1] Hexanuclear Lanthanide(III) Cocrystal Complexes: Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Shukla Pooja , Metre Ramesh K. , Du Ming‐Hao , Kong Xiang‐Jian , Das Sourav
Published: March 2019

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of two hexanuclear [5×1 + 1×1] lanthanide cocrystal complexes [Ln5(L)4(LH2)2(tfa)4]·[Ln(tfa)4]·2CH3OH [Ln = Dy(1) and Tb(2)] derived from the polyhydroxy ligand 2‐(hydroxymethyl)‐6‐carbaldehyde‐4‐methylphenol (LH2) are reported. Compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in the triclinic system with space group P1. X‐ray crystallography reveals that 1 and 2 are cocrystals comprising one cationic pentanuclear [Ln5(L)4(LH2)2(tfa)4]+ unit and one anionic mononuclear [Ln(tfa)4]–unit as well as two molecules of methanol as solvent of crystallization. Both complexes form a [2.2] spirocyclic topology fashioned core due to merging of two triangular geometries composed of Ln(III) ions through a common vertex. The central Ln(III) ion in the spirocyclic pentanuclear assembly is eight‐coordinate with distorted square antiprism geometry. On the other hand, the peripheral eight‐coordinate Ln(III) ions are in a distorted trigonal dodecahedron geometry. The comprehensive magnetic study reveals that compound 1 displays slow relaxation of magnetism.
Development of a Solid Self‐Emulsification Delivery System for the Oral Delivery of Astaxanthin
Authors: Mao Xinyu , Sun Rui , Tian Yuan , Wang Dantong , Ma Yudi , Wang Qiang , Huang Juan , Xia Qiang
Published: March 2019

In the present study, a solid self‐emulsification delivery system (S‐SEDS) is developed to improve the bioavailability of astaxanthin (ASX). The pseudo ternary phase diagram method is used to screen the optimum composition of liquid self‐emulsification delivery system (SEDS). This liquid system is converted into solid state using the solid absorbent carrier by simple physical mixing. Through the analysis of powder flowability and adsorption capacity, silicon dioxide and anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate are selected as solid carriers of the liquid self‐emulsification system. Results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicate that astaxanthin is encapsulated in these solid carriers. In the in vitro dissolution study, sustained release of astaxanthin from two different ASX‐SEDS (prepared with silicon dioxide and anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate) is obtained and the cumulative release is correspondingly 51.06 ± 0.98 and 49.97 ± 0.87% within 2 h. A delayed pattern of absorbed ASX‐SEDS is observed in the study with anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate compared to the counterpart with silicon dioxide, which is consistent with the result from the in vitro digestion study. Antioxidant study shows that astaxanthin can be encapsulated in S‐SEDS without the loss of antioxidant activity. Consequently, S‐SEDS can be a promising vehicle in food industry.

Practical Applications: Traditionally, liquid‐based delivery systems are prepared using liquid components, which have some disadvantages, such as, complex production process, low active ingredient loading, narrow application range, and lacking of effective evaluation methods. The present study adopts physical adsorption, a gentle and simple process, to prepare the solid self‐emulsifying system. This system combines the advantages of liquid‐based systems and solid dosage forms, which can improve the solubility of poorly solubility active ingredient in intestinal environments, and the high solubility of active ingredient is favor to its absorption. In the present work, the active ingredients solubilization capability of solid formulations is evaluated by in vitro dissolution and digestion studies. It can be seen that over 40% of astaxanthin are released from solid self‐emulsifying systems in 120 min. After the process of digestion, the bioaccessibility reaches 10%. The results of in vitro dissolution and digestion show that after solid adsorption, astaxanthin exhibits delayed release patterns. All the studies demonstrate that solid self‐emulsifying system is an appropriate strategy to improve the bioavailability of astaxanthin.

The pseudo ternary phase diagram method is used to screen the optimum composition of liquid self‐emulsification delivery system. Then, this liquid system is converted into solid state using the solid absorbent carrier by simple physical mixing.
Cyclodextrin‐Based Rotaxanes: from Rotaxanes to Polyrotaxanes and Further to Functional Materials
Authors: Hashidzume Akihito , Yamaguchi Hiroyasu , Harada Akira
Published: March 2019

This minireview overviews rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes containing cyclodextrins (CDs) as the rotor component. Since CDs interact with molecules, e.g., hydrophobic compounds of the size and shape matching their cavity, to form inclusion complexes in aqueous media, CDs are an important class of macrocyclic compounds as rotor components of rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes. Research on CD‐based rotaxanes has begun with the synthesis of rotaxanes from low molecular weight axis molecules and then developed into the construction of molecular machines and polyrotaxanes. Recently, the research has further developed into macroscopic functional materials, e.g., slide‐ring gels, macromolecular assemblies, self‐healing materials, and soft actuators. In the present article, typical examples of CD‐based rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes are described; synthesis of rotaxane and construction of molecular machine are described in Section 2, synthesis of polyrotaxanes is dealt with in Section 3, and development of macroscopic functional materials based on rotaxane structure is discussed in Section 4.
Neutral Alcohol Nucleophiles for the Substitution of α‐Bromo Aryl Acetates and Applications to Asymmetric Synthesis of Morpholine Derivatives
Authors: Park Wongi , Kim Yongtae , Park Yong Sun
Published: March 2019

Highly stereoselective C–O bond formation in AgOTf‐catalyzed substitution of configurationally labile α‐bromo aryl acetates with neutral alcohol is developed. Also, application of this asymmetric synthetic methodology to the preparation of highly enantioenriched 2‐aryl‐substituted morpholine derivatives is presented.
Anchor selection for UWB indoor positioning
Authors: Albaidhani Abbas , Morell Antoni , Vicario Jose Lopez
Published: March 2019

On the positioning accuracy, the geometric distribution of anchor nodes in wireless sensor networks has notable impacts. To select the optimum node combination, conventional methods that depend on geometric dilution of precision demand to spend time on calculating every possible combination of nodes. In military urban and emergency response operations, the time is a crucial issue, and a precise positioning system with a clear indoor covering is a highly prerequisite tool to enhance the safety. It should be seamless, low, frugal, power efficacious, low cost, and supply less meter‐level accuracy. In this paper, the main goal is to reduce the anchors installation time and to obtain a precise localization system. To obtain this goal, a novel algorithm to build an accurate indoor positioning system is created using a mean square error (MSE) of an estimated position of a mobile station (MS) located by different groups of installed anchor nodes online using least square (LS) method then selecting the group having less MSE value (anchor selection method) to relocate the MS using a weighted LS method. The results were highly acceptable for indoor localization because the module attained an MSE localization accuracy in a hard non–line of sight environment below 0.5m2also the time of installing the anchor nodes will be reduced. This paper includes the description of the algorithm and the results of the conducted experiments.
Efficiency of Tragacanth gum coating enriched with two different essential oils for deceleration of enzymatic browning and senescence of button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
Authors: Nasiri Mahshid , Barzegar Mohsen , Sahari Mohammad Ali , Niakousari Mehrdad
Published: March 2019

The effect of Tragacanth gum (T) coating containing (100, 500, and 1,000 mg/L) Satureja khuzistanica essential oil (S), Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (Z), and (1,000 mg/L) sodium metabisulfite (M) on mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) enzymatic browning and postharvest quality was examined throughout 16 days of cold storage. Mushroom respiration rate, soluble solids content (SSC), percentage of open caps, and sensory quality as well as factors related to browning such polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and peroxidase (POD) activities were figured out. The significant decrease in respiration rate, cap opening delay, and SSC enhancement was observed after treating mushrooms with TZ and TS. Moreover, TZ‐ and TS‐treated mushrooms prevented enzymatic browning through inhibiting PPO and POD activities and increasing activity of PAL over the storing term. Additionally, the influence of TZ5 and TS5 (containing 500 mg/L essential oil) coatings was validated by sensory evaluation through protecting the overall quality of button mushrooms over the storage. Thus, Tragacanth coating enriched with essential oils might be an encouraging nomination for improving the modality of button mushroom and expanding its shelf life.
Comparison of the quality attributes of coconut waters by high‐pressure processing and high‐temperature short time during the refrigerated storage
Authors: Ma Yan , Xu Lei , Wang Sujing , Xu Zhenzhen , Liao Xiaojun , Cheng Yongyou
Published: March 2019

This study compared the shelf life and quality of high‐pressure processing (HPP) and high‐temperature short time (HTST)‐treated coconut water at 4°C. HPP of 500 MPa (5 min) and HTST of 72°C (15 s) treatments could ensure microbial safety of coconut water during refrigerated storage of 25 and 15 days, respectively. At the end of 15 days of storage, loss of 51.54% amino acids and 32.37% protein, and retention of 65.0% total sugars, 64.51% ascorbic acid, and 74.34% total phenols were found in HTST group. More nutrient contents, 76.85% amino acids, 76.76% total protein, and 93.17% total phenols, were retained in HPP groups at the end of 25 days of storage. HPP‐treated fresh‐like product could provide an effective approach of extending shelf life of coconut water.
Exposures to the environmental contaminants pentachlorophenol and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane increase production of the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐1β, in human immune cells
Authors: Martin Tamara J. , Maise JaQuel , Gabure Sahra , Whalen Margaret M.
Published: March 2019

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) are organochlorine environmental contaminants found in human blood at very significant levels (as high as 5 μm for PCP and 260 nm for DDT). Cancers of the blood (lymphoma and myeloma) and kidney as well as others have been associated with exposure to these contaminants. Interleukin (IL)‐1β is a proinflammatory cytokine and is involved in stimulating cell proliferation. High levels of IL‐1β are associated with inflammatory diseases and tumor progression. Previous studies showed that PCP and DDT at certain concentrations were able to stimulate secretion of IL‐1β. This study shows that the increased secretion of IL‐1β seen with both contaminants is due to compound‐induced increases in the production of this cytokine. Increased production began within 6 hours of exposure to PCP and continued to increase up to 24 hours. DDT‐induced stimulation of IL‐1β appeared to be maximal after 6 hours of exposure and then diminished by 24 hours. The increases seen in IL‐1β production stimulated by PCP appear to be at least partially due to compound‐induced increases in IL‐1β mRNA. Although DDT caused increased production of IL‐1β, it did not appear to cause consistent increases in its mRNA. PCP‐ and DDT‐induced increases in IL‐1β production were dependent primarily on the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway. These results indicate that both PCP and DDT are able to increase IL‐1β production in a p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐dependent manner, which may have the potential to influence chronic inflammation.
Structural bioinformatics insights into the CARD‐CARD interaction mediated by the mitochondrial antiviral‐signaling protein of black carp
Authors: Rout Ajaya K. , Udgata Sheela R. , Dehury Budheswar , Pradhan Smruti P. , Swain Himanshu S. , Behera Bijay K. , Das Basanta K.
Published: March 2019

The innate immune system offers the first line of defense against invading microbial pathogens through the recognition of conserved pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). The host innate immune system through PRRs, the sensors for PAMPs, induces the production of cytokines. Among different families of PRRs, the retinoic acid‐inducible gene I (RIG‐I)‐like receptors (RLRs), and its mitochondrial adaptor ie, the mitochondrial antiviral‐signaling (MAVS) protein, are crucial for RLR‐triggered interferon (IFN) antiviral immunity. Recent studies have shown that the N‐terminal caspase recruitment domain (CARD) and transmembrane domain play a pivotal role in oligomerization of black carp MAVS (BcMAVS), crucial for the host innate immune response against viral invasion. In this study, we have used molecular modeling, docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation approaches to shed molecular insights into the oligomerization mechanism of BcMAVSCARD. MD simulation and interaction analysis portrayed that the type‐I surface patches of BcMAVS
CARD make the major contribution to the interaction. Moreover, the evidence from surface patches and critical residues involved in the said interaction is found to be similar to that of the human counterpart and requires further investigation for legitimacy. Altogether, our study provided crucial information on oligomerization of BcMAVS CARDs and might be helpful for clarifying the innate immune response against pathogens and downstream signaling in fishes.
The effect of decitabine on the expression and methylation of the PPP1CA, BTG2, and PTEN in association with changes in miR‐125b, miR‐17, and miR‐181b in NALM6 cell line
Authors: Vafadar Asma , Mokaram Pooneh , Erfani Mehran , Yousefi Zahra , Farhadi Ali , Elham Shirazi Tehrani , Tamaddon Gholamhossein
Published: March 2019

Precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) is the most prevalent pediatric cancer. DNA methylation and changes in the microRNAs (miRNAs) expression are known to be important causes of B‐ALL. Decitabine as a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor agent is able to induce hypomethylation in several tumor suppressor genes. Much evidence has proven BTG2, PPP1CA, and PTEN act as tumor suppressor genes in many malignancies. In this case control study, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of PPP1CA, BTG2, and PTEN genes using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR) in Nalm6 cell line and five patients suffer from ALL with mean age 5.6 years were determined in compare with seven normal healthy donors age and sex matched. qRT‐PCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of PPP1CA, BTG2, and PTEN genes were significantly decreased in Nalm6 ([FC] = 0.46, [FC] = 0.046, [FC] = 0.54) and according to the Methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) analysis, these genes were hypermethylated in Nalm6. In next step, the effects of decitabine treatment on the methylation and expression of these genes in association with changes in miR‐125b, miR‐17, and miR‐181b expression levels were evaluated in optimal concentration 2.5 µM of decitabine. Our data showed that decitabine is able to restore the expression levels of aforementioned genes and downregulate expression levels of oncomiRs; including miR‐125b, miR‐17, and miR‐181b in Nalm6 cell line. Therefore, it seems that decitabine can be used as a potential drug for the first line treatment of patients with B‐ALL, but further in vivo investigation is necessary.
microRNA‐448 inhibits the progression of non‐small–cell lung cancer through regulating IRS2
Authors: Gao Jie , Feng Xiaojing , Wang Fang , Wang Junlan , Wang Hongmei , Li Hua , Zhang Weiwei , Hao Lijun , Shi Zhiming
Published: March 2019

Recently, microRNA‐448 (miR‐448) has been reported to be a tumor‐associated miRNA in many human cancers. In this study, we investigated the function of miR‐448 in non‐small–cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression and confirmed the relationship between miR‐448 and insulin receptor substrates 2 (IRS2). First, downregulation of miR‐448 and upregulation of IRS2 were detected in NSCLC using the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assay. Furthermore, the MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay showed that miR‐448 inhibited cell viability in NSCLC. Transwell and Western blot assays indicated that the upregulation of miR‐448 inhibited cell metastasis and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in NSCLC. And it was found that overexpression of miR‐448 reduced the adhesion of A549 cells to HUVEC cells using the adhesion assay. Furthermore, the dual luciferase assay indicated that miR‐448 directly targeted IRS2 in NSCLC. In addition, it was found that IRS2 silencing had an inhibitory effect on the progression of NSCLC, and the upregulation of IRS2 partially impaired the inhibitory effect of miR‐448 in NSCLC. Briefly, overexpression of miR‐448 inhibited cell proliferation, metastasis, and EMT by suppressing IRS2 expression in NSCLC.
Regulation of signaling pathways by β‐elemene in cancer progression and metastasis
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Z. , Attar Rukset , Romero Mirna A. , Sabitaliyevich Uteuliyev Y. , Nurmurzayevich Sadykov B. , Ozturk Ozlem , Wakim Lara H. , Lin Xiukun , Ozbey Ulku , Yelekenova Armida Bakhytbekovna , Farooqi Ammad A.
Published: March 2019

Entry of β‐elemene into various phases of clinical trials advocates its significance as a premium candidate likely to gain access to mainstream medicine. Based on the insights gleaned from decades of research, it seems increasingly transparent that β‐elemene has shown significant ability to modulate multiple cell signaling pathways in different cancers. We partition this multicomponent review into how β‐elemene strategically modulates various signal transduction cascades. We have individually summarized regulation of tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis‐inducing ligand, signal transducers and activators of transcription, transforming growth factor/SMAD, NOTCH, and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways by β‐elemene. Last, we will discuss the results of clinical trials of β‐elemene and how effectively we can use these findings to stratify patients who can benefit most from β‐elemene.
Long noncoding RNA SOX21‐AS1 promotes cervical cancer progression by competitively sponging miR‐7/VDAC1
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhao Xianlan , Li Yan , Zhou Yan , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: March 2019

Growing evidence has shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in cervical cancer. Dy000sregulation of lncRNA SOX21 antisense RNA 1 (SOX21‐AS1) has been reported in several tumors. However, its expression pattern and potential biological function in cervical cancer (CC) have not been investigated. In this study, we first reported that SOX21‐AS1 expression was significantly upregulated in both CC tissues and cell lines. High expression of SOX21‐AS1 was found to be significantly correlated with Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, lymph node metastasis and depth of cervical invasion. Further clinical assay confirmed that high SOX21‐AS1 expression was associated with shorter overall survival and could be used as a potential prognostic biomarker for CC patients. Functional investigation showed that knockdown of SOX21‐AS1 suppressed CC cells proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as epithelial to mesenchymal transition progress. Furthermore, our data showed that microRNA‐7 (miR‐7) interacted with SOX21‐AS1 by directly targeting the miRNA‐binding site in the SOX21‐AS1 sequence, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction results showed overexpression of SOX21‐AS1 decreased the levels of miR‐7 in CC cells. Moreover, we confirmed that miR‐7 directly targeted the 3′‐untranslated region of voltage dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1). Final in vitro assay suggested that in CC cells with SOX21‐AS1, VDAC1 overexpression resulted in an increase of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Overall, our findings illuminate how SOX21‐AS1 formed a regulatory network to confer an oncogenic function in CC and SOX21‐AS1 could be regarded as an efficient therapeutic target and potential biomarker for CC patients.
Importance of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer
Authors: Eslami Majid , Yousefi Bahman , Kokhaei Parviz , Hemati Maral , Nejad Zahra Rasouli , Arabkari Vahid , Namdar Afshin
Published: March 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most common and deadly cancers. Intestinal gut microflora is important to maintain and contributes to several intestinal functions, including the development of the mucosal immune system, absorption of complex macromolecules, synthesis of amino acids/vitamins and the protection against pathogenic microorganisms. It is well known that the gut microbiota changes or dysbiosis may have an essential impact in the initiation and promotion of chronic inflammatory pathways and also have a profound different genetic and epigenetic alterations leading to dysplasia, clonal expansion, and malignant transformation. Probiotic bacteria has antitumor activity with various mechanisms such as nonspecific physiological and immunological mechanisms. This review evaluates the effects of microbiota and probiotics in clinical trials, in vitro and animal model studies that have explored how probiotic against cancer development and also discusses the possible immunomodulatory mechanisms. Several mechanisms alteration of the intestinal microflora; inactivation of cancerogenic compounds; competition with putrefactive and pathogenic microbiota; improvement of the host's immune response; antiproliferative effects via regulation of apoptosis and cell differentiation; fermentation of undigested food; inhibition of tyrosine kinase; reduces the enteropathogenic complications before and after colon cancer surgery and improve diarrhea and it's have been able to create the integrity of gut mucosal and have stimulatory effects on the systemic immune system and prevent the CRC metastasis. Research in clinical trials encouraging findings that support a role of probiotics in CRC prevention and improve the safety and effectiveness of cancer therapy even though additional clinical research is still necessary.
Silencing of a novel lncRNA LOC105369748 suppresses the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by sponging miR‐5095 from MBD2
Authors: E Changyong , Li Chunsheng , Li Hang , Yang Jinghui
Published: March 2019

A growing number of studies have suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in human malignant cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the functions of most lncRNAs have not been elucidated in HCC. In the present study, we explored the potential functions of a novel lncRNA LOC105369748 in the HCC progression. We identified that LOC105369748 expression was significantly elevated in HCC tissues compared with normal tissues based on bioinformatics analysis, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) analysis and in situ hybridization (ISH) examination. Moreover, we found that the LOC105369748 overexpression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Then we measured the effects of LOC105369748 on HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). And our results demonstrated that LOC105369748 exerted oncogenic roles. In terms of mechanism, LOC105369748 was shown to promote MBD2 expression through competitively binding to microRNA(miR)‐5095 in HCC. In conclusion, our findings elucidate that the LOC105369748/miR‐5095/MBD2 signaling axis regulates the HCC progression and may be a novel therapeutic avenue.
Novel therapeutic approaches in utilizing platelet lysate in regenerative medicine: Are we ready for clinical use?
Authors: Zamani Majid , Yaghoubi Yoda , Movassaghpour Aliakbar , Shakouri Kazem , Mehdizadeh Amir , Pishgahi Alireza , Yousefi Mehdi
Published: March 2019

Hemoderivative materials are used to treat different diseases. These derivatives include platelet‐rich plasma, serum, platelet gel, and platelet lysate (PL). Among them, PL contains more growth factors than the others and its production is inexpensive and easy. PL is one of the proper sources of platelet release factors. It is used in cells growth and proliferation and is a good alternative to fetal bovine serum. In recent years, the clinical use of PL has gained more appeal by scientists. PL is a solution saturated by growth factors, proteins, cytokines, and chemokines and is administered to treat different diseases such as wound healing, bone regeneration, alopecia, oral mucositis, radicular pain, osteoarthritis, and ocular diseases. In addition, it can be used in cell culture for cell therapy and tissue transplantation purposes. Platelet‐derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, insulin‐like growth factor, transforming growth factor β, and vascular endothelial growth factor are key PL growth factors playing a major role in cell proliferation, wound healing, and angiogenesis. In this paper, we scrutinized recent advances in using PL and PL‐derived growth factors to treat diseases and in regenerative medicine, and the ability to replace PL with other hemoderivative materials.
Hydrogen sulfide attenuates homocysteine‐induced osteoblast dysfunction by inhibiting mitochondrial toxicity
Authors: Zhai Yuankun , Behera Jyotirmaya , Tyagi Suresh C. , Tyagi Neetu
Published: March 2019

Homocysteine (Hcy) is detrimental to bone health in a mouse model of diet‐induced hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). However, little is known about Hcy‐mediated osteoblast dysfunction via mitochondrial oxidative damage. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has potent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. In this study, we hypothesized that the H2S mediated recovery of osteoblast dysfunction by maintaining mitochondrial biogenesis in Hcy‐treated osteoblast cultures in vitro. MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells were exposed to Hcy treatment in the presence or absence of an H2S donor (NaHS). Cell viability, osteogenic differentiation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were determined. Mitochondrial DNA copy number, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and oxygen consumption were also measured. Our results demonstrated that administration of Hcy increases the intracellular Hcy level and decreases intracellular H2S level and expression of the cystathionine β‐synthase/Cystathionine γ‐lyase system, thereby inhibiting osteogenic differentiation. Pretreatment with NaHS attenuated Hcy‐induced mitochondrial toxicity (production of total ROS and mito‐ROS, ratio of mitochondrial fission (DRP‐1)/fusion (Mfn‐2)) and restored ATP production and mitochondrial DNA copy numbers as well as oxygen consumption in the osteoblast as compared with the control, indicating its protective effects against Hcy‐induced mitochondrial toxicity. In addition, NaHS also decreased the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol, which induces cell apoptosis. Finally, flow cytometry confirmed that NaHS can rescue cells from apoptosis induced by Hcy. Our studies strongly suggest that NaHS has beneficial effects on mitochondrial toxicity, and could be developed as a potential therapeutic agent against HHcy‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in cultured osteoblasts in vitro.
NF‐κB targeting for overcoming tumor resistance and normal tissues toxicity
Authors: Mortezaee Keywan , Najafi Masoud , Farhood Bagher , Ahmadi Amirhossein , Shabeeb Dheyauldeen , Musa Ahmed E.
Published: March 2019

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are two famous modalities in tumor‐targeted therapy that lead to systemic and local toxicities for normal tissues. Moreover, several studies have confirmed that exposure of the tumor to radiation or chemotherapy drugs stimulate some signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment (TME), leading to resistance of cancer cells to apoptosis, as well as promoting angiogenesis and tumor growth. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) plays a central role in the regulation of inflammatory responses in both normal tissues and tumors via the release of several cytokines, regulation of prostaglandins, reduction/oxidation (redox) reactions, angiogenesis, and cell death. Upregulation of NF‐κB in normal tissues causes an appearance of inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress, whereas it regulates angiogenesis and suppresses apoptosis, leading to resistance to subsequent doses of radiation or chemotherapy. Selective inhibition of NF‐κB in experimental studies has shown promising results for tumor sensitization via apoptosis induction, inhibition of angiogenesis, and increasing delay of tumor growth. The use of some agents for NF‐κB inhibition has been shown to alleviate radiation/chemotherapy toxicities in normal cells/ tissues. In this current review, we explained the pivotal role of NF‐κB in both normal tissue toxicity and tumor resistance. We also discussed the promising strategies for overcoming these problems with regard to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Gene expression, protein profiling, and chemotactic activity of infrapatellar fat pad mesenchymal stem cells in pathologies of the knee joint
Authors: Bravo Beatriz , Guisasola Maria Concepcion , Vaquero Javier , Tirado Irene , Gortazar Arancha R. , Forriol Francisco
Published: March 2019

The infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) is a periarticular adipose knee tissue. This tissue contains a large number of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In the present work, we wanted to study the IPFP MSCs and their relationship and differences in two groups, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures knees and ostheoarthrosis (OA). The IPFP of 42 patients with OA or ACL rupture were analyzed. Isolation, primary culture, and a genetic and proteomic study of MSCs from IPFP were performed. Gene expression of IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL‐8, HSPA1A (Hsp70), CXCL10, RANTES, MMP1, MMP3, TIMP1, and BMP7 was analyzed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). We analyzed MSCs from from 12 diferents patients in two cellular pools (6 from AO disease and 6 from ALC rupture to form two cell pool), for the iTRAQ Proteomic Assay. The conditional media were used in quantitative analysis of MSC soluble factors by Luminex and for de migration assay. A higher gene expression of IL‐6, TNF, CXCL10, RANTES, and MMP1 and OPG in MSCs from OA versus ACL (p < 0.05) was observed. Conversely HSPA1A, TIMP1, and RANKL showed a significant lower expression in OA‐MSCs (p < 0.05). In the secretome analysis, adipsin and visfantin levels in the supernatants from OA‐MSCs were lower (p < 0.05) respect to ACL‐MSCs. Also, the monocytic cells migrated two‐folds in the presence of conditioned media from OA‐MSCs patients versus patients with ACL‐MSC. The infrapatellar pad should be considered as an adipose tissue capable of producing and excreting inflammatory mediators directly in the knee joint, influencing the development and progression of knee joint pathologies.
Radiochemical and radiopharmacological characterization of a 64Cu‐labeled α‐MSH analog conjugated with different chelators
Authors: Gao Feng , Sihver Wiebke , Bergmann Ralf , Walther Martin , Stephan Holger , Belter Birgit , Neuber Christin , Haase‐Kohn Cathleen , Bolzati Cristina , Pietzsch Jens , Pietzsch Hans‐Jürgen
Published: March 2019

Radiolabeled α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) derivatives have a high potential for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, because of high specificity and binding affinity to the melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R). Hence, the α‐MSH‐derived peptide NAP‐NS1 with a β‐Ala linker (ε‐Ahx‐β‐Ala‐Nle‐Asp‐His‐D‐Phe‐Arg‐Trp‐Gly‐NH2) was conjugated to different chelators: either to NOTA (p‐SCN‐Bn‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane‐1,4,7‐triacetic acid), to a hexadentate bispidine carbonate derivative (dimethyl‐9‐(((4‐nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)‐2,4‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐3,7‐bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)‐3,7‐diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐1,5‐dicarboxylate), or to DMPTACN (p‐SCN‐Ph‐bis(2‐pyridyl‐methyl)‐1,4,7‐triaza‐cyclononane), labeled with 64Cu, and investigated in terms of radiochemical and radiopharmacological properties. For the three 64Cu‐labeled conjugates negligible transchelation, suitable buffer and serum stability, as well as appropriate water solubility, was determined. The three conjugates exhibited high binding affinity (low nanomolar range) in murine B16F10, human MeWo, and human TXM13 cells. The Bmax values of [64Cu]Cu‐bispidine‐NAP‐NS1 ([64Cu]Cu‐2) and [64Cu]Cu‐DMPTACN‐NAP‐NS1 ([64Cu]Cu‐3) were higher than those of [64Cu]Cu‐NOTA‐NAP‐NS1 ([64Cu]Cu‐1), implying that different charged chelate units might have an impact on binding capacity. Preliminary in vivo biodistribution studies suggested the main excretion pathway of [64Cu]Cu‐1 and [64Cu]Cu‐3 to be renal, while that of [64Cu]Cu‐2 seemed to be both renal and hepatobiliary. An initial moderate uptake in the kidney decreased clearly after 60 minutes. All three 64Cu‐labeled conjugates should be considered for further in vivo investigations using a suitable xenograft mouse model.
Synthesis and preliminary radiopharmacological characterisation of an 11C‐labelled azadipeptide nitrile as potential PET tracer for imaging of cysteine cathepsins
Authors: Laube Markus , Frizler Maxim , Wodtke Robert , Neuber Christin , Belter Birgit , Kniess Torsten , Bachmann Michael , Gütschow Michael , Pietzsch Jens , Löser Reik
Published: March 2019

An O‐methyltyrosine‐containing azadipeptide nitrile was synthesised and investigated for its inhibitory activity towards cathepsins L, S, K, and B. Labelling with carbon‐11 was accomplished by reaction of the corresponding phenolic precursor with [11C]methyl iodide starting from cyclotron‐produced [11C]methane. Radiopharmacological evaluation of the resulting radiotracer in a mouse xenograft model derived from a mammary tumour cell line by small animal PET imaging indicates tumour targeting with complex pharmacokinetics. Radiotracer uptake in the tumour region was considerably lower under treatment with the nonradioactive reference compound and the epoxide‐based irreversible cysteine cathepsin inhibitor E64. The in vivo behaviour observed for this radiotracer largely confirms that of the corresponding 18F‐fluoroethylated analogue and suggests the limited suitability of azadipeptide nitriles for the imaging of tumour‐associated cysteine cathepsins despite target‐mediated uptake is evidenced.
Preparation of a high‐performance magnetic molecularly imprinted sensor for SERS detection of cyfluthrin in river
Authors: Wang Yan , Li Hongji , Wang Xiaonan , Wang Zirun , Wang Mingchao , Li Yue , Wang Qingwei
Published: March 2019

A novel magnetic molecularly imprinted sensor (Fe3O4/GO/Ag‐MIPs) was successfully synthesized. Combining with the technique of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), it could be applied to detect cyfluthrin (LC). Herein, GO and Ag particles were anchored on the surface of the Fe3O4@SiO2 to obtain the composite (Fe3O4/GO/Ag), which was prepared as a SERS substrate. Then, the Fe3O4/GO/Ag‐MIPs (FGA‐MIPs) prepared by precipitation polymerization was evaluated as the SERS imprinted sensor for selective detection of LC from aqueous medium. The morphology and structural properties of FGA‐MIPs were characterized by a series of modern analysis measurements. The results proved that FGA‐MIPs possessed wonderful magnetic separation, sensitive SERS detection, and selectivity. Under optimal conditions, it exhibited a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9926) between the Raman shift (at 1,004 cm−1) and the concentration of LC among 10−3–10−8 mol/L, and the limit of detection was 10−8 mol/L. Meanwhile, the selective experiment indicated that this material owned specific selectivity to the template molecules. Thus, the result of this experiment demonstrated that the FGA‐MIPs was a highly sensitive and selective sensor material in the field of LC detection, and it provided a new approach to other residual pyrethroid detection in the environment water.
Quantitative Ultrasound Imaging to Assess Skeletal Muscles in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Gao Jing , Memmott Benjamin , Poulson Jonathan , Harmon Bryce , Hammond Chris
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of quantitative ultrasound imaging (QUI) in assessing the biceps brachii muscle and gastrocnemius muscle in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

From May to October 2018, we prospectively performed B‐mode ultrasound imaging and ultrasound strain elastography of the biceps brachii muscle and gastrocnemius muscle in 24 patients with MS and 10 age‐matched healthy volunteers. ImageJ (https://imagej.nih.gov/ij) was used to assess the muscle pixel intensity in grayscale images. Using 2‐dimensional speckle‐tracking software, we estimated the muscle axial peak strain (maximum deformation) produced by manual compression with an ultrasound transducer and the muscle longitudinal peak strain (maximum displacement) produced by passive elbow and ankle movements. Muscle QUI parameters used in the study included the mean pixel intensity, axial peak strain ratio (SR = muscle strain/subcutaneous tissue strain), and longitudinal peak SR. Statistical analyses included 1‐way analysis of variance and a post hoc test to examine the differences in QUI parameters among 3 groups (1, affected muscle in patients with MS; 2, unaffected muscle in patients with MS; and 3, healthy muscle in controls) and, in all paired groups, an unpaired t test to compare the muscle SR in patients with MS with a Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of 1 or higher to those with an MAS score of 0.

Results

The mean age of the 24 patients with MS was 43 years, and all patients and volunteers were female. We observed a significant difference in QUI parameters among the affected muscle in MS, unaffected muscle in MS, and healthy muscle in all paired groups and in patients with MS between an MAS score of 1 or higher and an MAS score of 0 (all P < .05). Interobserver and intraobserver variability in performing QUI was good (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.75).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that QUI is feasible to assess muscle echogenicity and mechanical behaviors in adult MS.
The photokinetics of phenothiazine dyes with titanium trichloride in different solvents
Authors: Nadeem Syed Muhammad Saqib , Saeed Rehana
Published: March 2019

The kinetic parameters of photoinduced electron transfer reaction of two phenothiazine dyes, methylene blue and methylene green with titanium trichloride, were determined in water and different aqueous‐alcoholic solvents at different acidities by using a specially designed optical system. The rate of photoinduced electron transfer reaction was measured by determining the quantum yield of the reaction. The methylene green had a higher reactivity as compared to methylene blue with titanium trichloride. The graphical analysis showed that the reaction of dye with titanium trichloride follows pseudo–first‐order kinetics. A reaction mechanism was proposed by considering the different excited states of dye and their possible interaction with the solvent and titanium trichloride. The different steps in the reaction mechanism were taken into consideration for deriving rate equations, which were used to determine the different rate constants in the reaction mechanism in different solvents.