bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Electrochemical Sensors Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Nanomaterials
Authors: Lahcen Abdellatif Ait , Amine Aziz
Published: December 2018

This review focuses on the recent achievement during period of 2013–2018 related to the electrochemical sensors based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) combined with nanomaterials for various kinds of applications. MIPs based electrochemical sensors have found a great interest due to their high stability, short time required for electropolymerization, and high specificity towards the target analyte. The sensitivity is considered as one of the important parameter in electrochemical sensing strategies that should be improved by the combination of highly conductive nanomaterials with selective MIPs. In general, the most employed nanomaterials are magnetic nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), carbon nanotubes and graphene. This review discusses the main current achievement as well as the current challenges regarding the development of biomimetic sensors in electroanalysis.
In situ Electroreduction of Graphene Oxide: Increased Sensitivity for the Determination of NADH
Authors: Báez Daniela F. , Tapia Felipe , Sierra‐Rosales Paulina , Bollo Soledad
Published: December 2018

A novel and useful method to catalyze the electro‐oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) over a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with graphene oxide (GO) is presented. Based on the presence of oxygen moieties in GO, which can be easily reduced, an in situ electrochemical generation of reduced graphene oxide (denoted as erGO) applying a sufficient negative potential. A potential of −1.000 V was selected to generate the erGO/GCE as a pretreatment potential before the detection of NADH. The in situ generated erGO/GCE system produces a decrease in the overpotential of NADH oxidation from +0.720 V to +0.230 V compared with GCE. The process also produced an important increase in current signals. The modified electrode was characterized by scanning electron (SEM) and electrochemical microscopies (SECM), cyclic voltammetry and by Raman spectroscopy. Amperometric detection of NADH via this straightforward electrocatalytic method provides a wide linear range between 10 and 100 μM, a lower detection limit of 0.36 μM and an excellent sensitivity of (1.47±0.09) μA mM−1.
Nanomaterials‐based Electrochemical Sensing of Cardiac Biomarkers for Acute Myocardial Infarction: Recent Progress
Authors: Nsabimana Anaclet , Ma Xiangui , Yuan Fan , Du Fangxin , Abdussalam Abubakar , Lou Baohua , Xu Guobao
Published: December 2018

The development of the methods for early and accurate diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction are needed to facilitate immediate treatment of patients. One of the ways to achieve that is the detection of cardiac biomarkers for myocardial infarction, such as thrombin, cardiac troponins (I and T), myoglobin, etc. Nanotechnology has played an important role in the development of sensitive and efficient electrochemical sensors for cardiac biomarkers. In this review, we discuss recent progress on nanomaterial‐based electrochemical sensing of various cardiac biomarkers for acute myocardial infarction.
Observed Dramatically Improved Catalysis of Ag Shell on Au/Ag Core‐shell Nanorods is Due to Silver Impurities Released During Etching Process
Authors: Krejcova Ludmila , Novotny Filip , Pumera Martin
Published: December 2018

Core/shell bimetallic nanoparticles are highly popular in electrocatalysis; it is argued that the core metal enhances the catalytic properties of the shell. We have investigated the electrocatalytic properties of Au/Ag core‐shell nanorods (Au/Ag NRs) where Ag shell was thinned by aging in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. We observed excellent electrocatalysis toward hydrogen peroxide electroreduction upon decreasing the Ag shell thickness, which would, at first, appear to imply a strong synergistic effect of the Au core with the Ag shell for electrocatalysis. We show, however, that this electrocatalysis is not caused by particular Au/Ag core/shell structures but rather by the presence of residual silver impurities in the form of Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) formed during the preparation of the thin‐layer silver shell/gold core nanorods.
Wearable Sweat Sensors: Background and Current Trends
Authors: Kaya Tolga , Liu Gengchen , Ho Jenny , Yelamarthi Kumar , Miller Kevin , Edwards Jeffrey , Stannard Alicja
Published: December 2018

Sweat‐related physiology research has been well established over the years. However, it has only been around ten years that sweat‐based sensing devices started to be explored. With the recent advancements in wearable activity and physiology monitoring devices, sweat was investigated for its contents similar to blood and corresponding wearable devices were studied intensively. This article provides a thorough review on sweating mechanisms, sweat sensing devices, and electronic technologies for sweat sensor implementations. Potential future directions and recommendations based on current research trends were provided in each section. This review aims to offer a unique perspective from both physiology and engineering point‐of‐view to draw a complete landscape of the sweat sensing research.
Free and forced morphodynamics of river bifurcations
Authors: Redolfi Marco , Zolezzi Guido , Tubino Marco
Published: December 2018

Water and sediment distribution by river bifurcations is often highly unbalanced. This may result from a variety of factors, such as migration of bars, channel curvature and backwater effects, which promote an uneven partition of flow and sediment fluxes in the downstream branches, which we call ‘forcings’. Bifurcations also display an intrinsic instability mechanism that leads to unbalanced configurations, as occurs in the idealized case of a geometrically symmetric bifurcation, which we call ‘free’, provided the width‐to‐depth ratio of the incoming flow is large enough. Most frequently, these free and forced mechanisms coexist; however, their controlling roles in bifurcation dynamics have not been investigated so far. In this paper we address this question by proposing a unified free‐forced modelling framework for bifurcation morphodynamics. Upstream channel curvature and different slopes of downstream branches (slope advantage) are specifically investigated as forcing effects typically occurring in bifurcations of alluvial channels. The modelling strategy is based on the widely used two‐cell model of Bolla Pittaluga et al. (Water Resources Research, 2003, 39(3), 1–13), here extended to account for the spatially non‐uniform fluxes entering the bifurcation node. Results reveal that the relative role of free and forced mechanisms depends on the width‐to‐depth ratio falling above or below the resonant threshold that controls the stability of free bifurcations: when the main channel is relatively wide and shallow (super‐resonant regime) the bifurcation invariably evolves towards unbalanced configurations, whatever the combination of curvature and slope advantage values, which instead control the bifurcation response under sub‐resonant conditions. Detection of the resonant aspect ratio as a key threshold also releases the modelling approach from the need for parameter calibration that characterized previous approaches, and allows for interpreting under a unified framework the opposite behaviours shown by gravel‐bed and sand‐bed bifurcations for increasing Shields parameter values. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The production cycle of lime‐based plasters in the Late Roman settlement of Scauri, on the island of Pantelleria, Italy
Authors: Montana Giuseppe , Randazzo Luciana , Ventura‐Bordenca Claudio , Giarrusso Renato , Baldassari Roberta , Polito Anna Maria
Published: December 2018

This paper deals with the archaeometric study of lime‐based plasters found in the archaeological settlement of Scauri, located in the homonymous bay in the south‐western part of Pantelleria Island. Since 1999, archaeological surveys have led to the recovery of the huge remains of a Late Roman settlement dating back to the fourth–fifth century AD. It is well known that the island of Pantelleria is entirely composed of volcanic rocks. Accordingly, the production of quicklime required calcareous rocks to be imported. Also, the selection criteria of the sandy aggregate are relevant and of interest to this study, to evaluate the achieved technological level. Within this context, a mineralogical and petrographic characterisation of the plasters was carried out using thin‐section petrography, for the classification of the sand aggregate. Moreover, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were performed to investigate the composition of the binder. The analytical results allowed the identification of different recipes for the manufacture of the studied plasters, obtained by the use of different types of aggregate (volcanic rock fragments, pumice, basaltic scoriae, and ceramic fragments) and highlighted the degree of pozzolanic reaction of the binder. Finally, the provenance of the calcareous raw material was inferred using a petrographic approach.
Calcite alabaster artifacts from Hierapolis in Phrygia, Turkey: Provenance determination using carbon and oxygen stable isotopes
Authors: Scardozzi Giuseppe , Brilli Mauro , Giustini Francesca
Published: December 2018

Alabastro fiorito or listato, a vividly colored and strongly patterned carbonate stone, is widely diffused in the ancient city of Hierapolis in Phrygia (Turkey) as building material. This stone, also known as Hierapolis alabaster, was extensively quarried in antiquity in the territory near the city. Numerous ancient quarries of the Hierapolis alabaster were documented in previous studies in sites immediately around the city and also about 13 km northwest of Hierapolis, near Gölemezli. Carbon and oxygen stable isotopes and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were used to investigate the possibility to discriminate different quarries or different geographically coherent extraction areas; these techniques were also applied to analyze alabaster artifacts from some monuments of Hierapolis as a case study. The data show that carbon and oxygen isotopes may be effective at distinguishing between the quarries of Gölemezli and Hierapolis, and allow for attribution of unknown alabaster artifacts to one of these areas. The possibility to identify the provenance of unknown alabasters from the different extraction sites or geographically coherent extraction areas near Hierapolis using isotopes only is difficult; in some cases XRD analysis to detect aragonite versus calcite may improve the discrimination among Hierapolitan quarries and contribute to the assignment procedure.
Tracking the dynamic functional connectivity structure of the human brain across the adult lifespan
Authors: Xia Yunman , Chen Qunlin , Shi Liang , Li MengZe , Gong Weikang , Chen Hong , Qiu Jiang
Published: December 2018

The transition from early adulthood to the elder is marked by functional and structural brain transformations. Many previous studies examined the correlation between the functional connectivity (FC) and aging using resting‐state fMRI. Results showed that the changes in FC are linked to aging as well as the cognitive ability changes. However, some researchers proposed that the FC is not static but dynamic changes during the resting‐state fMRI scan. In this study, we examined the correlation between the resting‐state dynamic functional network connectivity and age using resting scan data of 434 subjects. The results suggested: (a) age is negatively associated with variability of dynamic functional network connectivity state; (b) the dwell time of each age range spends in each state is different; (c) the dynamic graph metrics curve of each age ranges is different and 19–30 age range has the largest average global efficiency and average local efficiency; (d) some dynamic functional network connectivity measures were correlated to the certain cognitive ability. Overall, the results suggested the changes in dynamic functional network connectivity measures may be a characteristic of the aging process and in further investigations may provide a deep understanding of the aging process.
Does DRG funding encourage hospital specialization? Evidence from the Italian National Health Service
Authors: Anessi‐Pessina Eugenio , Nieddu Luciano , Rizzo Marco Giovanni
Published: December 2018

The impact of diagnosis‐related group (DRG)‐based funding has been analyzed along a wide range of dimensions. Its effects on hospital specialization, however, have been investigated only sparsely. This paper examines such effects in the context of the Italian National Health Service, where decentralization has produced a significant degree of variation in funding arrangements.

To this end, a 9‐year panel data set covering 762 Italian public and private hospitals was analyzed using a finite mixture model approach. Hospital specialization was measured by the internal Herfindahl‐Hirschman Index. Three variables were introduced as proxies for the choices made by Italian Regions with respect to the development and use of their DRG systems. The best finite mixture model identified three groups of hospitals, two of which sizeable. Of these, one included nearly all public hospitals, while the other was composed almost exclusively of small and medium‐sized investor‐owned hospitals. Averagely, private and smaller hospitals showed a stronger tendency to specialize over time. The positive impact of DRG funding on the hospitals' propensity to specialize found only limited empirical support. Moreover, it emerged as comparatively much smaller for public hospitals vis à vis private ones.
Investigating unmet health care needs under the National Health Insurance program in Taiwan: A latent class analysis
Authors: Tian Wei‐Hua
Published: December 2018

Objectives

In Taiwan, although the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) program reduced financial barriers and enhanced accessibility for individuals to utilize health care services, an unequal distribution of medical care resources still exists. This paper is focusing on analyzing factors that are associated with unmet health care needs among the middle‐aged and elderly under the NHI in Taiwan.

Methods

Statistical analysis from the 2007 Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan. We firstly adopted latent class analysis to classify individuals' observable reasons for feeling unwell but not seeing a doctor within the last 3 months into three latent perceived barriers classes. We further used a multinomial probit regression model to analyze factors that are associated with each perceived barrier class to the access of health care service.

Results

Results indicate relative to the “relatively no barriers” class, individuals with a high level of educational attainment tend to more likely to be in the “accommodation barriers” class, and individuals live in the most developed areas with the densest medical facilities tend to less likely to be in the “accessibility barriers” class.

Conclusions

We identified possible risk factors for each perceived barrier, which could provide important insights for health authorities and medical providers when targeting policies and interventions to efficiently assist people in need.
Flow dynamics at the continental scale: Streamflow correlation and hydrological similarity
Authors: Betterle Andrea , Schirmer Mario , Botter Gianluca
Published: December 2018

Streamflow variability in space and time critically affects anthropic water uses and ecosystem services. Unfortunately, spatiotemporal patterns of flow regimes are often unknown, as discharge measurements are usually recorded at a limited number of hydrometric stations unevenly distributed along river networks. Advances in understanding the physical processes that control the spatial patterns of river flows are therefore necessary to predict water availability at ungauged locations or to extrapolate pointwise streamflow observations. This work explores the use of the spatial correlation of river flows as a metric to quantify the similarity between hydrological responses of two catchments. Following a stochastic framework, 340,000 cross‐correlations between pairs of daily streamflows time series are predicted at a seasonal timescale across the contiguous United States using 413 catchments of the MOPEX dataset. Model predictions of streamflow correlation obtained in absence of run‐off information are successfully used to identify catchment outlets sharing similar discharge dynamics and flow regimes across a broad range of geomorphoclimatic conditions, without relying on calibration. The selection of reference streamgauges based on predicted streamflow correlation generally outperforms the selection based on spatial proximity, especially as the density of available gauged sections decreases. Interestingly, correlated outlets share a broad spectrum of hydrological signatures (mean discharge, flow variability, and recession properties), suggesting that catchments forced by analogous frequency and intensity of effective rainfall events might exhibit common geomorphoecological traits leading to similar hydrological responses. The proposed framework provides a physical basis to assist the regionalization of flow dynamics and to interpret the spatial variability of flow regimes along stream networks.
Health professionals’ involvement and information provision in genetic counseling following prenatal diagnosis of sex chromosome aneuploidy in Hong Kong
Authors: So Po Lam , Cheng Yvonne Kwun Yue , Cheuk Kwan Yiu , Chiu Wan Kam , Mak Shui Lam , Mok Sau Lan , Lo Tsz Kin , Yung Wai Kuen , Lo Fai Man , Chung Brian Hon Yin , Kan Anita Sik Yau , Lee Chin Peng , Tang Mary Hoi Yin
Published: December 2018

This study supports training in genetic counseling for obstetricians and adoption of a multidisciplinary approach in the counseling process following prenatal diagnosis of sex chromosome aneuploidy.
Photoacoustic microscopy for evaluating a lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation model in mice
Authors: Guo Zhendong , Li Zhe , Deng Yuxiao , Chen Sung‐Liang
Published: December 2018

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is a noninvasive imaging technique and is excellent to study structural and functional changes in the microcirculation. In this work, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation model in mice is noninvasively evaluated by PAM. PAM is used to image the microvascular structural changes in mice for 8 hours after the LPS with different concentrations is applied. Quantitative analysis of five vessel parameters is conducted, which shows that the rate of reduction in microvasculature is highly dependent on the applied LPS concentrations. For low‐concentration LPS, changes in the microvasculature are not obvious over the observation period, whereas for high‐concentration LPS, quick and marked reduction in the microvasculature is observed. In addition, changes in capillaries are more significant than those in relatively large vessels. The results show that PAM is able to evaluate the inflammation mouse model by studying structural (and potentially functional) changes in the microcirculation. Furthermore, PAM may have potential for early intervention and treatment plan optimization of sepsis by monitoring the microcirculation and inflammatory response.
Increasing Risk of Hospital-Treated Infections and Community-Based Antibiotic Use After Hip Fracture Surgery: A Nationwide Study 2005–2016
Authors: Kjørholt Kaja E , Johnsen Søren P , Kristensen Nickolaj R , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Pedersen Alma B
Published: December 2018

We aimed to examine trends in the incidence of treated infections following hip fracture surgery in Denmark from 2005 to 2016. We conducted a nationwide cohort study using individual-level linked data from Danish population-based registries. We calculated cumulative incidence considering death as competing risk and, based on the pseudo-observation method, risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using the period 2005–2006 as a reference. RRs were adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidity. A total of 74,771 patients aged 65 years or older with first-time hip fracture surgery were included. The risk of postoperative (at 15, 30, 90, and 365 days) infections increased during 2005–2016. The 30-day cumulative incidence of all hospital-treated infections increased from 10.8% (95% CI, 10.2% to 11.3%) in 2005–2006 to 14.3% (95% CI, 13.7% to 15.0%) in 2015–2016 (adjusted RR 1.32; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.42). Adjusted RR for 30-day hospital-treated pneumonia was 1.70 (95% CI, 1.49 to 1.92). The 30-day cumulative incidence of redeeming community-based antibiotic prescriptions increased from 17.5% (95% CI, 16.8% to 18.2%) in 2005–2006 to 27.1% (95% CI, 26.3% to 27.9%) in 2015–2016 (adjusted RR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.47 to 1.62). The largest increase was observed for broad-spectrum antibiotic use (adjusted RR 1.79; 95% CI, 1.68 to 1.90). During 2005–2016, risk of infections was substantially higher in hip fracture patients than in the general population. The risk of hospital-treated pneumonia and antibiotic prescriptions increased more over time among hip fracture patients. We found increased risks of postoperative treated infections following hip fracture surgery during the 12-year study period, which could not entirely be explained by similar infection trends in the general population. Given the high mortality following infections in the elderly, further research is needed to identify patients at increased risk to target preventive treatment and potentially reduce complications and mortality in hip fracture patients. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Improving the Accuracy of Protein‐Ligand Binding Mode Prediction Using a Molecular Dynamics‐Based Pocket Generation Approach
Authors: Araki Mitsugu , Iwata Hiroaki , Ma Biao , Fujita Atsuto , Terayama Kei , Sagae Yukari , Ono Fumie , Tsuda Koji , Kamiya Narutoshi , Okuno Yasushi
Published: December 2018

Protein‐drug binding mode prediction from the apo‐protein structure is challenging because drug binding often induces significant protein conformational changes. Here, the authors report a computational workflow that incorporates a novel pocket generation method. First, the closed protein pocket is expanded by repeatedly filling virtual atoms during molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Second, after ligand docking toward the prepared pocket structures, binding mode candidates are ranked by MD/Molecular Mechanics Poisson‐Boltzmann Surface Area. The authors validated our workflow using CDK2 kinase, which has an especially‐closed ATP‐binding pocket in the apo‐form, and several inhibitors. The crystallographic pose coincided with the top‐ranked docking pose for 59% (34/58) of the compounds and was within the top five‐ranked ones for 88% (51/58), while those estimated by a conventional prediction protocol were 9% (5/58) and 50% (29/58), respectively. Our study demonstrates that the prediction accuracy is significantly improved by preceding pocket expansion, leading to generation of conformationally‐diverse binding mode candidates. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Osteogenic differentiation of preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with lipopolysaccharide on modified poly‐l‐lactic‐acid nanofibers
Authors: Kooshki Hamideh , Ghollasi Marzieh , Halabian Raheleh , Kazemi Negar M.
Published: December 2018

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary expertise that involves the use of nanoscaffolds for repairing, modifying, and removing tissue defects and formation of new tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into a variety of cell types, and they are attractive candidates for tissue engineering. In the current study, the electrospinning process was used for nanofiber preparation, based on a poly‐l‐lactic‐acid (PLLA) polymer. The surface was treated with O
2 plasma to enhance hydrophilicity, cell attachment, growth, and differentiation potential. The nanoscaffolds were preconditioned with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to enhance induction of differentiation. The nanoscaffolds were categorized by contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The MTT assay was used to analyze the rate of growth and proliferation of cells. Osteogenic differentiation of cultured MSCs was evaluated on nanofibers using common osteogenic markers, such as alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium mineral deposition, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and immunocytochemical analysis. Based on the in vitro results, primed MSCs with LPS on the PLLA nanoscaffold significantly enhanced the proliferation and osteogenesis of MSCs. Also, the combination of LPS and electrospun nanofibers can provide a new and suitable matrix to support stem cells’ differentiation for bone tissue engineering.
Retracted: Long noncoding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 impacts cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma through regulating miR‐139‐5p/CDK6
Authors: Wu Dong‐Mei , Wang Shan , Wen Xin , Han Xin‐Rui , Wang Yong‐Jian , Fan Shao‐Hua , Zhang Zi‐Feng , Shan Qun , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan‐Lin
Published: December 2018

Aims: We aimed to explore the impact of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) on cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma.

Methods: Differentially expressed genes were screened out from Gene Expression Omnibus data set based on the microarray analysis. The expression levels of lncRNA NEAT1, miR‐139‐5p, and CDK6 in glioma cells and tissues were examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and the protein level of CDK6 in glioma cells was determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Glioma cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis were detected by 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) and flow cytometry, respectively, whereas cell invasion and migration were analyzed by transwell assay. The target relationships among NEAT1, miR‐139‐5p, and CDK6 were confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. The effects of lncRNA NEAT1 on tumor growth were further testified through glioma xenografts in nude mice.

Results: LncRNA NEAT1 and CDK6 were highly expressed in glioma tissues and cells, whereas miR‐139‐5p was lowly expressed. There were target relationships and correlations on expressions between miR‐139‐5p and NEAT1/ CDK6. NEAT1 and CDK6 could promote cell proliferation and metastasis of glioma cells and impeded cell apoptosis, whereas miR‐139‐5p exerted suppressive effects on the biological functions of glioma cells. NEAT1 regulated CDK6 to affect glioma growth through sponging miR‐139‐5p.

Conclusions: LncRNA NEAT1 promotes cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma through regulating miR‐139‐5p/CDK6 pathway.
MicroRNA‐141‐3p inhibits retinal neovascularization and retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma mice through the inactivation of Docking protein 5‐dependent mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Li‐Qiong , Cui Hao , Yu Yong‐Bin , Shi Huan‐Qi , Zhou Yuan , Liu Mei‐Jiao
Published: December 2018

Retinal neovascularization occurs in various ocular disorders including proliferative diabetic retinopathy and secondary neovascular glaucoma, resulting in blindness. This paper aims to investigate the effect of microRNA‐141‐3p (miR‐141‐3p) on retinal neovascularization and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma mice through the Docking protein 5 (DOK5)‐mediated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Chip retrieval and difference analysis were used for the potential mechanism of miR‐141‐3p on glaucoma. All modeled mice were transfected with different expression of mimic or inhibitor. The expressions of miR‐141‐3p, DOK5, and related genes and proteins of the MAPK signaling pathway were detected by Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Cell proliferation, lumen formation, and apoptosis in the retinal vascular epithelial cells and RGCs were detected using Matrigel angiogenesis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling assays. Moreover, a total of 63 and 294 differentially expressed genes were obtained in GSE2378 and GSE9944 chips, and 4 genes were within the intersection of the chips. In addition, the results showed that miR‐141‐3p was found to inhibit the DOK5 gene and activate the MAPK pathway. The number of RGCs, the expression of p38, extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinases (ERK), Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), IGF‐1, VEGF, HIF1‐α, Bax, caspase‐3, and the extent of p38, ERK, and JNK phosphorylated were decreased with miR‐141‐3p upregulation. Lastly, the results obtained showed that miR‐141‐3p inhibited the proliferation of retinal vascular epithelial cells and inhibited angiogenesis, as well as promoted apoptosis of RGCs. The study suggests that miR‐141‐3p inhibits retinal neovascularization in glaucoma mice by impeding the activation of the DOK5‐mediated MAPK signaling pathway.
Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 accelerates the proliferation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy through activating Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Shan , Xu Yong , Ge Xiaoxu , Xu Bojin , Peng Wenfang , Jiang Xiaohong , Shen Lisha , Xia Lili
Published: December 2018

Accumulating evidence has indicated the significant roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy (DN). LncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been reported to exert a key role in the progression of several diseases including diabetes. However, the role of NEAT1 in the regulation of DP progression remains barely known. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the role of NEAT1 in a streptozotocin‐induced diabetes model (DM) of rats and glucose‐induced mouse mesangial cell models. Currently, we found that NEAT1 was greatly upregulated in DM rats and glucose‐induced mice mesangial cells, in which a high activation of Akt/mTOR signaling was also observed. Then, it was shown that knockdown of NETA1 was able to reduce renal injury in DM rats obviously. In addition, cell counting kit‐8 assay and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay were carried out and we observed downregulation of NEAT1 significantly inhibited mesangial cell proliferation. Meanwhile, extracellular matrix proteins and messenger RNA (transforming growth factor β1, fibronectin, and collagen IV) expression was dramatically restrained by silencing of NEAT1 in the high glucose‐induced mesangial cells. Finally, knockdown of NEAT1 greatly reduced the expression of the phosphorylation of Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in vitro. These findings revealed that the decrease of NEAT1 repressed the proliferation and fibrosis in DN via activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which might represent a novel pathological mechanism of DN progression.
Overexpression of MALAT1 contributes to cervical cancer progression by acting as a sponge of miR‐429
Authors: Shen Fujin , Zheng Hongyun , Zhou Limei , Li Wei , Xu Xuexian
Published: December 2018

Cervical cancer remains a malignant type of tumor and is the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death among females. MALAT1 has been identified as a tumor oncogene in various cancers. Our present study aimed to explore the biological role of MALAT1 in cervical cancer. We observed that MALAT1 was significantly upregulated in human cervical cancer cell lines compared with the ectocervical epithelial cells. MALAT1 was repressed by transfection with LV‐shMALAT1, whereas increased by LV‐MALAT1 in HeLa and Caski cells. Silencing of MALAT1 obviously reduced cervical cell viability, induced cell apoptosis, and repressed cell invasion capacity. Conversely, overexpression of MALAT1 exhibited an opposite phenomenon. Furthermore, miR‐429 was predicted as a direct target of MALAT1, and it was dramatically decreased in cervical cancer cells. It has been shown that miR‐429 plays a crucial role in cervical cancer progression. In our current study, the targeting correlation between MALAT1 and miR‐429 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays and RIP experiments. Finally, in vivo animal models were established, and we indicated that MALAT1 inhibited cervical cancer progression via targeting miR‐429. These findings revealed that MALAT1 can sponge miR‐429 and regulate cervical cancer pathogenesis in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, we indicated that the MALAT1/miR‐429 axis was involved in cervical cancer development.
Hybrid poly‐l‐lactic acid/poly(ε‐caprolactone) nanofibrous scaffold can improve biochemical and molecular markers of human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived hepatocyte‐like cells
Authors: Mobarra Naser , Soleimani Masoud , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Safarpour Samaneh , Ferns Gordon A. , Pakzad Reza , Pasalar Parvin
Published: December 2018

A suitable alternative strategy for liver transplantation is the use of nanofibrous scaffolds together with stem cells. In this study, a random hybrid of poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) was used as a three‐dimensional (3D) culture for differentiation of hepatocyte‐like cells and compared with routine culture (two‐dimensional [2D]). The expression of the endodermal marker, forkhead box A2 (FOXA2), was assessed on Day 3 and the hepatic markers; albumin (ALB), α‐1 antitrypsin (AAT), and cytokeratin‐18 (CK‐18) were evaluated on Day 18 using quantitative polymerase chain reaction qPCR. As well as, ALB, α‐fetoprotein (AFP), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake were evaluated using immunocytochemistry; moreover, periodic acid‐Schiff and Oil Red were done by cell staining. In addition, AFP and urea production were evaluated by chemiluminescence and colorimetric assays. Light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed changes in the cells in 2D and 3D models. The gene expression of hepatic markers was significantly higher in the 3D cultures. In addition, immunocytochemistry and cell staining showed that ALB, AFP, LDL‐uptake, periodic acid‐Schiff, and Oil Red were expressed in both cells derived on 2D and 3D. Furthermore, the evaluation of AFP and urea secretion was significantly different between 2D and 3D strategies. These findings suggest that functionally cells cultured on a PLLA/PCL scaffold may be suitable for cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
BAF60A mediates interactions between the microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor and the BRG1‐containing SWI/SNF complex during melanocyte differentiation
Authors: Aras Shweta , Saladi Srinivas Vinod , Basuroy Tupa , Marathe Himangi G. , Lorès Patrick , de la Serna Ivana L.
Published: December 2018

SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling enzymes are multisubunit complexes that contain one of two catalytic subunits, BRG1 or BRM and 9–11 additional subunits called BRG1 or BRM‐associated factors (BAFs). BRG1 interacts with the microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) and is required for melanocyte development in vitro and in vivo. The subunits of SWI/SNF that mediate interactions between BRG1 and MITF have not been elucidated. Three mutually exclusive isoforms of a 60‐kDa subunit (BAF60A, B, or C) often facilitate interactions with transcription factors during lineage specification. We tested the hypothesis that a BAF60 subunit promotes interactions between MITF and the BRG1‐containing SWI/SNF complex. We found that MITF can physically interact with BAF60A, BAF60B, and BAF60C. The interaction between MITF and BAF60A required the basic helix‐loop‐helix domain of MITF. Recombinant BAF60A pulled down recombinant MITF, suggesting that the interaction can occur in the absence of other SWI/SNF subunits and other transcriptional regulators of the melanocyte lineage. Depletion of BAF60A in differentiating melanoblasts inhibited melanin synthesis and expression of MITF target genes. MITF promoted BAF60A recruitment to melanocyte‐specific promoters, and BAF60A was required to promote BRG1 recruitment and chromatin remodeling. Thus, BAF60A promotes interactions between MITF and the SWI/SNF complex and is required for melanocyte differentiation.
Mesenchymal stem cell: Basic research and potential applications in cattle and buffalo
Authors: Gugjoo Mudasir Bashir , Amarpal  , Fazili Mujeeb R , Shah Riaz A , Sharma Gutulla Taru
Published: December 2018

Characteristic features like self‐renewal, multilineage differentiation potential, and immune‐modulatory/anti‐inflammatory properties, besides the ability to mobilize and home distant tissues make stem cells (SCs) a lifeline for an individual. Stem cells (SCs) if could be harvested and expanded without any abnormal change may be utilized as an all‐in‐one solution to numerous clinical ailments. However, slender understanding of their basic physiological properties, including expression potential, behavioral alternations during culture, and the effect of niche/microenvironment has currently restricted the clinical application of SCs. Among various types of SCs, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are extensively studied due to their easy availability, straightforward harvesting, and culturing procedures, besides, their less likelihood to produce teratogens. Large ruminant MSCs have been harvested from various adult tissues and fetal membranes and are well characterized under in vitro conditions but unlike human or other domestic animals in vivo studies on cattle/buffalo MSCs have mostly been aimed at improving the animals’ production potential. In this document, we focused on the status and potential application of MSCs in cattle and buffalo.
Long noncoding RNA DGCR5 suppresses gastric cancer progression by acting as a competing endogenous RNA of PTEN and BTG1
Authors: Xu Ying , Zhang Guohua , Zou Chen , Gong Zhigang , Wang Sijia , Liu Jun , Ma Gui , Liu Xiaogu , Zhang Wenbo , Jiang Pengcheng
Published: December 2018

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 5 (DGCR5) has been reported to correlate with a variety of cancers, with its expression pattern and potential mechanism not clarified in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we demonstrated that DGCR5 was downregulated in cancerous tissues and plasma samples from patients with GC, and its downregulation was associated with advanced TNM stage and positive lymphatic metastasis. Plasma DGCR5 had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.722 for diagnosis of GC. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function of DGCR5 revealed that DGCR5 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA for miR‐23b to suppress GC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and facilitate apoptosis by regulating PTEN and BTG1 in vitro. Furthermore, the overexpression of DGCR5 suppressed tumor growth, and inhibited the expression of miR‐23b and proliferation antigen Ki‐67, but increased the expression of PTEN and BTG1 in vivo. In conclusion, our results show that DGCR5 is a tumor‐suppressive lncRNA that regulates PTEN and BTG1 expression through directly binding to miR‐23b. This mechanism may contribute to a better understanding of GC pathogenesis and provide a potential therapeutic strategy for GC.
Dynamin‐related protein 1: A critical protein in the pathogenesis of neural system dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Qi Zhihao , Huang Zhen , Xie Feng , Chen Linxi
Published: December 2018

Mitochondria play a key role in the maintenance of neuronal function by continuously providing energy. Here, we will give a detailed review about the recent developments in regards to dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) induced unbalanced mitochondrial dynamics, excessive mitochondrial division, and neuronal injury in neural system dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases, including the Drp1 knockout induced mice embryonic death, the dysfunction of the Drp1‐dependent mitochondrial division induced neuronal cell apoptosis and impaired neuronal axonal transportation, the abnormal interaction between Drp1 and amyloid β (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the mutant Huntingtin (Htt) in Huntington's disease (HD), and the Drp1‐associated pathogenesis of other neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Drp1 is required for mitochondrial division determining the size, shape, distribution, and remodeling as well as maintaining of mitochondrial integrity in mammalian cells. In addition, increasing reports indicate that the Drp1 is involved in some cellular events of neuronal cells causing some neural system dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases, including impaired mitochondrial dynamics, apoptosis, and several posttranslational modification induced increased mitochondrial divisions. Recent studies also revealed that the Drp1 can interact with Aβ, phosphorylated τ, and mutant Htt affecting the mitochondrial shape, size, distribution, axonal transportation, and energy production in the AD and HD neuronal cells. These changes can affect the health of mitochondria and the function of synapses causing neuronal injury and eventually leading to the dysfunction of memory, cognitive impairment, resting tremor, posture instability, involuntary movements, and progressive muscle atrophy and paralysis in patients.
Autophagic, apoptotic, and necrotic cancer cell fates triggered by acidic pH microenvironment
Authors: Rabiee Shadi , Tavakol Shima , Barati Mahmoud , Joghataei Mohammad Taghi
Published: December 2018

Cancer as a multifactorial and smart disease is now considered a challenging problem. Despite many investigations on drug discovery, it remains incurable, in part, due to insufficient understanding of its special mechanisms. For the first time, we collaterally investigated the effect of acidosis on the contribution of apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy in MDA‐MB 231 cells. Our data showed that necrosis, apoptosis, and intracellular reactive oxygen species production drastically decreased from 48 to 72 hr while cell viability and autophagy increased along with a gap between the percentages. Eventually, the decrease of necrosis and apoptosis was related to upregulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and fatty acid synthetase, respectively. It seems that at the early stage of cancer progression, apoptosis is the main mechanism of cell mortality and afterward autophagy would be the main mechanism of cell survival. Therefore, at the acute phase of cancer, apoptotic inducer medications would be effective while at the chronic phase of cancer progression, autophagy inhibitor medication would be added as well. This eventually means that autophagy acts as both cell death and survival mechanisms at the onset of cancer progression with the approach towards cell survival. Besides other unknown cell survival mechanisms are involved in cell viability, except for apoptosis and necrosis inhibition and autophagy improvement. This study reiterates the inefficaciousness of autophagy inhibitor's medication at the onset of disease. It also emphasizes discovering other cell death mechanisms for cancer cell adaptation at the onset of disease with the aim of their targeting in cancer invasion therapy.
Diosmetin inhibits osteoclast formation and differentiation and prevents LPS‐induced osteolysis in mice
Authors: Shao Siyuan , Fu Fangsheng , Wang Ziyi , Song Fangming , Li Chen , Wu Zuo‐xing , Ding Jiaxing , Li Kai , Xiao Yu , Su Yiji , Lin Xixi , Yuan Guixin , Zhao Jinmin , Liu Qian , Xu Jiake
Published: December 2018

Osteolytic bone diseases are closely linked to the over‐activation of osteoclasts and enhancement of bone resorption. It has become a major health issue in orthopedic practice worldwide. Inhibition of osteoclasts is proposed to be the main treatment for osteolytic disorders. Diosmetin (DIO) is a natural flavonoid with properties of antioxidant, anti‐infection, and antishock. The effect of DIO on osteoclast differentiation is poorly understood. In this study project, we found that DIO could inhibit osteoclastic formation induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) in a dose‐dependent manner. The expression of the osteoclast differentiation marker genes, cathepsin K, nuclear factor of activated T‐cells 1 (NFATc1), Acp5, Ctr, Atp6v0d2, and Mmp9 were also decreased by the treatment of DIO. In addition, DIO attenuated the formation of actin ring and the ability of bone resorption. Further, the western blotting showed that DIO inhibits the phosphorylation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases signaling pathway induced by RANKL, accompanied by the downregulation of NFATc1 and c‐Fos expression. We also found that DIO could reduce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by RANKL. In vivo, the study revealed that DIO can significantly reduce LPS‐induced osteolysis in mice. Collectively, our study shows that DIO can inhibit osteoclast formation and activation, and could serve as a potential therapeutic drug for osteolytic bone diseases.
Notch1 provides myocardial protection by improving mitochondrial quality control
Authors: Zhou Xue‐Liang , Wu Xia , Xu Qi‐Rong , Zhu Rong‐Rong , Xu Hua , Li Yun‐Yun , Liu Sheng , Huang Huang , Xu Xinping , Wan Li , Wu Qi‐Cai , Liu Ji‐Chun
Published: December 2018

Mitochondrial quality control is a new target for myocardial protection. Notch signaling plays an important role in heart development, maturation, and repair. However, the role of Notch in the myocardial mitochondrial quality control remains elusive. In this study, we isolated myocardial cells from rats and established myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) model. We modulated Notch1 expression level in myocardial cells via infection with recombinant adenoviruses Ad‐N1ICD and Ad‐shN1ICD. We found that IR reduced myocardial cells viability, but Notch1 overexpression increased the viability of myocardial cells exposed to IRI. In addition, Notch1 overexpression improved ATP production, increased mitochondrial fusion and decreased mitochondrial fission, and inhibited mitophagy in myocardial cells exposed to IRI. However, N1ICD knockdown led to opposite effects. The myocardial protection role of Notch1 was related to the inhibition of Pink1 expression and Mfn2 and Parkin phosphorylation. In conclusion, Notch1 exerts myocardial protection and this is correlated with the maintenance of mitochondrial quality control and the inhibition of Pink1/Mfn2/Parkin signaling.
Adipose‐derived stem cells for wound healing
Authors: Hassanshahi Alireza , Hassanshahi Mohammadhossein , Khabbazi Samira , Hosseini‐Khah Zahra , Peymanfar Yaser , Ghalamkari Saman , Su Yu‐Wen , Xian Cory J.
Published: December 2018

Wound healing is a complex but a fine‐tuned biological process in which human skin has the ability to regenerate itself following damage. However, in particular conditions such as deep burn or diabetes the process of wound healing is compromised. Despite investigations on the potency of a wide variety of stem cells for wound healing, adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) seem to possess the least limitations for clinical applications, and literature showed that ASCs can improve the process of wound healing very likely by promoting angiogenesis and/or vascularisation, modulating immune response, and inducing epithelialization in the wound. In the present review, advantages and disadvantages of various stem cells which can be used for promoting wound healing are discussed. In addition, potential mechanisms of action by which ASCs may accelerate wound healing are summarised. Finally, clinical studies applying ASCs for wound healing and the associated limitations are reviewed.