bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common and Unique microRNAs in Multiple Carcinomas Regulate Similar Network of Pathways to Mediate Cancer Progression
Authors: Niveditha Divya , Jasoria Mayank , Narayan Jayesh , Majumder Syamantak , Mukherjee Sudeshna , Chowdhury Rajdeep , Chowdhury Shibasish 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCancer is a complex disease with a fatal outcome. Early detection of cancer, by monitoring appropriate molecular markers is very important for its therapeutic management. In this regard, the short non-coding RNA molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs) have shown great promise due to their availability in circulating fluids facilitating non-invasive detection of cancer. In this study, an in silico comparative analysis was performed to identify specific signature miRNAs dysregulated across multiple carcinomas and simultaneously identify unique miRNAs for each cancer type as well. The miRNA-seq data of cancer patient was obtained from GDC portal and their differential expressions along with the pathways regulated by both common and unique miRNAs were analyzed. Our studies show twelve miRNAs commonly dysregulated across seven different cancer types. Interestingly, four of those miRNAs (hsa-mir-210, hsa-mir-19a, hsa-mir-7 and hsa-mir-3662) are already reported as circulatory miRNAs (circRNAs); while, the miR-183 cluster along with hsa-mir-93 have been found to be incorporated in exosomes signifying the importance of the identified miRNAs for their use as prospective, non-invasive biomarkers. Further, the target mRNAs and pathways regulated by both common and unique miRNAs were analyzed, which interestingly had significant commonality. This suggests that miRNAs that are commonly de-regulated and specifically altered in multiple cancers might regulate similar pathways to promote cancer. Our data is of significance because we not only identify a set of common and unique miRNAs for multiple cancers but also highlight the pathways regulated by them, which might facilitate the development of future non-invasive biomarkers conducive for early detection of cancers.
Transferrin-targeted porous silicon nanoparticles reduce glioblastoma cell migration across tight extracellular space
Authors: Sheykhzadeh Sana , Luo Meihua , Peng Bo , White Jacinta , Abdalla Youssef , Tang Tweety , Mäkilä Ermei , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Tong Wing Yin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMortality of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has not improved over the last two decades despite medical breakthroughs in the treatment of other types of cancers. Nanoparticles hold tremendous promise to overcome the pharmacokinetic challenges and off-target adverse effects. However, an inhibitory effect of nanoparticles by themselves on metastasis has not been explored. In this study, we developed transferrin-conjugated porous silicon nanoparticles (Tf@pSiNP) and studied their effect on inhibiting GBM migration by means of a microfluidic-based migration chip. This platform, designed to mimic the tight extracellular migration tracts in brain parenchyma, allowed high-content time-resolved imaging of cell migration. Tf@pSiNP were colloidally stable, biocompatible, and their uptake into GBM cells was enhanced by receptor-mediated internalisation. The migration of Tf@pSiNP-exposed cells across the confined microchannels was suppressed, but unconfined migration was unaffected. The pSiNP-induced destabilisation of focal adhesions at the leading front may partially explain the migration inhibition. More corroborating evidence suggests that pSiNP uptake reduced the plasticity of GBM cells in reducing cell volume, an effect that proved crucial in facilitating migration across the tight confined tracts. We believe that the inhibitory effect of Tf@pSiNP on cell migration, together with the drug-delivery capability of pSiNP, could potentially offer a disruptive strategy to treat GBM.
Effects of corneal crosslinking on corneal shape stabilization after orthokeratology
Authors: Liao Chimei , Lin Xingyan , Keel Stuart , Ha Jason , Yang Xiao , He Mingguang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOrthokeratology (Ortho-K) works to reshape cornea and is the only non-surgical way to enable vision without corrective aids. However, its effect is only temporary, and successful stabilization requires ongoing Ortho-K wear to maintain the reshaping effect. Corneal crosslinking (CXL) is a commonly-used technique in clinical practice to stabilize corneal shape in keratoconic eyes. However, whether or not CXL can stabilize corneal shape after Ortho-K in normal cornea has not been reported. Therefore, this proof-of-concept study using 2 rhesus monkeys aimed to determine the efficacy of the combined procedure. One monkey wore Ortho-K bilaterally for 24 hours, and the other from 6 pm to 8 am for 7 days. The left eyes of both monkeys underwent CXL after Ortho-K while the contralateral eye served as control. Results showed a gradual regression of corneal shape in all eyes with or without CXL. However, eyes underwent CXL regressed more slowly than the control eyes. The control eyes and the CXL treatment eye in the 7-day Ortho-K monkey regressed completely at last, while the CXL treatment eye in the 24 h Ortho-K monkey maintained a corneal flattening of −1.48 D 27 days after procedure. These findings suggest CXL can slow the regression of Ortho-K for a short duration, but cannot sustain its effect according to the current protocol.
Couples with mild male factor infertility and at least 3 failed previous IVF attempts may benefit from laparoscopic investigation regarding assisted reproduction outcome
Authors: Pantou Agni , Sfakianoudis Konstantinos , Maziotis Evangelos , Giannelou Polina , Grigoriadis Sokratis , Tsioulou Petroula , Kokkali Georgia , Koutsilieris Michael , Pantos Konstantinos , Simopoulou Mara 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study is to assess the value of laparoscopy for couples diagnosed with mild male factor infertility and at least three previous failedIn-VitroFertilization (IVF) attempts. A total of 169 couples were included in this prospective cohort study. Patients were presented with the option of being subjected to laparoscopic investigation for correction of previously unidentified endometriosis or pelvic adhesions. The outcome measures were Live Birth/Ongoing Pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and positive hCG rate. One-hundred and one of them opted for, whereas 68 opted against laparoscopic investigation. All patients proceeded with a single ICSI cycle. Following laparoscopic investigation, 43 patients were diagnosed with endometriosis, 22 with adhesions, while for 36 patients laparoscopic investigation provided no further diagnosis. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding baseline hormonal levels and other characteristics between the two groups and the three subgroups. When compared to the no-laparoscopy group, women subjected to laparoscopy presented with a higher clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy/live birth rate. Following endometriosis correction, a marginally non-statistically significant trend was observed regarding a decrease in poor-quality blastocysts (p = 0.056). A statistically significant higher clinical pregnancy (p = 0.03) and ongoing pregnancy/live birth rate was observed in the endometriosis group when compared to male factor infertility only (p = 0.04). Laparoscopic identification and correction of undiagnosed endometriosis in couples initially diagnosed with male infertility and at least 3 failed previous IVF attempts, appears to be a promising approach efficiently addressing infertility for these patients while avoiding IVF overuse.
Alterations in Amygdala Connectivity in Internet Addiction Disorder
Authors: Cheng Hewei , Liu Jie 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRecent studies have revealed structural and functional abnormalities in amygdala due to Internet addiction (IA) associated with emotional disturbance. However, the role of amygdala connectivity that is responsible for emotion-cognition interactions is largely unknown in IA. This study aims to explore the amygdala connectivity abnormalities in IA. The functional and structural connectivity of bilateral amygdala were examined using seed-based connectivity analysis, and the structural integrity on white mater tracts passing through amygdala was also examined. Additionally, a correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between brain connectivity and duration of IA. We found that IA subjects had decreased negative functional connectivity (FC) between amygdala and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and had increased negative FC between amygdala and precuneus and superior occipital gyrus (SOG). While IA subjects had decreased positive FC between amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and had increased positive FC between amygdala and thalamus. The FC between left amygdala and right DLPFC had significant correlation with duration of IA. The structural connectivity and integrity between amygdala and ACC were also decreased in IA subjects. These findings indicate that the amygdala connectivity is altered in IA subjects. The altered FC of amygdala-DLPFC is associated with duration of IA.
Non-secretory renin reduces oxidative stress and increases cardiomyoblast survival during glucose and oxygen deprivation
Authors: Wanka Heike , Lutze Philipp , Staar Doreen , Albers Alexander , Bäumgen Inga , Grunow Bianka , Peters Jörg 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAlthough the renin-angiotensin system usually promotes oxidative stress and cell death, renin transcripts have been discovered, whose transcription product may be cardioprotective. These transcripts encode a non-secretory renin isoform that is localized in the cytosol and within mitochondria. Here we tested the hypotheses that cytosolic renin [ren(2-9)] expression promotes cell survival under hypoxia and glucose depletion by preserving the mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) and mitigating the accumulation of ROS. To simulate ischemic insults, we exposed H9c2 cells to glucose deprivation, anoxia or to combined oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 24 hours and determined renin expression. Furthermore, H9c2 cells transfected with the empty pIRES vector (pIRES cells) or ren(2-9) cDNA-containing vector [ren(2-9) cells] were analyzed for cell death, ∆Ψm, ATP levels, accumulation of ROS, and cytosolic Ca2+ content. In pIRES cells, expression of ren(1A-9) was stimulated under all three ischemia-related conditions. After OGD, the cells lost their ∆Ψm and exhibited enhanced ROS accumulation, increased cytosolic Ca2+ levels, decreased ATP levels as well as increased cell death. In contrast, ren(2-9) cells were markedly protected from these effects. Ren(2-9) appears to represent a protective response to OGD by reducing ROS generation and preserving mitochondrial functions. Therefore, it is a promising new target for the prevention of ischemia-induced myocardial damage.
Synthesis, Bioevaluation, Structure-Activity Relationship and Docking Studies of Natural Product Inspired (Z)-3-benzylideneisobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones as Highly Potent antioxidants and Antiplatelet agents
Authors: Shyamlal Bharti Rajesh Kumar , Yadav Lalit , Tiwari Mohit K. , Mathur Manas , Prikhodko Jaroslav I. , Mashevskaya Irina V. , Yadav Dharmendra K. , Chaudhary Sandeep 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFor the first time, a series of highly potent natural product inspired substituted (Z)-3-benzylideneisobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones 28a-t, embraced with electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) and electron-donating groups (EDG) at site I and site II, were prepared and assessed for their in vitro antioxidant activities (DPPH free radical scavenging assay) and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced antiplatelet activities using ascorbic acid (IC50 = 4.57 µg/mL) and aspirin (IC50 = 21.34 µg/mL), as standard references, respectively. In this study, compounds 28f-g, 28k-l and 28q have shown high order of in vitro antioxidant activity. Infact, 28f and 28k were found to show 10-folds and 8-folds more antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid, respectively and was found to be the most active analogues of the series. Similarly, Compounds 28c-g, 28k-l, 28o and 28q-t were recognized as highly potent antiplatelet agents (upto 6-folds) than aspirin. Furthermore, in silico studies of the most active antioxidants 28f, 28k and 28l and very active antiplatelet molecules 28f, 28k, 28l and 28s were carrying out for the validation of the biological results. This is the first detailed study of the discovery of several (Z)-3-benzylideneisobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones as highly potent antioxidants and antiplatelet agents.
Long-term observations from Antarctica demonstrate that mismatched scales of fisheries management and predator-prey interaction lead to erroneous conclusions about precaution
Authors: Watters George M. , Hinke Jefferson T. , Reiss Christian S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLow catch limits for forage species are often considered to be precautionary measures that can help conserve marine predators. Difficulties measuring the impacts of fisheries removals on dependent predators maintain this perspective, but consideration of the spatio-temporal scales over which forage species, their predators, and fisheries interact can aid assessment of whether low catch limits are as precautionary as presumed. Antarctic krill are targeted by the largest fishery in the Southern Ocean and are key forage for numerous predators. Current krill removals are considered precautionary and have not been previously observed to affect krill-dependent predators, like penguins. Using a hierarchical model and 30+ years of monitoring data, we show that expected penguin performance was reduced when local harvest rates of krill were ≥0.1, and this effect was similar in magnitude to that of poor environmental conditions. With continued climate warming and high local harvest rates, future observations of penguin performance are predicted to be below the long-term mean with a probability of 0.77. Catch limits that are considered precautionary for forage species simply because the limit is a small proportion of the species’ standing biomass may not be precautionary for their predators.
Crystal Morphology Prediction and Anisotropic Evolution of 1,1-Diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (FOX-7) by Temperature Tuning
Authors: Song Liang , Zhao Feng-Qi , Xu Si-Yu , Ju Xue-Hai , Ye Cai-Chao 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTemperature-induced morphological changes are one of the strategies for designing crystal shapes, but the role of temperature in enhancing or inhibiting crystal growth is not well understood yet. To meet the requirements of high density and low sensitivity, we need to control the crystal morphology of the energetic materials. We studied the crystal morphology of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (FOX-7) in dimethyl sulfoxide/water mixed solvent by using the modified Hartman-Perdok theorem. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to determine the interaction of FOX-7 and solvents. The results showed that the crystal shape of FOX-7 is hexagonal, the (101) face is the largest exposed face and is adjacent to six crystal faces at 354 K. As the temperature goes down, the area of the (001) face is significantly reduced. The crystal morphology of FOX-7 at 324 K has a smaller aspect ratio of 4.72, and this temperature is suitable for tuning the morphology from slender hexagon into diamond. The prediction results are in remarkable agreement with the experiments. Moreover, we predicted the evolution path of FOX-7 morphology by Gibbs-Curie-Wulff theorem and explained the variation of crystal shape caused by different external conditions in the actual crystallization process.
Analysis of brain connectivity during nitrous oxide sedation using graph theory
Authors: Lee Ji-Min , Kim Pil-Jong , Kim Hong-Gee , Hyun Hong-Keun , Kim Young Jae , Kim Jung-Wook , Shin Teo Jeon 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNitrous oxide, the least potent inhalation anesthetic, is widely used for conscious sedation. Recently, it has been reported that the occurrence of anesthetic-induced loss of consciousness decreases the interconnection between brain regions, resulting in brain network changes. However, few studies have investigated these changes in conscious sedation using nitrous oxide. Therefore, the present study aimed to use graph theory to analyze changes in brain networks during nitrous oxide sedation. Participants were 20 healthy volunteers (10 men and 10 women, 20–40 years old) with no history of systemic disease. We acquired electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings of 32 channels during baseline, nitrous oxide inhalation sedation, and recovery. EEG epochs from the baseline and the sedation state (50% nitrous oxide) were extracted and analyzed with the network connection parameters of graph theory. Analysis of 1/f dynamics, revealed a steeper slope while in the sedation state than during the baseline. Network connectivity parameters showed significant differences between the baseline and sedation state, in delta, alpha1, alpha2, and beta2 frequency bands. The most pronounced differences in functional distance during nitrous oxide sedation were observed in the alpha1 and alpha2 frequency bands. Change in 1/f dynamics indicates that changes in brain network systems occur during nitrous oxide administration. Changes in network parameters imply that nitrous oxide interferes with the efficiency of information integration in the frequency bands important for cognitive processes and attention tasks. Alteration of brain network during nitrous oxide administration may be associated to the sedative mechanism of nitrous oxide.
Immune protection is dependent on the gut microbiome in a lethal mouse gammaherpesviral infection
Authors: Yaron Jordan R. , Ambadapadi Sriram , Zhang Liqiang , Chavan Ramani N. , Tibbetts Scott A. , Keinan Shahar , Varsani Arvind , Maldonado Juan , Kraberger Simona , Tafoya Amanda M. , Bullard Whitney L. , Kilbourne Jacquelyn , Stern-Harbutte Alison , Krajmalnik-Brown Rosa , Munk Barbara H. , Koppang Erling O. , Lim Efrem S. , Lucas Alexandra R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractImmunopathogenesis in systemic viral infections can induce a septic state with leaky capillary syndrome, disseminated coagulopathy, and high mortality with limited treatment options. Murine gammaherpesvirus-68 (MHV-68) intraperitoneal infection is a gammaherpesvirus model for producing severe vasculitis, colitis and lethal hemorrhagic pneumonia in interferon gamma receptor-deficient (IFNγR−/−) mice. In prior work, treatment with myxomavirus-derived Serp-1 or a derivative peptide S-7 (G305TTASSDTAITLIPR319) induced immune protection, reduced disease severity and improved survival after MHV-68 infection. Here, we investigate the gut bacterial microbiome in MHV-68 infection. Antibiotic suppression markedly accelerated MHV-68 pathology causing pulmonary consolidation and hemorrhage, increased mortality and specific modification of gut microbiota. Serp-1 and S-7 reduced pulmonary pathology and detectable MHV-68 with increased CD3 and CD8 cells. Treatment efficacy was lost after antibiotic treatments with associated specific changes in the gut bacterial microbiota. In summary, transkingdom host-virus-microbiome interactions in gammaherpesvirus infection influences gammaherpesviral infection severity and reduces immune modulating therapeutic efficacy.
Scanning electron microscopy and machine learning reveal heterogeneity in capsular morphotypes of the human pathogen Cryptococcus spp.
Authors: Lopes William , Cruz Giuliano N. F. , Rodrigues Marcio L. , Vainstein Mendeli H. , Kmetzsch Livia , Staats Charley C. , Vainstein Marilene H. , Schrank Augusto 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPhenotypic heterogeneity is an important trait for the development and survival of many microorganisms including the yeast Cryptococcus spp., a deadly pathogen spread worldwide. Here, we have applied scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to define four Cryptococcus spp. capsule morphotypes, namely Regular, Spiky, Bald, and Phantom. These morphotypes were persistently observed in varying proportions among yeast isolates. To assess the distribution of such morphotypes we implemented an automated pipeline capable of (1) identifying potentially cell-associated objects in the SEM-derived images; (2) computing object-level features; and (3) classifying these objects into their corresponding classes. The machine learning approach used a Random Forest (RF) classifier whose overall accuracy reached 85% on the test dataset, with per-class specificity above 90%, and sensitivity between 66 and 94%. Additionally, the RF model indicates that structural and texture features, e.g., object area, eccentricity, and contrast, are most relevant for classification. The RF results agree with the observed variation in these features, consistently also with visual inspection of SEM images. Finally, our work introduces morphological variants of Cryptococcus spp. capsule. These can be promptly identified and characterized using computational models so that future work may unveil morphological associations with yeast virulence.
Remote biosensor for the determination of trypsin by using nanoporous anodic alumina as a three-dimensional nanostructured material
Authors: Amouzadeh Tabrizi Mahmoud , Ferré-Borrull Josep , Marsal Lluis F. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe determination of trypsin in the human real sample is a routine medical investigation to assess the pancreatic disease. Herein, we fabricated an interferometric reflectance spectroscopy based biosensor for the determination trypsin. For this purpose, urease and fluorescein 5(6)-isothiocyanate (FLITC) were immobilized on the nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA). The operation principle of the proposed biosensor is based on the change in the pH of the solution during the reaction of urease and urea and therefore change in the light-absorbing ability of FLITC in the presence of trypsin. The reaction of the urease enzyme with urea increased the pH of the solution because of producing ammonia. This increase in the pH of solution increased the light-absorbing ability of the immobilized FLITC on NAA and therefore the intensity of the reflected light from the NAA to the charge-coupled device detector decreased. In the presence of trypsin, the catalytic activity of immobilized urease on NAA decreased. This decrease in the activity of urease enzyme consequent on the decrease in the amount of the generated ammonia. Therefore, the immobilized FLITC on the NAA did not absorb more light and consciously, the intensity of the light reflected light into the detector increased. The proposed biosensor exhibited a good response to the concentration of trypsin in the range of 0.25–20 μg.mL−1 with the limit of detection of 0.06 μg.mL−1.