bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Downregulation of RKIP promotes radioresistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by activating NRF2/NQO1 axis via downregulating miR-450b-5p
Authors: Huang Wei , Shi Guangqing , Yong Zhong , Li Jian , Qiu Juan , Cao Yan , Zhao Yongfeng , Yuan Li 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDysregulation of RKIP and NRF2 has been widely involved in the therapy resistance of multiple malignances, however, their relation and the corresponding mechanisms, especially in radiation response, have not been elucidated. In this study, we revealed that RKIP could negatively regulate the expression of NRF2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. Depletion or ectopic expression of NRF2 countered the pro- or anti- radioresistant effects of RKIP knockdown or overexpression on NPC cells, respectively, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, our results indicated that NQO1 was positively regulated by NRF2 and served as the downstream effector of RKIP/NRF2 axis in regulation of NPC radioresistance. Mechanistically, miR-450b-5p, being positively regulated by RKIP in NPC cells, could sensitize NPC cells to irradiation by directly targeting and suppressing the level of NRF2. Besides, we analyzed the level of aforementioned molecules in NPC tissues. The results indicated that RKIP was significantly downregulated, NRF2 and NQO1 were notably upregulated in NPC tissues compared with in normal nasopharyngeal mucosa (NNM) tissues. Furthermore, RKIP and miR-450b-5p were remarkably lower, yet NRF2 and NQO1 were notably higher, in radioresistant NPC tissues relative to in radiosensitive NPC tissues. Consistent with the pattern in NPC cells, the RKIP/miR-450b-5p/NRF2/NQO1 axis was significantly correlated in NPC tissues. Downregulation of RKIP and miR-450b-5p, and upregulation of NRF2 and NQO1, positively correlated to malignant pathological parameters such as primary T stage, Lymph node (N) metastasis, and TNM stage. Finally, RKIP and miR-450b-5p served as favorable prognostic indicators, and NRF2 and NQO1 acted as unfavorable prognostic biomarkers in patients with NPC. Collectively, our outcomes reveal that RKIP downregulation promotes radioresistance of NPC by downregulating miR-450b-5p and subsequently upregulating and activating NRF2 and NQO1, highlighting RKIP/miR-450b-5p/NRF2/NQO1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for improving the radiosensitivity of NPC.
Uncovering mutation-specific morphogenic phenotypes and paracrine-mediated vessel dysfunction in a biomimetic vascularized mammary duct platform
Authors: Kutys Matthew L. , Polacheck William J. , Welch Michaela K. , Gagnon Keith A. , Koorman Thijs , Kim Sudong , Li Linqing , McClatchey Andrea I. , Chen Christopher S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe mammary gland is a highly vascularized tissue capable of expansion and regression during development and disease. To enable mechanistic insight into the coordinated morphogenic crosstalk between the epithelium and vasculature, we introduce a 3D microfluidic platform that juxtaposes a human mammary duct in proximity to a perfused endothelial vessel. Both compartments recapitulate stable architectural features of native tissue and the ability to undergo distinct forms of branching morphogenesis. Modeling HER2/ERBB2 amplification or activating PIK3CA(H1047R) mutation each produces ductal changes observed in invasive progression, yet with striking morphogenic and behavioral differences. Interestingly, PI3KαH1047R ducts also elicit increased permeability and structural disorganization of the endothelium, and we identify the distinct secretion of IL-6 as the paracrine cause of PI3KαH1047R-associated vascular dysfunction. These results demonstrate the functionality of a model system that facilitates the dissection of 3D morphogenic behaviors and bidirectional signaling between mammary epithelium and endothelium during homeostasis and pathogenesis.
Genomic basis of homoploid hybrid speciation within chestnut trees
Authors: Sun Yongshuai , Lu Zhiqiang , Zhu Xingfu , Ma Hui 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHybridization can drive speciation. We examine the hypothesis that Castanea henryi var. omeiensis is an evolutionary lineage that originated from hybridization between two near-sympatric diploid taxa, C. henryi var. henryi and C. mollissima. We produce a high-quality genome assembly for mollissima and characterize evolutionary relationships among related chestnut taxa. Our results show that C. henryi var. omeiensis has a mosaic genome but has accumulated divergence in all 12 chromosomes. We observe positive correlation between admixture proportions and recombination rates across the genome. Candidate barrier genomic regions, which isolate var. henryi and mollissima, are re-assorted in the hybrid lineage. We further find that the putative barrier segments concentrate in genomic regions with less recombination, suggesting that interaction between natural selection and recombination shapes the evolution of hybrid genomes during hybrid speciation. This study highlights that reassortment of parental barriers is an important mechanism in generating biodiversity.
Prognostic implications of the expression levels of different immunoglobulin heavy chain-encoding RNAs in early breast cancer
Authors: Larsson Christer , Ehinger Anna , Winslow Sofia , Leandersson Karin , Klintman Marie , Dahl Ludvig , Vallon-Christersson Johan , Häkkinen Jari , Hegardt Cecilia , Manjer Jonas , Saal Lao , Rydén Lisa , Malmberg Martin , Borg Åke , Loman Niklas 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe extent and composition of the immune response in a breast cancer is one important prognostic factor for the disease. The aim of the current work was to refine the analysis of the humoral component of an immune response in breast tumors by quantifying mRNA expression of different immunoglobulin classes and study their association with prognosis. We used RNA-Seq data from two local population-based breast cancer cohorts to determine the expression ofIGJand immunoglobulin heavy (IGH) chain-encoding RNAs. The association with prognosis was investigated and public data sets were used to corroborate the findings. Except forIGHEandIGHD, mRNAs encoding heavy chains were generally detected at substantial levels and correlated with other immune-related genes. HighIGHG1mRNA was associated with factors related to poor prognosis such as estrogen receptor negativity, HER2 amplification, and high grade, whereas highIGHA2mRNA levels were primarily associated with lower age at diagnosis. HighIGHA2andIGJmRNA levels were associated with a more favorable prognosis both in univariable and multivariable Cox models. When adjusting for other prognostic factors, highIGHG1mRNA levels were positively associated with improved prognosis. To our knowledge, these results are the first to demonstrate that expression of individual Ig class types has prognostic implications in breast cancer.
Acid-catalysed α-O-4 aryl-ether bond cleavage in methanol/(aqueous) ethanol: understanding depolymerisation of a lignin model compound during organosolv pretreatment
Authors: Jasiukaitytė-Grojzdek Edita , Huš Matej , Grilc Miha , Likozar Blaž 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe selective lignin conversion into bio-based organic mono-aromatics is a major general challenge due to complex structure itself/additional macromolecule modifications, caused by the cleavage of the ether chemical bonds during the lignocellulosic biomass organosolv pulping in acidified aqueous ethanol. Herein, the acido-lysis of connected benzyl phenyl (BPE), being a representative model compound with α-O-4 linkage, was investigated in methanol, EtOH and 75 vol% EtOH/water mixture solutions, progressing each time with protonating sulfuric acid. The effect of the physical solvent properties, acidity of the reaction process media and temperature on rate was determined. Experiments suggested BPE following SN1 mechanism due to the formation of a stable primary carbocation/polarity. The product species distribution in non-aqueous functional alcohols was strongly affected. The addition of H2O was advantageous, especially for alkoxylation. Yield was reduced by a factor of 3, consequently preserving reactive hydroxyl group. Quantitative experimental results indicated key performance parameters to achieve optimum. Organosolv lignins were further isolated under significantly moderate conditions. Consecutive structural differences observed supported findings, obtained when using BPE. H2O presence was again found to grant a higher measured –OH content. Mechanistic pathway analysis thus represents the first step when continuing to kinetics, structure–activity relationships or bio-refining industrial resources.
Third Harmonic Generation microscopy distinguishes malignant cell grade in human breast tissue biopsies
Authors: Gavgiotaki Evangelia , Filippidis George , Tsafas Vassilis , Bovasianos Savvas , Kenanakis George , Georgoulias Vasilios , Tzardi Maria , Agelaki Sofia , Athanassakis Irene 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe ability to distinguish and grade malignant cells during surgical procedures in a fast, non-invasive and staining-free manner is of high importance in tumor management. To this extend, Third Harmonic Generation (THG), Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were applied to discriminate malignant from healthy cells in human breast tissue biopsies. Indeed, integration of non-linear processes into a single, unified microscopy platform offered complementary structural information within individual cells at the submicron level. Using a single laser beam, label-free THG imaging techniques provided important morphological information as to the mean nuclear and cytoplasmic area, cell volume and tissue intensity, which upon quantification could not only distinguish cancerous from benign breast tissues but also define disease severity. Simultaneously, collagen fibers that could be detected by SHG imaging showed a well structured continuity in benign tumor tissues, which were gradually disoriented along with disease severity. Combination of THG imaging with FTIR spectroscopy could provide a clearer distinction among the different grades of breast cancer, since FTIR analysis showed increased lipid concentrations in malignant tissues. Thus, the use of non-linear optical microscopy can be considered as powerful and harmless tool for tumor cell diagnostics even during real time surgery procedures.
Electrospray mechanism for quantum dot thin-film formation using an electrohydrodynamic jet and light-emitting device application
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Canh , Choi Woon-Seop 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA novel electrohydrodynamic (EHD) electrospray coating mechanism was proposed for the continuous fabrication of large-area quantum dot (QD) thin films for high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The size of QD droplets was systemically controlled using the stable EHD electrospray mode from a mixed solvent, which is a crucial factor for the formation of large and smooth QD thin films. The minimum amount of material consumption was achieved during the process by applying the unique coating system. A QD-LED device based on electrodeposited QDs showed a maximum luminance of 12,082 cd m−2, maximum current efficiency of nearly 4.0 cd A−1, and maximum EQE of 1.86%. This system demonstrates not only high reproducibility but could also pave the way for commercializing high-quality QD-LED devices.
Preparation and physical characteristics of graphene ceramics
Authors: Głuchowski P. , Tomala R. , Jeżowski A. , Szewczyk D. , Macalik B. , Smolina I. , Kurzynowski T. , Stręk W. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGraphene, a two-dimensional structure of carbon, due to its structure has unique physico-chemical properties that can be used in numerous research and industry areas. Although this structure is already well known, there are still technological (and cost) barriers which do not allow to produce this material in large quantities and hence prevent its use in various applications. For this reason, many technologies are currently being developed to obtain graphene in forms that would enable its widespread use. The graphene-like ceramics were fabricated by the high isostatic pressure method at different temperatures. This technique allows to obtain dense ceramics with various shapes. The structure and morphology of sintered graphene were investigated by XRD, SEM and the Raman spectroscopy. The hardness, thermal conductivity and electric transport measurements recorded in a wide range of temperatures were used to analyze the physical properties of the obtained ceramics.
Robustaflavone induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and exhibits anti-angiogenic effects in vivo
Authors: Sim Woo Kyung , Park Jong-Hwa , Kim Ki-Young , Chung In Sik 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe investigated the anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic effects of robustaflavone (RF), a naturally occurring biflavonoid, on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). RF inhibited HUVEC proliferation and showed cytotoxicity that inhibited HUVEC viability. RF-induced apoptosis was characterized by flow cytometry and caspase 3 analysis. We found that RF increased the number of sub-G1 cells and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeled cells. Additionally, RF induced caspase 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase activation. Potential molecular targets were identified using a human apoptosis antibody array. RF upregulated Bax, Bad, cleaved caspase 3, p21, and phosphorylated p53 levels. RF induced mitochondrial membrane potential loss and the release of cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor. Cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and the downregulation of Cdk4, Cdk6, and cyclin D1 expression were induced by RF. In vivo anti-angiogenic effects were investigated using a tumor allograft animal model and a Matrigel plug assay. RF reduced the volumes and weights of CT-26 cell-derived tumors. The blood vessel density was significantly decreased in RF-treated tumors. RF also inhibited VEGF-A-stimulated blood vessel formation in vivo in Matrigel plugs. These results suggest that RF can potentially inhibit angiogenesis-dependent tumor growth and metastasis.
Development of simple and efficient Lab-on-a-Disc platforms for automated chemical cell lysis
Authors: Jahromi Arash Khorrami , Saadatmand Maryam , Eghbal Manouchehr , Yeganeh Laleh Parsa 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCell lysis is the most important first step for molecular biology and diagnostic testing. Recently, microfluidic systems have attracted considerable attention due to advantages associated with automation, integration and miniaturization, especially in resource-limited settings. In this work, novel centrifugal microfluidic platforms with new configurations for chemical cell lysis are presented. The developed systems employ passive form of pneumatic and inertial forces for effective mixing of lysis reagents and cell samples as well as precise fluidic control. Characterizations of the developed Lab-on-a-Discs (LoaDs) have been conducted with dyed deionized (DI) waters and white blood cells (WBCs) to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed systems in terms of mixing, fluidic control and chemical cell lysis. By making comparison between the results of a well-established manual protocol for chemical cell lysis and the proposed chemical cell lysis discs, it has been proved that the developed systems are capable of realizing automated cell lysis with high throughput in terms of proper values of average DNA yield (ranging from 20.6 to 29.8 ng/µl) and purity (ranging from 1.873 to 1.907) as well as suitability of the released DNA for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). By considering the manual chemical lysis protocol as a reference, the efficiency of the LoaDs has been determined 95.5% and 91% for 10 min and 5 min lysis time, respectively. The developed LoaDs provide simple, efficient, and fully automated chemical cell lysis units, which can be easily integrated into operational on-disc elements to obtain sample-to answer settings systems.
High-performance thermochromic VO2-based coatings with a low transition temperature deposited on glass by a scalable technique
Authors: Kolenatý David , Vlček Jaroslav , Bárta Tomáš , Rezek Jiří , Houška Jiří , Haviar Stanislav 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe report on high-performance thermochromic ZrO2/V0.982W0.018O2/ZrO2 coatings with a low transition temperature prepared on glass by a low-temperature scalable deposition technique. The V0.982W0.018O2 layers were deposited by a controlled high-power impulse magnetron sputtering of V target, combined with a simultaneous pulsed DC magnetron sputtering of W target to reduce the transition temperature to 20–21 °C, at a low substrate surface temperature of 330 °C in an argon–oxygen gas mixture. ZrO2 antireflection layers both below and above the thermochromic V0.982W0.018O2 layers were deposited at a low substrate temperature (< 100 °C). A coating design utilizing a second-order interference in the ZrO2 layers was applied to increase both the luminous transmittance (Tlum) and the modulation of the solar transmittance (ΔTsol). The ZrO2/V0.982W0.018O2/ZrO2 coatings exhibit Tlum up to 60% at ΔTsol close to 6% for a V0.982W0.018O2 thickness of 45 nm, and Tlum up to 50% at ΔTsol above 10% for a V0.982W0.018O2 thickness of 69 nm.
A novel diterpene agent isolated from Microbispora hainanensis strain CSR-4 and its in vitro and in silico inhibition effects on acetylcholine esterase enzyme
Authors: Thawai Chitti , Bunbamrung Nantiya , Pittayakhajonwut Pattama , Chongruchiroj Sumet , Pratuangdejkul Jaturong , He Ya-Wen , Tadtong Sarin , Sareedenchai Vipaporn , Prombutara Pinidphon , Qian Yang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAn actinomycete strain CSR-4 was isolated from the rhizosphere soil ofZingiber montanum.Taxonomic characterization revealed strain CSR-4 was a member of the genusMicrobispora. Whole-genome sequence analysis exhibited the highest average nucleotide identity (ANI) value (95.34%) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) value (74.7%) between strain CSR-4 and the closest relativeM. hainanensisDSM 45428T, which was in line with the assignment to same species. In addition, a new diterpene compound, 2α-hydroxy-8(14), 15-pimaradien-17, 18-dioic acid, and nine known compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate crude extract of fermentation broth. Interestingly, a new diterpene displayed the suppressive effect on the recombinant human acetylcholinesterase (rhAChE) enzymes (IC5096.87 ± 2.31 μg/ml). In silico studies based on molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to predict a binding mode of the new compound into the binding pocket of the rhAChE enzyme and revealed that some amino acids in the peripheral anions site (PAS), anionic subsite, oxyanion site and catalytic active site (CAS) of the rhAChE have interacted with the compound. Therefore, our new compound could be proposed as a potential active human AChE inhibitor. Moreover, the new compound can protect significantly the neuron cells (% neuron viability = 88.56 ± 5.19%) from oxidative stress induced by serum deprivation method at 1 ng/ml without both neurotoxicities on murine P19-derived neuron cells and cytotoxicity against Vero cells.
Influence of designated properties on the characteristics of dombeya buettneri fiber/graphite hybrid reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Oladele I. O. , Oladejo M. O. , Adediran A. A. , Makinde-Isola B. A. , Owa A. F. , Akinlabi E. T. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis research presents the behavior of dombeya buettneri fiber/graphite hybrid composites which was studied to harness a favorable balance between the inherent advantages and disadvantages of natural and synthetic reinforcements. The fibers after extraction were chemically treated for surface modification. The composite was developed using compression molding process by randomly dispersing the reinforcements in the polypropylene matrix in predetermined proportions. The developed samples were tested to ascertain the response of the materials to the selected properties. Experimental results showed that hybrid composite sample C which is a blend of 12 wt% dombeya buettneri fiber (DBF) and 8 wt% graphite particle (GP) gave enhanced results in many of the properties which includes; hardness, impact, thermal insulation and abrasion resistance properties. Also, the hybrid composites sample denoted as sample E which is the blend of 6 wt% DBF and 14 wt% GP produce higher enhancement in the flexural properties and Young’s Modulus of Elasticity than other samples. Composite sample reinforced with dombeya buettneri fiber as single reinforced composites performed more in ultimate tensile strength compared to other samples while graphite particle reinforced sample emerges as the best in thermal conductivity. Diffusion of water into the composites also obeys Fick’s law where sample C was seen to be the best among the composites. It was therefore, discovered that the synergy between the two reinforcements has encouraged the improvement of polypropylene (PP) properties in a unique mode.
Fatigue in adults with spinal muscular atrophy under treatment with nusinersen
Authors: Kizina K. , Stolte B. , Totzeck A. , Bolz S. , Schlag M. , Ose C. , von Velsen O. , Kleinschnitz C. , Hagenacker Tim 
Published: July 2020

Abstract5q-Associated spinal muscular atrophy is a hereditary neuromuscular disease leading to progressive muscle weakness in which fatigue occurs and affects quality of life. Treatment with the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen has been shown to improve motor function. Fatigue can be measured within the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). FSS is a self-reported questionnaire consisting of nine items to quantify fatigue severity within the last week. Higher values indicating a higher severity. Using the FSS, fatigue was measured in 28 adult patients, subdivided into ambulatory and non-ambulatory, suffering from a genetically confirmed 5q-SMA under treatment with nusinersen in accordance with the label. Correlations were performed among FSS and motor scales, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and Hammersmiths Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE). Evaluation was performed prior to treatment initiation and after 6 and 10 months. The mean FSS score for all 28 patients at baseline was 4.61 ± 1.44. After 6 months mean FSS score significantly reduced to 3.92 ± 1.35. After 10 months mean FSS score had not differed from baseline, 3.84 ± 1.25. A moderate negative correlation of the difference of FSS and 6MWT after 6 months compared to baseline conditions was measured. Nusinersen reduces fatigue as measured by the FSS in adult patients with 5q-SMA transiently after initiation of treatment. There was no reduction of FSS 10 months after the beginning of treatment when compared to baseline.