bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B virus X protein upregulates alpha‐fetoprotein to promote hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting miR‐1236 and miR‐329
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Peng , Zhang Chuanbao 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide, wherein the expression of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) is reactivated to promote tumorgenesis. Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) protein encoded by the HBV virus X gene has been considered to be oncogenic and implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the relationship between HBx and abnormal AFP expression in HCC is yet to be fully understood. To explore the potential regulation of HBx on AFP re‐expression in HCC, 97 HCC samples of different etiologies were analyzed, and extremely higher serum AFP levels were found in patients with HBsAg+. Analyses of HBV‐related HCC specimens showed that the expression of AFP was negatively correlated with the levels of miR‐1236 and miR‐329. Further analyses indicated that HBx promotes the expression of AFP by orchestrating the levels of miR‐1236 and miR‐329 both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, miR‐1236 and miR‐329 bind to the potential target sequences in AFP mRNA 3′‐untranslated region to suppress its expression. HBx transfection resulted in the significant decrement of these microRNAs and increment of AFP expression. Moreover, AFP promotes the proliferation of hepatoma cells and attenuates the proapoptotic effect of chemotherapy agents. These findings revealed a novel regulatory mechanism of HBx on the abnormal AFP expression in HCC, which may provide a therapeutic approach for combating HBV‐related HCC by targeting the regulation of AFP expression.
Circular RNA circ_0074027 indicates a poor prognosis for NSCLC patients and modulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion via miR‐185‐3p mediated BRD4/MADD activation
Authors: Gao Ping , Wang Zhidong , Hu Zhanliang , Jiao Xuan , Yao Yue 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCircular RNAs play an imperative role in cancer development and metastasis by regulating oncogenic and tumor‐suppressive pathways. However, the role and mechanism of circ_0074027 in non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been elucidated. The expression levels of circ_0074027 were detected by qRT‐PCR. The link between circ_0074027 expression and clinicopathologic parameters was analyzed by Fisher's exact test. The prognostic role of circ_0074027 was investigated by Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression analysis. Cell counting kit‐8 and flow cytometric assays were utilized to evaluate NSCLC cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Wound scratch and Transwell tests were applied to detect cell migratory and invasive capacities. The interaction potential of circ_0074027 and miR‐185‐3p was analyzed by the circBank database, and verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The downstream gene of miR‐185‐3p was also investigated. Circ_0074027 was elevated in NSCLC specimens and cell lines. Overexpressed circ_0074027 was related to more advanced TNM stages, poorer differentiation grade, and worse overall survival. Upregulated circ_0074027 increased the proliferation of H1299 cells by inhibiting cell apoptosis. Cell migration and invasion were enhanced after circ_0074027 overexpression. Silenced circ_0074027 caused the opposite effects in the A549 cell line. For mechanism investigation, circ_0074027 directly sponges miR‐185‐3p to enhance bromodomain‐containing protein 4 (BRD4) and MAPK‐activating death domain‐containing protein (MADD) expression levels at the posttranscriptional level. Furthermore, we found the oncogenic function of circ_0074027 is attributed to its modulation of BRD4 and MADD. Collectively, upregulated circ_0074027 in NSCLC accelerates cell progression via miR‐185‐3p/BRD4/MADD pathway as a competing endogenous RNA.
Mn(II) complex of a vitamin B6 Schiff base as an exclusive apoptosis inducer in human MCF7 and HepG2 cancer cells: Synthesis, characterization, and biological studies
Authors: Tabatabayi Zohreh S. , Homayouni‐Tabrizi Masoud , Neamati Ali , Beyramabadi S. Ali 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHerein, a Mn(II) complex of the N,N′‐dipyridoxyl(1,4‐butanediamine) (═H2L) Schiff base has been newly synthesized. The synthesized complex was characterized by several experimental methods. In addition, the density functional theory approaches were used for theoretical identification of the complex. A good agreement between the computed and experimental infrared frequencies demonstrates validity of the optimized geometry for the synthesized complex. In a N2O2 manner, two azomethine nitrogens and two phenolate oxygens of the L2− ligand are coordinated to the Mn2+ metal ion. The biological studies indicate an efficient apoptotic and antioxidant activities of the synthesized [MnL(CH3OH)2] complex on both of the HepG2 and MCF7 cancer cells. Since it has been suggested that the complex is an exclusive potent antitumor for treatment of the human breast and liver cancers.
FBXO31 modulates activation of hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrogenesis by promoting ubiquitination of Smad7
Authors: He Huijuan , Dai Jialiang , Feng Jialing , He Qiang , Chen Xuling , Dai Wei , Xu Aizhong , Huang Haili 
Published: November 2019

AbstractLiver fibrosis is a critical pathological process in the early stage of many liver diseases, including hepatic cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, the molecular mechanism is not fully revealed. In this study, we investigated the role of F‐box protein 31 (FBXO31) in liver fibrosis. We found FBXO31 upregulated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis and in activated hepatic stellate cells, induced by transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β). The enforced expression of FBXO31 caused enhanced proliferation and increased expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and Col‐1 in HSC‐T6 cells. Conversely, suppression of FBXO31 resulted in inhibition of proliferation and decreased accumulation of α‐SMA and Col‐1 in HSC‐T6 cells. In addition, upregulation of FBXO31 in HSC‐T6 cells decreased accumulation of Smad7, the negative regulator of the TGF‐β/smad signaling pathway, and suppression of the FBXO31 increased accumulation of Smad7. Immunofluorescence staining showed FBXO31 colocalized with Smad7 in HSC‐T6 cells and in liver tissues of BALB/c mice treated with CCl4. Immunoprecipitation demonstrated FBXO31 interacted with Smad7. Moreover, FBXO31 enhanced ubiquitination of Smad7. In conclusion, FBXO31 modulates activation of HSCs and liver fibrogenesis by promoting ubiquitination of Smad7.
Pharmacokinetics of Para‐Aminosalicylic Acid and Its 2 Major Metabolites: A Potential Relationship to the Development of Gastrointestinal Intolerance
Authors: Adams Kim T. , Donald Peter R. , Abulfathi Ahmed A. , Diacon Andreas H. , Stander Marietjie A. , Reuter Helmuth 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPara‐aminosalicylic acid (PAS), often the last drug remaining for treatment of drug‐resistant tuberculosis, is notorious for causing gastrointestinal intolerance; however, the cause of PAS intolerance is uncertain. The objective of this study was to assess relationships between peak concentrations of PAS administered as a granular slow‐release enteric coated formulation, and its metabolites acetyl‐PAS and glycine‐PAS, and intolerance. PAS and its metabolites were measured in 29 adult patients with drug‐resistant tuberculosis at Brooklyn Hospital, Cape Town, randomized to receive granular slow‐release enteric‐coated PAS 4 g twice daily or 8 g once daily for 1 week, followed by the alternative regimen. Concentrations of PAS and its metabolites were determined by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, and a visual analogue scale evaluated intolerance. Spearman's correlation test assessed the relationship between maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) and intolerance scores. A large interindividual variability was observed for the PAS Cmax (40.42‐68.55 mg/L) following 4 g twice daily; (62.69‐102.41 mg/L) for 8 g once daily and a similar wide Cmax range found for the metabolites acetyl‐PAS and glycine‐PAS. Twenty‐six patients reported at least 1 intolerance episode, but most visual analogue scale scores clustered around 0. Significant inverse associations were found between acetyl‐PAS Cmax and bloating (rho = –0.448; P = .025) and diarrhea (rho = –0.407; P = .044) for the twice‐daily regimen and a similar inverse association found for glycine‐PAS and diarrhea (rho = –0.412; P = .041). Plasma concentrations of the metabolites did not correlate with the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms, but higher metabolite concentrations correlated with lower intolerance scores; slow metabolism of PAS and its continued presence in the intestinal tract may be the main cause of intolerance.
Evaluation of gap formation at the composite resin‐tooth interface after using universal adhesives: In vitro SEM study using the replica technique
Authors: Kaczor‐Wiankowska Kinga , Lipa Sebastian , Krasowski Michał , Sokołowski Jerzy , Lewusz‐Butkiewicz Katarzyna , Nowicka Alicja 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate gap formation after using two universal adhesives, Peak Universal Bond (P), which contains chlorhexidine and Adhese Universal (A), which contains 10‐MDP monomer, and to compare them with two gold standard adhesives. The adhesives were tested in different etching modes, etch‐and‐rinse (ER) or self‐etch (SE), and under thermomechanical loading (TML). Two identical Class V cavities were prepared in each of 30 human third molar teeth, and resin‐composite restorations were made. Before and after TML, replicas of the restorations were prepared. Gap formation and their frequency according to the modified classification of Blunck and Zaslansky and the width of the maximum marginal gap (MG) were separately evaluated in enamel and dentin. Gap frequency did not differ significantly only in the enamel before TML, despite the use of different adhesives or etching modes. At both timepoints, the highest MG values were obtained with the Peak Universal Bond self‐etch (PSE) group in enamel (6.2 μm before TML, 12.2 μm after TML) and the Peak Universal Bond etch‐and‐rinse (PER) group in dentine (21.3 μm before TML, 35.5 μm after TML). After TML, there was a significant increase of gap frequency for Adhese universal self‐etch (ASE) group and MG values for PER, PSE, ASE groups at the resin‐enamel interface, and gap frequency and MG values for all groups at the resin‐dentin interface. Universal adhesive with 10‐MDP monomer have beneficial effect on the resin‐dentin interface, while chlorhexidine may reduce the resistance of the universal adhesive system to oral cavity conditions.
Implementing daily soft tissue image guidance with reduced margins for post‐prostatectomy radiotherapy: research‐based changes to clinical practice
Authors: Bell Linda J. , Eade Thomas , Hruby George , Bromley Regina , Kneebone Andrew 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionWe have previously demonstrated that daily soft tissue matching with reduced anisotropic margins provides an ideal balance between prostate bed coverage and meeting organ at risk constraints. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of this approach in clinical practice.MethodsThirty‐eight radiation therapists (RTs) completed offline IGRT training involving six patients. After training was completed, this approach was implemented clinically. The first 24 patients were evaluated with a central review of match displacements and geographic miss (GM). An assessment of treatment times and planning parameters was also performed.ResultsDuring offline training, the anterior–posterior (AP) match discrepancy had the largest mean variation ranging from −0.46 to 0.06 cm and undetected geographic miss occurred in 17% of alignments. The mean time taken to treat the first 24 patients ranged from 12.2 to 20.6 min. The smaller anisotropic margin resulted in similar target coverage but achieved reduced doses to the bladder (V65Gy from 36% to 27%, V40Gy from 54% to 51%) and rectum (V65Gy from 20% to 19%, V60Gy from 27% to 24%, V40Gy from 42% to 38%). The matches of 806 CBCT images in 24 patients were reviewed. The mean match ranged from −0.12 to 0.17 cm AP, −0.14 to 0.14 cm superior–inferior (SI) and −0.04 to 0.04 cm left–right (LR). An undetected geographic miss was found in the prostate bed in 17 (2.1%) images and lymph nodes in 2 (0.2%) images.ConclusionsDaily soft tissue IGRT with reduced anisotropic margins for post‐prostatectomy radiotherapy has been successfully implemented. RTs performed better with real‐time online matching than they did in offline training, perhaps influenced by having several RTs perform online matching. Daily soft tissue IGRT did not prolong treatment time.
Pathway‐based meta‐analysis for partially paired transcriptomics analysis
Authors: Fung Wing Tung , Wu Joseph T. , Chan Wai Man Mandy , Chan Henry H. , Pang Herbert 
Published: November 2019

Pathway‐based differential expression analysis allows the incorporation of biological domain knowledge into transcriptomics analysis to enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms. To integrate information among multiple studies at the pathway level, pathway‐based meta‐analysis can be performed. Paired or partially paired samples are common in biomedical research. However, there are currently no existing pathway‐based meta‐analysis methods appropriate for paired or partially paired study designs.In this study, we developed a pathway‐based meta‐analysis approach for paired or partially paired samples. Meta‐analysis on the transcriptomics profiles were conducted using p‐value‐based, rank‐based, and effect size‐based algorithms. The application of our approach was demonstrated using partially paired data from psoriasis transcriptomics studies.Upon combining six transcriptomics studies, genes related to the cell cycle and DNA replication pathways are found to be highly perturbed in psoriatic lesional skin samples. Results were validated externally with independent RNA‐Seq data. Comparison with existing pathway meta‐analysis methods revealed consistent results, with our method showing higher detection power.This study demonstrated the utility of our newly developed pathway‐based meta‐analysis that allows the incorporation of partially paired or paired samples. The proposed framework can be applied to omics data including but not limited to transcriptomics data.
Long fallows allow soil regeneration in slash‐and‐burn agriculture
Authors: Lintemani Mariane Gonçalves , Loss Arcângelo , Mendes Camilo Sepulveda , Fantini Alfredo Celso 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDSlash‐and‐burn is a typical soil management system in tropical regions, in which the use of fire and the fallow time are key factors for controlling the dynamics of the physical and chemical attributes of the soil. The present study evaluated the ability of the fallow period to regenerate the soil, making it similar to the soil of a mature native forest, and compared it with other agricultural soils using a slash‐and‐burn chronosequence. Soil samples (0–5, 5–10 and 10–20 cm) were collected in areas with slash‐and‐burn agriculture [2‐year crop (cassava); 10 and 15‐years fallow] and in nearby areas with eucalyptus forest plantation, agroforestry system and mature native forest.RESULTSSlash‐and‐burn agriculture does not alter soil bulk density; however, it reduces aggregate geometric mean diameter (GMD). A 15‐year fallow can restore the GMD to values similar to those other areas. The sensitivity index of GMD shows the improvement of aggregation after a 15‐year fallow. Total organic carbon decreases in a 2‐year crop but increases in a 10‐year fallow. A 15‐year fallow increases particulate organic carbon and mineral‐associated organic carbon compared to a 2‐year crop. Total nitrogen, particulate nitrogen and mineral‐associated nitrogen decrease in the years following the burning but increase throughout a 15‐year fallow.CONCLUSIONThe results of the chemical and physical attributes evaluated indicate that a fallow period of 15 years or more after a crop cycle in slash‐and‐burn agriculture can restore the original soil conditions. The soil quality conservation in the slash‐and‐burn agriculture is superior to that of continued cultivation of agricultural crops, or monoculture plantations. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Diverse food in urban gardens in the promotion of food and nutrition security in Brazil: a review
Authors: Sant'Anna de Medeiros Natália , do Carmo Davi Lopes , Priore Silvia Eloiza , Santos Ricardo Henrique Silva 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFood and nutrition security can be supported by an urban garden. The present study comprises a critical reflection on the difficulty of producing food in urban gardens in Brazil and shows the potential of food production and the obstacles to its expansion. In addition, issues related to the agroecological management of gardens are addressed and suggestions are made to improve the proposed public policies. Urban gardens are multifunctional and have social, economic and environmental impacts. They are strategically important for supporting low‐income families and urban development. Through urban gardens, diverse foods and quality foods can be produced for self‐consumption. This review highlights the importance of generating detailed information on urban gardens in Brazil to support policies aimed at this sector. Long‐term and multidisciplinary studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between food production in urban gardens and household food and nutrition security. This approach revealed a lack of information on the amount of food produced by Brazilians in their gardens and consumed by the household. In addition, there is little information on the management of production. There is a gap relating to the impact of food produced in urban gardens and the prevalence of food and nutrition security. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
U.S. News and World Report hospital ranking and surgical outcomes among patients undergoing surgery for cancer
Authors: Mehta Rittal , Merath Katiuscha , Farooq Ayesha , Sahara Kota , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Ejaz Aslam , Hyer J. Madison , Paredes Anghela Z. , Dillhoff Mary , Cloyd Jordan M. , Pawlik Timothy M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundDespite the popularity of the U.S. News and World Report (USNWR) hospital rankings among the general public, the relationship between hospital rankings and actual patient outcomes for major cancers remains poorly investigated.MethodsMedicare Inpatient Standard Analytic Files were queried from 2013–2015 to assess the relationship of postoperative outcomes and Medicare expenditures among patients undergoing surgery for colorectal, lung, esophageal, pancreatic, and liver cancer at hospitals ranked in the top‐50 USNWR vs hospitals ranked below 50.ResultsAmong 94 599 patients, 13 217 vs 81 382 patients underwent surgery at a top‐50 hospital versus a non‐top 50 ranked hospital. Other than among patients who underwent colorectal surgery, the odds of postoperative complications were lower at top ranked vs non‐top ranked hospitals (colorectal: OR, 1.46, 95% CI, 1.28‐1.65; lung: OR, 0.73, 95% CI, 0.61‐0.87; esophagus: OR, 0.70, 95% CI, 0.52‐0.94; pancreas: OR, 0.81, 95% CI, 0.70‐0.94; liver: OR, 0.85, 95% CI, 0.69‐1.04). Moreover, the odds of 90‐day mortality were lower at top ranked hospitals vs non‐top ranked hospitals (colorectal: OR, 0.59, 95% CI, 0.48‐74; lung: OR, 0.66, 95% CI, 0.53‐0.82; esophagus: OR, 0.56, 95% CI, 0.40‐0.80; pancreas: OR, 0.51, 95% CI, 0.40‐0.65; liver: OR, 0.61, 95% CI, 0.44‐0.84). Outcomes were comparable among hospitals within the top‐50 rank.ConclusionMortality rates were lower at hospitals in the top‐50 USNWR versus non‐top ranked, yet hospitals within the top‐50 USNWR rankings had comparable outcomes.
Manganese/iron‐supported sulfate‐dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane by archaea in lake sediments
Authors: Su Guangyi , Zopfi Jakob , Yao Haoyi , Steinle Lea , Niemann Helge , Lehmann Moritz F. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAnaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) by methanotrophic archaea is an important sink of this greenhouse gas in marine sediments. However, evidence for AOM in freshwater habitats is rare, and little is known about the pathways, electron acceptors, and microbes involved. Here, we show that AOM occurs in anoxic sediments of a sulfate‐rich lake in southern Switzerland (Lake Cadagno). Combined AOM‐rate and 16S rRNA gene‐sequencing data suggest that Candidatus Methanoperedens archaea are responsible for the observed methane oxidation. Members of the Methanoperedenaceae family were previously reported to conduct nitrate‐ or iron/manganese‐dependent AOM. However, we demonstrate for the first time that the methanotrophic archaea do not necessarily rely upon these oxidants as terminal electron acceptors directly, but mainly perform canonical sulfate‐dependent AOM, which under sulfate‐starved conditions can be supported by metal (Mn, Fe) oxides through oxidation of reduced sulfur species to sulfate. The correspondence of high abundances of Desulfobulbaceae and Candidatus Methanoperedens at the same sediment depth confirms the interdependence of anaerobic methane‐oxidizing archaea and sulfate‐reducing bacteria. The relatively high abundance and widespread distribution of Candidatus Methanoperedens in lake sediments highlight their potentially important role in mitigating methane emissions from terrestrial freshwater environments to the atmosphere, analogous to ANME‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 in marine settings.
In‐Plane Photonic Crystal Devices using Fano Resonances
Authors: Bekele Dagmawi , Yu Yi , Yvind Kresten , Mork Jesper 
Published: November 2019

AbstractNanocavity devices enabling concentration of light in a very small volume have resulted in several interesting applications over the past years. Of particular interest are the asymmetric resonance lineshapes known as Fano resonances, which result from the interference between a discrete mode of the nanocavity and a continuum of background modes. Compared to the conventional symmetric Lorentzian lineshape, asymmetric Fano lineshapes enable novel or improved device structures for use in optical switches, sensors, lasers, and narrow band filters. Herein, the use of Fano lineshapes in photonic crystal membranes for realizing various optical signal processing functionalities is reviewed. The basic theory of Fano resonances is presented, different photonic crystal Fano device geometries are discussed, the nonlinear processes empowering the devices are explained, and an overview of all‐optical signal processing demonstrations based on Fano resonances is given.
Normal Doppler Frequency Shift in Negative Refractive‐Index Systems
Authors: Lin Xiao , Zhang Baile 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBesides the well‐known negative refraction, a negative refractive‐index material can exhibit another two hallmark features, which are the inverse Doppler effect and backward Cherenkov radiation. The former is known as the motion‐induced frequency shift that is contrary to the normal Doppler effect, and the latter refers to the Cherenkov radiation whose cone direction is opposite to the source's motion. Here these two features are combined and the Doppler effect inside the backward Cherenkov cone is discussed. It is revealed that the Doppler effect is not always inversed but can be normal in negative refractive‐index systems. A previously un‐reported phenomenon of normal Doppler frequency shift is proposed in a regime inside the backward Cherenkov cone, when the source's velocity is two times faster than the phase velocity of light. A realistic metal–insulator–metal structure, which supports metal plasmons with an effective negative refractive index, is adopted to demonstrate the potential realization of this phenomenon.