bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging insights into molecular mechanisms underlying pyroptosis and functions of inflammasomes in diseases
Authors: Lu Fangfang , Lan Zhixin , Xin Zhaoqi , He Chunrong , Guo Zimeng , Xia Xiaobo , Hu Tu 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPyroptosis is a form of necrotic and inflammatory programmed cell death, which could be characterized by cell swelling, pore formation on plasma membranes, and release of proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β and IL‐18). The process of pyroptosis presents as dual effects: protecting multicellular organisms from microbial infection and endogenous dangers; leading to pathological inflammation if overactivated. Two pathways have been found to trigger pyroptosis: caspase‐1 mediated inflammasome pathway with the involvement of NLRP1‐, NLRP3‐, NLRC4‐, AIM2‐, pyrin‐inflammasome (canonical inflammasome pathway) and caspase‐4/5/11‐mediated inflammasome pathway (noncanonical inflammasome pathway). Gasdermin D (GSDMD) has been proved to be a substrate of inflammatory caspases (caspase‐1/4/5/11), and the cleaved N‐terminal domain of GSDMD oligomerizes to form cytotoxic pores on the plasma membrane. Here, we mainly reviewed the up to date mechanisms of pyroptosis, and began with the inflammasomes as the activator of caspase‐1/caspase‐11, 4, and 5. We further discussed these inflammasomes functions in diseases, including infectious diseases, sepsis, inflammatory autoimmune diseases, and neuroinflammatory diseases.
Retracted: HOTAIR regulates lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response in hepatocytes
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Chen Miao , Zhai Yuyan , Fu Yu 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIt has been widely accepted that long‐noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) emerges as a crucial mediator in inflammation. Here, we first detected HOTAIR in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated normal human liver cell line (L02) and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (C3A, HepG2, and SMMC‐7721). Further, we explored the biological function of HOTAIR in LPS‐induced hepatocytes (L02 and C3A) lesions and investigated the molecular mechanisms. Besides, we focused on inflammatory signaling crosstalk. The inflammatory insults were assayed by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), cell cycle and apoptosis analysis kit, and immunoblotting assay. HOTAIR level was examined by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. To determine the effect of HOTAIR silence or overexpression in inflammation, we applied quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting assay, and enzyme‐linked immuno sorbent assay. Regulator inhibitors of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK2/STAT3; AG490) and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB; BAY‐11–7082) were applied to treat cells. Our results suggested that LPS induced the overexpression of HOTAIR in L02, C3A, HepG2, and SMMC‐7721 cells. LPS repressed viability, induced apoptosis, and facilitated the expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in L02 and C3A cells. IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were upregulated by HOTAIR overexpression while downregulated by HOTAIR knockdown in LPS‐treated cells. We further observed that HOTAIR overexpression accelerated LPS‐induced phosphorylation whereas HOTAIR silence blocked this progress. Inhibition of JAK/STAT and NF‐κB contributed to the suppression of cytokines which was evoked by LPS. Collectively, our findings indicated that HOTAIR exerted a crucial role in cytokines expression by activating JAK/STAT and NF‐κB.
Diagnosis of Postlaminar Optic Nerve Invasion in Retinoblastoma With MRI Features
Authors: Li Zhenzhen , Guo Jian , Xu Xiaolin , Wang Yongzhe , Mukherji Suresh Kumar , Xian Junfang 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundRetinoblastomas (RBs) with postlaminar optic nerve invasion (PLONI) increases the risk of local recurrence or systemic metastasis. Most MRI studies on PLONI focused on optic nerve enhancement and tumor size, with reported relatively high specificity (84–98%) but low sensitivity (37–78%), which shows room for improvement, especially with regard to sensitivity.PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic performance for detecting PLONI with RB using MRI features.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationFifty patients with histopathologic PLONI and 70 patients without PLONI of RB.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T and 3.0T, precontrast axial T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted, postcontrast axial, coronal and oblique‐sagittal T1‐weighted.AssessmentThe eyes were histopathologically analyzed and the preoperative MRI features of the eyes were independently evaluated by three observers.Statistical TestsMRI features suggesting the presence of PLONI were identified by univariate and multivariable analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze diagnostic performance.ResultsSignificant independent diagnostic factors for PLONI include: 1: Bilateral tumor (odds ratio [OR], 15.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63–143.51); 2: Tumor with total coverage of the optic disk (OR, 6.43; 95% CI: 1.04–39.79); and 3: Optic nerve enhancement (OR, 8.43; 95% CI: 3.50–20.31). On the other hand, isointense signal of tumor on T2WI (OR, 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12–0.75) was an independent diagnostic factor in excluding PLONI. ROC analysis showed AUC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77–0.91, P < 0.0001) for PLONI. Based on the cutoff of maximum Youden index, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 82%, 73%, and 77%, respectively.Data ConclusionMRI features of RB showed a strong association with PLONI. The model of MRI features demonstrated promising diagnostic performance in detecting PLONI.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1045–1052.
Chromium tolerance and accumulation in Aspergillus flavus isolated from tannery effluent
Authors: Vajpai Shilpi , Taylor Philip E. , Adholeya Alok , Leigh Ackland M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCr(VI) tolerance in Aspergillus flavus, strain SFL, isolated from tannery effluent was measured and compared with a reference strain of A. flavus, A1120. On solid medium, SFL had a high level of Cr(VI) tolerance (1,600 mg/L), which was 16 times that of A1120 and greater than most previously analyzed fungal strains. When in 100 mg/L of Cr(VI), SFL completely depleted Cr(VI) within 72 h while A1120 depleted 85% of Cr(VI). SFL was more effective in reducing extracellular Cr(VI) than A1120. While A1120 showed greater biosorption of Cr(VI) than SFL, intracellular accumulation was approximately 50% greater in SFL and was more energy‐dependent than A1120. Cr(VI) modified the external surface of the hyphae. Cr speciation detected the presence of only Cr(III), corresponding to Cr(OH)3, which precipitated on the hyphal surface. Cr(VI) bound to the functional groups carboxyl, amine, and hydroxyl in both SFL and A1120. Transmission electron microscopy energy‐dispersive X‐ray detected Cr on the fungal wall and within membrane‐bound organelles of the cytoplasm. In conclusion, the greater tolerance of SFL to Cr(VI) relative to A1120 is due to more effective energy‐dependant uptake of Cr(VI) into the cell and increased capacity of SFL to store Cr in intracellular vacuoles compared with A1120.
Antibacterial effect of TiO2:Cu:Ag thin coatings on Pseudomonas strain measured by microbiological and ATP assays
Authors: Ivanova Iliana A. , Pavlova Elitsa L. , Stoyanova Dragomira S. , Angelov Orlin I. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial properties of nanocomposite thin TiO2:Cu:Ag films on Pseudomonas putida as a natural isolate and an opportunistic pathogen. Several different methods were used to compare the antibacterial effect of thin TiO2:Cu:Ag layers obtained by radiofrequency magnetron sputter deposition against P. putida: optical density of the bacterial suspension, most probable number of survived cells, dehydrogenase activity inhibition, scanning electron microscopy images, atomic flame absorption spectroscopy, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) luminescent assay. Optical density measurements and most probable plate count were in agreement and showed a strong bactericidal effect of the as‐deposited and only bacteriostatic effect of the annealed coatings with the same metal content on tested bacteria. As the metal quantity in the medium rises during the first hour of the experiment, it could be suggested that this is the main reason for cell death. ATP‐luminescent assay showed up to 18‐fold reduction of the signal. It was compared with other microbiological and biochemical assays to prove the strong antibacterial effect of nanocomposite thin TiO2:Cu:Ag coatings with the possibilities of medical applications. Protection of medical devices against infections is a significant current challenge raised by an increasing number of medical devices‐associated infections and microbial resistance to conventional antibiotic and multidrug treatments. Deposition of antimicrobial coatings is one of the current approaches to mitigate the problem.
Relationship Between Respiratory Muscle Strength, Handgrip Strength, and Muscle Mass in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Peterson Sarah J. , Park Jessica , Zellner Hillary K. , Moss Olivia A. , Welch Arianna , Sclamberg Joy , Moran Ellen , Hicks‐McGarry Stephanie , Becker Ellen A. , Foley Sharon 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundMinimal information is available to validate measurement of respiratory muscle strength (RMS) in the clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) with handgrip strength (HGS) and cross sectional muscle area obtained via diagnostic abdominal computed tomography (CT).Materials and methodsMeasures of MIP, MEP, SNIP, and HGS were obtained from individuals that participated in a previously published study; individuals who had an abdominal CT completed with (±)7 days of obtaining RMS measures were included. Both RMS and HGS were measured within 48–72 hours of admission; for RMS, the highest absolute (cm H2O) and percent predicted values were recorded, and the average of 3 HGS measurements (kg) was documented. Cross‐sectional muscle area (cm2) at the third lumbar region was recorded. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between variables.ResultsA total of 35 participants were included. HGS was correlated to absolute MIP (rs = 0.62, rs = 0.61), MEP (rs = 0.74, rs = 0.73), and SNIP (rs = 0.58, rs = 0.54) for males and females, respectively. Crosss‐sectional muscle area was correlated with absolute MIP (rs = 0.66), MEP (rs = 0.58), and SNIP (rs = 0.783) for men and absolute SNIP (rs = 0.56) among women.ConclusionMeasures of RMS represent a promising assessment of muscle mass and function among hospitalized patients.
The mitochondrial permeability transition pore in cell death: A promising drug binding bioarchitecture
Authors: Nesci Salvatore 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBioenergetic failure often features programmed cell death involved in some severe pathologies. When the cell is fated to die, the inner mitochondrial membrane becomes permeable to ions and solutes, due to the formation and opening of a channel known as mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Up to now, the still‐elusive mPTP structure and mechanism prevented any attempt to identify/design drugs to rule its formation and limit cell death. Latest advances, which strongly suggest that the F1FO‐ATPase can coincide with the mPTP, open new perspectives in therapy. Compounds targeting and inhibiting cyclophilin D, a known mPTP promoter, could be exploited to block mPTP formation. Moreover, if the mPTP‐F1FO‐ATPase connection will be consolidated, selected F1FO‐ATPase inhibitors could represent novel therapeutic options to attenuate mPTP‐related diseases by directly acting on mPTP molecular mechanism. This intriguing perspective, which raises new hopes to counteract mPTP‐related diseases, stimulates further studies to clarify the mPTP architecture and mechanism.
A sparse orthogonal collimator for small animal intensity‐modulated radiation therapy. Part II: hardware development and commissioning
Authors: Woods Kaley , Neph Ryan , Nguyen Dan , Sheng Ke 
Published: October 2019

PurposeA dose‐modulation device for small animal radiotherapy is required to use clinically analogous treatment techniques, which will likely increase the translatability of preclinical research results. Because the clinically used multileaf collimator (MLC) is impractical for miniaturization, we have developed a simpler, better‐suited sparse orthogonal collimator (SOC) for delivering small animal intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using a rectangular aperture optimization (RAO) treatment planning system.MethodsThe SOC system was modeled in computer‐aided design software and fabricated with machined tungsten leaves and three‐dimensional (3D) printed leaf housing. A graphical user interface was developed for controlling and calibrating the SOC leaves, which are driven by Arduino‐controlled stepper motors. A Winston‐Lutz test was performed to assess mechanical alignment, and abutting field and grid dose patterns were created to analyze intra‐ and intercalibration leaf positioning error. Leaf transmission and penumbra were measured over the full range of gantry angles and leaf positions, respectively. Three SOC test plans were delivered, and film measurements were compared to the intended dose distributions. The differences in maximum, mean, and minimum, as well as pixelwise absolute dose differences, were compared for each structure, and a gamma analysis was performed for the target structures using criteria of 4% dose difference and 0.3 mm distance to agreement.ResultsThe Winston‐Lutz test revealed maximum directional offsets between the SOC and primary collimator axes of 0.53 mm at 0° and 0.68 mm over the full 360°. Upper and lower abutting field patterns had maximum dose deviations of 18.8 ± 3.1% and 15.5 ± 2.9%, respectively, and grid patterns showed intra‐ and intercalibration repeatability of 93% and 91%, respectively. Extremely low midleaf (0.15 ± 0.05%) and interleaf (0.27 ± 0.22%) transmission was measured, with no significant rotational variation. The average penumbra was ~0.8 mm for all leaves at field center, with a range of 0.17 mm for all leaf positions. A highly concave test plan was delivered with a ~ 95% gamma analysis pass rate, and a realistic mouse phantom liver irradiation plan achieved a pass rate of ~98%. A highly complex dose distribution was also created with 551 SOC apertures averaging 2.4 mm in size.ConclusionsA sparse orthogonal collimator was developed and commissioned, with promising preliminary dosimetry results. The SOC design, with its limited moving components and high dose‐modulation resolution, is ideal for delivering high‐quality small animal IMRT with our RAO‐based treatment planning system.
Tunnel oxide passivating electron contacts for high‐efficiency n‐type silicon solar cells with amorphous silicon passivating hole contacts
Authors: Park HyunJung , Lee Youngseok , Park Se Jin , Bae Soohyun , Kim Sangho , Oh Donghyun , Park Jinjoo , Kim Youngkuk , Guim Hwanuk , Kang Yoonmook , Lee Hae‐Seok , Kim Donghwan , Yi Junsin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study proposes a hybrid solar cell structure for a highly efficient silicon solar cell obtained by combining two passivating contact structures, namely, a heterojunction and polysilicon passivating contact. Given that the major cause of the loss in efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells is carrier recombination at the metal‐semiconductor junction, a passivating contact having high‐quality passivation and a low contact resistance was introduced. In this study, two major passivating contact solar cells were combined. By applying an intrinsic thin amorphous silicon layer at the front and a tunneling oxide at the rear, a hybrid silicon solar cell with an efficiency of 21.8% was fabricated. Moreover, to evaluate the potential efficiency limit and to suggest methods for improving the cell performance of the proposed amorphous silicon emitter tunnel oxide back contact structure, the cell efficiency was simulated, and the result indicated that an efficiency of 26% could be achieved by controlling the thickness and resistivity of the wafer.
Dimensions of hope in adolescence: Relations to academic functioning and well‐being
Authors: Bryce Crystal I. , Alexander Brittany L. , Fraser Ashley M. , Fabes Richard A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHope—a multidimensional positive motivational state—is particularly salient with adolescents in the school setting. Cognitive hope focuses on goal attainment cognitions whereas behavioral hope focuses on actions required for goal attainment. Studies rarely examine the contribution of each type of hope to adolescents’ academic functioning and well‐being. The present study examines the contributions of cognitive and behavioral hope to academic functioning (i.e., achievement and school engagement) and well‐being (i.e., stress and anxiousness) across adolescence among 5th‐ through 12th‐grade students (n = 643). When modeled concurrently, cognitive hope significantly predicted achievement, school engagement, anxiousness, and stress (high school only); however, aspects of behavioral hope only predicted school engagement. Findings provide evidence regarding the unique contribution of both types of hope in school settings and possible areas for intervention to foster hope in developmentally appropriate ways, depending on the age of the students and outcomes of interest.
Proteomics Identification and Validation of Desmocollin‐1 and Catechol‐O‐Methyltransferase as Proteins Associated with Breast Cancer Cell Migration and Metastasis
Authors: Faktor Jakub , Knopfova Lucia , Lapcik Petr , Janacova Lucia , Paralova Vendula , Bouchalova Pavla , Muller Petr , Benes Petr , Bouchal Pavel 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBiological treatment of many cancers currently targets membrane bound receptors located on a cell surface. To identify novel membrane proteins associated with migration and metastasis of breast cancer cells, a more migrating subpopulation of MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell line is selected and characterized. A high‐resolution quantitative mass spectrometry with SILAC labeling is applied to analyze their surfaceome and it is compared with that of parental MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Among 824 identified proteins (FDR < 0.01), 128 differentially abundant cell surface proteins with at least one transmembrane domain are found. Of these, i) desmocollin‐1 (DSC1) is validated as a protein connected with lymph node status of luminal A breast cancer, tumor grade, and Her‐2 status by immunohistochemistry in the set of 96 primary breast tumors, and ii) catechol‐O‐methyltransferase is successfully verified as a protein associated with lymph node metastasis of triple negative breast cancer as well as with tumor grade by targeted data extraction from the SWATH‐MS data of the same set of tissues. The findings indicate importance of both proteins for breast cancer development and metastasis and highlight the potential of biomarker validation strategy via targeted data extraction from SWATH‐MS datasets.
Mean‐Field Calculation ofMZfor Randomly Branched Condensation Polymers
Authors: Odle Roy , Mitchell Joseph D. , Bendler John T. 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTThe mean‐field theory of Flory–Stockmayer for randomly branched polymers in the regime of strong chain overlap is extended to a calculation ofMZvia the recursive method of Miller and Macosko. The formalism includes condensation polymers, copolymers, chain stoppers, bifunctional diluents to control the chain length between branch points, multiple branching agents, and arbitrary stoichiometries.MZclosely approximates the largest branched polymer in the system and is therefore a key parameter describing static scaling behavior near the gel point. Nonuniversal static scaling ofMZis illustrated with examples from the literature. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2019,57, 1415–1422
The experiences of patients and their family members when receiving bad news about cancer: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Matthews Tamyra , Baken Donald , Ross Kirsty , Ogilvie Emily , Kent Lizzy 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis qualitative meta‐synthesis explored the subjective experiences of patients and their family members when receiving bad news about cancer, with a focus on what was important to them during this process and making future recommendations.MethodsA search of five electronic databases yielded 587 different records that resulted in 88 articles assessed against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. With the supplement of four additional records, 29 articles were analysed using thematic synthesis. A quality appraisal checklist was used to provide further information about the included articles.ResultsPatients and family members experienced receiving bad news as a process that involved three phases, labelled as follows: “preparation”, “delivery”, and “adjusting and coping”. The “preparation” phase had four themes: the setting, developing a relationship, knowing the patient, and forewarning. Four themes were identified during the “delivery” phase: emotional reactions, empathy not sympathy, active participation, and understanding. “Adjusting and coping” comprised four themes: hope, holistic support, being a protector, and ongoing relationships.ConclusionsReceiving bad news is a significant experience for patients and family members. They want bad news delivered in an appropriate setting, in a manner consistent with their personal preferences, and have their psychological needs attended to within the context of an established relationship. Healthcare professionals can be assisted to deliver bad news in the best way possible by additional training and their workplace institutions providing quiet, private rooms, and sufficient time. Future research is needed to better understand family members' experiences and needs.
A systematic review on hepatoprotective activity of quercetin against various drugs and toxic agents: Evidence from preclinical studies
Authors: Pingili Ravindra Babu , Challa Siva Reddy , Pawar A. Krishnamanjari , Toleti Vyshnavi , Kodali Tanvija , Koppula Sirisha 
Published: October 2019

AbstractQuercetin is one of the most abundant flavonoids in human diet that has been reported to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties. The biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in the hepatoprotective activity of quercetin were discussed in this review. Quercetin exhibited hepatoprotective activity against 2‐butoxyethanol, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, aflatoxin B1, aroclor‐1254, arsenic, sodium arsenite, azathioprine, cadmium chloride, carbon tetrachloride, chlorpyrifos, cyclosporine A, diazinon, dimethylnitrosamine, doxorubicin, epirubicin, ethanol, fenvalerate, isoniazide, rifampicin, lead acetate, lindane,D‐galactosamine, methotrexate, methylmercury, nickel sulfate, paracetamol, perfluorooctanoic acid, polychlorinated biphenyls, pyrrolizidine alkaloid clivorine, rotenone, sodium fluoride, streptazotocin,tert‐butyl hydroperoxide, thioacetamide, titanium dioxide, tumor necrosis factor‐α, tripterygium glycoside, triptolide, ultraviolet A light, concavalin A, bisphenol, and ischemia‐induced hepatotoxicity in various animal models due to its antioxidant, free radical‐scavenging,anti‐inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) inhibitory activities. In this review, we provide an overview of the possible mechanisms by which quercetin reduced the hepatotoxicity of different hepatotoxicants. This will help the toxicologists, pharmacologists, and chemists to develop new safer pharmaceutical products with quercetin and other hepatotoxicants.