bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective effects and mechanism of curcumin on myocardial injury induced by coronary microembolization
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Yuanhang , Huang Xuecheng , Zhang Jingchang , Yang Lihui 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveCoronary microembolization (CME) is a common complication during the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). CME‐induced local myocardial inflammation and myocardial apoptosis are the primary causes of progressive cardiac dysfunction. Curcumin exerts a protective role in various cardiovascular diseases; however, its effects in CME are yet to be clarified. Therefore, the current study investigated the effects of curcumin on myocardial inflammatory responses, myocardial apoptosis, and cardiac dysfunctions induced by CME in rats.MethodsA total of 40 Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: Sham operation (sham group), CME group, curcumin, and control with 10 rats in each group. The ascending aortas were clamped, and the CME‐model group was established by injecting microspheres into the apex of the left ventricle. An equivalent amount of normal saline was injected to establish the sham group. The cardiac functions, serum c‐troponin I level, and apoptotic index was examined. Also, the levels of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88), nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) p65, BCL2‐associated X protein (Bax), B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2), cleaved caspase‐3, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were detected.ResultsMyocardial dysfunction enhanced serum c‐troponin I, and apoptotic index were induced following CME. Moreover, CME elevated the expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF‐κB p65, cleaved caspase‐3, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β, while the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio decreased. Curcumin reversed these effects by CME, while the gastric lavage control did not exert any effect.ConclusionCurcumin was responsible for the anti‐CME‐induced myocardial injury. The effector mechanism might be related to the reduction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inhibition of myocardial inflammatory responses mediated by TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Integrated bioinformatic analysis reveals YWHAB as a novel diagnostic biomarker for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Wang Tao , Zheng Xuan , Li Ruidong , Liu Xintian , Wu Jinhua , Zhong Xiaodan , Zhang Wenjun , Liu Yujian , He Xingwei , Liu Wanjun , Wang Hongjie , Zeng Hesong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a severe cardiovascular disease that is a serious threat to human life. However, the specific diagnostic biomarkers have not been fully clarified and candidate regulatory targets for IPAH have not been identified. The aim of this study was to explore the potential diagnostic biomarkers and possible regulatory targets of IPAH. We performed a weighted gene coexpression network analysis and calculated module‐trait correlations based on a public microarray data set (GSE703) and six modules were found to be related to IPAH. Two modules which have the strongest correlation with IPAH were further analyzed and the top 10 hub genes in the two modules were identified. Furthermore, we validated the data by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in an independent sample set originated from our study center. Overall, the qRT‐PCR results were consistent with most of the results of the microarray analysis. Intriguingly, the highest change was found for YWHAB, a gene encodes a protein belonging to the 14‐3‐3 family of proteins, members of which mediate signal transduction by binding to phosphoserine‐containing proteins. Thus,
YWHAB was subsequently selected for validation. In congruent with the gene expression analysis, plasma 14‐3‐3β concentrations were significantly increased in patients with IPAH compared with healthy controls, and 14‐3‐3β expression was also positively correlated with mean pulmonary artery pressure (
R
2 = 0.8783;
p < 0.001). Taken together, using weighted gene coexpression analysis,
YWHAB was identified and validated in association with IPAH progression, which might serve as a biomarker and/or therapeutic target for IPAH.
Curcumin as an anti‐inflammatory agent: Implications to radiotherapy and chemotherapy
Authors: Farhood Bagher , Mortezaee Keywan , Goradel Nasser Hashemi , Khanlarkhani Neda , Salehi Ensieh , Nashtaei Maryam Shabani , Najafi Masoud , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCancer is the second cause of death worldwide. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common modalities for the treatment of cancer. Experimental studies have shown that inflammation plays a central role in tumor resistance and the incidence of several side effects following both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Inflammation resulting from radiotherapy and chemotherapy is responsible for adverse events such as dermatitis, mucositis, pneumonitis, fibrosis, and bone marrow toxicity. Chronic inflammation may also lead to the development of second cancer during years after treatment. A number of anti‐inflammatory drugs such as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents have been proposed to alleviate chronic inflammatory reactions after radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Curcumin is a well‐documented herbal anti‐inflammatory agents. Studies have proposed that curcumin can help management of inflammation during and after radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Curcumin targets various inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase‐2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB), thereby attenuating the release of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, and suppressing chronic production of free radicals, which culminates in the amelioration of tissue toxicity. Through modulation of NF‐κB and its downstream signaling cascade, curcumin can also reduce angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. Low toxicity of curcumin is linked to its cytoprotective effects in normal tissues. This protective action along with the capacity of this phytochemical to sensitize tumor cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy makes it a potential candidate for use as an adjuvant in cancer therapy. There is also evidence from clinical trials suggesting the potential utility of curcumin for acute inflammatory reactions during radiotherapy such as dermatitis and mucositis.
Effects of intracerebroventricular administration of irisin on the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis in male rats
Authors: Tekin Suat , Beytur Ali , Erden Yavuz , Beytur Asiye , Cigremis Yilmaz , Vardi Nigar , Turkoz Yusuf , Tekedereli Ibrahim , Sandal Suleyman 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIrisin is a product of fibronectin type III domain‐containing protein 5 (FNDC5) and plays an important role in energy homeostasis. In this study, we aimed to determine effects of intracerebroventricular administration of irisin on the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis by molecular, biochemical, and morphological findings.Fourty male Wistar‐Albino rats were used and divided into four groups including control, sham (vehicle), 10, and 100 nM irisin infused groups (n = 10). Hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) level and serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were determined. Testicular tissue histology and spermiogram analysis were also performed.Both irisin concentrations significantly reduced hypothalamic GnRH messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels (p < 0.05). It was found that serum LH, FSH, and testosterone levels and Sertoli and Leydig cell numbers were decreased by irisin administration (p < 0.05). In addition, irisin administration reduced sperm density and mobility (p < 0.05). However, it did not cause any change in testicular and epididymis weights and tubular diameter.Our results reveal that irisin can play a role in the central regulation of reproductive behavior and also reduces testosterone levels by suppressing LH and FSH secretion. These results suggest that the discovery of irisin receptor antagonists may be beneficial in the treatment of infertility.
Isolation, cultivation, and characterization of primary bovine cochlear pericytes: A new in vitro model of stria vascularis
Authors: Giurdanella Giovanni , Montalbano Giuseppe , Gennuso Florinda , Brancati Serena , Lo Furno Debora , Augello Antonio , Bucolo Claudio , Drago Filippo , Salomone Salvatore 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe study of strial pericytes has gained great interest as they are pivotal for the physiology of stria vascularis. To provide an easily accessible in vitro model, here we described a growth medium‐based approach to obtain and cultivate primary bovine cochlear pericytes (BCP) from the stria vascularis of explanted bovine cochleae. We obtained high‐quality pericytes in 8–10 days with a > 90% purity after the second passage. Immunocytochemical analysis showed a homogeneous population of cells expressing typical pericyte markers, such as neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2), platelet‐derived growth factor receptorβ (PDGFRβ), α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), and negative for the endothelial marker von Willebrand factor. When challenged with tumor necrosis factor or lipopolysaccharide, BCP changed their shape, similarly to human retinal pericytes (HRPC). The sensitivity of BCP to ototoxic drugs was evaluated by challenging with cisplatin or gentamicin for 48 hr. Compared to human retinal endothelial cells and HRPC, cell viability of BCP was significantly lower (
p < 0.05) after the treatment with gentamicin or cisplatin. These data indicate that our protocol provides a simple and reliable method to obtain highly pure strial BCP. Furthermore, BCP are suitable to assess the safety profile of molecules which supposedly exert ototoxic activity, and may represent a valid alternative to in vivo tests.
Contribution of regulatory T cells to cancer: A review
Authors: Najafi Masoud , Farhood Bagher , Mortezaee Keywan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRegulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a low number of T‐cell population under normal conditions, and they play key roles for maintaining immune system in homeostasis. The number of these cells is extensively increased in nearly all cancers, which is for dampening responses from immune system against cancer cells, metastasis, tumor recurrence, and treatment resistance. The interesting point is that apoptotic Tregs are stronger than their live counterparts for suppressing responses from immune system. Tregs within the tumor microenvironment have extensive positive cross‐talks with other immunosuppressive cells including cancer‐associated fibroblasts, cancer cells, macrophage type 2 cells, and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, and they have negative interactions with immunostimulatory cells including cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer cells. A wide variety of markers are expressed in Tregs, among them forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) is the most specific marker and the master regulator of these cells. Multiple signals are activated by Tregs including transforming growth factor‐β, signal transducer and activator of transcription, and mTORC1. Treg reprogramming from an immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory proinflammatory phenotype is critical for increasing the efficacy of immunotherapy. This would be applicable through selective suppression of tumor‐bearing receptors in Tregs, including FOXP3, programmed death‐1, T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin‐3, and CTL‐associated antigen‐4, among others. Intratumoral Tregs can also be targeted by increasing the ratio for CTL/Treg.
Exosomes in tuberculosis: Still terra incognita?
Authors: Hadifar Shima , Fateh Abolfazl , Yousefi Mohammad Hadi , Siadat Seyed Davar , Vaziri Farzam 
Published: October 2018

AbstractToday, diagnosis, vaccination, and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) remain major clinical challenges. Therefore, an introduction of new diagnostic measures and biomarkers is necessary to improve infection control. The ideal biomarker for TB infection can be defined as a host or pathogen‐derived biomolecule, which is potent for identifying infection and determining its clinical stage. Exosomes, defined as cell‐derived nanovesicles released into biological fluids, are involved in cell–cell communication and immune modulation. These vesicles have emerged as a new platform for improving the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of different infectious diseases and cancers. The role of these nanovehicles, as alternative biomarkers for the improvement of TB diagnosis and treatment, has been demonstrated in a significant body of literature. In this review, we summarized recent progress in the clinical application of exosome‐based biomarkers in TB infection.
Probiotics importance and their immunomodulatory properties
Authors: Yousefi Bahman , Eslami Majid , Ghasemian Abdolmajid , Kokhaei Parviz , Salek Farrokhi Amir , Darabi Narges 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMammalian intestine contains a large diversity of commensal microbiota, which is far more than the number of host cells. Probiotics play an insecure and protective role against the colonization of intestinal pathogenic microbes and increase mucosal integrity by stimulating epithelial cells. Probiotics have innate capabilities in many ways, including receptor antagonism, receptor expression, binding and expression of adapter proteins, expression of negative regulatory signal molecules, induction of microRNAs, endotoxin tolerance, and ultimately secretion of immunomodulatory proteins, lipids, and metabolites to modulate the immune system. Probiotic bacteria can affect homeostasis, inflammation, and immunopathology through direct or indirect effects on signaling pathways as immunosuppressant or activators. Probiotics suppress inflammation by inhibiting various signaling pathways such as the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κβ) pathway, possibly related to alterations in mitogen‐activated protein kinases and pattern recognition receptors pathways. Probiotics can also inhibit the binding of lipopolysaccharides to the CD14 receptor, thereby reducing the overall activation of NF‐κβ and producing proinflammatory cytokines. Some effects of modulation by probiotics include cytokine production by epithelial cells, increased mucin secretion, increased activity of phagocytosis, and activation of T and natural killer T cells, stimulation of immunoglobulin A production and decreased T cell proliferation. Intestinal microbiota has a major impact on the systemic immune system. Specific microbiota controls the differentiation of cells in lamina propria, in which Th17 cells secrete interleukin 17. The presence of Th17 and Treg cells in the small intestine is associated with intestinal microbiota, with the preferential Treg differentiation and the absence of Th17 cells, possibly reflecting alterations in the lamina propria cytokines and the intestinal gut microbiota.
The most reliable surface marker for the identification of colorectal cancer stem‐like cells: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abbasian Mahdi , Mousavi Elham , Arab‐Bafrani Zahra , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSeveral surface markers have been proposed for the identification and characterization of colorectal cancer stem‐like cells (CR‐CSLCs). However, their reliability in CR‐CSLCs identification remains controversial. This study evaluated the correlation between all candidate surface marker's expression and CSLCs properties (tumorigenicity) through monitoring in vivo tumor incidence and final tumor volume. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were systematically searched until November 2017. A total of 27 studies were found that met the inclusion criteria for cluster of differentiation 133 (CD133) and CD44 markers. Results indicated that either CD133 or CD44 positive cells caused about twofold increase in tumor volume compared with the negative cells (p < 0.05). In two groups of cells derived from primary tumors and cell lines, CD133
+ cells had 25 and 1.45 times higher tumor incidence potential than CD133
− cells, respectively (
p < 0.05). Also, cohort evaluation showed that CD133 overexpression at protein level is a marker of poor overall survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. While CD44
+ cells displayed twofold tumorigenicity compared with the negative cells (
p < 0.05), combination of CD44 and CD133 showed about sevenfold tumorigenicity potential (
p < 0.05). In conclusion, the present meta‐analysis suggests that CD133 is a robust biomarker to identify primary tumor CSLCs and can be proposed as a prognostic marker of CRC patient whereas it should be used with caution in cell lines. It seems to be more reliable to use CD133 in combination with CD44 as target biomarkers for the isolation of CR‐CSLCs in both cell line and primary tumor cells populations.
NK cell frequency and cytotoxicity in correlation to pregnancy outcome and response to IVIG therapy among women with recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Ahmadi Majid , Ghaebi Mahnaz , Abdolmohammadi‐Vahid Samaneh , Abbaspour‐Aghdam Sanaz , Hamdi Kobra , Abdollahi‐Fard Sedigheh , Danaii Shahla , Mosapour Parisa , Koushaeian Ladan , Dolati Sanam , Rikhtegar Reza , Oskouei Farnaz Dabiri , Aghebati‐Maleki Leili , Nouri Mohammad , Yousefi Mehdi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundRecurrent miscarriage (RM) has a multifactorial etiology mainly due to chromosomal abnormalities and immunological factors. Treating RM has remained to be a challenging issue and the role of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in treating RM is still controversial.Materials and MethodsThis study aimed to evaluate the changes in natural killer (NK) cells’ frequency and cytotoxicity in patients with RM who received the IVIG therapy. A total of 78 women with a history of three or more recurrent miscarriages were included and their peripheral blood was drawn in case of positive pregnancy test. On the same date, 400 mg/kg of IVIG was administrated intravenously in 38 women and it continued every four weeks through weeks 30–32 of gestation. The remaining 40 patients with RM were included to be the untreated control group. Then, the effects of IVIG on NK cell frequency, cytotoxic activity, and the expression of inhibitory and activating receptors in the patients with RM, pre and posttreatment were assessed.ResultsNK cells percentage and cytotoxicity were significantly reduced in the IVIG‐treated patients after 32 weeks of gestation (p < 0.0001). Expression levels of inhibitory receptors was increased, however, the expression levels of activating receptors were significantly decreased after the IVIG therapy. Pregnancy outcome after the treatment was significantly higher (86.8%) in the IVIG‐treated patients than controls (45%;
p = 0.0006).ConclusionOur results suggested that women with RM may benefit from IVIG as a therapeutic approach and the frequency and functional status of peripheral NK cells may serve as a valuable predictive factor of therapy response.
Hypermethylation of ITGBL1 is associated with poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Lian Xin‐Yue , Ma Ji‐Chun , Zhou Jing‐Dong , Zhang Ting‐Juan , Wu De‐Hong , Deng Zhao‐Qun , Zhang Zhi‐Hui , Li Xi‐Xi , He Pin‐Fang , Yan Yang , Lin Jiang , Qian Jun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe current study was aimed to investigate integrin beta‐like 1 (ITGBL1) methylation pattern and its clinical relevance in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Real‐time methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR; RQ‐MSP) and bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) were performed to detect the methylation of ITGBL1 promoter. Real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) was performed to analyze ITGBL1 transcript level. The results showed that ITGBL1 methylation level in 131 patients with AML was significantly higher than 29 controls (p < 0.001). The ITGBL1‐hypermethylated group tended to have a higher bone marrow (BM) blasts (
p = 0.076). Meanwhile, ITGBL1‐hypermethylated patients tended to have a lower complete remission (CR) rate (
p = 0.102). ITGBL1‐hypermethylated patients had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) and leukemia‐free survival (LFS) than ITGBL1 hypomethylated patients in whole AML cohort (
p = 0.009 and 0.043, respectively) and patients with nonacute promyelocytic leukemia (APL
; p = 0.023 and 0.039, respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the ITGBL1 methylation served as an independent prognostic factor in both patients with whole‐cohort AML (
p = 0.030) and patients with non‐APL (
p = 0.020). Furthermore, the ITGBL1 methylation level was significantly decreased in follow‐up AML patients who achieved complete remission after induction therapy (
P = 0.001). ITGBL1 methylation negatively correlated with ITGBL1 expression in patients with AML (
R = −0.328,
p = 0.008). Moreover, demethylation of ITGBL1 could increase the ITGBL1 expression in the K562 leukemic cell line (
p < 0.05). In conclusion, the ITGBL1 hypermethylation is a potential biomarker for predicting prognosis and monitoring disease status in patients with AML.
Moment of Truth: Why Aha! Experiences are Correct
Authors: Danek Amory H. , Salvi Carola 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHaving a sudden insight is often associated with inherent confidence, enough for Archimedes to run naked through the streets shouting “Eureka!”. Recent evidence demonstrates that public displays of enthusiasm, such as the ancient polymath's, are actually supported by a higher likelihood of being correct.
Physiological mechanisms underlying post‐silking nitrogen use efficiency of high‐yielding maize hybrids differing in nitrogen remobilization efficiency
Authors: Chen Yanling , Mi Guohua 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIt is a great challenge to increase nitrogen (N) remobilization from leaves while ensuring high grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.). One possible way is to increase photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE) of leaves during post‐silking. This study aimed to understand the strategies required to maintain high PNUE during post‐silking in a N‐remobilizing high‐yielding maize hybrid. In this study, the high‐yielding hybrid XY335 with high N remobilization efficiency (NRE) and the high‐yielding hybrid ZD958 with low NRE were used in a three‐year field experiment under normal N levels. The results show that specific leaf N contents were similar in lower, middle, and upper leaves of the two hybrids from silking stage to maturity. Throughout the grain filling period, net photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO2 concentration, and PNUE of XY335 were similar to that in ZD958 in lower leaves, but higher in middle and upper leaves. Stomatal density and maximum rate of carboxylation in upper leaves and maximum rate of electron transport in middle leaves was higher in XY335 than that in ZD958. It is concluded that maintaining the PNUE of lower leaves together with increasing the PNUE of middle and upper leaves at canopy‐level are the possible regulatory mechanisms to improve NRE without penalty in whole‐plant photosynthesis during post‐silking in modern high‐yielding cultivars. The higher PNUE is at least partly related to the higher proportion of N allocation to the carboxylation and bioenergetics systems and the higher stomatal density and greater gs. Therefore, genetic improvement in N allocation to the carboxylation and bioenergetics systems and stomatal density and gs might increase PNUE.
Late Quaternary meltwater pulses and sea level change
Authors: Harrison Stephan , Smith David E. , Glasser Neil F. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTAfter the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) global mean sea level (GMSL) rise was characterized by rapid increases over short (decadal to centennial) timescales superimposed on a longer term secular rise and these have been termed meltwater pulses (MWPs). In this paper we review the timing, impact and nature of these and the effects of rapid drainage of large post‐glacial MWPs into the world's oceans. We identify nine MWPs, four of which occurred in three periods of rapid sea level rise (19.5–18.8, 14.8–13.0 and 11.5–11.1 ka BP). The rest are dated to the period during the Early Holocene sea level rise after 11 ka BP. We show that drainage of the known post‐glacial lakes in total produced less than around 1.2 m of the 125 m of GMSLR since the LGM.