bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic enhancement of apoptosis by coralyne and paclitaxel in combination on MDA‐MB‐231 a triple‐negative breast cancer cell line
Authors: Kumari Seema , Mohan Murali G. , Shailender G. , Badana Anil Kumar , Malla Rama Rao 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most outrageous subtype of breast cancer. Emphasizing the urge of new approach in cancer therapy, combinational drug therapy may be proven as an effective strategy. In our previous study, we reported that coralyne (COR) with paclitaxel (PTX) efficiently decreases the proliferation of MDA‐MB‐231 compared with MCF‐7 cell line. Thus, we studied the effect of COR and PTX in combination on apoptosis of MDA‐MB‐231 cell line. In silico results demonstrated that COR intercalates DNA at a minor groove. In vitro approaches revealed that in combination (COR and PTX) increases the efficacy of apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cell line by a significant increase in G1/S phase arrest, DNA fragmentation, and change in mitochondria membrane potential. The expression of ATM and ATR a serine/threonine‐protein kinase, ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3‐related protein were depleted with an increase in time from 24 to 48 hours in concurrent with increased levels of γH2AX indicating that DNA damage routes cells to enter apoptosis. This was confirmed by high levels of caspase‐3 and cytochrome c. Also, the decrease in the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 confirmed the antimetastatic efficacy of COR + PTX. The present study indicates that the synergistic effect of COR and PTX can enhance apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cell line and may be proven as a potential anticancer therapy against TNBC.
Quercetin modifies 5′CpG promoter methylation and reactivates various tumor suppressor genes by modulating epigenetic marks in human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Kedhari Sundaram Madhumitha , Hussain Arif , Haque Shafiul , Raina Ritu , Afroze Nazia 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe central role of epigenomic alterations in carcinogenesis has been widely acknowledged, particularly the impact of DNA methylation on gene expression across all stages of carcinogenesis is considered vital for both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Dietary phytochemicals hold great promise as safe anticancer agents and effective epigenetic modulators. This study was designed to investigate the potential of a phytochemical, quercetin as a modulator of the epigenetic pathways for anticancer strategies. Biochemical activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), histone methyltransferases (HMTs), and global genomic DNA methylation was quantitated by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay based assay in quercetin‐treated HeLa cells. Molecular docking studies were performed to predict the interaction of quercetin with DNMTs and HDACs. Quantitative methylation array was used to assess quercetin‐mediated alterations in the promoter methylation of selected tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). Quercetin induced modulation of chromatin modifiers including DNMTs, HDACs, histone acetyltransferases (HAT) and HMTs, and TSGs were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR). It was found that quercetin modulates the expression of various chromatin modifiers and decreases the activity of DNMTs, HDACs, and HMTs in a dose‐dependent manner. Molecular docking results suggest that quercetin could function as a competitive inhibitor by interacting with residues in the catalytic cavity of several DNMTs and HDACs. Quercetin downregulated global DNA methylation levels in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The tested TSGs showed steep dose‐dependent decline in promoter methylation with the restoration of their expression. Our study provides an understanding of the quercetin's mechanism of action and will aid in its development as a candidate for epigenetic‐based anticancer therapy.
Vitamin D downregulates key genes of diabetes complications in cardiomyocyte
Authors: Derakhshanian Hoda , Djazayery Abolghassem , Javanbakht Mohammad Hassan , Eshraghian Mohammad Reza , Mirshafiey Abbas , Jahanabadi Samane , Ghadbeigi Sajad , Zarei Mahnaz , Alvandi Ehsan , Djalali Mahmoud 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveVitamin D deficiency has been reported to be associated with the incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and worsening of diabetes complications. This study was designed to investigate the effect of vitamin D treatment on the expression of five key genes involved in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy.MethodsTwenty‐four male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. The first group served as control and the other two groups received an intraperitoneal injection of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to develop diabetes. Then groups were treated for 4 weeks either with placebo or vitamin D (two injections of 20,000 IU/kg). Serum levels of glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), as well as the gene expression of AGE cellular receptor (RAGE), glyoxalase, aldose reductase, O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT), and glutamine‐fructose‐6‐phosphate aminotransferase (GFAT) and nuclear factor‐kB (NF‐kB) activity of nuclear extracts were assessed at the end of experiment.ResultsIncrement in serum cholecalciferol could improve hyperglycaemia and hypoinsulinemia in diabetic rats. In addition, a significant reduction was observed in RAGE, OGT, and GFAT gene expression and NF‐kB activity in cardiac myocytes.ConclusionsVitamin D might contribute in reducing diabetic cardiomyopathy not only by improving blood glucose and insulin levels but also via downregulating AGE and hexosamine pathways and decreasing NF‐kB activity in heart tissue.
Three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography for evaluating myocardial motion in patients with cardiorenal syndrome
Authors: Zhang Hua , Qiu Shaodong , Chen Fei , Zhu Zhimin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBecause of better awareness and understanding of its pathophysiology, the cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is more often diagnosed and better managed. The echocardiographic evaluation of CRS now benefits from three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D‐STE), which allows multidimensional and real‐time evaluation of regional myocardial and overall cardiac function, and helps assessing the degree of myocardial damage. This article describes the application of 3D‐STE in evaluating the myocardial motion in patients with CRS.
Rethinking research partnerships: Evidence and the politics of participation in research partnerships for international development
Authors: Fransman Jude , Newman Kate 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis article responds to the drive for research partnerships between academics and practitioners, arguing that while potential benefits are clear, these are frequently not actualized resulting in partnerships that are ineffectual or worse, exacerbate damaging or inequitable assumptions and practices. In order to understand/improve partnerships, a systematic analysis of the interrelationship between what counts as evidence and dynamics of participation is proposed. Drawing on data from a seminar series and iterative analysis of seven case studies of partnerships between Higher Education Institutions and International Non‐Governmental Organisations, the article concludes by suggesting substantial shifts in the theory and practice of partnerships. © 2019 The Authors Journal of International Development Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Cognitive health care system and its application in pill‐rolling assessment
Authors: Shah Syed Aziz , Yang Xiaodong , Abbasi Qammer H. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDirectional antennas have been extensively used in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for various applications. This work presents the application of a four‐beam patch antenna as a sensor node to assess the pill‐rolling effect in Parkinson disease. The four‐beam patch is small in size, highly directive, and can suppress the multipath fading encountered in indoor settings that adversely affects the measurements. The pill‐rolling effect refers to tremors in the hands, particularly in the forefinger and the thumb, which the patient involuntary rubs together. The core idea is to develop a low‐cost framework that effectively evaluates the particular movement disorder to assist doctors or clinicians in carrying out an objective assessment using the S‐band sensing technique leveraging small wireless devices operating at 2.4 GHz. The proposed framework uses the perturbations in amplitude and phase information to efficiently identify tremors and nontremors experienced in the fingers. The unique imprint induced by each body motion is used to determine the particular body motion disorder. The performance of the framework is evaluated using the support vector machine algorithm. The results indicate that the framework provides high classification accuracy (higher than 90%).
Low Muscularity as Assessed by Abdominal Computed Tomography on Intensive Care Unit Admission Is Associated With Mortality in a Critically Ill Asian Population
Authors: Ng Ching Choe , Lee Zheng‐Yii , Chan Wai Yee , Jamaluddin Mohamad Fadhil , Tan Lin Jun , Sitaram Premela Naidu , Ruslan Shairil Rahayu , Hasan M. Shahnaz 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundLow muscularity (LM) is associated with high mortality in the Caucasian critically ill population. Muscularity can be accurately measured by the skeletal muscle index (SMI; cm2/m2) generated by computed tomography (CT). This study aimed to establish the overall and sex‐specific cutoff values that predict hospital mortality in an Asian critically ill population.MethodsThis single‐center, retrospective, observational study included patients aged ≥18 years with an abdominal CT conducted within 72 hours of admission to the intensive care unit. SMI generated from CT images at the level of the mid‐third lumbar vertebra were extracted from the medical records. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) was generated to determine the SMI cutoff values for hospital mortality. Association between LM (defined by SMI cutoff value) and hospital mortality was further evaluated by multivariable logistic regression.ResultsIn a sample of 228 patients, the overall SMI cutoff value (cm2/m2) for hospital mortality was 42.0 (AUC: 0.637; sensitivity: 66.7%, specificity: 56.8%), whereas it was 46.5 in males and 35.3 in females. More males than females had LM (51.4% vs 37.5%), and >40% of overweight/obese patients had LM. Patients with LM were older and had a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization. After adjusting for known confounders, LM independently predicted hospital mortality in the overall sample (adjusted odds ratio: 2.42; 95% CI 1.16–5.03; P = 0.003) and in both sexes.ConclusionThis study established a set of SMI cutoff values that predict hospital mortality. LM is independently associated with hospital mortality.
Molecular structure of humus acids in soils
Authors: Bezuglova Olga 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe molecular structure of humus acids remains one of the most challenging issues in the soil science. The focus of the current research lies in defining the molecular and supramolecular structure of soil humus acids. This paper provides a brief review of the current understanding of the problem and shares findings of the elemental and X‐ray structural analysis of humic and fulvic acids extracted from Chernozems and Chestnut soils in the Rostov region. This region occupies a large area of the South‐European Russia. Humic acids in the studied soils have reduced carbon content compared to average parameters for these soil types. The supramolecular organization of humic acids in three‐dimensional space contains two to four layers of condensed aromatic systems supplemented by a network of chain fragments of different regularity and length. Parameters of this structure vary for soils of different genesis and genetic horizons. However, interplanar distances are fixed in the range of 0.349 to 0.371 nm. Thickness of the carbon network band increases with the benzoidicity level of humic acids. The obtained results confirm the specific matrix structure of humic acid molecules. Considering currently available scarce data these findings are valuable and unique. Our findings are consistent with the general hypothesis about the supramolecular nature of humic substances.
Rare and endangered soils in the Taihang Mountain region, North China
Authors: Fu Tonggang , Han Lipu , Gao Hui , Liang Hongzhu , Liu Jintong 
Published: June 2019

AbstractLoss of pedodiversity is a worsening land degradation issue worldwide. Knowledge of rare and endangered soils is critical for the protection of pedodiversity. However, such knowledge remains limited, especially for mountain regions with intensive human disturbance. In this paper, rare and endangered soils were identified using the Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD), and their spatial distributions were determined for Taihang Mountain region, North China. Furthermore, the effects of natural (elevation, precipitation, temperature, slope gradient, soil parent, and vegetation) and human (farming and population density) factors on rare and endangered soils were analyzed. The results showed that based on the second‐level HWSD classification, a total of 94 soil types were identified in Taihang Mountain region, 36 of which were rare and 7 endangered soils. It implied that there was the need to protect soil resources in this region. Cluster analysis showed that Dystric Podzoluvisols and Mollic Gleysols were the most endangered soils in terms of both area and distribution, suggesting that these soil types needed to be protected. Most of the rare and endangered soils were distributed in the northern of Taihang Mountain, indicating that the northern part needed more attention. Correlation analysis showed that the effect of human factors on rare and endangered soils was more important than that of natural factors, confirming that human activities were largely responsible for the occurrence of rare and endangered soils. Such results provided not only further understanding of pedodiversity but also useful information for protection of soil resources and control of land degradation.
A novel mutation in the GARS gene in a Malian family with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Yalcouyé Abdoulaye , Diallo Seybou H. , Coulibaly Thomas , Cissé Lassana , Diallo Salimata , Samassékou Oumar , Diarra Salimata , Coulibaly Dramane , Keita Mohamed , Guinto Cheick O. , Fischbeck Kenneth , Landouré Guida ,   The H3Africa Consortium
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundCharcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease is a very heterogeneous neurological condition with more than 90 reported genetic entities. It is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy; however, cases are rarely reported in sub‐Saharan Africa. In addition, only few families, mostly of Caucasian ancestry, have been reported to have Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease type 2D (CMT2D) mutations. To date no case of CMT2D was reported in Africa. We present here a consanguineous family with CMT phenotype in which a novel mutation in the GARS (glycyl‐tRNA synthetase) gene was identified.MethodsPatients were examined thoroughly and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed. DNA from the proband was used for CMT gene panel testing (including 50 genes, PMP22 duplication and mtDNA). Putative mutations were verified in all available family members to check for segregation.ResultsTwo individuals, a male and a female, were found to be affected. Symptoms started in their teenage years with muscle weakness and atrophy in hands. Later, distal involvement of the lower limbs was noticed. Patients complained of minor sensory impairment. NCS showed no response in the upper as well as the lower limbs. Genetic testing surprisingly identified a novel heterozygous missense mutation c.794C>A (p.Ser265Tyr) in the GARS gene associated with CMT2D. This variant segregated with the disease in the family and was also seen in the mother who presented no symptoms.ConclusionThis is the first report of a genetically confirmed CMT2D case in Africa, expanding its genetic epidemiology. Increasing access to genetic testing may reveal more novel CMT variants or genes in the African population that could be relevant to other populations and further our understanding of their mechanism.
A comprehensive immune repertoire study for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Fu Yingyun , Li Bo , Li Yazhen , Wang Minlian , Yue Yongjian , Xu Lan , Li Shulin , Huang Qijun , Liu Song , Dai Yong 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem and has replaced HIV as the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent.MethodsHere, we applied high throughput sequencing to study the immune repertoire of nine pulmonary tuberculosis patients and nine healthy control samples.ResultsTuberculosis patients and healthy controls displayed significantly different high express clones and distinguishable sharing of CDR3 sequences. The TRBV and TRBJ gene usage showed higher expression clones in patients than in controls and we also found specific high express TRBV and TRBJ gene clones in different groups. In addition, six highly expressed TRBV/TRBJ combinations were detected in the CD4 group, 21 in the CD8 group and 32 in the tissue group.ConclusionIn conclusion, we studied the patients with tuberculosis as well as healthy control individuals in order to understand the characteristics of immune repertoire. Sharing of CDR3 sequences and differential expression of genes was found among the patients with tuberculosis which could be used for the development of potential vaccine and targets treatment.
Parasitism of Rainbow Trout in Hatchery Raceways by Chestnut Lampreys
Authors: Salinger Jeremiah M , Johnson Ronald L 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Other than anecdotal evidence, parasitism of trout by lampreys in hatcheries has not been characterized. This study investigated the frequency of parasitism on Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss by presumptive Chestnut Lampreys Ichthyomyzon castaneus in the raceways of Norfork National Fish Hatchery (northern Arkansas) from January to April 2013. Although no Chestnut Lampreys were collected, 82 wounded trout were identified from 23 of the 54 raceways sampled, with frequencies of parasitism being greatest during April. We also examined attachment site selection; 95% of attachments were dorsal, and most were in the mid-section of the host fish. Data indicating preference for a dorsal attachment site selection are consistent with observations generated in most studies of Chestnut Lampreys. Although not significant in terms of trout lost to parasitism, efforts should be maintained to minimize lamprey invasion into hatcheries, as the zoonotic transfer of pathogens has been documented in other lampreys.
Influence of different isoflurane anesthesia protocols on murine cerebral hemodynamics measured with pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Munting Leon P. , Derieppe Marc P.P. , Suidgeest Ernst , Denis de Senneville Baudouin , Wells Jack A. , van der Weerd Louise 
Published: June 2019

Arterial spin labeling (ASL)‐MRI can noninvasively map cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), potential biomarkers of cognitive impairment and dementia. Mouse models of disease are frequently used in translational MRI studies, which are commonly performed under anesthesia. Understanding the influence of the specific anesthesia protocol used on the measured parameters is important for accurate interpretation of hemodynamic studies with mice. Isoflurane is a frequently used anesthetic with vasodilative properties. Here, the influence of three distinct isoflurane protocols was studied with pseudo‐continuous ASL in two different mouse strains. The first protocol was a free‐breathing set‐up with medium concentrations, the second a free‐breathing set‐up with low induction and maintenance concentrations, and the third a set‐up with medium concentrations and mechanical ventilation. A protocol with the vasoconstrictive anesthetic medetomidine was used as a comparison. As expected, medium isoflurane anesthesia resulted in significantly higher CBF and lower CVR values than medetomidine (median whole‐brain CBF of 157.7 vs 84.4 mL/100 g/min and CVR of 0.54 vs 51.7% in C57BL/6 J mice). The other two isoflurane protocols lowered the CBF and increased the CVR values compared with medium isoflurane anesthesia, without obvious differences between them (median whole‐brain CBF of 138.9 vs 131.7 mL/100 g/min and CVR of 10.0 vs 9.6%, in C57BL/6 J mice). Furthermore, CVR was shown to be dependent on baseline CBF, regardless of the anesthesia protocol used.
Phosphorus‐free boron nitride/cerium oxide hybrid: A synergistic flame retardant and smoke suppressant for thermally resistant cyanate ester resin
Authors: Feng Yuhui , Yuan Li , Liang Guozheng , Gu Aijuan 
Published: June 2019

Establishing a phosphorus‐free strategy to fabricate high‐performance thermosetting resins owning outstanding thermal resistance, good flame retardancy, and smoke suppression is important for sustainable development. Herein, a unique phosphorus‐free hybrid (BN@CeO2) was synthesized through chemically grafting cerium oxide (CeO2) on surface of exfoliated boron nitride (BN) nanosheet with the aids of γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and polydopamine coating, which was then embedded into bisphenol A cyanate ester (BCy) resin to fabricate new BN@CeO2/BCy composites with high thermal resistance. Compared with BCy resin, the BN@CeO2/BCy composite with 4 wt% BN@CeO2 not only has delayed initial ignition time by 23 seconds but also severally shows 58.1%, 23.1%, and 44.4% lower smoke produce rate, total heat release, and peak heat release rate. The study on mechanism behind outstanding flame retardancy reveals that the improved heat resistance and flame retardancy of BN@CeO2/BCy composite are attributed to multiply effects induced by BN@CeO2 and its interaction with BCy resin; specifically, these effects come from BN (physical barrier) and CeO2 (free radical trapping effect and catalytic char layer formation) as well as those from the synergistic effect of BN and CeO2. These excellent comprehensive properties of BN@CeO2/BCy composites demonstrate that BN@CeO2 is an environment‐friendly and synergistic modifier for developing heat‐resisting thermosetting resins with outstanding flame retardancy and smoke suppression.
A sonographic approach to the prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias
Authors: Pajkrt Eva , Chitty Lyn S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSkeletal dysplasias are a heterogeneous group of conditions, many of which present unexpectedly in the prenatal period with a variety of ultrasound findings. Accurate prenatal diagnosis can now be facilitated using exome sequencing approaches, but in order to interpret results, accurate and detailed phenotyping is required. Here, we describe the sonographic approach to the prenatal diagnosis of skeletal abnormalities and illustrate how taking a systematic approach can facilitate diagnosis.