bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Down-regulation of NAMPT expression by miR-154 reduces the viability of breast cancer cells and increases their susceptibility to doxorubicin
Authors: Bolandghamtpour Zahra , Nourbakhsh Mitra , Mousavizadeh Kazem , Madjd Zahra , Ghorbanhosseini Seyedeh Sara , Abdolvahabi Zohreh , Hesari Zahra , Ezzati Samira 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) acts as an important enzyme in the salvage pathway of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis. Deregulation of NAD could be associated with progression of many cancers including breast cancer. Here, we evaluated the effect of NAMPT inhibition via miR-154 on survival of breast cancer cells.
Methods
Breast cancer cell lines including MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 were transfected with miR-154 mimic, inhibitor and their negative controls. Using real-time PCR and western blotting techniques the expression levels of NAMPT and miR-154 were determined and compared with the untreated cells. NAD levels were measured by an enzymatic method. Subsequently, colorimetric methods and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate cell viability and apoptosis. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to investigate whether NAMPT 3′-UTR is a direct target of miR-154 and the findings were confirmed by luciferase reporter assay.
Results
According to the obtained results, NAMPT 3′-UTR was identified as a direct target of miR-154 and the levels of this miRNA was inversely associated with NAMPT expression both at mRNA and protein levels in breast cancer cell lines. Functionally, miR-154 inhibited the NAD salvage pathway leading to a remarkable decrease in cell survival and induction of apoptosis. Co-treatment of breast cancer cells with doxorubicin and miR-154 mimic significantly reduced cell viability compared to treatment with doxorubicin alone in both cell lines.
Conclusions
Hence, it was concluded that the inhibition of NAD production by miR-154 might be introduced as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of breast cancer either alone or in combination with other conventional chemotherapeutic agents.
Tolerance or Assimilation: The Legends of the Chinese Restaurant and "The Gypsy's Tavern"
Authors: Kovačević Ivan 
Published: June 2019

Studying urban legends, the French folklorist Véronique Campion-Vincent posed the question of whether some of the more recent legends preach tolerance. The "elevator incident" or "swallowed ticket" legends display a different attitude to Others from that found in classic xenophobic urban legends. This different attitude is also to be found in two legends recorded in Serbia, namely, the legend of the Chinese restaurant and the legend of "The Gypsy's Tavern". An analysis of the two legends shows that the ambiguity of "tolerance legends" does not arise from the fact that they speak about a xenophobic environment while at the same time having a denouement that "preaches" tolerance, but rather from the fact that the "preaching" relates to those Others who have gone through a process of acculturation, who have been assimilated and who have accepted the rules of "our" culture. These legends do not preach tolerance towards the Otherness of Others but towards Others who are striving to become or have managed to become "Us".
World Cereal Nitrogen Use Efficiency Trends: Review and Current Knowledge
Authors: Omara Peter , Aula Lawrence , Oyebiyi Fikayo , Raun William R. 
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas
Cereal N use efficiency was estimated at 35, 41, 30, and 21% for the world, the United States, China, and India, respectively.
There was a trend for increased N fertilizer consumption for agricultural use.
Best N fertilizer management practices could improve N use efficiency.
Two decades ago, world cereal nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was documented at 33%. Since then, research addressing NUE has advanced. However, there are no current estimates to communicate whether or not research efforts and recent advances have contributed to improved NUE. With the apparent trends for increasing greenhouse gases, NUE values could be used as a management tool for agronomic and environmental sustainability. Our objective was to provide current estimates and trends of NUE for the world and selected countries for cereal crops cultivated in relatively large quantities. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (www.fao.org/faostat) website were used to compute NUE. The difference method was employed to derive NUE and trends. Results indicated that cereal NUE in 2015 was 35, 41, 30, and 21% for the world, the United States, China, and India, respectively. Compared with 33% reported in 1999, there was insignificant trend of increase (r2 = 0.01) from 2002 to 2015 for cereal world NUE (p > 0.05). Low NUE for China and India was due to high N consumption. A slight improvement for the United States from 31% in 2002 to 41% in 2015 (r2 = 0.20) could be a result of using improved cultivars and precision crop management. Increasing cereal NUE in the United States echoes the value of new technologies and the heightened importance of the environment. Recognizing year‐to‐year variability in N fertilizer requirement and implementing a systematic approach that combines agronomic recommendations with improved crop varieties could further improve NUE.
Dairy Manure and Synthetic Fertilizer: A Meta‐Analysis of Crop Production and Environmental Quality
Authors: O'Brien Peter L. , Hatfield Jerry L. 
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas
Dairy manure matches synthetic fertilizer in yield and quality of row crops.
Manure application increases soil organic matter and soil P levels.
Appropriate application rates are critical to avoid negative environmental impacts.
Dairy production systems rely on row crop agriculture to produce feed because animal density continues to rise, whereas land allocated to dairy farms is decreasing. Management of the entire dairy system, including animals, forages, and manure, must be optimized to meet production goals while remaining economically viable. Many producers apply dairy manure to meet crop nutrient demand, both reducing the need for synthetic fertilizer and the cost associated with manure disposal. However, repeated manure applications have been linked with environmental concerns, such as soil nutrient loading, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and decreased water quality. The objective of this research was to synthesize the literature comparing dairy manure fertilizer with synthetic fertilizer in row crop agricultural production systems to determine impacts on both crop productivity and environmental quality. Fifty‐eight studies were included in a meta‐analysis that showed that, when applied at rates providing comparable levels of plant‐available N, manure fertilizer matched synthetic fertilizer in crop production, quality, and digestibility. Manure application increased soil organic matter, which may have an overall positive effect on long‐term soil fertility, but it also increased soil P, suggesting a threat to water quality. Soil nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions were highly variable across studies, so no clear trends were evident. Overall, these findings suggest that manure is a suitable fertilizer in row crop agriculture, but it should be applied with caution to limit risk to environmental quality, which can vary with site‐specific factors like climate, soil texture, and application practices.
Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Soil Contaminated with the Veterinary Antibiotics Oxytetracycline and Sulfamethazine
Authors: Ostermann Anne , Mortimer Peter E. , Huang Rongcai , Ma Lu , Bu Dengpan , Xu Jianchu 
Published: June 2019

Veterinary and growth‐promoting antibiotics are widely used in animal husbandry and accumulate in manure‐fertilized soils. However, the impact of these antibiotics on symbiotic nitrogen fixation is poorly understood. We investigated the effect of the veterinary antibiotics oxytetracycline and sulfamethazine, and a combination of both, on nitrogen fixation in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) inoculated with Sinorhizobium meliloti. In a pot experiment, M. sativa was grown in soils fertilized with fresh manure that contained environmentally relevant antibiotic concentrations (0.2, 2, and 200 mg kg−1). Nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and nutrient concentrations were determined in the alfalfa plants and soils after 12 wk. Compared with the antibiotic‐free control, symbiotic nitrogen fixation increased significantly in soils mixed with manure containing 2 and 200 mg kg−1 oxytetracycline (20.1 and 20.8% increase, respectively) and a mixture of 200 mg kg−1 oxytetracycline and sulfamethazine (12.4% increase). The measured plant‐ and soil‐related parameters failed to explain the observed increase in nitrogen fixation. However, using concentration levels that accurately reflect common agricultural practices, we obtained results that directly contradict other experiments conducted under unrealistically high antibiotic concentrations.Core Ideas
Oxytetracycline in soil increased symbiotic N fixation of alfalfa.
Sulfamethazine did not affect N fixation.
Findings contradict previous studies, likely due to lower antibiotic concentrations.
Differences in nitrogen fixation were independent from soil mineral N.
Applications of Molecular Simulation in the Discovery of Antituberculosis Drugs: A Review
Authors: Hu Jian-Ping , Wu Zhi-Xiang , Xie Tao , Liu Xin-Yu , Yan Xiao , Sun Xin , Liu Wei , Liang Li , He Gang , Gan Ya , Gou Xiao-Jun , Shi Zheng , Zou Qiang , Wan Hua , Shi Hu-Bing , Chang Shan 
Published: June 2019

:After decades of efforts, tuberculosis has been well controlled in most places. The existing drugs are no longer sufficient for the treatment of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis due to significant toxicity and selective pressure, especially for XDR-TB. In order to accelerate the development of high-efficiency, low-toxic antituberculosis drugs, it is particularly important to use Computer Aided Drug Design (CADD) for rational drug design. Here, we systematically reviewed the specific role of molecular simulation in the discovery of new antituberculosis drugs.:The purpose of this review is to overview current applications of molecular simulation methods in the discovery of antituberculosis drugs. Furthermore, the unique advantages of molecular simulation was discussed in revealing the mechanism of drug resistance.:The comprehensive use of different molecular simulation methods will help reveal the mechanism of drug resistance and improve the efficiency of rational drug design.:With the help of molecular simulation methods such as QM/MM method, the mechanisms of biochemical reactions catalyzed by enzymes at atomic level in Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been deeply analyzed. QSAR and virtual screening both accelerate the development of highefficiency, low-toxic potential antituberculosis drugs. Improving the accuracy of existing algorithms and developing more efficient new methods for CADD will always be a hot topic in the future. It is of great value to utilize molecular dynamics simulation to investigate complex systems that cannot be studied in experiments, especially for drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The Panomics Approach in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Szatmari Balazs , Balicza Peter , Nemeth Gyorgy , Molnar Maria Judit 
Published: June 2019

Background:
The molecular genetic technologies revolutionized the diagnostics
of many disorders. Thanks to the new molecular techniques and the rapid improvement
of the information technologies the number of mendelien inherited disorders has increased
rapidly in the last five years. The omics era brought radical changes in the understanding
of complex disorders and the underlying pathomechanisms. However, in most
complex disorders the genome wide association studies could not clarify the genetic
background even for disorders where a very strong heritability had been observed.

Objective:
In this paper the changing concept of the neurodegenerative disorders is discussed.
The traditional classification of these disorders was purely based on clinical
symptoms and morphological signs in the last century. Identifying the signature lesions of
various neurodegenerative disorders may reveal a common pathological pathway in these
disorders. New neuroimaging methods provided additional tools to assess pathological
pathways in vivo already in the early stages of the diseases. Visualizing in vivo amyloid
deposits and neuroinflammation improved our understanding of their role in various neurodegenerative
disorders. Genetics may be the most precise way to identify the background
of these disorders. However, there is only limited number of cases where true association
can be proved between the disorder and the genetic mutations. Most of the neurodegenerative
disorders seem to be multifactorial and cannot be traced back to one single
cause.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, shifting from a classification based on symptomatology only
to a modern multidisciplinary approach, based on the constantly evolving panomics findings,
would improve our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and could be the
basis of novel therapeutic research.
Amino Acid and Polyamine Membrane Transporters in Trypanosoma cruzi: Biological Function and Evaluation as Drug Targets
Authors: Sayé Melisa , Reigada Chantal , Gauna Lucrecia , Valera-Vera Edward A. , Pereira Claudio A. , Miranda Mariana R. 
Published: June 2019

:
Amino acids and polyamines are involved in relevant processes for the parasite Trypanosoma
cruzi, like protein synthesis, stress resistance, life cycle progression, infection establishment and
redox balance, among others. In addition to the biosynthetic routes of amino acids, T. cruzi possesses
transport systems that allow the active uptake from the extracellular medium; and in the case of polyamines,
the uptake is the unique way to obtain these compounds. The TcAAAP protein family is absent
in mammals and its members are responsible for amino acid and derivative uptake, thus the TcAAAP
permeases are not only interesting and promising therapeutic targets but could also be used to direct the
entry of toxic compounds into the parasite.

:
Although there is a treatment available for Chagas disease, its limited efficacy in the chronic stage of
the disease, as well as the side effects reported, highlight the urgent need to develop new therapies.
Discovery of new drugs is a slow and cost-consuming process, and even during clinical trials the drugs
can fail. In this context, drug repositioning is an interesting and recommended strategy by the World
Health Organization since costs and time are significantly reduced.

:
In this article, amino acids and polyamines transport and their potential as therapeutic targets will be
revised, including examples of synthetic drugs and drug repurposing.
Effects of As2O3 and Resveratrol on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Colon Cancer Cells and the hERG-mediated Potential Mechanisms
Authors: Yan Caichuan , Li Fengmei , Zhang Yuhao , Li Yang , Li Mingzhu , Wang Fang , Zhang Guocui , Li Yuexin , Li Baoxin , Zhao Xin 
Published: June 2019

Background:
As2O3 and resveratrol have been widely considered to be effective in anti-cancer therapies
and the underlying mechanisms have been reported extensively. However, the combined treatment effect and
potential target of As2O3 and resveratrol in the treatment of tumors remains elusive. The purpose of this study was
to investigate the benefits and efficacy of As2O3 in combination with resveratrol in the treatment of colon cancer,
as well as looking for new targets that could provide alternative explanation of the efficacy of drugs.

Methods:
The proliferation of cancer cells was measured by the MTT and EdU staining assay, while the apoptosis
of cancer cells was determined by the flow cytometry. Western blot and immunoprecipitation were performed
to measure the expression levels of proteins and the interaction between hERG and integrin β1, respectively.

Results:
In this study, we found that both As2O3 and resveratrol can effectively inhibit cell proliferation and promote
cell apoptosis in colon cancer, and the combined effect of the two drugs on colon cancer cells is more preeminent.
The combination of As2O3 with resveratrol, on the one hand reduced the expression of hERG channels
on the membrane, and on the other hand weaken the binding between hERG and integrin β 1, which may be the
main cause of downstream signaling pathways alterations, including the activation of the apoptotic pathway.

Conclusion:
Taken together, hERG, as a subunit of potassium ion channel on the cell membrane, is highly likely
to be involved in the As2O3 and resveratrol induced intracellular signaling cascade disorder, and this novel signaling
pathway that sustains the progression of colon cancer may be a promising therapeutic target for human colon
cancer treatment in the future.
In Vitro and In Vivo Antifilarial Activity of Standardized Extract of Calotropis procera Flowers against Brugia malayi
Authors: Kushwaha Vikas , Rastogi Subha , Pandey Madan Mohan , Saxena Kirti , Khatoon Sayyada , Rawat Ajay Kumar Singh , Murthy P. Kaplana 
Published: June 2019

Background:
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic disease that causes permanent disability
(elephantiasis). Currently used antifilarial drugs are failing to control LF and there is resurgence in some
areas. Looking for new antifilarial leads, we found that Calotropis procera plant parts have been used in
traditional medicine for alleviating elephantiasis but the antifilarial activity is not known.

Objective:
In the present study, the antifilarial activity of ethanolic extract (A001) and its hexane fraction
(F001) of C. procera flowers was investigated using the human filarial parasite Brugia malayi.

Method:
A001 and F001 were tested for antifilarial activity using motility and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-
yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays (in vitro) and in the rodent models B. malayi-
Meriones unguiculatus and B. malayi-Mastomys coucha. In the rodent models, A001 and F001 were
administered orally for 5 consecutive days, and the adult worm burden and course of microfilaraemia
were determined.

Results:
Both A001 and F001 showed microfilaricidal and macrofilaricidal activity in vitro. In animal
models, A001 killed ~49-54% adult worms. In M. coucha model, F001 killed 12-60% adult worms in a
dose (125-500 mg/kg) dependent manner; A001 and F001 suppressed microfilaraemia till days 91 and 35
post initiation of treatment, respectively. HPTLC revealed 0.61% lupeol, 0.50% β-sitosterol and 1.50%
triacontanol in F001.

Conclusion:
Flowers of C. procera have definite microfilaricidal and macrofilaricidal activities. Whether
this activity is due to lupeol, β-sitosterol and triacontanol found in the hexane fraction remains to be investigated.
This is the first report on the antifilarial efficacy of flowers of the plant C. procera.
Intravenous Tranexamic Acid for Subdural and Epidural Intracranial Hemorrhage: Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Ebrahimi Pouya , Mozafari Javad , Ilkhchi Reza Bahrami , Hanafi Mohammad Ghasem , Mousavinejad Maryam 
Published: June 2019

Background:
Recovery of patients with traumatic brain injury largely depends on the
reduction in secondary brain damage. The present study aims at investigating the effect of
Tranexamic Acid (TXA) administration within the first hours of brain trauma in the emergency
department (ED).

Methods:
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in patients
with subdural and epidural hemorrhage. Patients with any type of bleeding were assigned into two
groups of TXA and 0.9% normal saline as placebo. The rate of intracranial hemorrhage after surgery
was assessed by CT-scan and amount of hemoglobin (Hb) was measured immediately before surgery
and after 6 hours of surgery.

Results:
A total of 80 participants were randomly assigned into four groups of 20 people. There was
a significant difference in the mean of intraoperative bleeding during surgery in patients receiving
TXA and placebo in both SDH (Subdural hematoma) and EDH (Epidural Hemorrhage) groups (P=
0.012). The Hb drop amount had no significant difference with placebo (P< 0.0001). No
complications were observed in any of the intervention and control groups during the study as well.

Conclusion:
The use of TXA may reduce bleeding, however, based on the results of this study, such
effect was not statistically significant in controlling the epidural and subdural hemorrhage, but
clinical trials with a higher sample size are suggested for further investigation in this regard.
Moisture Sorption Behavior of Cupuassu Powder
Authors: Pombo Joseane C. P. , Carmo Juliana R. , Araújo Adriano L. , Medeiros Heloisa H. B. R. , Pena Rosinelson S. 
Published: June 2019

Introduction:In this research, the hygroscopic behavior of cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) powder containing 40% maltodextrin was studied via the moisture adsorption and desorption isotherms at 25°C.Methods:The experimental sorption data of the cupuassu powder were fitted using the Halsey, Henderson, Oswin, GAB and Peleg models. In addition, the powder morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy.Results:Moisture sorption isotherms curves showed type III behavior, typical of foods rich in soluble components, such as sugars, present in the samples. The adsorption curve indicated that the product requires greater attention when stored and handled in environments with relative humidity above 50%. The microbiological stability of the product is assured up to 11.5% moisture content.Conclusion:During the product storage, it is recommended to use packaging with water vapor and air impermeability, due to the presence of porous microspheres that affect the protection of the active material and facilitate the moisture gain. Among the models evaluated, the Peleg and GAB models presented good suitability on predicting the product’s sorption isotherms.