bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ERO1L promotes pancreatic cancer cell progression through activating the Wnt/catenin pathway
Authors: Han Fei , Xu Qianqian , Zhao Jianguo , Xiong Peng , Liu Jun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPancreatic cancer is a lethal malignancy with an extremely poor prognosis. Although many genes and noncoding RNAs have been found to regulate its progression, more regulators are needed to be understood to resolve its high lethality. Endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase 1 alpha (ERO1L) plays crucial roles in the progression of various tumors, but its role in pancreatic cancer progression has not been studied. In this study, we found that ERO1L was significantly upregulated in pancreatic cancer cells and patients; its overexpression significantly promoted pancreatic cancer migration, invasion, and growth, while its knockdown significantly inhibited pancreatic cancer migration, invasion, and growth. Mechanism analysis suggested that ERO1L promoted many tumor‐associated signaling pathways, especially the Wnt/catenin pathway; it could activate the Wnt/catenin pathway and upregulate the targets of the Wnt/catenin pathway. We further analyzed the correlation between ERO1L expression and the prognosis of patients, suggesting that patients with high ERO1L expression had short survival time; it is an independent prognosis factor for patients' prognosis. Together, we found that ERO1L was an oncogene for pancreatic cancer.
The in vivo and in vitro approaches for establishing a link between advanced glycation end products and lung cancer
Authors: Khan Hamda , Khan Mohd. Sajid , Ahmad Saheem 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAdvanced glycation end products (AGEs) are directly related to third aging‐associated diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, arteriosclerosis, and neurodegeneration. Likewise, these irreversible and nonenzymatic products have been reported to be involved in the progression of malignant cancers. In general, aging‐associated diseases and the initiation of cancer have been subjects of interest for several years. Few studies on the role of AGEs in cancer have been performed on cell lines. Moreover, past investigations in the field of glycation biology still lack the knowledge of in vivo and in vitro approaches for cancer cells. Accordingly, we aimed to focus on and establish a link between cancer and glycation with respect to all the possible AGEs. In our study, the levels of carboxymethyllysine (CML) increased by 50.94% in an animal model of glycation, whereas in an animal model of cancer, the contents of CML increased by 45.94% compared with their negative controls. Similarly, fluorescent AGEs were also examined and were found to be increased by 65.3% and 58.63% in the animal models of glycation and cancer, respectively, compared with the control subjects. The protein carbonyl contents were also found to be enhanced in the animal models of glycation and cancer. In our study, the levels of reactive oxygen species were also found to be significantly increased in the in vitro model of cancer cells as compared with the controls. Such an initial breakthrough indicated that AGEs were present in the serum of the animal models of cancer and glycation.
Molecular insights into the interactions of GF‐17 with the gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacterial lipid bilayers
Authors: Jahangiri Samira , Jafari Majid , Arjomand Mehdi , Mehrnejad Faramarz 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe cationic antimicrobial peptide GF‐17, a 17‐mer‐derived peptide from human cathelicidin LL‐37, has a significant strength in the killing of the methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains. Herein, we conducted a series of all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the ability of GF‐17 in perturbing the model membranes of the gram‐positive, S. aureus, and gram‐negative, E. coli, bacteria. We also explored the contributions of the specific residues in the peptide activity. The molecular dynamics results indicated that the peptide is stabilized on the membrane surface and rapidly binds to the phosphate headgroups of the model membranes through the electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, both polar and nonpolar interactions are energetically favored for the binding with the membrane surface. The research also revealed the important roles of the phenylalanine residues in the early insertion of the peptide into the bacterial model membranes. In addition, the results demonstrated that the central residues Arg23 and Lys25 played a critical role in the binding of GF‐17 to both gram‐negative and gram‐positive model membranes, in excellent agreement with experimental studies. This study emphasizes on the pivotal role of basic residues in prompt association of the peptide on the model membrane surface and on the significance of residues Phe17, Ile24, Phe27, and Val32 in hydrophobic interactions. Therefore, our observations provide insights into the membrane‐GF‐17 interactions at atomic details that are useful to develop potent antimicrobial peptides targeting multidrug‐resistant bacteria.
Melatonin reduces two‐cell block via nonreceptor pathway in mice
Authors: Shi Feifei , Li Hua , Wang Enling , Chen Zi‐Jiang , Zhang Cong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEmbryo development block seriously limits the success of in vitro embryo production and assisted reproductive technology. Although numerous researchers have explored this problem, it remains to be solved. In this study, we found that melatonin supplementation at 10−8 and 10−9 M in M16 significantly reduced two‐cell block of mouse embryos. When those melatonin‐treated four‐cell embryos were transplanted into the oviducts of female recipient mice, the litter sizes were significantly increased compared with those of the controls. Mechanism study discovered that melatonin treatment markedly reduced reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that melatonin significantly upregulated the transcription of catalase, superoxide dismutase 2, glutathione peroxidase, and the antiapoptotic factors Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐x while downregulated the transcription of pro‐apoptotic genes p53 and Bax. In addition, we found Dux, an important gene which promotes zygotic genome activation, and zygotic genes (zinc finger and SCAN4B and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1A) were all increased after melatonin treatment. Melatonin membrane receptors have two isoforms, melatonin receptor 1 and 2 (MT1, MT2). Further studies with luzindole (a nonselective MT1 and MT2 antagonist) demonstrated that the beneficial effects of melatonin on reducing two‐cell block were not mediated by the melatonin membrane receptors. This study shows that melatonin can be used for improving the embryo quality and production efficiency cultured in vitro and also identifies the underlying mechanism by which melatonin decreases two‐cell block.
Protein kinase Cε targets respiratory chain and mitochondrial membrane potential but not F0F1‐ATPase in renal cells injured by oxidant
Authors: Nowak Grazyna , Bakajsova‐Takacsova Diana 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe have previously shown that protein kinase Cε (PKCε) is involved in mitochondrial dysfunction in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTC). This study examined mitochondrial targets of active PKCε in RPTC injured by the model oxidant tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). TBHP exposure augmented the levels of phosphorylated (active) PKCε in mitochondria, which suggested translocation of PKCε to mitochondria after oxidant exposure. Oxidant injury decreased state 3 respiration, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, ATP content, and complex I activity. Further, TBHP exposure increased ΔΨm and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and induced mitochondrial fragmentation and RPTC death. PKCε activation by overexpressing constitutively active PKCε exacerbated decreases in state 3 respiration, complex I activity, ATP content, and augmented RPTC death. In contrast, inhibition of PKCε by overexpressing dnPKCε mutant restored state 3 respiration, respiratory control ratio, complex I activity, ΔΨm, and ATP production and content, but did not prevent decreases in F0F1‐ATPase activity. Inhibition of PKCε prevented oxidant‐induced production of ROS and mitochondrial fragmentation, and reduced RPTC death. We conclude that activation of PKCε mediates: (a) oxidant‐induced changes in ΔΨm, decreases in mitochondrial respiration, complex I activity, and ATP content; (b) mitochondrial fragmentation; and (c) RPTC death. In contrast, oxidant‐induced inhibition of F0F1‐ATPase activity is not mediated by PKCε. These results show that, in contrast to the protective effects of PKCε in the heart, PKCε activation is detrimental to mitochondrial function and viability in RPTC and mediates oxidant‐induced injury.
Nicotine downregulates microRNA‐200c to promote metastasis and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Lei Zhou , Xiaomin Yang , He Huang , Jian Chen , Xiaowu Xu 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundCigarette smoking is the most well‐established risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanisms of smoking‐associated colorectal carcinogenesis are poorly understood.MethodsThe effects of prediagnosis tobacco use on clinical characteristics, overall survival (OS), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were analyzed in 396 patients with CRC. Associations between smoking status and OS and RFS were evaluated using Cox’s proportional hazards regression. Furthermore, the effects of nicotine on the CRC cell lines SW620 and HT‐29 were evaluated using in vitro assays.Results“Ever smoking” was associated with elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen, American Joint Committee on Cancer T category, metastasis, and poorer OS and RFS in patients with CRC (OS: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–2.81, p = 0.025; RFS: HR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.18–2.34, p = 0.004). MicroRNA (miR)‐200c was downregulated in CRC and tumor‐adjacent tissues from ever smokers compared with the corresponding tissues from never smokers with CRC. Nicotine inhibited miR‐200c expression in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner in SW620 and HT‐29 CRC cell lines. Nicotine induced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in SW620 and HT‐29 cells, and these effects were attenuated by overexpression of miR‐200c.ConclusionOur findings support the adverse effects of prediagnosis cigarette smoking on prognosis and clinical behavior in CRC. We demonstrate a novel oncogenic mechanism by which nicotine promotes growth and metastasis in CRC by downregulating miR‐200c.
Mutual regulation between IGF‐1R and IGFBP‐3 in human corneal epithelial cells
Authors: Titone Rossella , Zhu Meifang , Robertson Danielle M. 
Published: August 2018

The insulin‐like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF‐1R) is part of the receptor tyrosine kinase superfamily. The activation of IGF‐1R regulates several key signaling pathways responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis, including survival, growth, and proliferation. In addition to mediating signal transduction at the plasma membrane, in serum‐based models, IGF‐1R undergoes SUMOylation by SUMO 1 and translocates to the nucleus in response to IGF‐1. In corneal epithelial cells grown in serum‐free culture, however, IGF‐1R has been shown to accumulate in the nucleus independent of IGF‐1. In this study, we report that the insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) mediates nuclear translocation of IGF‐1R in response to growth factor withdrawal. This occurs via SUMOylation by SUMO 2/3. Further, IGF‐1R and IGFBP‐3 undergo reciprocal regulation independent of PI3k/Akt signaling. Thus, under healthy growth conditions, IGFBP‐3 functions as a gatekeeper to arrest the cell cycle in G0/G1, but does not alter mitochondrial respiration in cultured cells. When stressed, IGFBP‐3 functions as a caretaker to maintain levels of IGF‐1R in the nucleus. These results demonstrate mutual regulation between IGF‐1R and IGFBP‐3 to maintain cell survival under stress. This is the first study to show a direct relationship between IGF‐1R and IGFBP‐3 in the maintenance of corneal epithelial homeostasis.
The role of ErbB3 binding protein 1 in cancer: Friend or foe?
Authors: Nguyen Dang Quan , Hoang Dinh Hoa , Nguyen Vo Thanh Thao , Huynh Vu , Ghoda Lucy , Marcucci Guido , Nguyen Le Xuan Truong 
Published: August 2018

ErbB3, a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor family, reportedly plays an essential role in the regulation of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Numerous studies have indicated that ErbB3 binding protein 1 (Ebp1), a binding partner for ErbB3, plays an important regulatory role in the expression and function of ErbB3, but there is no agreement as to whether Ebp1 also has an ErbB3‐independent function in cancer and how it might contribute to tumorigenesis. In this review, we will discuss the different functions of the two Ebp1 isoforms, p48 and p42, that may be responsible for the potentially dual role of Ebp1 in cancer growth.
TBX18 transcription factor overexpression in human‐induced pluripotent stem cells increases their differentiation into pacemaker‐like cells
Authors: Gorabi Armita M. , Hajighasemi Saeideh , Tafti Hossein A. , Atashi Amir , Soleimani Masoud , Aghdami Nasser , Saeid Ali K. , Khori Vahid , Panahi Yunes , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundThe discovery of gene‐ and cell‐based strategies has opened a new area to investigate novel approaches for the treatment of many conditions caused by cardiac cell failure. The TBX18 (T‐box 18) transcription factor is considered as a prominent factor in the sinoatrial node (SAN) formation during the embryonic development. In this in vitro study, the effect of TBX18 gene expression on human‐induced pluripotent‐stem‐cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS‐CMs) to induce pacemaker‐like cells was examined.MethodsThe human‐dermal‐fibroblast‐derived iPSCs were transfected using chemical, physical, and Lentiviral methods of TBX18 gene delivery during differentiation into cardiomyocytes (CMs). After the differentiation process through small‐molecule‐based temporal modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, the hiPSC‐CMs were analyzed using the real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording, and western blotting to investigate the accuracy of differentiation and identify the effect exerted by TBX18.ResultsThe hiPS‐CMs showed spontaneous beating and expressed specific markers of cardiac cells. The lentiviral‐mediated TBX18 delivery was the most efficient method for transfection. The results showed the increment in Connexin 43 expression among untransfected hiPS‐CMs, whereas this protein was significantly downregulated followed by TBX18 overexpression. TBX18‐hiPSCMs were detected with pacemaker cell features.ConclusionsIt was demonstrated that the TBX18 gene is able to conduct hiPSCs to differentiate into pacemaker‐like cells. The TBX18 gene delivery seems to have the potential for the development of biological pacemakers; however, more investigations are still needed to assess its usefulness to fix arrhythmic conditions with SAN failure basis.
Exercise protects against diabetic cardiomyopathy by the inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in rats
Authors: Chengji Wang , Xianjin Fan 
Published: August 2018

To explore the protective effect of exercise training on the injury of myocardium tissues induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in diabetic rats and the relationship with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), the male sprague‐dawley (SD) rats were fed with high‐fat and high‐sugar diet for 4 weeks, followed by intraperitoneal injection of STZ, 40 mg/kg, to establish a diabetes model, and then 10 rats were randomly selected as diabetes mellitus (DM) controls and 20 eligible diabetic rats were randomized into two groups: low‐intensity exercise training (n = 10) and high‐intensity exercise training (n = 10). After 12 weeks of exercise training, rats were killed and serum samples were used to determine cardiac troponin‐I (cTn‐I). Myocardial tissues were sampled for morphological analysis to detect myocardial cell apoptosis, and to analyze protein expression of glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and caspase‐12. Different intensities (low and high) significantly reduced serum cTn‐I levels compared with the DCM group (p < 0.01), and significantly reduced the percentage of apoptotic myocardial cells and improved the parameters of cardiac function. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining indicated that exercise training could attenuate myocardial apoptosis. Additionally, exercise training significantly reduced GRP78, CHOP, and cleaved caspase‐12 protein expression in an intensity‐dependent manner. These findings suggest that exercise appeared to ameliorate diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress‐induced apoptosis in diabetic rats.
Specific neural phase relation of serotonin and dopamine modulate the testicular activity in Japanese quail
Authors: Banerjee Somanshu , Chaturvedi Chandra Mohini 
Published: August 2018

Specific phase relation of serotonin and dopamine modulate the hypothalamo–hypophyseal–gonadal axis as well as photosexual responses in Japanese quail, but the effect of these specific phase relations on testicular activity and steroidogenesis is not yet been investigated. We hypothesized that temporal phase relation induced alteration in local testicular gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)–Gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH) and their receptor system may modulate the testicular activity and steroidogenesis through local (paracrine and autocrine) action. To validate this hypothesis, we have checked the alterations in the expression of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptor (GnRH‐R), gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone receptor (GnIH‐R) messenger RNA (mRNA), growth hormone receptor (GH‐R), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cell communication and gap junctional proteins (14‐3‐3 and connexin‐43 [Cnx‐43]), steroidogenic factor‐1 (SF‐1), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, steroidogenic enzyme (3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [3β‐HSD]) in testis as well as androgen receptor (AR) in testis and epididymis of control, 8‐, and 12‐hr quail. Experimental findings clearly indicate the increased expression of GnIH‐R mRNA and suppression of GnRH‐R, GH‐R, PCNA, 14‐3‐3, Cnx‐43, SF‐1, StAR, 3β‐HSD in testis as well as AR in testis and epididymis in 8‐hr quail, while 12‐hr quail exhibited the opposite results that is significantly decreased expression of GnIH‐R mRNA and increased expression of GnRH‐R, GH‐R, PCNA, 14‐3‐3, Cnx‐43, SF‐1, StAR, 3β‐HSD in testis as well as AR in testis and epididymis. The significantly increased intratesticular testosterone has been observed in the 12‐hr quail while, 8‐hr quail showed opposite result. Hence, it can be concluded that 12‐hr quail showed significantly increased testicular activity and steroidogenesis while opposite pattern was observed in 8‐hr quail.
Selective adsorption of uranium from salt lake‐simulated solution by phenolic‐functionalized hollow sponge‐like adsorbent
Authors: He Yu , Lin Xiaoyan , Yan Tingsong , Zhang Xiaonuo , Zhou Jian , Chen Yan , Luo Xuegang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDHydrothermal carbonization has become a proficient technique to synthesize carbon materials from biomass owing to its availability and environmental friendliness. Chrome‐tanned leather, a biomass waste that contains numerous functional groups, is a potential adsorbent for separation of heavy metal ions. In the present work, a phenolic‐functionalized hollow sponge‐like adsorbent (HSLW) was synthesized from leather waste via hydrothermal carbonization in the presence of tannin. This study aims to develop a novel adsorbent for uranium separation from salt lake.RESULTSThe adsorbent was characterized by several techniques and the adsorption behavior of the adsorbent towards uranium was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of the absorbent reached 200.10 mg g−1 at 328.15 K. The adsorption process fitted well with the linear Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo‐second‐order model. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous, feasible and endothermic in nature. Selective adsorption in competitive multi‐ion solution and simulated high‐salinity system showed that the adsorbent had not only strong affinity but also high selectivity towards uranium.CONCLUSIONHSLW could become a promising adsorbent for practical and efficient selective separation and recovery of uranium from salt lakes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Advanced cardiac MRI techniques for evaluation of left‐sided valvular heart disease
Authors: Blanken Carmen P.S. , Farag Emile S. , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , Leiner Tim , Kluin Jolanda , Nederveen Aart J. , van Ooij Pim , Planken R. Nils 
Published: August 2018

The most common types of left‐sided valvular heart disease (VHD) in the Western world are aortic valve stenosis, aortic valve regurgitation, and mitral valve regurgitation. Comprehensive clinical evaluation entails both hemodynamic analysis and structural as well as functional characterization of the left ventricle. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an established diagnostic modality for assessment of left‐sided VHD and is progressively gaining ground in modern‐day clinical practice. Detailed flow visualization and quantification of flow‐related biomarkers in VHD can be obtained using 4D flow MRI, an imaging technique capable of measuring blood flow in three orthogonal directions over time. In addition, recent MRI sequences enable myocardial tissue characterization and strain analysis. In this review we discuss the emerging potential of state‐of‐the‐art MRI including 4D flow MRI, tissue mapping, and strain quantification for the diagnosis and prognosis of left‐sided VHD.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy Stage: 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:318–329.
Characteristics of ADHD Related to Executive Function: Differential Predictions for Creativity‐Related Traits
Authors: Taylor Christa L. , Zaghi Arash E. , Kaufman James C. , Reis Sally M. , Renzulli Joseph S. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTAlthough the relationship between creativity and ADHD is uncertain, recent studies examining how dimensionally assessed characteristics of ADHD relate to creativity and divergent thinking in adults suggest an occasional positive, linear relationship between the constructs. However, the executive functions proposed to underlie characteristics of ADHD have not been examined in relation to creativity. This study was conducted to determine how different characteristics of ADHD related to executive functioning (as assessed by the Brown ADD Scales) predict different components of figural divergent thinking, intellectual risk‐taking, and creative self‐efficacy. Undergraduate engineering students (N = 60) completed the Brown ADD Scales, a figural divergent thinking task, and self‐report measures of intellectual risk‐taking and creative self‐efficacy. A series of multivariate regression models demonstrated that several components of divergent thinking (i.e., fluency, originality, and resistance to closure) were predicted by different characteristics of ADHD. Although fluency was predicted by affect only and originality was predicted by activation only, resistance to closure was predicted by activation, effort, and attention. Additionally, intellectual risk‐taking was predicted by memory, effort, and activation, whereas creative self‐efficacy was predicted by effort. The implications of these results relating to the relationship between ADHD and creativity, as well as for engineering undergraduate education are discussed.