bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revealing the nexus between oil and exchange rate in the major emerging markets—The timescale analysis
Authors: Živkov Dejan , Njegić Jovan , Balaban Suzana 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates the interrelationship between Brent oil price and exchange rate in 10 emerging markets of East Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. For computational purpose, we apply two innovative methodologies—wavelet coherence and phase difference that are capable of observing different frequency scales. Wavelet coherence results suggest that strong coherence is present during world financial crisis (WFC) in the oil‐exporting countries and in majority of the oil‐importing countries. Phase arrows as well as phase difference suggest negative coherence between oil and exchange rates in the oil‐importing countries during WFC. Negative coherence is found in these countries because currency depreciation was accompanied by immense oil price drop in WFC period. In addition, phase difference has relatively stable in‐phase dynamics in long term in the oil‐importing countries during tranquil periods, which confirms theoretical stance that higher oil prices cause currency depreciation and vice versa. As for the oil‐exporting countries, we find constant and relatively long‐lasting anti‐phase pattern in Russian and Nigerian cases for long‐term horizons but not for Brazilian one.
Cost‐minimization analysis in the Indian subcontinent for treating Guillain Barre Syndrome patients with therapeutic plasma exchange as compared to intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Maheshwari Ashish , Sharma Ratti R. , Prinja Shankar , Hans Rekha , Modi Manish , Sharma Navneet , Marwaha Neelam 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundTherapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) and Intravenous Immunoglobulin both are first‐line treatments for Guillain Barre Syndrome; however, there is a significant difference in cost. We undertook this study to assess the cost minimization for treating Guillain Barre Syndrome patients.MethodsA prospective randomized controlled trial was undertaken, in which 40 Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) patients with a GBS disability score of grade four and five were enrolled. A societal perspective was adopted for the analysis and assessment of both the health system cost and out‐of‐pocket expenditures. Cost‐minimization analysis was undertaken as both the treatments were equally effective at the end of 12 weeks.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were observed in the GBS Disability scores during overall treatment course in both treatment groups. The Out‐of‐pocket cost for the immunoglobulin (IVIG) group was INR 219 247 (4298 USD) and for the TPE group was INR 104 070 (2040.5 USD). Overall INR 86 685 ($1700), that is, 53% higher cost was observed in IVIG group without any concomitant health outcome benefit.ConclusionIn comparison with IVIG, TPE appears to be the better option for treatment of GBS in cost‐constraint countries like ours to provide an economic treatment option to most average people.
Berberrubine and its analog, hydroxypropyl‐berberrubine, regulate LDLR and PCSK9 expression via the ERK signal pathway to exert cholesterol‐lowering effects in human hepatoma HepG2 cells
Authors: Cao Shijie , Xu Peixiang , Yan Jiankun , Liu Hui , Liu Lu , Cheng Lina , Qiu Feng , Kang Ning 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBerberine (BBR), the major isoquinoline alkaloid in Chinese herb Rhizoma coptidis, has significant lipid‐lowering effect by upregulating hepatic low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression. In a previous study, we have indicated that berberrubine (M3), a major metabolite of BBR in vivo, displays the most potential hypolipidemic effects via upregulating LDLR expression in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells compared with BBR and 3 other metabolites. Accordingly, 9 M3 analogs (A1‐A9) were modified at the C9 position. We aimed to find a new promising agent by evaluating the cholesterol‐lowering effect and clarifying the related molecular mechanism. In the current study, the cellular cholesterol content was assayed with a commercial cholesterol assay kit. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay were used to explore the molecular mechanism of M3 and its analogs on the hypolipidemic effect. Among M3 and its analogs, hydroxypropyl‐berberrubine (A8) exhibited the highest potential effects on the upregulation of LDLR expression, which was accompanied by a steady decline of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) messenger RNA and protein levels. Furthermore, inhibition of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) activity with PD98059 prevented the upregulation of LDLR and downregulation of PCSK9 induced by A8. The current study revealed that M3 and its structurally modified analog, A8, could regulate hepatic LDLR and PCSK9 expression to exert lipid‐lowering effects via the ERK signal pathway, while A8 showed a stronger effect and might be a promising drug candidate against hyperlipidemia.
Molecular and disease association of gestational diabetes mellitus affected mother and placental datasets reveal a strong link between insulin growth factor (IGF) genes in amino acid transport pathway: A network biology approach
Authors: Rout Madhusmita , Lulu S Sajitha 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDiscerning the relationship between molecules involved in diseases based on their underlying biological mechanisms is one of the greatest challenges in therapeutic development today. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications during pregnancy, which adversely affects both mothers and offspring during and after pregnancy. We have constructed two datasets of (GDM associated genes from affected mother and placenta to systematically analyze and evaluate their interactions like gene–gene, gene–protein, gene–microRNA (miRNA), gene–transcription factors, and gene‐associated diseases to enhance our current knowledge, which may lead to further advancements in disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The results identify the key genes with respect to maternal dataset as insulin receptor, insulin (INS), leptin (LEP), glucokinase, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha, whereas from placenta include insulin‐like growth factor 1, growth hormone receptor, and breast cancer anti‐estrogen resistance protein 1, which are found to be highly enriched in pancreas, ovary, adipocyte, heart, and placental tissues. The key transcription factors include Sp1 transcription factor, pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha, whereas miRNA includes has‐miR‐5699‐5p and has‐miR‐3158‐3p. The study also reveals that GDM has associations with diseases like type I and II diabetes mellitus, obesity, and preeclampsia. More significantly, we could trace out a significant connection between the key molecules like LEP and placental growth hormone from mother and placental dataset, which plays a critical role in INS secretion, INS signaling, and β‐cell dysfunction pathways.
MicroRNA‐34a promotes CMECs apoptosis and upregulate inflammatory cytokines, thus worsening CMECs damage and inhibiting angiogenesis by negatively targeting the Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Li Jia , Gong Jin , Li Xiaobing , Shen Li , Xie Yewei , Zhang Rufang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveRecently, microRNA‐34a (miR‐34a) has been reported to lead to secretion of proinflammatory cytokine in endothelial cells, whereas whether miR‐34a plays a protective role in damaged cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) remains to be determined. Herein, the purpose of this study is to explore the effect of miR‐34a in mediating Notch signaling pathway in apoptosis and angiogenesis of damaged CMECs.MethodsThe primary mice CMECs were isolated, cultivated, and identified before establishment of damaged CMEC model by incubation with homocysteine (HCY) for 24 hours. Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were applied to determine the expressions of miR‐34a and Notch1. Cell viability and cell apoptosis were measured by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Hochest 33258 staining. Capillary‐like structures formation assay was used to detect the capillary‐like structures in CMECs. The expressions of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis factors were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsIn contrast to the blank group, the HCY and negative control groups demonstrated with elevated expressions of miR‐34a, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and increased cell apoptosis rate, but decreased expressions of Notch1, IL‐10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and human growth factor (HGF), as well as attenuated cell viability and capillary‐like structures of cells formation ability. In comparison with HCY group, the expressions of miR‐34a, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and apoptosis rate were increased, whereas the expressions of Notch1, VEGF, bFGF, HGF, cell viability, and capillary‐like structures of cells formation were inhibited in miR‐34a mimic group.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that miR‐34a can promote CMEC apoptosis and upregulate inflammatory cytokines, thus worsening CMEC damage and inhibiting angiogenesis by negatively targeting the Notch signaling pathway.
Evaluation of exosomal miR‐9 and miR‐155 targeting PTEN and DUSP14 in highly metastatic breast cancer and their effect on low metastatic cells
Authors: kia Vahid , Paryan Mahdi , Mortazavi Yousef , Biglari Alireza , Mohammadi‐Yeganeh Samira 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBreast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in women. Triple‐negative breast cancer consists 15% to 20% of breast cancer cases and has a poor prognosis. Cancerous transformation has several causes one of which is dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression. Exosomes can transfer miRNAs to neighboring and distant cells. Thus, exosomal miRNAs can transfer cancerous phenotype to distant cells. We used gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets and miRNA target prediction tools to find overexpressed miRNA in breast cancer cells and their target genes, respectively. Exosomes were extracted from MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells and characterized. Overexpression of the miRNAs of MDA‐MB‐231 cells and their exosomes were analyzed using quantitative Real‐time PCR. The target genes expression was also evaluated in the cell lines. Luciferase assay was performed to confirm the miRNAs: mRNAs interactions. Finally, MCF‐7 cells were treated with MDA‐MB‐231 cells’ exosomes. The target genes expression was evaluated in the recipient cells. GSE60714 results indicated that miR‐9 and miR‐155 were among the overexpressed miRNAs in highly metastatic triple negative breast cancer cells and their exosomes. Bioinformatic studies showed that these two miRNAs target PTEN and
DUSP14 tumor suppressor genes. Quantitative Real‐time PCR confirmed the overexpression of the miRNAs and downregulation of their targets. Luciferase assay confirmed that the miRNAs target
PTEN and
DUSP14. Treatment of MCF‐7 cells with MDA‐MB‐231 cells’ exosomes resulted in target genes downregulation in MCF‐7 cells. We found that miR‐9 and miR‐155 were enriched in metastatic breast cancer exosomes. Therefore, exosomal miRNAs can transfer from cancer cells to other cells and can suppress their target genes in the recipient cells.
Dependence of artesunate on long noncoding RNA‐RP11 to inhibit epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jing Wu , Dong Hu , Min Mu , Runpeng Zhao , Xuewei Xu , Ru Cai , Yingru Xing , Shengfa Ni , Baoxian Tie , Jinbo Yue , Weidong Han , Rongbo Zhang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAs a first line medicine for malaria treatment, artesunate (ART) also shows antitumor potential. However, little is known about the effect of ART on the cancer cell epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we found that ART inhibited cell growth in SK‐HEP1 and SM7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. A microarray was used to identify differentially expressed protein‐coding RNAs (pcRNA) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) between SK‐HEP1 cells with and without ART treatment. A differentially expressed lncRNA—RP11, the most related to the EMT of liver cancer cells—RP11 was identified by abioinformatics method Overexpressing and silencing assays were used to verify the role of RP11 in cancer cell EMT. The levels of RP11‐ and EMT‐related genes in liver cancer samples from 75 patients were detected by using qualitative polymerase chain reaction or immunohistochemistry. We identified 1334 pcRNAs and 1670 lncRNA with differential expression induced by ART. ART inhibits EMT, proliferation, migration, invasion, and adhesion of liver cancer cells. RP11 depresses the inhibitory effect of ART on cancer cell EMT. The level of RP11 is associated with cancer cell EMT and metastasis and survival rate of the patient. These data suggest that RP11‐linking ART and cancer cell EMT are important for ART‐inhibited metastasis of liver cancer.
Microarray‐based identification of genes associated with prognosis and drug resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Yin Fuqiang , Yi Shang , Wei Luwei , Zhao Bingbing , Li Jinqian , Cai Xiangxue , Dong Caihua , Liu Xia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe outcome for patients with ovarian cancer (OC) is poor because of drug resistance. Therefore, identification of factors that affect drug resistance and prognosis in OC is needed. In the present study, we identified 131 genes significantly dysregulated in 90 platinum‐resistant OC tissues compared with 197 sensitive tissues, of which 30 were significantly associated with disease‐free survival (DFS; n = 16), overall survival (OS; n = 6), or both (n = 8) in 489 OC patients of the The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. Of these 30 genes, 17 were significantly upregulated and 13 were downregulated in the 90 resistant tissues, and with one exception, all of the up‐/downregulated genes in resistant tissues were predictors of shorter DFS or/and OS.
LAX1,
MECOM, and
PDIA4 were independent risk factors for DFS, and
KLF1,
SLC7A11, and
PDIA4 for OS; combining these genes provided more accurate predictions for DFS and OS than any of the genes used individually. We further verified downregulation of PDIA4 protein in 51 specimens of patients with OC (24 drug resistant’s and 27 sensitive’s), which confirmed that downregulated PDIA4 predicted DFS and OS. PDIA4 also consistently predicted OS in a larger sample of 1656 patients with OC. These 30 genes, particularly the
PDIA4, could be therapeutic targets or biomarkers for managing OC.
miRNA‐206 regulates human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell apoptosis via targeting in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Sun Ying , An Na , Li Jiansheng , Xia Jinchan , Tian Yange , Zhao Peng , Liu Xuefang , Huang Haiying , Gao Jianfeng , Zhang Xiaoli 
Published: October 2018

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death due to tis high morbidity and mortality. microRNAs have emerged as new biomarkers for the prognosis and diagnosis of patients with COPD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression of microRNA‐206 (miR‐206) in lung tissues from COPD patients and to explore the regulatory role of miR‐206 in the human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). Our results showed that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) promoted cell apoptosis, increased caspase‐3 activity, and upregulated the expression of miR‐206 in HPMECs, which was significantly reversed by the miR‐206 knockdown. Transfection with miR‐206 mimics led to cell apoptosis and was closely related to changes in the protein expression levels of caspase‐3, caspase‐9, and Bcl‐2 in HPMECs. Further bioinformatics prediction analysis revealed that the 3′‐untranslated region (3′UTR) of Notch3 and vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGFA) harbored miR‐206‐binding sites, and overexpression of miR‐206 repressed the luciferase activity of the vectors containing Notch3 and VEGFA 3′UTR. Overexpression of either Notch3 or VEGFA attenuated miR‐206‐induced cell apoptosis in HPMECs. More importantly, miR‐206 expression was upregulated in the lung tissues from COPD patients and was positively corrected with forced expiratory volume 1% predicted in COPD patients, while Notch3 and VEGFA mRNA levels were downregulated and were negatively correlated with the expression level of miR‐206 in the lung tissues from COPD patients. In conclusion, our results showed that miR‐206 was upregulated in COPD patients and CSE‐treated HPMECs, promoted cell apoptosis via directly targeting Notch3 and VEGFA in HPMECs.
Characterizing the three‐dimensional organization of telomeres in papillary thyroid carcinoma cells
Authors: Caria Paola , Dettori Tinuccia , Frau Daniela Virginia , Lichtenzstejn Daniel , Pani Fabiana , Vanni Roberta , Mai Sabine 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe relationship between the three‐dimensional (3D) nuclear telomere architecture and specific genetic alterations in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), in particular in cancer stem‐like cells (CSLCs), has not yet been investigated. We isolated thyrospheres containing CSLCs from B‐CPAP, K1, and TPC‐1 PTC‐derived cell lines, representative of tumors with different genetic backgrounds within the newly identified BRAFV600E‐like PTC subgroup, and used immortalized normal human thyrocytes (Nthy‐ori 3.1) as control. We performed quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization, 3D imaging, and 3D telomere analysis using TeloView software to examine telomere dysfunction in both parental and thyrosphere cells. Among the 3D telomere profile, a wide heterogeneity was observed, except for telomere intensity. Our findings indicate that CSLCs of each cell line had longer telomeres than parental cells, according to telomere intensity values, which correlate with telomere length. Indeed, the thyrosphere cells had lower numbers of lower‐intensity telomeres (≤5,000 arbitrary fluorescent units, a.u.), compared with parental cancer cells, as well as parental control cells, (p < 0.0001). The B‐CPAP thyrospheres showed a decreased number of higher intensity telomeres (>17,000 a.u.) than K1 and TPC‐1 cells, as well as control cells (p < 0.0001). By selecting PTC‐derived cell lines with different genetic backgrounds characteristic of BRAFV600E‐like PTC subgroups, we demonstrate that thyrosphere cells with BRAFV600E and TP53 mutations show shorter telomeres than those harboring RET/PTC or BRAFV600Eand wild‐type TP53. Hence, our data reveal a trend towards a decrease in telomere shortening in CSLCs, representing the early cancer‐promoting subpopulation, as opposed to parental cells representing the tumor bulk cells.
Clinical significance of drain fluid culture after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Yang Feng , Jin Chen , Li Ji , Di Yang , Zhang Jing , Fu Deliang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe mechanism of infected postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is undefined. Drain amylase has been used to predict POPF, whereas little data are available about the value of drain fluid culture. The aim was to investigate the incidence, risk factors and association with surgical outcomes of positive drainage culture (PDC) after PD.MethodsA single‐center retrospective analysis was conducted of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent PD between January 2005 and December 2015. Drain fluid samples were obtained for microbiological analysis after surgery. Risk factors for PDC were evaluated, and its influence on surgical outcomes was explored.ResultsOf 768 patients, 261 (34%) had PDC during the postoperative period. Among them, a total of 434 isolates were yielded. One hundred and seven (24.7%) were Gram‐positive, 283 (65.2%) Gram‐negative, and 44 (10.1%) fungi. Multivariate analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2, preoperative chemoradiation and intra‐operative red blood cell transfusion were independent risk factors for PDC. PDC was associated with higher incidences of complications including POPF, major complications and reoperation, but with no correlation between the day of PDC and complications. BMI ≥25 kg/m2, early PDC (≤3 days), main pancreatic duct <3 mm, and soft pancreas were revealed as independent predictors for POPF. There was a correlation between type of microorganisms and complications.ConclusionConsidering the correlation between PDC and postoperative complications, preventive measures are crucial to improve outcomes after PD. Whether antibiotic treatment for early PDC will alter the clinical course of POPF needs further evaluation.
3D Chemical Shift‐Encoded MRI for Volume and Composition Quantification of Abdominal Adipose Tissue During an Overfeeding Protocol in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Nemeth Angeline , Segrestin Bérénice , Leporq Benjamin , Seyssel Kevin , Faraz Khuram , Sauvinet Valérie , Disse Emmanuel , Valette Pierre‐Jean , Laville Martine , Ratiney Hélène , Beuf Olivier 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundOverweight and obesity are major worldwide health concerns characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fat in adipose tissue (AT) and liver.PurposeTo evaluate the volume and the fatty acid (FA) composition of the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and the fat content in the liver from 3D chemical‐shift‐encoded (CSE)‐MRI acquisition, before and after a 31‐day overfeeding protocol.Study TypeProspective and longitudinal study.SubjectsTwenty‐one nonobese healthy male volunteers.Field Strength/SequenceA 3D spoiled‐gradient multiple echo sequence and STEAM sequence were performed at 3T.AssessmentAT volume was automatically segmented on CSE‐MRI between L2 to L4 lumbar vertebrae and compared to the dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurement. CSE‐MRI and MR spectroscopy (MRS) data were analyzed to assess the proton density fat fraction (PDFF) in the liver and the FA composition in SAT and VAT. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analyses were performed on 13 SAT samples as a FA composition countermeasure.Statistical TestsPaired t‐test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Bland–Altman plots were used to compare measurements.ResultsSAT and VAT volumes significantly increased (P < 0.001). CSE‐MRI and DEXA measurements were strongly correlated (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). PDFF significantly increased in the liver (+1.35, P = 0.002 for CSE‐MRI, + 1.74, P = 0.002 for MRS). FA composition of SAT and VAT appeared to be consistent between localized‐MRS and CSE‐MRI (on whole segmented volume) measurements. A significant difference between SAT and VAT FA composition was found (P < 0.001 for CSE‐MRI, P = 0.001 for MRS). MRS and CSE‐MRI measurements of the FA composition were correlated with the GC‐MS results (for ndb: rMRS/GC‐MS = 0.83 P < 0.001, rCSE‐MRI/GC‐MS = 0.84, P = 0.001; for nmidb: rMRS/GC‐MS = 0.74, P = 0.006, rCSE‐MRI/GC‐MS = 0.66, P = 0.020)Data ConclusionThe follow‐up of liver PDFF, volume, and FA composition of AT during an overfeeding diet was demonstrated through different methods. The CSE‐MRI sequence associated with a dedicated postprocessing was found reliable for such quantification.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1587–1599.
Agricultural Terraces Special Issue Preface
Authors: Tarolli Paolo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAgricultural terraces are a cultivation technique used, since ancient times, in many regions of the world. Terraces are built to reduce slope gradient and increase the infiltration of water; to mitigate soil erosion, collect rainwater run‐off, and concentrate it on a cropped plot; and to support agriculture in difficult environmental conditions (e.g., high‐steep slopes). Poorly designed and maintained terraces can lead to slope failures, often due to walls collapsing, and then large quantities of soil become vulnerable to run‐off erosion. The purpose of this Special Issue is to review the main environmental problems and opportunities that occur in a terraced landscape, explore how to monitor and date a terrace system, and provide useful guidance for landowners and practitioners who deal with terraced landscapes.