bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonmuscle myosin II shRNA inhibit migration and contraction in rat hepatic stellate cells through regulating AKT/mTOR/S6K/4EBP1 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Zhenghong , Feng Yun , Zhang Ruling , Wang Peiwen , Lu Lungen , Dong Yuwei 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMigration and contraction of activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) are essential factors for cirrhosis formation and development. It has been demonstrated that blebbistatin, a nonmuscle myosin II (NMMII) inhibitor, can inhibit the migration and contraction of HSC, whereas the main cell signaling pathway is still unknown. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway may be involved in many cells migration and contraction, whether NMMII and mTOR have any crosslinks draw our attention. In the currently study, we used LV-RNAi to specifically attenuate mTOR and NMMII in rat HSC. We aimed to examine the effect of mTOR LV-RNAi on the migration and contraction of HSC and explore the crosslink between mTOR cell signal and NMMII. Using real-time PCR and western blot, we found that mTOR and the downstream factors including S6K and 4EBP1 all up-regulated with the activation of HSC, mTOR and NMMII LV-RNAi was transfected into activated HSC using lipofectamine 2000. The levels of mRNA and proteins were also examined using real-time PCR and western blot respectively. The expression of mTOR can be down-regulated by NMMII LV-RNAi significantly, as well as the expression of S6K, 4EBP1, α-SMA and collagen I, but the level of AKT was up-regulated. Then we used Transwell system and collagen lattices to examine the NMMII and mTOR LV-RNAi efficiency on HSC migration and contraction, as we hypothesized, both of the LV-RNAi could inhibit HSC migration and contraction significantly. These results indicated that nonmuscle myosin II shRNA inhibit migration and contraction in rat hepatic stellate cells through the regulation of mTOR/S6K/4EBP1 signaling pathway
Anti-BP180 Autoantibodies Are Present in Stroke and Recognize Human Cutaneous BP180 and BP180-NC16A
Authors: Wang Yanan , Mao Xuming , Wang Di , Hammers Christoph M. , Payne Aimee S. , Wang Yiman , Jin Hongzhong , Peng Bin , Li Li 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundCurrent evidence has revealed a significant association between bullous pemphigoid (BP) and neurological diseases (ND), including stroke, but the incidence of BP autoantibodies in patients with stroke has not previously been investigated.ObjectiveOur study aims to assess BP antigen-specific antibodies in stroke patients.Methods100 patients with stroke and 100 healthy controls were randomly selected to measure anti-BP180/230 IgG autoantibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), salt split indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and immunoblotting against human cutaneous BP180 and BP180-NC16A.ResultsAnti-BP180 autoantibodies were found in 14(14.0%) patients with stroke and 5(5.0 %) of controls by ELISA (p<0.05). Sera from 13(13.0%) patients with stroke and 3(3.0 %) controls reacted with 180-kDa proteins from human cutis extract (p<0.05). 11(11.0%) of stroke and 2(2.0 %) of control sera recognized the human recombinant full length BP180 and NC16A (p<0.05). The anti-BP180-positive patients were significantly younger than the negative patients in stroke (p<0.001).LimitationsLongitudinal changes in antibody titers and long-term clinical outcome for a long duration were not fully investigated.ConclusionDevelopment of anti-BP180 autoantibodies occur at a higher frequency after stroke, suggesting BP180 as a shared autoantigen in stroke with BP and providing novel insights into BP pathogenesis in aging.
Dominant negative FADD/MORT1 inhibits the development of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes with a marked defect on CD8αα+TCRγδ+ T cells
Authors: Zhang Xuerui , Huo Lina , Song Lulu , Hu Zhaoqing , Wang Xinran , Han Yuheng , Wang Ying , Xu Peipei , Zhang Jing , Hua Zi-Chun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes are considered to be distinct from thymus-derived cells and are thought to derive locally from cryptopatch (CP) precursors. Although the development and homing of IELs have been studied in some details, the factors controlling their homeostasis are incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that FADD, a classic adaptor protein required for death-receptor-induced apoptosis, is a critical regulator of the intestinal IEL development. The mice with a dominant negative mutant of FADD (FADD-DN) display a defective localized intestinal IELs with a marked defect on CD8αα+TCRγδ+T cells. Since Lin-LPLs have been identified as precursors CP cells for CD8αα+development, we analyzed lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs) and found the massive accumulation of IL-7R-lin-LPLs in FADD-DN mice. IL-7 plays a differentiation inducing role in the development of intestinal IELs and its receptor IL-7R is a transcriptional target of Notch1. The level of Notch1 expression also showed very low in Lin-LPLs cells from FADD-DN mice compared with normal mice, indicating a possible molecular mechanism of FADD in the early IEL development. In addition, loss of γδ T-IELs induced by FADD-DN results in a worsening inflammation in murine DSS-induced colitis model, suggesting a protective role of FADD in the intestinal homeostasis.
Loading of piperlongumine to liposomes after complexation with ß- cyclodextrin and its effect on viability of colon and prostate cancer cells
Authors: Jayawardana Kalana W. , Jyotsana Nidhi , Zhang Zhenjiang , King Michael R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractUse of nano carriers to treat cancer is attractive due to their advantages such as the sustained release of drugs and ability to target specific regions of the body where treatment is needed. However, loading water insoluble chemotherapeutic drugs into liposomes is challenging. In this study, we developed a method to encapsulate water-insoluble drug (piperlongumine) in liposomes by complexing piperlongumine with ß-Cyclodextrin. Liposomes encapsulated with piperlongumine incubated with COLO 205 and PC-3 cell lines and demonstrated that viability of COLO 205 and PC-3 cells decreases to 7% and 41% respectively when the piperlongumine concentration is at 20 μM.
Modeling critical leadership competences for junior high school principals
Authors: Tang Hui-Wen Vivian 
Published: May 2018

PurposeBased on generic reviews of research on school leadership, this study aims to conceptualize an emerging leadership competence model for further prioritizing school leadership training needs by decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)-based analytic network process (ANP). Targeting at a specific group of junior high school principals in Taiwan, the synthesized prioritization of core competences and competence indicators computed by DEMATEL-based ANP can be used as a blueprint for systematically developing school principal preparation programs elsewhere based on contextually specific needs and concerns.Design/methodology/approachFor the purpose of detecting the priority of competences extracted from a plethora of literature in relation to school leaders’ skills, abilities and knowledge, a hybrid MCDM model, known as DEMATEL-based ANP, is used to snapshot critical leadership competences for tailoring the intended junior high school principal preparation program.FindingsResults of global weight computations by DEMATEL-based ANP show that the overall prioritization of the five dimensions in ranking order are “Redesigning the organization,” “Related leadership practices,” “Setting Directions,” “Personal Characteristics” and “Developing People.” Factor-level analysis indicated that “Legality,” “Consensus Building,” “Shared Vision,” “Strategic Management,” “Authoritarianism,” “Modeling Behavior” and “High Performance Emphasis” were prioritized factors to be included in developing the intended school principal preparation program.Research limitations/implicationsContextually based findings yielded from DEMATEL-based ANP would only be applicable to the target context under investigation. Generalizing the findings to junior high school principals elsewhere might not be appropriate. Methods introduced in this study are extensible to further studies aiming at shaping leadership trainings in other school settings to achieve maximum impact based on contextually specific needs. Limitations associated with sophisticated mathematical computations involved in performing high-leverage MCDM models would shed light on the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations between scholars, practitioners and methodologists.Practical implicationsTo efficiently deliver training for junior high school principals, the prioritization of core competences and competence indicators solicited by DEMATEL-based ANP can be used as a scenario-based reference for planning the intended school principal preparation program planning, as well as a mechanism for selecting and evaluating potential and incumbent school principals with desired leadership competences.Originality/valueThis study has used DELATEL-based ANP as a decision-making tool to disclose a plethora of competences extracted from different threads in the literature into a prioritized competence framework that differs from past one-size-fit-all approach to design and plan school principal preparation programs.
Mainland Chinese cruise passengers’ perceptions of Western service
Authors: Li Na , Fairley Sheranne 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the service perceptions of mainland Chinese passengers on three international cruise ships.

Design/methodology/approach
Participant observation and casual conversations were conducted on three international cruise ships departing from Shanghai. Additionally, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 76 mainland Chinese cruise passengers over the three cruise trips.

Findings
The results suggest that mainland Chinese cruise passengers continually made cultural comparisons between Eastern and Western service. A preference for Western service was expressed, which passengers likened to luxury service that one would receive in China. In contrast to what they would expect to experience in China, passengers viewed cruise staff as polite and attentive, egalitarian, sincere and patient, interactive and engaged with the passengers, and committed to cleanliness. Although some passengers believed that the provision of more Chinese-speaking staff would improve the experience, most passengers did not perceive the ratio of Chinese-speaking staff to passengers to be an issue and were satisfied with the efforts of non-Chinese-speaking staff to provide high-quality service.

Practical implications
Understanding the service perceptions of mainland Chinese cruise passengers provides insights to cruise companies and travel agencies that service Chinese passengers.

Originality/value
Limited research has examined how mainland Chinese cruise passengers perceive Western service on cruise ships. This study provides insight into how to improve the service experience and enhance satisfaction of cruise passengers from mainland China.
Rethinking the tenant eviction process in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Gambe Tazviona Richman 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the lessee eviction process in Zimbabwe in order to suggest possible ways of improving this process that has become a rutted road characterised by a litany of hiccups.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is guided by the qualitative methodology. Data were mainly collected from property managers operating in the real property market in Harare using in-depth interviews. Analysis of data was done through content analysis.

Findings
It emerged from the study that the eviction process in Zimbabwe is fraught with impediments and expenses that are sometimes exasperating to property owners and investors. The current eviction regulations favour the lessees at the expense of lessors thus niggling lessees have aggravated the already protracted process by unnecessary appeals.

Research limitations/implications
The paper only focuses on residential property management and eviction of legal lessees due to non-payment of rentals.

Practical implications
The rent regulations should be reviewed in order to create a fair legal system that protects the rights of both the lessors and lessees in Zimbabwe.

Originality/value
The perpetual decline of the economy in Zimbabwe has crippled lessees’ ability to pay rentals. Yet, it has also become intricate to evict defaulting lessees thereby causing loss of income to rental housing investors. Thus, the paper challenges the protracted eviction processes in the real property industry that have prejudiced property owners and scared away potential rental housing investors that are greatly needed to boost the rental market.
Symposium Introduction: Anthony Atkinson's ‘The Case for a Participation Income’
Authors: Stirton Lindsay 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis article introduces the published proceedings of a symposium into Anthony Atkinson's proposal for a participation income. Just one of his many intellectual contributions, Atkinson famously argued for a scheme that gave up on the ambition of an unconditional scheme in order to press the case for a universal and non‐means tested income support scheme. The 'participation requirement' was a response to criticisms of basic income based on the absence of reciprocity. The contributions represent a range of responses and includes critics of participation income as well as those who are sympathetic to the goal of a participation income. All of them demonstrate the continuing relevance of Atkinson's proposal to ongoing debates on the reform of the welfare state.
High efficacy of direct‐acting anti‐viral agents in hepatitis C virus‐infected cirrhotic patients with successfully treated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Persico M. , Aglitti A. , Aghemo A. , Rendina M. , Lleo A. , Ciancio A. , Di Marco V. , Lampertico P. , Brunetto M. R. , Zuin M. , Andreone P. , Villa E. , Troshina G. , Calvaruso V. , Degasperi E. , Coco B. , Giorgini A. , Conti F. , Di Leo A. , Marzi L. , Boccaccio V. , Bollani S. , Maisonneuve P. , Bruno S. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe efficacy of direct‐acting anti‐viral (DAA) therapy in patients with a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown.AimWe prospectively evaluated whether previously treated HCC affects DAA efficacy in a large real‐life cohort of cirrhotic patients.MethodsFrom January to December 2015 all consecutive HCV mono‐infected patients with cirrhosis and/or history of HCC attending 10 Italian tertiary liver centres were enrolled. Baseline characteristics and response to therapy were recorded. 1927 patients were enrolled (mean age: 62.1 ± 10.9 years; 1.205 males). Genotype 1 was the most frequent (67.9%) followed by genotypes 3 (12.4%), 2 (11.2%) and 4 (8.6%). 88.4% and 10.9% of cases were classified Child A and B, respectively, and 14 (<1%) cases were classified Child C. Ascites and hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 10.7% and 3.2% of patients, respectively. Varices were detected in 39.3% of patients. Suboptimal and optimal treatment was prescribed: 15.9% of patients received sofosbuvir/simeprevir, 33.4% sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, 20.2% a Viekirax + Exviera regimen, 15.7% sofosbuvir/ribavirin, 9.9% sofosbuvir/daclatasvir and 3.4% Viekirax; 1.3% of patients received an interferon‐based regimen.ResultsThe sustained virologic response (SVR) rate at intention‐to‐treat analysis was 95.1%. It differed significantly across Child classes, that is, 96.3%, 86.1% and 71.4% Child A, B and C, respectively (P < 0.0001) and across genotypes (P = 0.002). The SVR rate did not differ between patients with (95.0%) and those without previous HCC (95.1%). At multivariable analysis, SVR was significantly associated with HCV genotype, Child class.ConclusionThis large real‐life study proves that the efficacy of DAA in cirrhotic patients is not impaired by successfully treated HCC.
Systematic review: safety of mesalazine in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Sehgal P. , Colombel J.‐F. , Aboubakr A. , Narula N. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryBackgroundMesalazine is the most commonly prescribed medication for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. It is generally well tolerated with some reported side effects.AimTo summarise adverse drug events to mesalazine and recommend techniques for management. Furthermore, to determine if there is a dose‐dependent relationship between high (>2.4 g/day) vs low dosing (≤2.4 g/day) and occurrence of adverse drug events.MethodsA literature search for relevant studies from inception to 1 December 2017 of the MEDLINE database was conducted. Two reviewers screened all titles identified. Data obtained from randomised controlled trials was used to estimate incidence rates of each adverse event. Two reviewers independently assessed methodological risk of bias and performed data extraction.Results3581 articles were initially considered. Of these, 3573 were screened, 622 reviewed and 91 included. Adverse events attributed to mesalazine included inflammatory reactions, pancreatitis, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, musculoskeletal complaints, respiratory symptoms, nephropathies and sexual dysfunction. There does not appear to be a dose‐dependent relationship of mesalazine and occurrence of adverse events.ConclusionPatients on mesalazine should be monitored for worsening of ulcerative colitis and development of new onset organ dysfunction. High‐dose mesalazine appears to have similar safety profile as low dose, and is not associated with greater risk of adverse events. Prior to placing a patient on mesalazine, baseline liver and renal function should be evaluated. Renal function should be periodically assessed, whereas other testing should be performed depending on development of symptoms.
Productive and economic parameters of pigs supplemented from weaning to finishing with prebiotic and probiotic feed additives
Authors: Méndez‐Palacios Néstor , Méndez‐Mendoza Maximino , Vázquez‐Flores Felicitas , Castro‐Colombres José G. , Ramírez‐Bribiesca J. Efrén 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPractical evidence suggests possible beneficial effects with the combined use of prebiotics and probiotics which can improve production parameters. The objective of the study was to investigate the addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) as prebiotic and the combination of Lactobacillus spp. (L), Bacillus spp. (B) as probiotics on productive parameters and economic feasibility. Four hundred male pigs, hybrids of commercial genetic lines (Pietrain), were used: T1 = control group, T2 = 4 kg/tonne SC, T3 = 0.8 kg/tonne feed L and B, T4 = 4 kg/tonne SC + 0.8 kg/tonne L and B. Productive parameters were recorded in the treatment groups for four periods. Then, the viscera of five pigs per treatment were collected after slaughter to evaluate the histological changes and cytokine concentrations in the ileum. The weight gains of groups at 70–100, 100–125 and 125–150 days in the T4 group showed statistically increases (p < .05). Feed intake had a significant difference (p < .05) in T3 versus T1. The feed‐conversion ratio improved for all periods in the T4 group (p < .05). The eosinophil, mononuclear infiltration and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6) in the mucosa were lower for treatments with probiotics. In conclusion, there was an economic benefit when using both prebiotics and probiotics in the diet of pigs from weaning to finishing.
Effect of ABCB1 C3435T Polymorphism on Pharmacokinetics of Antipsychotics and Antidepressants
Authors: Saiz‐Rodríguez Miriam , Belmonte Carmen , Román Manuel , Ochoa Dolores , Jiang‐Zheng Carolina , Koller Dora , Mejía Gina , Zubiaur Pablo , Wojnicz Aneta , Abad‐Santos Francisco 
Published: May 2018

AbstractP‐glycoprotein, encoded by ABCB1, is an ATP‐dependent drug efflux pump which exports substances outside the cell. Some studies described connections between C3435T polymorphism T allele and lower P‐glycoprotein expression; therefore, homozygous T/T could show higher plasma levels. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of C3435T on pharmacokinetics of 4 antipsychotics (olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone and aripiprazole) and 4 antidepressants (trazodone, sertraline, agomelatine and citalopram). The study included 473 healthy volunteers receiving a single oral dose of one of these drugs, genotyped by real‐time PCR. Multivariate analysis was performed to adjust the effect of sex and genotype of the main cytochrome P450 enzymes. C3435T polymorphism had an effect on olanzapine pharmacokinetics, as T/T individuals showed lower clearance and volume of distribution. T/T individuals showed lower T1/2 of 9‐OH‐risperidone, but this difference disappeared after multivariate correction. T/T homozygous individuals showed lower dehydro‐aripiprazole and trazodone area under the concentration‐time curve, along with lower half‐life and higher clearance of trazodone. C/T genotype was associated to higher citalopram maximum concentration. C3435T had no effect on quetiapine, sertraline or agomelatine pharmacokinetics. C3435T can affect the elimination of some drugs in different ways. Regarding risperidone, trazodone and dehydro‐aripiprazole, we observed enhanced elimination while it was reduced in olanzapine and citalopram. However, in quetiapine, aripiprazole, sertraline and agomelatine, no changes were detected. These results suggest that P‐glycoprotein polymorphisms could affect CNS drugs disposition, but the genetic factor that alters its activity is still unknown. This fact leads to consider the analysis of ABCB1 haplotypes instead of individual variants.
Hippocampal PPARα is a novel therapeutic target for depression and mediates the antidepressant actions of fluoxetine in mice
Authors: Song Lu , Wang Hao , Wang Ying‐Jie , Wang Jin‐Liang , Zhu Qing , Wu Feng , Zhang Wei , Jiang Bo 
Published: May 2018

Background and PurposeDeveloping novel pharmacological targets beyond the monoaminergic system is now a popular strategy for treating depression. PPARα is a nuclear receptor protein that functions as a transcription factor,‐regulating gene expression. We have previously reported that both WY14643 and fenofibrate, two pharmacological agonists of PPARα, have antidepressant‐like effects in mice, implying that PPARα is a potential antidepressant target.Experimental ApproachWe first used various biotechnological methods to evaluate the effects of chronic stress and fluoxetine on hippocampal PPARα. The viral‐mediated genetic approach was then employed to explore whether hippocampal PPARα was an antidepressant target. PPARα inhibitors, PPARα‐knockout (KO) mice and PPARα‐knockdown (KD) mice were further used to determine the role of PPARα in the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine.Key ResultsChronic stress significantly decreased mRNA and protein levels of PPARα in the hippocampus, but not other regions, and also fully reduced the recruitment of hippocampal PPARα to the cAMP response element‐binding (CREB) promoter. Genetic overexpression of hippocampal PPARα induced significant antidepressant‐like actions in mice by promoting CREB‐mediated biosynthesis of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. Moreover, fluoxetine notably restored the stress‐induced negative effects on hippocampal PPARα. Using PPARα antagonists fully blocked the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine in mice, and similarly, both PPARα‐KO and PPARα‐KD abolished the effects of fluoxetine. Besides, PPARα‐KO and PPARα‐KD aggravated depression in mice.Conclusions and ImplicationsHippocampal PPARα is a potential novel antidepressant target that mediates the antidepressant actions of fluoxetine in mice.