bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social responsibility: Experts’ viewpoints on adoption of the ISO 26000 standard
Authors: Balzarova Michaela , Castka Pavel 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe ISO 26000 guidance standard for social responsibility represents an important instrument in managing social responsibility in organizations. However, studies of the adoption of ISO 26000 have been conceptual so far, and little is known about future adoption patterns. In this study, we provide insights into the type of adopting organization, geographical adoption and adoption challenges at the firm level, as well as discussing the importance of ISO 26000 in the context of other voluntary standards for social responsibility. We gathered the data from experts who developed ISO 26000. We have also identified differences, especially related to adoption of ISO 26000 in the developing world and to specific challenges of firm level adoption. By drawing parallels with existing literature on voluntary standards, managers and policy makers will understand the areas of overlap with existing standards as well as challenges specific to ISO 26000.
Favorable effect of mycorrhizae on biomass production efficiency exceeds their carbon cost in a fertilization experiment
Authors: Verlinden Melanie S. , Ven Arne , Verbruggen Erik , Janssens Ivan A. , Wallander Håkan , Vicca Sara 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBiomass production efficiency (BPE), the ratio of biomass production to photosynthesis, varies greatly among ecosystems and typically increases with increasing nutrient availability. Reduced carbon partitioning to mycorrhizal fungi (i.e., per unit photosynthesis) is the hypothesized underlying mechanism, as mycorrhizal abundance and plant dependence on these symbionts typically decrease with increasing nutrient availability. In a mesocosm experiment with Zea mays, we investigated the effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition and of mycorrhizal inoculation on BPE. Photosynthesis and respiration were measured at mesocosm scale and at leaf scale. The growth of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was assessed with ingrowth bags while also making use of the difference in δ13C between C4 plants and C3 soil. Mesocosms without AMF, that is, with pasteurized soil, were used to further explore the role of AMF. Plant growth, photosynthesis, and BPE were positively affected by P, but not by N addition. AMF biomass also was slightly higher under P addition, but carbon partitioning to AMF was significantly lower than without P addition. Interestingly, in the absence of AMF, plants that did not receive P died prematurely. Our study confirmed the hypothesis that BPE increases with increasing nutrient availability, and that carbon partitioning to AMF plays a key role in this nutrient effect. The comparison of inoculated vs. pasteurized mesocosms further suggested a lower carbon cost of nutrient uptake via AMF than via other mechanisms under nutrient rich conditions.
Understanding and coping with immigration detention: Social identity as cure and curse
Authors: Kellezi Blerina , Bowe Mhairi , Wakefield Juliet R.H. , McNamara Niamh , Bosworth Mary 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOver 29,000 foreign nationals are detained yearly in British Immigration Removal Centres for undefined periods. This study investigated the role played by social identities in the way detainees are affected by, make sense of, and deal with detention. An opportunity sample of 40 detainees was interviewed on topics including support, identity, and well‐being, and data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis. Participants struggled with loss of social networks, loss of rights, loss of agency, and joining a stigmatised group. Social identities guided exchange of support, aided meaning‐making, and mitigated distrust, serving as ‘Social Cures’. However, shared identities could also be sources of burden, ostracism, and distress, serving as ‘Social Curses’. Inability to maintain existing identities or create new ones fuelled feelings of isolation. Participants also reported rejection/avoidance of social identities to maximise their benefits. This study is the first to apply the Social Identity Approach to the experience of immigration detention.
Role of N‐Propyl‐N‐Methyl Pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide as an Electrolyte Additive in Sodium Battery Electrochemistry
Authors: Manohar C. V. , Forsyth Maria , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Mitra Sagar 
Published: September 2018

AbstractElectrolyte compatibility with sodium metal and known sodium‐ion battery cathodes is of intense interest recently. In this work, electrolytes including an ionic liquid (IL) additive are formulated and shown to enhance the properties of the well‐known Na3V2(PO4)3/C (NVP/C) cathode. NVP/C composite material was synthesized by a carbothermal reduction process and studied in cells containing either organic electrolyte (1 M NaClO4 in PC) or organic electrolyte with added [C3mpyr][NTf2] IL. In an electrolyte containing 5 wt % [C3mpyr][NTf2] IL, the cathode material exhibited a stable capacity of 107.0±0.7 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at a C/2 rate; in contrast, the capacity obtained with the organic electrolyte was only 85±1 mAh g−1 after 50 similar cycles. In situ impedance spectroscopy revealed that the electrode‐electrolyte charge‐transfer resistance is lower in the organic electrolyte with IL. Consistent with this finding, XPS, SEM, EDX and TEM results indicate that the interfacial layer formed on the surface of the NVP/C cathode material in the presence of the IL is more compact than that formed in the organic electrolyte, and that reaction between cathode and electrolyte is suppressed by the IL.
Anticancer, antithrombotic, antityrosinase, and anti‐α‐glucosidase activities of selected wild and commercial mushrooms from Pakistan
Authors: Sharif Sumaira , Atta Asia , Huma Tayyaba , Shah Asad Ali , Afzal Gulnaz , Rashid Saira , Shahid Muhammad , Mustafa Ghulam 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMushrooms have been accepted as nutraceutical foods because of their high nutritional and functional values. They have also gained interest due to their medicinal properties, economic importance, and organoleptic merit. In this study, wild Ganoderma lucidum and four commercial mushrooms, that is, Pleurotus ostreatus, Volvariella volvacea, Hericium erinaceus, and Lentinus edodes from Pakistan were screened for their biological activities such as anticancer, antityrosinase, anti‐α‐glucosidase, and antithrombotic activities from their methanol, ethanol, and water extracts. Enzyme inhibition assay showed that selected mushrooms are potent inhibitors with %age inhibition ranging from 19.00% to 80.91%, and 32.85% to 83.38% for tyrosinase and α‐glucosidase, respectively. The best tyrosinase inhibition was shown by P. ostreatus whereas L. edodes was found best as α‐glucosidase inhibitor. These mushrooms were tested against cancer cell lines including HT‐29 colon and H‐1299 lungs carcinoma cell lines. G. lucidum showed 29% and 24% viability of cells against HT‐29 and H‐1299 cell lines, respectively. This antiproliferative effect was in dose‐dependent manner, and the maximum inhibition was observed at 200 μg/ml. Mushrooms extracts were also found effective against clot lysis. The percentage of clot lysis was in the range of 27%–29%. The research would provide knowledge to the people of Pakistan about the importance of locally available commercial mushrooms and wild mushrooms for health improvement and prevention against different kinds of diseases.
The role of maintenance therapy in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rozental Alon , Gafter‐Gvili Anat , Vidal Liat , Raanani Pia , Gurion Ronit 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRandomized trials of maintenance therapy (MT) in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are inconclusive regarding its effect on overall survival (OS) and disease control. We aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of MT in this meta‐analysis. Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing MT with observation or placebo, in patients with DLBCL, who achieved complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) after first‐line chemotherapy with or without rituximab. Primary outcome was OS. Secondary outcomes included relapse rate, disease control (defined as progression‐free survival, event‐free survival, or disease‐free survival, as reported in the original trials), and safety. Our search yielded 14 trials including 5122 patients. Median age of patients was 49 to 70 years. Six trials included rituximab as the MT; three included Interferon alfa; other trials include thalidomide, lenalidomide, cyclophosphamide and prednisone, serine threonine kinase inhibitor enzastaurin, and mTOR inhibitor everolimus. MT did not improve OS compared to observation, OR 0.91, (95% CI 0.78‐1.07). Results were the same in a subgroup analysis by the type of maintenance (rituximab vs other). MT did decreased relapse rate, RR 0.76 (95% CI 0.65‐0.89) and improved disease control, OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.65‐0.84). Disease control was significantly improved in the subgroup of studies evaluating rituximab as maintenance OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.47‐0.79) and in the subgroup of R‐CHOP induction studies OR 0.77 (95% CI 0.67‐0.88). Serious or grade III/IV adverse events including neutropenia and infections were significantly more common in the maintenance arm, RR = 1.69 (95% CI 1.29‐2.22). MT in patients with DLBCL achieving CR or PR after induction therapy did not affect OS, yet it decreased relapse rate and improved disease control at the cost of higher infection rate. Our data do not support routine administration of MT in patients with DLBCL.
Mitochondrial Function Is Compromised in Cortical Bone Osteocytes of Long-Lived Growth Hormone Receptor Null Mice
Authors: Liu Zhongbo , Solesio Maria E , Schaffler Mitchell B , Frikha-Benayed Dorra , Rosen Clifford J , Werner Haim , Kopchick John J , Pavlov Evgeny V , Abramov Andrey Y , Yakar Shoshana 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACT

Despite increased longevity and resistance to multiple stressors, growth hormone receptor null (GHRKO) mice exhibit severe skeletal impairment. The role of GHR in maintaining osteocyte mitochondrial function is unknown. We found that GHR ablation was detrimental to osteocyte mitochondrial function. In vivo multiphoton microscopy revealed significant reductions of &gt;10% in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in GHRKO osteocytes and reduced mitochondrial volumetric density. Reductions in MMP were accompanied by reductions in glucose transporter-1 levels, steady state ATP, NADH redox index, oxygen consumption rate, and mitochondrial reserve capacity in GHRKO osteocytes. Glycolytic capacity did not differ between control and GHRKO males’ osteocytes. However, osteocytes from aged female GHRKO mice exhibited reductions in glycolytic parameters, indicating impairments in glucose metabolism, which may be sex dependent. GHRKO osteocytes exhibited increased levels of cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species (ROS) (both basal and in response to high glucose), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and insulin. Mitochondrial ROS levels were increased and correlated with reduced glutathione in GHRKO osteocytes. Overall, the compromised osteocyte mitochondrial function and responses to metabolic insults strongly correlated with skeletal impairments, suggesting that despite increased life span of the GHRKO mice, skeletal health span is decreased. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Retracted: Upregulated microRNA‐132 rescues cardiac fibrosis and restores cardiocyte proliferation in dilated cardiomyopathy through the phosphatase and tensin homolog–mediated PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway
Authors: Zhang Chen‐Jun , Huang Yu , Lu Ji‐De , Lin Jie , Ge Zhi‐Ru , Huang Hui 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCardiac fibrosis is known to be present in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and it predicts the occurrence of sudden death and congestive heart failure. The aim of our study is to investigate the expression of microRNA‐132 (miR‐132) and its effect on cardiocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and cardiac fibrosis by binding to phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) through the phosphateidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase (Akt) signal transduction pathway in DCM rats. DCM rat models induced by doxorubicin were established and confirmed by an ultrasonic cardiogram. Epithelial cells were treated with inhibitors, activators, and small interfering RNAs to identify the mechanisms by which miR‐132 controls cardiocyte activity and cardiac fibrosis. Angiotensin II (Ang II) and aldosterone (ALD) expressions were detected by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between PTEN and miR‐132 was verified by a dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were tested by the MTT assay and flow cytometry. PTEN was determined to be the target gene of miR‐132. Rat models of DCM exhibited a lower level of miR‐132, PI3K, Akt, B‐cell lymphoma 2, collagen I, and collagen III, but a higher level of PTEN, Bcl‐2–associated X protein, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen as well as inflammatory response (Ang II and ALD), accompanied by declined cardiocyte proliferation and elevated apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis. Upregulated miR‐132 or silenced PTEN activated the PI3K/Akt pathway, thus facilitating cardiocyte proliferation and repressing cardiocyte apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis, as well as inflammatory responses. Downregulated miR‐132 reversed this tendency. These findings indicate that miR‐132 activates the PI3K/Akt pathway by inhibiting PTEN expression, thus facilitating cardiocyte proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis in DCM rats.
Combined detection of estrogen and tumor markers is an important reference factor in the diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer
Authors: Bai Yuquan , Shen Wulin , Zhu Minglin , Zhang Li , Wei Yanhong , Tang Hexiao , Zhao Jinping 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe correlation between lung cancer tumor markers and sex differences in lung cancer remains a clinical problem that is worthy of further study. This study investigated the significance of the combined detection of 17β‐estrogen (E2) and tumor markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer. A total of 174 patients, including 117 patients with non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 57 patients with benign pulmonary lesions (BPL), were enrolled. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the expression of E2, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), and cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen 21‐1 (CYFRA21‐1) in patients with NSCLC and BPL to analyze the correlation between E2 and CEA, NSE or CYFRA21‐1 expression, and its correlation with clinicopathological features and prognosis. The expression of tumor markers was then examined in different lung cancer cells (A549, H1795, H460, and SK‐MES‐1). The expression of tumor markers was detected by a real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot analysis. The expressions of p‐p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phospho‐AKT (p‐AKT) were detected by Western blot analysis. The expression levels of E2, CEA, NSE, and CYFRA21‐1 in patients with NSCLC were significantly higher than those in patients with BPL (
P < .05); E2 was positively correlated with tumor markers (
P < .01). Patients with a high expression of E2 and tumor markers showed a poor prognosis (
P < .05). RT‐quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the expression levels of CEA, NSE, CYFRA21‐1, p‐p44/42 MAPK, and p‐AKT in the E2 group were higher than those in the other groups (
P < .05). These studies indicate that the interaction of E2 and tumor markers can significantly improve the role of tumor markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer.
Ivermectin inhibits the growth of glioma cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Song Dandan , Liang Hongsheng , Qu Bo , Li Yijing , Liu Jingjing , Zhang Yanan , Li Lu , Hu Li , Zhang Xiangtong , Gao Aili 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGlioma, the most predominant primary malignant brain tumor, remains uncured due to the absence of effective treatments. Hence, it is imperative to develop successful therapeutic agents. This study aimed to explore the antitumor effects and mechanisms of ivermectin (IVM) in glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. The effects of IVM on cell viability, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis rate, and morphological characteristics were determined respectively by MTT assay/colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscope. In addition, the expression levels of cycle‐related and apoptosis‐associated proteins were individually examined by Western blot analysis. Moreover, cell proliferation and apoptosis analyses were carried out by TUNEL, Ki‐67, cleaved caspase‐3, and cleaved caspase‐9 immunostaining assay. Our results demonstrated that IVM has a potential dosage‐dependent inhibition effect on the apoptosis rate of glioma cells. Meanwhile, the results also revealed that IVM induced apoptosis by increasing caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 activity, upregulating the expressions of p53 and Bax, downregulating Bcl‐2, activating cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved caspase‐9, and blocking cell cycle in G0/G1 phase by downregulating levels of CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D1, and cyclin E. These findings suggest that IVM has an inhibition effect on the proliferation of glioma cells by triggering cell cycle arrest and inducing cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, and probably represents promising agent for treating glioma.
Effects of miR‐503‐5p on apoptosis of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in simulated microgravity
Authors: Tang Na‐Ping , Hui Tao‐Tao , Ma Jing , Mei Qi‐Bing 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRecent studies have shown that microRNA (miRNAs) can play important roles in the regulation of endothelial cell (EC) function. However, the expression profile of miRNAs and their effects on the apoptosis of ECs under microgravity conditions remains unclear. In this study, the apoptosis of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) under simulated microgravity was identified by Annexin V and propidium iodide double staining and transmission electron microscopy. miRNA microarray assay was used to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs in HPMECs under simulated microgravity, and eight differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. Specifically, miR‐503‐5p, which was found to be most significantly upregulated in both microarray and quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction assays, was selected for further functional investigation. Overexpression of miR‐503‐5p induced apoptosis of HPMECs under normal gravity and aggravated the negative effects of simulated microgravity on HPMECs. Furthermore, silencing of miR‐503‐5p expression effectively attenuated the negative effects of simulated microgravity on HPMECs. Further experiments showed that the mRNA and protein expression of anti‐apoptotic factor B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2), which has been confirmed as a direct target of miR‐503‐5p, was inhibited by the upregulation of miR‐503‐5p and increased by the downregulation of miR‐503‐5p. Taken together, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that miR‐503‐5p can induce apoptosis of HPMECs under simulated microgravity through, at least in part, inhibiting the expression of Bcl‐2.
Novel TGF‐β1 inhibitor antagonizes TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in human A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Jeong Ji‐Hoon , Jang Hae Jin , Kwak Sungmin , Sung Gi‐Jun , Park Seung‐Ho , Song Ji‐Hye , Kim Hyunhee , Na Younghwa , Choi Kyung‐Chul 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTransforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), a multifunctional cytokine, is known to promote tumor invasion and metastasis and induce epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in various cancer cells. Inhibition of TGF‐β1 signaling is a new strategy for cancer therapy. Most cancer cells display altered or nonfunctional TGF‐β1 signaling; hence, TGF‐β1 inhibitors exert limited effects on these cells. Recent studies have suggested that developing a TGF‐β1 inhibitor from natural compounds is a key step to create novel therapeutic agents. This study aimed to develop a new anti‐TGF‐β1 therapy for cancer. We found an improved analog of chalcones, compound 67, and investigated its effects in vitro. We demonstrated the inhibitory role of compound 67 through migration and invasion assays on TGF‐β1‐induced EMT of human A549 lung cancer cells. Compound 67 inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced smad2 phosphorylation, suppressed TGF‐β1‐induced EMT markers, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and MMP‐9, and inhibited migration and invasion of A549 cells. The study results showed that compound 67 is useful to prevent tumor growth and metastasis.
Transduction and transfection of difficult‐to‐transfect cells: Systematic attempts for the transfection of protozoa Leishmania
Authors: Keller Andrea‐Anneliese , Scheiding Berith , Breitling Reinhard , Licht Andreas , Hemmerich Peter , Lorkowski Stefan , Reissmann Siegmund 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) are used to internalize different cargoes, including DNA, into live mammalian and plant cells. Despite many cells being easily transfected with this approach, other cells are rather “difficult” or “hard to transfect,” including protist cells of the genus Leishmania. Based on our previous results in successfully internalizing proteins into
Leishmania tarentolae cells, we used single CPPs and three different DNA‐binding proteins to form protein‐like complexes with plasmids covered with CPPs. We attempted magnetofection, electroporation, and transfection using a number of commercially available detergents. While complex formation with negatively charged DNA required substantially higher amounts of CPPs than those necessary for mostly neutral proteins, the cytotoxicity of the required amounts of CPPs and auxiliaries was thoroughly studied. We found that
Leishmania cells were indeed susceptible to high concentrations of some CPPs and auxiliaries, although in a different manner compared with that for mammalian cells.The lack of successful transfections implies the necessity to accept certain general limitations regarding DNA internalization into difficult‐to‐transfect cells. Only electroporation allowed reproducible internalization of large and rigid plasmid DNA molecules through electrically disturbed extended membrane areas, known as permeable membrane macrodomains.