bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LncRNA SLC8A1‐AS1 protects against myocardial damage through activation of cGMP‐PKG signaling pathway by inhibiting SLC8A1 in mice models of myocardial infarction
Authors: Guo Gong‐Liang , Sun Li‐Qun , Sun Mei‐Hua , Xu Hai‐Ming 
Published: October 2018

AbstractExtensive investigations into long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in various diseases and cancers, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have been conducted. The current study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA solute carrier family 8 member A1 antisense RNA 1 (SLC8A1‐AS1) in myocardial damage by targeting solute carrier family 8 member A1 (SLC8A1) via cyclic guanosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate‐protein kinase G (cGMP‐PKG) signaling pathway in AMI mouse models. Differentially expressed lncRNA in AMI were initially screened and target relationship between lncRNA SLC8A1‐AS1 and SLC8A1 was then verified. Infarct size, levels of inflammatory factors, biochemical indicators, and the positive expression of the SLC8A1 protein in AMI were subsequently determined. The expression of SLC8A1‐AS1, SLC8A1, PKG1, PKG2, atrial natriuretic peptide, and brain natriuretic peptide was detected to assess the effect of SLC8A1‐AS1 on SLC8A1 and cGMP‐PKG. The respective contents of superoxide dismutase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected accordingly. Microarray data GSE66360 provided evidence indicating that SLC8A1‐AS1 was poorly expressed in AMI. SLC8A1 was verified to be a target gene of lncRNA SLC8A1‐AS1. SLC8A1‐AS1 upregulation decreased levels of left ventricular end‐systolic diameter, −dp/
dt
max, interleukin 1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, transforming growth factor α, nitric oxide, inducible nitric‐oxide synthase, endothelial nitric‐oxide synthase, infarct size, LDH activity and MDA content, and increased IL‐10, left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure and +
dp/
dt
max. Furthermore, the overexpression of SLC8A1‐AS1 was noted to elicit an inhibitory effect on the cGMP‐PKG signaling pathway via SLC8A1. In conclusion, lncRNA SLC8A1‐AS1, by downregulating SLC8A1 and activating the cGMP‐PKG signaling pathway, was observed to alleviate myocardial damage, inhibit the release of proinflammatory factors and reduce infarct size, ultimately protecting against myocardial damage.
Foxm1 is a critical driver of TGF‐β‐induced EndMT in endothelial cells through Smad2/3 and binds to the Snail promoter
Authors: Song Shuai , Zhang Rui , Cao Wei , Fang Guojian , Yu Yi , Wan Yi , Wang Chuanhui , Li Yigang , Wang Qunshan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEndothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was first reported in heart development. Recent studies have shown that EndMT also occurs in the progression of cardiac fibrosis. Herein, we demonstrated a critical role of the Forkhead Box M1 (Foxm1) transcription factor in transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β)‐induced EndMT in endothelial cells (ECs) and a possible underlying molecular mechanism. Foxm1 was induced in ECs following TGF‐β stimulation. Using both pharmacological and molecular approaches to inhibit Foxm1 function can attenuate the TGF‐β‐induced EndMT and cell migration. In contrast, lentivirus‐mediated overexpression of Foxm1 allowed EndMT to proceed despite the absence of TGF‐β in ECs. Moreover, we found that the activation of the Smad2/3 signaling pathway and EndMT‐related transcription factors played important roles in the pathogenesis of Foxm1‐mediated EndMT. Further analysis revealed that Foxm1 bound to and increased the promoter activity of the Snail gene encoding a critical transcriptional regulator of EndMT. In conclusion, our results identify FOXM1 as a driver of TGF‐β‐induced EndMT and underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting FOXM1 for cardiac fibrosis.
Pyrrolidine‐containing or Piperazine‐containing Nitrofuranylamides: Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Anti‐mycobacterial Activities
Authors: Zhao Shi‐Jia , Lv Zao‐Sheng , Deng Jia‐Lun , Zhang Guang‐De , Xu Zhi 
Published: October 2018

We report herein the design, synthesis, and in vitro anti‐mycobacterial activities of 11 pyrrolidine‐containing or piperazine‐containing nitrofuranylamides. Results revealed that all derivatives 3a–k endowed with excellent activity [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): <0.016–0.482 μg/mL] against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Rv strain and more than half of them were more potent than the first‐line anti‐tuberculosis agents isoniazid (MIC: 0.078 μg/mL) and rifampicin (MIC: 0.078 μg/mL). The most active six derivatives were further evaluated against two clinically isolated multidrug‐resistant MTB strains resistant to both of isoniazid and rifampicin. In particular, four of them 3a, 3c, 3d, and 3j (MIC: 1.412–3.230 μg/mL) showed promising activity against the two clinically isolated multidrug‐resistant MTB strains and could act as starting points for further investigation.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Methyl 2‐(2‐(2‐Arylquinazolin‐4‐yl)sulfanyl)acetylamino Alkanoates
Authors: Megahed M. I. , Fathalla W. 
Published: October 2018

A series of methyl 2‐(2‐(2‐arylquinazolin‐4‐yl)sulfanyl)acetylamino alkanoates have been developed on the basis of the S‐chemoselective reaction of 2‐arylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐thione with ethyl chloroacetate and N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide coupling method with amino acid ester hydrochloride. The precursor 2‐arylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐thione was prepared by a new thiation method from 2‐arylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐one by a two‐step reaction that includes chlorination and then the reaction with N‐cyclohexyldithiocarbamate cyclohexyl ammonium salt. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds was tested in vitro via paper‐disc agar‐plate method against two bacterial strains Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli and a pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. Most synthesized compounds showed remarkable antibacterial activity against E. coli overpassing the standard reference antibiotics applied: tetracycline, erythromycin, and novobiocin. On the other hand, most synthesized compounds gave moderate antifungal activity against pathogenic yeast C. albicans.
C1q/TNF‐related protein 9: A novel therapeutic target in ischemic stroke?
Authors: Yang Cui , Fan Fan , Sawmiller Darrell , Tan Jun , Wang Qingsong , Xiang Yang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIschemic stroke has become a serious public health problem, which is in need of advanced research on the prevention and treatment. As a newly discovered adipokine, C1q/TNF‐related protein 9 (CTRP9) plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis disease (CAD), including regulating energy metabolism, modulating vasomotion, protecting endothelial cells, inhibiting platelet activation, inhibiting pathological vascular remodeling, stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques, and protecting heart. The present review raised a critical question of whether CTRP9 could also have the capacity of protecting the brain tissue and decreasing the severity of brain lesions in the ischemic stroke since CAD and ischemic stroke are both the major subtypes of atherosclerotic vascular diseases which share a large of common pathogenesis in the vascular lesion particularly. Therefore, we proposed that CTRP9 could be a feasible biomarker and potential therapeutic target in ischemic stroke on the basis of the reviewed research reports.
Two facets of conscientiousness and the knowledge sharing dilemmas in the workplace: Contrasting moderating functions of supervisor support and coworker support
Authors: Chae Heesun , Park Jisung , Choi Jin Nam 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis study adopts self‐ and other‐centered approaches to explain how the two facets of conscientiousness (i.e., dutifulness and achievement striving) distinctly resolve knowledge sharing dilemmas among employees. It also explores how the critical social surroundings of employees (i.e., supervisor support and coworker support) neutralize or activate the effects of dutifulness and achievement striving on knowledge‐sharing behavior. Our analysis of the data collected from 150 employee–supervisor dyads corroborates that the other‐centered facet of conscientiousness (dutifulness) is positively related to knowledge‐sharing behavior, whereas the self‐centered facet (achievement striving) is negatively related to the same behavior. The analysis also affirms that the positive effect of dutifulness and the negative effect of achievement striving on knowledge sharing are strengthened when supervisor support is low and coworker support is high. This study offers theoretical and practical implications relevant to knowledge management in organizations, distinct roles of facet‐specific personalities toward knowledge sharing, and contrasting personality–situation interactions by situation strength and trait activation in shaping employee behavior.
Why might US threats of protectionism have limited consequences for the further expansion of the global economy?
Authors: Floyd David 
Published: October 2018

AbstractProtectionism is the main risk for the global economy. This article sets out to examine the current developments in global trade and the specific trade policies being adopted by major trading nations. Evidence would suggest that global ties have come a considerable way since the initial promotion of trade through the International Monetary Fund and US at the start of the post war period. The rising growth in the Asian and Far East economy and other emerging markets is also playing its part in supporting the process.
After Brexit: Rethinking the structure of the UK economy and its branding strategies
Authors: Ardley Barry 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBrexit is currently making the economic climate uncertain. It will have an impact on the economic health of the UK economy and its products may suffer as consequence. It presents conditions for engendering both the positive and negative features of a falling currency. Associated with Brexit is the possibility of negative customer brand perceptions, a result of the UK country of origin effect. This raises the issue of considering alternative strategic routes to growth.
Acid Precipitation versus Solvent Extraction: Two Techniques Leading to Different Lactone/Acidic Sophorolipid Ratios
Authors: Zulkifli Wan Nur Fatihah Wan Muhammad , Razak Nurul Nadhirah Abdul , Yatim Abdul Rashid M. , Hayes Douglas G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSophorolipids (SL) prepared from biotransformation of refined bleached deodorized (RBD) palm olein by Starmerella bombicola (ATCC 22214) occur as a mixture of homologs. Characterization of SL was performed using high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detection (HPLC‐ESI‐MS) under negative ion mode. Two different purification methods were compared: precipitation and solvent extraction. SL purified by precipitation and solvent extraction consisted of five major homologs with m/z values of 687, 645, 689, 705, and 661. The fractions of lactone and acidic SL via precipitation were 70.24 ± 1.4% and 29.76 ± 1.4%, respectively. SL isolated by solvent extraction contained 44.78 ± 1.9% lactone and 55.22 ± 1.9% acidic SL. Therefore, the purification method strongly impacted the composition of the SL products.
Incidence and risk factors for abdominal occult metastatic disease in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gemenetzis Georgios , Groot Vincent P. , Blair Alex B. , Ding Ding , Thakker Sameer S. , Fishman Elliot K. , Cameron John L. , Makary Martin A. , Weiss Matthew J. , Wolfgang Christopher L. , He Jin 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundThe incidence of occult metastatic disease (OMD) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and associated risk factors are largely unknown.MethodsWe identified all patients with PDAC, who had an aborted oncologic operation due to OMD within a 10‐year period. The cases were matched to a cohort of resected PDAC patients on a 1:3 ratio, based on age and sex, for comparison of preoperative clinical characteristics and potential risk factors for OMD.ResultsIn the studied period, 117 patients with OMD were identified in 1423 pancreatectomies performed for PDAC (8%). Liver metastases were the most common finding (79%) followed by peritoneal implants (16%). When compared with non‐OMD cases, patients with OMD presented more often with abdominal pain (P < 0.001), and higher preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA 19‐9) values (
P = 0.007). Additionally, indeterminate liver lesions on preoperative computed tomography (CT) were identified in 40% of OMD versus 17% of non‐OMD patients (
P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis distinguished four independent predictors for OMD: indeterminate lesions on preoperative CT, tumor size > 30 mm, abdominal pain, and preoperative CA 19‐9 > 192 U/mL.ConclusionsOccurrence of OMD in PDAC accounts for 8% of cases. Preoperative CA 19‐9 > 192 U/mL, primary tumor size > 30 mm, and identification of indeterminate lesions in preoperative CT may indicate the need for diagnostic laparoscopy.
Axonal supercharged interpositional jump‐graft with a hybrid artificial nerve conduit containing adipose‐derived stem cells in facial nerve paresis rat model
Authors: Kamei Wataru , Matsumine Hajime , Osaki Hironobu , Ueta Yoshifumi , Tsunoda Satoshi , Shimizu Mari , Hashimoto Kazuki , Niimi Yosuke , Miyata Mariko , Sakurai Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2018

PurposeInterpositional jump‐graft (IPJG) technique with the hypoglossal nerve for supercharging can be applied in a facial nerve paresis case. In IPJG, an autologous nerve is required, and the donor site morbidity is unavoidable. Biodegradable nerve conduits are made from polyglycolic acid (PGA) and used recently without donor site complications after providing autologous grafts. Hybrid artificial nerve conduits with adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) also attract attention as a nerve‐regeneration enhancing agent. This study examined the effect of hybrid artificial nerve conduit on IPJG.Materials and methodsA total of 34 Lewis rats were used and divided into 4 groups by the bridge materials: autograft (n = 8), PGA nerve conduit (n = 8), hybrid PGA nerve conduit with ASCs (n = 8), and the nontreated control groups (n = 8). ASCs were collected from 2 rats and cultured. The animals were assessed physiologically and histopathologically at 13 weeks after surgery.ResultsIn compound muscle action potential, the amplitude of hybrid PGA group (3,222 ± 1,779 μV) was significantly higher than that of PGA group (1,961 ± 445 μV, P < .05), and no significant difference between hybrid PGA and autograft group. All treated groups showed a myelinated nerve regeneration with double innervation in hypoglossal and facial nerve nuclei for vibrissal muscle.ConclusionThis study showed the effectiveness of IPJG with a hybrid PGA conduit especially in physiological examination.
Performance enhancement of ground radiation antenna by coupling with ground body
Authors: Moon Sungjin , Jeon Jihwan , Shin Hyunwoong , Kim Hyung Hoon , Kim Hyeongdong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this paper, the effect of coupling between the antenna and ground characteristic mode is investigated by comparing the radiation performance of antennas located inside and outside the ground plane. In general, it is understood that an antenna occupying a larger space has better radiation performance. However, in this paper, it is shown that coupling between the antenna and ground is important for radiation performance, rather than the size occupied by the antenna. The antenna is strongly coupled with the ground characteristic mode when located inside the ground; the −10 dB bandwidth is 130 MHz at 2.45 GHz, and the measured realized efficiency is −0.64 dB in the 2.4‐2.5 GHz band. When the antenna protrudes from the ground plane, the coupling between the antenna and the ground characteristic mode is weak, achieving a narrower −10 dB bandwidth of 50 MHz at 2.45 GHz, and lower measured realized efficiency of −2.20 dB in the 2.4‐2.5 GHz band. In other words, the radiation performance of the same antenna is significantly influenced by the coupling with the ground.
VERDICT‐AMICO: Ultrafast fitting algorithm for non‐invasive prostate microstructure characterization
Authors: Bonet‐Carne Elisenda , Johnston Edward , Daducci Alessandro , Jacobs Joseph G. , Freeman Alex , Atkinson David , Hawkes David J. , Punwani Shonit , Alexander Daniel C. , Panagiotaki Eleftheria 
Published: October 2018

VERDICT (vascular, extracellular and restricted diffusion for cytometry in tumours) estimates and maps microstructural features of cancerous tissue non‐invasively using diffusion MRI. The main purpose of this study is to address the high computational time of microstructural model fitting for prostate diagnosis, while retaining utility in terms of tumour conspicuity and repeatability.In this work, we adapt the accelerated microstructure imaging via convex optimization (AMICO) framework to linearize the estimation of VERDICT parameters for the prostate gland. We compare the original non‐linear fitting of VERDICT with the linear fitting, quantifying accuracy with synthetic data, and computational time and reliability (performance and precision) in eight patients. We also assess the repeatability (scan‐rescan) of the parameters.Comparison of the original VERDICT fitting versus VERDICT‐AMICO showed that the linearized fitting (1) is more accurate in simulation for a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 20 dB; (2) reduces the processing time by three orders of magnitude, from 6.55 seconds/voxel to 1.78 milliseconds/voxel; (3) estimates parameters more precisely; (4) produces similar parametric maps and (5) produces similar estimated parameters with a high Pearson correlation between implementations, r2 > 0.7. The VERDICT‐AMICO estimates also show high levels of repeatability. Finally, we demonstrate that VERDICT‐AMICO can estimate an extra diffusivity parameter without losing tumour conspicuity and retains the fitting advantages.VERDICT‐AMICO provides microstructural maps for prostate cancer characterization in seconds.
A multi‐parametric PET/MRI study of breast cancer: Evaluation of DCE‐MRI pharmacokinetic models and correlation with diffusion and functional parameters
Authors: Inglese Marianna , Cavaliere Carlo , Monti Serena , Forte Ernesto , Incoronato Mariarosaria , Nicolai Emanuele , Salvatore Marco , Aiello Marco 
Published: October 2018

The objective of this study is to compare perfusion parameters, as measured by the shutter speed and the Tofts models applied in DCE‐MRI, in malignant breast lesions. Also, to investigate the relationship between perfusion, morphological and functional parameters extracted by the simultaneous acquisition of positron emission tomography (PET) and MRI.46 patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer were imaged with a 3 T hybrid PET/MRI system, at staging. 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET images were acquired simultaneously with MRI, which included DW‐ and DCE‐MRI. Standardized uptake value (SUV), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and pharmacokinetic maps (from the Tofts and shutter speed models) were generated for each primary lesion and a reference, healthy tissue area. Wilcoxon and Spearman tests were used for the statistical analysis.MRI‐derived parameters (perfusion and diffusion) and PET SUVmean were significantly different between tumour and reference tissue (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the two pharmacokinetic models (p < 0.01) and between SUV and pharmacokinetic parameters (Ktrans, kep, ve and τi). No correlation was observed between ADC and SUV, or between ADC and pharmacokinetic parameters.In conclusion, PET/MRI allows for the characterization of primary lesions in breast cancer. Simultaneous analysis of perfusion, morphological and functional markers reveals good agreement between different pharmacokinetic models. Perfusion parameters showed a good correlation with the SUV in breast lesions. In particular, the shutter speed τi was found to be significantly correlated to 18F‐FDG uptake (negative correlation), indicating an association with tumour metabolic mechanisms.
Comparative effectiveness and safety of antiplatelet drugs in patients with diabetes mellitus and acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Spoendlin Julia , Gagne Joshua J. , Lewey Jennifer J. , Patorno Elisabetta , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Desai Rishi J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeComparative outcomes of treatment with antiplatelet drugs in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and co‐morbid diabetes mellitus (DM) are not well studied.MethodsWe performed a cohort study using US commercial claims data (2009‐2015) and conducted the following pairwise comparisons in ACS patients with DM: prasugrel vs clopidogrel, ticagrelor vs clopidogrel, and prasugrel vs ticagrelor. Outcomes of interest included (1) a composite effectiveness endpoint including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or inpatient mortality; (2) a composite safety endpoint including major bleeding events requiring hospitalization; and (3) pneumonia hospitalizations as a negative control endpoint. We used calendar time‐specific propensity score matching to account for confounding and applied Cox proportional hazard models to calculate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsComparative risk of the effectiveness endpoint was lower among prasugrel initiators compared to clopidogrel initiators (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68‐0.99, N = 7011 matched pairs), but no different between ticagrelor and clopidogrel (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.76‐1.37, N = 3013 pairs) or prasugrel and ticagrelor (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.58‐1.18, N = 2207 pairs). Bleeding risk was higher among prasugrel initiators when compared to clopidogrel initiators within the first month of treatment (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.03‐3.35); no other comparison indicated any difference. No differences in the negative control outcomes were noted after PS matching for all comparisons, indicating adequate confounding control.ConclusionsPrasugrel was associated with superior cardiovascular outcomes and a higher risk of short‐term bleeding compared to clopidogrel in patients with ACS and DM. Comparative outcomes were similar between ticagrelor and clopidogrel or prasugrel and ticagrelor.