bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PEP06 polypeptide 30 exerts antitumour effect in colorectal carcinoma via inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Yu Siming , Li Linna , Tian Wei , Nie Dan , Mu Wei , Qiu Fang , Liu Yu , Liu Xinghan , Wang Xiaofeng , Du Zhimin , Chu Wen‐Feng , Yang Baofeng 
Published: May 2018

Background and PurposePEP06, a polypeptide modified from endostatin, was investigated for its antitumour effects on colorectal cancer (CRC) and the possible mechanisms of this antitumour activity were examined in in vitro and in vivo models.Experimental ApproachAfter PEP06 treatment, cell proliferation and migration assays were performed in CRC cells. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression was determined by Western blotting, immunofluorescent staining and immunohistochemistry in vitro and in a residual xenograft model. MiRNAs regulated by PEP06 were identified by miRNA microarray and verified by in situ hybridization and quantitative real‐time PCR. The interactions between PEP06 and integrin αvβ3 were determined with Biacore SA biochips. The cellular function of miR‐146b‐5p was validated by gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function approaches. A mouse model of lung metastasis was used to determine the effect of PEP06 on metastatic growth.Key ResultsPEP06 did not affect cell viability but reduced migration and EMT in SW620 and HCT116 cells. PEP06 significantly repressed the expression of miR‐146b‐5p in these two cell lines through binding to integrin αvβ3. MiR‐146b‐5p was shown to increase EMT by targeting Smad4, and the miR‐146b‐5p‐Smad4 cascade regulated EMT in CRC. PEP06 also suppressed CRC pulmonary metastasis, increased survival of mice and hampered residual tumour growth by inhibiting EMT through down‐regulating miR‐146b‐5p.Conclusions and ImplicationsPEP06 is a polypeptide that inhibits the growth and metastasis of colon cancer through its RGD motif binding to integrin αvβ3, thereby down‐regulating miR‐146b‐5p to inhibit EMT in vitro and in vivo. It might have potential as a therapeutic for CRC.
High‐frequency autonomic modulation: a new model for analysis of autonomic cardiac control
Authors: Champéroux Pascal , Fesler Pierre , Judé Sebastien , Richard Serge , Le Guennec Jean‐Yves , Thireau Jérôme 
Published: May 2018

Background and PurposeIncrease in high‐frequency beat‐to‐beat heart rate oscillations by torsadogenic hERG blockers appears to be associated with signs of parasympathetic and sympathetic co‐activation which cannot be assessed directly using classic methods of heart rate variability analysis. The present work aimed to find a translational model that would allow this particular state of the autonomic control of heart rate to be assessed.Experimental ApproachHigh‐frequency heart rate and heart period oscillations were analysed within discrete 10 s intervals in a cohort of 200 healthy human subjects. Results were compared to data collected in non‐human primates and beagle dogs during pharmacological challenges and torsadogenic hERG blockers exposure, in 127 genotyped LQT1 patients on/off β‐blocker treatment and in subgroups of smoking and non‐smoking subjects.Key ResultsThree states of autonomic modulation, S1 (parasympathetic predominance) to S3 (reciprocal parasympathetic withdrawal/sympathetic activation), were differentiated to build a new model of heart rate variability referred to as high‐frequency autonomic modulation. The S2 state corresponded to a specific state during which both parasympathetic and sympathetic systems were coexisting or co‐activated. S2 oscillations were proportionally increased by torsadogenic hERG‐blocking drugs, whereas smoking caused an increase in S3 oscillations.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe combined analysis of the magnitude of high‐frequency heart rate and high‐frequency heart period oscillations allows a refined assessment of heart rate autonomic modulation applicable to long‐term ECG recordings and offers new approaches to assessment of the risk of sudden death both in terms of underlying mechanisms and sensitivity.
Government loan guarantees and the credit decision‐making structure
Authors: Ben‐Yashar Ruth , Krausz Miriam , Nitzan Shmuel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGovernments can alleviate the problem of banks denying credit to high risk borrowers and excluding weaker sectors from borrowing by introducing state‐guaranteed loan programs. The main contribution of this paper is the elucidation of the importance of the bank's credit decision‐making structure in ensuring overall effectiveness of loan guarantees. In particular, the government can use the guarantee as an instrument for credit inducement and for affecting the bank's decision‐making system, i.e., its degree of centralization, bias towards approval of loans and reliance on objective loan‐specific information.RésuméLes garanties gouvernementales de prêts et la structure de la prise de décision en ce qui a trait au crédit. Les gouvernements peuvent soulager le problème des banques qui refusent de faire crédit à des emprunteurs à hauts risques et excluent certains secteurs plus faibles d’accès au crédit, en introduisant des programmes de garantie de prêts. La contribution centrale de ce mémoire est l’élucidation de l’importance de la structure de prise de décision des banques en ce qui a trait au crédit pour assurer l’efficacité des garanties de prêts. En particulier, le gouvernement peut utiliser la garantie comme instrument d’incitation au crédit et pour influencer le système de prise de décision des banques, i.e., le degré de centralisation, la tendance à approuver les prêts, le recours à de l’information objective et spécifique au prêt.
Co‐administration of kla‐TAT peptide and iRGD to enhance the permeability on A549 3D multiple sphere cells and accumulation on xenograft mice
Authors: Hu Cuihua , Chen Xiaolong , Huang Yibing , Chen Yuxin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTo enhance the anticancer activity, tumor penetration ability of the hybrid anticancer peptide, in this study, a TAT (RKKRRQRRR) peptide modified kla peptide (KLAKLAKKLAKLAK, with all D‐amino acids), named kla‐TAT, was co‐administrated with the homing/penetrating peptide iRGD which could enhance the permeability of chemical drug in solid tumor and tumor vessel by co‐administration. In this study, the nonsmall cell lung cancer A549 cell line with the iRGD targeting receptor neuropilin‐1 high expression was selected to establish the 2D monolayer cell, 3D multiple cell spheroids, and xenograft mice model. The co‐administration of iRGD strengthened the permeability of kla‐TAT peptide against A549 2D and 3D sphere model with the penetration improvement property of iRGD; more importantly, co‐administration with iRGD dramatically enhanced the accumulation of kla‐TAT peptide in tumor tissue on the xenograft mice model with the homing property of iRGD. The co‐administration of iRGD strategy confers targeting ability to the hybrid peptide kla‐TAT. We believe the chemical conjugation plus co‐administration approach may provide a promising way for cancer treatment in clinical practices.
Synthesis and antibacterial activities of novel pleuromutilin derivatives bearing an aminothiophenol moiety
Authors: Zhang Zhao‐Sheng , Huang Yun‐Zhen , Luo Jian , Jin Zhen , Liu Ya‐Hong , Tang You‐Zhi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe synthesized a series of novel thioether pleuromutilin derivatives incorporating 2‐aminothiophenol moieties into the C14 side chain via acylation reactions under mild conditions. We evaluated the in‐vitro antibacterial activities of the derivatives against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, ATCC 43300), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). The majority of the synthesized derivatives possessed moderate antibacterial activities. Compound 8 was found to be the most active antibacterial derivative against MRSA. We conducted docking experiments to understand the possible mode of interactions between compounds 8, 9b, 11a and 50S ribosomal subunit. The docking results proved that there is a reasonable correlation between the binding free energy and the antibacterial activity. Compound 8 was evaluated for its in‐vivo antibacterial activity and showed higher efficacy than tiamulin against MRSA in mouse infection model.
Cerebrospinal fluid findings in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: a way to differentiate from cerebral vasculitis?
Authors: Kraayvanger L , Berlit P , Albrecht P , Hartung H-P , Kraemer M 
Published: May 2018

Summary
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by an acute onset of severe headache and multi-focal segmental vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries resolving within 12 weeks. Diagnostic criteria include normal or near-normal findings in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, especially leucocyte levels &lt; 10/mm³. Distinguishing RCVS from primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is essential to avoid unnecessary and sometimes unfavourable immunosuppressive treatment. We reviewed retrospectively the clinical and diagnostic data of 10 RCVS patients who presented in our neurological department from 1 January 2013 to February 2017. The main purpose was to verify whether CSF leucocyte counts &lt; 10/mm³ serve to discriminate RCVS from PACNS. Five of six patients who underwent lumbar puncture presented with CSF leucocyte levels ≥ 10/mm³. Two patients had a history of misinterpretation of CSF pleocytosis as cerebral vasculitis and of immunosuppressive treatment. A complete restitution of cerebral vasoconstriction was evident in all. No patient had further cerebral strokes or bleedings without immunosuppressive treatment over more than 12 weeks. Despite the established diagnostic criteria, RCVS can manifest with CSF leucocyte levels &gt; 10/mm³. Careful anamnesis and the response of ‘vasculitis-like angiography’ to nimodipine given as a test during angiography and as oral medication are key to differentiate RCVS from cerebral vasculitis.
A novel PDE9 inhibitor WYQ‐C36D ameliorates corticosterone‐induced neurotoxicity and depression‐like behaviors by cGMP‐CREB‐related signaling
Authors: Huang Xian‐Feng , Jiang Wen‐Tao , Liu Li , Song Fang‐Chen , Zhu Xia , Shi Gui‐Lan , Ding Shu‐Ming , Ke Heng‐Ming , Wang Wei , O'Donnell James M. , Zhang Han‐Ting , Luo Hai‐Bin , Wan Yi‐Qian , Song Guo‐Qiang , Xu Ying 
Published: May 2018

SummaryBackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental disease characterized by depressed mood, lifetime anxiety, and deficits of learning and memory. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 9 (PDE9) has been reported to improve rodent cognitive and memory function. However, the role of PDE9 in MDD, in particular its manifestations of depression and anxiety, has not been investigated.MethodsWe examined the protective effects of WYQ‐C36D (C36D), a novel PDE9 inhibitor, against corticosterone‐induced cytotoxicity, pCREB/CREB and BDNF expression by cell viability, and immunoblot assays in HT‐22 cells. The potential effects of C36D at doses of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg on stress‐induced depression‐ and anxiety‐like behaviors and memory deficits were also examined in mice.ResultsC36D significantly protected HT‐22 cells against corticosterone‐induced cytotoxicity and rescued corticosterone‐induced decreases in cGMP, CREB phosphorylation, and BDNF expression. All these effects were otherwise blocked by the PKG inhibitor Rp‐8‐Br‐PET‐cGMPS (Rp8). In addition, when tested in vivo in stressed mice, C36D produced antidepressant‐like effects on behavior, as shown by decreased immobility time both in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests. C36D also showed anxiolytic‐like and memory‐enhancing effects in the elevated plus‐maze and novel object recognition tests.ConclusionOur results show that inhibition of PDE9 by C36D produces antidepressant‐ and anxiolytic‐like behavioral effects and memory enhancement by activating cGMP/PKG signaling pathway. PDE9 inhibitors may have the potential as a novel class of drug to treat MDD.
Ferrimagnetic wollastonite ceramics based on waste valorization
Authors: González‐Triviño Isabel , Benítez‐Guerrero Mónica , Moreno Belén , Pascual‐Cosp José 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIndustrial residues may be considered as an economic and environmentally friendly option for the manufacture of ceramic materials for civil and energy engineering. In this work, granite sludge, mussel shells and glass cullet were used to produce a ceramic material that presents high hardness (HV = 5.57 GPa) and fracture toughness values (KIC = 1.78 MPa·m1/2) as well as soft ferrimagnetic behavior. The presence of wollastonite confers characteristics typical of porcelain stoneware (σ = 64 N/mm2, WA = 0.361%) to the final products.
The efficiency and comparison of novel techniques for cell wall disruption in astaxanthin extraction from Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Wei , Zeng Xin‐An , Cheng Jun‐Hu , Liu De‐Bao , Aadil Rana Muhammad 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe efficiency of various techniques pulsed electric field (PEF), ultrasound (US), high‐pressure microfluidisation (HPMF), hydrochloric acid (HCl) and ionic liquids (ILs) for cell wall disruption in astaxanthin extraction from Haematococcus pluvialis was compared. The results indicated that ILs, HCl and HPMF treatment were shown the most efficient for cell disruption with more than 80% astaxanthin recovery. While the cell wall integrity of H. pluvialis cyst cell was less affected by US and PEF treatment. It was found that imidazolium‐based ILs showed the greater potential for cell disruption than pyridinium‐based and ammonium‐based ILs. Among all the ILs examined, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim] Cl) exhibited efficient cell disruption and capability of astaxanthin recovery at mild condition (pretreatment with 40% IL aqueous solution at 40 °C, followed by extraction with methanol at 50 °C) without extensive energy consumption and special facility requirement. In addition, recyclability of ILs was excellent.
Effect of surface charges on the polarization of BaTiO3 thin films investigated by UHV‐SPM
Authors: Suzuki Keigo , Hosokura Tadasu , Okamoto Takafumi , Steffes James , Murayama Koji , Tanaka Nobuhiko , Huey Bryan D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNanostructured BaTiO3 polar thin films are increasingly critical to the function of future multilayer ceramic capacitors and related oxide‐based electronic devices. The effect of surface charges on BaTiO3 polarization behavior is therefore investigated by ultra‐high vacuum scanning probe microscopy (UHV‐SPM) for 3 distinct morphologies—epitaxial, polycrystalline, and nanocrystalline films. Regardless of the film morphology, Kelvin probe force microscopy reveals that BaTiO3 thin film surfaces exhibit positive charging after contact scanning by various noble AFM probes due to the work function difference between tip and specimen. According to piezoresponse force microscopy, these positive charges uniformly stabilize downward polarized domains. However, the hysteresis and concomitant surface charging behavior are strongly sensitive to microstructure and defects. In particular, the stability and switching behavior are influenced by bulk and interfacial defect distributions and hence correlated to film deposition methods and grain size. Such morphology dependent properties for BaTiO3 films are revealed only through UHV measurements where screening charges from the ambient can be minimized, demonstrating the importance of UHV‐SPM for understanding ferroelectric thin films and nanostructures.
Microstructural, ferroelectric, and photoluminescent properties of (100)‐oriented Sm3+‐doped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 thin films
Authors: Huang Wenhua , Du Xingru , Ismail Muhammad , Hao Aize , Wu Jiang , He Shuai , Qin Ni , Bao Dinghua 
Published: May 2018

Abstract(100)C‐oriented Na0.5Bi0.5‐xSmxTiO3 (NBST) lead‐free ferroelectric thin films were prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by chemical solution deposition method, and their microstructural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and photoluminescent properties were studied. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that both the grain size and (100)C orientation degree of NBST thin films were decreased by doping Sm3+ ions. Raman spectra showed that structural symmetry of NBST thin films decreased at low Sm3+ doping concentration and then increased at high doping concentration of Sm3+ ions. An appropriate amount of Sm3+ dopants was confirmed to enhance dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the NBST thin films. Among all the compositions, the Na0.5Bi0.492Sm0.008TiO3 thin film exhibited the largest remnant polarization (2Pr) of 27.3 μC/cm2 and high dielectric constant of 1068, as well as a low dielectric loss of 0.04. Temperature‐ and frequency‐dependent dielectric characteristics illustrated the relaxor ferroelectric behavior of Na0.5Bi0.492Sm0.008TiO3 thin film. Meanwhile, the Na0.5Bi0.492Sm0.008TiO3 thin film also showed optimal orange‐red emission at 600 nm, which is originating from the 4G5/2 → 4H7/2 transition of Sm3+ ions.
Postprocedural LGE‐CMR comparison of laser and radiofrequency ablation lesions after pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Figueras i Ventura Rosa M. , Mǎrgulescu Andrei D. , Benito Eva M. , Alarcón Francisco , Enomoto Norihiro , Prat‐Gonzalez Susanna , Perea Rosario J. , Borràs Roger , Chipa Fredy , Arbelo Elena , Tolosana Jose M. , Brugada Josep , Berruezo Antonio , Mont Lluis 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to compare the anatomical characteristics of scar formation achieved by visual‐guided laser balloon (Laser) and radiofrequency (RF) pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), using late‐gadolinium‐enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (LGE‐CMR).Methods and resultsWe included 17 patients with paroxysmal or early persistent drug resistant AF who underwent Laser ablation; 2 were excluded due to procedure‐related complications. The sample was matched with a historical group of 15 patients who underwent PVI using RF. LGE‐CMR sequences were acquired before and 3 months post‐PVI. Ablation gaps were defined as pulmonary vein (PV) perimeter sections showing no gadolinium enhancement. The number of ablation gaps was lower in Laser versus RF ablations (median 7 vs. 14, P = 0.015). Complete anatomical PVI (circumferential scar around PV, without gaps) was more frequently achieved with Laser than with RF (39% vs. 19% of PVs, P = 0.025). Fewer gaps were present at the superior and anterior left PV and posterior right PV antral regions in the Laser group, compared to RF. Scar extension into the PVs was similar in both groups, although RF produced more extensive ablation scar toward the LA body. AF recurrences at 1 year were similar in both groups (Laser 36% vs. RF 27%, P = 1.00).ConclusionsCompared to RF, Laser ablation achieved more complete anatomical PVI, with less LA scar extension. However, AF recurrence appears to be similar after Laser compared to RF ablation. Further studies are needed to assess whether the anatomical advantages of Laser ablation translate into clinical benefit in patients with AF.
The SHH/Gli axis regulates CD90‐mediated liver cancer stem cell function by activating the IL6/JAK2 pathway
Authors: Zhang Ketao , Che Siyao , Pan Chuzhi , Su Zheng , Zheng Shangyou , Yang Shanglin , Zhang Huayao , Li Wenda , Wang Weidong , Liu Jianping 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe cell surface antigen CD90 has recently been established as a promising marker for liver cancer stem cells. This study aimed to investigate potential implications of SHH/Gli signalling in CD90+ liver cancer stem cells. Correlation of the expression of SHH signalling components and CD90 in liver cancer cells and clinical tissues, as well as in enriched CD90+ liver cancer stem cells and the TCGA database, were analysed by quantitative RT‐PCR, Western blotting and flow cytometry. Functional analysis was conducted by siRNA‐mediated CD90, Gli1 and Gli3 gene knockdown, SHH treatment and application of the JAK2 inhibitor AZD1480 and IL6 neutralizing antibody in CD90+ liver cancer stem cells, followed by cell proliferation, migration, sphere formation and tumorigenicity assays. CD90 expression exhibited a high positive correlation with Gli1 and Gli3 in multiple liver cancer cell lines and human cancerous liver tissues, both of which showed a significant increase in liver cancer. Analysis of TCGA data revealed an association of CD90, Gli1 and Gli3 with a short overall survival and positive correlation between CD90 expression and Gli3 expression level. The stem cell potentials of CD90+ 97L liver cancer cells were greatly impaired by Gli1/3 knockdown with siRNA but enhanced by SHH treatment. Application of the JAK2 inhibitor AZD1480 and IL6 neutralizing antibody showed the CD90 and SHH/Gli‐regulated liver cancer stem cell functions were mediated by the IL6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. The stem cell properties of CD90+ liver cancer cells are regulated by the downstream SHH/Gli and IL6/JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathways.
Fast reactivation of photosynthesis in arctic phytoplankton during the polar night1
Authors: Kvernvik Ane Cecilie , Hoppe Clara Jule Marie , Lawrenz Evelyn , Prášil Ondřej , Greenacre Michael , Wiktor Józef Maria , Leu Eva 
Published: May 2018

Arctic microalgae experience long periods of continuous darkness during the polar night, when they are unable to photosynthesize. Despite numerous studies on overwintering strategies, such as utilization of stored energy products, formation of resting stages, reduction of metabolic rates and heterotrophic lifestyles, there have been few attempts to assess the in situ physiological state and restoration of the photosynthetic apparatus upon re‐illumination. In this study, we found diverse and active marine phytoplankton communities during the polar night at 78°N. Furthermore, we observed rapid changes (≤20 min) in the efficiency of photosynthetic electron transport upon re‐illumination. High photosynthetic capacity and net primary production were established after 24 h of re‐illumination. Our results suggest that some Arctic autotrophs maintain fully functional photosystem II and downstream electron acceptors during the polar night even though the low in situ net primary production levels measured in January prove that light was not sufficient to support any measurable primary production. Due to low temperatures resulting in low respiratory rates as well as the absence of photodamage during the polar night, maintenance of basic photosynthetic machinery may actually pose relatively low metabolic costs for algal cells. This could allow Arctic microalgae to endure the polar night without the formation of dormant stages, enabling them to recover and take advantage of light immediately upon the suns return during the winter–spring transition.
PrgB promotes aggregation, biofilm formation, and conjugation through DNA binding and compaction
Authors: Schmitt Andreas , Jiang Kai , Camacho Martha I. , Jonna Venkateswara Rao , Hofer Anders , Westerlund Fredrik , Christie Peter J , Berntsson Ronnie P‐A 
Published: May 2018

SummaryGram‐positive bacteria deploy type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) to facilitate horizontal gene transfer. The T4SSs of Gram‐positive bacteria rely on surface adhesins as opposed to conjugative pili to facilitate mating. Enterococcus faecalis PrgB is a surface adhesin that promotes mating pair formation and robust biofilm development in an extracellular DNA (eDNA) dependent manner. Here, we report the structure of the adhesin domain of PrgB. The adhesin domain binds and compacts DNA in vitro. In vivo PrgB deleted of its adhesin domain does not support cellular aggregation, biofilm development and conjugative DNA transfer. PrgB also binds lipoteichoic acid (LTA), which competes with DNA binding. We propose that PrgB binding and compaction of eDNA facilitates cell aggregation and plays an important role in establishment of early biofilms in mono‐ or polyspecies settings. Within these biofilms, PrgB mediates formation and stabilization of direct cell‐cell contacts through alternative binding of cell‐bound LTA, which in turn promotes establishment of productive mating junctions and efficient intra‐ or inter‐species T4SS‐mediated gene transfer.