bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of GST variants on the risk odds of hematological malignancy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Minjie , Zheng Meifang , Chen Hongyun , Yu Haiqing 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundWhether glutathione S‐transferases (GST) polymorphisms influence the risk odds of hematological malignancy remains controversial. Therefore, we performed this meta‐analysis to better analyze correlations between GST polymorphisms and hematological malignancy.MethodsLiterature retrieve was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsSixty‐two studies were enrolled for analyses. Significant associations with hematological malignancy were observed for GSTM1 (P < 0.0001, OR = 1.25, 95% CI, 1.14‐1.38), GSTP1 (P = 0.002, OR = 1.20, 95% CI, 1.07‐1.34), and GSTT1 (P < 0.0001, OR = 1.57, 95% CI, 1.39‐1.76) polymorphisms in overall analyses. Further subgroup analyses by ethnicity revealed that GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were both significantly correlated with hematological malignancy in Caucasians, East Asians, and West Asians, whereas GSTP1 polymorphism was only significantly correlated with hematological malignancy in Caucasians and West Asians. When we stratified data according to type of disease, positive results were found for all investigated polymorphisms in patients with certain types of acute leukemia. Moreover, GSTP1 polymorphism was also found to be significantly associated with chronic leukemia and lymphoma.ConclusionsOur findings indicated that GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms may serve as potential genetic biomarkers of hematological malignancy in certain ethnicities.
NPAS2 regulates proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia cells via CDC25A‐mediated cell cycle progression and apoptosis
Authors: Song Bin , Chen Yan , Liu Yuhong , Wan Chucheng , Zhang Longjin , Zhang Wanggang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPromoted proliferation and associated suppression of apoptosis at various stages of myeloid differentiation are well‐known features of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but understanding of the molecular processes involved remains limited. As a crucial circadian agent, neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2) is widely recognized as a promising predictor of clinical outcome in various malignancies. Nevertheless, the understanding of its influence on AML is insufficient. Using KD cells and expression assays, we carried out detailed investigation of the role of NPAS2 in AML in vivo and in vitro. Firstly, we found that NPAS2 expression was elevated in AML cells both in vivo and in vitro. NPAS2 knockdown via lentiviral infection clearly suppressed proliferation of MV4‐11 and MOLM‐14 cells. Additionally, NPAS2 knockdown caused G1/S cell cycle arrest (CCA), which inhibited CDC25A expression. Moreover, NPAS2 knockdown promoted cell death, as evidenced by increased caspase‐3 cleavage, and change in Bcl2/Bax production. Excessive CDC25A expression eliminated G1/S CCA triggered by NPAS2 knockdown and death of NPAS2 knocked down MOLM and MV4‐11 cells. The expression of CDC25A was stabilized by NPAS2, which induced cell cycle progression and participated in suppression of cell death by modulating caspase‐3 cleavage, and expression of Bcl2/Bax. We therefore indicated NPAS2 to be a crucial modulator of survival as well as proliferation. Our research sheds light on the etiology of the proliferation of promyelocytes modulated via NPAS2 with regard to AML.
Melatonin inhibits the migration of human gastric carcinoma cells at least in part by remodeling tight junction
Authors: Wei Xiang , Chen Shaolong , Xu Zhe , Jia Ning , Qi Yinliang , Zhou Qing , Wang Jian , Qu Lijun , Zhang Sumei , Wang Yuan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe recurrence and metastasis is one of the major reasons for malignant tumor treatment failure. Melatonin, a naturally occuring hormone, could reduce the recurrence and metastasis of various tumors. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of melatonin on tumor metastasis inhibition have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we explored the impact of melatonin on the migratory capability of human gastric carcinoma cells using wound healing assay, and further investigated if the inhibition on migration ability of melatonin was embodied by relocating tight junction proteins zo‐1 and occludin onto the cells surface to remodel tight junction structure. Immunofluorescence assay and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the expression and cell location of the tight junction proteins. The migration distance was decreased as the cells were treated with melatonin. And melatonin increased the membrane location of tight junction proteins, zo‐1 and occludin, showed by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis. The results we got show that melatonin makes tight junction proteins anchored more on the cells membrane to remodel cells tight junction, which increase cells adhesion and decrease motility, resulting in the inhibition of gastric cancer cells migration and metastasis ability.
Delphinidin inhibits epidermal growth factor‐induced epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Lim Won‐Chul , Kim Hyunhee , Ko Hyeonseok 
Published: December 2018

AbstractEpithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), important cellular process in metastasis of primary tumors, is characterized by loss of their cell polarity, disruption of cell‐cell adhesion, and gain certain properties of mesenchymal phenotype that enable migration and invasion. Delphinidin is a member of anthocyanidin belong to flavonoid groups, known as having pharmacological and physiological effects including anti‐tumorigenic, antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and antiangiogenic effects. However, the effects of delphinidin on EMT is rarely investigated. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is known as a crucial inducer of EMT in various cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To determine whether delphinidin inhibits EGF‐induced EMT in HCC cells, antiproliferative effect of delphinidin on Huh7 and PLC/PRF/5 cells were measured by Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. As a result, delphinidin inhibited cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. Based on the result of proliferation, to measure the effects of delphinidin on EGF‐induced EMT, we designated a proper concentration of delphinidin, which is not affected to cell proliferation. We found that delphinidin inhibits morphological changes from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype by EGF. Moreover, delphinidin increased the messenger RNA and protein expression of E‐cadherin and decreased those of Vimentin and Snail in EGF‐induced HCC cells. Also, delphinidin prevented motility and invasiveness of EGF‐induced HCC cells through suppressing activation of matrix metalloproteinase 2, EGF receptor (EGFR), AKT, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK). Taken together, our findings demonstrate that delphinidin inhibits EGF‐induced EMT by inhibiting EGFR/AKT/ERK signaling pathway in HCC cells.
Microwave vacuum pyrolysis conversion of waste mushroom substrate into biochar for use as growth medium in mushroom cultivation
Authors: Lam Su Shiung , Lee Xie Yi , Nam Wai Lun , Phang Xue Yee , Liew Rock Keey , Yek Peter NY , Ho Yee Ling , Ma Nyuk Ling , Rosli Mohd HNB 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDSpent mushroom substrate (SMS), largely produced as an agriculture waste from mushroom cultivation, was transformed into biochar via microwave vacuum pyrolysis under different ratios of SMS to microwave absorbent (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3). The biochar was then examined for its potential to be re‐used in mushroom cultivation as a growth medium added to conventional mushroom baglog (plastic bag with mushroom seeds and culture substrates containing rice straw, sawdust, lime and water), with emphasis on its ability to form mycelium – a fungus that grows into mushroom from its seeds.RESULTThe pyrolysis generated up to 36 wt% biochar yield with a large adsorption area (up to 215 m2 g‐1) and less water (4 wt%), indicating that many adsorption sites are available on which mushroom seeds, nutrient and water can be adsorbed onto in order to form mycelium (and subsequently mushroom). The biochar added to grow mushroom in baglog recorded a higher water retention percentage (up to 59%), a higher mycelium colonization length in 8 days (6.3 cm), coverage area (up to 259 cm2) and total mycelium growth volume (317 cm3), and resulted in a higher yield of mushroom (200 g month‐1) than that recorded for the conventional baglog without biochar (160 g month‐1).CONCLUSIONThe results indicated that biochar produced from SMS using microwave vacuum pyrolysis shows great potential in retaining water and nutrient that in turn promotes the formation of mycelium that leads to increased growth of mushroom in its cultivation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Microbial electrolysis cell as an emerging versatile technology: a review on its potential application, advance and challenge
Authors: Hua Tao , Li Shengnan , Li Fengxiang , Zhou Qixing , Ondon Brim Stevy 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMicrobial electrolysis cells (MECs) have been studied in a wide range of potential applications such as recalcitrant pollutants removal, chemicals synthesis, resources recovery and biosensors. However, MEC technology is still in its infancy and poses serious challenges for practical large‐scale applications. To understand the diversified applications of MEC, this review aims to explore MEC applications in the following contexts: an overview of MEC for energy generation and recycling such as hydrogen, methane, formic acid and hydrogen peroxide; contaminant removal, specifically complex organic pollutants and inorganic pollutants; as a sensor; as well as resource recovery. New concepts of MEC technology; configuration optimization; electron transfer pathways in biocathodes, and coupling with other technologies for value‐added applications such as MEC‐anaerobic digestion, MEC‐MFC, MEC‐MDC and bio‐E‐Fenton system are discussed. Finally, challenges and outlooks are suggested. The review aims to assist researchers and engineers to understand the latest trends in MEC technologies and applications. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis, Characterization, and Molecular Docking Study of Some Novel Imidazole Derivatives as Potential Antifungal Agents
Authors: Işık Ayşen , Acar Çevik Ulviye , Sağlık Begüm Nurpelin , Özkay Yusuf 
Published: December 2018

The azole pharmacophore is still regarded as a viable lead structure for the synthesis of more effective antifungal agents. In this study, two novel series of imidazole derivatives containing dithiocarbamate (5a–5g) and (benz)azolethiol (6a–6n) side chains that are structurally related to the famous antifungal azole pharmacophore were synthesized, and the structures of them were characterized by spectral (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS spectra) analyses. The synthesized compounds were screened in vitro antifungal activity against pathogenic strains fungi. Theoretical ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) predictions were calculated for final compounds. A molecular docking study of the most active compound with target “lanosterol 14α‐demethylase” (CYP51) was performed to unravel the mode of antifungal action. Compound 5e, which features imidazole and 4‐methoxybenzyl piperazine scaffolds, showed the most promising antifungal activity with an MIC50 value of 0.78 μg/mL against C. krusei. Effect of the compound 5e against ergosterol biosynthesis was observed by LC–MS–MS method, which is based on quantification of ergosterol level in C. krusei.
Nigral iron deposition in common tremor disorders
Authors: Homayoon Nina , Pirpamer Lukas , Franthal Sebastian , Katschnig‐Winter Petra , Kögl Mariella , Seiler Stephan , Wenzel Karoline , Hofer Edith , Deutschmann Hannes , Fazekas Franz , Langkammer Christian , Ropele Stefan , Schmidt Reinhold , Schwingenschuh Petra 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe investigated R2* relaxation rates as a marker of iron content in the substantia nigra in patients with common tremor disorders and explored their diagnostic properties.MethodsMean nigral R2* rates were measured in 40 patients with tremor‐dominant Parkinson's disease (PD), 15 with tremor in dystonia, 25 with essential tremor, and 25 healthy controls.ResultsTremor‐dominant PD patients had significantly higher nigral R2* values (34.1 ± 5.7) than those with tremor in dystonia (30.0 ± 3.9), essential tremor (30.6 ± 4.8), and controls (30.0 ± 2.8). An R2* threshold of 31.15 separated tremor‐dominant PD from controls with a sensitivity and specificity of 67.5% and 72%. The sensitivity and specificity for discrimination between PD and non‐PD tremor patients was 67.5% and 60%.ConclusionIron content in the substantia nigra is significantly higher in tremor‐dominant PD than in tremor in dystonia, essential tremor, and controls. Because of the considerable overlap, nigral R2* cannot be suggested as a useful diagnostic tool. © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A chemogenetic approach for treating experimental Parkinson's disease
Authors: Assaf Fadi , Schiller Yitzhak 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundPD is a common neurodegenerative disease primarily affecting the cortico–basal ganglia loop.ObjectiveTo investigate whether chemogenetic‐mediated neuromodulation of various nuclei and pathways can counterbalance basal ganglia network abnormalities and improve motor disability in experimental PD.MethodsExperimental PD was induced by stereotactic injection of 6‐OHDA to the medial forebrain bundle. Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs were expressed in different basal ganglia nuclei by stereotactic injections of adeno‐associated viral vectors. We compared motor performance, monitored by the open‐field and rotarod tests, after random and blinded application of either normal saline or the synthetic receptor activator, clozapine‐N‐oxide.ResultsMotor performance, as measured by movement velocity, rotations, and rotarod scores, were significantly improved in PD mice by enhancing the activity of the GPe with Gq custom receptors and by reducing basal ganglia output activity, targeting the output nuclei GPi and SNr with Gi custom receptors.ConclusionOur findings support the hypothesis that enhanced inhibitory output activity of the basal ganglia complex underlie motor signs in PD, and point to the therapeutic potential of chemogenetic based treatments in PD patients. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Disruption of the default mode network and its intrinsic functional connectivity underlies minor hallucinations in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bejr‐kasem Helena , Pagonabarraga Javier , Martínez‐Horta Saül , Sampedro Frederic , Marín‐Lahoz Juan , Horta‐Barba Andrea , Aracil‐Bolaños Ignacio , Pérez‐Pérez Jesús , Ángeles Botí M. , Campolongo Antonia , Izquierdo Cristina , Pascual‐Sedano Berta , Gómez‐Ansón Beatriz , Kulisevsky Jaime 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundMinor hallucinations and well‐structured hallucinations are considered in the severity continuum of the psychotic spectrum associated with Parkinson's disease. Although their chronological relationship is largely unknown, the spatial patterns of brain atrophy in these 2 forms of hallucinations partially overlap, suggesting they share similar pathophysiological processes. Functional connectivity studies show that disruption of functional networks involved in perception and attention could be relevant in the emergence of well‐structured hallucinations. However, functional neuroimaging studies in patients with isolated minor hallucinations are lacking. The objectives of this study were to explore the structural and functional changes underlying minor hallucinations.MethodsWe compared patients with (n = 18) and without (n = 14) minor hallucinations using a multimodal structural (gray‐matter volume voxel‐based morphometry) and functional (seed‐to‐whole‐brain resting‐state functional MRI) neuroimaging study.ResultsCoincident with previously described structural changes in well‐structured hallucinations in Parkinson's disease, patients with minor hallucinations exhibited gray‐matter atrophy with significant voxel‐wise differences in visuoperceptual processing areas and core regions of the default mode network. Functional connectivity changes consisted of altered connectivity within the default mode network, reduced negative correlation with task‐positive network, and aberrant connectivity between posterior regions of the default mode network and visual‐processing areas. These changes are in accordance with the attentional networks hypothesis proposed for well‐structured hallucinations.ConclusionsAlthough longitudinal studies are needed to assess the potential role of minor hallucinations as an early clinical biomarker of progression to well‐structured hallucinations, the present findings show that the 2 phenomena share similar structural and functional brain correlates. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Comparative sensitivity of the MoCA and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hendershott Taylor R. , Zhu Delphine , Llanes Seoni , Zabetian Cyrus P. , Quinn Joseph , Edwards Karen L. , Leverenz James B. , Montine Thomas , Cholerton Brenna , Poston Kathleen L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundClinicians and researchers commonly use global cognitive assessments to screen for impairment. Currently there are no published studies directly comparing the sensitivity and specificity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 in PD. The objective of this study was to identify the relative sensitivity and specificity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 in PD.MethodsThe Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 were administered to training and validation cohorts. Cutoff scores were determined within the training cohort (n = 85) to optimize sensitivity and specificity for cognitive impairment and were applied to an independent validation cohort (n = 521).ResultsThe Montreal Cognitive Assessment was consistently sensitive across training and validation cohorts (90.0% and 80.3%, respectively), whereas the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 was not (87.5% and 60.3%, respectively). In individual domains, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment remained sensitive to memory and visuospatial impairments (91.9% and 87.8%, respectively), whereas the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 was sensitive to executive impairments (86.2%).ConclusionThe Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 demonstrated individual strengths. Future work should focus on developing domain‐specific cognitive screening tools for PD. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A simple Gause‐type predator–prey model considering social predation
Authors: González‐Olivares Eduardo , Valenzuela‐Figueroa Sebastián , Rojas‐Palma Alejandro 
Published: December 2018

The consumer–resource relationships are among the most fundamental of all ecological relationships and have been the focus of ecology since its beginnings. Usually are described by nonlinear differential equation systems, putting the emphasis in the effect of antipredator behavior (APB) by the prey; nevertheless, a minor quantity of articles has considered the social behavior of predators.In this work, two predator–prey models derived from the Volterra model are analyzed, in which the equation of predators is modified considering cooperation or collaboration among predators.It is well known that competition among predators produces a stabilizing effect on system describing the model, since there exists a wide set in the parameter space where the system has a unique equilibrium point in the phase plane, which is globally asymptotically stable.Meanwhile, the cooperation can originate more complex and unusual dynamics. As we will show, it is possible to prove that for certain subset of parameter values the predator population sizes tend to infinite when the prey population goes to extinct.This apparently contradicts the idea of a realistic model, when it is implicitly assumed that the predators are specialist, ie, the prey is its unique source of food. However, this could be a desirable effect when the prey constitutes a plague.To reinforce the analytical result, numerical simulations are presented.
Metamaterial inspired featherlight artificial plasma horn antenna for astronomical and communication applications
Authors: Kizhakooden Joe , Jose Jovia , Paul Nees , Simon Sikha K. , Chakyar Sreedevi P. , Andrews Jolly , Joseph V. P. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn this article, we introduce a novel type of horn antenna constructed using artificial plasma sheets. This metamaterial inspired negative permittivity antenna fabricated using thin metallic wires in a specialized manner is observed to have same radiation performance of an equivalent conventional metallic horn structure. This novel plasma antenna can replace the conventional one in all microwave applications. The featherlight weight and the ability to remove the problems related with wind resistance and rain accumulation of this new structure may result in a rethinking of the use of horn antennas in astronomical data collection.
One‐millimeter isotropic breast diffusion‐weighted imaging: Evaluation of a superresolution strategy in terms of signal‐to‐noise ratio, sharpness and apparent diffusion coefficient
Authors: Delbany Maya , Bustin Aurélien , Poujol Julie , Thomassin‐Naggara Isabelle , Felblinger Jacques , Vuissoz Pierre‐André , Odille Freddy 
Published: December 2018

PurposeTo quantitatively evaluate a superresolution technique for 3D, one‐millimeter isotropic diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of the whole breasts.MethodsIsotropic 3D DWI datasets are obtained using a combination of (i) a readout‐segmented diffusion‐weighted‐echo‐planar imaging (DW‐EPI) sequence (rs‐EPI), providing high in‐plane resolution, and (ii) a superresolution (SR) strategy, which consists of acquiring 3 datasets with thick slices (3 mm) and 1‐mm shifts in the slice direction, and combining them into a 1 × 1 × 1‐mm3 dataset using a dedicated reconstruction. Two SR reconstruction schemes were investigated, based on different regularization schemes: conventional Tikhonov or Beltrami (an edge‐preserving constraint). The proposed SR strategy was compared to native 1 × 1 × 1‐mm3 acquisitions (i.e. with 1‐mm slice thickness) in 8 healthy subjects, in terms of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) efficiency, using a theoretical framework, Monte Carlo simulations and region‐of‐interest (ROI) measurements, and image sharpness metrics. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in normal breast tissue were also compared.ResultsThe SR images resulted in an SNR gain above 3 compared to native 1 × 1 × 1‐mm3 using the same acquisition duration (acquisition gain 3 and reconstruction gain >1). Beltrami‐SR provided the best results in terms of SNR and image sharpness. The ADC values in normal breast measured from Beltrami‐SR were preserved compared to low‐resolution images (1.91 versus 1.97 ×10–3 mm2/s, P = .1).ConclusionA combination of rs‐EPI and SR allows 3D, 1‐mm isotropic breast DWI data to be obtained with better SNR than a native 1‐mm isotropic acquisition. The proposed DWI protocol might be of interest for breast cancer monitoring/screening without injection.