bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR‐423‐5p inhibits myoblast proliferation and differentiation by targeting Sufu
Authors: Ge Jing , Zhu Jiayu , Xia Bo , Cao Haigang , Peng Ying , Li Xiao , Yu Taiyong , Chu Guiyan , Yang Gongshe , Shi Xine 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMyoblast proliferation and terminal differentiation are the key steps of myogenesis. MicroRNAs are a class of small noncoding RNAs that play important roles in gene expression regulation. They negatively regulate gene expression by causing messenger RNA translational repression or target messenger RNA degradation. Here, we found that microRNA‐423‐5p (miR‐423‐5p) is highly expressed in both slow and fast muscles. Our gain‐of‐function study indicated that miR‐423‐5p actually plays a negative role in regulating myoblast proliferation and differentiation. We also found that miR‐423‐5p is able to inhibit the expression of suppressor of fused homolog to inactivate the expression of the marker genes in myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Taken together, our findings indicated miR‐423‐5p as a potential inhibitor of myogenesis by targeting suppressor of fused homolog in myoblast, and it also contributes to a better understanding of the microRNAs‐target gene regulatory network in different types of porcine muscle types and may benefit the practice of improving the meat quality in animal husbandry.
Isolation and in vitro culture of ovarian stem cells in Chinese soft‐shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)
Authors: Xu Hongyan , Zhu Xinping , Li Wei , Tang Zhoukai , Zhao Yanyan , Wu Xuling 
Published: June 2018

AbstractGonadal cell lines provide valuable tools for studying gametogenesis, sex differentiation, and manipulating germ cells in reproductive biology. Female germline stem cells have been characterized and isolated from ovaries of mammalian species, including mice and human, but there has been very few studies on female germline stem cells in reptiles. Here, we described an ovarian stem cell–like line isolated and cultured from the Chinese soft‐shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), designated as PSO1. The cells showed high alkaline phosphatase activity with a normal diploid karyotype. As shown by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, the cells were positive for the expression of germ cell–specific genes, vasa and dazl, as well as a stem cell marker, nanog, but negative for the expression of the folliculogenesis‐specific gene, figla. Likewise, through fluorescent immunostaining analyses, both the Dazl and Vasa proteins were detected abundantly in the cytoplasm of perinuclear region, whereas Nanog and PCNA were dominantly observed in the nuclei in PSO1 cells. Moreover, PSO1 cells transfected with pCS2:h2b‐egfp could properly express the fusion protein in the nuclei. Taken together, the findings suggested that the germline stem cells exist in the ovary of juvenile Chinese soft‐shell turtle and these cells can be isolated for a long‐term in vitro culture under experimental conditions. This study has provided a valuable basis for further investigations on the molecular mechanisms whereby the germline stem cells develop and differentiate into gametes in turtles. Also, it has paved the way for studies on oogenesis in turtles, even in the other reptiles.
High vulnerability of the heart and liver to 3‐hydroxypalmitic acid–induced disruption of mitochondrial functions in intact cell systems
Authors: Cecatto Cristiane , Wajner Alessandro , Vargas Carmen Regla , Wajner Simone Magagnin , Amaral Alexandre Umpierrez , Wajner Moacir 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPatients affected by long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency predominantly present severe liver and cardiac dysfunction, as well as neurological symptoms during metabolic crises, whose pathogenesis is still poorly known. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that pathological concentrations of 3‐hydroxypalmitic acid (3HPA), the long‐chain hydroxyl fatty acid (LCHFA) that most accumulates in LCHAD deficiency, significantly decreased adenosine triphosphate‐linked and uncoupled mitochondrial respiration in intact cell systems consisting of heart fibers, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes, but less intense in diced forebrain. 3HPA also significantly reduced mitochondrial Ca2+ retention capacity and membrane potential in Ca2+‐loaded mitochondria more markedly in the heart and the liver, with mild or no effects in the brain, supporting a higher susceptibility of the heart and the liver to the toxic effects of this fatty acid. It is postulated that disruption of mitochondrial energy and Ca2+ homeostasis caused by the accumulation of LCHFA may contribute toward the severe cardiac and hepatic clinical manifestations observed in the affected patients.
In vitro and in silico analyses of Vicia faba L. on Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma
Authors: Prabhu D. Sathya , Rajeswari V. Devi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe agonists of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) from natural victual products were used as antidiabetic agents. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a consequential legume that was known to possess potential antidiabetic activity, whose mechanism of action was unknown. The current study was focused to ascertain gene expression of the nuclear receptor PPARγ by Faba bean pod extract in rat cell lines (RINm5F).The real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that Faba bean pod extract in concentrations of 160 µg/mL have shown 4.97‐fold stimulation compared with control. The cells treated with 320 µg/mL has shown 5.89‐fold upregulation, respectively. Furthermore, in silico docking analysis was carried out against PPARγ, using the bioactive compounds identified from Faba bean pod extracts, which were known reported compounds from the literature. The results suggest that gene expression of PPARγ was inhibited by the constituents in Faba bean. In silico analysis prognosticates, butein has a high binding energy (−8.6 kcal/mol) with an atomic contact energy of −214.10, followed by Apigenin and Quercetin against PPARγ. Similarly, the percentage of interaction was high for butein, followed by Apigenin and Quercetin than other compounds comparatively. Hence, the results conclude inhibition of PPARγ by the bioactive compounds from Faba bean, which may provide insights into developing future therapeutic molecules for diabetes mellitus.
Advances in the computational and molecular understanding of the prostate cancer cell nucleus
Authors: Carleton Neil M. , Lee George , Madabhushi Anant , Veltri Robert W. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNuclear alterations are a hallmark of many types of cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). Recent evidence shows that subvisual changes, ones that may not be visually perceptible to a pathologist, to the nucleus and its ultrastructural components can precede visual histopathological recognition of cancer. Alterations to nuclear features, such as nuclear size and shape, texture, and spatial architecture, reflect the complex molecular‐level changes that occur during oncogenesis. Quantitative nuclear morphometry, a field that uses computational approaches to identify and quantify malignancy‐induced nuclear changes, can enable a detailed and objective analysis of the PCa cell nucleus. Recent advances in machine learning–based approaches can now automatically mine data related to these changes to aid in the diagnosis, decision making, and prediction of PCa prognoses. In this review, we use PCa as a case study to connect the molecular‐level mechanisms that underlie these nuclear changes to the machine learning computational approaches, bridging the gap between the clinical and computational understanding of PCa. First, we will discuss recent developments to our understanding of the molecular events that drive nuclear alterations in the context of PCa: the role of the nuclear matrix and lamina in size and shape changes, the role of 3‐dimensional chromatin organization and epigenetic modifications in textural changes, and the role of the tumor microenvironment in altering nuclear spatial topology. We will then discuss the advances in the applications of machine learning algorithms to automatically segment nuclei in prostate histopathological images, extract nuclear features to aid in diagnostic decision making, and predict potential outcomes, such as biochemical recurrence and survival. Finally, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with translation of the quantitative nuclear morphometry methodology into the clinical space. Ultimately, accurate identification and quantification of nuclear alterations can contribute to the field of nucleomics and has applications for computationally driven precision oncologic patient care.
miR‐96 regulates migration and invasion of bladder cancer through epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in response to transforming growth factor‐β1
Authors: He Chunfeng , Zhang Qingchuan , Gu Renze , Lou Yujiao , Liu Wei 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBladder cancer (BC) is one of the most frequent urological malignancies, and its molecular mechanism still remains unclear. Recent studies have revealed that MicroRNA (miRNAs) acted as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in a variety of cancers. MiRNA‐96 has been reported to play a significant role in the development and progression of many cancers. In the current study, we found that transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 played a significant role in the progression that miR‐96 conducted. And TGF‐β1 could also regulate the expression of FOXQ1, which is the target gene of miR‐96. Furthermore, miR‐96 induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in BC cells, which is driven by TGF‐β1. In conclusion, our data revealed that miR‐96 regulates the progression and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, which is driven by TGF‐β1 in BC cells; it may provide a new thought for the therapy of BC.
Functional comparison of high and low molecular weight basic fibroblast growth factors
Authors: Motozawa Keiko , Motoyoshi Mitsuru , Saiki Akari , Sasaki Hideto , Shimizu Noriyoshi , Asano Masatake 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAcid‐electrolyzed functional water (FW) is obtained through the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution. Stimulation of the human fibroblastic cell line HeLa by FW led to the augmented secretion of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Immunoprecipitation followed by Western blot analysis revealed that both high and low molecular weight isoforms of bFGF were secreted in response to FW treatment. To explore intracellular bFGF localization, a cell fractionation assay was performed. Despite the presence of nuclear localization signals within the N‐terminal portion of these proteins, the high molecular weight isoforms (34, 24, 22.5, and 21 kDa) were localized in the cytoplasm. FW stimulation drastically reduced the amount of intracytoplasmically localized isoforms, and the 34‐kDa isoform was found to localize in a DNase‐sensitive fraction, suggesting a weak nuclear attachment. By contrast, the 24‐kDa isoform remained in the nucleus even after FW stimulation. Functional differences between the 34‐ and 18‐kDa isoforms were examined further. Chinese hamster ovary cells were transfected with expression plasmids for each isoform. By treating each transfectant with FW, both isoforms were secreted successfully into the culture supernatants. Stimulation of HeLa cells with these supernatants resulted in the augmented secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). To further confirm the functionality of these isoforms, an in vitro transcription/translation reaction was performed; both of the isoforms induced VEGF secretion from HeLa cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the high molecular weight 34‐kDa isoform and low molecular weight 18‐kDa mature bFGF isoform have identical roles in VEGF induction.
Promotion of the prehierarchical follicle growth by postovulatory follicles involving PGE2–EP2 signaling in chickens
Authors: Lin Xin , Liu Xingting , Guo Changquan , Liu Mengqi , Mi Yuling , Zhang Caiqiao 
Published: June 2018

The postovulatory follicle (POF) in birds is an enigmatic structure, the function of which remains largely unknown. Previous studies on chickens have shown that removal of POFs leads to the postponement of oviposition and the disturbance of broody behavior. One suggestion is that POFs may secrete some crucial hormones or cytokines to act on reproductive organs. However, such secretions and their specific target organs remain to be identified. Here, we investigate the putative functions of POFs in promoting the development of prehierarchical follicles in chickens and explore the possible signaling mechanisms controlling these processes. Results show that POFs express steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), cholesterol side‐chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1), cyclooxygenase 1 (COX1), and COX2 in granulosa cells (GCs), and, most notably, that POF1 produces more prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or prostaglandin F2α than do the F1 follicle or the other POFs. Using coculture systems, we also found that POF1 or GCs from POF1 (POF1‐GCs) significantly promote the proliferation of theca externa cells of small white follicles (SWFs, one phase of the prehierarchical follicle). Treatment with PGE2 significantly facilitates theca externa cell proliferation in SWFs. This POF‐stimulating effect on SWF growth was prevented by treatment with indomethacin (COX inhibitor) or TG6‐10‐1 (PGE2 type 2 receptor [EP2] antagonist). Therefore, POF1 may secrete PGE2 to stimulate the progression of SWF by PGE2–EP2 signaling. These results indicate that POF1 may serve as a transient supplementary endocrine gland in the chicken ovary that stimulates the development of the prehierarchical follicles through PGE2–EP2 signaling.
On the local density problem for graphs of given odd‐girth
Authors: Bedenknecht Wiebke , Mota Guilherme Oliveira , Reiher Christian , Schacht Mathias 
Published: June 2018

AbstractErdős conjectured that every n‐vertex triangle‐free graph contains a subset of vertices that spans at most edges. Extending a recent result of Norin and Yepremyan, we confirm this conjecture for graphs homomorphic to so‐called Andrásfai graphs. As a consequence, Erdős' conjecture holds for every triangle‐free graph G with minimum degree and if the degree condition can be relaxed to . In fact, we obtain a more general result for graphs of higher odd‐girth.
Synthesis, bioconjugation and stability studies of [18F]ethenesulfonyl fluoride
Authors: Zhang Bo , Pascali Giancarlo , Wyatt Naomi , Matesic Lidia , Klenner Mitchell A. , Sia Tiffany R. , Guastella Adam J. , Massi Massimiliano , Robinson Andrea J. , Fraser Benjamin H. 
Published: June 2018

Fluorine‐18 labelled prosthetic groups (PGs) are often necessary for radiolabelling sensitive biological molecules such as peptides and proteins. Several shortcomings, however, often diminish the final yield of radiotracer. In an attempt to provide higher yielding and operationally efficient tools for radiolabelling biological molecules, we describe herein the first radiochemical synthesis of [18F]ethenesulfonyl fluoride ([18F]ESF) and its Michael conjugation with amino acids and proteins. The synthesis of [18F]ESF was optimised using a microfluidic reactor under both carrier‐added (c.a.) and no‐carrier‐added (n.c.a.) conditions, affording, in a straightforward procedure, 30‐50% radiochemical yield (RCY) for c.a. [18F]ESF and 60‐70% RCY for n.c.a. [18F]ESF. The conjugation reactions were performed at room temperature using 10 mg/mL precursor in aqueous/organic solvent mixtures for 15 min. The radiochemical stability of the final conjugates was evaluated in injectable formulation and rat serum, and resulted strongly substrate dependent and generally poor in rat serum. Therefore, in this work we have optimised a straightforward synthesis of [18F]ESF and its Michael conjugation with model compounds, without requiring chromatographic purification. However, given the general low stability of the final products, further studies will be required for improving conjugate stability, before assessing the use of this PG for PET imaging.
Successful Identification of Anatomical Markers and Placement of Feeding Tubes in Critically Ill Patients via Camera‐Assisted Technology with Real‐Time Video Guidance
Authors: Wischmeyer Paul E. , McMoon Michelle M. , Waldron Nathan H. , Dye Elizabeth J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground: Enteral feeding via feeding tube (FT) provides essential nutrition support to critically ill patients or those who cannot intake adequate nutrition via the oral route. Unfortunately, 1%–2% of FTs placed blindly at bedside enter the airway undetected (as confirmed by x‐ray), where they could result in adverse events. Misplaced FTs can cause complications including pneumothorax, vocal cord injury, bronchopleural fistula, pneumonia, and death. X‐ray is typically performed to confirm FT placement before feeding, but may delay nutrition intake, may not universally identify misplacement, and adds cost and radiation exposure. Methods: A prospective case series was conducted to evaluate a novel FT with a camera to provide real‐time visualization, guiding placement. The primary end point was the clinician's ability to identify anatomical markers in the gastrointestinal tract and/or airway using the camera. Results: The Kangaroo Feeding Tube with IRIS Technology tube was placed in 45 subjects with 1 misplaced tube; 3 placements were postpyloric, with the remainder gastric. Clinicians correctly identified the stomach in 44 of 45 placements at a median depth of 60.0 cm (range 45.0–85.0 cm). A stomach image was obtained in 42 subjects (93.3%). Agreement between camera image and radiographic confirmation of placement was 93% (P = .014) with small deviations in recognizing stomach vs small bowel. No device‐related adverse events occurred. Conclusions: Direct visualization of the stomach using a camera‐equipped FT can assist with FT placement, help avoid misplacements, and with further studies to evaluate the safety of eliminating confirmatory x‐ray before feeding, could potentially preclude the need for radiographic confirmation.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering study of PP/Ag nanocomposite developed to prevent postsurgery infection
Authors: Dhafer Cyrine El Baher , Dhahri Manel , Mezni Amine , Smiri Leila Samia 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWide varieties of antibacterial medical materials coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are developed. However, studies about coating surgical are scare. Stable coated polypropylene (PP) surgical suture with spherical AgNPs (PP/Ag nanocomposite) was prepared using an optimized aqueous dipping method. Homogenous and linear distribution of AgNPs on the PP surface was verified by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy combined to the bright field image. Quantitative analyses of the silver content were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and showed a grafting rate of 8 × 10−4%. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering investigations confirmed the grafting of AgNPs on the surface of surgical suture and highlighted the regioselective adsorption of polyvinylpyrrolidone on the AgNPs via the AgO interactions. Finally, PP/Ag nanocomposite has shown a good stability in biological medium (saline solution NaCl 0.9%) and prominent biocompatibility against human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Antibacterial performances of PP/Ag nanocomposite against gram‐positive and gram‐negative colonies of bacteria were also investigated.
The impact of individual patient data in a network meta‐analysis: An investigation into parameter estimation and model selection
Authors: Leahy Joy , O'Leary Aisling , Afdhal Nezam , Gray Emma , Milligan Scott , Wehmeyer Malte H. , Walsh Cathal 
Published: June 2018

The use of individual patient data (IPD) in network meta‐analysis (NMA) is becoming increasingly popular. However, as most studies do not report IPD, most NMAs are performed using aggregate data for at least some, if not all, of the studies. We investigate the benefits of including varying proportions of IPD studies in an NMA.Several models have previously been developed for including both aggregate data and IPD in the same NMA. We performed a simulation study based on these models to examine the impact of additional IPD studies on the accuracy and precision of the estimates of both the treatment effect and the covariate effect. We also compared the deviance information criterion (DIC) between models to assess model fit. An increased proportion of IPD resulted in more accurate and precise estimates for most models and datasets. However, the coverage probability sometimes decreased when the model was misspecified. The use of IPD leads to greater differences in DIC, which allows us choose the correct model more often.We analysed a Hepatitis C network consisting of 3 IPD observational studies. The ranking of treatments remained the same for all models and datasets. We observed similar results to the simulation study: The use of IPD leads to differences in DIC and more precise estimates for the covariate effect. However, IPD sometimes increased the posterior SD of the treatment effect estimate, which may indicate between study heterogeneity. We recommend that IPD should be used where possible, especially for assessing model fit.
An optimal design method for minimization of common voltage distortion in large‐sized and high‐resolution liquid crystal displays
Authors: Kim Lee‐Young , Kwon Oh‐Kyong 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper proposes an optimal design method that minimizes the common voltage (VCOM) distortion for large‐sized and high‐resolution liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Three design methods are examined using different architectures of the panel and circuit to compensate for the VCOM distortion. The proposed design method adopts a panel architecture that compensates for the VCOM distortion simultaneously at the top and bottom of the panel using a dual compensation circuit. It is implemented using a 27‐in. quad high‐definition LCD, and its VCOM distortion is further minimized by optimizing the compensation ratio of the dual compensation circuit. In addition, the minimized VCOM distortion is evaluated by measuring the horizontal crosstalk of the implemented panel according to the decrease in the charging time of the subpixel. As the charging time decreases from 11.6 to 7.8 μs, the measured crosstalk level varies from 0.10% to 1.06%, respectively, meeting the goal of less than 2%. Therefore, the proposed design method is suitable for large‐sized and high‐resolution LCDs requiring low VCOM distortion.
The influence of the hole transport layers on the performance of blue and color tunable quantum dot light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , Su Sikai , Su Qiang , Zhang Heng , Wen Feng , Chen Shuming 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe performance of the blue quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) is largely affected by the hole transport layers (HTLs). As a consequence of the deep valance band level of blue quantum dots (QDs), hole injection is relatively difficult in blue QLEDs. To favor the hole injection, HTLs with high hole mobility and deep‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital level are desired. In this work, various HTLs and their influence on the performance of blue QLEDs are demonstrated. Devices with poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) HTL exhibit the highest external quantum efficiency while devices with poly[9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐co‐N‐(4‐(3‐methylpropyl))‐diphenylamine] (TFB) exhibit the lowest driving voltage. By combining the advantages of PVK and TFB, the blue QLEDs with TFB/PVK bilayered HTL simultaneously exhibit a low driving voltage of 2.6 V and a high external quantum efficiency of 5.9%. Moreover, the exciplex emission at the interface of HTL/QDs is also observed, and the emission intensity can be tuned by modulating the hole injection. By utilizing PVK doped with 25% poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as HTL, exciplex emission is significantly enhanced at low driving voltage while QD emission is dominant at high driving voltage. By combining the exciplex emission and the QD emission, the emission color can be effectively tuned from red to blue as the driving voltage changing from 2 to 10 V.