bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ivermectin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of HeLa cells via mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhang Yang , Liu Kuikui , Liu Bin , Xu Wenping , Gao Jufang , Ding Lei , Tao Liming 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of study was to investigate the anticancer activities of Ivermectin (IVM) and the possible mechanisms in cells level via cell proliferation inhibition, apoptosis and migration inhibition in model cancer cell HeLa.Materials and methodsThe MTT assay was used to study the inhibitory effect of IVM on the proliferation of Hela cells, and the cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry. The neutral comet assay was used to study the DNA damage. The presence of apoptosis was confirmed by DAPI nuclear staining and flow cytometry. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined using Rhodamine 123 staining and DCFH‐DA staining. Western blot analysis for apoptosis‐related proteins was carried out. We use scratch test to analyse the antimigration potential of IVM.ResultsIvermectin can inhibit the viability of HeLa cells significantly. In addition, treatment with IVM resulted in cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase which partly account for the suppressed proliferation. Typical apoptosis morphological changes were shown in IVM treatment cells including DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation. At the same time, the results of flow cytometry analysis showed that the number of apoptotic cells increased significantly with the increase of IVM concentration. Moreover, we observed that the mitochondrial membrane potential collapses and the ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2 in the cytoplasm increases, which induces cytochrome c release from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm, activates caspase‐9/‐3 and finally induces apoptosis. We also found that IVM can significantly increase intracellular ROS content. At the same time, we determined that IVM can significantly inhibit the migration of HeLa cells.ConclusionsOur experimental results show that IVM might be a new potential anticancer drug for therapy of human cancer.
Thyrotroph embryonic factor is downregulated in bladder cancer and suppresses proliferation and tumorigenesis via the AKT/FOXOs signalling pathway
Authors: Yang Jianan , Wang Bin , Chen Han , Chen Xuhong , Li Jing , Chen Yanfei , Yuan Daozhang , Zheng Shunsheng 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesThyrotroph embryonic factor (TEF) plays an important role in several different processes in normal human cells; however, its function in malignant cells has not been fully elucidated.Materials and methodsThe mRNA levels of TEF in 408 bladder cancer (BC) samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analysed in depth. Next, the expression of TEF in 7 BC cell lines was compared to that in normal bladder epithelial cells. The cell count, colony formation and anchorage‐independent growth assays as well as a nude mouse xenograft model were utilized to examine the effects of TEF on proliferation and tumorigenesis. Immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry analysis and treatment with an AKT inhibitor were performed to explore the molecular regulation mechanisms of TEF in BC.ResultsAnalysis of TCGA data indicated that TEF mRNA was decreased in BC samples compared to that in normal bladder epithelial cells and correlated with the poor survival of BC patients. Additional experiments verified that the mRNA and protein expression of TEF were significantly decreased in BC cells compared to that in normal bladder epithelial cells. Upregulation of TEF expression significantly retarded BC cell growth by inhibiting the G1/S transition via regulating AKT/FOXOs signalling.ConclusionOur results suggest that TEF might play an important role in suppressing BC cells proliferation and tumorigenesis.
Syntrophins entangled in cytoskeletal meshwork: Helping to hold it all together
Authors: Bhat Sahar S. , Ali Roshia , Khanday Firdous A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSyntrophins are a family of 59 kDa peripheral membrane‐associated adapter proteins, containing multiple protein‐protein and protein‐lipid interaction domains. The syntrophin family consists of five isoforms that exhibit specific tissue distribution, distinct sub‐cellular localization and unique expression patterns implying their diverse functional roles. These syntrophin isoforms form multiple functional protein complexes and ensure proper localization of signalling proteins and their binding partners to specific membrane domains and provide appropriate spatiotemporal regulation of signalling pathways. Syntrophins consist of two PH domains, a PDZ domain and a conserved SU domain. The PH1 domain is split by the PDZ domain. The PH2 and the SU domain are involved in the interaction between syntrophin and the dystrophin‐glycoprotein complex (DGC). Syntrophins recruit various signalling proteins to DGC and link extracellular matrix to internal signalling apparatus via DGC. The different domains of the syntrophin isoforms are responsible for modulation of cytoskeleton. Syntrophins associate with cytoskeletal proteins and lead to various cellular responses by modulating the cytoskeleton. Syntrophins are involved in many physiological processes which involve cytoskeletal reorganization like insulin secretion, blood pressure regulation, myogenesis, cell migration, formation and retraction of focal adhesions. Syntrophins have been implicated in various pathologies like Alzheimer’s disease, muscular dystrophy, cancer. Their role in cytoskeletal organization and modulation makes them perfect candidates for further studies in various cancers and other ailments that involve cytoskeletal modulation. The role of syntrophins in cytoskeletal organization and modulation has not yet been comprehensively reviewed till now. This review focuses on syntrophins and highlights their role in cytoskeletal organization, modulation and dynamics via its involvement in different cell signalling networks.
Learning to read facilitates the retrieval of phonological representations in rapid automatized naming: Evidence from unschooled illiterate, ex‐illiterate, and schooled literate adults
Authors: Araújo Susana , Fernandes Tânia , Huettig Falk 
Published: December 2018

AbstractRapid automatized naming (RAN) of visual items is a powerful predictor of reading skills. However, the direction and locus of the association between RAN and reading is still largely unclear. Here, we investigated whether literacy acquisition directly bolsters RAN efficiency for objects, adopting a strong methodological design, by testing three groups of adults matched in age and socioeconomic variables, who differed only in literacy/schooling: unschooled illiterate and ex‐illiterate, and schooled literate adults. To investigate in a fine‐grained manner whether and how literacy facilitates lexical retrieval, we orthogonally manipulated the word‐form frequency (high vs. low) and phonological neighborhood density (dense vs. spare) of the objects' names. We observed that literacy experience enhances the automaticity with which visual stimuli (e.g., objects) can be retrieved and named: relative to readers (ex‐illiterate and literate), illiterate adults performed worse on RAN. Crucially, the group difference was exacerbated and significant only for those items that were of low frequency and from sparse neighborhoods. These results thus suggest that, regardless of schooling and age at which literacy was acquired, learning to read facilitates the access to and retrieval of phonological representations, especially of difficult lexical items.
Assessment of right ventricular systolic function in children with repaired tetralogy of Fallot by multiple‐view from single acoustic window with speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Bao Sheng‐Fang , Zhang Yu‐Qi , Chen Li‐Jun , Zhong Yu‐Min , Wang Qian , Zhang Zhi‐Fang 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundChallenges remain in quantitative evaluation of right ventricular (RV) function by echocardiography. Multiple‐view assessment is believed to provide a more comprehensive quantification of RV function than conventional single‐view analysis. Peak systolic longitudinal RV strain (RVLS) measured by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has clinical and prognostic value. No study has investigated RV systolic function in the repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) using a standardized four‐view iRotate model from one apical view. Herein, we examined the feasibility and accuracy of the four‐view analysis from apical window in quantitation of RVLS among children with rTOF.MethodsThirty‐seven children with rTOF and 37 age‐ and gender‐matched controls were prospectively enrolled. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (TDI‐S′) and fractional area change(FAC) were obtained. RVLS of four free‐walls were analyzed by dedicated RV speckle tracking software. Echocardiographic parameters were compared with the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) measured by the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in children with rTOF.ResultsMulti‐view RVLS analysis from apical window was feasible in 35 children with rTOF and all the controls. Compared with age‐ and gender‐matched controls, RVLS of the anterior, lateral, inferior‐a, and inferior‐b walls were significantly reduced in children with rTOF (P < 0.001). RVLS of the anterior, lateral, inferior‐a, and inferior‐b walls correlated well with CMR‐RVEF in children with rTOF (r = −0.667, −0.743, −0.808, −0.695, P < 0.001).ConclusionsMulti‐view analysis of RVLS from apical window can be applied to evaluate the RV function in children with rTOF. RVLS of the inferior wall‐a in the aortic view is a novel and accurate indicator of RV function because of its good reproducibility and strong correlation with CMR‐RVEF.
3D‐speckle tracking echocardiography for assessment of coronary artery disease severity in stable angina pectoris
Authors: Dogdus Mustafa , Simsek Evrim , Cinar Cahide Soydas 
Published: December 2018

Background and AimStable angina pectoris is a common disease that may cause disability. Some noninvasive new methods can be useful for the detection of early‐stage coronary artery disease. The relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) severity and resting 3‐dimensional‐speckle tracking echocardiography (3D‐STE) in stable angina pectoris patients was evaluated in this study.MethodsOne hundred and twenty consecutive patients between 18–80 years of age and without a history of CAD to whom elective coronary angiography was planned after positive stress test or myocardial perfusion scintigraphy were enrolled in the study. 3D‐STE was performed and global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), and global area strain (GAS) were measured before coronary angiography. A Gensini score of ≥20 was accepted as critical CAD. Correlation between Gensini scores and 3D‐STE results were evaluated.ResultsMean age was 60.7 ± 10.01 years, and 55% of the patient population were male. There were not any significant differences between critical CAD and noncritical CAD groups for age, gender, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction. Mean GLS was −12, GCS was −18.8, GRS was 33.4, GAS was −28.9, and mean Gensini score was 18.8. GLS and all other strain parameters were significantly worse in patients with critical CAD group compared with noncritical CAD group and also positive linear correlation was observed between Gensini score and all measured strain parameters (r = 0.568, P < 0.001 for Gensini score and GLS; r = 0.617, P < 0.001 for Gensini score and GAS). A GLS value of >−10 has 88.9% sensitivity and 92.9% specificity; A GAS value of >−21 has 97.2% sensitivity and 88.1% specificity to detect critical CAD.Conclusions3D‐STE is a noninvasive and handy parameter to detect subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and global strain values were significantly correlated with CAD severity. GAS has the sensitivity of 97.2% and specificity of 88.1% to detect critical CAD. Adding 3D strain echocardiography to exercise test or myocardial perfusion scintigraphy might increase sensitivity to detect critical CAD in clinical practice.
Effects of carbon on moisture storage in soils of the Wisconsin Central Sands, USA
Authors: Yost Jenifer L. , Hartemink Alfred E. 
Published: December 2018

Quantifying soil water storage is important for plant growth and agricultural production. This is particularly important in sandy soils because they are widely cultivated and prone to drought. We investigated the effect of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil texture and gravel content on soil moisture characteristics in sandy soils. Soil moisture characteristics were analysed using standard soil physical characterization as well as visible–near infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy and pedotransfer functions (PTFs). Volumetric water content (−10, −33, −1500 kPa) and available water capacity (AWC) increased by 0.01 to 0.02 m3m−3 with a 2% increase in silt plus clay content. Available water capacity increased by about 0.05 m3m−3 with a 1% increase in SOC. A 5% increase in gravel in the subsoil decreased the volumetric water content of the soil by 0.01 m3m−3. Predictions of volumetric water contents and AWC by vis–NIR were the best when using a random forest model. Pedotransfer functions for AWC predictions performed best when sand, silt, clay, bulk density and SOC were included. Soil moisture storage ranged from 44 to 65 mm in the top 50 cm. At mean evapotranspiration (4.2 mm day−1), irrigation requirements were reduced by 6 days in the sandy soils that have larger SOC and silt contents in the topsoil. These soils are sandy throughout but have subtle differences in particle‐size distribution, SOC concentrations and gravel content. These differences affect soil moisture storage considerably. Soil management practices that increase the SOC contents in these sandy soils favour moisture storage and tend to reduce irrigation requirements.Highlights

SOC, soil texture and gravel affect soil moisture characteristics in sandy soils.
With vis–NIR and PTFs, soil water storage, water characteristics and AWC in soils with >80% sand can be quantified and predicted.
Available water capacity increased by about 0.05 m3m−3 with a 1% increase in SOC.
Subtle differences in particle‐size distribution affect soil moisture storage and reduce irrigation requirements.
Contrasting responses of soil fungal communities and soil respiration to the above‐ and below‐ground plant C inputs in a subtropical forest
Authors: Shi Lingling , Feng Wenting , Jing Xin , Zang Huadong , Mortimer Peter , Zou Xiaoming 
Published: December 2018

The roles of soil fungal diversity and community composition in regulating soil respiration when above‐ and below‐ground plant carbon (C) inputs are excluded remain unclear. In the present study, we aimed to examine the following. (a) How does the exclusion of above‐ and below‐ground plant C inputs affect soil respiration and soil fungi singly and in combination? (b) Are changes in soil fungal diversity aligned with changes in soil respiration? A field experiment with manipulation of plant C inputs was established in a subtropical forest in southwest China in 2004 with litter removal and tree stem‐girdling to exclude inputs of the above‐ and below‐ground plant C, respectively. In 2009, we measured the rates of soil respiration with an infrared gas analyser and soil fungal community structure using Illumina sequencing. We found that the rates of soil respiration were reduced significantly by litter removal and girdling, by similar magnitudes. However, they were not decreased further by the combination of these two treatments compared to either treatment alone. In contrast, litter removal increased the diversity of soil fungal communities, whereas girdling decreased the abundance of symbiotrophic fungi but increased the abundance of saptrotrophic and pathotrophic fungi. These changes in soil fungal community might initiate CO2 emission from soil C decomposition, offsetting further decline in soil respiration when plant C inputs are excluded. These results revealed that the exclusion of the above‐ and below‐ground plant C inputs led to contrasting soil fungal communities but similar soil function. Our findings suggest that both above‐ and below‐ground plant C are important in regulating soil respiration in subtropical forests, by limiting substrates for soil fungal growth and altering the diversity and composition of the soil fungal community.Highlights
Litter removal and girdling decreased soil respiration by similar magnitudes
The combination of litter removal and girdling did not further decrease soil respiration
Litter removal significantly increased species richness of soil fungal communities
Girdling changed the abundance of functional guilds of soil fungal communities
Cannabis‐based products for pediatric epilepsy: A systematic review
Authors: Elliott Jesse , DeJean Deirdre , Clifford Tammy , Coyle Doug , Potter Beth K. , Skidmore Becky , Alexander Christine , Repetski Alexander E. , Shukla Vijay , McCoy Bláthnaid , Wells George A. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryObjectiveTo assess the benefits and harms of cannabis‐based products for pediatric epilepsy.MethodsWe identified in this living systematic review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies (NRSs) involving children with epilepsy treated with cannabis‐based products. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and gray literature (April 25, 2018). The primary outcome was seizure freedom; secondary outcomes were seizure frequency (total, ≥50% reduction), quality of life, sleep, status epilepticus, death, gastrointestinal adverse events, and visits to the emergency room. Data were pooled by random‐effects meta‐analysis. Risk of bias was assessed for each study, and GRADE was used to assess the quality of evidence for each outcome.ResultsFour RCTs and 19 NRSs were included, primarily involving cannabidiol. All RCTs were at low risk of bias, whereas all NRSs were at high risk. Among RCTs, there was no statistically significant difference between cannabidiol and placebo in seizure freedom (relative risk [RR] = 6.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36‐128.38; 1 RCT), quality of life (mean difference = 0.6, 95% CI = −2.6 to 3.9; 3 RCTs), sleep disruption (mean difference = −0.3, 95% CI = −0.8 to 0.2; 3 RCTs), or vomiting (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.51‐1.96; 4 RCTs). There was a statistically significant reduction in the median frequency of monthly seizures with cannabidiol compared with placebo (−19.8%, 95% CI = −27.0% to −12.6%; 3 RCTs) and an increase in the number of participants with at least a 50% reduction in seizures (RR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.07‐2.88; 1 RCT) and diarrhea (RR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.38‐3.68; 3 RCTs). Death and status epilepticus were infrequently reported.SignificanceEvidence from high‐quality RCTs suggests that cannabidiol probably reduces seizures among children with drug‐resistant epilepsy (moderate certainty). At this time, the evidence base is primarily limited to cannabidiol, and these findings should not be extended to all cannabis‐based products.
Concurrent repair of a displaced rib fracture and splenic capsular tearing using laparoscopic technique in a standing horse with acute haemoperitoneum
Authors: O'Neill H. D. , Ricardi G. 
Published: December 2018

SummarySplenic trauma as a sequela to rib fracture is a recognised cause of haemoperitoneum in the horse. Although surgical repair to those areas damaged is advocated as the treatment of choice, information pertaining to the simultaneous repair of such sites is lacking. Additionally, the hypovolaemic case presents a separate anaesthetic challenge. This report is the first published description of a concurrent approach for a displaced rib fracture and an associated splenic capsular tear using laparoscopic technique in a standing sedated horse with acute haemoperitoneum. The rib fracture was reduced and stabilised using polyamide ties, and the splenic capsular tear repaired using intracorporeal suturing with knotless, unidirectional barbed suture. Total surgery time was 90 min and no complications were encountered during the procedure. The mare was discharged 6 days post‐operatively. Organ orientation in the standing case afforded excellent visibility to both the parietal surface of the spleen and fractured rib, and abolished the necessity for general anaesthesia.
Clinical features of Helicobacter pylori antibody‐positive junior high school students in Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Honma Hitoshi , Nakayama Yoshiko , Kato Sawako , Hidaka Nao , Kusakari Mai , Sado Tomomitsu , Suda Ayako , Lin Yingsong 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundPreviously, we conducted an epidemiological study screening for Helicobacter pylori antibody positivity among Japanese junior high school students. In this study, we updated the epidemiological data and assessed the clinical features of H pylori antibody‐positive junior high school students.Materials and methodsWe assessed H pylori antibody‐positive subjects who were identified between 2012 and 2015 at four junior high schools in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. H pylori infection was confirmed by urea breath test (UBT) or endoscopic examination. Endoscopy was performed after obtaining consent from the subject and their guardians. Eradication therapy consisted of triple therapy with proton pump inhibitor (PPI), amoxicillin (AMPC), and clarithromycin (CAM) or metronidazole (MNZ) for seven days. Eradication of H pylori was confirmed by UBT. We reviewed subjects’ characteristics, endoscopic findings, histological findings, eradication regimes, outcomes, and adverse effects.ResultsThe overall prevalence of H pylori antibody positivity was 3.2% (42/1298). We assessed thirteen H pylori antibody‐positive subjects. Eight subjects had a family history of H pylori infection. Six subjects had abdominal pain, and two subjects had iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Twelve subjects underwent endoscopy; one subject had duodenal ulcer, eleven subjects had antral nodular gastritis, and six subjects showed grade 2 closed type atrophic border according to the Kimura‐Takemoto classification. All subjects received eradication therapy; CAM was used in five subjects with CAM susceptibility as well as in three subjects with unknown information on CAM susceptibility, and MNZ was used in five subjects with CAM resistance. Eradication was successful in twelve subjects (one unconfirmed). There were three mild adverse effects (abdominal pain or diarrhea).ConclusionsHelicobacter pylori test for junior high school students represents an opportunity to diagnose the peptic ulcer, iron deficiency anemia, and gastric atrophy.