bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemopreventive and hepatoprotective roles of adiponectin (SULF2 inhibitor) in hepatocelluar carcinoma
Authors: Al-Gayyar Mohammed M.H. , Abbas Ahmed , Hamdan Ahmed M. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Sulfatase 2 (SULF2) is an extracellular enzyme that catalyzes the removal of 6-O-sulfate groups from the heparan sulfate (HS). As elevated SULF2 activity has been correlated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), this study was conducted to evaluate the chemoprotective and the hepatoprotective roles of adiponectin, as a SULF2 inhibitor, against hepatocellular carcinoma both in vivo and in vitro. HCC was induced in rats using thioacetamide (200 mg/kg). Treated rats received adiponectin (5 μg/kg) once a week. Moreover, human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line was used as an in-vitro model. In both in-vivo and in-vitro models, adiponectin completely blocked HCC-induced SULF2 elevation. The antitumor activity of adiponectin was confirmed by 80% increased the survival rate, 73% reduction in the average number of nodules per nodule-bearing liver and 46% reduction in serum AFP. In addition, adiponectin ameliorated HCC-induced expression of tumor invasion markers, MMP9, syndecan-1 and FGF-2. Moreover, adiponectin attenuated HCC-induced elevation of nfκb and TNF-α levels. Moreover, treatment of HepG2 cell line with adiponectin showed dose-dependent reduction of HepG2 cell viability and elevation of cellular cytotoxicity. Besides, Adiponectin yielded the same results in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Adiponectin achieved both hepatoprotective and chemoprotective effects against HCC through blocking of SULF2.
Role of chitinase-like proteins in cancer
Authors: Kzhyshkowska Julia , Yin Shuiping , Liu Tengfei , Riabov Vladimir , Mitrofanova Irina 
Published: January 2016

AbstractChitinase-like proteins (CLPs) are lectins combining properties of cytokines and growth factors. Human CLPs include YKL-40, YKL-39 and SI-CLP that are secreted by cancer cells, macrophages, neutrophils, synoviocytes, chondrocytes and other cells. The best investigated CLP in cancer is YKL-40. Serum and plasma levels of YKL-40 correlate with poor prognosis in breast, lung, prostate, liver, bladder, colon and other types of cancers. In combination with other circulating factors YKL-40 can be used as a predictive biomarker of cancer outcome. In experimental models YKL-40 supports tumor initiation through binding to RAGE, and is able to induce cancer cell proliferation via ERK1/2-MAPK pathway. YKL-40 supports tumor angiogenesis by interaction with syndecan-1 on endothelial cells and metastatic spread by stimulating production of pro-inflammatory and pro-invasive factors MMP9, CCL2 and CXCL2. CLPs induce production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and are potential modulators of inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Targeting YKL-40 using neutralizing antibodies exerts anti-cancer effect in preclinical animal models. Multifunctional role of CLPs in regulation of inflammation and intratumoral processes makes them attractive candidates for tumor therapy and immunomodulation. In this review we comprehensively analyze recent data about expression pattern, and involvement of human CLPs in cancer.
Leptin and Gaba Interactions on Thermoregulation of Rats
Authors: Yakimova Krassimira S. , Nikolov Rumen P. , Todorov Ivan G. , Hristov Milen H. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Leptin inhibits feeding, reduces body weight and increases thermogenesis. Experimental data suggest involvement of GABAergic mechanisms in the regulation of feeding behavior and energy balance. The present study was set to determine the effect of combinations from leptin, GABAB-agonist baclofen and GABAB-antagonist CGP35348 on thermoregulation of male Wistar rats, using in vivo and in vitro experiments. The substances used for in vivo experiments were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.). The measurement of the body temperature was done via thermistor probes (TX8) and monitored on multichannel recorder Iso-Thermex16. In vitro experiments were conducted on rat PO/AH neurons, recorded extracellulary by conventional electrophysiological equipment, using brain slice preparations. The separate intraperitoneal injection of leptin as well as GABAB-antagonist CGP35348 produced significant hyperthermia in rats while the GABAB-agonist baclofen caused a decrease in the core body temperature. The probable synergy between the hyperthermic effects of leptin and GABAB-antagonist did not occur. On the contrary, the effect of this combination was lower as compared to the result of the separate administration of GABAB-antagonist. When leptin was applied just prior to GABAB-agonist baclofen, neither of their separate effects appeared. In vivo effects determined correlated with in vitro changes of firing rate observed in PO/AH neurons. The data from this study provide a new point of view concerning the interactions of leptin and GABA on the level of thermoregulation. These results represent a step forward in understanding the complicated mechanisms involved in thermoregulation.
Correlation Between Self-Rated Health and Socioeconomic and Psychological Charasteristics of Ambulatory and Hospitalized Patients Over 44 Years of Age
Authors: Simeonova Joana I. , Velkova Angelika S. , Tsvetkova Silvia B. , Kostadinova Penka S. , Hristova Petkana A. , Kamburova Mariela S. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The aim of the study was to identify socioeconomic and psychological determinants of self-rated health among ambulatory and hospitalized patients. A cross-sectional study was carried-out in 2014. Two hundred and twelve patients over 44 years of age filled in a self-administrated questionnaire. Self-rated health (SRH) was measured by 5-point range scale. The level of well-being (WB), sources of social support, personal financial capacity, social status, etc. were studied as well. Data were processed by SPSS.v.19. Parametric and non-parametric statistical methods were applied. Over 70% of patients evaluated their health as fair and good. The persons with higher WB had higher SRH, that correlation was moderate (r=0.452; p=0.001). In regard to the social status the differences were significant - the unemployed, old age retirees or ill health retirees evaluated their health lower (p<0.05). A proportion of patients indicated two or more sources of emotional and instrumental support, but increased number of support sources had no effect on SRH (p>0.05). Identification of socioeconomic and psychological factors of self-rated health allows clarifying better their effect mechanisms and planning appropriate health services
Risks of Oral Methotrexate Administration in Outpatients
Authors: Ganeva Maria G. , Gancheva Tanya T. , Baldaranov Ivan D. , Kiriyak Nataliya J. , Hristakieva Evgeniya H. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is a cytostatic agent used in oncology. Because of its immunosuppressive properties, MTX is also used in autoimmune disorders. Low-dose MTX regimens in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis are considered to be safe. However, pharmacovigilance centers warn of serious and even fatal incidents due to errors in oral MTX administration. The aim of this case series presentation was to identify the specific factors related to the development of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) induced by MTX. A prospective pharmacovigilance study was conducted at the Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital, Stara Zagora. We report 3 cases of patients with psoriasis vulgaris in which severe haematological abnormalities associated with previous administration of MTX were detected during hospitalization. A 73-year old female with malaise, vomiting and oral ulcers who had taken approximately 120 mg MTX was found to have pancytopenia. A 59-year old male hospitalized for psoriatic erythroderma who had erroneously taken 10 mg MTX daily instead of weekly for 8 days, was diagnosed with bicytopenia and toxic hepatitis. An 88-year old male with psoriatic arthritis presented with aphthous stomatitis, erosive crusted lesions, ecchymoses and aplastic anemia 2 weeks after treatment with 12.5 mg MTX once weekly plus i.m. Movalis®, followed by Diclophenac Duo®. The main predisposing factors for the development of these ADRs were patient-related dosage errors and concomitant administration of NSAIDs. Safe use of oral MTX requires clear dosing instructions and strict patient compliance. Potential drug interactions of MTX with other drugs should also be considered.
Enhanced Store-Operated Calcium Entry Leads to Striatal Synaptic Loss in a Huntington's Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Wu Jun , Ryskamp Daniel A. , Liang Xia , Egorova Polina , Zakharova Olga , Hung Gene , Bezprozvanny Ilya 
Published: January 2016

In Huntington's disease (HD), mutant Huntingtin (mHtt) protein causes striatal neuron dysfunction, synaptic loss, and eventual neurodegeneration. To understand the mechanisms responsible for synaptic loss in HD, we developed a corticostriatal coculture model that features age-dependent dendritic spine loss in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) from YAC128 transgenic HD mice. Age-dependent spine loss was also observedin vivoin YAC128 MSNs. To understand the causes of spine loss in YAC128 MSNs, we performed a series of mechanistic studies. We previously discovered that mHtt protein binds to type 1 inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R1) and increases its sensitivity to activation by InsP3. We now report that the resulting increase in steady-state InsP3R1 activity reduces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+levels. Depletion of ER Ca2+leads to overactivation of the neuronal store-operated Ca2+entry (nSOC) pathway in YAC128 MSN spines. The synaptic nSOC pathway is controlled by the ER resident protein STIM2. We discovered that STIM2 expression is elevated in aged YAC128 striatal cultures and in YAC128 mouse striatum. Knock-down of InsP3R1 expression by antisense oligonucleotides or knock-down or knock-out of STIM2 resulted in normalization of nSOC and rescue of spine loss in YAC128 MSNs. The selective nSOC inhibitor EVP4593 was identified in our previous studies. We now demonstrate that EVP4593 reduces synaptic nSOC and rescues spine loss in YAC128 MSNs. Intraventricular delivery of EVP4593 in YAC128 mice rescued age-dependent striatal spine lossin vivo. Our results suggest EVP4593 and other inhibitors of the STIM2-dependent nSOC pathway as promising leads for HD therapeutic development.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn Huntington's disease (HD) mutant Huntingtin (mHtt) causes early corticostriatal synaptic dysfunction and eventual neurodegeneration of medium spine neurons (MSNs) through poorly understood mechanisms. We report here that corticostriatal cocultures prepared from YAC128 HD mice feature age-dependent MSN spine loss, mirroring YAC128 MSN spine lossin vivo. This finding establishes a system for mechanistic studies of synaptic instability in HD. We use it to demonstrate that sensitization of type 1 inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptors by mHtt, which depletes endoplasmic reticulum calcium, contributes to synaptotoxic enhancement of STIM2-dependent store-operated calcium (SOC) entry. Treatment with EVP4593, a neuroprotective inhibitor of neuronal SOC channels, rescues YAC128 MSN spine loss bothin vitroandin vivo. These results suggest that enhanced neuronal SOC causes synaptic loss in HD-afflicted MSNs.
Smoking-Relevant Nicotine Concentration Attenuates the Unfolded Protein Response in Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Srinivasan Rahul , Henley Beverley M. , Henderson Brandon J. , Indersmitten Tim , Cohen Bruce N. , Kim Charlene H. , McKinney Sheri , Deshpande Purnima , Xiao Cheng , Lester Henry A. 
Published: January 2016

Retrospective epidemiological studies show an inverse correlation between susceptibility to Parkinson's disease and a person's history of tobacco use. Animal model studies suggest nicotine as a neuroprotective agent and nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (nAChRs) as targets for neuroprotection, but the underlying neuroprotective mechanism(s) are unknown. We cultured mouse ventral midbrain neurons for 3 weeks. Ten to 20% of neurons were dopaminergic (DA), revealed by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity. We evoked mild endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress with tunicamycin (Tu), producing modest increases in the level of nuclear ATF6, phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α, nuclear XBP1, and the downstream proapoptotic effector nuclear C/EBP homologous protein. We incubated cultures for 2 weeks with 200 nmnicotine, the approximate steady-state concentration between cigarette smoking or vaping, or during nicotine patch use. Nicotine incubation suppressed Tu-induced ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR). Study of mice with fluorescent nAChR subunits showed that the cultured TH+ neurons displayed α4, α6, and β3 nAChR subunit expression and ACh-evoked currents. Gene expression profile in cultures from TH-eGFP mice showed that the TH+ neurons also express several other genes associated with DA release. Nicotine also upregulated ACh-induced currents in DA neurons by ∼2.5-fold. Thus, nicotine, at a concentration too low to activate an appreciable fraction of plasma membrane nAChRs, induces two sequelae of pharmacological chaperoning in the ER: UPR suppression and nAChR upregulation. Therefore, one mechanism of neuroprotection by nicotine is pharmacological chaperoning, leading to UPR suppression. Measuring this pathway may help in assessing neuroprotection.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTParkinson's disease (PD) cannot yet be cured or prevented. However, many retrospective epidemiological studies reveal that PD is diagnosed less frequently in tobacco users. Existing programs attempting to develop nicotinic drugs that might exert this apparent neuroprotective effect are asking whether agonists, antagonists, partial agonists, or channel blockers show the most promise. The underlying logic resembles the previous development of varenicline for smoking cessation. We studied whether, and how, nicotine produces neuroprotective effects in cultured dopaminergic neurons, an experimentally tractable, mechanistically revealing neuronal system. We show that nicotine, operating via nicotinic receptors, does protect these neurons against endoplasmic reticulum stress. However, the mechanism is probably “inside-out”: pharmacological chaperoning in the endoplasmic reticulum. This cellular-level insight could help to guide neuroprotective strategies.
Hippocampal Respiration-Driven Rhythm Distinct from Theta Oscillations in Awake Mice
Authors: Nguyen Chi Vivan , Müller Carola , Wolfenstetter Thérèse , Yanovsky Yevgenij , Draguhn Andreas , Tort Adriano B.L. , Brankačk Jurij 
Published: January 2016

We have recently described a slow oscillation in the hippocampus of urethane-anesthetized mice, which couples to nasal respiration and is clearly distinct from co-occurring theta oscillations. Here we set out to investigate whether such type of patterned network activity, which we named “hippocampal respiration rhythm” (HRR), also occurs in awake mice. In freely moving mice, instantaneous respiration rate is extremely variable, and respiration is superimposed by bouts of sniffing. To reduce this variability, we clamped the behavior of the animal to either awake immobility or treadmill running by using a head-fixed setup while simultaneously recording respiration and field potentials from the olfactory bulb (OB) and hippocampus. Head-fixed animals often exhibited long periods of steady respiration rate during either immobility or running, which allowed for spectral and coherence analyses with a sufficient frequency resolution to sort apart respiration and theta activities. We could thus demonstrate the existence of HRR in awake animals, namely, a respiration-entrained slow rhythm with highest amplitude at the dentate gyrus. HRR was most prominent during immobility and running with respiration rates slower than theta oscillations. Nevertheless, HRR could also be faster than theta. Discharges of juxtacellularly recorded cells in CA1 and dentate gyrus were modulated by HRR and theta oscillations. Granger directionality analysis revealed that HRR is caused by the OB and that theta oscillations in OB are caused by the hippocampus. Our results suggest that respiration-coupled oscillations aid the exchange of information between olfactory and memory networks.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOlfaction is a major sense in rodents. In consequence, the olfactory bulb (OB) should be able to transmit information to downstream regions. Here we report potential mechanisms underlying such information transfer. We demonstrate the existence of a respiration-entrained rhythm in the hippocampus of awake mice. Frequencies of the hippocampal respiration rhythm (HRR) overlap with classical theta oscillations, but both rhythms are clearly distinct. HRR is most prominent in the dentate gyrus, especially when respiration is slower than theta frequency. Discharges of neurons in CA1 and dentate gyrus are modulated by both HRR and theta. Directionality analysis shows that HRR is caused by the OB. Our results suggest that respiration-coupled oscillations aid the exchange of information between olfactory and memory networks.
Effect of underlying boron nitride thickness on photocurrent response in molybdenum disulfide - boron nitride heterostructures
Authors: Wasala Milinda , Zhang Jie , Ghosh Sujoy , Muchharla Baleeswaraiah , Malecek Rachel , Mazumdar Dipanjan , Samassekou Hassana , Gaither-Ganim Moses , Morrison Andrew , Lopez Nestor-Perera , Carozo Victor , Lin Zhong , Terrones Mauricio , Talapatra Saikat 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
CENTROS PARAMAGNÉTICOS EM ELBAÍTA ROSA NATURAL E IRRADIADA.
Authors: Castañeda Cristiane , Botelho Nilson Francisquini , Krambrock Klaus , Dantas Maria Sylvia , Pedrosa-Soares Antônio Carlos 
Published: January 2016

Estudos espectroscópicos em turmalinas rosas naturais e tratadas de Minas Gerais, Brasil, foram feitosusando ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (EPR), detecção óptica da ressonância magnética(ODMR), absorção óptica e espectroscopia Raman. Microanálises indicam que todas as amostras têmcomposições próximas às do membro final elbaíta. O espectro EPR indica a presença de Mn2+.Medidas de absorção óptica mostram três bandas de absorção dominantes centradas a 460, 520 e 680nm, atribuídas às transições ópticas do Mn2+. Diferentes defeitos foram identificados na elbaíta rosapor EPR, como Mn2+, Fe3+, H0 e O- produzidos por g-irradiação. O último é um centro do tipo buracodo tipo O- e mostra interação superhiperfina com dois Al. É considerado como um centro de coramarelo do tipo Al-O-Al. O átomo de hidrogênio H0 é um centro de aprisionamento de elétrons, aopasso que o Fe3+ é um precursor de elétrons. A partir dos dados obtidos após tratamento térmico eirradiação, conclui-se que Mn2+ é o principal centro cromóforo da cor rosa, favorecido por um certo grau de desordem presente na estrutura dessa espécie. A irradiação intensifica a cor rosa pálida,enquanto o aquecimento a 4500C descolore o rosa. ABSTRACT: pectroscopy study of natural and treated pink tourmalines from Minas Gerais, Brazil, using electronparamagnetic resonance (EPR), optical detection of electron paramagnetic resonance (ODEPR),optical absorption and Raman spectroscopy is reported. Electron-microprobe analyses indicate thatall samples are close elbaite end-member. EPR spectra of natural pink elbaite indicate the presence of Mn2+ in to distinct Y site. Optical absorption measurements show three dominant absorption bands centered at 460, 520 and 680 nm in the pink tourmalines, which can be related with opticaltransitions of Mn2+. Different defects have been identified by EPR like Mn2+, Fe3+, H0 and O- producedby g-irradiation in pale pink elbaite. The last one is a hole trap of O- and considered a color center.It shows mainly superhyperfine interaction with two Al nuclei. Atomic hydrogen H0 is as electrontrap whereas the Fe3+ is an electron precursor. From irradiation and heat treatments we conclude thatthe Mn2+ is the precursor of the pink color in elbaites. Irradiation intensifies the pink color whereas heat treatments at about 4500C decolorize the pink tourmaline.
ENSAIOS DE ALTERAÇÃO ACELERADA PARA AVALIAÇÃO DE SEIS GRANITOS ORNAMENTAIS BRASILEIROS
Authors: Becerra Javier Eduardo Becerra , Costa Antônio Gilberto 
Published: January 2016

As rochas ornamentais experimentam processos de deterioração ocasionados pela poluição atmosférica epor sustâncias industriais usadas nos processos de instalação e manutenção, apresentando perda de brilho,alterações da cor original e redução da resistência mecânica. Os ensaios de alteração acelerada junto com osde caracterização tecnológica, realizados a partir de uma amostragem sistemática nos trabalhos de exploração permitem conhecer antecipadamente a resposta destas rochas face à ação do meio ambiente, podendo sepredizer problemas que podem afetar o uso potencial de determinada litologia como rocha ornamental esuas possibilidades de comercialização. Seis variedades de granitos brasileiros foram submetidas a ensaiosde lixiviação estática, lixiviação dinâmica, exposição a vapores de ácido sulfuroso e ensaio de cristalizaçãode sais. Todos estes ensaios simulam os principais agentes físicos e químicos que ocasionam deterioração em rochas aplicadas em revestimentos internos e externos. O grau de microfissuramento e a constituiçãomineralógica foram considerados os fatores petrográficos mais importantes na determinação da alterabilidade.Também foram observadas mudanças nos índices físicos dos granitos mais alteráveis.Palavras-chave: rochas ornamentais, alterabilidade, caracterização tecnológica. ABSTRACT: Dimension stone present deterioration caused by air pollution and some industrial substances used forapplication and maintenance causing loss of brilliance, alterations of original color and reduction of mechanicalresistance. The tests of rapid alteration and technological characterization, carried out on base of a systematicsampling during quarrying, permit to establish with anticipation the behavior of rocks against those reagentsof environmental conditions, predicting problems that may affect the potential use of determined lithologiesas dimension stones and consequently its commerce. Systematic testing of manufactured pieces will increasequality control considerably. Six types of Brazilian granites were submitted to the static lixiviation, expositionto vapors of sulphurous acid and salt crystallization, all of them accelerated alteration tests for simulation ofthe main chemical and physical agents of deterioration in rocks applied in external and internal revetment.The degree of microfracturing and the mineralogical constitution are the most important petrographic factorsof the alterability. A control of technological properties of the materials was also carried out, showing higheralterability of some types.Keywords: Dimension stones, alterability tests, technological characterization.