bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Patnaik M M , Tefferi A 
Published: February 2016

AbstractChronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a clonal stem cell disorder associated with peripheral blood monocytosis and an inherent tendency to transform to acute myeloid leukemia. CMML has overlapping features of myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Clonal cytogenetic changes are seen in ~30%, whereas gene mutations are seen in >90% of patients. Common cytogenetic abnormalities include; trisomy 8, -Y, -7/del(7q), trisomy 21 and del(20q), with the Mayo–French risk stratification effectively risk stratifying patients based on cytogenetic abnormalities. Gene mutations frequently involve epigenetic regulators (TET2 ~60%), modulators of chromatin (ASXL1 ~40%), spliceosome components (SRSF2 ~50%), transcription factors (RUNX1 ~15%) and signal pathways (RAS ~30%, CBL ~15%). Of these, thus far, only nonsense and frameshift ASXL1 mutations have been shown to negatively impact overall survival. This has resulted in the development of contemporary, molecularly integrated (inclusive of ASXL1 mutations) CMML prognostic models, including Molecular Mayo Model and the Groupe Français des Myélodysplasies model. Better understanding of the prevalent genetic and epigenetic dysregulation has resulted in emerging targeted treatment options for some patients. The development of an integrated (cytogenetic and molecular) prognostic model along with CMML-specific response assessment criteria are much needed future goals.
Emerging pathogens of gilthead seabream: characterisation and genomic analysis of novel intracellular β-proteobacteria
Authors: Seth-Smith Helena M B , Dourala Nancy , Fehr Alexander , Qi Weihong , Katharios Pantelis , Ruetten Maja , Mateos José M , Nufer Lisbeth , Weilenmann Roseline , Ziegler Urs , Thomson Nicholas R , Schlapbach Ralph , Vaughan Lloyd 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
New and emerging environmental pathogens pose some of the greatest threats to modern aquaculture, a critical source of food protein globally. As with other intensive farming practices, increasing our understanding of the biology of infections is important to improve animal welfare and husbandry. The gill infection epitheliocystis is increasingly problematic in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), a major Mediterranean aquaculture species. Epitheliocystis is generally associated with chlamydial bacteria, yet we were not able to localise chlamydial targets within the major gilthead seabream lesions. Two previously unidentified species within a novel β-proteobacterial genus were instead identified. These co-infecting intracellular bacteria have been characterised using high-resolution imaging and genomics, presenting the most comprehensive study on epitheliocystis agents to date. Draft genomes of the two uncultured species, Ca. Ichthyocystis hellenicum and Ca. Ichthyocystis sparus, have been de novo sequenced and annotated from preserved material. Analysis of the genomes shows a compact core indicating a metabolic dependency on the host, and an accessory genome with an unprecedented number of tandemly arrayed gene families. This study represents a critical insight into novel, emerging fish pathogens and will be used to underpin future investigations into the bacterial origins, and to develop diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Relationship between ultrasound elastography and myofibroblast distribution in breast cancer and its clinical significance
Authors: Hao Yi , Guo Xia , Ma Binlin , Zhu Lin , Liu Lisha 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe study investigated the relationship between ultrasound elastography (USE) scoring and myofibroblast distribution with expression features of α-SMA + /CD34− in patients of Uyghur and Han ethnicities with breast masses in Xinjiang, China. The data was used to evaluate its clinical significance in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. A total of 300 patients with breast masses were included in the study, which involved conventional sonography and USE, with histopathologic diagnosis as the reference standard. Myofibroblast distribution was investigated by detecting the expression levels of α-SMA and CD34 in lesions using immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Out of 300 lesions, 185 were histologically malignant and 115 benign. The mean elasticity score for malignant lesions was significantly higher than for benign lesions. The expression level of α-SMA was elevated while the expression level of CD34 was lower in malignancies, compared with benign lesions. The expression of α-SMA was positively associated with the USE scores, while a negative relationship was observed between CD34 expression and USE scoring. The combination of USE and molecular diagnosis provides a promising modality for the early diagnosis and evaluation of the risks in particular types of breast cancer.
miR-203 inhibits proliferation and self-renewal of leukemia stem cells by targeting survivin and Bmi-1
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhou Shu-yan , Yan Hai-zhao , Xu Dan-dan , Chen Hai-xuan , Wang Xiao-yan , Wang Xiao , Liu Yu-ting , Zhang Li , Wang Sheng , Zhou Peng-jun , Fu Wu-yu , Ruan Bi-bo , Ma Dong-lei , Wang Ying , Liu Qiu-ying , Ren Zhe , Liu Zhong , Zhang Rong , Wang Yi-fei 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDrug resistance is one of the leading causes of failed cancer therapy in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Although the mechanisms of resistance are poorly understood, they may be related to the presence of leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Down-regulation of the miR-203 reportedly contributes to oncogenesis and chemo-resistance in multiple cancers. We found that miR-203 expression was down-regulated in CD34 + AML cells as compared with CD34− cells isolated from patients as well as in LSC-enriched (CD34 + CD38−) cell lines KG-1a or MOLM13. Additionally, re-expression of miR-203 led to decreased cell proliferation, self-renewal and sphere formation in LSCs. Moreover, miR-203 was found to directly target the 3′un-translated regions of survivin and Bmi-1 mRNAs affecting proliferation and self-renewal in LSCs. In this study, we identified a novel miR-203/survivin/Bmi-1 axis involved in the regulation of biological properties of LSCs. This axis may represent a new therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia and a potential prognosis/diagnostic marker for LSCs therapy.
Dirac fermions at high-index surfaces of bismuth chalcogenide topological insulator nanostructures
Authors: Virk Naunidh , Yazyev Oleg V. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBinary bismuth chalcogenides Bi2Se3, Bi2Te3 and related materials are currently being extensively investigated as the reference topological insulators (TIs) due to their simple surface-state band dispersion (single Dirac cone) and relatively large bulk band gaps. Nanostructures of TIs are of particular interest as an increased surface-to-volume ratio enhances the contribution of surfaces states, meaning they are promising candidates for potential device applications. So far, the vast majority of research efforts have focused on the low-energy (0001) surfaces, which correspond to natural cleavage planes in these layered materials. However, the surfaces of low-dimensional nanostructures (nanoplatelets, nanowires, nanoribbons) inevitably involve higher-index facets. We perform a systematic ab initio investigation of the surfaces of bismuth chalcogenide TI nanostructures characterized by different crystallographic orientations, atomic structures and stoichiometric compositions. We find several stable terminations of high-index surfaces, which can be realized at different values of the chemical potential of one of the constituent elements. For the uniquely defined stoichiometric termination, the topological Dirac fermion states are shown to be strongly anisotropic with a clear dependence of Fermi velocities and spin polarization on the surface orientation. Self-doping effects and the presence of topologically trivial mid-gap states are found to characterize the non-stoichiometric surfaces. The results of our study pave the way towards experimental control of topologically protected surface states in bismuth chalcogenide nanostructures.
Reassessing ecdysteroidogenic cells from the cell membrane receptors’
perspective
Authors: Alexandratos Alexandros , Moulos Panagiotis , Nellas Ioannis , Mavridis Konstantinos , Dedos Skarlatos G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractEcdysteroids secreted by the prothoracic gland (PG) cells of insects control the
developmental timing of their immature life stages. These cells have been
historically considered as carrying out a single function in insects, namely the
biochemical conversion of cholesterol to ecdysteroids and their secretion. A growing
body of evidence shows that PG cells receive multiple cues during insect development
so we tested the hypothesis that they carry out more than just one function in
insects. We characterised the molecular nature and developmental profiles of cell
membrane receptors in PG cells of Bombyx mori during the final larval stage
and determined what receptors decode nutritional, developmental and physiological
signals. Through iterative approaches we identified a complex repertoire of cell
membrane receptors that are expressed in intricate patterns and activate previously
unidentified signal transduction cascades in PG cells. The expression patterns of
some of these receptors explain precisely the mechanisms that are known to control
ecdysteroidogenesis. However, the presence of receptors for the notch, hedgehog and
wingless signalling pathways and the expression of innate immunity-related receptors
such as phagocytosis receptors, receptors for microbial ligands and Toll-like
receptors call for a re-evaluation of the role these cells play in insects.
Viral-mediated fusion of mesenchymal stem cells with cells of the infarcted heart hinders healing via decreased vascularization and immune modulation
Authors: Freeman Brian T. , Ogle Brenda M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCell fusion can occur between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplanted to improve cardiac function and cells of the recipient. The therapeutic benefit or detriment of resultant cell hybrids is unknown. Here we augment fusion of transplanted MSCs with recipient cardiac cell types via viral fusogens to determine how cardiac function is impacted. Using a Cre/LoxP-based luciferase reporter system coupled to biophotonic imaging and echocardiography, we found that augmenting fusion with the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG) increased the amount of fusion in the recipient mouse heart, but led to diminished cardiac function. Specifically, MSCs transfected with VSVG (MSC-VSVG) had the lowest mean fold increase in fractional area change (FAC) and cardiac output (CO). Although the amount of fusion detected had a strong positive correlation (Pearson) with fractional area change and cardiac output at day 7, this effect was lost by day 28. The decrease in cardiac function seen with MSC-VSVG treatment versus MSC alone or sham treatment was associated with decreased MSC retention, altered immune cell responsiveness and reduced vascularization in the heart. This outcome garners consideration in the context of cellular transplantation to damaged tissues, those with viral infection or other microenvironmental conditions that might promote fusion.
Identification of a de novo DYNC1H1 mutation via WES according to published guidelines
Authors: Ding Dongxue , Chen Zhao , Li Kai , Long Zhe , Ye Wei , Tang Zhaoli , Xia Kun , Qiu Rong , Tang Beisha , Jiang Hong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDe novo mutations that contribute to rare Mendelian diseases, including neurological disorders, have been recently identified. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) has become a powerful tool for the identification of inherited and de novo mutations in Mendelian diseases. Two important guidelines were recently published regarding the investigation of causality of sequence variant in human disease and the interpretation of novel variants identified in human genome sequences. In this study, a family with supposed movement disorders was sequenced via WES (including the proband and her unaffected parents) and a standard investigation and interpretation of the identified variants was performed according to the published guidelines. We identified a novel de novo mutation (c.2327C > T, p.P776L) in DYNC1H1 gene and confirmed that it was the causal variant. The phenotype of the affected twins included delayed motor milestones, pes cavus, lower limb weakness and atrophy and a waddling gait. Electromyographic (EMG) recordings revealed typical signs of chronic denervation. Our study demonstrates the power of WES to discover the de novo mutations associated with a neurological disease on the whole exome scale and guidelines to conduct WES studies and interpret of identified variants are a preferable option for the exploration of the pathogenesis of rare neurological disorders.
Androgen-related sperm storage in oviduct of Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle in vivo during annual cycle
Authors: Liu Tengfei , Chu Xiaoya , Huang Yufei , Yang Ping , Li Quanfu , Hu Lisi , Chen Hong , Chen Qiusheng 
Published: February 2016

AbstractLong-term sperm storage in the female genital tract is essential for the appropriate timing of reproductive events in animals with asynchronous copulation and ovulation. However, the mechanism underlying the prolonged storage of spermatozoa is largely unexplored in turtles. In the present study, the role of androgen in sperm storage was investigated in the oviduct of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle,Pelodiscus sinensis. Morphological analysis revealed that spermatozoa were observed in the vagina, uterus and isthmus of the oviduct throughout the hibernation season. The increase of circulating testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels were consistent with the arrangement of spermatozoa that had their head embedded among the cilia of the oviduct mucosal epithelium. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that androgen receptor was distributed throughout the cytoplasm of gland cells and among the cilia of ciliated cells. Furthermore, marked variations in protein and mRNA levels of androgen receptor were validated through Western blot and qPCR analyses. The localization and the variation of androgen receptor demonstrated the crucial roles of androgens in sperm storage in the oviduct ofP. sinensis. These results provide fundamental insights into the interaction of androgen and sperm storage and facilitate the elucidation of the mechanism of sperm storage in turtles.
Efficient Terahertz detection in black-phosphorus nano-transistors with selective and controllable plasma-wave, bolometric and thermoelectric response
Authors: Viti Leonardo , Hu Jin , Coquillat Dominique , Politano Antonio , Knap Wojciech , Vitiello Miriam S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe ability to convert light into an electrical signal with high efficiencies and controllable dynamics, is a major need in photonics and optoelectronics. In the Terahertz (THz) frequency range, with its exceptional application possibilities in high data rate wireless communications, security, night-vision, biomedical or video-imaging and gas sensing, detection technologies providing efficiency and sensitivity performances that can be “engineered” from scratch, remain elusive. Here, by exploiting the inherent electrical and thermal in-plane anisotropy of a flexible thin flake of black-phosphorus (BP), we devise plasma-wave, thermoelectric and bolometric nano-detectors with a selective, switchable and controllable operating mechanism. All devices operates at room-temperature and are integrated on-chip with planar nanoantennas, which provide remarkable efficiencies through light-harvesting in the strongly sub-wavelength device channel. The achieved selective detection (∼5–8 V/W responsivity) and sensitivity performances (signal-to-noise ratio of 500), are here exploited to demonstrate the first concrete application of a phosphorus-based active THz device, for pharmaceutical and quality control imaging of macroscopic samples, in real-time and in a realistic setting.
Norcantharidin Suppresses Colon Cancer Cell Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Inhibiting the αvβ6-ERK-Ets1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Peng Cheng , Li Zequn , Niu Zhengchuan , Niu Wei , Xu Zongquan , Gao Huijie , Niu Weibo , Wang JiaYong , He Zhaobin , Gao Chao , Lin Pengfei , Agrez Michael , Zhang Zongli , Niu Jun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNorcantharidin (NCTD) is an efficacious anti-cancer drug that has been used in China for many years, but its underlying mechanism of action is still not fully understood. In the present study, we found that NCTD could induce morphological changes in colon cancer cells, causing a transition from a spindle-shaped morphology to a typical round or oval shape, which was indicative of a mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) process. Next, we investigated the mechanism by which NCTD induced the MET process. Using a transwell assay, we found that NCTD could suppress the migratory and invasive ability of colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, NCTD suppressed the expression of integrin αvβ6, MMP-3 and MMP-9 as well as the polymerization of F-actin, further supporting its suppressive effect on migratory and invasive ability. Furthermore, the expression of αvβ6, N-cadherin, vimentin and phosphorylated ERK was decreased, while the expression of E-cadherin was up-regulated. We verified that phosphorylated Ets1 was down-regulated substantially after treatment with NCTD. Taken together, our data demonstrated that NCTD could inhibit the EMT process of colon cancer cells by inhibiting the αvβ6-ERK-Ets1 signaling pathway. This study revealed part of the mechanism through which NCTD could reverse the EMT process in colon cancer.
Cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells is associated with HER2 upregulation-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Huang Dongsheng , Duan Hongying , Huang Hao , Tong Xiangmin , Han Yong , Ru Guoqing , Qu Like , Shou Chengchao , Zhao Zhongsheng 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCisplatin remains to be primary chemotherapeutic drug for gastric cancer patients, especially for advanced stage ones. However, primary or acquired resistance often occurs with the mechanisms being not well understood, which results in relapse of the cancer and poor survival. Herein, we found that HER2 upregulation was associated with cisplatin resistance. We observed that cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells underwent a morphological change similar to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which is mediated by HER2 overexpression. When specific monoclonal antibody Herceptin, small molecular targeted drug CP724714, or small interfering RNA against HER2 was applied, the EMT-like phenotypic change was dramatically reversed. More importantly, the IC50 and Resistance Index of resistant gastric cancer cells to cisplatin were also decreased by any of these treatments.We demonstrated that expression and amplification of HER2 positively correlated with expression of EMT-related transcription factor Snail in gastric cancer tissues. Furthermore, for the first time, we found that HER2/Snail double positive gastric cancer patients had poorer survival than single positive or double negative counterparts, which provided experimental evidence for the necessity of HER2/Snail double testing in gastric cancer. In conclusion, this study provides some clues of the association of cisplatin resistance with HER2 upregulation-induced EMT in gastric cancer cells.
Novel Method for Neuronal Nanosurgical Connection
Authors: Katchinskiy Nir , Goez Helly R. , Dutta Indrani , Godbout Roseline , Elezzabi Abdulhakem Y. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNeuronal injury may cause an irreversible damage to cellular, organ and organism function. While preventing neural injury is ideal, it is not always possible. There are multiple etiologies for neuronal injury including trauma, infection, inflammation, immune mediated disorders, toxins and hereditary conditions. We describe a novel laser application, utilizing femtosecond laser pulses, in order to connect neuronal axon to neuronal soma. We were able to maintain cellular viability and demonstrate that this technique is universal as it is applicable to multiple cell types and media.
Transformation-optical Fan-beam Synthesis
Authors: Yang Rui , Kong Xianghui , Wang Hui , Su He , Lei Zhenya , Wang Jing , Zhang Aofang , Chen Lei 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGradient-index dielectric lenses are generated based on the coordinate transformation by compressing the homogeneous air spaces quasi-conformally towards and outwards the primary source. The three-dimensional modeling is then performed through revolving the prescribed transformational media 180 degrees around the focal point to reach the architecture of barrel-vaults. It is found that all these two- and three-dimensional transformation-optical designs are capable of producing fan-beams efficiently over a broad frequency range with their main lobes possessing the narrow beamwidth in one dimension and the wide beamwidth in the other, while having the great ability of the wide angular scanning. Finally, we propose to construct such four types of fan-beam lenses through multiple-layered dielectrics with non-uniformed perforations and experimentally demonstrate their excellent performances in the fan-beam synthesis.
Altered gp130 signalling ameliorates experimental colitis via myeloid cell-specific
STAT3 activation and myeloid-derived suppressor cells
Authors: Däbritz Jan , Judd Louise M. , Chalinor Heather V. , Menheniott Trevelyan R. , Giraud Andrew S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSTAT3 regulates the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) during
inflammation, infection and cancer. Hyperactivation of STAT3 in
gp130757F/F mice is associated with protection from experimental
colitis. This study determined mechanisms for this protection and compared this to
mice with myeloid-specific STAT3-deficiency (LysMcre/STAT3flox;
gp130757F/F LysMcre/STAT3flox). Acute and chronic
colitis was induced and colons were removed for histological, mRNA and protein
analysis. Cell populations from spleen, mesenteric lymph node and colon were
analyzed for different myeloid cell populations using flow cytometry. Functions of
MDSCs and LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages were further characterized by in
vitro and in vivo assays. Here we show that the resistance to
experimental colitis in gp130757F/F mice is via myeloid-cell specific
STAT3 activation, MDSC expansion and increased production of suppressive and
protective cytokines.
New ZrO2/Al2O3 Nanocomposite Fabricated from Hybrid Nanoparticles Prepared by CO2 Laser Co-Vaporization
Authors: Bartolomé José F. , Smirnov Anton , Kurland Heinz-Dieter , Grabow Janet , Müller Frank A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAlumina toughened zirconia (ATZ) and zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) are currently the materials of choice to meet the need for tough, strong, and bioinert ceramics for medical devices. However, the mechanical properties of ZrO2/Al2O3dispersion ceramics could be considerably increased by reducing the corresponding grain sizes and by improving the homogeneity of the phase dispersion. Here, we prepare nanoparticles with an intraparticular phase distribution of Zr(1−x)AlxO(2−x/2)and (γ-, δ-)Al2O3by the simultaneous gas phase condensation of laser co-vaporized zirconia and alumina raw powders. During subsequent spark plasma sintering the zirconia defect structures and transition alumina phases transform to a homogeneously distributed dispersion of tetragonal ZrO2(52.4 vol%) and α-Al2O3(47.6 vol%). Ceramics sintered by spark plasma sintering are completely dense with average grain sizes in the range around 250 nm. Outstanding mechanical properties (flexural strength σf = 1500 MPa, fracture toughnessKIc = 6.8 MPa m1/2) together with a high resistance against low temperature degradation make these materials promising candidates for next generation bioceramics in total hip replacements and for dental implants.