bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel serine protease inhibitor as potential treatment for dry eye syndrome and ocular inflammation
Authors: Joossen Cedric , Baán Adrienn , Moreno-Cinos Carlos , Joossens Jurgen , Cools Nathalie , Lanckacker Ellen , Moons Lieve , Lemmens Kim , Lambeir Anne-Marie , Fransen Erik , Delputte Peter , Caljon Guy , Van Der Veken Pieter , Maes Louis , De Meester Ingrid , Kiekens Filip , Augustyns Koen , Cos Paul
Published: October 2020

Dry eye syndrome (DES), a multifactorial disorder which leads to ocular discomfort, visual disturbance and tear film instability, has a rising prevalence and limited treatment options. In this study, a newly developed trypsin-like serine protease inhibitor (UAMC-00050) in a tear drop formulation was evaluated to treat ocular inflammation. A surgical animal model of dry eye was employed to investigate the potential of UAMC-00050 on dry eye pathology. Animals treated with UAMC-00050 displayed a significant reduction in ocular surface damage after evaluation with sodium fluorescein, compared to untreated, vehicle treated and cyclosporine-treated animals. The concentrations of IL-1α and TNF-α were also significantly reduced in tear fluid from UAMC-00050-treated rats. Additionally, inflammatory cell infiltration in the palpebral conjunctiva (CD3 and CD45), was substantially reduced. An accumulation of pro-MMP-9 and a decrease in active MMP-9 were found in tear fluid from animals treated with UAMC-00050, suggesting that trypsin-like serine proteases play a role in activating MMP-9 in ocular inflammation in this animal model. Comparative qRT-PCR analyses on ocular tissue indicated the upregulation of tryptase, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2). The developed UAMC-00050 formulation was stable up to 6 months at room temperature in the absence of light, non-irritating and sterile with compatible pH and osmolarity. These results provide a proof-of-concept for the in vivo modifying potential of UAMC-00050 on dry eye pathology and suggest a central role of trypsin-like serine proteases and PAR2 in dry eye derived ocular inflammation.
Species composition and invasion risks of alien ornamental freshwater fishes from pet stores in Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Saba Abdulwakil Olawale , Ismail Ahmad , Zulkifli Syaizwan Zahmir , Halim Muhammad Rasul Abdullah , Wahid Noor Azrizal Abdul , Amal Mohammad Noor Azmai
Published: October 2020

The ornamental fish trade has been considered as one of the most important routes of invasive alien fish introduction into native freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, the species composition and invasion risks of fish species from 60 freshwater fish pet stores in Klang Valley, Malaysia were studied. A checklist of taxa belonging to 18 orders, 53 families, and 251 species of alien fishes was documented. Fish Invasiveness Screening Test (FIST) showed that seven (30.43%), eight (34.78%) and eight (34.78%) species were considered to be high, medium and low invasion risks, respectively. After the calibration of the Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (FISK) v2 using the Receiver Operating Characteristics, a threshold value of 17 for distinguishing between invasive and non-invasive fishes was identified. As a result, nine species (39.13%) were of high invasion risk. In this study, we found that non-native fishes dominated (85.66%) the freshwater ornamental trade in Klang Valley, while FISK is a more robust tool in assessing the risk of invasion, and for the most part, its outcome was commensurate with FIST. This study, for the first time, revealed the number of high-risk ornamental fish species that give an awareness of possible future invasion if unmonitored in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
Selective suppression of rapid eye movement sleep increases next-day negative affect and amygdala responses to social exclusion
Authors: Glosemeyer Robert W. , Diekelmann Susanne , Cassel Werner , Kesper Karl , Koehler Ulrich , Westermann Stefan , Steffen Armin , Borgwardt Stefan , Wilhelm Ines , Müller-Pinzler Laura , Paulus Frieder M. , Krach Sören , Stolz David S.
Published: October 2020

Healthy sleep, positive general affect, and the ability to regulate emotional experiences are fundamental for well-being. In contrast, various mental disorders are associated with altered rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, negative affect, and diminished emotion regulation abilities. However, the neural processes mediating the relationship between these different phenomena are still not fully understood. In the present study of 42 healthy volunteers, we investigated the effects of selective REM sleep suppression (REMS) on general affect, as well as on feelings of social exclusion, cognitive reappraisal (CRA) of emotions, and their neural underpinnings. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging we show that, on the morning following sleep suppression, REMS increases general negative affect, enhances amygdala responses and alters its functional connectivity with anterior cingulate cortex during passively experienced experimental social exclusion. However, we did not find effects of REMS on subjective emotional ratings in response to social exclusion, their regulation using CRA, nor on functional amygdala connectivity while participants employed CRA. Our study supports the notion that REM sleep is important for affective processes, but emphasizes the need for future research to systematically investigate how REMS impacts different domains of affective experience and their neural correlates, in both healthy and (sub-)clinical populations.
Comparative study of the effect of rice husk-based powders used as physical conditioners on sludge dewatering
Authors: Wang Maoqing , Wu Yan , Yang Binrong , Deng Peiyao , Zhong Yinhai , Fu Chuan , Lu Zenghui , Zhang Panyue , Wang Jueqiao , Qu Yuyang
Published: October 2020

The effects of rice husk flour (RHF), rice husk biochar (RHB), and rice husk-sludge cake biochar (RH-SCB, expresses sludge cake biochar deriving from a sludge that has been previously conditioned with rice husk) used as physical conditioners on sludge dewaterability were compared. The effects of characteristics of physical conditioners on sludge compressibility and zeta potential were analyzed. The optimal rice husk-based powder was RH-SCB, which presented the highest net sludge solid yield (YN, expresses the dry mass flow by filtration) at 20.39 kg/(m2 h) for 70% dry sludge (DS). Characterization analysis indicates that the hardness and surface Fe content of powders which could influence the compressibility coefficient of sludge cake and sludge zeta potential were the major factors influencing sludge dewaterability. The comparison of feasibility and economic analysis showed that adding RH-SCB improves the quality of the sludge filtrate and reduces the pollution potential of conditioned sludge (the ratio of secondary and primary (RSP) of Cu, Zn, Cd reduces from 43.05, 144.00, 7.25 to 7.89, 14.63, 4.27, respectively), and the costs of using RH-SCB were the lowest (at 88.4% lower than that of the raw sludge). Therefore, it is feasible to use RH-SCB to improve sludge dewaterability.
Dermal fibroblasts have different extracellular matrix profiles induced by TGF-β, PDGF and IL-6 in a model for skin fibrosis
Authors: Juhl Pernille , Bondesen Sandie , Hawkins Clare Louise , Karsdal Morten Asser , Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Davies Michael Jonathan , Siebuhr Anne Sofie
Published: October 2020

Different stimulants might induce different extracellular matrix profiles. It is essential to gain an understanding and quantification of these changes to allow for focused anti-fibrotic drug development. This study investigated the expression of extracellular matrix by dermal fibroblast mimicking fibrotic skin diseases as SSc using clinically validated biomarkers. Primary healthy human dermal fibroblasts were grown in media containing FICOLL. The cells were stimulated with PDGF-AB, TGF-β1, or IL-6. Anti-fibrotic compounds (iALK-5, Nintedanib) were added together with growth factors. Biomarkers of collagen formation and degradation together with fibronectin were evaluated by ELISAs in the collected supernatant. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to visualize fibroblasts and proteins, while selected gene expression levels were examined through qPCR. TGF-β and PDGF, and to a lesser extent IL-6, increased the metabolic activity of the fibroblasts. TGF-β primarily increased type I collagen and fibronectin protein and gene expression together with αSMA. PDGF stimulation resulted in increased type III and VI collagen formation and gene expression. IL-6 decreased fibronectin levels. iALK5 could inhibit TGF-β induced fibrosis while nintedanib could halt fibrosis induced by TGF-β or PDGF. Tocilizumab could not inhibit fibrosis induced in this model. The extent and nature of fibrosis are dependent on the stimulant. The model has potential as a pre-clinical model as the fibroblasts fibrotic phenotype could be reversed by an ALK5 inhibitor and Nintedanib.
Tuning structural and magnetic properties of Fe oxide nanoparticles by specific hydrogenation treatments
Authors: Greculeasa S. G. , Palade P. , Schinteie G. , Leca A. , Dumitrache F. , Lungu I. , Prodan G. , Kuncser A. , Kuncser V.
Published: October 2020

Structural and magnetic properties of Fe oxide nanoparticles prepared by laser pyrolysis and annealed in high pressure hydrogen atmosphere were investigated. The annealing treatments were performed at 200 °C (sample A200C) and 300 °C (sample A300C). The as prepared sample, A, consists of nanoparticles with ~ 4 nm mean particle size and contains C (~ 11 at.%), Fe and O. The Fe/O ratio is between γ-Fe2O3and Fe3O4stoichiometric ratios. A change in the oxidation state, crystallinity and particle size is evidenced for the nanoparticles in sample A200C. The Fe oxide nanoparticles are completely reduced in sample A300C to α-Fe single phase. The blocking temperature increases from 106 K in A to 110 K in A200C and above room temperature in A300C, where strong inter-particle interactions are evidenced. Magnetic parameters, of interest for applications, have been considerably varied by the specific hydrogenation treatments, in direct connection to the induced specific changes of particle size, crystallinity and phase composition. For the A and A200C samples, a field cooling dependent unidirectional anisotropy was observed especially at low temperatures, supporting the presence of nanoparticles with core–shell-like structures. Surprisingly high MSvalues, almost 50% higher than for bulk metallic Fe, were evidenced in sample A300C.
A systematic identification of anti-inflammatory active components derived from Mu Dan Pi and their applications in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Chen Tzu-Fan , Hsu Jeh-Ting , Wu Kun-Chang , Hsiao Che-Fang , Lin Jou-An , Cheng Yun-Hsin , Liu Yu-Huei , Lee Der-Yen , Chang Hen-Hong , Cho Der-Yang , Hsu Jye-Lin
Published: October 2020

Mu Dan Pi (MDP), also known as Moutan Cortex Radicis, is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat autoimmune diseases. However, the impact of MDP and its principal active compounds on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is uncertain. This study therefore systemically assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of MDP and its known active compounds in IBD. The anti-inflammatory activities of water extract and individual compounds were screened by NF-κB and interferon regulatory factor (IRF) reporter assays in THP-1 cells induced with either Toll-like receptor or retinoic acid inducible gene I/melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 activators and further verified in bone marrow-derived macrophages. MDP water extract significantly inhibited the activation of NF-κB and IRF reporters, downstream signaling pathways and the production of IL-6 and TNF-α, in a dose-dependent manner. Among 5 known active components identified from MDP (1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose [PGG], gallic acid, methyl gallate, paeoniflorin, and paeonol), PGG was the most efficient at inhibiting both reporters (with an IC50 of 5–10 µM) and downregulating IL-6 and TNF-α. Both MDP powder for clinical use and MDP water extract, but not PGG, reduced colitis and pathological changes in mice. MDP and its water extract show promise as a novel therapy for IBD patients.
Regulation of gene expression by miRNA-455-3p, upregulated in the conjunctival epithelium of patients with Stevens–Johnson syndrome in the chronic stage
Authors: Ueta Mayumi , Nishigaki Hiromi , Sotozono Chie , Yokoi Norihiko , Mizushima Katsura , Naito Yuji , Kinoshita Shigeru
Published: October 2020

To investigate the role of miRNA in the pathogenesis underlying ocular surface complications in patients with Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in the chronic stage. Using oligonucleotide microarrays, we performed comprehensive miRNA analysis of the conjunctival epithelium of SJS/TEN patients with severe ocular complications (SOC) in the chronic stage (n = 3). Conjunctival epithelium of patients with conjunctival chalasis (n = 3) served as the control. We confirmed the down- and up-regulation of miRNA of interest by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays using the conjunctival epithelium from 6 SJS/TEN with SOC patients and 7 controls. We focused on miRNA-455-3p, which is significantly upregulated in the conjunctival epithelium of the SJS/TEN patients, and investigated its function by inhibiting miR-455-3p in primary human conjunctival epithelial cells (PHCjEs). Comprehensive miRNA expression analysis showed that the expression of 5 kinds of miRNA was up-regulated more than fivefold, and that the expression of another 5 kinds of miRNA was down-regulated by less than one-fifth. There was a significant difference between the SJS/TEN patients and the controls [analysis of variance (ANOVA) p < 0.05]. Quantitative miRNA PCR assay showed that hsa-miR-31* and hsa-miR-455-3p were significantly up-regulated in the conjunctival epithelium of the SJS/TEN patients. Comprehensive gene expression analysis of PHCjEs transfected with the hsa-miR-455-3p inhibitor and quantitative RT PCR assay showed that ANKRD1, CXCL8, CXCL2, GEM, PTGS2, RNASE8, IL6, and CXCL1 were down-regulated by the hsa-miR-455-3p inhibitor. Quantitative RT-PCR, focused on the genes that tended to be up-regulated in SJS/TEN with SOC, revealed that the expression of IL1A, KPRP, IL36G, PPP1R3C, and ADM was significantly down-regulated in PHCjEs transfected with the hsa-miR-455-3p inhibitor. Our results suggest that miRNA-455-3p could regulate many genes including innate immune related genes in human conjunctival epithelium, and that its up-regulation contributes to the pathogenesis on the ocular surface in SJS/TEN patients with the SOC in the chronic stage. Our findings may lead to the development of new treatments using the miRNA-455-3p inhibitor.
A spiking and adapting tactile sensor for neuromorphic applications
Authors: Birkoben Tom , Winterfeld Henning , Fichtner Simon , Petraru Adrian , Kohlstedt Hermann
Published: October 2020

The ongoing research on and development of increasingly intelligent artificial systems propels the need for bio inspired pressure sensitive spiking circuits. Here we present an adapting and spiking tactile sensor, based on a neuronal model and a piezoelectric field-effect transistor (PiezoFET). The piezoelectric sensor device consists of a metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor comprising a piezoelectric aluminium-scandium-nitride (AlxSc1−xN) layer inside of the gate stack. The so augmented device is sensitive to mechanical stress. In combination with an analogue circuit, this sensor unit is capable of encoding the mechanical quantity into a series of spikes with an ongoing adaptation of the output frequency. This allows for a broad application in the context of robotic and neuromorphic systems, since it enables said systems to receive information from the surrounding environment and provide encoded spike trains for neuromorphic hardware. We present numerical and experimental results on this spiking and adapting tactile sensor.
Oxytocin receptor binding in the titi monkey hippocampal formation is associated with parental status and partner affiliation
Authors: Baxter Alexander , Anderson M. , Seelke A. M. , Kinnally E. L. , Freeman S. M. , Bales K. L.
Published: October 2020

Social cognition is facilitated by oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in the hippocampus, a brain region that changes dynamically with pregnancy, parturition, and parenting experience. We investigated the impact of parenthood on hippocampal OXTR in male and female titi monkeys, a pair-bonding primate species that exhibits biparental care of offspring. We hypothesized that in postmortem brain tissue, OXTR binding in the hippocampal formation would differ between parents and non-parents, and that OXTR density would correlate with frequencies of observed parenting and affiliative behaviors between partners. Subjects were 10 adult titi monkeys. OXTR binding in the hippocampus (CA1, CA2/3, CA4, dentate gyrus, subiculum) and presubiculum layers (PSB1, PSB3) was determined using receptor autoradiography. The average frequency of partner affiliation (Proximity, Contact, and Tail Twining) and infant carrying were determined from longitudinal observations (5–6 per day). Analyses showed that parents exhibited higher OXTR binding than non-parents in PSB1 (t(8) = − 2.33, p = 0.048), and that OXTR binding in the total presubiculm correlated negatively with Proximity (r = − 0.88) and Contact (r = − 0.91), but not Tail Twining or infant carrying. These results suggest that OXTR binding in the presubiculum supports pair bonding and parenting behavior, potentially by mediating changes in hippocampal plasticity.
Serum metabolomics approach to monitor the changes in metabolite profiles following renal transplantation
Authors: Stanimirova Ivana , Banasik Mirosław , Ząbek Adam , Dawiskiba Tomasz , Kościelska-Kasprzak Katarzyna , Wojtowicz Wojciech , Krajewska Magdalena , Janczak Dariusz , Młynarz Piotr
Published: October 2020

Systemic metabolic changes after renal transplantation reflect the key processes that are related to graft accommodation. In order to describe and better understand these changes, the 1HNMR based metabolomics approach was used. The changes of 47 metabolites in the serum samples of 19 individuals were interpreted over time with respect to their levels prior to transplantation. Considering the specific repeated measures design of the experiments, data analysis was mainly focused on the multiple analyses of variance (ANOVA) methods such as ANOVA simultaneous component analysis and ANOVA-target projection. We also propose here the combined use of ANOVA and classification and regression trees (ANOVA-CART) under the assumption that a small set of metabolites the binary splits on which may better describe the graft accommodation processes over time. This assumption is very important for developing a medical protocol for evaluating a patient’s health state. The results showed that besides creatinine, which is routinely used to monitor renal activity, the changes in levels of hippurate, mannitol and alanine may be associated with the changes in renal function during the post-transplantation recovery period. Specifically, the level of hippurate (or histidine) is more sensitive to any short-term changes in renal activity than creatinine.
A network pharmacology-based approach to explore potential targets of Caesalpinia pulcherima: an updated prototype in drug discovery
Authors: Sakle Nikhil S. , More Shweta A. , Mokale Santosh N.
Published: October 2020

Caesalpinia pulcherima (CP) is a traditional herb used for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and as abortifacient. In the present study, bioactive components and potential targets in the treatment of breast cancer validated through in silico, in vitro and in vivo approach. The results for the analysis were as among 29 components, only four components were found active for further study which proved the use of CP as a multi-target herb for betterment of clinical uses. The results found by PPI states that our network has significant interactions which include the ESR-1, ESR-2, ESRRA, MET, VEGF, FGF, PI3K, PDK-1, MAPK, PLK-1, NEK-2, and GRK. Compound-target network involves 4 active compound and 150 target genes which elucidate the mechanisms of drug action in breast cancer treatment. Furthermore, on the basis of the above results the important proteins were fetched for the docking study which helps in predicting the possible interaction between components and targets. The results of the western blotting showed that CP regulates ER and EGFR expression in MCF-7 cell. In addition to this animal experimentation showed that CP significantly improved immunohistological status in MNU induced carcinoma rats. Network pharmacology approach not only helps us to confirm the study of the chosen target but also gave an idea of compound-target network as well as pathways associated to the CP for treating the complex metabolic condition as breast cancer and they importance for experimental verification.
Development of a genetic framework to improve the efficiency of bioactive delivery from blueberry
Authors: Mengist Molla F. , Burtch Haley , Debelo Hawi , Pottorff Marti , Bostan Hamed , Nunn Candace , Corbin Sydney , Kay Colin D. , Bassil Nahla , Hummer Kim , Lila Mary Ann , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Iorizzo Massimo
Published: October 2020

In the present study, we applied a novel high-throughput in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model to phenotype bioaccessibility of phenolics in a diverse germplasm collection representing cultivated highbush blueberries. Results revealed significant (P < 0.05) differences between accessions, years, and accession by year interaction for relative and absolute bioaccessibility of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Broad sense heritability estimates revealed low to moderate inheritances of relative and absolute bioaccessibility, suggesting that besides environmental variables, genetics factors could control bioaccessibility of phenolics. Acylated anthocyanins had significantly higher relative bioaccessibility than non-acylated anthocyanins. Correlation analysis indicated that relative bioaccessibility did not show significant association with fruit quality or raw concentration of metabolites. The study also identified accessions that have high relative and absolute bioaccessibility values. Overall, combining the bioaccessibility of phenolics with genetic and genomic approaches will enable the identification of genotypes and genetic factors influencing these traits in blueberry.
Depression alters the circadian pattern of online activity
Authors: ten Thij Marijn , Bathina Krishna , Rutter Lauren A. , Lorenzo-Luaces Lorenzo , van de Leemput Ingrid A. , Scheffer Marten , Bollen Johan
Published: October 2020

Human sleep/wake cycles follow a stable circadian rhythm associated with hormonal, emotional, and cognitive changes. Changes of this cycle are implicated in many mental health concerns. In fact, the bidirectional relation between major depressive disorder and sleep has been well-documented. Despite a clear link between sleep disturbances and subsequent disturbances in mood, it is difficult to determine from self-reported data which specific changes of the sleep/wake cycle play the most important role in this association. Here we observe marked changes of activity cycles in millions of twitter posts of 688 subjects who explicitly stated in unequivocal terms that they had received a (clinical) diagnosis of depression as compared to the activity cycles of a large control group (n = 8791). Rather than a phase-shift, as reported in other work, we find significant changes of activity levels in the evening and before dawn. Compared to the control group, depressed subjects were significantly more active from 7 PM to midnight and less active from 3 to 6 AM. Content analysis of tweets revealed a steady rise in rumination and emotional content from midnight to dawn among depressed individuals. These results suggest that diagnosis and treatment of depression may focus on modifying the timing of activity, reducing rumination, and decreasing social media use at specific hours of the day.
Adult, intensively socialized wolves show features of attachment behaviour to their handler
Authors: Lenkei Rita , Újváry Dóra , Bakos Viktória , Faragó Tamás
Published: October 2020

Dogs’ attachment towards humans might be the core of their social skillset, yet the origins of their ability to build such a bond are still unclear. Here we show that adult, hand-reared wolves, similarly to dogs, form individualized relationship with their handler. During separation from their handler, wolves, much like family dogs, showed signs of higher-level stress and contact seeking behaviour, compared to when an unfamiliar person left them. They also used their handler as a secure base, suggesting that the ability to form interspecific social bonds could have been present already in the common ancestor of dogs and wolves. We propose that their capacity to form at least some features of attachment with humans may stem from the ability to form social bond with pack members. This might have been then re-directed to humans during early domestication, providing the basis for the evolution of other socio-cognitive abilities in dogs.
Clinical analysis of conformal and intensity-modulated radiotherapy in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Yang Hua , Zhang Kaishuo , Liu Zi , Wang Tao , Shi Fan , Su Jin , Zhang Jintao , Liu Juanyue , Dai Li
Published: October 2020

We aimed to provide evidence for radiotherapy treatment regimens in patients with clinically recurrent ovarian cancer. We analyzed the survival and prognostic factors in 43 patients who were treated for recurrent ovarian cancer at 58 tumor sites using three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) during January 2006–December 2017. t years 1, 2, and 3, overall survival (OS) rate was 82.4%, 68.4%, and 57.9%; local control (LC) rate was 100%, 100% and 80%; recurrence free survival (RFS) rate was 86.8%, 66.6%, and 61.1%; and disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 79.7%, 56.7%, and 46.8%, respectively. The radiotherapy technique was determined to be an independent prognostic factor for survival; the survival rate of patients was significantly improved with IMRT compared to 3D-CRT (P = 0.035). Radiotherapy dose was an independent prognostic factor; survival rate improved when patients were treated with a radiation dose ≥ 60 Gy as compared to < 60 Gy (P = 0.046). Elective nodal prophylactic radiation therapy (ENRT) did not lead to a significant improvement in survival when compared to involved-field radiation therapy (IFRT). The toxicities of 3D-CRT and IMRT were tolerable. One patient (2.3%) had grade 3 acute gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, 2 (4.6%) grade 3 late GI toxicity, 5 (11.6%) grade 3 hematological toxicity, and 2 (4.6%) had grade 4 hematological toxicity. IMRT improved LC and OS in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer after surgery and multiple chemotherapy; toxicities were tolerable. The IMRT technique and radiotherapy dose of ≥ 60 Gy had independent prognostic significance for the survival of such patients.
The long-term effects of meteorological parameters on pertussis infections in Chongqing, China, 2004–2018
Authors: Wang Yongbin , Xu Chunjie , Ren Jingchao , Zhao Yingzheng , Li Yuchun , Wang Lei , Yao Sanqiao
Published: October 2020

Evidence on the long-term influence of climatic variables on pertussis is limited. This study aims to explore the long-term quantitative relationship between weather variability and pertussis. Data on the monthly number of pertussis cases and weather parameters in Chongqing in the period of 2004–2018 were collected. Then, we used a negative binomial multivariable regression model and cointegration testing to examine the association of variations in monthly meteorological parameters and pertussis. Descriptive statistics exhibited that the pertussis incidence rose from 0.251 per 100,000 people in 2004 to 3.661 per 100,000 persons in 2018, and pertussis was a seasonal illness, peaked in spring and summer. The results from the regression model that allowed for the long-term trends, seasonality, autoregression, and delayed effects after correcting for overdispersion showed that a 1 hPa increment in the delayed one-month air pressure contributed to a 3.559% (95% CI 0.746–6.293%) reduction in the monthly number of pertussis cases; a 10 mm increment in the monthly aggregate precipitation, a 1 °C increment in the monthly average temperature, and a 1 m/s increment in the monthly average wind velocity resulted in 3.641% (95% CI 0.960–6.330%), 19.496% (95% CI 2.368–39.490%), and 3.812 (95% CI 1.243–11.690)-fold increases in the monthly number of pertussis cases, respectively. The roles of the mentioned weather parameters in the transmission of pertussis were also evidenced by a sensitivity analysis. The cointegration testing suggested a significant value among variables. Climatic factors, particularly monthly temperature, precipitation, air pressure, and wind velocity, play a role in the transmission of pertussis. This finding will be of great help in understanding the epidemic trends of pertussis in the future, and weather variability should be taken into account in the prevention and control of pertussis.
The protective role of proton-sensing TDAG8 in the brain injury in a mouse ischemia reperfusion model
Authors: Sato Koichi , Tobo Ayaka , Mogi Chihiro , Tobo Masayuki , Yamane Nobuhiro , Tosaka Masahiko , Tomura Hideaki , Im Dong-Soon , Okajima Fumikazu
Published: October 2020

Extracellular acidification in the brain has been observed in ischemia; however, the physiological and pathophysiological implications of the pH reduction remain largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the roles of proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptors, including T-cell death-associated gene 8 (TDAG8), ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1), and G protein-coupled receptor 4 (GPR4) in a mouse ischemia reperfusion model. Cerebral infarction and dysfunctional behavior with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and subsequent reperfusion were exacerbated by the deficiency of TDAG8, whereas no significant effect was observed with the deficiency of OGR1 or GPR4. We confirmed that the pH of the predicted infarction region was 6.5. TDAG8 mRNA was observed in Iba1-positive microglia in the mouse brain. The tMCAO increased the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α in the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere and evoked morphological changes in microglia in an evolving cerebral injury. These tMCAO-induced actions were significantly enhanced by the TDAG8 deficiency. Administration of minocycline, which is known to inhibit microglial activation, improved the cerebral infarction and dysfunctional behavior induced by tMCAO in the TDAG8-deficient mouse. Thus, acidic pH/TDAG8 protects against cerebral infarction caused by tMCAO, at least due to the mechanism involving the inhibition of microglial functions.
Modelling COVID 19 in the Basque Country from introduction to control measure response
Authors: Aguiar Maíra , Ortuondo Eduardo Millán , Bidaurrazaga Van-Dierdonck Joseba , Mar Javier , Stollenwerk Nico
Published: October 2020

In March 2020, a multidisciplinary task force (so-called Basque Modelling Task Force, BMTF) was created to assist the Basque health managers and Government during the COVID-19 responses. BMTF is a modelling team, working on different approaches, including stochastic processes, statistical methods and artificial intelligence. Here we describe the efforts and challenges to develop a flexible modeling framework able to describe the dynamics observed for the tested positive cases, including the modelling development steps. The results obtained by a new stochastic SHARUCD model framework are presented. Our models differentiate mild and asymptomatic from severe infections prone to be hospitalized and were able to predict the course of the epidemic, providing important projections on the national health system’s necessities during the increased population demand on hospital admissions. Short and longer-term predictions were tested with good results adjusted to the available epidemiological data. We have shown that the partial lockdown measures were effective and enough to slow down disease transmission in the Basque Country. The growth rate$$ \lambda $$λwas calculated from the model and from the data and the implications for the reproduction ratiorare shown. The analysis of the growth rates from the data led to improved model versions describing after the exponential phase also the new information obtained during the phase of response to the control measures. This framework is now being used to monitor disease transmission while the country lockdown was gradually lifted, with insights to specific programs for a general policy of “social distancing” and home quarantining.
High abundance of the colistin resistance gene mcr-1 in chicken gut-bacteria in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Salequl , Urmi Umme Laila , Rana Masud , Sultana Fahmida , Jahan Nusrat , Hossain Billal , Iqbal Samiul , Hossain Md. Moyazzem , Mosaddek Abu Syed Md. , Nahar Shamsun
Published: October 2020

Colistin is considered a last-resort reserved drug for the treatment of critical human infections by Gram-negative bacteria. Phenotypic colistin-resistance is strongly associated with plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes. The mcr-bearing Enterobacteriaceae have been detected in many countries from environments, animals, and humans. This study investigated phenotypic colistin-resistance and the distribution of mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and mcr-5 genes in chicken-gut bacteria in Bangladesh. Bacteria were isolated from poultry- and native-chicken droppings, and their susceptibilities to colistin were determined by agar dilution and E-test minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurements. Multiplex polymerase chain reactions detected mcr-1 to mcr-5 genes. Overall, 61.7% (92/149) of the isolates showed colistin resistance by agar dilution assessment (MIC > 2.0 μg/mL). The phenotypic resistance was observed considerably higher in poultry-chicken isolates (64.6%, 64/99) than in native-chicken isolates (56%, 28/50; p = 0.373). All the resistant isolates showed MIC levels between > 2 and > 128 μg/mL. The mcr-genes (mcr-1and mcr-2 combined) were detected more in poultry gut bacteria (36.4%) than native-chicken isolates (20%, p = 0.06). Despite bacteria sources, mcr-genes appeared to be significantly associated with phenotypic colistin-resistance phenomena (p < 0.001). Prior colistin usage led to a substantial increase in the proportion of bacteria with mcr-genes and phenotypic resistance (p < 0.001).
Visceral adiposity index is associated with silent brain infarct in a healthy population
Authors: Nam Ki-Woong , Kwon Hyung-Min , Jeong Han-Yeong , Park Jin-Ho , Kwon Hyuktae , Jeong Su-Min , Kim Hyun-Jin
Published: October 2020

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been associated with various cardio-metabolic diseases; however, there is limited information about its association with cerebrovascular diseases. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between VAI and silent brain infarct (SBI). We evaluated a consecutive series of healthy volunteers over the age of 40 between January 2006 and December 2013. SBI was defined as an asymptomatic, well-defined lesion with a diameter ≥ 3 mm with the same signal characteristics as the cerebrospinal fluid. VAI was calculated using sex-specific equations as described in previous studies. A total of 2596 subjects were evaluated, and SBI was found in 218 (8%) participants. In multivariable analysis, VAI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.66; P = 0.030) remained a significant predictor of SBI after adjustment for confounders. The close relationship between VAI and SBI was prominent only in females (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.00–2.07; P = 0.048). In the evaluation between VAI and the burden of SBI, VAI showed a positive dose–response relationship with the number of SBI lesions (P for trend = 0.037). High VAI was associated with a higher prevalence and burden of SBI in a neurologically healthy population.
Decision-making and dynamics of eye movements in volleyball experts
Authors: Fortin-Guichard Daniel , Laflamme Vincent , Julien Anne-Sophie , Trottier Christiane , Grondin Simon
Published: October 2020

Key decision-makers among experts in a given field can sometimes be identified based on their role and responsibilities. The aim of the study is to compare perceptual-cognitive skills of experts with decisional responsibilities (setters in volleyball) with that of other volleyball experts. Eighty-two participants (26 setters, 36 other players and 20 controls) viewed 50 volleyball video sequences. Sequences stopped 120 ms before ball contact and participants, whose eye movements were recorded, had to predict the ball direction. Generalized Estimating Equations analysis revealed that setters and controls made more but shorter fixations than other players. However, both expert groups made better predictions than controls. Dynamics analyses of eye movements over time show that, right before ball contact, opposing players’ upper body is a most relevant attentional cue in all game situations. Results are discussed in terms of decision-making responsibilities to identify key decision-makers in volleyball and in general. They point towards specific perceptual-cognitive abilities found in setters and support the idea that they constitute a subgroup of experts, but that they are not “better” than other players in anticipating the game.
Antimicrobial effects of airborne acoustic ultrasound and plasma activated water from cold and thermal plasma systems on biofilms
Authors: Charoux Clémentine M. G. , Patange Apurva D. , Hinds Laura M. , Simpson Jeremy C. , O’Donnell Colm P. , Tiwari Brijesh K.
Published: October 2020

Bacterial biofilms are difficult to inactivate due to their high antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, new approaches are required for more effective bacterial biofilm inactivation. Airborne acoustic ultrasound improves bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity which is safe and environmentally friendly. While, plasma activated water (PAW) is attracting increasing attention due to its strong antimicrobial properties. This study determined efficacy of combined airborne acoustic ultrasound and plasma activated water from both cold and thermal plasma systems in inactivating Escherichia coli K12 biofilms. The application of airborne acoustic ultrasound (15 min) alone was significantly more effective in reducing E. coli counts in 48 and 72 h biofilms compared to 30 min treatment with PAW. The effect of airborne acoustic ultrasound was more pronounced when used in combination with PAW. Airborne acoustic ultrasound treatment for 15 min of the E. coli biofilm followed by treatment with PAW significantly reduced the bacterial count by 2.2—2.62 Log10 CFU/mL when compared to control biofilm treated with distilled water. This study demonstrates that the synergistic effects of airborne acoustic ultrasound and PAW for enhanced antimicrobial effects. These technologies have the potential to prevent and control biofilm formation in food and bio-medical applications.
Selective analysis of newly synthesized proteins by combining fluorescence correlation spectroscopy with bioorthogonal non-canonical amino acid tagging
Authors: Yao Jun , Huang Xiangyi , Ren Jicun
Published: October 2020

FCS with the BONCAT strategy is a promising approach for analysis of newly synthesized proteins and also be extended to further application for studying physiological or pathological processes related to proteins or other metabolic molecular changes.
Alkyl ammonium ion-induced drastic emission enhancement of Eu(D-facam)3 in 1-butanol
Authors: Minami Haruki , Miyazato Mayu , Li Ziying , Nakamura Kazuki , Kobayashi Norihisa
Published: October 2020

Drastic enhancements in both emission intensity and circular polarization of a Eu(iii) complex were achieved in 1-butanol solution in the presence of alkylammonium ions.
Photo-switching of blunt-end stacking between DNA strands immobilized on gold nanoparticles
Authors: Kanayama Naoki , Kishi Satomi , Takarada Tohru , Maeda Mizuo
Published: October 2020

End-to-end stacking of DNAs on gold nanoparticles was switched by terminal base pairing/unpairing triggered by the photo-isomerization of an azobenzene moiety nearby the DNA terminal.
Structure-guided engineering ofPseudomonas dacunhael-aspartate β-decarboxylase forl-homophenylalanine synthesis
Authors: Zhang Min , Hu Pengfei , Zheng Yu-Cong , Zeng Bu-Bing , Chen Qi , Zhang Zhi-Jun , Xu Jian-He
Published: October 2020

Structure-guided engineering improved the specific activity of AspBDC by 15 400-fold towards 3(R)-benzyl-l-aspartate, enabling the novel enzymatic synthesis ofl-homophenylalanine.
Role of Lewis and Brønsted acid sites in resorcinol tert-butylation over heteropolyacid-based catalysts
Authors: Pezzotta Chiara , Marakatti Vijaykumar S. , Gaigneaux Eric M.
Published: October 2020

Investigating Keggin heteropolyacid embedded in SiO2, TiO2 and ZrO2 showed that both Brønsted (B) and Lewis (L) acid sites are needed to achieve the alkylation of resorcinol with MTBE. An optimum B to L site ratio allows maximizing the performance.
Towards the preparation of binderless ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts: the crucial role of silanol nests
Authors: Li Zaichao , Jiang Xiao , Xiong Guang , Nie Binjian , Liu Chunyan , He Ning , Liu Jiaxu
Published: October 2020

We report the crucial role of silanol nests in the preparation of technical binderless ZSM-5 zeolites dominated by micropores and hierarchical technical binderless ZSM-5 zeolites, prepared by alkali post-treatment from a defective ZSM-5 zeolite.
Electrostatic promotion of the catalyst activity for ammonia photosynthesis upon a robust affordable nanostructured uni-electrodic photodevice/reactor
Authors: Lashgari Mohsen , Zeinalkhani Parisa
Published: October 2020

The catalytic ability of the uni-electrodic photoelectrochemical system to synthesize ammonia can be electrostatically boosted by applying a non-faradaic potential bias to the photodevice/reactor or adding a promoter species into the reaction medium.
Probing the immune responses to nanoparticles across environmental species. A perspective of the EU Horizon 2020 project PANDORA
Authors: Pinsino Annalisa , Bastús Neus G. , Busquets-Fité Martí , Canesi Laura , Cesaroni Paola , Drobne Damjana , Duschl Albert , Ewart Marie-Ann , Gispert Ignasi , Horejs-Hoeck Jutta , Italiani Paola , Kemmerling Birgit , Kille Peter , Procházková Petra , Puntes Victor F. , Spurgeon David J. , Svendsen Claus , Wilde Colin J. , Boraschi Diana
Published: October 2020

Here we discuss the potential of engineered nanoparticles to act as agents affecting the immune status in different environmentally relevant species, with a focus on the emerging experimental models launched by the EU Horizon 2020 project PANDORA.
Functional coix seed protein hydrolysates as a novel agent with potential hepatoprotective effect
Authors: Chen Li-Chun , Zhang Shi-Yu , Zi Yu , Zhao Hui-Min , Wang Hong-Yu , Zhang Yue
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study is to explore the hepatoprotective potential of coix seed protein hydrolysates (CPP) against alcohol-induced liver injury, and investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Graphitic carbon nitride-based materials for photocatalytic reduction of U(vi)
Authors: Zhang Weizhuo , Li Le , Gao Yanhong , Zhang Dan
Published: October 2020

This work reports the photocatalytic reduction of U(vi) using g-C3N4-based materials and discusses the factors affecting the photocatalytic reduction of U(vi).
The present and future synthetic strategies of structural modifications of sinomenine
Authors: Ng Jerome P. L. , Coghi Paolo , Law Betty Yuen Kwan , Liu Liang , Wong Vincent Kam Wai
Published: October 2020

This review summarizes the modifications of sinomenine, a hot compound derived from herbal plants, which possesses diverse biological activities and low cytotoxicity.
Calcium carbonate nanowires: greener biosynthesis and their leishmanicidal activity
Authors: Khatami Mehrdad , Alijani Hajar Q. , Mousazadeh Farideh , Hashemi Nooshin , Mahmoudi Zahra , Darijani Samaneh , Bamorovat Mehdi , Keyhani Alireza , Abdollahpour-Alitappeh Meghdad , Borhani Fariba
Published: October 2020

The synthesis of inorganic rod shape nanostructures is important in chromatography, dentistry, and medical applications such as bone implants, and drug and gene delivery systems.
Controlling the wettability of stainless steel from highly-hydrophilic to super-hydrophobic by femtosecond laser-induced ripples and nanospikes
Authors: Žemaitis Andrius , Mimidis Alexandros , Papadopoulos Antonis , Gečys Paulius , Račiukaitis Gediminas , Stratakis Emmanuel , Gedvilas Mindaugas
Published: October 2020

Results on the manipulation of the wetting properties of stainless steel alloy surface by ultrashort pulse laser texturing are presented.
Novel rhodamine dye with large Stokes shifts by fusing the 1,4-diethylpiperazine moiety and its applications in fast detection of Cu2+
Authors: Gong Jin , Liu Chang , Jiao Xiaojie , He Song , Zhao Liancheng , Zeng Xianshun
Published: October 2020

A novel NIR rhodamine dye JRQ with large Stokes shift (70 nm) by fusing the 1,4-diethylpiperazine moiety in rhodamine dyes has been synthesized and utilized to design a probe.
Isolation, expression, and biochemical characterization: nitrite reductase from Bacillus cereus LJ01
Authors: Huang Yan-yan , Liang Ming-hua , Zhao Shan , Chen Si-min , Liu Jin-song , Liu Dong-mei , Lu Yong-zhi
Published: October 2020

Biological remediation of toxic oxygen-containing anions such as nitrite in the environment is of great significance. Bacillus cereus LJ01 showed the activity of degradation for nitrite. the enzyme NiR from LJ01 can degrade the nitrite in vitro.
Thiolated poly(aspartic acid)-functionalized two-dimensional MoS2, chitosan and bismuth film as a sensor platform for cadmium ion detection
Authors: Cao Qiang , Xiao Yushi , Huang Rong , Liu Na , Chi Hai , Lin Cheng-Te , Huang Chi-Hsien , Han Gang , Wu Lidong
Published: October 2020

In this work, a sensitive electrochemical platform for determination of cadmium ions (Cd2+) is obtained using thiolated poly(aspartic acid) (TPA)-functionalized MoS2 as a sensor platform by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV).
Diffusivity and hydrophobic hydration of hydrocarbons in supercritical CO2 and aqueous brine
Authors: Lee Hyeonseok , Ostadhassan Mehdi , Sun Zheng , Pu Hui , Liu Bo , Varma Rajender S. , Jang Ho Won , Shokouhimher Mohammadreza
Published: October 2020

CO2 injection (EOR and sequestration technique) creates the amalgamation of hydrocarbons, CO2, and aqueous brine in the subsurface.
Unveiling the enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties of reduced graphene oxide for photodegradation of methylene blue dye
Authors: Siong Valerie Ling Er , Tai Xin Hong , Lee Kian Mun , Juan Joon Ching , Lai Chin Wei
Published: October 2020

Photoactivity of graphene oxide (GO) was enhanced after reduction, this is due to improved photoelectrochemical properties.
Improving the performance of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers with low Ir-loaded anodes by adding PEDOT:PSS as electrically conductive binder
Authors: Cruz Ortiz Edgar , Hegge Friedemann , Breitwieser Matthias , Vierrath Severin
Published: October 2020

Partial substitution of the Nafion binder with PEDOT:PSS resulted in higher efficiency of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers thanks to the improved in-plane electrical conductivity in the electrode.
Selective oxidation of alcohols and sulfides via O2 using a Co(ii) salen complex catalyst immobilized on KCC-1: synthesis and kinetic study
Authors: Allahresani Ali , Naghdi Elaheh , Nasseri Mohammad Ali , Hemmat Kaveh
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to immobilize a Co(ii) salen complex on KCC-1 as a catalyst that can be recovered (Co(ii) salen complex@KCC-1).