bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuronal Dysfunction Associated with Cholesterol Deregulation
Authors: Marcuzzi Annalisa , Loganes Claudia , Valencic Erica , Piscianz Elisa , Monasta Lorenzo , Bilel Sabrine , Bortul Roberta , Celeghini Claudio , Zweyer Marina , Tommasini Alberto
Published: May 2018

Cholesterol metabolism is crucial for cells and, in particular, its biosynthesis in the central nervous system occurs in situ, and its deregulation involves morphological changes that cause functional variations and trigger programmed cell death. The pathogenesis of rare diseases, such as Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency or Smith–Lemli–Opitz Syndrome, arises due to enzymatic defects in the cholesterol metabolic pathways, resulting in a shortage of downstream products. The most severe clinical manifestations of these diseases appear as neurological defects. Expanding the knowledge of this biological mechanism will be useful for identifying potential targets and preventing neuronal damage. Several studies have demonstrated that deregulation of the cholesterol pathway induces mitochondrial dysfunction as the result of respiratory chain damage. We set out to determine whether mitochondrial damage may be prevented by using protective mitochondria-targeted compounds, such as MitoQ, in a neuronal cell line treated with a statin to induce a biochemical block of the cholesterol pathway. Evidence from the literature suggests that mitochondria play a crucial role in the apoptotic mechanism secondary to blocking the cholesterol pathway. Our study shows that MitoQ, administered as a preventive agent, could counteract the cell damage induced by statins in the early stages, but its protective role fades over time.
Pharmacological Basis for the Use of Evodiamine in Alzheimer’s Disease: Antioxidation and Antiapoptosis
Authors: Zhang Yongfeng , Wang Jiaqi , Wang Chunyue , Li Zhiping , Liu Xin , Zhang Jun , Lu Jiahui , Wang Di
Published: May 2018

Evodiamine (Evo), a major alkaloid compound isolated from the dry unripened fruit of Evodia fructus, has a wide range of pharmacological activities. The present study sought to explore the neuroprotective effects of Evo in l-glutamate (l-Glu)-induced apoptosis of HT22 cells, and in a d-galactose and aluminum trichloride-developed Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse model. Evo significantly enhanced cell viability, inhibited the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, ameliorated mitochondrial function, increased the B-cell lymphoma-2 protein content, and inhibited the high expression levels of Bax, Bad, and cleaved-caspase-3 and -8 in l-Glu-induced HT22 cells. Evo also enhanced the phosphorylation activities of protein kinase B and the mammalian target of rapamycin in the l-Glu-induced HT22 cells. In the AD mouse model, Evo reduced the aimless and chaotic movements, reduced the time spent in the central area in the open field test, and decreased the escape latency time in the Morris water maze test. Evo reduced the deposition of amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42) in the brain, and increased the serum level of Aβ42, but showed no significant effects on Aβ40. In addition, six weeks of Evo administration significantly suppressed oxidative stress by modulating the related enzyme levels. In the central cholinergic system of AD mice, Evo significantly increased the serum levels of acetylcholine and choline acetyltransferase and decreased the level of acetylcholinesterase in the serum, hypothalamus, and brain. Our results provide experimental evidence that Evo can serve as a neuroprotective candidate for the prevention and/or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Location, Location, Location: Signals in Muscle Specification
Authors: Chang Chih-Ning , Kioussi Chrissa
Published: May 2018

Muscles control body movement and locomotion, posture and body position and soft tissue support. Mesoderm derived cells gives rise to 700 unique muscles in humans as a result of well-orchestrated signaling and transcriptional networks in specific time and space. Although the anatomical structure of skeletal muscles is similar, their functions and locations are specialized. This is the result of specific signaling as the embryo grows and cells migrate to form different structures and organs. As cells progress to their next state, they suppress current sequence specific transcription factors (SSTF) and construct new networks to establish new myogenic features. In this review, we provide an overview of signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks during formation of the craniofacial, cardiac, vascular, trunk, and limb skeletal muscles.
Carbon Dots Doped with Dysprosium: A Bimodal Nanoprobe for MRI and Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Atabaev Timur Sh. , Piao Zhonglie , Molkenova Anara
Published: May 2018

In recent years, functional nanoprobes with multiple imaging modalities have become an emerging field of biomedical research. In this preliminary study, we utilized a facile hydrothermal method for the preparation of magneto-fluorescent bimodal carbon dots doped with dysprosium (Dy-CDs). The prepared Dy-CDs have shown a good colloidal stability in a water solution and strong blue–green fluorescence, with a maximum at 452 nm. In addition, the excellent transverse relaxivity of the prepared Dy-CDs (r2 = 7.42 ± 0.07 mM−1s−1) makes them also suitable for T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thus, synthesized Dy-CDs could be potentially utilized for both MRI and fluorescence imaging of living cells.
Encapsulation and Characterization of Gentamicin Sulfate in the Collagen Added Electrospun Nanofibers for Skin Regeneration
Authors: Abdul Khodir Wan Khartini Wan , Abdul Razak Abdul Hakim , Ng Min Hwei , Guarino Vincenzo , Susanti Deny
Published: May 2018

In the current practice, the clinical use of conventional skin substitutes such as autogenous skin grafts have shown several problems, mainly with respect to limited sources and donor site morbidity. In order to overcome these limitations, the use of smart synthetic biomaterials is tremendously diffusing as skin substitutes. Indeed, engineered skin grafts or analogues frequently play an important role in the treatment of chronic skin wounds, by supporting the regeneration of newly formed tissue, and at the same time preventing infections during the long-term treatment. In this context, natural proteins such as collagen—natively present in the skin tissue—embedded in synthetic polymers (i.e., PCL) allow the development of micro-structured matrices able to mimic the functions and to structure of the surrounding extracellular matrix. Moreover, the encapsulation of drugs, such as gentamicin sulfate, also improves the bioactivity of nanofibers, due to the efficient loading and a controlled drug release towards the site of interest. Herein, we have done a preliminary investigation on the capability of gentamicin sulfate, loaded into collagen-added nanofibers, for the controlled release in local infection treatments. Experimental studies have demonstrated that collagen added fibers can be efficaciously used to administrate gentamicin for 72 h without any toxic in vitro response, thus emerging as a valid candidate for the therapeutic treatment of infected wounds.
Low Friction, Lubricity, and Durability of Polymer Brush Coatings, Characterized Using the Relaxation Tribometer Technique †
Authors: Belin Michel , Arafune Hiroyuki , Kamijo Toshio , Perret-Liaudet Joël , Morinaga Takashi , Honma Saika , Sato Takaya
Published: May 2018

Among the possible solutions for achieving low friction, polymer brushes that are grafted onto surfaces are good candidates. The tribological characterization of such layers becomes more difficult when the friction is lower: the signal-to-noise ratio of the friction force that is measured with conventional tribometers impedes the precise quantification. Therefore, we have applied a new technique that has been developed at the Laboratory of Tribology and System Dynamics (LTDS), called the ‘oscillating relaxation tribometer’. The advantage of this original technique is that it characterizes low friction with unequalled sensitivity. The lower the friction, the better the precision, and it permits obtaining the ‘friction law’ directly from robust and rapid experimental tests. In this study, the samples that have been used are the ionic liquid-type polymer brushes (ILPBs) with different thicknesses, which have been grafted onto silicon wafers and steel coupons. The counter-face is a mirror-polished steel ball. We show that (i) a thick ILPB layer on silicon is very resistant to high contact pressure, up to 555 MPa; (ii) the friction behavior that is obtained is close to that of a Newtonian viscous one, even under maximum normal loads; (iii) poorer results are obtained for the thinner sample; and (iv) the repetition, up to 5000 oscillations on the same surface, does not affect the friction damping of the contact, which demonstrates that this film provides a favorable resistance to friction under severe contact conditions. In addition, the feasibility of grafting onto steel surfaces is demonstrated. The results are then discussed, with respect to friction and dissipation.
Aging-Resistant Functionalized LDH–SAS/Nitrile-Butadiene Rubber Composites: Preparation and Study of Aging Kinetics/Anti-Aging Mechanism
Authors: Li Tianxiang , Shi Zhengren , He Xianru , Jiang Ping , Lu Xiaobin , Zhang Rui , Wang Xin
Published: May 2018

With the aim of improving the anti-aging properties of nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), a functional organic filler, namely LDH–SAS, prepared by intercalating 4-amino-benzenesulfonic acid monosodium salt (SAS) into layered double hydroxides (LDHs) through anion exchange, was added to nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), giving the NBR/LDH–SAS composites. Successful preparation of LDH–SAS was confirmed by XRD, TGA and FTIR. LDH–SAS was well dispersed in the NBR matrix, owing to its strong interaction with the nitrile group of NBR. The obtained NBR/LDH–SAS composites exhibited excellent thermo-oxidative aging resistance as shown by TGA-DSC. Further investigation by ATR-FTIR indicated that SAS can capture the radical groups, even during the aging process, which largely accounts for the improved aging resistance.
Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Laser-Welded Crossed Nitinol Wires
Authors: Dong Peng , Yao Runhua , Yan Zheng , Yan Zhifeng , Wang Wenxian , He Xiuli , Zhou Jun
Published: May 2018

Laser welding has been considered to be one of the most promising joining processes for Nitinol medical device manufacturing. Presently, there is still a limited understanding about how laser welding affects the microstructure and the resultant corrosion behaviors. This work aimed to reveal the microstructural factors that influence the corrosion resistance of laser-welded crossed Nitinol joints. The microstructures within various zones of the joints were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the corrosion behaviors of the joints in 0.9% NaCl and Hank’s solutions were studied. The base metal exhibits a single austenite (B2) phase and the highest corrosion resistance. The phase constituent of the fusion zone is the coexistence of the B2 matrix and some precipitates (T2Ni, TiNi3, and Ti3Ni4 particles), resulting in a slight decrease in corrosion resistance. The heat affected zone (HAZ) shows the austenite matrix but with the precipitation of R-phase, which considerably reduces the corrosion potential, making it the weakest zone.
The Application of Globular Water-Atomized Iron Powders for Additive Manufacturing by a LENS Technique
Authors: Durejko Tomasz , Aniszewska Justyna , Ziętala Michał , Antolak-Dudka Anna , Czujko Tomasz , Varin Robert A. , Paserin Vlad
Published: May 2018

The water-atomized ATOMET 28, 1001, 4701, and 4801 powders, manufactured by Rio Tinto Metal Powders, were used for additive manufacturing by a laser engineered net shaping (LENS) technique. Their overall morphology was globular and rounded with a size distribution from about 20 to 200 µm. Only the ATOMET 28 powder was characterized by a strong inhomogeneity of particle size and irregular polyhedral shape of powder particles with sharp edges. The powders were pre-sieved to a size distribution from 40 to 150 µm before LENS processing. One particular sample—LENS-fabricated from the ATOMET 28 powder—was characterized by the largest cross-sectional (2D) porosity of 4.2% and bulk porosity of 3.9%, the latter determined by microtomography measurements. In contrast, the cross-sectional porosities of bulk, solid, nearly cubic LENS-fabricated samples from the other ATOMET powders exhibited very low porosities within the range 0.03–0.1%. Unexpectedly, the solid sample—LENS-fabricated from the reference, a purely spherical Fe 99.8 powder—exhibited a porosity of 1.1%, the second largest after that of the pre-sieved, nonspherical ATOMET 28 powder. Vibrations incorporated mechanically into the LENS powder feeding system substantially improved the flow rate vs. feeding rate dependence, making it completely linear with an excellent coefficient of fit, R2 = 0.99. In comparison, the reference powder Fe 99.8 always exhibited a linear dependence of the powder flow rate vs. feeding rate, regardless of vibrations.
Energy Storage Analysis of a Mixed R161/MOF-5 Nanoparticle Nanofluid Based on Molecular Simulations
Authors: Wang Qiang , Tang Shengli , Li Leilei
Published: May 2018

The thermal properties of refrigerants can be modified by adding porous nanoparticles into them. Here, molecular simulations, including molecular dynamics and grand canonical Monte Carlo, were employed to study the thermal energy storage properties of an R161/MOF-5 nanofluid. The results show that the thermodynamic energy change of MOF-5 nanoparticles is linear to the temperature. The adsorption heat calculated by grand canonical Monte Carlo is close to that calculated by the Clausius–Clapeyron equation. Additionally, a negative enhancement of the thermal energy storage capacity of the R161/MOF-5 nanofluid is found near the phase transition area.
Glycosaminoglycans from a Sea Snake (Lapemis curtus): Extraction, Structural Characterization and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Bai Mingyue , Han Wenwei , Zhao Xia , Wang Qingchi , Gao Yanyun , Deng Shiming
Published: May 2018

Sea snakes have wide application prospects in medicine, health food and other fields. Several novel polysaccharides were successfully obtained from the skin and the meat of a sea snake (Lapemis curtus). The structures of polysaccharides LSP3 and LMP3, which were extracted and purified from Lapemis curtus, were determined to be new and highly heterogenic glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) by means of FT-IR, ESI-MS/MS and NMR. LSP3 is a hybrid dermatan sulfate (DS) and composed of 48% 4-sulfated disaccharides (Di4S), 42% 6-sulfated disaccharides (Di6S) and 5% disulfated disaccharides (Di2,6S), while LMP3 is a hybrid chondroitin sulfate (CS) and composed of 70% Di4S, 20% Di6S, and 8% Di2,6S. More importantly, LSP3 and LMP3 showed a strong scavenging ability of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, iron (Fe2+) chelating activity and total antioxidant capacity in vitro, especially LSP3, with high contents of uronic acid and sulfate, which possessed a higher scavenging ability of DPPH radicals than other fractions. These data suggested that the sea snake polysaccharides could be promising candidates for natural antioxidant ingredients.
Pituitary, Gonadal, Thyroid Hormones and Endocrine Disruptors in Pre and Postmenopausal Nigerian Women with ER-, PR- and HER-2-Positive and Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Ajayi Olulope , Charles-Davies Mabel , Anetor John , Ademola Adeyinka
Published: May 2018

Breast cancer is broadly sub-divided into hormone responsive and non-hormone responsive subtypes. Estradiol has been associated with hormone responsive breast cancers. There is, however, a paucity of information on the role of sex hormones, gonadotropins, and thyroid hormone in non-hormone responsive breast cancer. This study aimed to determine differences in the serum levels of sex hormones, gonadotropins, thyroid hormones, and endocrine disruptors (lead, cadmium, and arsenic) in Nigerian women with hormone responsive and non-hormone responsive breast cancers. Seventy-nine non-pregnant women aged 28–80 years with histologically confirmed breast cancer were recruited, pre-therapy, into this cross-sectional study. They comprised 52 premenopausal women and 27 postmenopausal women recruited from the Surgical Oncology Clinic of the Department of Surgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan. Comparison of biochemical parameters were based on the positivity (+) and negativity (−) of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epithelial receptor-2 (HER-2). Estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were determined using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Serum lead, cadmium and arsenic were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Expression of ER, PR and HER2 were determined using immunohistochemistry. Data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U-test and multiple regression, with p < 0.05 considered as being statistically significant. Estradiol and progesterone were significantly higher in breast cancer participants with ER− and PR− compared with those with ER+ and PR+ breast cancer (p < 0.05). Follicle stimulating hormone and LH levels were significantly higher in participants with ER+ and PR+ breast cancer compared with participants with ER− and PR− breast cancer (p < 0.05). Arsenic was inversely related with TSH in premenopausal participants with ER− and PR− (β = −0.305; β = −0.304, respectively). Sex hormones and gonadotropins appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of triple negative and luminal breast cancer, respectively.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Passive Micromixers
Authors: Afzal Arshad , Ansari Mubashshir , Kim Kwang-Yong
Published: May 2018

Micromixers are important components of microfluidic systems [...]
Risk Mitigation for Immunocompromised Consumers of Mucormycete Spoiled and Fermented Foods: Germane Guidance and Remaining Needs
Authors: Snyder Abigail , Worobo Randy
Published: May 2018

Mucoralean invasive fungal infections, while unusual among the general population, have a high mortality rate among immunocompromised individuals who become infected. They are also common spoilage organisms in cultured dairy products, some fresh produce, and baked goods. Additionally, Mucor and Rhizopus spp. are utilized in the production of traditional fermented foods including mold ripened cheeses and fermented soy products. The risk that consumption of these foods poses to immunocompromised consumers has been previously identified. However, actionable guidance on implementation of appropriate dietary restrictions and microbial specification targets for food manufacturers serving these populations is scarce and is limited by insufficient data regarding traceback analysis in cases of invasive fungal infections where food is the suspected transmission vector. Culture-dependent and molecular subtyping methods, including whole genome sequencing, will improve identification of the point source. In turn, the empirically determined information on root-cause can best direct the development of appropriate food safety policies and programs.
Encapsulation of Gold Nanostructures and Oil-in-Water Nanocarriers in Microgels with Biomedical Potential
Authors: Inostroza-Riquelme Mariela , Vivanco Andrea , Lara Pablo , Guerrero Simón , Salas-Huenuleo Edison , Chamorro Alejandro , Leyton Lisette , Bolaños Karen , Araya Eyleen , Quest Andrew F. G. , Kogan Marcelo J. , Oyarzun-Ampuero Felipe
Published: May 2018

Here we report the incorporation of gold nanostructures (nanospheres or nanorods, functionalized with carboxylate-end PEG) and curcumin oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions (CurNem) into alginate microgels using the dripping technique. While gold nanostructures are promising nanomaterials for photothermal therapy applications, CurNem possess important pharmacological activities as reported here. In this sense, we evaluated the effect of CurNem on cell viability of both cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines (AGS and HEK293T, respectively), demonstrating preferential toxicity in cancer cells and safety for the non-cancerous cells. After incorporating gold nanostructures and CurNem together into the microgels, microstructures with diameters of 220 and 540 µm were obtained. When stimulating microgels with a laser, the plasmon effect promoted a significant rise in the temperature of the medium; the temperature increase was higher for those containing gold nanorods (11–12 °C) than nanospheres (1–2 °C). Interestingly, the incorporation of both nanosystems in the microgels maintains the photothermal properties of the gold nanostructures unmodified and retains with high efficiency the curcumin nanocarriers. We conclude that these results will be of interest to design hydrogel formulations with therapeutic applications.
Novel Structural Insight into Inhibitors of Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) by New Imidazole-Based Compounds: Biochemical and In Vitro Anticancer Activity Evaluation
Authors: Greish Khaled F. , Salerno Loredana , Al Zahrani Reem , Amata Emanuele , Modica Maria N. , Romeo Giuseppe , Marrazzo Agostino , Prezzavento Orazio , Sorrenti Valeria , Rescifina Antonio , Floresta Giuseppe , Intagliata Sebastiano , Pittalà Valeria
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the design, synthesis, and molecular modeling of a new azole-based HO-1 inhibitors was reported, using compound 1 as a lead compound, in which an imidazole moiety is linked to a hydrophobic group by means of an ethanolic spacer. The tested compounds showed a good inhibitor activity and possessed IC50 values in the micromolar range. These results were obtained by targeting the hydrophobic western region. Molecular modeling studies confirmed a consolidated binding mode in which the nitrogen of the imidazolyl moiety coordinated the heme ferrous iron, meanwhile the hydrophobic groups were located in the western region of HO-1 binding pocket. Moreover, the new compounds were screened for in silico ADME-Tox properties to predict drug-like behavior with convincing results. Finally, the in vitro antitumor activity profile of compound 1 was investigated in different cancer cell lines and nanomicellar formulation was synthesized with the aim of improving compound’s 1 water solubility. Finally, compound 1 was tested in melanoma cells in combination with doxorubicin showing interesting synergic activity.
Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neurotoxicity and Neuroinflammation in Primary Mesencephalic Cultures
Authors: Wang Tian , Ding Yu-Xin , He Jie , Ma Cheng-Jun , Zhao Yue , Wang Zhen-Hua , Han Bing
Published: May 2018

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation triggers and accelerates the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Carthamus tinctorius L., a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used for the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. Hydroxysafflor Yellow A (HSYA) is an active component of C. tinctorius. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether HSYA could attenuate LPS-induced neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation in primary mesencephalic cultures. Cell viability was measured by MTT and LDH assays. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neuron was observed by immunohistochemistry. NF-κB p65 and iNOS expressions were evaluated with western blotting method. Pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β and TNF-α were determined by ELISA kits. Nitric oxide (NO) content in the culture medium was assayed. The results showed that HSYA treatment significantly attenuated the LPS-induced dopaminergic neurons damage. HSYA partially inhibited the expressions of NF-κB p65 and iNOS. Furthermore, HSYA decreased the content of IL-1β, TNF-α and NO in the supernatants. Taken together, these results suggest that HSYA exerts protective effects on LPS-induced neurotoxicity in dopaminergic neurons and the mechanisms may be associated with the inhibition of inflammatory response.
Doped Carbon Dots for Sensing and Bioimaging Applications: A Minireview
Authors: Atabaev Timur Sh.
Published: May 2018

In the last decade, carbon dots (C-dots, CDs) or carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted a considerable amount of attention from the scientific community as a low cost and biocompatible alternative to semiconductor quantum dots. In particular, doped C-dots have excellent fluorescent properties that have been successfully utilized for numerous applications. In this minireview, we overview the recent advances on the synthesis of doped C-dots derived from carbon-rich sources and their potential applications for biomedical and sensing applications. In addition, we will also discuss some challenges and outline some future perspectives of this exciting material.
Loading of Indocyanine Green within Polydopamine-Coated Laponite Nanodisks for Targeted Cancer Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Xu Fanli , Liu Mengxue , Li Xin , Xiong Zhijuan , Cao Xueyan , Shi Xiangyang , Guo Rui
Published: May 2018

The combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in cancer treatment has attracted much attention in recent years. However, developing highly efficient and targeted therapeutic nanoagents for amplifying PTT and PDT treatments remains challenging. In this work, we developed a novel photothermal and photodynamic therapeutic nanoplatform for treatment of cancer cells overexpressing integrin αvβ3 through the coating of polydopamine (PDA) on indocyanine green (ICG)-loaded laponite (LAP) and then further conjugating polyethylene glycol-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (PEG-RGD) as targeted agents on the surface. The ICG/LAP–PDA–PEG–RGD (ILPR) nanoparticles (NPs) formed could load ICG with a high encapsulation efficiency of 94.1%, improve the photostability of loaded ICG dramatically via the protection of PDA and LAP, and display excellent colloidal stability and biocompatibility due to the PEGylation. Under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, the ILPR NPs could exert enhanced photothermal conversion reproducibly and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) efficiently. More importantly, in vitro experiments proved that ILPR NPs could specifically target cancer cells overexpressing integrin αvβ3, enhance cellular uptake due to RGD-mediated targeting, and exert improved photothermal and photodynamic killing efficiency against targeted cells under NIR laser irradiation. Therefore, ILPR may be used as effective therapeutic nanoagents with enhanced photothermal conversion performance and ROS generating ability for targeted PTT and PDT treatment of cancer cells with integrin αvβ3 overexpressed.
Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Tissue Engineering in the Dental Field
Authors: Guazzo Riccardo , Gardin Chiara , Bellin Gloria , Sbricoli Luca , Ferroni Letizia , Ludovichetti Francesco Saverio , Piattelli Adriano , Antoniac Iulian , Bressan Eriberto , Zavan Barbara
Published: May 2018

The world of dentistry is approaching graphene-based nanomaterials as substitutes for tissue engineering. Apart from its exceptional mechanical strength, electrical conductivity and thermal stability, graphene and its derivatives can be functionalized with several bioactive molecules. They can also be incorporated into different scaffolds used in regenerative dentistry, generating nanocomposites with improved characteristics. This review presents the state of the art of graphene-based nanomaterial applications in the dental field. We first discuss the interactions between cells and graphene, summarizing the available in vitro and in vivo studies concerning graphene biocompatibility and cytotoxicity. We then highlight the role of graphene-based nanomaterials in stem cell control, in terms of adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Particular attention will be given to stem cells of dental origin, such as those isolated from dental pulp, periodontal ligament or dental follicle. The review then discusses the interactions between graphene-based nanomaterials with cells of the immune system; we also focus on the antibacterial activity of graphene nanomaterials. In the last section, we offer our perspectives on the various opportunities facing the use of graphene and its derivatives in associations with titanium dental implants, membranes for bone regeneration, resins, cements and adhesives as well as for tooth-whitening procedures.
Growth Responses of Preterm Pigs Fed Formulas with Different Protein Levels and Supplemented with Leucine or β-Hydroxyl β-Methylbutyrate
Authors: Buddington Randal K. , Howard Scott C. , Lee Harold W. , Buddington Karyl K.
Published: May 2018

Growth after preterm birth is an important determinant of long-term outcomes. Yet, many preterm infants suffer ex utero growth retardation. We evaluated effects of leucine and the metabolite, β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on growth of preterm pigs, a previously-validated translational model for preterm infants. After 48 h of parenteral nutrition preterm pigs were fed for 6 to 7 days isocaloric formulas with different levels of protein (50 or 100 g/L) with leucine (10 g/L, 76 mM) or HMB (at 1.1 g/L, 4 mM) added to stimulate protein synthesis or with alanine (6.8 g/L; 76 mM) as the control. Rates of growth of pigs fed the low protein formula with alanine (3.4 ± 0.2% gain per day) or leucine (3.7 ± 0.2) exceeded that of pigs fed the high protein formula (2.8 ± 0.2, p = 0.02 for comparison with both low protein formulas; p = 0.01 compared with low protein + leucine). Supplementing the high protein formula with leucine or HMB did not increase growth relative to alanine (2.72 ± 0.20, 2.74 ± 0.27, and 2.52 ± 0.20, respectively). Small pigs (<700 g birth weight) grew slower during parenteral nutrition and had a more pronounced response to leucine. Females fed the high protein formulas grew faster than males, and particularly for small pigs (p < 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen values were lower for pigs fed the low versus the high protein formulas (p < 0.05). Leucine and HMB improved growth of preterm pigs fed low, but not high protein formulas, even after controlling for birth weight and sex, which independently correlated with growth rates. They offer an option to improve growth without increasing the amino acid load, with its attendant metabolic disadvantages.
Cobalamin and Folate Status among Breastfed Infants in Bhaktapur, Nepal
Authors: Chandyo Ram K. , Ulak Manjeswori , Kvestad Ingrid , Hysing Mari , Shrestha Merina , Ranjitkar Suman , Ulvik Arve , Ueland Per Magne , Shrestha Laxman , Strand Tor A.
Published: May 2018

Cobalamin and folate are crucial micronutrients during infancy and they are required for growth and cognitive development. Due to the monotonous and predominantly vegetarian-based complementary feeding and poor maternal micronutrient status, infants from low- and middle-income countries are susceptible to cobalamin deficiency. However, data on plasma cobalamin and folate and the functional markers methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine from breastfed infants in Nepal are still needed. We collected plasma samples from 316 6–11-month-old breastfed infants with a length-for-age of less than minus one z-score and analyzed blood for plasma folate, cobalamin, methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine concentrations. Cobalamin deficiency (plasma cobalamin <148 pmol/L) was found among 11%, whereas 24% of the infants had plasma cobalamin concentrations between 148–221 pmol/L. Elevated total homocysteine (>10 µmol/L) and methylmalonic acid (>0.28 µmol/L) indicating functional cobalamin deficiency were found among 53% and 75% of the infants, respectively. Based on a combined indicator of cobalamin status, 58% were found to have low cobalamin status. However, folate deficiency (<10 nmol/L) was not found as the lowest value of plasma folate was 20.7 nmol/L. It is important to examine the extent to which poor cobalamin status during infancy has immediate or long-term consequences.
Prognosis of Dermatitis Herpetiformis Patients with and without Villous Atrophy at Diagnosis
Authors: Mansikka Eriika , Hervonen Kaisa , Kaukinen Katri , Collin Pekka , Huhtala Heini , Reunala Timo , Salmi Teea
Published: May 2018

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a cutaneous manifestation of coeliac disease. At diagnosis, the majority of patients have villous atrophy in the small bowel mucosa. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the presence or absence of villous atrophy at diagnosis affects the long-term prognosis of DH. Data were gathered from the patient records of 352 DH and 248 coeliac disease patients, and follow-up data via questionnaires from 181 DH and 128 coeliac disease patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD). Of the DH patients, 72% had villous atrophy when DH was diagnosed, and these patients were significantly younger at diagnosis compared to those with normal small bowel mucosa (37 vs. 54 years, p < 0.001). Clinical recovery on a GFD did not differ significantly between the DH groups, nor did current adherence to a GFD, the presence of long-term illnesses, coeliac disease-related complications or gastrointestinal symptoms, or quality of life. By contrast, the coeliac disease controls had more often osteopenia/osteoporosis, thyroid diseases, malignancies and current gastrointestinal symptoms compared to the DH patients. In conclusion, villous atrophy at the time of DH diagnosis does not have an impact on the clinical recovery or long-term general health of DH patients.
Predicting Athletes’ Pre-Exercise Fluid Intake: A Theoretical Integration Approach
Authors: Li Chunxiao , Sun Feng-Hua , Zhang Liancheng , Chan Derwin King Chung
Published: May 2018

Pre-exercise fluid intake is an important healthy behavior for maintaining athletes’ sports performances and health. However, athletes’ behavioral adherence to fluid intake and its underlying psychological mechanisms have not been investigated. This prospective study aimed to use a health psychology model that integrates the self-determination theory and the theory of planned behavior for understanding pre-exercise fluid intake among athletes. Participants (n = 179) were athletes from college sport teams who completed surveys at two time points. Baseline (Time 1) assessment comprised psychological variables of the integrated model (i.e., autonomous and controlled motivation, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention) and fluid intake (i.e., behavior) was measured prospectively at one month (Time 2). Path analysis showed that the positive association between autonomous motivation and intention was mediated by subjective norm and perceived behavioral control. Controlled motivation positively predicted the subjective norm. Intentions positively predicted pre-exercise fluid intake behavior. Overall, the pattern of results was generally consistent with the integrated model, and it was suggested that athletes’ pre-exercise fluid intake behaviors were associated with the motivational and social cognitive factors of the model. The research findings could be informative for coaches and sport scientists to promote athletes’ pre-exercise fluid intake behaviors.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels Water Extract on RAW 264.7 Induced with Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Kim Young-Jin , Lee Ji Young , Kim Hyun-Ju , Kim Do-Hoon , Lee Tae Hee , Kang Mi Suk , Park Wansu
Published: May 2018

The dry root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, also known as “female ginseng”, is a popular herbal drug amongst women, used to treat a variety of health issues and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the detailed molecular mechanism for anti-inflammatory effects of Angelica sinensis root water extract (ASW). The anti-inflammatory effect of ASW on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages was evaluated by the tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT), Griess reagent assay, multiplex cytokine assay, real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Fluo-4 calcium assay. ASW restored cell viability in RAW 264.7 at concentrations of up to 200 µg/mL. ASW showed notable anti-inflammatory effects. ASW exhibited IC50 = 954.3, 387.3, 191.7, 317.8, 1267.0, 347.0, 110.1, 573.6, 1171.0, 732.6, 980.8, 125.0, and 257.0 µg/mL for interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemotactic activating factor (MCP)-1, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine (LIX), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, IL-10, and intracellular calcium, respectively. Additionally, ASW inhibited the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide and the LPS-induced mRNA expression of CHOP (GADD153), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1), first apoptosis signal receptor (FAS), and c-Fos, NOS2, and PTGS2 (COX2) in RAW 264.7 significantly (p < 0.05). Data suggest that ASW exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 via NO-bursting/calcium-mediated JAK-STAT pathway.
Circulating Phospholipid Patterns in NAFLD Patients Associated with a Combination of Metabolic Risk Factors
Authors: Tiwari-Heckler Shilpa , Gan-Schreier Hongying , Stremmel Wolfgang , Chamulitrat Walee , Pathil Anita
Published: May 2018

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with inefficient macro- and micronutrient metabolism, and alteration of circulating phospholipid compositions defines the signature of NAFLD. This current study aimed to assess the pattern of serum phospholipids in the spectrum of NAFLD, and its related comorbidities and genetic modifications. Methods: 97 patients with diagnosed NAFLD were recruited at a single center during 2013–2016. Based on histological and transient elastography assessment, 69 patients were divided into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) subgroups. 28 patients served as healthy controls. Serum phospholipids were determined by liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: The total content of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin in the serum was significantly increased in NAFL and NASH patients, compared to healthy controls. In addition, serum lysophospatidylethanolamine levels were significantly decreased in NAFL and NASH individuals. Circulating PC species, containing linoleic and α-linolenic acids, were markedly increased in NAFLD patients with hypertension, compared to NAFLD patients without hypertension. The pattern of phospholipids did not differ between NAFLD patients with diabetes and those without diabetes. However, NAFLD patients with hyperglycemia (blood glucose level (BGL) >100 mg/dL) exhibited significantly a higher amount of monounsaturated phosphatidylethanolamine than those with low blood glucose levels. In addition, NAFLD patients with proven GG-genotype of PNPLA3, who were at higher risk for the development of progressive disease with fibrosis, showed lower levels of circulating plasmalogens, especially 16:0, compared to those with CC- and CG-allele. Conclusions: Our extended lipidomic study presents a unique metabolic profile of circulating phospholipids associated with the presence of metabolic risk factors or the genetic background of NAFLD patients.
Impact of Particle Size and Polydispersity Index on the Clinical Applications of Lipidic Nanocarrier Systems
Authors: Danaei M. , Dehghankhold M. , Ataei S. , Hasanzadeh Davarani F. , Javanmard R. , Dokhani A. , Khorasani S. , Mozafari M. R.
Published: May 2018

Lipid-based drug delivery systems, or lipidic carriers, are being extensively employed to enhance the bioavailability of poorly-soluble drugs. They have the ability to incorporate both lipophilic and hydrophilic molecules and protecting them against degradation in vitro and in vivo. There is a number of physical attributes of lipid-based nanocarriers that determine their safety, stability, efficacy, as well as their in vitro and in vivo behaviour. These include average particle size/diameter and the polydispersity index (PDI), which is an indication of their quality with respect to the size distribution. The suitability of nanocarrier formulations for a particular route of drug administration depends on their average diameter, PDI and size stability, among other parameters. Controlling and validating these parameters are of key importance for the effective clinical applications of nanocarrier formulations. This review highlights the significance of size and PDI in the successful design, formulation and development of nanosystems for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and other applications. Liposomes, nanoliposomes, vesicular phospholipid gels, solid lipid nanoparticles, transfersomes and tocosomes are presented as frequently-used lipidic drug carriers. The advantages and limitations of a range of available analytical techniques used to characterize lipidic nanocarrier formulations are also covered.
Silicon Influences Soil Availability and Accumulation of Mineral Nutrients in Various Plant Species
Authors: Greger Maria , Landberg Tommy , Vaculík Marek
Published: May 2018

Silicon (Si) effects on mineral nutrient status in plants are not well investigated. It is known that Si has a beneficial effect on plants under stressed conditions. The aim was to make a state of the art investigation of the Si influence: (1) on nutrient availability in four different soil types, namely clayish, sandy, alum shale and submerged soil; and (2) on accumulation of various nutrients in maize, lettuce, pea, carrot and wheat growing in hydroponics. Soil was treated with K2SiO3 corresponding to 80 and 1000 kg Si ha−1 and the nutrient medium with 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 μM Si. In general, Si effects were similar in all analyzed plant species and in all soil types tested. Results showed that, in soil, Si increased the availability of Ca, P, S, Mn, Zn, Cu and Mo and that of Cl and Fe tended to increase. The availability of K and Mg was not much affected by Si. Uptake from solution of S, Mg, Ca, B, Fe, and Mn increased; N, Cu, Zn and K decreased; P decreased/increased; and Cl and Mo was not influenced. Translocation to shoot of Mg, Ca, S, Mn, and Mo increased; Fe, Cu and Zn decreased; and K, P, N, Cl and B was not affected. It was concluded that, if plants had been cultivated in soil, Si-maintained increased availability of nutrients in the soil solution would probably compensate for the decrease in tissue concentration of those nutrient elements. The study shows that Si also influences the nutrient uptake in non-stressed plants.
Molecular Weight-Dependent Activity of Aminated Poly(α)glutamates as siRNA Nanocarriers
Authors: Krivitsky Adva , Krivitsky Vadim , Polyak Dina , Scomparin Anna , Eliyahu Shay , Gibori Hadas , Yeini Eilam , Pisarevsky Evgeni , Blau Rachel , Satchi-Fainaro Ronit
Published: May 2018

RNA interference (RNAi) can contribute immensely to the area of personalized medicine by its ability to target any gene of interest. Nevertheless, its clinical use is limited by lack of efficient delivery systems. Polymer therapeutics can address many of the challenges encountered by the systemic delivery of RNAi, but suffer from inherent drawbacks such as polydispersity and batch to batch heterogeneity. These characteristics may have far-reaching consequences when dealing with therapeutic applications, as both the activity and the toxicity may be dependent on the length of the polymer chain. To investigate the consequences of polymers’ heterogeneity, we have synthesized two batches of aminated poly(α)glutamate polymers (PGAamine), differing in their degree of polymerization, but not in the monomer units or their conjugation. Isothermal titration calorimetry study was conducted to define the binding affinity of these polymers with siRNA. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that Short PGAamine:siRNA polyplexes exposed a higher amount of amine moieties to the surroundings compared to Long PGAamine. This resulted in a higher zeta potential, leading to faster degradation and diminished gene silencing. Altogether, our study highlights the importance of an adequate physico-chemical characterization to elucidate the structure–function-activity relationship, for further development of tailor-designed RNAi delivery vehicles.
Analysis of Sheepdog-Type Robot Navigation for Goal-Lost-Situation
Authors: Sueoka Yuichiro , Ishitani Makihiko , Osuka Koichi
Published: May 2018

In the real world, there is a system in which a dog called a sheepdog stimulates part of a flock of sheep that are freely moving to guide them to a goal position. If we consider this system from the perspective of a control problem, it is an interesting control system: one or more sheepdogs, who act as a small number of controllers, are used to indirectly control many sheep that cannot be directly controlled. For this reason, there have been many studies conducted regarding this system; however, these studies have been limited to building numerical models or performing simulation analyses. Very little research has been done on building a working system. The point we wish to emphasise here is that we attempted to build the sheepdog system in as simple a way as possible. For the purpose, we introduce minimal settings for the sheep model and the sheepdog controller. In the process of building and testing an actual system, we noticed “an emergence of blind zone” because the robots possess size, or so-called cases where the objects in the blind zone cannot be observed because the object is in front. Using the existing method, as the number of sheep increases, it becomes impossible to perceive the goal position, i.e., emerge the goal-lost-situation. This results in the guidance task becoming impossible. As clear identification of the goal position is vital for guidance, we propose a method for cases in which the goal position is invisible. Using our method, the robot appropriately selects another object, and sets this object as the new target. We have confirmed through simulations that the proposed method can maintain guidance regardless of the number of sheep.
DenseNet-Based Depth-Width Double Reinforced Deep Learning Neural Network for High-Resolution Remote Sensing Image Per-Pixel Classification
Authors: Tao Yiting , Xu Miaozhong , Lu Zhongyuan , Zhong Yanfei
Published: May 2018

Deep neural networks (DNNs) face many problems in the very high resolution remote sensing (VHRRS) per-pixel classification field. Among the problems is the fact that as the depth of the network increases, gradient disappearance influences classification accuracy and the corresponding increasing number of parameters to be learned increases the possibility of overfitting, especially when only a small amount of VHRRS labeled samples are acquired for training. Further, the hidden layers in DNNs are not transparent enough, which results in extracted features not being sufficiently discriminative and significant amounts of redundancy. This paper proposes a novel depth-width-reinforced DNN that solves these problems to produce better per-pixel classification results in VHRRS. In the proposed method, densely connected neural networks and internal classifiers are combined to build a deeper network and balance the network depth and performance. This strengthens the gradients, decreases negative effects from gradient disappearance as the network depth increases and enhances the transparency of hidden layers, making extracted features more discriminative and reducing the risk of overfitting. In addition, the proposed method uses multi-scale filters to create a wider neural network. The depth of the filters from each scale is controlled to decrease redundancy and the multi-scale filters enable utilization of joint spatio-spectral information and diverse local spatial structure simultaneously. Furthermore, the concept of network in network is applied to better fuse the deeper and wider designs, making the network operate more smoothly. The results of experiments conducted on BJ02, GF02, geoeye and quickbird satellite images verify the efficacy of the proposed method. The proposed method not only achieves competitive classification results but also proves that the network can continue to be robust and perform well even while the amount of labeled training samples is decreasing, which fits the small training samples situation faced by VHRRS per-pixel classification.