bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SaccharopolysporaSpecies: Laboratory Maintenance and Enhanced Production of Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Dhakal Dipesh , Pokhrel Anaya Raj , Jha Amit Kumar , Thuan Nguyen Huy , Sohng Jae Kyung
Published: February 2017

Saccharopolysporaspp. are aerobic, Gram‐positive, non‐acid‐fast, and non‐motile actinomycetes. Various species of the genusSaccharopolysporahave been reported with an ability to produce various bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and agricultural uses. This unit includes general protocols for the laboratory maintenance ofSaccharopolysporaspecies, including growth in liquid medium, growth on solid agar, long‐term storage, and generation of a higher producer strain by mutagenesis.Saccharopolyspora spinosaATCC 49460 is used as a prototype for explaining the considerations for efficient laboratory maintenance ofSaccharopolysporaspp.Saccharopolyspora spinosais a producer of spinosad, a prominent insecticide with selective activity against various insects. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Actinomadura Species: Laboratory Maintenance and Ribosome Engineering
Authors: Dhakal Dipesh , Chung Nguyen Thanh , Rayamajhi Vijay , Sohng Jae Kyung
Published: February 2017

Actinomadura spp. are aerobic, Gram‐positive, catalase‐positive, non‐acid fast, non‐motile actinomycetes. Some species of Actinomadura are associated with opportunistic infections in humans. However, many bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical applications can be isolated from various Actinomadura spp. This unit includes general protocols for the laboratory maintenance of Actinomadura spp., including growth in liquid medium, growth on solid agar, long‐term storage, and generation of a higher producing strain by ribosome engineering. Actinomadura hibisca P157‐2 is used as a prototype for explaining the considerations for efficient laboratory maintenance of Actinomadura spp. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cryptosporidium: Identification and Genetic Typing
Authors: Šlapeta Jan
Published: February 2017

Cryptosporidium spp. are obligate protozoan parasites of the gastrointestinal tract of vertebrates, including humans. In the majority of human cases, the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis is caused by either the human‐adapted species Cryptosporidium hominis or the zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum ‘bovine genotype’ (also known as Cryptosporidium pestis). The infectious stage, environmentally resilient Cryptosporidium oocysts, are shed by the infected host. Cryptosporidium parasites are transmitted by the fecal‐oral route and are one of the major water‐borne pathogens. The cryptic nature of the microscopic Cryptosporidium oocysts coupled with the existence of several host‐adapted and zoonotic species requires molecular tools to identify Cryptosporidium spp. in either fecal or environmental samples. This unit describes methods for Cryptosporidium identification and typing using genotyping based on nuclear loci. We also provide a protocol for morphological confirmation of Cryptosporidium oocysts based on antibody labeling of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall and a protocol for purification of oocysts from fecal material. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Efficient Genome Editing in the Oomycete Phytophthora sojae Using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Fang Yufeng , Cui Linkai , Gu Biao , Arredondo Felipe , Tyler Brett M.
Published: February 2017

Phytophthora is a filamentous fungus‐like microorganism, but belongs to the oomycetes, in the kingdom Stramenopila. Phytophthora species are notorious as plant destroyers, causing multibillion‐dollar damage to agriculture and natural ecosystems worldwide annually. For a long time, genome editing has been unattainable in oomycetes, because of their extremely low rate of homologous recombination. The recent implementation of the CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated) system in the soybean pathogen Phytophthora sojae, an experimental model for oomycetes, has opened up a powerful new research capability for the oomycete community. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing in P. sojae, including single guide RNA (sgRNA) design and construction, efficient gene replacement, and mutant‐screening strategies. This protocol should be generally applicable for most culturable oomycetes. We also describe an optimized transformation method that is useful for other Phytophthora spp. including P. capsici and P. parasitica. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Toxoplasma gondii: Laboratory Maintenance and Growth
Authors: Khan Asis , Grigg Michael E.
Published: February 2017

Toxoplasma gondii is a highly successful apicomplexan protozoan capable of infecting any warm‐blooded animal worldwide. In humans, Toxoplasma infections are life‐long, with approximately one‐third of the world's population chronically infected. Although normally controlled by the host immune system, T. gondii infection can lead to a variety of clinical outcomes in individuals with immature or suppressed immune systems. After penetrating the intestine, parasites rapidly disseminate throughout the body and stimulate production of the cytokines interleukin (IL)‐12, IL‐18, and interferon (IFN)‐γ by immune cells. These cytokines play a key role in host resistance to T. gondii by promoting a strong Th1 response. Recent reports show that gut commensal bacteria can act as molecular adjuvants during T. gondii infection. Thus, T. gondii is an excellent model system to study host‐pathogen interactions. This unit outlines the protocols for in vitro and in vivo maintenance and growth of T. gondii. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Structural, optical, and magnetic properties of Cu‐doped TiO2 samples
Authors: Ahmed S. A.
Published: February 2017

We report here the microstructure, optical, and magnetic properties of Cu‐doped TiO2 (Ti1−xCuxO2) nanopowder samples with x = 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 prepared by a solid‐state reaction method. XRD studies indicated the incorporation of Cu into the TiO2 lattice. Ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) measurements revealed that the band gap decreased due to the incorporation of Cu. Photoluminescence (PL) results showed an enhanced photoluminescence property associated with oxygen vacancies from TiO2 due to the incorporation of Cu. Magnetic investigations demonstrated that all of the samples had room temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM). RTFM was observed in the Ti0.98Cu0.02O2 samples annealed at 500°C and reduced RTFM was clearly observed in the samples annealed at high temperatures of 600 and 700°C. Furthermore, the saturation magnetic moment decreased with increasing Cu content for the samples annealed at 500ᴼC with different doping Cu contents, due to the increased Cu atoms occupying neighbouring cation lattice sites, which resulted in an antiferromagnetic configuration. The results demonstrated that defects and/or oxygen vacancies, and the distances between nearest‐neighbour Cu atoms, have a significant influence on ferromagnetism in Cu‐doped TiO2 powder samples.
Supported Molybdenum Catalysts for the Deoxydehydration of 1,4‐Anhydroerythritol into 2,5‐Dihydrofuran
Authors: Sandbrink Lennart , Beckerle Klaus , Meiners Isabell , Liffmann Rebecca , Rahimi Khosrow , Okuda Jun , Palkovits Regina
Published: February 2017

Efficient deoxygenation strategies are crucial for the valorization of renewable feedstocks. Deoxydehydration (DODH) enables the direct transformation of two adjacent hydroxyl groups into a double bond. Supported molybdenum‐based catalysts were utilized for the first time in DODH. MoOx/TiO2 showed superior catalytic activity compared to common molybdenum salts. The catalyst efficiently converted 1,4‐anhydroerythritol into 2,5‐dihydrofuran in the presence of 3‐octanol as reducing agent, showing high reproducibility and stability.
An efficient chaos‐based 2‐party key agreement protocol with provable security
Authors: Luo Min , Zhang Yunru , Khan Muhammad Khurram , He Debiao
Published: February 2017

Key agreement protocol is an important cryptographic primitive, which allows 2 parties to establish a secure session in an open network environment. A various of key agreement protocols were proposed. Nowadays, there still exists some other security flaws waiting to be solved. Owing to reduce the computational and communication costs and improve the security, chaotic map has been studied in‐depth and treated as a good solution. Recently, Liu et al proposed a chaos‐based 2‐party key agreement protocol and demonstrated that it can defend denial‐of‐service attack and replay attack. We found, however, it cannot resist off‐line password‐guessing attack, and it also has some other security flaws. In this paper, we propose an improved chaos‐based 2‐party key agreement protocol. The results prove that the protocol can solve the threats of off‐line password‐guessing attack and other security flaws in the security proof section. What is more, performance analysis shows that the computational cost of the improved protocol is lower than Liu et al protocol.
Species identification and comparative population genetics of four coastal houndsharks based on novel NGS‐mined microsatellites
Authors: Maduna Simo N. , Rossouw Charné , da Silva Charlene , Soekoe Michelle , Bester‐van der Merwe Aletta E.
Published: February 2017

The common smooth‐hound (Mustelus mustelus) is the topmost bio‐economically and recreationally important shark species in southern Africa, western Africa, and Mediterranean Sea. Here, we used the Illumina HiSeq™ 2000 next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology to develop novel microsatellite markers forMustelus mustelus. Two microsatellite multiplex panels were constructed from 11 polymorphic loci and characterized in two populations ofMustelus mustelusrepresentative of its South African distribution. The markers were then tested for cross‐species utility inGaleorhinus galeus,Mustelus palumbes, andTriakis megalopterus, three other demersal coastal sharks also subjected to recreational and/or commercial fishery pressures in South Africa. We assessed genetic diversity (NA,AR,HO,HE,and PIC) and differentiation (FSTandDest) for each species and also examined the potential use of these markers in species assignment. In each of the four species, all 11 microsatellites were variable with up to a meanNAof 8,ARup to 7.5,HEand PIC as high as 0.842. We were able to reject genetic homogeneity for all species investigated here except forT.megalopterus. We found that the panel of the microsatellite markers developed in this study could discriminate between the study species, particularly for those that are morphologically very similar. Our study provides molecular tools to address ecological and evolutionary questions vital to the conservation and management of these locally and globally exploited shark species.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Isatin‐Derived α‐(Trifluoromethyl)imine Derivatives: Phosphine‐Catalyzed γ‐Addition of α‐(Trifluoromethyl)imines and Allenoates
Authors: Gao Yu‐Ning , Shi Min
Published: February 2017

We have described the first asymmetric umpolung γ‐addition reaction of isatin‐derived α‐(trifluoromethyl)imines and allenoates. A chiral multifunctional phosphine catalyst derived from an amino acid promotes this reaction very well under mild conditions to give a series of enantiomerically enriched isatin‐derived α‐(trifluoromethyl)imine derivatives in high yields and with moderate to good enantioselectivities.
Modeling of dielectrophoretic particle motion: Point particle versus finite‐sized particle
Authors: Çetin Barbaros , Öner S. Doğan , Baranoğlu Besim
Published: February 2017

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a very popular technique for microfluidic bio‐particle manipulation. For the design of a DEP‐based microfluidic device, simulation of the particle trajectory within the microchannel network is crucial. There are basically two approaches: (i) point‐particle approach and (ii) finite‐sized particle approach. In this study, many aspects of both approaches are discussed for the simulation of direct current DEP, alternating current DEP, and traveling‐wave DEP applications. Point‐particle approach is implemented using Lagrangian tracking method, and finite‐sized particle is implemented using boundary element method. The comparison of the point‐particle approach and finite‐sized particle approach is presented for different DEP applications. Moreover, the effect of particle–particle interaction is explored by simulating the motion of closely packed multiple particles for the same applications, and anomalous‐DEP, which is a result of particle–wall interaction at the close vicinity of electrode surface, is illustrated.
Model‐based clustering for spatiotemporal data on air quality monitoring
Authors: Cheam A. S. M. , Marbac M. , McNicholas P. D.
Published: February 2017

Data extracted from air quality monitoring can require spatiotemporal clustering techniques. Of late, many clustering techniques are based on mixture models; however, there is a shortage of model‐based approaches for spatiotemporal data. A new mixture to cluster spatiotemporal data, named STM, is introduced, and generic identifiability is proved. The resulting model defines each mixture component as a mixture of autoregressive polynomial regressions in which the weights consider the spatial and temporal information with logistic links. Under the maximum likelihood framework, parameter estimation is carried out via an expectation–maximization algorithm while classical information criteria can be used for model selection. The proposed model is applied to air quality monitoring data from the periphery of Paris considering one of the critical pollutants, nitrogen dioxide, at different times during the day. The STM model is implemented in the R package SpaTimeClust.
Backtesting Value‐at‐Risk: A Generalized Markov Test
Authors: Pajhede Thor
Published: February 2017

Testing the validity of value‐at‐risk (VaR) forecasts, or backtesting, is an integral part of modern market risk management and regulation. This is often done by applying independence and coverage tests developed by Christoffersen (International Economic Review, 1998; 39(4), 841–862) to so‐called hit‐sequences derived from VaR forecasts and realized losses. However, as pointed out in the literature, these aforementioned tests suffer from low rejection frequencies, or (empirical) power when applied to hit‐sequences derived from simulations matching empirical stylized characteristics of return data. One key observation of the studies is that higher‐order dependence in the hit‐sequences may cause the observed lower power performance. We propose to generalize the backtest framework for VaR forecasts, by extending the original first‐order dependence of Christoffersen to allow for a higher‐ or kth‐order dependence. We provide closed‐form expressions for the tests as well as asymptotic theory. Not only do the generalized tests have power against kth‐order dependence by definition, but also included simulations indicate improved power performance when replicating the aforementioned studies. Further, included simulations show much improved size properties of one of the suggested tests. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Candidate susceptibility variants for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Donner Iikki , Katainen Riku , Tanskanen Tomas , Kaasinen Eevi , Aavikko Mervi , Ovaska Kristian , Artama Miia , Pukkala Eero , Aaltonen Lauri A.
Published: February 2017

Esophageal cancer is common worldwide, and often fatal. The major histological subtype is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). ESCC shows familial aggregation and high heritability. Mutations in RHBDF2 cause tylosis, a very rare disorder characterized by high life‐time risk of ESCC, but no other well‐established predisposition genes have been identified. To identify candidate susceptibility variants for ESCC we utilized the Population Information System and the Finnish cancer registry to find study materials by clustering ESCC patients by family name at birth and municipality at birth. We collected archival tissue material and exome sequenced a total of 30 ESCC cases. We prioritized shared, deleterious and rare variants that were significantly enriched in our sample set compared to Finnish and population subset specific controls. Six variants passed filtering, the most frequent being a nonsense mutation in DNAH9 (p.Tyr1573Ter) found in four unrelated patients. DNAH9 has been reported to be frequently lost in ESCC tumors. In this study, one patient's tumor showed loss of the wild type allele of DNAH9 suggesting a tumor suppressive function. A missense variant in GKAP1 was shared by three patients, and missense variants in BAG1, NFX1, FUK, and DDOST by two each. EP300 which has previously been implicated in the genesis of ESCC had a missense variant segregating in three affected individuals in a single family. If validated in independent patient sets, these variants could serve as a tool towards prevention and early diagnosis of ESCC.
HIF1A gene polymorphisms and human diseases: Graphical review of 97 association studies
Authors: Gladek I. , Ferdin J. , Horvat S. , Calin G. A. , Kunej T.
Published: February 2017

Hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) belong to a family of transcription factors (TF) responsive to a low O2 availability, which is often a characteristic feature of solid tumors. The alpha subunit of the HIF heterodimer is O2‐sensitive, and once stabilized in hypoxia, it functions as a master regulator of various genes involved in hypoxia pathway. Changes in the HIF1A (hypoxia inducible factor 1, alpha subunit) nucleotide sequence or expression has been shown to be associated with the development of several diseases. Because of increasing research interest in HIF1A gene a review of association studies was needed. We here reviewed published data on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HIF1A in various diseases; in total, 34 SNPs were tested for an association with 49 phenotypes, and the results were visualized using the Cytoscape software. Among all collected polymorphisms 16 SNPs showed significant associations with 40 different phenotypes, including six SNPs associated with 14 cancer types. Missense SNPs (rs11549465 and rs11549467) within the oxygen‐dependent degradation domain were most frequently studied. The study provides a comprehensive tool for researchers working in this area and may contribute to more accurate disease diagnosis and identification of therapeutic targets.
Incidence trends for potentially human papillomavirus‐related and ‐unrelated head and neck cancers in France using population‐based cancer registries data: 1980–2012
Authors: Jéhannin‐Ligier Karine , Belot Aurélien , Guizard Anne‐Valérie , Bossard Nadine , Launoy Guy , Uhry Zoé ,   the FRANCIM network
Published: February 2017

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been recently recognised as a carcinogenic factor for a subset of head and neck cancers (HNC). In Europe, France has one of the highest incidence rates of HNC. The aim of this study is to explore changes in HNC incidence in France, potentially in relation with infection by HPV. HNC were classified into two anatomical groups: potentially HPV‐related and HPV‐unrelated. Trends over the period 1980–2012 were analysed by an age‐period‐cohort model based on data from eleven French cancer registries. Among men, the age‐standardised incidence rate (ASR) of HNC decreased in both groups, but less so for HPV‐related sites as compared to unrelated sites, especially in recent years (annual percentage change [APC] over the period 2005–2012: −3.5% vs. −5.4%). Among women, the ASR increased in both groups, but more rapidly for HPV‐related as compared to unrelated sites (APC over the period 2005–2012: +1.9% vs. −0.4%). This preferential growth of HPV‐related versus unrelated HNC was observed in the cohorts born from 1930 to 1935. The differences in trends between possible HPV‐related and HPV‐unrelated sites suggest an increasing incidence of HNC due to HPV infection. The difference was less marked in men as compared to women, most likely because of a higher contamination in the HPV‐related group by cancers due to tobacco or alcohol consumption. The pattern observed is consistent with observations made in other countries, with studies of HPV prevalence in HNC and the evolution of sexual behaviour in France.
Counselling for deinfibulation among women with type III female genital mutilation: A systematic review
Authors: Bello Segun , Ogugbue Miriam , Chibuzor Moriam , Okomo Uduak , Meremikwu Martin M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Counselling is a routine practice done before deinfibulation in women with type III female genital mutilation (FGM). However, cultural and social pressures, in addition to maladaptation to the changes in the body post deinfibulation, cause some women to choose to be reinfibulated after being deinfibulated.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of the impact of counselling prior to deinfibulation on patient satisfaction, marital satisfaction, and rate of requests for reinfibulation among women living with type III FGM. The secondary aim was to assess the impact of male partner involvement in counselling on patient satisfaction, marital satisfaction, and rate of requests for reinfibulation.

Search strategy

Major databases including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, SCOPUS, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched until August 2015.

Selection criteria

Studies comparing women with type III FGM who received counselling before deinfibulation versus no counselling were included.

Data collection and analysis

Two team members independently screened and collected data.

Results

No eligible studies were identified.

Conclusion

There is no evidence to conclude that counselling before deinfibulation influences patients’ satisfaction with overall quality of care or rates of request for reinfibulation.

PROSPERO registration

CRD42015024675.
Deinfibulation for treating urologic complications of type III female genital mutilation: A systematic review
Authors: Effa Emmanuel , Ojo Olumuyiwa , Ihesie Austin , Meremikwu Martin M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Women and girls who have undergone type III female genital mutilation (FGM) may suffer urologic complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections, obstruction, stones, and incontinence.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of deinfibulation for preventing and treating urologic complications in women and girls living with FGM.

Search strategy

The following major databases were searched from inception to August 2015: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov without language restrictions.

Selection criteria

Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) or observational studies with controls were considered.

Data collection and analysis

We screened the results of the search independently for potentially relevant studies and applied inclusion and exclusion criteria for the full texts of the relevant studies.

Results

No RCTs were found. We found three case reports and a retrospective case review, all of which were excluded.

Conclusion

There is no evidence on the use of deinfibulation to improve urologic complications among women with type III FGM. Current clinical practice may be informed by anecdotal evidence from case reports. Appropriate RCTs and observational studies with comparison groups in countries where FGM is common are needed.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42015024901.
Surgical and nonsurgical interventions for vulvar and clitoral pain in girls and women living with female genital mutilation: A systematic review
Authors: Ezebialu Ifeanyichukwu , Okafo Obiamaka , Oringanje Chukwudi , Ogbonna Udoezuo , Udoh Ekong , Odey Friday , Meremikwu Martin M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Vulvar and clitoral pain are known complications of female genital mutilation (FGM). Several interventions have been used to treat these conditions. This review focuses on surgical and nonsurgical interventions to improve vulvar and clitoral pain in women living with FGM.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of nonsurgical and surgical interventions for alleviating vulvar and clitoral pain in women living with any type of FGM and to assess the associated adverse events.

Search strategy

The search included the following major databases: Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov. These were searched from inception until August 10, 2015 without any language restrictions.

Selection criteria

Study designs included randomized controlled trials, cluster randomized trials, nonrandomized trials, cohort studies, case–control studies, controlled before‐and‐after studies, historical control studies, and interrupted time series with reported data comparing outcomes among women with FGM who were treated for clitoral or vulvar pain with either surgical or nonsurgical interventions.

Data collection and analysis

Two team members independently screened studies for eligibility.

Results

No studies were included.

Conclusion

Limited information exists on management of vulvar and clitoral pain in women living with FGM. This constitutes an important area for further research.

PROSPERO registration

CRD42015024521.
Surgical or medical interventions for female genital mutilation
Authors: Smith Helen , Stein Karin
Published: February 2017

Deinfibulation can prevent or treat gynecological and obstetric complications in women living with type III female genital mutilation (FGM), and subsequently improve childbirth outcomes. Recently published WHO guidelines recommend use of deinfibulation in both circumstances. However, to really impact practice, evidence‐based guidance needs to be matched with evidence‐based implementation strategies. This qualitative evidence synthesis provides information on the factors that facilitate or act as barriers to use of deinfibulation, and the context and conditions that are necessary for implementing the procedure, including healthcare providers’ knowledge and experience, the service delivery environment, as well as broader health system contexts. This information is of great value for policy makers and others considering this as an option for better clinical care of women living with FGM.
Providing information to improve body image and care‐seeking behavior of women and girls living with female genital mutilation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Esu Ekpereonne , Okoye Ifeyinwa , Arikpo Iwara , Ejemot‐Nwadiaro Regina , Meremikwu Martin M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Female genital mutilation (FGM) has become recognized worldwide as an extreme form of violation of the human rights of girls and women. Strategies have been employed to curb the practice.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of randomized and nonrandomized studies of the effects of providing educational interventions on the body image and care‐seeking behavior of girls and women living with FGM with the view to ending the practice.

Search strategy

CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and other databases were searched up to August 10, 2015 without any language restrictions.

Selection criteria

Studies that provided education to women and/or girls living with any type of FGM or residing in countries where FGM is predominantly practiced were included.

Data collection and analysis

Two authors independently screened and collected data. We summarized dichotomous outcomes using odds ratios and evidence was assessed using the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).

Results

Educational interventions resulted in fewer women recommending FGM for their daughters and also reduced the incidence of FGM cases among daughters of women who received the educational interventions.

Conclusion

These findings need to be validated with large randomized trials.

PROSPERO registration

42015024637.
Effect of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells administered by intravenous or intravitreal routes on cryo‐induced retinal injury
Authors: Mohamed Eman M. , Abdelrahman Shaimaa A. , Hussein Samia , Shalaby Sally M. , Mosaad Hala , Awad Ahmed M. B.
Published: February 2017

Traumatic optic neuropathy is an important cause of severe vision loss. So, many attempts were performed to transplant stem cells systemically or locally to regenerate the injured retina. In this study, we investigated the effect of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUBMSCs) on histological structure, apoptotic, antiapoptotic, oxidant and antioxidant markers in an experimental model of cryo‐induced retinal damage in mice. Forty‐eight mice were included with 4 major groups; group I contained 18 mice as controls. The others included 30 mice exposed to cryo‐induced retinal injury and were subdivided into three equal groups: group II received no treatment after injury. Group III was intravenously injected with hUCBMSCs after injury and group IV received an intravitreal injection with hUCBMSCs into both eyes. Retinal tissues were used for histopathological, immunological and gene expression studies. Real time‐PCR was performed to assessB‐cell lymphoma 2(bcl2), Bcl2‐associated Xprotein (bax),heme oxygenase‐1 (hmox‐1)andthioredoxin‐2 (tnx‐2)expression and to assess the differentiation of the stem cells into the retinal tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to assess caspase‐3, 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Disturbed retinal structure was seen in cryo‐injured mice while hUCBMSCs treated groups showed nearly normal structure. By real time‐PCR, significantly reduced mRNA expressions ofBaxand notably enhanced mRNA expression ofBcl‐2,hmox‐1andtxn‐2were demonstrated in retinal injured mice with hUCBMSCs treatment compared to those without. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis confirmed downregulation of 3‐NT and caspase‐3 and upregulation of bFGF after hUCBMSCs injection in injured retina. Furthermore, there was no differentiation of transplanted stem cells into the retinal tissue. In conclusions, hUCBMSCs could improve the morphological retinal structure in cryo‐induced retinal damage model by modulation of the oxidant‐apoptotic status and by increased the expression of bFGF. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(3):188–201, 2017
Horseradish extract promotes urinary bladder carcinogenesis when administered to F344 rats in drinking water
Authors: Cho Young‐Man , Hasumura Mai , Imai Toshio , Takami Shigeaki , Nishikawa Akiyoshi , Ogawa Kumiko
Published: February 2017

Horseradish extract (HRE), consisting mainly of a mixture of allyl isothiocyanate and other isothiocyanates, has been used as a food additive. To evaluate the potential hazards of HRE, a 104‐week chronic study, a 2‐week analysis of cell proliferation in the urinary bladder and a medium‐term promotion bioassay of HRE were conducted with administration at concentrations of up to 0.04% HRE in the drinking water to male F344 rats. In the 104‐week chronic study with 32 male rats per group, no treatment‐related increases in the incidences of neoplastic lesions in any organ, including urinary bladder, were observed, except for simple hyperplasia in the urinary bladder in rats treated with HRE at concentrations of more than 0.01% (5.0 mg kg−1 body weight day−1). In the promotion study, HRE treatment after N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine initiation caused a clear increase in papillary or nodular hyperplasia, papilloma, and urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder in the groups given HRE for 13 weeks at doses higher than 0.005%, 0.01%, and 0.04% (2.7, 5.4 and 20.5 mg kg−1 body weight day−1), respectively. In the 2‐week cell proliferation analysis, treatment with HRE at concentrations greater than 0.005% (3.9 mg kg−1 body weight day−1) caused transient increases in 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine labeling indices in the urothelium. Although clear tumor induction was not observed, administration of relatively low‐dose HRE increased cell proliferation in the urothelium and exerted obvious promoting effects on rat urinary bladder carcinogenesis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mode of action of HRE in the rat urinary bladder to facilitate data extrapolation from the present study and provide insights into risk assessment. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐level light emitting diode (LED) therapy suppresses inflammasome‐mediated brain damage in experimental ischemic stroke
Authors: Lee Hae In , Lee Sae‐Won , Kim Nam Gyun , Park Kyoung‐Jun , Choi Byung Tae , Shin Yong‐Il , Shin Hwa Kyoung
Published: February 2017

Use of photostimulation including low‐level light emitting diode (LED) therapy has broadened greatly in recent years because it is compact, portable, and easy to use. Here, the effects of photostimulation by LED (610 nm) therapy on ischemic brain damage was investigated in mice in which treatment started after a stroke in a clinically relevant setting. The mice underwent LED therapy (20 min) twice a day for 3 days, commencing at 4 hours post‐ischemia. LED therapy group generated a significantly smaller infarct size and improvements in neurological function based on neurologic test score. LED therapy profoundly reduced neuroinflammatory responses including neutrophil infiltration and microglia activation in the ischemic cortex. LED therapy also decreased cell death and attenuated the NLRP3 inflammasome, in accordance with down‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18 in the ischemic brain. Moreover, the mice with post‐ischemic LED therapy showed suppressed TLR‐2 levels, MAPK signaling and NF‐kB activation. These findings suggest that by suppressing the inflammasome, LED therapy can attenuate neuroinflammatory responses and tissue damage following ischemic stroke. Therapeutic interventions targeting the inflammasome via photostimulation with LED may be a novel approach to ameliorate brain injury following ischemic stroke.

Effect of post‐ischemic low‐level light emitting diode therapy (LED‐T) on infarct reduction was mediated by inflammasome suppression.

magnified image

Effect of post‐ischemic low‐level light emitting diode therapy (LED‐T) on infarct reduction was mediated by inflammasome suppression.
Photothermal activation of astrocyte cells using localized surface plasmon resonance of gold nanorods
Authors: Eom Kyungsik , Hwang Seoyoung , Yun Seunghyeon , Byun Kyung Min , Jun Sang Beom , Kim Sung June
Published: February 2017

Although it has been revealed that astrocytes, generally known as star‐shaped glial cells, play critical roles in the functions of central nervous system, there have been few efforts to directly modulate their activities and responses. In this study, an optical stimulation strategy for producing intracellular Ca2+ transients of astrocytes is demonstrated using near‐infrared (NIR) light and localized surface plasmon resonance. It is presented that NIR stimulation of micro‐second duration combined with gold nanorods (GNRs) efficiently produces stronger Ca2+ transients of astrocytes, which seems to be associated with a local heat generation by photothermal effects of GNRs. Since the proposed scheme can directly activate astrocytes with a high reliability, it is expected that GNR‐mediated NIR stimulation could be utilized to facilitate minimally invasive physiological studies on the astrocyte functions.

Photos of intracellular Ca2+ transient of astrocytes with membrane‐bound GNRs after optical stimulation at 30 s.

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Photos of intracellular Ca2+ transient of astrocytes with membrane‐bound GNRs after optical stimulation at 30 s.
Hydrogel derived from decellularized porcine adipose tissue as a promising biomaterial for soft tissue augmentation
Authors: Tan Qiu‐Wen , Zhang Yi , Luo Jing‐Cong , Zhang Di , Xiong Bin‐Jun , Yang Ji‐Qiao , Xie Hui‐Qi , Lv Qing
Published: February 2017

Decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds from human adipose tissue, characterized by impressive adipogenic induction ability, are promising for soft tissue augmentation. However, scaffolds from autologous human adipose tissue are limited by the availability of tissue resources and the time necessary for scaffold fabrication. The objective of the current study was to investigate the adipogenic properties of hydrogels of decellularized porcine adipose tissue (HDPA). HDPA induced the adipogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs)in vitro, with significantly increased expression of adipogenic genes. Subcutaneous injection of HDPA in immunocompetent mice induced host‐derived adipogenesis without cell seeding, and adipogenesis was significantly enhanced with ADSCs seeding. The newly formed adipocytes were frequently located on the basal side in the non‐seeding group, but this trend was not observed in the ADSCs seeding group. Our results indicated that, similar to human adipose tissue, the ECM scaffold derived from porcine adipose tissue could provide an adipogenic microenvironment for adipose tissue regeneration and is a promising biomaterial for soft tissue augmentation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1756–1764, 2017.
Comparison of elastic properties of open‐cell metallic biomaterials with different unit cell types
Authors: Hedayati Reza , Sadighi Mojtaba , Mohammadi‐Aghdam Mohammad , Hosseini‐Toudeshky Hossein
Published: February 2017

Additive manufacturing techniques have made it possible to create open‐cell porous structures with arbitrary micro‐geometrical characteristics. Since a wide range of micro‐geometrical features is available for making an implant, having a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical response of cellular structures is very useful. In this study, finite element simulations have been carried out to investigate the effect of structure unit cell type (cube, rhombic dodecahedron, Kelvin, Weaire–Phelan, and diamond), cross‐section type (circular, square, and triangular), strut length, and relative density on the Young's modulus, shear modulus, yield stress, shear yield stress, and Poisson's ratio of open‐cell tessellated cellular structures. It was desired to see whether or not and to what extent each of the aforementioned parameters affect the mechanical properties of a porous structure. It was seen that the strut cross‐section type does not have a considerable effect on the structure Young's modulus while its effect on the structure yield stress is significant. The strut length was not effective on the mechanical properties if the relative density was kept constant. It was also observed that the structure unit cell type and relative density have a considerable effect on the elastic properties. The highest and the lowest stiffness and strength belonged to the cube and diamond unit cell types, respectively. The rhombic dodecahedron structure with circular cross‐section had a high yielding strength (second among all the cases) while its Young's modulus was relatively low. Therefore, it is the best choice for applications with low stiffness requirements, such as biomedical implants. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 386–398, 2018.
Theoretical simulation of CO2 capture in organic cage impregnated with polyoxometalates
Authors: Gao Jingyuan , Li Wenliang , Zhang Jingping
Published: February 2017

To explore the adsorption and separation properties of CO2 in a novel material consisting of a series of polyoxometalates (POMs) impregnated within supramolecular porous catenane (shorted as SPC), grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations and ab initio calculations were used. GCMC simulations showed this impregnation can enhance CO2/CH4 (or CO2/N2) selectivity almost 30 times compared to the bare SPC due to the strong interaction of CO2 with the nPOMs@SPC structures. And, the loading of CO2 inhibits the adsorption of CH4 (or N2) as CO2 occupying the preferred adsorption sites. Furthermore, the effect of number, mass, and volume of POMs inserted in SPC on CO2/CH4 (or CO2/N2) selectivity over large pressure range was investigated in detail. Additionally, the accurate ab initio calculations further confirmed our GCMC simulations. As a result, the proposed nPOMs@SPC structures are promising candidates for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 separations. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Van Der Waals heterogeneous layer‐layer carbon nanostructures involving π···H‐C‐C‐H···π···H‐C‐C‐H stacking based on graphene and graphane sheets
Authors: Yuan Kun , Zhao Rui‐Sheng , Zheng Jia‐Jia , Zheng Hong , Nagase Shigeru , Zhao Sheng‐Dun , Liu Yan‐Zhi , Zhao Xiang
Published: February 2017

Noncovalent interactions involving aromatic rings, such as π···π stacking, CH···π are very essential for supramolecular carbon nanostructures. Graphite is a typical homogenous carbon matter based on π···π stacking of graphene sheets. Even in systems not involving aromatic groups, the stability of diamondoid dimer and layer‐layer graphane dimer originates from C − H···H − C noncovalent interaction. In this article, the structures and properties of novel heterogeneous layer‐layer carbon‐nanostructures involving π···H‐C‐C‐H···π···H‐C‐C‐H stacking based on [n]‐graphane and [n]‐graphene and their derivatives are theoretically investigated for n = 16–54 using dispersion corrected density functional theory B3LYP‐D3 method. Energy decomposition analysis shows that dispersion interaction is the most important for the stabilization of both double‐ and multi‐layer‐layer [n]‐graphane@graphene. Binding energy between graphane and graphene sheets shows that there is a distinct additive nature of CH···π interaction. For comparison and simplicity, the concept of H‐H bond energy equivalent number of carbon atoms (noted as NHEQ), is used to describe the strength of these noncovalent interactions. The NHEQ of the graphene dimers, graphane dimers, and double‐layered graphane@graphene are 103, 143, and 110, indicating that the strength of C‐H···π interaction is close to that of π···π and much stronger than that of C‐H···H‐C in large size systems. Additionally, frontier molecular orbital, electron density difference and visualized noncovalent interaction regions are discussed for deeply understanding the nature of the C‐H···π stacking interaction in construction of heterogeneous layer‐layer graphane@graphene structures. We hope that the present study would be helpful for creations of new functional supramolecular materials based on graphane and graphene carbon nano‐structures. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of particle size, iron ligands and anions on ciprofloxacin degradation in zero‐valent iron process: application to sewage treatment plant effluent
Authors: de Lima Perini João Angelo , Nogueira Raquel Fernandes Pupo
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is an antibiotic largely used to treat bacterial infections and found in sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent. Zero valent iron (ZVI, Fe0) technology has great potential for the degradation of residual pharmaceuticals. The effect of some parameters (anaerobic/aerobic, particle size, iron ligands and anions) were evaluated for CIP degradation in distilled water (DW) and finally compared to that obtained in STP effluent.

RESULTS

The smaller ZVI particle (200 mesh) resulted in a lower degradation rate than the larger particle (20 mesh) in both anaerobic and aerobic treatment. This is due mainly to the fast generation of Fe2+, hindering the degradation process due to •OH scavenging. A linear increase of CIP degradation rate was observed when the reaction was carried out with increasing EDTA concentrations. The Cl− anions had a positive effect on CIP degradation in the ZVI process. On the other hand, the presence of NO3− resulted in a decrease of degradation rate, both with 20 and 200 mesh particles. CIP could be degraded in two STP effluents mediated by ZVI (20 mesh).

CONCLUSIONS

The ZVI process can be used efficiently for the degradation of CIP in two types of STP effluent (anaerobic treatment or anaerobic/aerobic treatment), revealing a possible applicability of the ZVI process to this type of matrix. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis, Characterization, Aggregation Properties, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Novel Unmetalled and Metallophthalocyanines Bearing Coumarin Derivatives
Authors: Hamdi N. , Medyouni R. , Sulaiman Al‐Ayed A. , Mansour L. , Romerosa A.
Published: February 2017

In this study, novel Metal–free and metallophthalocyanines 3–10 were prepared by the cyclotetramerization of the new phthalonitriles 1–2 and the corresponding divalent metal salts. The novel phthalonitrile derivatives 1–2 were synthesized by the reaction between 4‐nitrophthalonitrile with 3‐hydroxycoumarin and 7‐hydroxycoumarin respectively in DMF in the presence of dry K2CO3 as base catalyst. The aggregation behavior of these compounds was investigated in different concentrations of DMSO for the Zn and Co phthalocyanines 5,9. In vitro antioxidant test method, namely diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, was used to determine the antioxidant activity of complexes 5–10. In addition, these compounds were analyzed for their antibacterial activity against some bacteria by using the disk‐diffusion method. The compounds were characterized by spectral data (IR, UV–Vis, 1H‐NMR and mass spectroscopies) as well as elemental analysis.
Post‐metamorphic development of skin glands in a true toad: Parotoids versus dorsal skin
Authors: Regueira Eleonora , Dávila Camila , Sassone Alina G. , O'Donohoe María E. Ailín , Hermida Gladys N.
Published: February 2017

Chemical defenses in amphibians are a common antipredatory and antimicrobial strategy related to the presence of dermal glands that synthesize and store toxic or unpalatable substances. Glands are either distributed throughout the skin or aggregated in multiglandular structures, being the parotoids the most ubiquitous macrogland in toads of Bufonidae. Even though dermal glands begin to develop during late‐larval stages, many species, including Rhinella arenarum, have immature glands by the end of metamorphosis, and their post‐metamorphic growth is unknown. Herein, we compared the post‐metamorphic development of parotoids and dorsal glands by histological and allometric studies in a size series of R. arenarum. Histological and histochemical studies to detect proteins, acidic glycoconjugates, and catecholamines, showed that both, parotoids and dorsal glands, acquire characteristics of adults in individuals larger than 50 mm; that is, a moment in which the cryptic coloration disappears. Parotoid height increased allometrically as a function of body size, whereas the size of small dorsal glands decreased with body size. The number of glands in the dorsum was not linearly related to body size, appearing to be an individual characteristic. Only adult specimens had intraepithelial granular glands in the duct of the largest glands of the parotoids. Since toxic secretions accumulate in the central glands of parotoids, allometric growth of parotoids may translate into greater protection from predators in the largest animals. Conversely, large glands in the dorsum, which produce a proteinaceous secretion of unknown function, grow isometrically to body size. Some characteristics, like intraepithelial glands in the ducts and basophilic glands in the dorsum, are limited to adults.