bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalensi Otitis Media Akut di RS Islam Siti Rahmah Padang Tahun 2017
Authors: Yuniarti Delpi , Triola Seres , Fitriyasti Betty
Published: January 2020

Acute Otitis Media (OMA) is an acute inflammation of the middle ear that lasts less than three weeks. OMA is a common infectious disease at an early age and is a common reason for treatment. This infectious disease can be caused by many factors. This study aims to determine the prevalence of acute otitis media at Siti Rahmah Islamic Hospital in Padang. Method This type of research is descriptive retrospective using secondary data in the form of medical records. The study was conducted from July 2018 - January 2019 in the ENT section of the Siti Rahmah Islamic Hospital in Padang. The research subjects were 63 patients with Acute Otitis Media. This study reports the frequency distribution of research characteristics such as age, sex, stage, and infected ears. The result of this study report the prevalence of 63 patients with Acute Otitis Media. Based on age, the majority suffered at the age of five as many as 12 cases (19%). Based on gender, the majority of women suffered 35 cases (55.6%). Based on the stage, the most cases were at the stage of hyperemia 31 cases (49.2%). Based on the infected ear, the most cases were unilateral in 61 cases (96.8%). In this study the prevalence of acute otitis media in patients aged 0-5 years, female, hyperemic stage and unilateral infected ears were found.
Hubungan Peningkatan Indeks Massa Tubuh dengan Kejadian Kolelitiasis di Bagian Bedah Digestif RSI Siti Rahmah Padang Periode Januari-Juni 2018
Authors: Nurhikmah Rizki , Efriza Efriza , Abdullah Dessy
Published: January 2020

Cholelithiasis is a pile of crystals formed by a combination of several elements from the bile in the gallbladder. The incidence of cholelithiasis has been reported to be 5% in the general population, while it is significantly increased in overweight and obese population reaching 45%.  In Indonesia there is less attention because it is often asymptomatic and misdiagnosed. The aim of this study  was to know the relation of increased BMI with the incidence of cholelithiasis at the surgical department of RSI Siti Rahmah Padang within the period in January- June 2018. An observational analytic study was done using the cross sectional approach. Data analysis using univariate and  bivariat  analysis. The  result  of  this  study, out  of  44  patients, the  highest  gender  with cholelithiasis was found in female with 11 people (57.9%), the highest age in cholelithiasis was found 40-49 years 36,8% and There was association between the increased BMI and the incidence of cholelithiasis (p = 0.001).
Laboratory Examination in Hepatocelullar Carcinoma
Authors: Anggraini Debie
Published: January 2020

Hepatocellular  carcinoma  (HCC)  is  a  malignant  tumor  originating  from  hepatocyte  cells  including  primary malignant tumors of the epithelial liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most malignant in the world and the third largest cause of death of all malignancies. Diagnosis of HCC is obtained from the patient's history, examination  of  the  patient,  by  imaging  (ultrasonography,  MRI  or  CT  scan)  and  an  increase  in  serum  tumor biomarkers of alpha feto protein (AFP) (> 400 ng mL). Early diagnosis is important to increase the patient's life expectancy and only 30-40% of patients are diagnosed at an early stage. Biomarkers in HCC not only help in diagnosing but also predict prognosis or recurrence and in choosing therapy. The stability of miRNA in blood circulation makes miRNA an ideal candidate for use in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Modeling the Interaction of Plastic Film Mulch and Potato Canopy Growth with Soil Heat Transport in a Semiarid Area
Authors: Zhang You-Liang , Wang Feng-Xin , Shock Clinton C. , Feng Shao-Yuan
Published: January 2020

Plastic film mulch is an important agricultural technology to reduce water evaporation and modify the soil thermal conditions for crop production. The optical properties of plastic film mulch and the crop canopy growth are both key factors impacting soil heat transport in the soil-film-canopy-atmosphere ecosystem. In this study, a process-oriented model was developed to better understand the interaction among the plastic film mulch, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) canopy growth, and soil thermal conditions. Canopy growth, photosynthetically active radiation transmittance, net radiation, soil heat flux, and temperature were monitored in a two-year plastic mulch field experiment in Wuwei (Gansu Province, China). Results showed that the simulation of daily soil surface temperature had a good performance with 2.8 and 1.5 °C of root mean square error (RMSE) for the transparent film mulch (TM) and black film mulch (BM), respectively. Moreover, the simulation of the daily net radiation and soil heat flux model indicated reasonable fluctuations with potato phenological development with the daily R2 ranging from 0.89 to 0.98 in 2014 and 2015 for the TM and BM treatments. It was shown that the canopy temperature under BM was greater than that in TM treatment, and the maximum value difference could be up to 7 °C during the early potato growing period, which implied that the BM may perform better in modifying the canopy thermal condition. The model could provide heat distribution information for plastic film choosing in potato field to avoid heat stress.
A Note on the Hierarchy of Quantum Measurement Incompatibilities
Authors: Sun Bao-Zhi , Wang Zhi-Xi , Li-Jost Xianqing , Fei Shao-Ming
Published: January 2020

The quantum measurement incompatibility is a distinctive feature of quantum mechanics. We investigate the incompatibility of a set of general measurements and classify the incompatibility by the hierarchy of compatibilities of its subsets. By using the approach of adding noises to measurement operators, we present a complete classification of the incompatibility of a given measurement assemblage with n members. Detailed examples are given for the incompatibility of unbiased qubit measurements based on a semidefinite program.
Properties of the Vascular Networks in Malignant Tumors
Authors: Chimal-Eguía Juan Carlos , Castillo-Montiel Erandi , Paez-Hernández Ricardo T.
Published: January 2020

This work presents an analysis for real and synthetic angiogenic networks using a tomography image that obtains a portrait of a vascular network. After the image conversion into a binary format it is possible to measure various network properties, which includes the average path length, the clustering coefficient, the degree distribution and the fractal dimension. When comparing the observed properties with that produced by the Invasion Percolation algorithm (IPA), we observe that there exist differences between the properties obtained by the real and the synthetic networks produced by the IPA algorithm. Taking into account the former, a new algorithm which models the expansion of an angiogenic network through randomly heuristic rules is proposed. When comparing this new algorithm with the real networks it is observed that now both share some properties. Once creating synthetic networks, we prove the robustness of the network by subjecting the original angiogenic and the synthetic networks to the removal of the most connected nodes, and see to what extent the properties changed. Using this concept of robustness, in a very naive fashion it is possible to launch a hypothetical proposal for a therapeutic treatment based on the robustness of the network.
Ballistic-Diffusive Model for Heat Transport in Superlattices and the Minimum Effective Heat Conductivity
Authors: Vázquez Federico , Ván Péter , Kovács Róbert
Published: January 2020

There has been much interest in semiconductor superlattices because of their low thermal conductivities. This makes them especially suitable for applications in a variety of devices for the thermoelectric generation of energy, heat control at the nanometric length scale, etc. Recent experiments have confirmed that the effective thermal conductivity of superlattices at room temperature have a minimum for very short periods (in the order of nanometers) as some kinetic calculations had anticipated previously. This work will show advances on a thermodynamic theory of heat transport in nanometric 1D multilayer systems by considering the separation of ballistic and diffusive heat fluxes, which are both described by Guyer-Krumhansl constitutive equations. The dispersion relations, as derived from the ballistic and diffusive heat transport equations, are used to derive an effective heat conductivity of the superlattice and to explain the minimum of the effective thermal conductivity.
A Multi-Sectional Arc Eliminator for Protection of Low Voltage Electrical Equipment
Authors: Nowak Karol , Janiszewski Jerzy , Dombek Grzegorz
Published: January 2020

The paper presents a system of two oppositely connected multi-sectional thyristor branches. The system works as a multi-sectional arc eliminator (MSAE), protecting low-voltage electrical apparatus against the effects of an arcing fault. MSAE is designed to serve as a device cooperating with protected and secured electrical equipment. The use of thyristors in the proposed solution allows to obtain a high speed of operation, while multi-sectional thyristor branches significantly increase the permissible current load of the arc eliminator. A test circuit was designed and made to test the performance effectiveness of the multi-sectional thyristor arc eliminator. A number of tests were carried out with variable current values in the arc branch, taking into account the influence of thyristor conduction voltage and different thyristor gate release times. It was found that the multi-section thyristor arc eliminator system effectively protects devices powered from low voltage power network against the effects of interference or arc fault.
Identification, Categorisation and Gaps of Safety Indicators for U-Space
Authors: Pérez-Castán Javier Alberto , Gómez Comendador Fernando , Cardenas-Soria Ana Belén , Janisch Dominik , Arnaldo Valdés Rosa M.
Published: January 2020

Many civilian applications of commercial unmanned aircraft are being planned to operate in the years ahead. Several countries have developed their own framework to design the operation of unmanned aircraft and the different services that demand safe operation. This paper focuses on the European framework denoted as U-space which concludes with the joint integration of manned and unmanned aircraft in the airspace. U-space is a set of novel services and specific procedures designed to provide safe and efficient access into the airspace to the airspace users. U-space constitutes a management system to organise unmanned operations and provides relevant information to drone operators as well as manned aircraft, air navigation service providers and authorities. The understanding of associated hazards and risks to unmanned aircraft is a critical issue for their operation in complex and non-segregated airspaces. The safety assessment developed herein is crucial to identify safety indicators for U-space. In addition, the identification of safety indicators was used to identify gaps in U-spaces services that are not correctly covered by the U-space framework. Particularly, several safety indicators are identified that currently U-space services do not consider and can imply an increase in the operational risk of unmanned operations.
Differential Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Krill Meal, Soybean Meal, Butyrate, and Bactocell® on the Gene Expression of Atlantic Salmon Head Kidney
Authors: Jalili Mahsa , Gerdol Marco , Greco Samuele , Pallavicini Alberto , Buonocore Francesco , Scapigliati Giuseppe , Picchietti Simona , Esteban Maria Angeles , Rye Morten , Bones Atle
Published: January 2020

The head kidney is a key organ that plays a fundamental role in the regulation of the fish immune response and in the maintenance of endocrine homeostasis. Previous studies indicate that the supplementation of exogenous dietary components, such as krill meal (KM), soybean meal (SM), Bactocell® (BA), and butyrate (BU), can have a significant effect on the immune function of the head kidney. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential effect of these four dietary ingredients on the transcriptional profiles of the head kidney of the Atlantic salmon. This study revealed that just a small number of genes were responsive to the feeding regime after a long-term (12 weeks) treatment, and evidenced that the most significant alterations, both in terms of the number of affected genes and magnitude of changes in gene expression, were detectable in the BU- and KM-fed groups compared with controls, while the SM diet had a nearly negligible effect, and BA had no significant effects at all. Most of the differentially expressed genes were involved in the immune response and, in line with data previously obtained from pyloric caeca, major components of the complement system were significantly affected. These alterations were accompanied by an increase in the density of melanomacrophage centers in the KM- and SM-fed group and their reduction in the BU-fed group. While three types of dietary supplements (BU, KM, and SM) were able to produce a significant modulation of some molecular players of the immune system, the butyrate-rich diet was revealed as the one with the most relevant immune-stimulating properties in the head kidney. These preliminary results suggest that further investigations should be aimed towards the elucidation of the potential beneficial effects of butyrate and krill meal supplementation on farmed salmon health and growth performance.
Molecular Imaging of Pulmonary Inflammation and Infection
Authors: Giraudo Chiara , Evangelista Laura , Fraia Anna Sara , Lupi Amalia , Quaia Emilio , Cecchin Diego , Casali Massimiliano
Published: January 2020

Infectious and inflammatory pulmonary diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although infrequently used in this setting, molecular imaging may significantly contribute to their diagnosis using techniques like single photon emission tomography (SPET), positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the support of specific or unspecific radiopharmaceutical agents. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), mostly applied in oncological imaging, can also detect cells actively involved in infectious and inflammatory conditions, even if with a low specificity. SPET with nonspecific (e.g., 67Gallium-citrate (67Ga citrate)) and specific tracers (e.g., white blood cells radiolabeled with 111Indium-oxine (111In) or 99mTechnetium (99mTc)) showed interesting results for many inflammatory lung diseases. However, 67Ga citrate is unfavorable by a radioprotection point of view while radiolabeled white blood cells scan implies complex laboratory settings and labeling procedures. Radiolabeled antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin) have been recently tested, although they seem to be quite unspecific and cause antibiotic resistance. New radiolabeled agents like antimicrobic peptides, binding to bacterial cell membranes, seem very promising. Thus, the aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview about techniques, including PET/MRI, and tracers that can guide the clinicians in the appropriate diagnostic pathway of infectious and inflammatory pulmonary diseases.
Expression of Bitter Taste Receptors in the Intestinal Cells of Non-Human Primates
Authors: Imai Hiroo , Hakukawa Miho , Hayashi Misa , Iwatsuki Ken , Masuda Katsuyoshi
Published: January 2020

(1) Background: Recent studies have investigated the expression of taste-related genes in the organs of various animals, including humans; however, data for additional taxa are needed to facilitate comparative analyses within and among species. (2) Methods: We investigated the expression of taste-related genes in the intestines of rhesus macaques, the non-human primates most commonly used in experimental models. (3) Results: Based on RNAseq and qRT-PCR, genes encoding bitter taste receptors and the G-protein gustducin were expressed in the gut of rhesus macaques. RNAscope analysis showed that one of the bitter receptors, TAS2R38, was expressed in some cells in the small intestine, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of T2R38-positive cells in the villi of the intestines. (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that bitter receptors are expressed in the gut of rhesus macaques, supporting the use of macaques as a model for studies of human taste, including gut analyses.
ADAM12 is A Potential Therapeutic Target Regulated by Hypomethylation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Mendaza Saioa , Ulazia-Garmendia Ane , Monreal-Santesteban Iñaki , Córdoba Alicia , Azúa Yerani Ruiz de , Aguiar Begoña , Beloqui Raquel , Armendáriz Pedro , Arriola Marta , Martín-Sánchez Esperanza , Guerrero-Setas David
Published: January 2020

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype and currently lacks any effective targeted therapy. Since epigenetic alterations are a common event in TNBC, DNA methylation profiling can be useful for identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Here, genome-wide DNA methylation from eight TNBC and six non-neoplastic tissues was analysed using Illumina Human Methylation 450K BeadChip. Results were validated by pyrosequencing in an independent cohort of 50 TNBC and 24 non-neoplastic samples, where protein expression was also assessed by immunohistochemistry. The functional role of disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 12(ADAM12) in TNBC cell proliferation, migration and drug response was analysed by gene expression silencing with short hairpin RNA. Three genes (Von Willenbrand factor C and Epidermal Growth Factor domain-containing protein (VWCE), tetraspanin-9 (TSPAN9) and ADAM12) were found to be exclusively hypomethylated in TNBC. Furthermore, ADAM12 hypomethylation was associated with a worse outcome in TNBC tissues and was also found in adjacent-to-tumour tissue and, preliminarily, in plasma from TNBC patients. In addition, ADAM12 silencing decreased TNBC cell proliferation and migration and improved doxorubicin sensitivity in TNBC cells. Our results indicate that ADAM12 is a potential therapeutic target and its hypomethylation could be a poor outcome biomarker in TNBC.
In Vitro Evaluation of Different Prebiotics on the Modulation of Gut Microbiota Composition and Function in Morbid Obese and Normal-Weight Subjects
Authors: Nogacka Alicja M. , Salazar Nuria , Arboleya Silvia , Ruas-Madiedo Patricia , Mancabelli Leonardo , Suarez Adolfo , Martinez-Faedo Ceferino , Ventura Marco , Tochio Takumi , Hirano Katsuaki , Endo Akihito , G. de los Reyes-Gavilán Clara , Gueimonde Miguel
Published: January 2020

The gut microbiota remains relatively stable during adulthood; however, certain intrinsic and environmental factors can lead to microbiota dysbiosis. Its restoration towards a healthy condition using best-suited prebiotics requires previous development of in vitro models for evaluating their functionality. Herein, we carried out fecal cultures with microbiota from healthy normal-weight and morbid obese adults. Cultures were supplemented with different inulin-type fructans (1-kestose, Actilight, P95, Synergy1 and Inulin) and a galactooligosaccharide. Their impact on the gut microbiota was assessed by monitoring gas production and evaluating changes in the microbiota composition (qPCR and 16S rRNA gene profiling) and metabolic activity (gas chromatography). Additionally, the effect on the bifidobacterial species was assessed (ITS-sequencing). Moreover, the functionality of the microbiota before and after prebiotic-modulation was determined in an in vitro model of interaction with an intestinal cell line. In general, 1-kestose was the compound showing the largest effects. The modulation with prebiotics led to significant increases in the Bacteroides group and Faecalibacterium in obese subjects, whereas in normal-weight individuals, substantial rises in Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium were appreciated. Notably, the results obtained showed differences in the responses among the tested compounds but also among the studied human populations, indicating the need for developing population-specific products.
Combined Proteomics and Metabolism Analysis Unravels Prominent Roles of Antioxidant System in the Prevention of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) against Salt Stress
Authors: Li Jikai , Essemine Jemaa , Shang Chen , Zhang Hailing , Zhu Xiaocen , Yu Jialin , Chen Genyun , Qu Mingnan , Sun Dequan
Published: January 2020

Alfalfa is the most extensively cultivated forage legume worldwide, and salinity constitutes the main environmental scourge limiting its growth and productivity. To unravel the potential molecular mechanism involved in salt tolerance in alfalfa, we accomplished a combined analysis of parallel reaction monitoring-based proteomic technique and targeted metabolism. Based on proteomic analysis, salt stress induced 226 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs). Among them, 118 DAPs related to the antioxidant system, including glutathione metabolism and oxidation-reduction pathways, were significantly up-regulated. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD017166. Overall, 107 determined metabolites revealed that the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, especially the malate to oxaloacetate conversion step, was strongly stimulated by salt stress. This leads to an up-regulation by about 5 times the ratio of NADPH/NADP+, as well as about 3 to 5 times in the antioxidant enzymes activities, including those of catalase and peroxidase and proline contents. However, the expression levels of DAPs related to the Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle and photorespiration pathway were dramatically inhibited following salt treatment. Consistently, metabolic analysis showed that the metabolite amounts related to carbon assimilation and photorespiration decreased by about 40% after exposure to 200 mM NaCl for 14 d, leading ultimately to a reduction in net photosynthesis by around 30%. Our findings highlighted also the importance of the supplied extra reducing power, thanks to the TCA cycle, in the well-functioning of glutathione to remove and scavenge the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigate subsequently the oxidative deleterious effect of salt on carbon metabolism including the CBB cycle.
The NRF2 Signaling Network Defines Clinical Biomarkers and Therapeutic Opportunity in Friedreich’s Ataxia
Authors: La Rosa Piergiorgio , Bertini Enrico Silvio , Piemonte Fiorella
Published: January 2020

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a trinucleotide repeats expansion neurodegenerative disorder, for which no cure or approved therapies are present. In most cases, GAA trinucleotide repetitions in the first intron of the FXN gene are the genetic trigger of FA, determining a strong reduction of frataxin, a mitochondrial protein involved in iron homeostasis. Frataxin depletion impairs iron–sulfur cluster biosynthesis and determines iron accumulation in the mitochondria. Mounting evidence suggests that these defects increase oxidative stress susceptibility and reactive oxygen species production in FA, where the pathologic picture is worsened by a defective regulation of the expression and signaling pathway modulation of the transcription factor NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2), one of the fundamental mediators of the cellular antioxidant response. NRF2 protein downregulation and impairment of its nuclear translocation can compromise the adequate cellular response to the frataxin depletion-dependent redox imbalance. As NRF2 stability, expression, and activation can be modulated by diverse natural and synthetic compounds, efforts have been made in recent years to understand if regulating NRF2 signaling might ameliorate the pathologic defects in FA. Here we provide an analysis of the pharmaceutical interventions aimed at restoring the NRF2 signaling network in FA, elucidating specific biomarkers useful for monitoring therapeutic effectiveness, and developing new therapeutic tools.
Elongator Subunit 3 (Elp3) Is Required for Zebrafish Trunk Development
Authors: Rojas-Benítez Diego , L. Allende Miguel
Published: January 2020

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are the most post-transcriptionally modified RNA species. Some of these modifications, especially the ones located in the anti-codon loop, are required for decoding capabilities of tRNAs. Such is the case for 5-methoxy-carbonyl-methyl-2-thio-uridine (mcm5s2U), synthetized by the Elongator complex. Mutants for its sub-units display pleiotropic phenotypes. In this paper, we analyze the role of elp3 (Elongator catalytic sub-unit) in zebrafish development. We found that it is required for trunk development; elp3 knock-down animals presented diminished levels of mcm5s2U and sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling activity. Activation of this pathway was sufficient to revert the phenotype caused by elp3 knockdown, indicating a functional relationship between Elongator and Shh through a yet unknown molecular mechanism.
Gastric Corpus Mucosal Hyperplasia and Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia, but not Spasmolytic Polypeptide-Expressing Metaplasia, Is Prevented by a Gastrin Receptor Antagonist in H+/K+ATPase Beta Subunit Knockout Mice
Authors: Aasarød Kristin Matre , Waldum Helge Lyder , Stunes Astrid Kamilla , Sandvik Arne Kristian , Flatberg Arnar , Mjønes Patricia , Syversen Unni , Bakke Ingunn , Fossmark Reidar
Published: January 2020

Proton pump inhibitor use is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer, which may be mediated by hypergastrinemia. Spasmolytic polypeptide-expression metaplasia (SPEM) has been proposed as a precursor of gastric cancer. We have examined the effects of the gastrin receptor antagonist netazepide (NTZ) or vehicle on the gastric corpus mucosa of H+/K+ATPase beta subunit knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. The gastric corpus was evaluated by histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH) and whole-genome gene expression analysis, focusing on markers of SPEM and neuroendocrine (NE) cells. KO mice had pronounced hypertrophy, intra- and submucosal cysts and extensive expression of SPEM and NE cell markers in the gastric corpus, but not in the antrum. Numerous SPEM-related genes were upregulated in KO mice compared to WT mice. NTZ reduced hypertrophia, cysts, inflammation and NE hyperplasia. However, NTZ neither affected expression of SPEM markers nor of SPEM-related genes. In conclusion, NTZ prevented mucosal hypertrophy, cyst formation and NE cell hyperplasia but did not affect SPEM. The presence of SPEM seems unrelated to the changes caused by hypergastrinemia in this animal model.
Unique k-mers as Strain-Specific Barcodes for Phylogenetic Analysis and Natural Microbiome Profiling
Authors: Panyukov Valery V. , Kiselev Sergey S. , Ozoline Olga N.
Published: January 2020

The need for a comparative analysis of natural metagenomes stimulated the development of new methods for their taxonomic profiling. Alignment-free approaches based on the search for marker k-mers turned out to be capable of identifying not only species, but also strains of microorganisms with known genomes. Here, we evaluated the ability of genus-specific k-mers to distinguish eight phylogroups of Escherichia coli (A, B1, C, E, D, F, G, B2) and assessed the presence of their unique 22-mers in clinical samples from microbiomes of four healthy people and four patients with Crohn’s disease. We found that a phylogenetic tree inferred from the pairwise distance matrix for unique 18-mers and 22-mers of 124 genomes was fully consistent with the topology of the tree, obtained with concatenated aligned sequences of orthologous genes. Therefore, we propose strain-specific “barcodes” for rapid phylotyping. Using unique 22-mers for taxonomic analysis, we detected microbes of all groups in human microbiomes; however, their presence in the five samples was significantly different. Pointing to the intraspecies heterogeneity of E. coli in the natural microflora, this also indicates the feasibility of further studies of the role of this heterogeneity in maintaining population homeostasis.
Integrative Transcriptome and Proteome Analysis of the Tube Foot and Adhesive Secretions of the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus
Authors: Pjeta Robert , Lindner Herbert , Kremser Leopold , Salvenmoser Willi , Sobral Daniel , Ladurner Peter , Santos Romana
Published: January 2020

Echinoderms, such as the rock-boring sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, attach temporarily to surfaces during locomotion using their tube feet. They can attach firmly to any substrate and release from it within seconds through the secretion of unknown molecules. The composition of the adhesive, as well as the releasing secretion, remains largely unknown. This study re-analyzed a differential proteome dataset from Lebesgue et al. by mapping mass spectrometry-derived peptides to a P. lividus de novo transcriptome generated in this study. This resulted in a drastic increase in mapped proteins in comparison to the previous publication. The data were subsequently combined with a differential RNAseq approach to identify potential adhesion candidate genes. A gene expression analysis of 59 transcripts using whole mount in situ hybridization led to the identification of 16 transcripts potentially involved in bioadhesion. In the future these data could be useful for the production of synthetic reversible adhesives for industrial and medical purposes.
Riboflavin: The Health Benefits of a Forgotten Natural Vitamin
Authors: Suwannasom Nittiya , Kao Ijad , Pruß Axel , Georgieva Radostina , Bäumler Hans
Published: January 2020

Riboflavin (RF) is a water-soluble member of the B-vitamin family. Sufficient dietary and supplemental RF intake appears to have a protective effect on various medical conditions such as sepsis, ischemia etc., while it also contributes to the reduction in the risk of some forms of cancer in humans. These biological effects of RF have been widely studied for their anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and anti-cancer properties. Moreover, the combination of RF and other compounds or drugs can have a wide variety of effects and protective properties, and diminish the toxic effect of drugs in several treatments. Research has been done in order to review the latest findings about the link between RF and different clinical aberrations. Since further studies have been published in this field, it is appropriate to consider a re-evaluation of the importance of RF in terms of its beneficial properties.
History of Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis—The Early Years
Authors: Travert Georges , Heeley Mary , Heeley Anthony
Published: January 2020

This review summarises the trajectory of neonatal screening strategies for the detection of cystic fibrosis (CF) using the measurement of Immunoreactive Trypsin (IRT) in dried blood spots (DBS) from 1979 until the beginning of the 21st century when newborn screening (NBS) programmes started to spread throughout many countries, using IRT measurement combined with a CF genotype analysis of DBS.
Enzymatic Modification of Native Chitin and Conversion to Specialty Chemical Products
Authors: Arnold Nathanael D. , Brück Wolfram M. , Garbe Daniel , Brück Thomas B.
Published: January 2020

Chitin is one of the most abundant biomolecules on earth, occurring in crustacean shells and cell walls of fungi. While the polysaccharide is threatening to pollute coastal ecosystems in the form of accumulating shell-waste, it has the potential to be converted into highly profitable derivatives with applications in medicine, biotechnology, and wastewater treatment, among others. Traditionally this is still mostly done by the employment of aggressive chemicals, yielding low quality while producing toxic by-products. In the last decades, the enzymatic conversion of chitin has been on the rise, albeit still not on the same level of cost-effectiveness compared to the traditional methods due to its multi-step character. Another severe drawback of the biotechnological approach is the highly ordered structure of chitin, which renders it nigh impossible for most glycosidic hydrolases to act upon. So far, only the Auxiliary Activity 10 family (AA10), including lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), is known to hydrolyse native recalcitrant chitin, which spares the expensive first step of chemical or mechanical pre-treatment to enlarge the substrate surface. The main advantages of enzymatic conversion of chitin over conventional chemical methods are the biocompability and, more strikingly, the higher product specificity, product quality, and yield of the process. Products with a higher Mw due to no unspecific depolymerisation besides an exactly defined degree and pattern of acetylation can be yielded. This provides a new toolset of thousands of new chitin and chitosan derivatives, as the physio-chemical properties can be modified according to the desired application. This review aims to provide an overview of the biotechnological tools currently at hand, as well as challenges and crucial steps to achieve the long-term goal of enzymatic conversion of native chitin into specialty chemical products.
Impact of Prevalence Ratios of Chondroitin Sulfate (CS)- 4 and -6 Isomers Derived from Marine Sources in Cell Proliferation and Chondrogenic Differentiation Processes
Authors: López-Senra Estefanía , Casal-Beiroa Paula , López-Álvarez Miriam , Serra Julia , González Pío , Valcarcel Jesus , Vázquez José Antonio , Burguera Elena F. , Blanco Francisco J. , Magalhães Joana
Published: January 2020

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent rheumatic disease. During disease progression, differences have been described in the prevalence of chondroitin sulfate (CS) isomers. Marine derived-CS present a higher proportion of the 6S isomer, offering therapeutic potential. Accordingly, we evaluated the effect of exogenous supplementation of CS, derived from the small spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), blue shark (Prionace glauca), thornback skate (Raja clavata) and bovine CS (reference), on the proliferation of osteochondral cell lines (MG-63 and T/C-28a2) and the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). MG-G3 proliferation was comparable between R. clavata (CS-6 intermediate ratio) and bovine CS (CS-4 enrichment), for concentrations below 0.5 mg/mL, defined as a toxicity threshold. T/C-28a2 proliferation was significantly improved by intermediate ratios of CS-6 and -4 isomers (S. canicula and R. clavata). A dose-dependent response was observed for S. canicula (200 µg/mL vs 50 and 10 µg/mL) and bovine CS (200 and 100 µg/mL vs 10 µg/mL). CS sulfation patterns discretely affected MSCs chondrogenesis; even though S. canicula and R. clavata CS up-regulated chondrogenic markers expression (aggrecan and collagen type II) these were not statistically significant. We demonstrate that intermediate values of CS-4 and -6 isomers improve cell proliferation and offer potential for chondrogenic promotion, although more studies are needed to elucidate its mechanism of action.
Petrological Features of the Burlakski and Nizhne-Derbinsk Mafic-Ultramafic Plutons (East Sayan Mountains, Siberia, Russia)
Authors: Yakich Tamara , Brzozowski Matthew , Chernishov Alexey , Grieco Giovanni , Savinova Olesya , Timkin Timofey , Marfin Alexander
Published: January 2020

The Nizhne-Derbinsk mafic-ultramafic complex is located between the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and the Siberian Craton and, is associated with the Ballyk fault. The largest, spatially related to each other, plutons in the central part of the complex are the Burlakski and Nizhne-Derbinsk. Rocks in the main units of these plutons are divided into three groups: peridotites (ultramafic), pyroxenites (sub-ultramafic), and gabbroic rocks (mafic). The ultramafic and sub-ultramafic cumulate series are devoid of plagioclase and contain <3 vol. % chromian spinel. The Fo content of olivine in the sub-ultramafic cumulates from both plutons ranges from Fo79 to Fo86. The En content [= Mg/(Mg + Fe + Ca) × 100 atomic ratio] of clinopyroxenes and orthopyroxenes varies from 46–56, and 63–80, respectively. Plagioclase corresponds to labradorite with An contents between 55 and 57. Hornblende is compositionally similar to pargasite. The sequence of change of rock units corresponds to the paragenesis: olivine − olivine + clinopyroxene (orthopyroxene) − clinopyroxene + orthopyroxene – clinopyroxene + orthopyroxene + plagioclase – orthopyroxene. Petrographic, mineralogical, and mineral chemical features of the Burlakski and Nizhne-Derbinsk plutons suggest that the diversity of the material composition of these plutons is due to the processes of magmatic differentiation in deep-seated conditions. Estimates of crystallization pressures and temperatures of the Burlakski and Nizhne-Derbinsk plutons suggest that they crystallized at high pressures ≥ 10kb and temperatures ranging from 1000–1400 °C. Mineralogical and petrological features suggest that the mafic-ultramafic cumulates were derived from a high-Mg basaltic magma. The presence of magmatic hornblende and hydrous mineral assemblages within the ultramafic cumulates indicates that the parental melts had been enriched in dissolved volatile constituents. Taking into account the age of the gabbronorites of the Burlakski pluton (~490 ± 11.8 Ma), the magmatism likely occurred during the Ordovician collision stage of the evolution of the Central Asian Fold Belt.
Synthesis, Property and Mechanism Analysis of a Novel Polyhydroxy Organic Amine Shale Hydration Inhibitor
Authors: Du Weichao , Wang Xiangyun , Chen Gang , Zhang Jie , Slaný Michal
Published: January 2020

Based on the adsorption mechanism analysis of polyhydroxy organic compound on a shale surface, a novel polyhydroxy organic amine shale hydration inhibitor N, N, N′, N′-tetrakis (2-hydroxyethyl) ethylenediamine (THEED) was synthesized via a nucleophilic reaction by using diethanolamine and dibromoethane as raw materials. Its structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS). The inhibition performance of THEED was studied by a shale rolling recovery experiment, a linear expansion experiment and the particle size distribution experiment. Results showed the shale rolling recovery rate in 2.0 wt % THEED solutions was up to 89.6% at the rolling condition of 100 °C × 16 h, and the linear expansion height of artificial shale core in 2.0 wt % THEED solutions was just 4.74 mm after 16 h. The average particle size of Na-bentonite (Na-MMT) in fresh water was 8.05 μm, and it was observed that the average particle size has been increased to 124 μm in 2.0 wt % THEED solutions. The shale hydration inhibition mechanism of the novel inhibitor THEED was analyzed by FTIR, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD), we concluded that the nice shale hydration inhibition performance of THEED was achieved by means of intercalation and adsorption onto the surface of shale. The superior shale hydration inhibition property makes THEED promising in maintaining wellbore stability in drilling engineering.
Alternative Structures of α-Synuclein
Authors: Dułak Dawid , Gadzała Małgorzata , Banach Mateusz , Konieczny Leszek , Roterman Irena
Published: January 2020

The object of our analysis is the structure of alpha-synuclein (ASyn), which, under in vivo conditions, associates with presynaptic vesicles. Misfolding of ASyn is known to be implicated in Parkinson’s disease. The availability of structural information for both the micelle-bound and amyloid form of ASyn enables us to speculate on the specific mechanism of amyloid transformation. This analysis is all the more interesting given the fact that—Unlike in Aβ(1–42) amyloids—only the central fragment (30–100) of ASyn has a fibrillar structure, whereas, its N- and C-terminal fragments (1–30 and 100–140, respectively) are described as random coils. Our work addresses the following question: Can the ASyn chain—as well as the aforementioned individual fragments—adopt globular conformations? In order to provide an answer, we subjected the corresponding sequences to simulations carried out using Robetta and I-Tasser, both of which are regarded as accurate protein structure predictors. In addition, we also applied the fuzzy oil drop (FOD) model, which, in addition to optimizing the protein’s internal free energy, acknowledges the presence of an external force field contributed by the aqueous solvent. This field directs hydrophobic residues to congregate near the center of the protein body while exposing hydrophilic residues on its surface. Comparative analysis of the obtained models suggests that fragments which do not participate in forming the amyloid fibril (i.e., 1–30 and 100–140) can indeed attain globular conformations. We also explain the influence of mutations observed in vivo upon the susceptibility of ASyn to undergo amyloid transformation. In particular, the 30–100 fragment (which adopts a fibrillar structure in PDB) is not predicted to produce a centralized hydrophobic core by any of the applied toolkits (Robetta, I-Tasser, and FOD). This means that in order to minimize the entropically disadvantageous contact between hydrophobic residues and the polar solvent, ASyn adopts the form of a ribbonlike micelle (rather than a spherical one). In other words, the ribbonlike micelle represents a synergy between the conformational preferences of the protein chain and the influence of its environment.
AEDG Peptide (Epitalon) Stimulates Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis during Neurogenesis: Possible Epigenetic Mechanism
Authors: Khavinson Vladimir , Diomede Francesca , Mironova Ekaterina , Linkova Natalia , Trofimova Svetlana , Trubiani Oriana , Caputi Sergio , Sinjari Bruna
Published: January 2020

It was shown that AEDG peptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, Epitalon) regulates the function of the pineal gland, the retina, and the brain. AEDG peptide increases longevity in animals and decreases experimental cancerogenesis. AEDG peptide induces neuronal cell differentiation in retinal and human periodontal ligament stem cells. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of AEDG peptide on neurogenic differentiation gene expression and protein synthesis in human gingival mesenchymal stem cells, and to suggest the basis for the epigenetic mechanism of this process. AEDG peptide increased the synthesis of neurogenic differentiation markers: Nestin, GAP43, β Tubulin III, Doublecortin in hGMSCs. AEDG peptide increased Nestin, GAP43, β Tubulin III and Doublecortin mRNA expression by 1.6–1.8 times in hGMSCs. Molecular modelling method showed, that AEDG peptide preferably binds with H1/6 and H1/3 histones in His-Pro-Ser-Tyr-Met-Ala-His-Pro-Ala-Arg-Lys and Tyr-Arg-Lys-Thr-Gln sites, which interact with DNA. These results correspond to previous experimental data. AEDG peptide and histones H1/3, H1/6 binding may be one of the mechanisms which provides an increase of Nestin, GAP43, β Tubulin III, and Doublecortin neuronal differentiation gene transcription. AEDG peptide can epigenetically regulate neuronal differentiation gene expression and protein synthesis in human stem cells.
Effect of Membrane Surface Modification Using Chitosan Hydrochloride and Lactoferrin on the Properties of Astaxanthin-Loaded Liposomes
Authors: Qiang Mengdan , Pang Xiao , Ma Dexue , Ma Cuicui , Liu Fuguo
Published: January 2020

Astaxanthin-loaded liposomes were prepared by a thin-film ultrasonic method, and the effects of the different membrane surface modifiers chitosan hydrochloride (CH) and lactoferrin (LF) on the physicochemical stability of the liposomes and bioaccessibility of astaxanthin were studied. Based on the negative charge characteristics of egg yolk lecithin, LF and CH with positive charge were assembled on the surface of liposomes by an electrostatic deposition method. The optimal concentrations of modifiers were determined by particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency. The interaction between the liposomes and the coatings was characterized by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. The stability of astaxanthin in different systems (suspension and liposomes) was investigated, and its antioxidant capacity and bioaccessibility were determined. The results showed that both membrane surface modifications could interact with liposomes and protect astaxanthin from oxidation or heat degradation and enhance the antioxidant activity of the liposome, therefore membrane surface modification played an important role in stabilizing the lipid bilayer. At the same time, the encapsulated astaxanthin exhibited higher in vitro bioaccessibility than the free astaxanthin. CH and LF modified liposomes can be developed as formulations for encapsulation and delivery of functional ingredients, providing a theoretical basis for the development of new astaxanthin series products.
Synthesis of 2,2,6-Trisubstituted 5-Methylidene-tetrahydropyran-4-ones with Anticancer Activity
Authors: Bartosik Tomasz , Kędzia Jacek , Drogosz-Stachowicz Joanna , Janecka Anna , Krajewska Urszula , Mirowski Marek , Janecki Tomasz
Published: January 2020

In our continuous search for new, relatively simple 2-alkylidene-1-oxoheterocycles as promising anticancer drug candidates, herein we report an efficient synthesis of 2,2,6-trisubstituted 5-methylidenetetrahydropyran-4-ones. These compounds were obtained in a four step reaction sequence, in which starting diethyl 2-oxopropylphosphonate was transformed into 2,2-disubstituted 5-diethoxyphosphoryldihydropyran-4-ones, followed by Michael addition of various Grignard reagents and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction of the obtained adducts with formaldehyde. Stereochemistry of the intermediate Michael adducts is also discussed. Final 5-methylidenetetrahydropyran-4-ones were tested for their possible antiproliferative effect against three cancer cell lines and 6-isopropyl-2,2-dimethyl-5-methylidenetetrahydropyran-4-one (11c), which showed very high cytotoxic activity against HL-60 human leukemia cells and was three times more active than known anticancer drug carboplatin, was selected for further biological evaluation, in order to disclose its mechanism of action. The obtained results indicated that 11c induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells and caused the arrest of the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, which may suggest its cytotoxic and cytostatic activity.
High-Efficiency Metasurfaces with 2π Phase Control Based on Aperiodic Dielectric Nanoarrays
Authors: Shang Sihui , Tang Feng , Ye Xin , Li Qingzhi , Li Hailiang , Wu Jingjun , Wu Yiman , Chen Jun , Zhang Zhihong , Yang Yuanjie , Zheng Wanguo
Published: January 2020

In this study, the high-efficiency phase control Si metasurfaces are investigated based on aperiodic nanoarrays unlike widely-used period structures, the aperiodicity of which providing additional freedom to improve metasurfaces’ performance. Firstly, the phase control mechanism of Huygens nanoblocks is demonstrated, particularly the internal electromagnetic resonances and the manipulation of effective electrical/magnetic polarizabilities. Then, a group of high-transmission Si nanoblocks with 2π phase control is sought by sweeping the geometrical parameters. Finally, several metasurfaces, such as grating and parabolic lens, are numerically realized by the nanostructures with high efficiency. The conversion efficiency of the grating reaches 80%, and the focusing conversion efficiency of the metalens is 99.3%. The results show that the high-efficiency phase control metasurfaces can be realized based on aperiodic nanoarrays, i.e., additional design freedom.