bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNEXPECTED ACUTE AORTA DISSECTION WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE
Authors: Ekmekyapar Tuba , Ekmekyapar Muhammed , Gürbüz Şükrü , Oğuztürk Hakan
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Both acute aorta dissection and ruptured aorta aneurism are prominent causes of death in cardiovascular diseases. The frequency of developing neurological complications in aortic dissections is reported to be between 2 to 8%. Stroke is more common in dissections involving the proximal aorta, but paraparesis is more common in distal aortic dissections due to circulatory impairment in the spinal arteries.
Case: The 70-year-old male patient was referred to our emergency service from an external center with diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. The patient had experienced loss of strength on his left side and had syncope one hour before. After his physical examination, the patient received computerized brain tomography and diffusion MR imaging with the pre-diagnosis of acute stroke. For the patient who had an appearance of acute diffusion restriction in the right parietal region in the diffusion MRI and had a chance of thrombolytic treatment, thrombolytic treatment was planned. However, the general status of the patient was worsened in this checkup examination, and his GCS score regressed down to 7. The poor current condition of the patient could not be explained by the acute ischemic stroke in the right parietal region. Aorta dissection, which may progress with clinical signs of stroke, was considered for the patient, and as an advanced test, dynamic thorax CT angiography was taken. In the dynamic thorax CT angiography of the patient, aneurism in the ascending aorta, dissection and fluid around the pericardium and left lung (hemorrhage?) were observed. The echocardiography of the patient revealed that the fluid around the pericardium caused tamponade.
Discussion: Cardiovascular system diseases are the most common cause of natural sudden deaths and are mostly seen in middle and older ages. Acute myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease are the most common cardiovascular diseases, however, sudden deaths due to aortic dissection and rupture have been reported less frequently. The most typical symptom is the sudden start of severe chest or back pain. Patients typically visit with complaints of tearing chest and back pain, while they may visit with atypical clinical pictures wementioned in our cases such as abdominal pain, syncope, stroke. Sensory loss may also be seen in patients, and this is a neurological symptom which may extend from falling as leep to deep coma.
Conclusion: Patients who visit emergency services with symptoms that are not expected for aorta dissection such as syncope, altered consciousness, hypotension, atypical abdominal pain and loss of strength in the extremities.
Determination of Shellfish Consumption Preferences and Habits in Erzurum Province
Authors: OĞUZHAN YILDIZ Pinar , ARSLAN Gökhan
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this research is to determine the shellfish consumption preferences and habits between November 2019 and February 2020 in Erzurum province. A survey consisting of 15 questions was asked face to face with 122 people randomly selected to obtain some results relevant to participant’s average monthly income, educational background, their occupational status. The relationships between the demographic characteristics of the participants and the consumption habits of shellfish were analyzed with the Chi-square test. When demographic data were examined, 46.72% of the participants were female, 53.28% were male. The highest age group with a rate of 41,80% is 21-30 years old, the lowest being 61-70 years old with a rate of 4,92% has been identified as the group. When the education levels of the participants were analyzed, it was determined that the highest rate (60.65%) was belonged to university graduates. According to the result, 83.3% of the participants stated that they had not information about the nutritional value of shellfish. Also, it was determined that 66.2% of the sharers preferred mussels compared to crustaceans. This study in Erzurum, where the consumption of shellfish is very low compared to the seashore cities, is also an important data source in terms of providing ideas for different researches and aquaculture systems.
Determinan Keikutsertaan Wanita Usia Subur dalam Pemeriksaan IVA di Kabupaten Poso
Authors: Longgupa Lisda Widianti
Published: September 2020

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, but in fact, women are often found at advanced disease because they do not undergo screening. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between socio-demographic factors, cost, knowledge, and attitude with women’s participation in VIA test. The design of this study was cross-sectional. The samples were taken from women who received counseling about cervical cancer during 2016 at districts Health Center by using proportional random sampling.  Overall respondents were 198 women. The data were processed and analyzed by using Chi-Square, eta correlation, phi correlation, and multiple logistic regression. Bivariable analysis showed that age (p-value <0.001), education (p-value <0.001), employment (p-value = 0.008), income (p-value = 0.036), marital status (p-value = 0.010), distance (p-value = 0.008), cost (p-value <0.001, knowledge (p-value <0.001), and attitude (p <0.001) were significantly related with women’s participation in VIA test. Multivariable analysis showed that marital status, knowledge and attitude were significantly related with women’s participation in VIA test.  Attitude was variable with the largest value of prevalence rate, it was 20,4 and p value<0,001. The conclusions that can be taken in this study includes socio-demographic factors were associated with women’s participation in VIA test, except parity; the cost has weak relationship with women's participation in VIA test; knowledge has fairly strong relationship with women's participation in VIA test; attitude has fairly strong relationship with women's participation in VIA test and attitude is the most dominant factor related with women's participation in VIA test
Study on Multi-Objective Optimization-Based Climate Responsive Design of Residential Building
Authors: Li Zhixing , Genovese Paolo Vincenzo , Zhao Yafei
Published: September 2020

This paper proposes an optimization process based on a parametric platform for building climate responsive design. Taking residential buildings in six typical American cities as examples, it proposes thermal environment comfort (Discomfort Hour, DH), building energy demand (BED) and building global cost (GC) as the objective functions for optimization. The design variables concern building orientation, envelope components, and window types, etc. The optimal solution is provided from two different perspectives of the public sector (energy saving optimal) and private households (cost-optimal) respectively. By comparing the optimization results with the performance indicators of the reference buildings in various cities, the outcome can give the precious indications to rebuild the U.S. residential buildings with a view to energy-efficiency and cost optimality depending on the location.
Imaging Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Agriculture Land Use Classification
Authors: Chen Pei-Chun , Chiang Yen-Cheng , Weng Pei-Yi
Published: September 2020

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to capture high-resolution aerial images of crop fields. Software-based image analysis was performed to classify land uses. The purpose was to help relevant agencies use aerial imaging in managing agricultural production. This study involves five townships in the Chianan Plain of Chiayi County, Taiwan. About 100 ha of farmland in each township was selected as a sample area, and a quadcopter and a handheld fixed-wing drone were used to capture visible-light images and multispectral images. The survey was carried out from August to October 2018 and aerial photographs were captured in clear and dry weather. This study used high-resolution images captured from a UAV to classify the uses of agricultural land, and then employed information from multispectral images and elevation data from a digital surface model. The results revealed that visible-light images led to low interpretation accuracy. However, multispectral images and elevation data increased the accuracy rate to nearly 90%. Accordingly, such images and data can effectively enhance the accuracy of land use classification. The technology can reduce costs that are associated with labor and time and can facilitate the establishment of a real-time mapping database.
Comparative Study of Three Low-Tech Soilless Systems for the Cultivation of Geranium (Pelargonium zonale): A Commercial Quality Assessment
Authors: Brentari Luca , Michelon Nicola , Gianquinto Giorgio , Orsini Francesco , Zamboni Federico , Porro Duilio
Published: September 2020

The study evaluated the feasibility of simplified hydroponics for the growth of rooted cuttings of geranium (Pelargonium zonale) for commercial purposes in local farms in Northern Italy. Tested systems included a control where soilless system on substrate (peat) (T-1), usually adopted by local farmers, was compared against an open-cycle drip system on substrate (peat) (T-2), and a Nutrient Film Technique system (T-3). For commercial features, assessed parameters included flowering degree (flowering timing, numbers of inflorescences plant−1, and number of flowers inflorescence−1), numbers of leaves plant−1, number of branches plant−1, final height of plant, and the aesthetic-commercial assessment index. Assessed parameters also included fresh and dry weight, SPAD Index, the water consumption, and the water use efficiency (WUE). The soilless systems typology significantly affected rooted cuttings growth, commercial features, and WUE. The adoption of an open-cycle drip system (T-2) resulted in a significant improvement of all the crop commercial characteristics as compared with other treatments, making plants more attractive for the market. The water consumption was higher in T-2 as compared with T-1 and T-3, but it allowed for the highest fresh weight, and therefore also the highest WUE. The results indicate that the typology of soilless system significantly enhances the commercial characteristics of geranium.
Circulation of Indigenous Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Strains in Turkish Cattle: The First Isolation and Molecular Characterization
Authors: Yazici Zafer , Ozan Emre , Tamer Cuneyt , Muftuoglu Bahadir , Barry Gerald , Kurucay Hanne Nur , Elhag Ahmed Eisa , Cagirgan Abdurrahman Anil , Gumusova Semra , Albayrak Harun
Published: September 2020

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a huge economic burden on the livestock industries of countries worldwide. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is one of the most important pathogens that contributes to BRD. In this study, we report the identification and first isolation, with molecular characterization, of a new BRSV strain from lung specimens of three beef cows in Turkey that died from respiratory distress. After the screening of lung tissues for BRD-associated viruses using a multiscreen antigen-ELISA, a BRSV antigen was detected. This was then confirmed by real-time RT-PCR specific for BRSV. Following confirmation, virus isolation was conducted in MDBK cell cultures and clear CPE, including syncytia compatible with BRSV, were detected. RT-nested PCR, using F gene-specific primers, was performed on the cultured isolates, and the products were sequenced and deposited to Genbank with accession numbers MT179304, MT024766, and MT0244767. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences indicated that the cattle were infected with BRSV from subgroup III and were closely related to previously identified American and Turkish strains, but contained some amino acid and nucleotide differences. This research paves the way for further studies on the molecular characteristics of natural BRSV isolates, including full genome analysis and disease pathogenesis, and also contributes to the development of robust national strategies against this virus.
Camel Genetic Resources Conservation through Tourism: A Key Sociocultural Approach of Camelback Leisure Riding
Authors: Iglesias Pastrana Carlos , Navas González Francisco Javier , Ciani Elena , Nogales Baena Sergio , Delgado Bermejo Juan Vicente
Published: September 2020

Camels are exotic elements, which can be comprised within adventure travel companies promoting ecotourism activities. Such recreations contribute to sustainable livelihoods for local communities and educational empowerment towards nature and its conservation. At present, some local camel breeds’ survival reduces to this animal-based leisure industry and its reliability to perform and promote customized services accurately. By conducting an on-site questionnaire to customers participating in camelback riding tours, we assessed the motivational factors affecting participation, satisfaction, and loyalty in this tourism segment that may have made it socially differentiated. The sixfold combination of staff performance, culture geography, diverse and humane close interaction, camel behavior and performance, sociotemporal context, and positive previous experience involves the elemental dimensions that explain customer satisfaction and return intention probability within this entertainment business. Customer knowledge is essential for stakeholders to build personalized riding experiences and align profits with environmental sustainability and biodiversity mainstream concerns into their everyday operations. In turn, domestic camel tourist rides could be managed as a viable path to nature conservation by helping endangered local breeds to avoid their functional devaluation and potential extinction.
The Potential of Human–Horse Attachment in Creating Favorable Settings for Professional Care: A Study of Adolescents’ Visit to a Farm
Authors: Törmälehto Erna , Korkiamäki Riikka
Published: September 2020

Previous research has shown features of an attachment bond to be fulfilled in, for instance, human–dog dyads; however, there is a considerable lack of research on the potential attachment in human–horse relationships. Employing Bowlby’s criteria of an attachment bond and Pierce’s model of therapeutically powerful activity, this article studies whether short-term exposure to horses brings about elements of emerging attachment for adolescents and if this interaction holds potential in creating a favorable early-stage setting for professional care. It draws from group discussions carried out with nine 16–17-year-old adolescents who participated in an EASEL (Equine-Assisted Social and Emotional Learning) session when visiting a farm with a youth worker. A qualitative content analysis of the discussions revealed that some characteristics of the four principal criteria of an attachment bond—proximity maintenance, safe haven, secure base, and separation distress—were identifiable in the adolescents’ expressed experiences of observing and interacting with horses. Moreover, the three main sources of therapeutic power—appeal, accuracy, and intactness—intersected with the emerging development of the adolescents’ attachment to horses. Additionally, space for self-reflection was enhanced by the presence of the horses. The study offers insights into the potential of human–horse attachment in dealing with adolescents with and without special needs for various therapy and care purposes.
Estradiol-17β Pharmacokinetics and Histological Assessment of the Ovaries and Uterine Horns following Intramuscular Administration of Estradiol Cypionate in Feral Cats
Authors: Hyndman Timothy H. , Algar Kelly L. , Woodward Andrew P. , Coiacetto Flaminia , Hampton Jordan O. , Nickels Donald , Hamilton Neil , Barnes Anne , Algar David
Published: September 2020

The control of feral cats (Felis catus) in Australia is a key biological conservation issue. Male cats are more difficult to control than female cats. Collared and tagged female cats displaying estrous behavior have been considered as a way to lure male cats and reveal their locations. As female cats are seasonal breeders, artificial induction of estrous behavior following the administration of a long-acting estrogen could improve their use for this purpose. Estradiol cypionate was intramuscularly administered to nine entire non-pregnant female feral cats, of unknown estrous status, at 0.1, 0.3, or 0.5 mg/kg. Mean peak serum concentrations of estradiol-17β were 365 pg/mL (0.1 mg/kg), 1281 pg/mL (0.3 mg/kg), and 1447 pg/mL (0.5 mg/kg). The time-course of estradiol-17β concentrations after various doses of estradiol cypionate was assessed using non-compartmental and non-linear mixed-effects methods. At the highest-studied dose (0.5 mg/kg), the 50th percentile of estradiol-17β concentrations exceeded 0.1 ng/mL for 11.8 days, and 0.05 ng/mL for 14.6 days. The duration increased with increasing dose. No signs of toxicity were noticed in any cat during the study. This information will be useful to ongoing studies that are investigating ways to reduce the abundance of feral cats in Australia, especially adult male cats.
Microparticles-Mediated Vascular Inflammation and its Amelioration by Antioxidant Activity of Baicalin
Authors: Paudel Keshav Raj , Kim Dong-Wook
Published: September 2020

Microparticles (MPs) are extracellular vesicles (0.1–1.0 μm in size), released in response to cell activation or apoptosis. Endothelial microparticles (EC-MP), vascular smooth muscle cell microparticles (VSMC-MP), and macrophage microparticles (MØ-MP) are key hallmarks of atherosclerosis progression. In our current study, we investigated the potent antioxidant activity of baicalin to ameliorate MP-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction and endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, as well as the production of inflammatory mediators in macrophage (RAW264.7). In our study, baicalin suppressed the apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, NO production, foam cell formation, protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in MØ-MP-induced RAW264.7. In addition, VSMC migration induced by VSMC-MP was dose-dependently inhibited by baicalin. Likewise, baicalin inhibits metalloproteinase-9 expression and suppresses VSMC-MP-induced VSMC proliferation by down-regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expressions. Baicalin also inhibited ROS production and apoptosis in VSMC. In EC, the marker of endothelial dysfunction (endothelial senescence, upregulation of ICAM, and ROS production) induced by EC-MP was halted by baicalin. Our results suggested that baicalin exerts potent biological activity to restore the function of EC and VSMC altered by their corresponding microparticles and inhibits the release of inflammation markers from activated macrophages.
Systemic Oxidative Stress and Visceral Adipose Tissue Mediators of NLRP3 Inflammasome and Autophagy Are Reduced in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients Treated with Metformin
Authors: Abad-Jiménez Zaida , López-Domènech Sandra , Díaz-Rúa Rubén , Iannantuoni Francesca , Gómez-Abril Segundo Ángel , Periañez-Gómez Dolores , Morillas Carlos , Víctor Víctor M. , Rocha Milagros
Published: September 2020

Obesity is a low-grade inflammatory condition affecting a range of individuals, from metabolically healthy obese (MHO) subjects to type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Metformin has been shown to display anti-inflammatory properties, though the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. To study whether the effects of metformin are mediated by changes in the inflammasome complex and autophagy in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of obese patients, a biopsy of VAT was obtained from a total of 68 obese patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery. The patients were clustered into two groups: MHO patients and T2D patients treated with metformin. Patients treated with metformin showed decreased levels of all analyzed serum pro-inflammatory markers (TNFα, IL6, IL1β and MCP1) and a downwards trend in IL18 levels associated with a lower production of oxidative stress markers in leukocytes (mitochondrial ROS and myeloperoxidase (MPO)). A reduction in protein levels of MCP1, NFκB, NLRP3, ASC, ATG5, Beclin1 and CHOP and an increase in p62 were also observed in the VAT of the diabetic group. This downregulation of both the NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy in VAT may be associated with the improved inflammatory profile and leukocyte homeostasis seen in obese T2D patients treated with metformin with respect to MHO subjects and endorses the cardiometabolic protective effect of this drug.
Oxidative Stress, Proton Fluxes, and Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine Treatment for COVID-19
Authors: Klouda Christina B. , Stone William L.
Published: September 2020

Chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have been proposed as treatments for COVID-19. These drugs have been studied for many decades, primarily in the context of their use as antimalarials, where they induce oxidative stress-killing of the malarial parasite. Less appreciated, however, is evidence showing that CQ/HCQ causes systemic oxidative stress. In vitro and observational data suggest that CQ/HCQ can be repurposed as potential antiviral medications. This review focuses on the potential health concerns of CQ/HCQ induced by oxidative stress, particularly in the hyperinflammatory stage of COVID-19 disease. The pathophysiological role of oxidative stress in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been well-documented. Additional oxidative stress caused by CQ/HCQ during ARDS could be problematic. In vitro data showing that CQ forms a complex with free-heme that promotes lipid peroxidation of phospholipid bilayers are also relevant to COVID-19. Free-heme induced oxidative stress is implicated as a systemic activator of coagulation, which is increasingly recognized as a contributor to COVID-19 morbidity. This review will also provide a brief overview of CQ/HCQ pharmacology with an emphasis on how these drugs alter proton fluxes in subcellular organelles. CQ/HCQ-induced alterations in proton fluxes influence the type and chemical reactivity of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Neuroprotective Activity of Polyphenol-Rich Ribes diacanthum Pall against Oxidative Stress in Glutamate-Stimulated HT-22 Cells and a Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia Animal Model
Authors: Kim Hyun Jeong , Baek Seung Yeon , Sok Dai-Eun , Lee Kun Jong , Kim Young-Jun , Kim Mee Ree
Published: September 2020

Ribes diacanthum Pall, a native Mongolian medicinal plant, has been reported to show antioxidant activities due to its polyphenol and flavonoid content, and is especially rich in the ethyl acetate fraction from an 80% methanol extraction (RDP). We assessed the cytoprotective effect of RDP on glutamate-caused oxidative stress and apoptosis in mouse hippocampal neuronal cells (HT-22 cells). Cell viability was significantly recovered by RDP treatment. Also, RDP effectively decreased the glutamate-induced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In flow cytometric analysis, apoptotic cells and the mitochondrial membrane potential were suppressed by RDP. In the Western blotting analysis, we found that RDP not only decreased the release of apoptotic proteins but also recovered anti-apoptotic protein. Additionally, RDP enhanced the antioxidant defense system by regulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, treatment with RDP activated the BDNF/TrkB pathway. In accordance with the in vitro results, RDP meliorated memory deficit by defending hippocampal neuronal cells against oxidative damage in scopolamine-injected mice. Taken together, our present study showed that RDP exerted antioxidant and neuroprotective actions against oxidative stress. Therefore, RDP might facilitate the development of candidates for functional health foods for neurodegenerative disorders.
Present and Future Perspectives for Biocides and Antifouling Products for Stone-Built Cultural Heritage: Ionic Liquids as a Challenging Alternative
Authors: Lo Schiavo Sandra , De Leo Filomena , Urzì Clara
Published: September 2020

This review offers an overview of the most recent research activities on counteracting the biodeterioration process of stone monuments, underlining all those aspects regarding eventual procedural drawbacks and compliance with sustainable criteria. For this purpose, the definition of “green conservation of cultural heritage” has been proposed. Its basics have been utilized in the text to highlight the issues arising from the most common conservative procedures as well as guidelines for the development of innovative technologies. The review then deals with the most innovative antimicrobial approaches, among which nano- and bio-technologies play a main role. Ionic liquids are a special class of salts, which can be prepared by applying Safe by Design concepts, to meet the Green Conservation criteria.
Analysis of Local Damages Effect on Mechanical Responses of Underwater Shield Tunnel via Field Testing and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Tan Xuyan , Chen Weizhong , Wang Luyu , Yang Jianping
Published: September 2020

The investigation of concrete structural performance is crucial to maintain the stability of infrastructure. In order to assess structural stability, this work focuses on the development of an integrated framework to detect damaged conditions in the field and analyze their effect on mechanical performance through nondestructive testing (NDT) technology and numerical models. First, a ground penetrating radar (GPR) and an infrared camera work collaboratively to identify the damaged positions of the concrete structure, with parameters calibrated by laboratory experiments. Then, a finite element model is established to study structural mechanical performance based on field conditions and detected results. In addition, the influenced regions induced by local damage are studied under different boundary conditions. As a case study, the devised method was employed in the Nanjing Yangtze River tunnel for stability assessment and disaster prevention. The detected results of the damaged conditions agree well with the actual conditions in the field. Numerical results show that the circumferential stress component is more significant than that observed longitudinally. The effect of local damage on stress implies a positive correlation with the rise of water pressure, in which the maximum stress response to the variation of water level is 45KPa per meter.
Corrosion Protection Evaluation of Mild Steel: The Role of Hybrid Materials Loaded with Inhibitors
Authors: Kartsonakis Ioannis A. , Charitidis Costas A.
Published: September 2020

In the present work, an assessment of the corrosion behavior of mild steel in the presence of an organic corrosion inhibitor loaded into hybrid composite materials is performed. Hybrid organic–inorganic nanocontainers based on cerium and titanium oxides were fabricated via a combination of radical polymerization together with the coprecipitation method and sol-gel technique. The corrosion inhibition role of these hybrid materials loaded with an inhibitor is considered. A set of characterization assays addressing morphology, composition and structural aspects of the exposed steels is illustrated, along with electrochemical evaluations. The results reveal enhanced stimuli responsive anticorrosion ability of the produced hybrid materials. Furthermore, upon corrosion, new compounds are formed onto the exposed areas of the treated metals. The conducted experiments shed light on the corrosion mechanisms for steel alloys as well as the actuation of the fabricated composite materials, paving the way for future developments in this area.
CO2 and Air Pollutants Emissions under Different Scenarios Predicted by a Regional Energy Consumption Modeling System for Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Yan , Wu Libo , Ma Weichun , Chen Limin
Published: September 2020

About 75% energy demand and emissions all concentrate in urban areas, especially in the metropolises, placing a heavy burden on both the energy supply system and the environment system. To explore low emission pathways and provide policy recommendations for the Shanghai energy system and the environmental system to reach the carbon dioxide (CO2) peak by 2030 and attain emission reduction targets for local air pollutants (LAPs), a regional energy–environment optimization model was developed in this study, considering system costs, socio-economic development and technology. To verify the reliability of the model simulation and evaluate the model risk, a historical scenario was defined to calculate the emissions for 2004–2014, and the data were compared with the bottom-up emission inventory results. By considering four scenarios, we simulated the energy consumption and emissions in the period of 2020–2030 from the perspective of energy policies, economic measures and technology updates. We found that CO2 emissions might exceed the amount of 250 million tons by the end of 2020 under the current policy, and carbon tax with a price of 40 CNY per ton of carbon dioxide is an imperative measure to lower carbon emissions. Under the constraints, the emissions amount of SO2, NOx, PM10, and PM2.5 will be reduced by 95.3–180.8, 207.8–357.1, 149.4–274.5, and 59.5–119.8 Kt in 2030, respectively.
Identification of a Proanthocyanidin from Litchi Chinensis Sonn. Root with Anti-Tyrosinase and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Saive Matthew , Genva Manon , Istasse Thibaut , Frederich Michel , Maes Chloé , Fauconnier Marie-Laure
Published: September 2020

This work follows an ethnobotanical study that took place in the island of Mayotte (France), which pointed out the potential properties of Litchi chinensis Sonn. roots when used to enhance skin health and appearance. Through in vitro testing of a crude methanolic extract, high anti-tyrosinase (skin whitening effect) and antioxidant activities (skin soothing effect) could be measured. HPLC successive bio-guided fractionation steps allowed the purification of one of the compounds responsible for the biological activities. The isolated compound was characterized by UV, IR, MS and 2D-NMR, revealing, for the first time in Litchi chinensis Sonn. roots, an A-type proanthocyanidin and thus revealing a consensus among the traditional use shown by the ethnobotanical study, in vitro biological activities and chemical characterization.
Effect of Hypoxia Preconditioned Secretomes on Lymphangiogenic and Angiogenic Sprouting: An in Vitro Analysis
Authors: Moog Philipp , Schams Rahmin , Schneidinger Alexander , Schilling Arndt F. , Machens Hans-Günther , Hadjipanayi Ektoras , Dornseifer Ulf
Published: September 2020

Hypoxia Preconditioned Plasma (HPP) and Serum (HPS) are two blood-derived autologous growth factor compositions that are being clinically employed as tools for promoting tissue regeneration, and have been extensively examined for their angiogenic activity. As yet, their ability to stimulate/support lymphangiogenesis remains unknown, although this is an important but often-neglected process in wound healing and tissue repair. Here we set out to characterize the potential of hypoxia preconditioned secretomes as promoters of angiogenic and lymphangiogenic sprouting in vitro. We first analysed HPP/HPS in terms of pro- (VEGF-C) and anti- (TSP-1, PF-4) angiogenic/lymphangiogenic growth factor concentration, before testing their ability to stimulate microvessel sprouting in the mouse aortic ring assay and lymphatic sprouting in the thoracic duct ring assay. The origin of lymphatic structures was validated with lymph-specific immunohistochemical staining (Anti-LYVE-1) and lymphatic vessel-associated protein (polydom) quantification in culture supernatants. HPP/HPS induced greater angiogenic and lymphatic sprouting compared to non-hypoxia preconditioned samples (normal plasma/serum), a response that was compatible with their higher VEGF-C concentration. These findings demonstrate that hypoxia preconditioned blood-derived secretomes have the ability to not only support sprouting angiogenesis, but also lymphangiogenesis, which underlines their multimodal regenerative potential.
Plasma APE1/Ref-1 Correlates with Atherosclerotic Inflammation in ApoE−/− Mice
Authors: Lee Yu Ran , Joo Hee Kyoung , Lee Eun-Ok , Park Myoung Soo , Cho Hyun Sil , Kim Sungmin , Jin Hao , Jeong Jin-Ok , Kim Cuk-Seong , Jeon Byeong Hwa
Published: September 2020

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) is involved in DNA base repair and reducing activity. However, the role of APE1/Ref-1 in atherosclerosis is unclear. Herein, we investigated the role of APE1/Ref-1 in atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E (ApoE−/−) mice fed with a Western-type diet. We found that serologic APE1/Ref-1 was strongly correlated with vascular inflammation in these mice. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), endothelial cell/macrophage activation, and atherosclerotic plaque formation, reflected by atherosclerotic inflammation, were increased in the ApoE−/− mice fed with a Western-type diet. APE1/Ref-1 expression was upregulated in aortic tissues of these mice, and was co-localized with cells positive for cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and galectin-3, suggesting endothelial cell/macrophage expression of APE1/Ref-1. Interestingly, APE1/Ref-1 plasma levels of ApoE−/− mice fed with a Western-type diet were significantly increased compared with those of the mice fed with normal diet (15.76 ± 3.19 ng/mL vs. 3.51 ± 0.50 ng/mL, p < 0.05), and were suppressed by atorvastatin administration. Correlation analysis showed high correlation between plasma APE1/Ref-1 levels and NLR, a marker of systemic inflammation. The cut-off value for APE1/Ref-1 for predicting atherosclerotic inflammation at 4.903 ng/mL showed sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 91%. We conclude that APE1/Ref-1 expression is upregulated in aortic endothelial cells/macrophages of atherosclerotic mice, and that plasma APE1/Ref-1 levels could predict atherosclerotic inflammation.
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Oxidative Injury and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress In Vitro
Authors: Alhasani Reem Hasaballah , Almarhoun Mohammad , Zhou Xinzhi , Reilly James , Patterson Steven , Zeng Zhihong , Shu Xinhua
Published: September 2020

Retinal degeneration is characterized by the dysfunction of retinal cells. Oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of retinal degeneration. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) has been demonstrated to have protective effects in in vitro and in vivo retinal degeneration models. To fully understand the molecular mechanisms of TUDCA’s protection, we first treated human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, ARPE-19, with H2O2 or H2O2 plus TUDCA for 24 h. RPE cells co-exposed to TUDCA had higher cell viability and lower cell death rate compared to cells exposed to H2O2 alone. TUDCA significantly increased antioxidant capacity in H2O2-treated RPE cells by decreasing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Malondialdehyde (MDA), upregulating the expression of antioxidant genes, and increasing the generation of glutathione (GSH). TUDCA also inhibited inflammation in H2O2-challenged RPE cells by decreasing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, TUDCA suppressed thapsigargin-induced ER stress in RPE cells, as demonstrated by decreased the expression of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and apoptosis. Our present study suggests that TUDCA can protect RPE cells against oxidative damage, inflammation, and ER stress and may benefit patients with retinal degeneration.
Titanium-Modified MIL-101(Cr) Derived Titanium-Chromium-Oxide as Highly Efficient Oxidative Desulfurization Catalyst
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Zhang Liang , Sun Yinyong
Published: September 2020

A titanium-chromium-oxide catalyst was prepared by a facile calcination of titanium-modified MIL-101(Cr). The resulting material, possessing a surface area of 60 m2 g−1 and a titania content of 50.0 wt%, can be directly used as the catalyst for oxidative desulfurization (ODS) reaction of dibenzothiophene (DBT). This novel ODS catalyst can remove 900 ppm sulfur-containing compounds in a reaction time of 30 min at 60 °C. The experimental results showed that the specific activity increased with the titanium content. The specific activity of the catalyst with 50%Ti reached 129 μmol/m2, which was much higher than that of reported Ti-based catalysts.
Hydrogenative Cyclization of Levulinic Acid to γ-Valerolactone with Methanol and Ni-Fe Bimetallic Catalysts
Authors: Luo Ligang , Han Xiao , Zeng Qin
Published: September 2020

A series of Ni-Fe/SBA-15 catalysts was prepared and tested for the catalytic hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone, adopting methanol as the only hydrogen donor, and investigating the synergism between Fe and Ni, both supported on SBA-15, towards this reaction. The characterization of the synthesized catalysts was carried out by XRD (X-ray powder diffraction), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), H2-TPD (hydrogen temperature-programmed desorption), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), and in situ FT-IR (Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy) techniques. H2-TPD and XPS results have shown that electron transfer occurs from Fe to Ni, which is helpful both for the activation of the C=O bond and for the dissociative activation of H2 molecules, also in agreement with the results of the in situ FT-IR spectroscopy. The effect of temperature and reaction time on γ-valerolactone production was also investigated, identifying the best reaction conditions at 200 °C and 180 min, allowing for the complete conversion of levulinic acid and the complete selectivity to γ-valerolactone. Moreover, methanol was identified as an efficient hydrogen donor, if used in combination with the Ni-Fe/SBA-15 catalyst. The obtained results are promising, especially if compared with those obtained with the traditional and more expensive molecular hydrogen and noble-based catalysts.
EpCAM as Modulator of Tissue Plasticity
Authors: Fagotto François
Published: September 2020

The Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule or EpCAM is a well-known marker highly expressed in carcinomas and showing a strong correlation with poor cancer prognosis. While its name relates to its proposed function as a cell adhesion molecule, EpCAM has been shown to have various signalling functions. In particular, it has been identified as an important positive regulator of cell adhesion and migration, playing an essential role in embryonic morphogenesis as well as intestinal homeostasis. This activity is not due to its putative adhesive function, but rather to its ability to repress myosin contractility by impinging on a PKC signalling cascade. This mechanism confers EpCAM the unique property of favouring tissue plasticity. I review here the currently available data, comment on possible connections with other properties of EpCAM, and discuss the potential significance in the context of cancer invasion.
Microglia and Macrophages in the Pathological Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
Authors: Abe Naoki , Nishihara Tasuku , Yorozuya Toshihiro , Tanaka Junya
Published: September 2020

Microglia, the immunocompetent cells in the central nervous system (CNS), have long been studied as pathologically deteriorating players in various CNS diseases. However, microglia exert ameliorating neuroprotective effects, which prompted us to reconsider their roles in CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS) pathophysiology. Moreover, recent findings showed that microglia play critical roles even in the healthy CNS. The microglial functions that normally contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis in the CNS are modified by other cells, such as astrocytes and infiltrated myeloid cells; thus, the microglial actions on neurons are extremely complex. For a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of various diseases, including those of the PNS, it is important to understand microglial functioning. In this review, we discuss both the favorable and unfavorable roles of microglia in neuronal survival in various CNS and PNS disorders. We also discuss the roles of blood-borne macrophages in the pathogenesis of CNS and PNS injuries because they cooperatively modify the pathological processes of resident microglia. Finally, metabolic changes in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, with special reference to the pro-/anti-inflammatory activation of microglia, are intensively addressed, because they are profoundly correlated with the generation of reactive oxygen species and changes in pro-/anti-inflammatory phenotypes.
Increased Risk of Migraine in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study Using a National Health Screening Cohort
Authors: Byun Soo-Hwan , Min Chanyang , Yoo Dae-Myoung , Yang Byoung-Eun , Choi Hyo-Geun
Published: September 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and migraine through a longitudinal follow-up study using population data from a national health screening cohort. Methods: This cohort study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort from 2002 to 2015. Of the 514,866 participants, 3884 TMD patients were matched at a 1:4 ratio with 15,536 control participants. Crude models and models adjusted for obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores were calculated. Chi-squared test, Kaplan–Meier analysis, and two-tailed log-rank test were used for statistical analysis. Stratified Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for migraine in both control groups. Results: The adjusted HR for migraine was 2.10 (95% CI: 1.81–2.44) in the TMD group compared to the control group, which was consistent in subgroup analyses according to age, sex, and Kaplan–Meier analysis. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that TMD patients have a higher risk of migraine. These results suggest that dentists can decrease the risk of migraine in TMD patients by managing TMD properly.
Risk of Breast Cancer Revealed by Mammographic Screening in Czech Women Aged 40–45 Years, a Monocentric Cohort Study
Authors: Večeřová Lívia , Petráš Marek , Čelko Alexander M. , Rambousková Jolana
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study was to evaluate breast cancer risk in women aged 40–45 years not included in the routine mammographic screening programme in the Czech Republic and to assess the suitability of the screening interval. Our cohort study was conducted using registry data of one mammography centre (Bulovka Hospital in Prague) between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017. The risk of breast cancer was evaluated using a positive predictive finding (PPF) corresponding to the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) scores of 4 and 5. The annual PPF incidence rate achieved 2.25 per 1000 women aged 40–45 years and was not significantly different from that (3.31) of women of 45–50 years of age as demonstrated by an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.42–1.33). It was found that a screening interval longer than 3 years increased the chance of PPF occurrence 1.7 times independently of the women’s age, signalling a risk of failure of early detection of breast cancer. The same PPF incidence rates both in women aged 40–45 years and in older ones indicates that even younger women should be eligible for enrolment in the routine mammographic screening programme in the Czech Republic.
Transparency Index of the Supplying Countries’ Institutions and Tree Cover Loss: Determining Factors of EU Timber Imports?
Authors: Moral-Pajares Encarnación , Martínez-Alcalá Concepción , Gallego-Valero Leticia , Caviedes-Conde Ángela Andrea
Published: September 2020

Illegal logging and the associated deforestation have serious consequences for biodiversity, the climate, the economy and society. The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) prohibits the placing of illegally harvested timber or timber products on the market. The objective of this paper is to analyse the recent evolution of EU imports of these products from the international market, in order to check how the transparency index of the supplying countries’ institutions and tree cover loss have influenced this trajectory. To that end, a panel data model is estimated with 228 observations from 38 exporting countries between 2012 and 2017. The results show that EU timber imports have a direct association with the transparency index and an inverse relationship with tree cover loss; both these relationships are highly significant at the one-percent level. Other significant factors are the performance of the EU construction sector (as a proxy for timber demand) and timber supply. In the short and medium-term, Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) signed between the EU and non-EU timber-producing countries have a negative influence on the supply to EU member states. This study presents an analysis of EU timber imports after the implementation of the EUTR, providing specific conclusions that can inform policymakers’ efforts to foster sustainable forest management.
Practical Implications of Different Phenotypic and Molecular Responses of Evergreen Conifer and Broadleaf Deciduous Forest Tree Species to Regulated Water Deficit in a Container Nursery
Authors: Robakowski Piotr , Wyka Tomasz P. , Kowalkowski Wojciech , Barzdajn Władysław , Pers-Kamczyc Emilia , Jankowski Artur , Politycka Barbara
Published: September 2020

Recent climatic changes have resulted in an increased frequency and prolonged periods of drought and strained water resources affecting plant production. We explored the possibility of reducing irrigation in a container nursery and studied the growth responses of seedlings of four economically important forest trees: broadleaf deciduous angiosperms Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl., and evergreen conifers Abies alba Mill. and Pinus sylvestris L. We also studied markers of water stress including modifications of biomass allocation, leaf anatomy, proline accumulation, and expression of selected genes. Growth of the broadleaved deciduous species was more sensitive to the reduced water supply than that of conifers. Remarkably, growth of the shade tolerant Abies was not affected. Adjustment of biomass allocations was strongest in P. sylvestris, with a remarkable increase in allocation to roots. In response to water deficit both deciduous species accumulated proline in leaves and produced leaves with shorter palisade cells, reduced vascular tissues, and smaller conduit diameters. These responses did not occur in conifers. Relative transcript abundance of a gene encoding the Zn-finger protein in Q. petraea and a gene encoding the pore calcium channel protein 1 in A. alba increased as water deficit increased. Our study shows major differences between functional groups in response to irrigation, with seedlings of evergreen conifers having higher tolerance than the deciduous species. This suggests that major water savings could be achieved by adjusting irrigation regime to functional group or species requirements.