bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Frontotemporal Dementia Using iPSC Technology
Authors: Kim Minchul , Kim Hee Jin , Koh Wonyoung , Li Ling , Heo Hyohoon , Cho Hanna , Lyoo Chul Hyoung , Seo Sang Won , Kim Eun-Joo , Nakanishi Mahito , Na Duk L. , Song Jihwan
Published: July 2020

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is caused by the progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) is the most common clinical subtype of FTD and pathological subtypes of bvFTD are known as FTD-tau, transactive response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), and fused in sarcoma (FUS). Pathological mechanisms of bvFTD are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression of pathological markers, such as p-Tau, TDP-43, and FUS, in the induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived neurons (iPSN) from two sporadic bvFTD patients and one normal subject. We also used an FTD-patient-derived iPSC-line-carrying microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) P301L point mutation as positive control for p-Tau expression. Staurosporine (STS) was used to induce cellular stress in order to investigate dynamic cellular responses related to the cell death pathway. As a result, the expression of active caspase-3 was highly increased in the bvFTD-iPSNs compared with control iPSNs in the STS-treated conditions. Other cell-death-related proteins, including Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 and cytochrome C, were also increased in the bvFTD-iPSNs. Moreover, we observed abnormal expression patterns of TDP-43 and FUS in the bvFTD-iPSNs compared with control iPSNs. We suggest that the iPSC technology might serve as a potential tool to demonstrate neurodegenerative phenotypes of bvFTD, which will be useful for studying pathological mechanisms for FTD as well as related drug screening in the future.
Adenosine and Its Receptors: An Expected Tool for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Coronary Artery and Ischemic Heart Diseases
Authors: Gaudry Marine , Vairo Donato , Marlinge Marion , Gaubert Melanie , Guiol Claire , Mottola Giovanna , Gariboldi Vlad , Deharo Pierre , Sadrin Stéphane , Maixent Jean Michel , Fenouillet Emmanuel , Ruf Jean , Guieu Regis , Paganelli Franck
Published: July 2020

Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside which strongly impacts the cardiovascular system. Adenosine is released mostly by endothelial cells and myocytes during ischemia or hypoxia and greatly regulates the cardiovascular system via four specific G-protein-coupled receptors named A1R, A2AR, A2BR, and A3R. Among them, A2 subtypes are strongly expressed in coronary tissues, and their activation increases coronary blood flow via the production of cAMP in smooth muscle cells. A2A receptor modulators are an opportunity for intense research by the pharmaceutical industry to develop new cardiovascular therapies. Most innovative therapies are mediated by the modulation of adenosine release and/or the activation of the A2A receptor subtypes. This review aims to focus on the specific exploration of the adenosine plasma level and its relationship with the A2A receptor, which seems a promising biomarker for a diagnostic and/or a therapeutic tool for the screening and management of coronary artery disease. Finally, a recent class of selective adenosine receptor ligands has emerged, and A2A receptor agonists/antagonists are useful tools to improve the management of patients suffering from coronary artery disease.
TMARg, a Novel Anthraquinone Isolated from Rubia cordifolia Nakai, Increases Osteogenesis and Mineralization through BMP2 and β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Park Kyung-Ran , Lee Joon Yeop , Kim Bo-Mi , Kang Sang Wook , Yun Hyung-Mun
Published: July 2020

Background: Plant extracts have long been regarded as useful medicines in the treatment of human diseases. Rubia cordifolia Nakai has been used as a traditional medicine, as it has pharmacological properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, the biological functions of TMARg, isolated from the roots of R. cordifolia, in osteoblast differentiation remain unknown. This study was performed to investigate the pharmacological effects and intracellular signaling of TMARg in the osteoblast differentiation of pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and mesenchymal precursor C2C12 cells. Methods: Cell viability was evaluated using an MTT assay. Early and late osteoblast differentiation was examined by analyzing the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and by staining it with Alizarin red S (ARS). Cell migration was determined by using migration assays. Western blot analysis and immunocytochemical analysis were used to examine the intracellular signaling pathways and differentiation proteins. Results: In the present study, TMARg showed no cytotoxicity and increased the osteoblast differentiation in pre-osteoblasts, as assessed from the alkaline phosphate (ALP) staining and activity and ARS staining. TMARg also induced BMP2 expression and increased the p-smad1/5/8-RUNX2 and β-catenin pathways in both MC3T3-E1 and C2C12 cells. Furthermore, TMARg activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and increased the cell migration rate. In addition, the TMARg-mediated osteoblast differentiation was suppressed by BMP and Wnt inhibitors with the downregulation of BMP2 expression. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that TMARg exerts pharmacological and biological effects on osteoblast differentiation through the activation of BMP2 and β-catenin signaling pathways, and suggest that TMARg might be a potential phytomedicine for the treatment of bone diseases.
Antioxidant Nobiletin Enhances Oocyte Maturation and Subsequent Embryo Development and Quality
Authors: Cajas Yulia N. , Cañón-Beltrán Karina , Ladrón de Guevara Magdalena , Millán de la Blanca María G. , Ramos-Ibeas Priscila , Gutiérrez-Adán Alfonso , Rizos Dimitrios , González Encina M.
Published: July 2020

Nobiletin is a polymethoxylated flavonoid isolated from citrus fruits with wide biological effects, including inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell cycle regulation, important factors for oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of nobiletin during IVM on matured bovine oocyte quality (nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation; oocyte mitochondrial activity; intracellular ROS and glutathione (GSH) levels) and their developmental competence, steroidogenesis of granulosa cells after maturation, as well as quantitative changes of gene expression in matured oocytes, their cumulus cells, and resulting blastocysts. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes were in vitro matured in TCM-199 +10% fetal calf serum (FCS) and 10 ng/mL epidermal growth factor (EGF) (Control) supplemented with 10, 25, 50, or 100 μM of nobiletin (Nob10, Nob25, Nob50, and Nob100, respectively) or 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (CDMSO: vehicle for nobiletin dilution). A significantly higher percentage of matured oocytes in metaphase II was observed in Nob25 and Nob50 compared to other groups. Similarly, cleavage rate and cumulative blastocyst yield on Days 7 and 8 were significantly higher for Nob25 and Nob50 groups. Oocytes matured with 25 and 50 μM nobiletin showed a higher rate of migration of cortical granules and mitochondrial activity and a reduction in the ROS and GSH content in comparison with all other groups. This was linked to a modulation in the expression of genes related to metabolism (CYP51A1), communication (GJA1), apoptosis (BCL2), maturation (BMP15 and MAPK1), and oxidative stress (SOD2 and CLIC1). In conclusion, nobiletin offers a novel alternative for counteracting the effects of the increase in the production of ROS during IVM, improves oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, and subsequent embryo development and quality in cattle.
Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles
Authors: Grymowicz Monika , Rudnicka Ewa , Podfigurna Agnieszka , Napierala Paulina , Smolarczyk Roman , Smolarczyk Katarzyna , Meczekalski Blazej
Published: July 2020

The hair cycle and hair follicle structure are highly affected by various hormones. Androgens—such as testosterone (T); dihydrotestosterone (DHT); and their prohormones, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstendione (A)—are the key factors in terminal hair growth. They act on sex-specific areas of the body, converting small, straight, fair vellus hairs into larger darker terminal hairs. They bind to intracellular androgen receptors in the dermal papilla cells of the hair follicle. The majority of hair follicles also require the intracellular enzyme 5-alpha reductase to convert testosterone into DHT. Apart from androgens, the role of other hormones is also currently being researched—e.g., estradiol can significantly alter the hair follicle growth and cycle by binding to estrogen receptors and influencing aromatase activity, which is responsible for converting androgen into estrogen (E2). Progesterone, at the level of the hair follicle, decreases the conversion of testosterone into DHT. The influence of prolactin (PRL) on hair growth has also been intensively investigated, and PRL and PRL receptors were detected in human scalp skin. Our review includes results from many analyses and provides a comprehensive up-to-date understanding of the subject of the effects of hormonal changes on the hair follicle.
The Role of CDKs and CDKIs in Murine Development
Authors: Campbell Grace Jean , Hands Emma Langdale , Van de Pette Mathew
Published: July 2020

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their inhibitors (CDKIs) play pivotal roles in the regulation of the cell cycle. As a result of these functions, it may be extrapolated that they are essential for appropriate embryonic development. The twenty known mouse CDKs and eight CDKIs have been studied to varying degrees in the developing mouse, but only a handful of CDKs and a single CDKI have been shown to be absolutely required for murine embryonic development. What has become apparent, as more studies have shone light on these family members, is that in addition to their primary functional role in regulating the cell cycle, many of these genes are also controlling specific cell fates by directing differentiation in various tissues. Here we review the extensive mouse models that have been generated to study the functions of CDKs and CDKIs, and discuss their varying roles in murine embryonic development, with a particular focus on the brain, pancreas and fertility.
The Roles of GRKs in Hemostasis and Thrombosis
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhao Xuefei , Cooper Matthew , Ma Peisong
Published: July 2020

Along with cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases remain by far the most common causes of death. Heart attacks and strokes are diseases in which platelets play a role, through activation on ruptured plaques and subsequent thrombus formation. Most platelet agonists activate platelets via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which make these receptors ideal targets for many antiplatelet drugs. However, little is known about the mechanisms that provide feedback regulation on GPCRs to limit platelet activation. Emerging evidence from our group and others strongly suggests that GPCR kinases (GRKs) are critical negative regulators during platelet activation and thrombus formation. In this review, we will summarize recent findings on the role of GRKs in platelet biology and how one specific GRK, GRK6, regulates the hemostatic response to vascular injury. Furthermore, we will discuss the potential role of GRKs in thrombotic disorders, such as thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients. Studies on the function of GRKs during platelet activation and thrombus formation have just recently begun, and a better understanding of the role of GRKs in hemostasis and thrombosis will provide a fruitful avenue for understanding the hemostatic response to injury. It may also lead to new therapeutic options for the treatment of thrombotic and cardiovascular disorders.
Mapping the Transglycosylation Relevant Sites of Cold-Adapted β-d-Galactosidase from Arthrobacter sp. 32cB
Authors: Rutkiewicz Maria , Wanarska Marta , Bujacz Anna
Published: July 2020

β-Galactosidase from Arthrobacter sp. 32cB (ArthβDG) is a cold-adapted enzyme able to catalyze hydrolysis of β-d-galactosides and transglycosylation reaction, where galactosyl moiety is being transferred onto an acceptor larger than a water molecule. Mutants of ArthβDG: D207A and E517Q were designed to determine the significance of specific residues and to enable formation of complexes with lactulose and sucrose and to shed light onto the structural basis of the transglycosylation reaction. The catalytic assays proved loss of function mutation E517 into glutamine and a significant drop of activity for mutation of D207 into alanine. Solving crystal structures of two new mutants, and new complex structures of previously presented mutant E441Q enables description of introduced changes within active site of enzyme and determining the importance of mutated residues for active site size and character. Furthermore, usage of mutants with diminished and abolished enzymatic activity enabled solving six complex structures with galactose, lactulose or sucrose bounds. As a result, not only the galactose binding sites were mapped on the enzyme’s surface but also the mode of lactulose, product of transglycosylation reaction, and binding within the enzyme’s active site were determined and the glucopyranose binding site in the distal of active site was discovered. The latter two especially show structural details of transglycosylation, providing valuable information that may be used for engineering of ArthβDG or other analogous galactosidases belonging to GH2 family.
Free Your Mind: Emotional Expressive Flexibility Moderates the Effect of Stress on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
Authors: Levy-Gigi Einat , Donner Reut , Bonanno George A.
Published: July 2020

Servicemen are exposed to high levels of stress as part of their daily routine, however, studies which tested the relationship between stress and clinical symptoms reached inconsistent results. The present study examines the role of expressive flexibility, which was determined according to the ability to enhance or suppress either negative or positive emotional expression in conflictual situations, as a possible moderator between stress and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. A total of 82 active-duty firefighters (all men, age range = 25–66, M = 33.59, SD = 9.56, range of years in duty service = 2–41, M = 14.37, SD = 11.79), with different duty-related repeated traumatic exposure, participated in the study. We predicted and found that firefighters with low, but not high, expressive flexibility showed a significant positive correlation between duty-related traumatic exposure and PTSD symptomology (t(81) = 3.85, p < 0.001). Hence, the greater the exposure the higher level of symptoms they exhibited. In addition, we found a difference between the moderating roles of suppressing positive and negative emotional expression, as high but not low, ability to suppress the expression of negative emotions (t(81) = 1.76, p > 0.05), as low but not high, ability to suppress the expression of positive emotions (t(81) = 1.6, p > 0.05), served as a protective factor in buffering the deleterious effect of repeated traumatic exposure. The results provide a pivotal support for the growing body of evidence that a flexible emotional profile is an adaptive one, in dealing with negative life events. However, while there is a need to update behavior, the direction of the adaptive update may differ as a function of valance.
Changes in Proteome of Fibroblasts Isolated from Psoriatic Skin Lesions
Authors: Gęgotek Agnieszka , Domingues Pedro , Wroński Adam , Skrzydlewska Elżbieta
Published: July 2020

The dermal fibroblasts are in constant contact with the cells of the immune system and skin epidermis. Therefore, they are essential for the development of lesions in psoriasis. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the proteomic profile of fibroblasts in the dermis of psoriasis patients, and to discuss the most significant changes and their potential consequences. The proteomic results indicate that fibroblast dysfunction arises from the upregulation of proinflammatory factors and antioxidant proteins, as well as those involved in signal transduction and participating in proteolytic processes. Moreover, downregulated proteins in psoriatic fibroblasts are mainly responsible for the transcription/translation processes, glycolysis/ adenosine triphosphate synthesis and structural molecules. These changes can directly affect intercellular signaling and promote the hyperproliferation of epidermal cells. A better understanding of the metabolic effects of the proteomic changes observed could guide the development of new pharmacotherapies for psoriasis.
Early Polylysine Release from Dental Composites and Its Effects on Planktonic Streptococcus mutans Growth
Authors: Lygidakis Nikos N. , Allan Elaine , Xia Wendy , Ashley Paul F. , Young Anne M.
Published: July 2020

The study aim was to assess the effect of incorporating polylysine (PLS) filler at different mass fractions (0.5, 1 and 2 wt%) on PLS release and Streptococcus mutans planktonic growth. Composite containing PLS mass and volume change and PLS release upon water immersion were assessed gravimetrically and via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Disc effects on bacterial counts in broth initially containing 8 × 105 versus 8 × 106 CFU/mL Streptococcus mutans UA159 were determined after 24 h. Survival of sedimented bacteria after 72 h was determined following LIVE/DEAD staining of composite surfaces using confocal microscopy. Water sorption-induced mass change at two months increased from 0.7 to 1.7% with increasing PLS concentration. Average volume increases were 2.3% at two months whilst polylysine release levelled at 4% at 3 weeks irrespective of composite PLS level. Early percentage PLS release, however, was faster with higher composite content. With 0.5, 1 and 2% polylysine initially in the composite filler phase, 24-h PLS release into 1 mL of water yielded 8, 25 and 93 ppm respectively. With initial bacterial counts of 8 × 105 CFU/mL, this PLS release reduced 24-h bacterial counts from 109 down to 108, 107 and 102 CFU/mL respectively. With a high initial inoculum, 24-h bacterial counts were 109 with 0, 0.5 or 1% PLS and 107 with 2% PLS. As the PLS composite content was raised, the ratio of dead to live sedimented bacteria increased. The antibacterial action of the experimental composites could reduce residual bacteria remaining following minimally invasive tooth restorations.
DUX4 Expression in FSHD Muscles: Focus on Its mRNA Regulation
Authors: Sidlauskaite Eva , Le Gall Laura , Mariot Virginie , Dumonceaux Julie
Published: July 2020

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is the most frequent muscular disease in adults. FSHD is characterized by a weakness and atrophy of a specific set of muscles located in the face, the shoulder, and the upper arms. FSHD patients may present different genetic defects, but they all present epigenetic alterations of the D4Z4 array located on the subtelomeric part of chromosome 4, leading to chromatin relaxation and, ultimately, to the aberrant expression of one gene called DUX4. Once expressed, DUX4 triggers a cascade of deleterious events, eventually leading to muscle dysfunction and cell death. Here, we review studies on DUX4 expression in skeletal muscle to determine the genetic/epigenetic factors and regulatory proteins governing DUX4 expression, with particular attention to the different transcripts and their very low expression in muscle.
Preventive Effects of Three Polysaccharides on the Oxidative Stress Induced by Acrylamide in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Model
Authors: Lin Zhen , Zhang Yu , Li Fangping , Tan Xiaohui , Luo Ping , Liu Huazhong
Published: July 2020

Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as a model to explore the preventive effect of two marine polysaccharides separately derived from Sepia esculenta ink (SIP) and Laminaria japonica (FL) as well as one terrestrial polysaccharides from Eleocharis tuberosa peel (WCPP) on toxic injury induced by acrylamide (AA). The growth of yeast was evaluated by kinetics indexes including doubling time, lag phase and maximum proliferation density. Meanwhile, intracellular redox state was determined by contents of MDA and GSH, and SOD activity. The results showed that AA inhibited yeast growth and destroyed the antioxidant defense system. Supplement with polysaccharides, the oxidative damage of cells was alleviated. According to the growth recovery of yeast, FL and WCPP had similar degree of capacity against AA associated cytotoxicity, while SIP was 1.5~2 folds as strong as FL and WCPP. SIP and FL significantly reduced production of MDA by AA administration. Moreover, SIP, FL and WCPP increased SOD activity and repressed GSH depletion caused by AA.
Lower Limb Tendinopathy Tissue Changes Assessed through Ultrasound: A Narrative Review
Authors: Sánchez Romero Eleuterio A. , Pollet Joel , Martín Pérez Sebastián , Alonso Pérez José Luis , Muñoz Fernández Alberto Carlos , Pedersini Paolo , Barragán Carballar Carlos , Villafañe Jorge Hugo
Published: July 2020

Tendinopathy is a common disease that affects athletes, causing pain and dysfunction to the afflicted tendon. A clinical diagnose is usually combined with imaging and, among all the existing techniques, ultrasound is widely adopted. The aim of this review is to sum up the existing evidence on ultrasound as an imaging tool and guide for treatments in lower limbs tendinopathy. Using three different databases—PubMed, MEDLINE and CENTRAL—a literature search has been performed in May 2020 combining MeSH terms and free terms with Boolean operators. Authors independently selected studies, conducted quality assessment, and extracted results. Ultrasound imaging has a good reliability in the differentiation between healthy and abnormal tendon tissue, while there are difficulties in the identification of tendinopathy stages. The main parameters considered by ultrasound imaging are tendon thickness, hypoechogenicity of tendon structure and neovascularization of the tendon bound tissue. Ultrasound-guide is also used in many tendinopathy treatments and the available studies gave encouraging results, even if further studies are needed in this field.
Fabrication of Blood Capillary Models for Live Imaging Microarray Analysis
Authors: Abdul Sisak Muhammad Asri , Louis Fiona , Hyeok Lee Sun , Chang Young-Tae , Matsusaki Michiya
Published: July 2020

Conventional microarray analysis usually deals with the monolayer or two-dimensional (2D) assays for the high-throughput screening applications. Even though these cell-based assays are effective for preliminary screening at least to have information on cytotoxicity, they do not adequately re-create the in vivo complexity of three-dimensional (3D) tissues. In this study, 3D-blood capillary models were constructed by using physiological collagen microfibers (CMF), which provide the extracellular matrix in the complex tissue. Micro-droplets of fibrin gels containing CMF, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts were cultured for five days in 48-wells plate to provide a medium-throughput system for screening applications. Blood capillaries networks were formed by optimizing the concentration of CMF used and the number of cells. Finally, this screening method was a powerful assay for the application on the selection of not only a specific chemical probe for blood capillary live-imaging, but also a drug, aptamer, and peptide with potential blood vessel targeting property.
Estimates for the Effective Permeability of Intact Granite Obtained from the Eastern and Western Flanks of the Canadian Shield
Authors: Selvadurai A. P. S. , Blain-Coallier A. , Selvadurai P. A.
Published: July 2020

Granitic rock from the western part of the Canadian Shield is considered as a potential host rock for the siting of a deep geological repository for the storage of heat-emitting high-level nuclear fuel waste. The research program focused on the use of surface permeability measurements conducted at 54 locations on a 300 mm cuboid of granite, obtained from the Lac du Bonnet region in Manitoba, to obtain an estimate for the effective permeability of the cuboid. Companion experiments are conducted on a 280 mm cuboid of granite obtained from Stanstead, Quebec, located in the eastern part of the Canadian Shield. The surface permeabilities for the cuboids of granite are developed from theoretical relationships applicable to experimental situations where steady flow is initiated at a sealed annular surface region with a pressurized central domain. The experimental values for the surface permeability are used with a kriging procedure to estimate the permeability variations within the cuboidal region. The spatial variations of permeability are implemented in computational models of the cuboidal regions to determine the one-dimensional permeabilities in three orthogonal directions. The effective permeability of the granite cuboids is estimated by appeal to the geometric mean. The research provides a non-destructive methodology for estimating the effective permeability of large specimens of rock and the experiments performed give estimates for the effective permeability of the two types of granitic rock obtained from the western and eastern flanks of the Canadian Shield.
Graphene Templated DNA Arrays and Biotin-Streptavidin Sensitive Bio-Transistors Patterned by Dynamic Self-Assembly of Polymeric Films Confined within a Roll-on-Plate Geometry
Authors: Jeon Sangheon , Lee Jihye , Park Rowoon , Jeong Jeonghwa , Shin Min Chan , Eom Seong Un , Park Jinyoung , Hong Suck Won
Published: July 2020

Patterning of surfaces with a simple strategy provides insights into the functional interfaces by suitable modification of the surface by novel techniques. Especially, highly ordered structural topographies and chemical features from the wide range of interfaces have been considered as important characteristics to understand the complex relationship between the surface chemistries and biological systems. Here, we report a simple fabrication method to create patterned surfaces over large areas using evaporative self-assembly that is designed to produce a sacrificial template and lithographic etch masks of polymeric stripe patterns, ranging from micrometer to nanoscale. By facilitating a roll-on-plate geometry, the periodically patterned surface structures formed by repetitive slip-stick motions were thoroughly examined to be used for the deposition of the Au nanoparticles decorated graphene oxide (i.e., AuNPs, ~21 nm) and the formation of conductive graphene channels. The fluorescently labeled thiol-modified DNA was applied on the patterned arrays of graphene oxide (GO)/AuNPs, and biotin-streptavidin sensitive devices built with graphene-based transistors (GFETs, effective mobility of ~320 cm2 V−1 s−1) were demonstrated as examples of the platform for the next-generation biosensors with the high sensing response up to ~1 nM of target analyte (i.e., streptavidin). Our strategy suggests that the stripe patterned arrays of polymer films as sacrificial templates can be a simple route to creating highly sensitive biointerfaces and highlighting the development of new chemically patterned surfaces composed of graphene-based nanomaterials.
Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Properties of NGr-ZnO Hybrid Materials
Authors: Pogacean Florina , Ştefan Maria , Toloman Dana , Popa Adriana , Leostean Cristian , Turza Alexandru , Coros Maria , Pana Ovidiu , Pruneanu Stela
Published: July 2020

N-doped graphene-ZnO hybrid materials with different N-doped graphene:ZnO wt% ratios (1:10; 1:20; 1:30) were prepared by a simple and inexpensive sol-gel method. The materials denoted NGr-ZnO-1 (1:10), NGr-ZnO-2 (1:20), and NGr-ZnO-3 (1:30) were investigated with advanced techniques and their morpho-structural, photocatalytic, and electrocatalytic properties were reported. Hence, pure N-doped graphene sample contains flakes with the size ranging from hundreds of nanometers to micrometers. In the case of all NGr-ZnO hybrid materials, the flakes appear heavily decorated with ZnO nanoparticles, having a cauliflower-like morphology. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) investigation of N-doped graphene sample revealed that it was formed by a mixture of graphene oxide, few-and multi-layer graphene. After the ZnO nanoparticles were attached to graphene, major diffraction peaks corresponding to crystalline planes of ZnO were seen. The qualitative and quantitative compositions of the samples were further evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, UV photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) spectra allowed the determination of the ionization energy and valence band maxima. The energy band alignment of the hybrid materials was established by combining UV–Vis with UPS results. A high photocatalytic activity of NGr-ZnO samples against rhodamine B solution was observed. The associated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was monitored by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-spin trapping technique. In accordance with bands alignment and identification of radical species, the photocatalytic mechanism was elucidated.
Macronutrient Intake from Human Milk, Infant Growth, and Body Composition at Term Equivalent Age: A Longitudinal Study of Hospitalized Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Belfort Mandy , Cherkerzian Sara , Bell Katherine , Soldateli Betina , Cordova Ramos Erika , Palmer Caroline , Steele Tina , Pepin Hunter , Ellard Deirdre , Drouin Kaitlin , Inder Terrie
Published: July 2020

The variable macronutrient content of human milk may contribute to growth deficits among preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In a longitudinal study of 37 infants < 32 weeks gestation, we aimed to (1) determine the between-infant variation in macronutrient intake from human milk and (2) examine associations of macronutrient intake with growth outcomes. We analyzed 1626 human milk samples (median, 43 samples/infant) with mid infrared spectroscopy. Outcomes at term equivalent age were weight, length, head circumference, fat mass, and fat-free mass. Median (range) intakes from human milk were: protein 1.37 (0.88, 2.43) g/kg/day; fat 4.20 (3.19, 5.82) g/kg/day; carbohydrate 8.94 (7.72, 9.85) g/kg/day; and energy 82.5 (68.7, 99.3) kcal/kg/day. In median regression models adjusted for birth size and gestational age, and other covariates, greater intakes of fat and energy were associated with higher weight (0.61 z-scores per g/kg/day fat, 95% CI 0.21, 1.01; 0.69 z-scores per 10 kcal/kg/day, 95% CI 0.28, 1.10), whereas greater protein intake was associated with greater body length (0.84 z-scores per g/kg/day protein, 95% CI 0.09, 1.58). Higher fat intake was also associated with higher fat mass and fat-free mass. Macronutrient intakes from human milk were highly variable and associated with growth outcomes despite routine fortification.
A Pilot Study Examining Vitamin C Levels in Periodontal Patients
Authors: Munday Molly-Rose , Rodricks Rohan , Fitzpatrick Michael , Flood Victoria M. , Gunton Jenny E.
Published: July 2020

Background: Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss worldwide. Current periodontal treatment is limited by its dependency on patients learning and maintaining good dental habits, and repeated visits to oral health physicians. Vitamin C’s role in collagen synthesis and immune function makes it important in wound healing and possibly periodontal healing. Therefore, if some patients are deficient, this may worsen patient outcomes. Methods: Patients were invited to participate following assessment and treatment at the Westmead Centre of Oral Health Periodontic Clinic, regardless of current disease stage or treatment. Adults were eligible if they gave informed consent and had current periodontal disease. Study involvement consisted of periodontal assessment and care followed by an interview and measurement of serum vitamin C and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: A total of 6 out of 20 patients had vitamin C levels less than the institutional normal range, of whom 2 had levels <11.4 μmol/L and one <28 μmol/L. Low vitamin C was associated with higher periodontal disease stage (p = 0.03). Elevated CRP was found in 2/3 of people with low vitamin C and CRP was negatively correlated with vitamin C (p < 0.01). Vitamin C did not correlate with patient-reported fruit or vegetable consumption, but high processed meat intake was associated with lower vitamin C. Conclusion: Although a small study, this rate of vitamin C deficiency in the periodontal clinic is clinically important and correlations with disease severity and CRP suggests biological importance. This warrants further studies to assess vitamin C and whether supplementation improves periodontal outcomes, particularly in deficient subjects.
Nutritional Quality of Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Dishes at School: Are Nutrient Profiling Systems Sufficiently Informative?
Authors: Poinsot Romane , Vieux Florent , Dubois Christophe , Perignon Marlène , Méjean Caroline , Darmon Nicole
Published: July 2020

In France, school canteens must offer a vegetarian meal at least once per week. The objective was to evaluate the nutritional quality of school main dishes. A database of main dishes served in primary schools was first split into non-vegetarian (n = 669) and vegetarian (n = 315) categories. The latter has been divided into three sub-categories: vegetarian dishes containing cheese, vegetarian dishes containing eggs and/or dairy products but no cheese and vegetarian dishes without any eggs, cheese or other dairy products (vegan). Categories and sub-categories were compared based on nutrient adequacy ratios for “protective” nutrients (proteins, fibres, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids), the contents of nutrients to be limited (saturated fatty acids (SFA), sodium, free sugars) and on two nutrient profiling systems (SAIN,LIM and Nutri-Score). The vegetarian category and the non-vegetarian category displayed “adequate” levels (≥5% adequacy for 100 kcal) on average for almost all “protective” nutrients. The three sub-categories of vegetarian dishes displayed good SAIN,LIM and Nutri-Score profiles on average, although key nutrients were lacking (vitamin B12, vitamin D and DHA) or were present in insufficient amounts (vitamin B2 and calcium) in the vegan sub-category. The sub-category containing eggs and/or dairy products other than cheese was a good compromise, as it provided protective nutrients associated with eggs and fresh dairy products, while the sub-category containing cheese provided higher levels of SFA. Nutrient profile algorithms are insufficiently informative to assess the nutritional quality of school dishes.
Gauge Dependence of the Gauge Boson Projector
Authors: Gallagher Priidik , Groote Stefan , Naeem Maria
Published: July 2020

The propagator of a gauge boson, like the massless photon or the massive vector bosons W± and Z of the electroweak theory, can be derived in two different ways, namely via Green’s functions (semi-classical approach) or via the vacuum expectation value of the time-ordered product of the field operators (field theoretical approach). Comparing the semi-classical with the field theoretical approach, the central tensorial object can be defined as the gauge boson projector, directly related to the completeness relation for the complete set of polarisation four-vectors. In this paper we explain the relation for this projector to different cases of the Rξ gauge and explain why the unitary gauge is the default gauge for massive gauge bosons.
Specific Detection of Yersinia pestis Based on Receptor Binding Proteins of Phages
Authors: Born Friederike , Braun Peter , Scholz Holger C. , Grass Gregor
Published: July 2020

The highly pathogenic bacterium Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of plague, a notorious infectious zoonotic disease. When transmitted from person to person as pneumonic plague via droplets, Y. pestis is highly contagious and in most cases is fatal if left untreated. Thus, when plague is suspected, rapid diagnosis is crucial, as a serious course of the infection is only averted by early antibiotic therapy. The bacterium is easy to cultivate, accessible and has a high potential for nefarious use such as bioterrorism. Highly specific, rapid and easy-to-use confirmatory diagnostic methods are required to reliably identify the pathogen independently from PCR-based methods or F1 antigen-based immunological detection. Yersinia pestis specific phages such as L-413C and ΦA1122 are already used for detection of Y. pestis in bacterial plaque or biosensor assays. Here, we made use of the host specificities conferred by phage receptor binding (or tail fiber/spike) proteins (RBP) for developing a specific, fast and simple fluorescence-microscopy-based detection method for Y. pestis. Genes of putative RBP of phages L-413C (gpH) and ΦA1122 (gp17) were fused with those of fluorescent proteins and recombinant receptor-reporter fusion proteins were produced heterologously in Escherichia coli. When first tested on attenuated Y. pestis strain EV76, RBP-reporters bound to the bacterial cell surface. This assay could be completed within a few minutes using live or formaldehyde-inactivated cells. Specificity tests using cultures of closely related Yersinia species and several inactivated fully virulent Y. pestis strains exhibited high specificities of the RBP-reporters against Y. pestis. The L-413C RBP proved to be especially specific, as it only detected Y. pestis at all temperatures tested, whereas the RBP of ΦA1122 also bound to Y. pseudotuberculosis strains at 37 °C (but not at 28, 20 or 6 °C). Finally, the Y. pestis-specific capsule, produced when grown at 37 °C, significantly reduced binding of phage ΦA1122 RBP, whereas the capsule only slightly diminished binding of L-413C RBP.
Effectiveness of Dunaliella salina Extracts against Bacillus subtilis and Bacterial Plant Pathogens
Authors: Ambrico Alfredo , Trupo Mario , Magarelli Rosaria , Balducchi Roberto , Ferraro Angelo , Hristoforou Evangelos , Marino Tiziana , Musmarra Dino , Casella Patrizia , Molino Antonio
Published: July 2020

Several bacteria pathogens are responsible for plant diseases causing significant economic losses. The antibacterial activity of Dunaliella salina microalgae extracts were investigated in vitro and in vivo. First, biomass composition was chemically characterized and subjected to extraction using polar/non-polar solvents. The highest extraction yield was obtained using chloroform:methanol (1:1 v/v) equal to 170 mg g−1 followed by ethanol (88 mg g−1) and hexane (61 mg g−1). In vitro examination of hexane extracts of Dunaliella salina demonstrated antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria. The hexane extract showed the highest amount of β-carotene with respect to the others, so it was selected for subsequent analyses. In vivo studies were also carried out using hexane extracts of D. salina against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum on young tomato plants and fruits of tomato and zucchini, respectively. The treated young tomato plants exhibited a reduction of 65.7% incidence and 77.0% severity of bacterial speck spot disease. Similarly, a reduction of soft rot symptoms was observed in treated tomato and zucchini fruits with a disease incidence of 5.3% and 12.6% with respect to 90.6% and 100%, respectively, for the positive control.
High on God: Religious Experience and Counter-Experience in Light of the Study of Religion
Authors: Kruger Matthew
Published: July 2020

Taking as its foundation a religious experience of my own, this paper explores the impact of the study of religion on the interpretation and significance of experience. My experience will be analyzed in relation to the work of William James, followed by a movement into neuroscientific research on null experiences, before turning to philosophic and theological treatments of experience in Nishida Kitaro and Meister Eckhart especially. These accounts of religious experience are then explored in terms of the potential connection they suggest with drug use in and out of religious settings. Finally, I will turn to a fundamental questioning of experience as seen in the work of Martin Heidegger and Jean-Luc Marion, all of which sets up a tentative conclusion regarding our approach to religious experience, whether as an object of study or our own.
Water Storage Monitoring in the Aral Sea and its Endorheic Basin from Multisatellite Data and a Hydrological Model
Authors: Tao Delong , Shi Hongling , Gao Chunchun , Zhan Jingang , Ke Xiaoping
Published: July 2020

Inland water storage change is a fundamental part of the hydrologic cycle, which reflects the impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities on water resources. In this study, we used multisatellite data (from satellite altimetry, remote sensing, and the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE)) to investigate water storage changes in the Aral Sea and its endorheic basin. The water storage depletion rate in the Aral Sea from calibrated hypsometric curves (CHCs) created by satellite altimetry and image data agrees with the GRACE-derived result using the Slepian space domain inverse method (SSDIM). Compared with the combined filtering method (CFM) and mascon solutions, the SSDIM was shown to be an effective method of reducing the GRACE leakage error and restoring the signal attenuation in the Aral Sea. Moreover, we used the WaterGAP global hydrology model (WGHM) to qualitatively analyze the variations in the water storage components. The results show that the groundwater in the Aral Sea affects the change in the interannual water storage, especially during the extreme dry and humid periods. However, from the long-term water storage trend, the decrease in the surface storage dominates the shrinking of the Aral Sea. In addition, more details of the water storage change pattern in the endorheic basin were revealed by the enhanced GRACE solution. Our findings accentuate the severe water storage states of the Aral Sea endorheic basin under the impact of climate change and human interventions.
Monitoring Forest Infestation and Fire Disturbance in the Southern Appalachian Using a Time Series Analysis of Landsat Imagery
Authors: Khodaee Mahsa , Hwang Taehee , Kim JiHyun , Norman Steven P. , Robeson Scott M. , Song Conghe
Published: July 2020

The southern Appalachian forests have been threatened by several large-scale disturbances, such as wildfire and infestation, which alter the forest ecosystem structures and functions. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand, HWA) is a non-native pest that causes widespread foliar damage and eventual mortality, resulting in irreversible tree decline in eastern (Tsuga canadensis) and Carolina (T. caroliniana) hemlocks throughout the eastern United States. It is important to monitor the extent and severity of these disturbances over space and time to better understand their implications in the biogeochemical cycles of forest landscapes. Using all available Landsat images, we investigate and compare the performance of Tasseled Cap Transformation (TCT)-based indices, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and Disturbance Index (DI) in capturing the spectral-temporal trajectory of both abrupt and gradual forest disturbances (e.g., fire and hemlock decline). For each Landsat pixel, the temporal trajectories of these indices were fitted into a time series model, separating the inter-annual disturbance patterns (low frequency) and seasonal phenology (high frequency) signals. We estimated the temporal dynamics of disturbances based on the residuals between the observed and predicted values of the model, investigated the performance of all the indices in capturing the hemlock decline intensity, and further validated the results with the number of individual dead hemlocks identified from high-resolution aerial images. Our results suggested that the overall performance of NDVI, followed by TCT wetness, was most accurate in detecting both the disturbance timing and hemlock decline intensity, explaining over 90% of the variability in the number of dead hemlocks. Despite the overall good performance of TCT wetness in characterizing the disturbance regime, our analysis showed that this index has some limitations in characterizing disturbances due to its recovery patterns following infestation.
Study on Seasonal Variations of Plasma Bubble Occurrence over Hong Kong Area Using GNSS Observations
Authors: Tang Long , Chen Wu , Louis Osei-Poku , Chen Mingli
Published: July 2020

In this study, the characteristics and causes of the seasonal variations in plasma bubble occurrence over the Hong Kong area were investigated using the local Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network. Generally, the occurrences of plasma bubbles were larger in the two equinoxes than in the two solstices. Furthermore, two seasonal asymmetries in plasma bubble occurrence were observed: plasma bubble activity was more frequent in the spring equinox than in the autumn equinox (equinoctial asymmetry), and more frequent in the summer solstice than in the winter solstice (solstitial asymmetry). The equinoctial asymmetry could be explained using the Rayleigh–Taylor (R–T) instability mechanism, due to larger R–T growth rates in the spring equinox than in the autumn equinox. However, the R–T growth rate was smaller in the summer solstice than in the winter solstice, suggesting the R–T instability mechanism was inapplicable to the solstitial asymmetry. Our results showed there were more zonally propagating atmospheric gravity waves (GWs) induced by thunderstorm events over the Hong Kong area in the summer solstice than the winter solstice. So, the solstitial asymmetry could be attributed to the seeding mechanism of thunderstorm-driven atmospheric GWs.
Khodakarami, H., et al., Prediction of the Levodopa Challenge Test in Parkinson’s Disease Using Data from a Wrist-Worn Sensor. Sensors 2019, 19, 5153
Authors: Khodakarami Hamid , Ricciardi Lucia , Contarino Maria Fiorella , Pahwa Rajesh , Lyons Kelly E. , Geraedts Victor J. , Morgante Francesca , Leake Alison , Paviour Dominic , De Angelis Andrea , Horne Malcolm
Published: July 2020

The authors wish to make the following erratum to this paper [...]
Probing the Cyanobacterial Microcystis Gas Vesicles after Static Pressure Treatment: A Potential In Situ Rapid Method
Authors: Li Jiajin , Liao Ran , Tao Yi , Zhuo Zepeng , Liu Zhidi , Deng Hanbo , Ma Hui
Published: July 2020

The vertical migration trend of cyanobacterial cells with gas vesicles in water ecosystems can reflect the changes in the natural environment, such as temperature, nutrients, light conditions, etc. The static pressure treatment is one of the most important approaches to study the properties of the cyanobacterial cell and its gas vesicles. In this paper, a polarized light scattering method is used to probe the collapse and regeneration of the cyanobacterial gas vesicles exposed to different static pressures. During the course, both the axenic and wild type strain of cyanobacterial Microcystis were first treated with different static pressures and then recovered on the normal light conditions. Combining the observation of transmission electron microscopy and floating-sinking photos, the results showed that the collapse and regeneration of the cyanobacterial gas vesicles exposed to different static pressures can be characterized by the polarization parameters. The turbidity as a traditional indicator of gas vesicles but subjected to the concentration of the sample was also measured and found to be correlated with the polarization parameters. More analysis indicated that the polarization parameters are more sensitive and characteristic. The polarized light scattering method can be used to probe the cyanobacterial gas vesicles exposed to different static pressures, which has the potential to provide an in situ rapid and damage-free monitoring tool for observing the vertical migration of cyanobacterial cells and forecasting cyanobacterial blooms.