bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Graphene Oxide Membranes for Gas Separation Applications
Authors: Alen Saif Khan , Nam SungWoo , Dastgheib Seyed A.
Published: November 2019

Graphene oxide (GO) can dramatically enhance the gas separation performance of membrane technologies beyond the limits of conventional membrane materials in terms of both permeability and selectivity. Graphene oxide membranes can allow extremely high fluxes because of their ultimate thinness and unique layered structure. In addition, their high selectivity is due to the molecular sieving or diffusion effect resulting from their narrow pore size distribution or their unique surface chemistry. In the first part of this review, we briefly discuss different mechanisms of gas transport through membranes, with an emphasis on the proposed mechanisms for gas separation by GO membranes. In the second part, we review the methods for GO membrane preparation and characterization. In the third part, we provide a critical review of the literature on the application of different types of GO membranes for CO2, H2, and hydrocarbon separation. Finally, we provide recommendations for the development of high-performance GO membranes for gas separation applications.
C2H2-Type Zinc Finger Proteins (DkZF1/2) Synergistically Control Persimmon Fruit Deastringency
Authors: Jamil Wajeeha , Wu Wei , Gong Hui , Huang Jing-Wen , Ahmad Mudassar , Zhu Qing-Gang , Jin Rong , Liu Xiao-Fen , Yin Xue-Ren
Published: November 2019

Hypoxic environments are generally undesirable for most plants, but for astringent persimmon, high CO2 treatment (CO2 > 90%), also termed artificial high-CO2 atmosphere (AHCA), causes acetaldehyde accumulation and precipitation of soluble tannins and could remove astringency. The multiple transcriptional regulatory linkages involved in persimmon fruit deastringency have been advanced significantly by characterizing the ethylene response factors (ERFs), WRKY and MYB; however, the involvement of zinc finger proteins for deastringency has not been investigated. In this study, five genes encoding C2H2-type zinc finger proteins were isolated and designed as DkZF1-5. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses suggested the five DkZFs could be clustered into two different subgroups. qPCR analysis indicated that transcript abundances of DkZF1/4 were significantly upregulated during AHCA treatment (1% O2 and 95% CO2) at day 1, DkZF2/5 at both day 1 and 2, while DkZF3 at day 2. Dual-luciferase assay indicated DkZF1 and DkZF2 as the activators of deastringency-related structural genes (DkPDC2 and DkADH1) and transcription factors (DkERF9/10). Moreover, combinative effects between various transcription factors were investigated, indicating that DkZF1 and DkZF2 synergistically showed significantly stronger activations on the DkPDC2 promoter. Further, both bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and yeast two hybrid (Y2H) assays confirmed that DkZF2 had protein–protein interactions with DkZF1. Thus, these findings illustrate the regulatory mechanisms of zinc finger proteins for persimmon fruit deastringency under AHCA.
Engineered Artificial MicroRNA Precursors Facilitate Cloning and Gene Silencing in Arabidopsis and Rice
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Zhang Nannan , Shen Wenzhong , Li Jian-Feng
Published: November 2019

Plant genome sequences are presently deciphered at a staggering speed, due to the rapid advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies. However, functional genomics significantly lag behind due to technical obstacles related to functional redundancy and mutant lethality. Artificial microRNA (amiRNA) technology is a specific, reversible, and multiplex gene silencing tool that has been frequently used in generating constitutive or conditional mutants for gene functional interrogation. The routine approach to construct amiRNA precursors involves multiple polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) that can increase both time and labor expenses, as well as the chance to introduce sequence errors. Here, we report a simplified method to clone and express amiRNAs in Arabidopsis and rice based on the engineered Arabidopsis miR319a or rice miR528 precursor, which harbor restriction sites to facilitate one-step cloning of a single PCR product. Stem-loop reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and functional assays validated that amiRNAs can be accurately processed from these modified precursors and work efficiently in plant protoplasts. In addition, Arabidopsis transgenic plants overexpressing the modified miR319a precursor or its derived amiRNA could exhibit strong gene silencing phenotypes, as expected. The simplified amiRNA cloning strategy will be broadly useful for functional genomic studies in Arabidopsis and rice, and maybe other dicotyledon and monocotyledon species as well.
Knockdown of Pyruvate Kinase M2 Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Metabolism, and Migration in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dey Prasanta , Son Ji Yeon , Kundu Amit , Kim Kyeong Seok , Lee Yura , Yoon Kyungsil , Yoon Sungpil , Lee Byung Mu , Nam Ki Taek , Kim Hyung Sik
Published: November 2019

Emerging evidence indicates that the activity of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) isoform is crucial for the survival of tumor cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the function of PKM2 in renal cancer is undetermined. Here, we reveal the overexpression of PKM2 in the proximal tubule of renal tumor tissues from 70 cases of patients with renal carcinoma. The functional role of PKM2 in human renal cancer cells following small-interfering RNA-mediated PKM2 knockdown, which retarded 786-O cell growth was examined. Targeting PKM2 affected the protein kinase B (AKT)/mechanistic target of the rapamycin 1 (mTOR) pathway, and downregulated the expression of glycolytic enzymes, including lactate dehydrogenase A and glucose transporter-1, and other downstream signaling key proteins. PKM2 knockdown changed glycolytic metabolism, mitochondrial function, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, and intracellular metabolite formation and significantly reduced 786-O cell migration and invasion. Acridine orange and monodansylcadaverine staining, immunocytochemistry, and immunoblotting analyses revealed the induction of autophagy in renal cancer cells following PKM2 knockdown. This is the first study to indicate PKM2/AKT/mTOR as an important regulatory axis mediating the changes in the metabolism of renal cancer cells.
ANGPTL4 Induces TMZ Resistance of Glioblastoma by Promoting Cancer Stemness Enrichment via the EGFR/AKT/4E-BP1 Cascade
Authors: Tsai Yu-Ting , Wu An-Chih , Yang Wen-Bin , Kao Tzu-Jen , Chuang Jian-Ying , Chang Wen-Chang , Hsu Tsung-I.
Published: November 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive type of brain tumor, with strong invasiveness and a high tolerance to chemotherapy. Despite the current standard treatment combining temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy, glioblastoma can be incurable due to drug resistance. The existence of glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) is considered the major reason for drug resistance. However, the mechanism of GSC enrichment remains unclear. Herein, we found that the expression and secretion of angiopoietin-like 4 protein (ANGPTL4) were clearly increased in GSCs. The overexpression of ANGPTL4 induced GSC enrichment that was characterized by polycomb complex protein BMI-1 and SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2) expression, resulting in TMZ resistance in GBM. Furthermore, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation induced 4E-BP1 phosphorylation that was required for ANGPTL4-induced GSC enrichment. In particular, ANGPTL4 induced 4E-BP1 phosphorylation by activating phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) cascades for inducing stemness. To elucidate the mechanism contributing to ANGPTL4 upregulation in GSCs, chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (ChIP-Seq) revealed that specificity protein 4 (Sp4) was associated with the promoter region, −979 to −606, and the luciferase reporter assay revealed that Sp4 positively regulated activity of the ANGPTL4 promoter. Moreover, both ANGPTL4 and Sp4 were highly expressed in GBM and resulted in a poor prognosis. Taken together, Sp4-mediated ANGPTL4 upregulation induces GSC enrichment through the EGFR/AKT/4E-BP1 cascade.
A Multiple Protease Strategy to Optimise the Shotgun Proteomics of Mature Medicinal Cannabis Buds
Authors: Vincent Delphine , Ezernieks Vilnis , Rochfort Simone , Spangenberg German
Published: November 2019

Earlier this year we published a method article aimed at optimising protein extraction from mature buds of medicinal cannabis for trypsin-based shotgun proteomics (Vincent, D., et al. Molecules 2019, 24, 659). We then developed a top-down proteomics (TDP) method (Vincent, D., et al. Proteomes 2019, 7, 33). This follow-up study aims at optimising the digestion of medicinal cannabis proteins for identification purposes by bottom-up and middle-down proteomics (BUP and MDP). Four proteases, namely a mixture of trypsin/LysC, GluC, and chymotrypsin, which target different amino acids (AAs) and therefore are orthogonal and cleave proteins more or less frequently, were tested both on their own as well as sequentially or pooled, followed by nLC-MS/MS analyses of the peptide digests. Bovine serum albumin (BSA, 66 kDa) was used as a control of digestion efficiency. With this multiple protease strategy, BSA was reproducibly 97% sequenced, with peptides ranging from 0.7 to 6.4 kD containing 5 to 54 AA residues with 0 to 6 miscleavages. The proteome of mature apical buds from medicinal cannabis was explored more in depth with the identification of 27,123 peptides matching 494 unique accessions corresponding to 229 unique proteins from Cannabis sativa and close relatives, including 130 (57%) additional annotations when the list is compared to that of our previous BUP study (Vincent, D., et al. Molecules 2019, 24, 659). Almost half of the medicinal cannabis proteins were identified with 100% sequence coverage, with peptides composed of 7 to 91 AA residues with up to 9 miscleavages and ranging from 0.6 to 10 kDa, thus falling into the MDP domain. Many post-translational modifications (PTMs) were identified, such as oxidation, phosphorylations, and N-terminus acetylations. This method will pave the way for deeper proteome exploration of the reproductive organs of medicinal cannabis, and therefore for molecular phenotyping within breeding programs.
Identification of MicroRNAs That Respond to Soybean Cyst Nematode Infection in Early Stages in Resistant and Susceptible Soybean Cultivars
Authors: Lei Piao , Han Bing , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhu Xiaofeng , Xuan Yuanhu , Liu Xiaoyu , Fan Haiyan , Chen Lijie , Duan Yuxi
Published: November 2019

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) causes heavy losses to soybean yield. In order to investigate the roles of soybean miRNAs during the early stages of infection (1 and 5 dpi), 24 small RNA libraries were constructed from SCN resistant cultivar Huipizhi (HPZ) and the susceptible Williams 82 (W82) cultivar for high-throughput sequencing. By sequencing the small RNA libraries, a total of 634 known miRNAs were identified, and 252 novel miRNAs were predicted. Altogether, 14 known miRNAs belonging to 13 families, and 26 novel miRNAs were differentially expressed and may respond to SCN infection in HPZ and W82. Similar expression results were also confirmed by qRT-PCR. Further analysis of the biological processes that these potential target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs regulate found that they may be strongly related to plant–pathogen interactions. Overall, soybean miRNAs experience profound changes in early stages of SCN infection in both HPZ and W82. The findings of this study can provide insight into miRNAome changes in both HPZ and W82 at the early stages of infection, and may provide a stepping stone for future SCN management.
Exploring the Molecular Mechanism underlying the Stable Purple-Red Leaf Phenotype in Lagerstroemia indica cv. Ebony Embers
Authors: Qiao Zhongquan , Liu Sisi , Zeng Huijie , Li Yongxin , Wang Xiangying , Chen Yi , Wang Xiaoming , Cai Neng
Published: November 2019

Lagerstroemia indica is an important ornamental tree worldwide. The development of cultivars with colorful leaves and increased ornamental value represents one of the current main research topics. We investigated the anthocyanin profiles in two contrasting cultivars for leaf color phenotypes and explored the underlying molecular basis. Both cultivars display purple-red young leaves (Stage 1), and when the leaves mature (Stage 2), they turn green in HD (Lagerstroemia Dynamite) but remain unchanged in ZD (Lagerstroemia Ebony Embers). Seven different anthocyanins were detected, and globally, the leaves of ZD contained higher levels of anthocyanins than those of HD at the two stages with the most pronounced difference observed at Stage 2. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that in contrast to HD, ZD tends to keep a higher activity level of key genes involved in the flavonoid–anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways throughout the leaf developmental stages in order to maintain the synthesis, accumulation, and modification of anthocyanins. By applying gene co-expression analysis, we detected 19 key MYB regulators were co-expressed with the flavonoid–anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and were found strongly down-regulated in HD. This study lays the foundation for the artificial manipulation of the anthocyanin biosynthesis in order to create new L. indica cultivars with colorful leaves and increased ornamental value.
Cytonemes, Their Formation, Regulation, and Roles in Signaling and Communication in Tumorigenesis
Authors: Casas-Tintó Sergio , Portela Marta
Published: November 2019

Increasing evidence during the past two decades shows that cells interconnect and communicate through cytonemes. These cytoskeleton-driven extensions of specialized membrane territories are involved in cell–cell signaling in development, patterning, and differentiation, but also in the maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis, tissue regeneration, and cancer. Brain tumor cells in glioblastoma extend ultralong membrane protrusions (named tumor microtubes, TMs), which contribute to invasion, proliferation, radioresistance, and tumor progression. Here we review the mechanisms underlying cytoneme formation, regulation, and their roles in cell signaling and communication in epithelial cells and other cell types. Furthermore, we discuss the recent discovery of glial cytonemes in the Drosophila glial cells that alter Wingless (Wg)/Frizzled (Fz) signaling between glia and neurons. Research on cytoneme formation, maintenance, and cell signaling mechanisms will help to better understand not only physiological developmental processes and tissue homeostasis but also cancer progression.
A Brief History of Mitochondrial Pathologies
Authors: DiMauro Salvatore
Published: November 2019

The history of “mitochondrial pathologies”, namely genetic pathologies affecting mitochondrial metabolism because of mutations in nuclear DNA-encoded genes for proteins active inside mitochondria or mutations in mitochondrial DNA-encoded genes, began in 1988. In that year, two different groups of researchers discovered, respectively, large-scale single deletions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in muscle biopsies from patients with “mitochondrial myopathies” and a point mutation in the mtDNA gene for subunit 4 of NADH dehydrogenase (MTND4), associated with maternally inherited Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). Henceforth, a novel conceptual “mitochondrial genetics”, separate from mendelian genetics, arose, based on three features of mtDNA: (1) polyplasmy; (2) maternal inheritance; and (3) mitotic segregation. Diagnosis of mtDNA-related diseases became possible through genetic analysis and experimental approaches involving histochemical staining of muscle or brain sections, single-fiber polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of mtDNA, and the creation of patient-derived “cybrid” (cytoplasmic hybrid) immortal fibroblast cell lines. The availability of the above-mentioned techniques along with the novel sensitivity of clinicians to such disorders led to the characterization of a constantly growing number of pathologies. Here is traced a brief historical perspective on the discovery of autonomous pathogenic mtDNA mutations and on the related mendelian pathology altering mtDNA integrity.
Radio-Enhancing Properties of Bimetallic Au:Pt Nanoparticles: Experimental and Theoretical Evidence
Authors: Salado-Leza Daniela , Traore Ali , Porcel Erika , Dragoe Diana , Muñoz Antonio , Remita Hynd , García Gustavo , Lacombe Sandrine
Published: November 2019

The use of nanoparticles, in combination with ionizing radiation, is considered a promising method to improve the performance of radiation therapies. In this work, we engineered mono- and bimetallic core-shell gold–platinum nanoparticles (NPs) grafted with poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG). Their radio-enhancing properties were investigated using plasmids as bio-nanomolecular probes and gamma radiation. We found that the presence of bimetallic Au:Pt-PEG NPs increased by 90% the induction of double-strand breaks, the signature of nanosize biodamage, and the most difficult cell lesion to repair. The radio-enhancement of Au:Pt-PEG NPs were found three times higher than that of Au-PEG NPs. This effect was scavenged by 80% in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide, demonstrating the major role of hydroxyl radicals in the damage induction. Geant4-DNA Monte Carlo simulations were used to elucidate the physical processes involved in the radio-enhancement. We predicted enhancement factors of 40% and 45% for the induction of nanosize damage, respectively, for mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles, which is attributed to secondary electron impact processes. This work contributed to a better understanding of the interplay between energy deposition and the induction of nanosize biomolecular damage, being Monte Carlo simulations a simple method to guide the synthesis of new radio-enhancing agents.
Towards 99mTc- and Re-Based Multifunctional Silica Platforms for Theranostic Applications
Authors: Wuillemin Michel A. , Reber Michael J. , Fox Thomas , Spingler Bernhard , Brühwiler Dominik , Alberto Roger , Braband Henrik
Published: November 2019

Taking advantage of the radiation properties of 99mTc and 186/188Re and the photophysical characteristics of the {M(CO)3}+ moiety (M = Re), we developed a multifunctional silica platform with the theranostic pair 99mTc/Re with high potential for (nano)medical applications. Starting with a general screening to evaluate the most suitable mesoporous silica construct and the development of appropriate chelate systems, multifunctional mesoporous silica microparticles (SBA-15) were synthesized. These particles act as a model towards the synthesis of the corresponding nanoconstructs. The particles can be modified at the external surface with a targeting function and labeled with the {M(CO)3}+ moiety (M = 99mTc, Re) at the pore surface. Thus, a silica platform is realized, whose bioprofile is not altered by the loaded modalities. The described synthetic procedures can be applied to establish a target-specific theranostic nanoplatform, which enables the combination of fluorescence and radio imaging, with the possibility of radio- and chemotherapy.
Theoretical Insights into the Aerobic Hydrogenase Activity of Molybdenum–Copper CO Dehydrogenase
Authors: Rovaletti Anna , Bruschi Maurizio , Moro Giorgio , Cosentino Ugo , Greco Claudio , Ryde Ulf
Published: November 2019

The Mo/Cu-dependent CO dehydrogenase from O. carboxidovorans is an enzyme that is able to catalyse CO oxidation to CO 2 ; moreover, it also expresses hydrogenase activity, as it is able to oxidize H 2 . Here, we have studied the dihydrogen oxidation catalysis by this enzyme using QM/MM calculations. Our results indicate that the equatorial oxo ligand of Mo is the best suited base for catalysis. Moreover, extraction of the first proton from H 2 by means of this basic centre leads to the formation of a Mo–OH–Cu I H hydride that allows for the stabilization of the copper hydride, otherwise known to be very unstable. In light of our results, two mechanisms for the hydrogenase activity of the enzyme are proposed. The first reactive channel depends on protonation of the sulphur atom of a Cu-bound cysteine residues, which appears to favour the binding and activation of the substrate. The second reactive channel involves a frustrated Lewis pair, formed by the equatorial oxo group bound to Mo and by the copper centre. In this case, no binding of the hydrogen molecule to the Cu center is observed but once H 2 enters into the active site, it can be split following a low-energy path.
Nutritional Challenges in Patients with Advanced Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Stirnimann Jessica , Stirnimann Guido
Published: November 2019

Patients with advanced liver cirrhosis are at risk of malnutrition and nutrition-associated complications. Significant ascites, a frequent finding in these patients, has an especially negative impact on oral nutrition. A negative caloric and protein balance can further deteriorate the already impaired synthetic function of the cirrhotic liver. An important factor in this situation is the diminished capacity of glycogen production and storage in the cirrhotic liver and, consequently, a reduced tolerability for fasting episodes. These episodes are frequently observed in hospitalized patients, e.g., while waiting for investigations, interventions or surgery. A comprehensive work-up of patients with advanced liver cirrhosis should include not only a thorough assessment regarding nutritional deficits, but also a muscularity analysis to identify patients with sarcopenia. The overall nutritional treatment goal is to cover caloric deficits and assure a sufficiently high protein intake. Furthermore, vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies should be identified and corrective measures implemented where required. Ideally, optimal nutrition management can not only prevent the progression of malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis, but positively influence the evolution of the liver disease.
B4GALT1 Is a New Candidate to Maintain the Stemness of Lung Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: De Vitis Claudia , Corleone Giacomo , Salvati Valentina , Ascenzi Francesca , Pallocca Matteo , De Nicola Francesca , Fanciulli Maurizio , di Martino Simona , Bruschini Sara , Napoli Christian , Ricci Alberto , Bassi Massimiliano , Venuta Federico , Rendina Erino Angelo , Ciliberto Gennaro , Mancini Rita
Published: November 2019

Background: According to the cancer stem cells (CSCs) hypothesis, a population of cancer cells with stem cell properties is responsible for tumor propagation, drug resistance, and disease recurrence. Study of the mechanisms responsible for lung CSCs propagation is expected to provide better understanding of cancer biology and new opportunities for therapy. Methods: The Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD) NCI-H460 cell line was grown either as 2D or as 3D cultures. Transcriptomic and genome-wide chromatin accessibility studies of 2D vs. 3D cultures were carried out using RNA-sequencing and Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq), respectively. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was also carried out on RNA extracted from primary cultures derived from malignant pleural effusions to validate RNA-seq results. Results: RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data disentangled transcriptional and genome accessibility variability of 3D vs. 2D cultures in NCI-H460 cells. The examination of genomic landscape of genes upregulated in 3D vs. 2D cultures led to the identification of 2D cultures led to the identification of Beta-1,4-galactosyltranferase 1 (B4GALT1) as the top candidate. B4GALT1 as the top candidate. B4GALT1 was validated as a stemness factor, since its silencing caused strong inhibition of 3D spheroid formation. Conclusion: Combined transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility study of 3D vs. 2D LUAD cultures led to the identification of B4GALT1 as a new factor involved in the propagation and maintenance of LUAD CSCs.
Parameters Affecting the Antimicrobial Properties of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Jet
Authors: Lou Bih-Show , Lai Chih-Ho , Chu Teng-Ping , Hsieh Jang-Hsing , Chen Chun-Ming , Su Yu-Ming , Hou Chun-Wei , Chou Pang-Yun , Lee Jyh-Wei
Published: November 2019

Using the Taguchi method to narrow experimental parameters, the antimicrobial efficiency of a cold atmospheric plasma jet (CAPJ) treatment was investigated. An L9 array with four parameters of CAPJ treatments, including the application voltage, CAPJ-sample distance, argon (Ar) gas flow rate, and CAPJ treatment time, were applied to examine the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli). CAPJ treatment time was found to be the most influential parameter in its antimicrobial ability by evaluation of signal to noise ratios and analysis of variance. 100% bactericidal activity was achieved under the optimal bactericidal activity parameters including the application voltage of 8.5 kV, CAPJ-sample distance of 10 mm, Ar gas flow rate of 500 sccm, and CAPJ treatment time of 300 s, which confirms the efficacy of the Taguchi method in this design. In terms of the mechanism of CAPJ’s antimicrobial ability, the intensity of hydroxyl radical produced by CAPJ positively correlated to its antimicrobial efficiency. The CAPJ antimicrobial efficiency was further evaluated by both DNA double-strand breaks analysis and scanning electron microscopy examination of CAPJ treated bacteria. CAPJ destroyed the cell wall of E. coli and further damaged its DNA structure, thus leading to successful killing of bacteria. This study suggests that optimal conditions of CPAJ can provide effective antimicrobial activity and may be grounds for a novel approach for eradicating bacterial infections.
Comments from the Editor of the Special Issue “Type 2 Diabetes: Update on Pathophysiology and Treatment”
Authors: Morioka Tomoaki
Published: November 2019

The editor would like to offer the Special Issue “Type 2 Diabetes: Update on Pathophysiology and Treatment” to the community of diabetes clinicians and researchers. This Special Issue aims to update our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of type 2 diabetes and its vascular and non-vascular complications.
Cancer Risk in Collagenous Colitis
Authors: Larsson Johanna K. , Dabos Konstantinos J. , Höglund Peter , Bohr Johan , Münch Andreas , Giannakou Andry , Nemeth Artur , Wurm-Johansson Gabriele , Toth Ervin , Plevris John N. , Fineron Paul , Koulaouzidis Anastasios , Sjöberg Klas
Published: November 2019

Data on malignancy in patients with collagenous colitis (CC) is scarce. We aimed to determine the incidence of cancers in patients with CC. In a two-stages, observational study, data on cancers in patients diagnosed with CC during 2000–2015, were collected from two cohorts. The risk was calculated according to the age-standardized rate for the first cohort and according to the standardized incidence ratio for the second cohort. The first cohort comprised 738 patients (394 from Scotland and 344 from Sweden; mean age 71 ± 11 and 66 ± 13 years, respectively). The incidence rates for lung cancer (RR 3.9, p = 0.001), bladder cancer (RR 9.2, p = 0.019), and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) (RR 15, p = 0.001) were increased. As the majority of NMSC cases (15/16) came from Sweden, a second Swedish cohort, comprising 1141 patients (863 women, mean age 65 years, range 20–95 years) was collected. There were 93 cancer cases (besides NMSC). The risk for colon cancer was decreased (SIR 0.23, p= 0.0087). The risk for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma was instead markedly increased (SIR 3.27, p = 0.001).
Shift in Epidemiology of Cryptococcal Infections in Ottawa with High Mortality in Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Patel Vishesh , Desjardins Marc , Cowan Juthaporn
Published: November 2019

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus that can cause life-threatening infections. While human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive status historically had the highest risk for cryptococcal infection and was associated with high mortality rates, there have been changes in HIV treatment and the epidemiology of other acquired immunodeficiencies, such as hematological malignancies. We conducted a retrospective case series analysis of patients who had cryptococcal infections documented at the Ottawa Hospital from 2005 to 2017. The Ottawa Hospital is a tertiary care hospital and provides complex care such as chemotherapy and transplantations. There were 28 confirmed cryptococcal infections. The most common underlying condition associated with cryptococcal infection was hematological malignancy (n = 8.29%), followed by HIV (n = 5.18%) and solid organ transplantation (n = 4.14%). Furthermore, while there was a decrease in the number of cryptococcal infections in HIV patients after 2010 (four to one case), the number of cases in non-HIV immunocompromised patients increased from four in the years 2005–2010 to fourteen in 2011–2017. There were nine cryptococcal-attributable deaths. The case fatality rate was highest among patients with underlying hematological malignancies (63%), followed by solid organ transplant (50%) and HIV patients (20%). In conclusion, this study showed that there may be an epidemiological shift of cryptococcal infection in Ottawa. Additionally, infections may be associated with a worse prognosis in patients with a hematological malignancy and solid organ transplant than in patients with HIV infection in the modern era. Better prevention and/or treatment is warranted for high-risk populations.
Functionalization and Surface Modifications of Bioactive Glasses (BGs): Tailoring of the Biological Response Working on the Outermost Surface Layer
Authors: Kargozar Saeid , Kermani Farzad , Mollazadeh Beidokhti Sahar , Hamzehlou Sepideh , Verné Enrica , Ferraris Sara , Baino Francesco
Published: November 2019

Bioactive glasses (BGs) are routinely being used as potent materials for hard and soft tissue engineering applications; however, improving their biological activities through surface functionalization and modification has been underestimated so far. The surface characteristics of BGs are key factors in determining the success of any implanted BG-based material in vivo since they regulate the affinity and binding of different biological macromolecules and thereby the interactions between cells and the implant. Therefore, a number of strategies using chemical agents (e.g., glutaraldehyde, silanes) and physical methods (e.g., laser treatment) have been evaluated and applied to design properly, tailor, and improve the surface properties of BGs. All these approaches aim at enhancing the biological activities of BGs, including the induction of cell proliferation and subsequent osteogenesis, as well as the inhibition of bacterial growth and adhesion, thereby reducing infection. In this study, we present an overview of the currently used approaches of surface functionalization and modifications of BGs, along with discussing the biological outputs induced by these changes.
Effect of Laser Ablation on Microwave Attenuation Properties of Diamond Films
Authors: Ding Minghui , Liu Yanqing , Lu Xinru , Tang Weizhong
Published: November 2019

Thermal conductivity is required for developing high-power microwave technology. Diamond has the highest thermal conductivity in nature. In this study, a diamond film was synthesized by microwave plasma chemical deposition, and then long and short conductive graphite fibers were introduced to the diamond films by laser ablation. The permittivity of the samples in the K-band was measured using the transmission/reflection method. The permittivity of diamond films with short graphite fibers increased. The increase in real part of permittivity can be attributed to electron polarization, and the increase in the imaginary part can be ascribed to both polarization and electrical conductivity. The diamond films with long graphite fibers exhibited a highly pronounced anisotropy for microwave. The calculation of microwave absorption shows that reflection loss values exceeding −10 dB can be obtained in the frequency range of 21.3–23.5 GHz when the graphite fiber length is 0.7 mm and the sample thickness is 2.5 mm. Therefore, diamond films can be developed into a microwave attenuation material with extremely high thermal conductivity.
Humidity Driven Transition from Insulator to Ionic Conductor in Portland Cement
Authors: Nagao Masahiro , Kobayashi Kazuyo , Hori Tetsuya , Li Yaorong , Hibino Takashi
Published: November 2019

This work aims to assess ionic conduction in anhydrous cement particles and hydrated cement pastes with aging periods of 5–25 days. When a cement sample was humidified (relative humidity = 100%) over the range of 50–100 °C, it exhibited bulk conductivities of 10−3–10−2 S cm−1, regardless of the hydration level, whereas the interfacial conductivities varied in the range of 10−7–10−3 S cm−1, depending on the structural defects or conduction pathways of the sample. Both the bulk and interfacial conductivities were increased to 0.01 S cm−1 or higher at 100 °C, although the sample required previous moistening with water mist. The major charge carrier in the sample was determined to be hydroxide ions, and the total ion transport number was approximately 1. Exposing the sample to a mixture of carbon dioxide and water vapor caused a decrease in the bulk and interfacial conductivities; however, the bulk conductivity was returned to the initial value by treatment with an acid.
Learned Prediction of Compressive Strength of GGBFS Concrete Using Hybrid Artificial Neural Network Models
Authors: Han In-Ji , Yuan Tian-Feng , Lee Jin-Young , Yoon Young-Soo , Kim Joong-Hoon
Published: November 2019

A new hybrid intelligent model was developed for estimating the compressive strength (CS) of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) concrete, and the synergistic benefits of the hybrid algorithm as compared with a single algorithm were verified. While using the collected 269 data from previous experimental studies, artificial neural network (ANN) models with three different learning algorithms namely back-propagation (BP), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and new hybrid PSO-BP algorithms, were constructed and the performance of the models was evaluated with regard to the prediction accuracy, efficiency, and stability through a threefold procedure. It was found that the PSO-BP neural network model was superior to the simple ANNs that were trained by a single algorithm and it is suitable for predicting the CS of GGBFS concrete.
New Damage Evolution Law for Steel–Asphalt Concrete Composite Pavement Considering Wheel Load and Temperature Variation
Authors: Xu Xunqian , Yang Xiao , Huang Wei , Xiang Hongliang , Yang Wei
Published: November 2019

Epoxy asphalt (EA) concrete is widely used in constructing long-span steel bridge pavements (SBDPs). This study aims to derive a fatigue damage evolution law, conducting an experimental investigation of SBDP. First, a general theoretical form of the fatigue damage evolution law of materials is established based on the thermal motion of atoms. Then, fatigue experiments demonstrate that this evolution law well represents the known damage–life relationships of SBDP. Taking into account the experimental relationships between damage and fatigue life under symmetrical cyclic loadings with different overload amplitudes and temperature variations, a detailed damage evolution law is deduced. Finally, the role of damage accumulation is discussed on the basis of the proposed damage evolution law for the extreme situation of heavy overload and severe environments. The results show that both heavy loading and falling temperatures increase the fatigue damage of SBDP considerably. EA shows a fatigue life two to three times longer than that of modified matrix asphalt (SMA) or guss asphalt (GA). For the same thickness, EA pavement is demonstrated to be more suitable for an anti-fatigue design of large-span SBDP under high traffic flows and low temperatures.
A New Prospect in Road Traffic Energy Harvesting Using Lead-Free Piezoceramics
Authors: Vázquez-Rodríguez Manuel , Jiménez Francisco J. , Pardo Lorena , Ochoa Pilar , González Amador M. , de Frutos José
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a new prospect using lead-free piezoelectric ceramics is presented in order to determine their behavior in piezoelectric-based road traffic energy harvesting applications. This paper will describe the low-cost and fully programmable novel test bench developed. The test bench includes a traffic simulator and acquires the electrical signals of the piezoelectric materials and the energy harvested when stress is produced by analogous mechanical stimuli to road traffic effects. This new computer-controlled laboratory instrument is able to obtain the active electrical model of the piezoelectric materials and the generalized linear equivalent electrical model of the energy storage and harvesting circuits in an accurate and automatized empirical process. The models are originals and predict the extracted maximum power. The methodology presented allows the use of only two load resistor values to empirically verify the value of the output impedance of the harvester previously determined by simulations. This parameter is unknown a priori and is very relevant for optimizing the energy harvesting process based on maximum power point algorithms. The relative error achieved between the theoretical analysis by applying the models and the practical tests with real harvesting systems is under 3%. The environmental concerns are explored, highlighting the main differences between lead-containing (lead zirconate titanate, PZT) and lead-free commercial piezoelectric ceramics in road traffic energy harvesting applications.
Bimetallic Nanoparticles as a Model System for an Industrial NiMo Catalyst
Authors: Blomberg Sara , Johansson Niclas , Kokkonen Esko , Rissler Jenny , Kollberg Linnéa , Preger Calle , Franzén Sara M , Messing Maria E , Hulteberg Christian
Published: November 2019

An in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanism is required for the further development of Mo-based catalysts for biobased feedstocks. However, fundamental studies of industrial catalysts are challenging, and simplified systems are often used without direct comparison to their industrial counterparts. Here, we report on size-selected bimetallic NiMo nanoparticles as a candidate for a model catalyst that is directly compared to the industrial system to evaluate their industrial relevance. Both the nanoparticles and industrial supported NiMo catalysts were characterized using surface- and bulk-sensitive techniques. We found that the active Ni and Mo metals in the industrial catalyst are well dispersed and well mixed on the support, and that the interaction between Ni and Mo promotes the reduction of the Mo oxide. We successfully produced 25 nm NiMo alloyed nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution. Characterization of the nanoparticles showed that they have a metallic core with a native oxide shell with a high potential for use as a model system for fundamental studies of hydrotreating catalysts for biobased feedstocks.
Iterating the Sum of Möbius Divisor Function and Euler Totient Function
Authors: Kim Daeyeoul , Sarp Umit , Ikikardes Sebahattin
Published: November 2019

In this paper, according to some numerical computational evidence, we investigate and prove certain identities and properties on the absolute Möbius divisor functions and Euler totient function when they are iterated. Subsequently, the relationship between the absolute Möbius divisor function with Fermat primes has been researched and some results have been obtained.
Tensile and Creep Properties Improvement of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Specimens Produced by Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Aliprandi Placido , Giudice Fabio , Guglielmino Eugenio , Sili Andrea
Published: November 2019

Thanks to their excellent mechanical strength in combination with low density, high melting point, and good resistance to corrosion, titanium alloys are very useful in many industrial and biomedical fields. The new additive manufacturing methods, such as Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion based on the deposition of metal powders layers progressively molten by electron beam scanning, can overcome many of the machining problems concerning the production of peculiar shapes made of Ti alloys. However, the processing route is strictly determinant for mechanical performance of products, especially in the case of Ti alloys. In the present work flat specimens made of Ti-6Al-4V alloy produced by Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (or Electron Beam Melting) have been built and post-processed with the purpose of obtaining good tensile and creep performance. Preliminarily, the process parameters were set according to literature evidence and machine producer recommendations, validated by the results of a thermal analysis, aimed at satisfying the best processing conditions to reduce defects, as unmelted regions, microstructure coarsening or porosity, that are detrimental to mechanical behavior. Subsequently, Hot Isostatic Pressing and surface smoothing were considered, respectively, in order to reduce any internal porosity and lower roughness. Microstructure of the investigated specimens was characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy observations and by X-ray diffraction measurements. Results show enhanced tensile behavior after the hot pressing treatment that allows to relieve stresses and reduce defects detrimental to mechanical properties. The best ductility was obtained by the combined effects of machining and densification. Creep test results verify the beneficial effects of surface smoothing.
Metabolomics Distinguishes DOCK8 Deficiency from Atopic Dermatitis: Towards a Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Jacob Minnie , Gu Xinyun , Luo Xian , Al-Mousa Hamoud , Arnaout Rand , Al-Saud Bandar , L. Lopata Andreas , Li Liang , Dasouki Majed , Rahman Anas
Published: November 2019

Bi-allelic mutations in the dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) are responsible for a rare autosomal recessive primary combined immunodeficiency syndrome, characterized by atopic dermatitis, elevated serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, recurrent severe cutaneous viral infections, autoimmunity, and predisposition to malignancy. The molecular link between DOCK8 deficiency and atopic skin inflammation remains unknown. Severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and DOCK8 deficiency share some clinical symptoms, including eczema, eosinophilia, and increased serum IgE levels. Increased serum IgE levels are characteristic of, but not specific to allergic diseases. Herein, we aimed to study the metabolomic profiles of DOCK8-deficient and AD patients for potential disease-specific biomarkers using chemical isotope labeling liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (CIL LC-MS). Serum samples were collected from DOCK8-deficient (n = 10) and AD (n = 9) patients. Metabolomics profiling using CIL LC-MS was performed on patient samples and compared to unrelated healthy controls (n = 33). Seven metabolites were positively identified, distinguishing DOCK8-deficient from AD patients. Aspartic acid and 3-hydroxyanthranillic acid (3HAA, a tryptophan degradation pathway intermediate) were up-regulated in DOCK8 deficiency, whereas hypotaurine, leucyl-phenylalanine, glycyl-phenylalanine, and guanosine were down-regulated. Hypotaurine, 3-hydroxyanthranillic acid, and glycyl-phenylalanine were identified as potential biomarkers specific to DOCK8 deficiency. Aspartate availability has been recently implicated as a limiting metabolite for tumour growth and 3HAA; furthermore, other tryptophan metabolism pathway-related molecules have been considered as potential novel targets for cancer therapy. Taken together, perturbations in tryptophan degradation and increased availability of aspartate suggest a link of DOCK8 deficiency to oncogenesis. Additionally, perturbations in taurine and dipeptides metabolism suggest altered antixidation and cell signaling states in DOCK8 deficiency. Further studies examining the mechanisms underlying these observations are necessary.
Integrated Process for Bioenergy Production and Water Recycling in the Dairy Industry: Selection of Kluyveromyces Strains for Direct Conversion of Concentrated Lactose-Rich Streams into Bioethanol
Authors: Leandro Maria José , Marques Susana , Ribeiro Belina , Santos Helena , Fonseca César
Published: November 2019

Dairy industries have a high environmental impact, with very high energy and water consumption and polluting effluents. To increase the sustainability of these industries it is urgent to implement technologies for wastewater treatment allowing water recycling and energy savings. In this study, dairy wastewater was processed by ultrafiltration and nanofiltration or ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis (UF/RO) and retentates from the second membrane separation processes were assessed for bioenergy production. Lactose-fermenting yeasts were tested in direct conversion of the retentates (lactose-rich streams) into bioethanol. Two Kluyveromyces strains efficiently fermented all the lactose, with ethanol yields higher than 90% (>0.47 g/g yield). Under severe oxygen-limiting conditions, the K. marxianus PYCC 3286 strain reached 70 g/L of ethanol, which is compatible with energy-efficient distillation processes. In turn, the RO permeate is suitable for recycling into the cleaning process. The proposed integrated process, using UF/RO membrane technology, could allow water recycling (RO permeate) and bioenergy production (from RO retentate) for a more sustainable dairy industry.
Editorial for Special Issue “Minerals Down to the Nanoscale: A Glimpse at Ore-Forming Processes”
Authors: Ciobanu Cristiana L. , Utsunomiya Satoshi , Reich Martin , Plümper Oliver , Cook Nigel J.
Published: November 2019

Minerals form in all types of chemical and physical environments [...]
Antimicrobial Effect of Picea abies Extracts on E. coli Growth
Authors: Haman Nabil , Morozova Ksenia , Tonon Giustino , Scampicchio Matteo , Ferrentino Giovanna
Published: November 2019

This study aims to investigate the effect of essential oils extracted from wood residues of Picea abies on the growth of Escherichia coli. The essential oils were extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide, leading to a yield of 3.4 ± 0.5% (w/w) in 120 min. The antimicrobial effect was tested at 37 °C by isothermal calorimetry. The heat-flow (dq/dt vs. time) was integrated to give a fractional reaction curve (α vs. time). Such curves were fitted by a modified Gompertz function to give the lag-time (λ) and the maximum growth rate (µmax) parameters. The results showed that λ was linearly correlated with E. coli concentration (λ = 1.4 h/log (CFU/mL), R2 = 0.997), whereas µmax was invariant. Moreover, the overall heat was nearly constant to all the dilutions of E. coli. Instead, when the essential oil was added (with concentrations ranging from 1 to 5 mg/L) to a culture of E. coli (104 CFU/mL), the lag-time increased from 14.1 to 33.7 h, and the overall heat decreased from 2120 to 2.37 J. The results obtained by the plate count technique were linear with the lag-time (λ), where (λ = −7.3 × log (CFU/mL) + 38.3, R2 = 0.9878). This suggested a lower capacity of E. coli to metabolize the substrate in the presence of the essential oils. The results obtained in this study promote the use of essential oils from wood residues and their use as antimicrobial products.