bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Climate Change on Outdoor Workers and Their Safety: Some Research Priorities
Authors: Moda Haruna M. , Filho Walter Leal , Minhas Aprajita
Published: September 2019

The literature on the potential impacts of climate change on the health of outdoor workers has received limited attention as a whole, and in sub-Saharan African countries in particular. Yet, substantial numbers of workers are experiencing the health effects of elevated temperature, in combination with changes in precipitation patterns, climate extremes and the effects of air pollution, which have a potential impact on their safety and wellbeing. With increased temperatures within urban settlements and frequent heats waves, there has been a sudden rise in the occurrence of heat-related illness leading to higher levels of mortality, as well as other adverse health impacts. This paper discusses the impacts of extreme heat exposure and health concerns among outdoor workers, and the resultant impacts on their productivity and occupational safety in tropical developing countries with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, where there is a dearth of such studies. Aside from the direct effects caused by extreme heat exposure, other indirect health hazards associated with increasing heat among this group includes exposures to hazardous chemicals and other vector-borne diseases. In addition, reduced work capacity in heat-exposed jobs will continue to rise and hinder economic and social development in such countries. There is an urgent need for further studies around the health and economic impacts of climate change in the workplace, especially in tropical developing countries, which may guide the implementation of the measures needed to address the problem.
Generation of Lane-Level Road Networks Based on a Trajectory-Similarity-Join Pruning Strategy
Authors: Zheng Ling , Song Huashan , Li Bijun , Zhang Hongjuan
Published: September 2019

With the development of autonomous driving, lane-level maps have attracted significant attention. Since the lane-level road network is an important part of the lane-level map, the efficient, low-cost, and automatic generation of lane-level road networks has become increasingly important. We propose a new method here that generates lane-level road networks using only position information based on an autonomous vehicle and the existing lane-level road networks from the existing road-level professionally surveyed without lane details. This method uses the parallel relationship between the centerline of a lane and the centerline of the corresponding segment. Since the direct point-by-point computation is huge, we propose a method based on a trajectory-similarity-join pruning strategy (TSJ-PS). This method uses a filter-and-verify search framework. First, it performs quick segmentation based on the minimum distance and then uses the similarity of two trajectories to prune the trajectory similarity join. Next, it calculates the centerline trajectory for lanes using the simulation transformation model by the unpruned trajectory points. Finally, we demonstrate the efficiency of the algorithm and generate a lane-level road network via experiments on a real road.
Nimodipine-Dependent Protection of Schwann Cells, Astrocytes and Neuronal Cells from Osmotic, Oxidative and Heat Stress Is Associated with the Activation of AKT and CREB
Authors: Leisz Sandra , Simmermacher Sebastian , Prell Julian , Strauss Christian , Scheller Christian
Published: September 2019

Clinical and experimental data assumed a neuroprotective effect of the calcium channel blocker nimodipine. However, it has not been proven which neuronal or glial cell types are affected by nimodipine and which mechanisms underlie these neuroprotective effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of nimodipine treatment on the in vitro neurotoxicity of different cell types in various stress models and to identify the associated molecular mechanisms. Therefore, cell lines from Schwann cells, neuronal cells and astrocytes were pretreated for 24 h with nimodipine and incubated under stress conditions such as osmotic, oxidative and heat stress. The cytotoxicity was measured via the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity of cell culture supernatant. As a result, the nimodipine treatment led to a statistically significantly reduced cytotoxicity in Schwann cells and neurons during osmotic (p ≤ 0.01), oxidative (p ≤ 0.001) and heat stress (p ≤ 0.05), when compared to the vehicle. The cytotoxicity of astrocytes was nimodipine-dependently reduced during osmotic (p ≤ 0.01), oxidative (p ≤ 0.001) and heat stress (not significant). Moreover, a decreased caspase activity as well as an increased proteinkinase B (AKT) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation could be observed after the nimodipine treatment under different stress conditions. These results demonstrate a cell type-independent neuroprotective effect of the prophylactic nimodipine treatment, which is associated with the prevention of stress-dependent apoptosis through the activation of CREB and AKT signaling pathways and the reduction of caspase 3 activity.
Detailed Clinical Features of Deafness Caused by a Claudin-14 Variant
Authors: Kitano Tomohiro , Kitajiri Shin-ichiro , Nishio Shin-ya , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: September 2019

Tight junctions are cellular junctions that play a major role in the epithelial barrier function. In the inner ear, claudins, occludin, tricellulin, and angulins form the bicellular or tricellular binding of membrane proteins. In these, one type of claudin gene, CLDN14, was reported to be responsible for human hereditary hearing loss, DFNB29. Until now, nine pathogenic variants have been reported, and most phenotypic features remain unclear. In the present study, genetic screening for 68 previously reported deafness causative genes was carried out to identify CLDN14 variants in a large series of Japanese hearing loss patients, and to clarify the prevalence and clinical characteristics of DFNB29 in the Japanese population. One patient had a homozygous novel variant (c.241C>T: p.Arg81Cys) (0.04%: 1/2549). The patient showed progressive bilateral hearing loss, with post-lingual onset. Pure-tone audiograms indicated a high-frequency hearing loss type, and the deterioration gradually spread to other frequencies. The patient showed normal vestibular function. Cochlear implantation improved the patient’s sound field threshold levels, but not speech discrimination scores. This report indicated that claudin-14 is essential for maintaining the inner ear environment and suggested the possible phenotypic expansion of DFNB29. This is the first report of a patient with a tight junction variant receiving a cochlear implantation.
Freezing–Thawing Procedures Remodel the Proteome of Ram Sperm before and after In Vitro Capacitation
Authors: Peris-Frau Patricia , Martín-Maestro Alicia , Iniesta-Cuerda María , Sánchez-Ajofrín Irene , Mateos-Hernández Lourdes , Garde J. Julián , Villar Margarita , Soler Ana Josefa
Published: September 2019

Mammalian sperm must undergo a set of structural and functional changes collectively termed as capacitation to ensure a successful oocyte fertilization. However, capacitation can be compromised by cryopreservation procedures, which alter the proteome and longevity of sperm. To date, how the protein changes induced by cryopreservation could affect the acquisition of sperm fertilizing potential remains unexplored. The present study investigated the protein profile of ram sperm during in vitro capacitation before and after cryopreservation to elucidate the impact of cryopreservation on sperm capacitation at a molecular level. Fresh and cryopreserved ram sperm were incubated under capacitating (CAP) and non-capacitating (NC) conditions for 240 min. The sperm proteome of these four treatments was analyzed and compared at different incubation times using reverse phase liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (RP-LC-MS/MS). The comparison between fresh and cryopreserved sperm suggested that cryopreservation facilitated an apoptosis-stress response and redox process, while the comparison between sperm incubated in CAP and NC conditions showed that capacitation increased those biological processes associated with signaling, metabolism, motility, and reproductive processes. In addition, 14 proteins related to mitochondrial activity, sperm motility, oocyte recognition, signaling, spermatogenesis, and the apoptosis-stress response underwent significant changes in abundance over time when fresh and cryopreserved sperm incubated in CAP and NC conditions were compared. Our results indicate that disturbances in a ram sperm proteome after cryopreservation may alter the quality of sperm and its specific machinery to sustain capacitation under in vitro conditions.
Insights into the Secretome of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Its Potential Applications
Authors: Eleuteri Sharon , Fierabracci Alessandra
Published: September 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have regenerative, immunoregulatory properties and can be easily isolated and expanded in vitro. Despite being a powerful tool for clinical applications, they present limitations in terms of delivery, safety, and variability of therapeutic response. Interestingly, the MSC secretome composed by cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, proteins, and extracellular vesicles, could represent a valid alternative to their use. It is noteworthy that MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have the same effect and could be advantageous compared to the parental cells because of their specific miRNAs load. MiRNAs could be useful both in diagnostic procedures such as “liquid biopsy” to identify early pathologies and in the therapeutic field. Not only are MSC-EVs’ preservation, transfer, and production easier, but their administration is also safer, hence some clinical trials are ongoing. However, much effort is required to improve the characterization of EVs to avoid artifacts and guarantee reproducibility of the studies.
Exosomal MiRNAs in Pediatric Cancers
Authors: Galardi Angela , Colletti Marta , Di Paolo Virginia , Vitullo Patrizia , Antonetti Loretta , Russo Ida , Di Giannatale Angela
Published: September 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have generated great attention in oncology as they play a fundamental role in the regulation of gene expression and their aberrant expression is present in almost all types of tumors including pediatric ones. The discovery that miRNAs can be transported by exosomes, which are vesicles of 40–120 nm involved in cellular communication, that are produced by different cell types, and that are present in different biological fluids, has opened the possibility of using exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers. The possibility to diagnose and monitor the progression and response to drugs through molecules that can be easily isolated from biological fluids represents a particularly important aspect in the pediatric context where invasive techniques are often used. In recent years, the idea of liquid biopsy as well as studies on the possible role of exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers have developed greatly. In this review, we report an overview of all the evidences acquired in recent years on the identification of exosomal microRNAs with biomarker potential in pediatric cancers. We discuss the following herein: neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, sarcomas (osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma and rhabdoid tumors, and non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma), brain tumors, lymphomas, and leukemias.
Mouse Tryptase Gene Expression is Coordinately Regulated by GATA1 and GATA2 in Bone Marrow-Derived Mast Cells
Authors: Ohneda Kinuko , Ohmori Shin’ya , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: September 2019

Mast cell tryptases have crucial roles in allergic and inflammatory diseases. The mouse tryptase genes represent a cluster of loci on chromosome 16p3.3. While their functional studies have been extensively performed, transcriptional regulation of tryptase genes is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the molecular basis of the tryptase gene expression in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) of C57BL/6 mice and in MEDMC-BRC6 mast cells. The expression of the Tpsb2 and Tpsg1 genes, which reside at the 3′-end of the tryptase locus, is significantly decreased by the reduction of the GATA transcription factors GATA1 or GATA2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays have shown that the GATA factors bind at multiple regions within the locus, including 1.0 and 72.8 kb upstream of the Tpsb2 gene, and that GATA1 and GATA2 facilitate each other’s DNA binding activity to these regions. Deletion of the −72.8 kb region by genome editing significantly reduced the Tpsb2 and Tpsg1 mRNA levels in MEDMC-BRC6 cells. Furthermore, binding of CTCF and the cohesin subunit Rad21 was found upstream of the −72.8 kb region and was significantly reduced in the absence of GATA1. These results suggest that mouse tryptase gene expression is coordinately regulated by GATA1 and GATA2 in BMMCs.
Effect of Process Parameters on the Initial Burst Release of Protein-Loaded Alginate Nanospheres
Authors: Yasmin Farhana , Chen Xiongbiao , Eames B. Frank
Published: September 2019

The controlled release or delivery of proteins encapsulated in micro/nanospheres is an emerging strategy in regenerative medicine. For this, micro/nanospheres made from alginate have drawn considerable attention for the use as a protein delivery device because of their mild fabrication process, inert nature, non-toxicity and biocompatibility. Though promising, one key issue associated with using alginate micro/nanospheres is the burst release of encapsulated protein at the beginning of the release, which may be responsible for exerting toxic side effects and poor efficiency of the delivery device. To address this issue, this study aimed to investigate the effect of process parameters of fabricating protein-loaded alginate nanospheres on the initial burst release. The alginate nanospheres were prepared via a combination of water-in-oil emulsification and the external gelation method and loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein. The examined process parameters included alginate concentration, ionic cross-linking time and drying time. Once fabricated, the nanospheres were then subjected to the examination of BSA release, as well as the characterization of their morphology, size, and encapsulation efficiency. Our results revealed that by properly adjusting the process parameters, the initial burst release can be reduced by 13%. Taken together, our study demonstrates that regulating process parameters of fabricating alginate nanospheres is a possible means to reduce the initial burst release.
Cultural Expertise in Sweden: A History of Its Use
Authors: Rabo Annika
Published: September 2019

This paper is a case study of the use of cultural experts, broadly defined as including mediators and academicians with a variety of backgrounds, in Sweden. It draws on data collected through qualitative interviews with cultural experts, by following court cases through legal documents, mass media and other printed material, and by my own experience as a cultural expert. The paper provides a context to the potential application of the concept of cultural expertise regarding the appointment of such experts by lawyers, prosecutors and courts. It analyzes cases concerning the Sami, the Roma and recent immigrants from Africa and Asia. The Sami cases revolve around conflicts with the Swedish state over rights and ownership. The Roma cases revolve around questions of ethnic discrimination. Cases of immigrants from outside Europe consist of individual criminal cases and asylum. I argue that Swedish ideas—and ideals—of sameness and equality have had an impact on the legal cases that I discuss in this paper. While the legal issues in each of these cases differ, the paper argues that they demonstrate a similarity in how Swedish-majority society manages and even creates cultural differences. I conclude by showing the ways culture, rights, and obligations are understood in courts reflect mainstream trends of Swedish society and suggest the need for cultural expertise in the form of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Prebiotic Peptide Bond Formation Through Amino Acid Phosphorylation. Insights from Quantum Chemical Simulations
Authors: Martínez-Bachs Berta , Rimola Albert
Published: September 2019

Condensation reactions between biomolecular building blocks are the main synthetic channels to build biopolymers. However, under highly diluted prebiotic conditions, condensations are thermodynamically hampered since they release water. Moreover, these reactions are also kinetically hindered as, in the absence of any catalyst, they present high activation energies. In living organisms, in the formation of peptides by condensation of amino acids, this issue is overcome by the participation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), in which, previous to the condensation, phosphorylation of one of the reactants is carried out to convert it as an activated intermediate. In this work, we present for the first time results based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the peptide bond formation between two glycine (Gly) molecules adopting this phosphorylation-based mechanism considering a prebiotic context. Here, ATP has been modeled by a triphosphate (TP) component, and different scenarios have been considered: (i) gas-phase conditions, (ii) in the presence of a Mg2+ ion available within the layer of clays, and (iii) in the presence of a Mg2+ ion in watery environments. For all of them, the free energy profiles have been fully characterized. Energetics derived from the quantum chemical calculations indicate that none of the processes seem to be feasible in the prebiotic context. In scenarios (i) and (ii), the reactions are inhibited due to unfavorable thermodynamics associated with the formation of high energy intermediates, while in scenario (iii), the reaction is inhibited due to the high free energy barrier associated with the condensation reactions. As a final consideration, the role of clays in this TP-mediated peptide bond formation route is advocated, since the interaction of the phosphorylated intermediate with the internal clay surfaces could well favor the reaction free energies.
Surface- and Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering in Tribology and Lubricant Detection—A Prospective
Authors: Zhang Kun , Xu Zongwei , Rosenkranz Andreas , Song Ying , Xue Tao , Fang Fengzhou
Published: September 2019

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) are fast, convenient, and non-destructive molecular detection techniques, which provide a practical method for studying interfacial reactions with high resolution and accuracy. Both techniques are able to provide quantitative and qualitative information on the chemical properties, conformational changes, order state, and molecular orientation of various surfaces. This paper aims at summarizing the research efforts in the field of SERS and TERS related to tribological systems with a special emphasis on thin film and nanoparticles. This overview starts with a brief introduction for both techniques. Afterwards, it summarizes pros and cons of both techniques related to the advanced characterization of tribologically induced reactions layers. Moreover, the feasibility of both techniques to evaluate the friction and wear performance of new lubricant additives including solid lubricants is discussed. At the end of this review article, the main challenges and future directions in this field are prospected to emphasize the development direction of SERS and TERS in tribology and lubricants.
Tensile Fracture Behavior and Characterization of Ceramic Matrix Composites
Authors: Kim Jeongguk
Published: September 2019

Tensile fracture behavior of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) was investigated using characterization tools. First, a high-speed infrared camera was used to monitor the surface temperature of the CMC specimen during mechanical testing. An infrared camera is a tool used to detect infrared (IR) radiation emitted from a specimen as a function of temperature, and it was used to analyze the temperature monitoring of specimen surface and fracture behavior during the tensile test. After the test, the microstructural analysis using SEM was performed. SEM analysis was performed to investigate the fracture mode and fracture mechanism of CMC materials. In this paper, it was found that the results of the surface temperature monitoring obtained from IR thermal imaging technology and the failure mode analysis obtained through SEM were in a good agreement. These techniques were useful tools to explain the mechanical behavior of ceramic matrix composites. The detailed experiments and testing results will be provided.
Hexacyano Ferrate (III) Reduction by Electron Transfer Induced by Plasmonic Catalysis on Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Sarhid Iyad , Lampre Isabelle , Dragoe Diana , Beaunier Patricia , Palpant Bruno , Remita Hynd
Published: September 2019

Redox reactions are of great importance in environmental catalysis. Gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) have attracted much attention because of their catalytic activity and their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). In the present study, we investigated, in detail, the reduction of ferricyanide (III) ion into a ferrocyanide (II) ion catalyzed by spherical gold nanoparticles of two different sizes, 15 nm and 30 nm, and excited at their LSPR band. Experiments were conducted in the presence (or absence) of sodium thiosulfate. This catalysis is enhanced in the presence of Au- NPs under visible light excitation. This reduction also takes place even without sodium thiosulfate. Our results demonstrate the implication of hot electrons in this reduction.
Comparative Evaluation of Anticorrosive Properties of Mahaleb Seed Extract on Carbon Steel in Two Acidic Solutions
Authors: Ganash Aisha A.
Published: September 2019

Aqueous extract solution of Mahaleb seed (ASMS) was prepared using a simple and safe method. ASMS was tested to examine its potential to act as a green corrosion inhibitor for preventing the dissolution of Carbon steel in highly concentrated corrosive 2 M H2SO4 and 2 M H3PO4 using an electrochemical polarization Tafel plot and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. ASMS provided a slight increase in the inhibition efficiency of H3PO4 (89%) compared with H2SO4 (86%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electronic scanning microscopy (SEM) were used to prove that adsorption of ASMS occurred on the metal surface. The thermodynamic adsorption and thermodynamic activation parameters were calculated at a range of concentrations and temperatures. The physisorption of ASMS followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm (R2 = 0.98). Finally, the role of ASMS as a protection mechanism was discussed.
High Convergence Order Iterative Procedures for Solving Equations Originating from Real Life Problems
Authors: Behl Ramandeep , K. Argyros Ioannis , Saleh Alshomrani Ali
Published: September 2019

The foremost aim of this paper is to suggest a local study for high order iterative procedures for solving nonlinear problems involving Banach space valued operators. We only deploy suppositions on the first-order derivative of the operator. Our conditions involve the Lipschitz or Hölder case as compared to the earlier ones. Moreover, when we specialize to these cases, they provide us: larger radius of convergence, higher bounds on the distances, more precise information on the solution and smaller Lipschitz or Hölder constants. Hence, we extend the suitability of them. Our new technique can also be used to broaden the usage of existing iterative procedures too. Finally, we check our results on a good number of numerical examples, which demonstrate that they are capable of solving such problems where earlier studies cannot apply.
Synergistic Cytotoxicity of Renieramycin M and Doxorubicin in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Tun Jortan O. , Salvador-Reyes Lilibeth A. , Velarde Michael C. , Saito Naoki , Suwanborirux Khanit , Concepcion Gisela P.
Published: September 2019

Renieramycin M (RM) is a KCN-stabilized tetrahydroisoquinoline purified from the blue sponge Xestospongia sp., with nanomolar IC50s against several cancer cell lines. Our goal is to evaluate its combination effects with doxorubicin (DOX) in estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. MCF-7 cells were treated simultaneously or sequentially with various combination ratios of RM and DOX for 72 h. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. Synergism or antagonism was determined using curve-shift analysis, combination index method and isobologram analysis. Synergism was observed with pharmacologically achievable concentrations of DOX when administered simultaneously, but not sequentially. The IC95 values of RM and DOX after combination were reduced by up to four-fold and eight-fold, respectively. To gain insights on the mechanism of synergy, real-time profiling, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis assays, and transcriptome analysis were conducted. The combination treatment displayed a similar profile with DNA-damaging agents and induced a greater and faster cell killing. The combination treatment also showed an increase in apoptosis. DOX induced S and G2/M arrest while RM did not induce significant changes in the cell cycle. DNA replication and repair genes were downregulated commonly by RM and DOX. p53 signaling and cell cycle checkpoints were regulated by DOX while ErbB/PI3K-Akt, integrin and focal adhesion signaling were regulated by RM upon combination. Genes involved in cytochrome C release and interferon gamma signaling were regulated specifically in the combination treatment. This study serves as a basis for in vivo studies and provides a rationale for using RM in combination with other anticancer drugs.
Comparison of Two Different Approaches to Treat a Hallux Valgus Deformity: Intramedullary Self-Locked Plates and Herbert Screws
Authors: Karaduman Zekeriya Okan , Turhal Ozan , Turhan Yalçın , Arıcan Mehmet , Güler Cemal , Cangur Sengul
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives: Hallux valgus is a complex deformity of the first metatarsophalangeal joint characterized by varus deformity of the first metatarsal bone, valgus deformity of the big toe, and lateral deviation of the extensor tendons and sesamoid bones. Several surgical methods have been described for correction of the deformity. Different materials have been used for the fixation of osteotomy. We compared the functional, radiological, and pain results of intramedullary self-locked plates and Herbert screws for the treatment of a hallux valgus deformity. Materials and Methods: Distal metatarsals were treated with self-locking intramedullary plate–screw systems in 18 feet from 12 patients (Group 1) and with Herbert screws in 18 feet from 12 patients (Group 2). The hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) in patients of Group 1 and 2 were examined radiologically during the pre- and postoperative periods. We also determined the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), EQ-5D General Life Quality Scale, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores during the pre- and postoperative periods and compared the scores between groups. Results: Post hoc test results of HVA and IMA angles measured after the operation were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. In each group, the AOFAS scores during the preoperation period were significantly lower than those during the postoperation period (p < 0.001). According to the post hoc test results, the VAS scores after the operation were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: For the surgical treatment of hallux valgus, operations using self-locked plates compared to a single screw are superior in terms of providing rigid stability and for functional, radiological, and pain scores.
Circulating Endothelial Microparticles and Aortic Stiffness in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dec-Gilowska Malgorzata , Trojnar Marcin , Makaruk Boguslaw , Czop Marcin , Przybylska-Kuc Sylwia , Mosiewicz-Madejska Barbara , Dzida Grzegorz , Mosiewicz Jerzy
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives: Diabetes mellitus represents a metabolic disorder the incidence of which has been on the increase in recent years. The well-known long-term complications of this disease encompass a wide spectrum of renal, neurological and cardiovascular conditions. The aim of the study was to investigate the serum concentration of endothelial microparticles (EMPs) as well as selected noninvasive parameters of the ascending aorta stiffness calculated with echocardiography. Materials and Methods: 58 patients were enrolled in this study—38 subjects diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 20 healthy controls. The analyzed populations did not differ significantly with respect to age, renal function, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Results: The patients with T2DM and concomitant hypertension presented higher levels of EMPs in comparison with diabetic normotensive subjects. Among patients with T2DM and hypertension, aortic stiffness assessed with the elasticity index (Ep) was higher and the aortic compliance index (D) lower than in the diabetic normotensive group. No correlation between the amount of EMPs and lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP) level and glycemia, was observed in the studied group. There was, however, a statistically significant positive correlation between the creatinine level and amount of EMPs, while the negative relationship was documented for EMPs level and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Conclusions: Considering the elevated number of EMPs in diabetic patients with hypertension as well as the positive correlation between EMPs and serum creatinine level, EMPs assessment could be useful in identifying patients who are at high risk of organ damage due to diabetes mellitus.
Psychosocial Interventions for Patients with Severe COPD—An Up-to-Date Literature Review
Authors: Rzadkiewicz Marta , Nasiłowski Jacek
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a life limiting condition with a long list of serious psychosocial consequences, aggravating with illness progression. In advanced stages, chronic respiratory failure often develops, which might undermine mental health and reduce activity. The study objective was to review the recent studies concerning psychosocial interventions dedicated to patients with severe COPD. Materials and Methods: The PubMed database was searched for terms, such as ‘COPD and long-term oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation, severe or respiratory failure’ and ‘psychological or psychosocial or mental health and intervention.’ Studies were included that described patients with stable, severe COPD and the outcomes of psychosocial interventions. Results and Conclusions: Thirty-four studies were identified and divided into four thematic groups: home medical support, exercise, self-management and mental health. The number of studies that focused on mental health preservation in severe COPD was very limited; i.e., none refer directly to those treated with respiratory failure. Improving patients’ self-efficacy gave promising effects to the acceptance of palliative care, pulmonary rehabilitation completion and mental health. Physical activity might be recommended to be included in interventions for mental health enhancement, although little is known about the role of the particular forms of exercise. An increasing beneficial use of new technologies for psychosocial interventions was noted. Psychosocial interventions applied in advanced COPD underline the roles of self-efficacy, telehealth and physical activity in physical and mental health preservation. However, all of the above elements need to be independently tested on more homogenous groups of patients and have the possible modes of their treatment analysed.
Investigation on the Edge Chipping in Ultrasonic Assisted Sawing of Monocrystalline Silicon
Authors: Shen Jianyun , Zhu Xu , Chen Jianbin , Tao Ping , Wu Xian
Published: September 2019

Monocrystalline silicon is an important semiconductor material and occupies a large part of the market demand. However, as a hard-brittle material, monocrystalline silicon is extremely prone to happen edge chipping during sawing processing. The edge chipping seriously affects the quality and performance of silicon wafers. In this paper, both conventional and ultrasonicassisted sawing tests were carried out on monocrystalline silicon to study the formation mechanism of edge chipping. The shape and size of edge chipping after sawing process were observed and measured. The experimental results demonstrated that different sawing processes present different material removal modes and edge quality. The mode of crack propagation was continuous cracks in conventional sawing process, while the expansion mode in ultrasonic assisted sawing was blasting microcracks. This results in the cutting force of ultrasonic assisted sawing becomes much smaller than that of conventional sawing process, which can reduce the size of edge chipping and improve the quality of machined surface.
Editorial for the Special Issue of Selected Papers from the 9th Symposium on Micro-Nano Science and Technology on Micromachines
Authors: Miki Norihisa , Miyazaki Koji , Morimoto Yuya
Published: September 2019

The Micro-Nano Science and Technology Division of the JSME (Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers) promotes academic activities to pioneer novel research topics on microscopic mechanics [...]
The K2CO3–CaCO3–MgCO3 System at 6 GPa: Implications for Diamond Forming Carbonatitic Melts
Authors: Arefiev Anton V. , Shatskiy Anton , Podborodnikov Ivan V. , Litasov Konstantin D.
Published: September 2019

Carbonate micro inclusions with abnormally high K2O appear in diamonds worldwide. However, the precise determination of their chemical and phase compositions is complicated due to their sub-micron size. The K2CO3–CaCO3–MgCO3 is the simplest system that can be used as a basis for the reconstruction of the phase composition and P–T conditions of the origin of the K-rich carbonatitic inclusions in diamonds. In this regard, this paper is concerned with the subsolidus and melting phase relations in the K2CO3–CaCO3–MgCO3 system established in Kawai-type multianvil experiments at 6 GPa and 900–1300 °C. At 900 °C, the system has three intermediate compounds K2Ca3(CO3)4 (Ca# ≥ 97), K2Ca(CO3)2 (Ca# ≥ 58), and K2Mg(CO3)2 (Ca# ≤ 10), where Ca# = 100Ca/(Ca + Mg). Miscibility gap between K2Ca(CO3)2 and K2Mg(CO3)2 suggest that their crystal structures differ at 6 GPa. Mg-bearing K2Ca(CO3)2 (Ca# ≤ 28) disappear above 1000 °C to produce K2Ca3(CO3)4 + K8Ca3(CO3)7 + K2Mg(CO3)2. The system has two eutectics between 1000 and 1100 °C controlled by the following melting reactions: K2Ca3(CO3)4 + K8Ca3(CO3)7 + K2Mg(CO3)2 → [40K2CO3∙60(Ca0.70Mg0.30)CO3] (1st eutectic melt) and K8Ca3(CO3)7 + K2CO3 + K2Mg(CO3)2 → [62K2CO3∙38(Ca0.73Mg0.27)CO3] (2nd eutectic melt). The projection of the K2CO3–CaCO3–MgCO3 liquidus surface is divided into the eight primary crystallization fields for magnesite, aragonite, dolomite, Ca-dolomite, K2Ca3(CO3)4, K8Ca3(CO3)7, K2Mg(CO3)2, and K2CO3. The temperature increase is accompanied by the sequential disappearance of crystalline phases in the following sequence: K8Ca3(CO3)7 (1220 °C) → K2Mg(CO3)2 (1250 °C) → K2Ca3(CO3)4 (1350 °C) → K2CO3 (1425 °C) → dolomite (1450 °C) → CaCO3 (1660 °C) → magnesite (1780 °C). The high Ca# of about 40 of the K2(Mg, Ca)(CO3)2 compound found as inclusions in diamond suggest (1) its formation and entrapment by diamond under the P–T conditions of 6 GPa and 1100 °C; (2) its remelting during transport by hot kimberlite magma, and (3) repeated crystallization in inclusion that retained mantle pressure during kimberlite magma emplacement. The obtained results indicate that the K–Ca–Mg carbonate melts containing 20–40 mol% K2CO3 is stable under P–T conditions of 6 GPa and 1100–1200 °C corresponding to the base of the continental lithospheric mantle. It must be emphasized that the high alkali content in the carbonate melt is a necessary condition for its existence under geothermal conditions of the continental lithosphere, otherwise, it will simply freeze.
Identification of Resveratrol as Bioactive Compound of Propolis from Western Romania and Characterization of Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Ethanolic Extracts
Authors: Duca Alexandra , Sturza Adrian , Moacă Elena-Alina , Negrea Monica , Lalescu Virgil-Dacian , Lungeanu Diana , Dehelean Cristina-Adriana , Muntean Danina-Mirela , Alexa Ersilia
Published: September 2019

The present study aimed to assess the phenolic content of eight ethanolic propolis samples (P1–P8) harvested from different regions of Western Romania and their antioxidant activity. The mean value of total phenolic content was 214 ± 48 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g propolis. All extracts contained kaempferol (514.02 ± 114.80 μg/mL), quercetin (124.64 ± 95.86 μg/mL), rosmarinic acid (58.03 ± 20.08 μg/mL), and resveratrol (48.59 ± 59.52 μg/mL) assessed by LC-MS. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2 methods: (i) DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay using ascorbic acid as standard antioxidant and (ii) FOX (Ferrous iron xylenol orange OXidation) assay using catalase as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenger. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was determined for all samples applied in 6 concentrations (10, 5, 3, 1.5, 0.5 and 0.3 mg/mL). IC50 varied from 0.0700 to 0.9320 mg/mL (IC50 of ascorbic acid = 0.0757 mg/mL). The % of H2O2 inhibition in FOX assay was assessed for P1, P2, P3, P4 and P8 applied in 2 concentrations (5 and 0.5 mg/mL). A significant H2O2% inhibition was obtained for these samples for the lowest concentration. We firstly report the presence of resveratrol as bioactive compound in Western Romanian propolis. The principal component analysis revealed clustering of the propolis samples according to the polyphenolic profile similarity.
Autophagy Modulation as a Treatment of Amyloid Diseases
Authors: Mputhia Zoe , Hone Eugene , Tripathi Timir , Sargeant Tim , Martins Ralph , Bharadwaj Prashant
Published: September 2019

Amyloids are fibrous proteins aggregated into toxic forms that are implicated in several chronic disorders. More than 30 diseases show deposition of fibrous amyloid proteins associated with cell loss and degeneration in the affected tissues. Evidence demonstrates that amyloid diseases result from protein aggregation or impaired amyloid clearance, but the connection between amyloid accumulation and tissue degeneration is not clear. Common examples of amyloid diseases are Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and tauopathies, which are the most common forms of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as polyglutamine disorders and certain peripheral metabolic diseases. In these diseases, increased accumulation of toxic amyloid proteins is suspected to be one of the main causative factors in the disease pathogenesis. It is therefore important to more clearly understand how these toxic amyloid proteins accumulate as this will aide in the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, is maintained by multiple cellular pathways—including protein synthesis, quality control, and clearance—which are collectively responsible for preventing protein misfolding or aggregation. Modulating protein degradation is a very complex but attractive treatment strategy used to remove amyloid and improve cell survival. This review will focus on autophagy, an important clearance pathway of amyloid proteins, and strategies for using it as a potential therapeutic target for amyloid diseases. The physiological role of autophagy in cells, pathways for its modulation, its connection with apoptosis, cell models and caveats in developing autophagy as a treatment and as a biomarker is discussed.
Purification, Characterization, and Application for Preparation of Antioxidant Peptides of Extracellular Protease from Pseudoalteromonas sp. H2
Authors: Liu Dan , Huang Jiafeng , Wu Cuiling , Liu Congling , Huang Ran , Wang Weng , Yin Tingting , Yan Xiaotao , He Hailun , Chen Leilei
Published: September 2019

The study reported on the isolation of a metalloprotease named EH2 from Pseudoalteromonas sp. H2. EH2 maintained more than 80% activity over a wide pH range of 5–10, and the stability was also nearly independent of pH. Over 65% activity was detected at a wide temperature range of 20–70 °C. The high stability of the protease in the presence of different surfactants and oxidizing agents was also observed. Moreover, we also investigated the antioxidant activities of the hydrolysates generated from porcine and salmon skin collagen by EH2. The results showed that salmon skin collagen hydrolysates demonstrated higher DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) (42.88% ± 1.85) and hydroxyl radical (61.83% ± 3.05) scavenging activity than porcine skin collagen. For oxygen radical absorbance capacity, the hydrolysates from porcine skin collagen had higher efficiency (7.72 ± 0.13 μmol·TE/μmol). Even 1 nM mixed peptides could effectively reduce the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species. The two types of substrates exerted the best antioxidant activity when hydrolyzed for 3 h. The hydrolysis time and type of substrate exerted important effects on the antioxidant properties of hydrolysates. The hydrolyzed peptides from meat collagens by proteases have good antioxidant activity, which may have implications for the potential application of marine proteases in the biocatalysis industry.
Effect of PLA/PBAT Antibacterial Film on Storage Quality of Passion Fruit during the Shelf-Life
Authors: Zhang Rong , Lan Wenting , Ding Jie , Ahmed Saeed , Qin Wen , He Li , Liu Yaowen
Published: September 2019

In this experiment, we studied the effect of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blend films on the efficiency of passion fruit preservation at 20 °C. The weight loss, shrinkage index, firmness, and total sugar of passion fruit packaged with PLA/PBAT films had no significant differences compared with PE films during 21 days (p > 0.05). PLA/PBAT films can more effectively reduce the rising of ethanol content and delay the total acid, ascorbic acid, and sensory evaluation. Compared with unpackaged (CK) and polyethylene (PE) films, PLA/PBAT films are more conducive to preserve the overall flavor of passion fruit during storage time, in agreement with sensory evaluation, tested by E-nose, E-tongue, and GC-MS, which also proved that it can effectively maintain the edible quality of passion fruit during storage time. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to literature because it paves the way to the generalization and application of packaging films based on composite antibacterial polymers and facilitates the commercialization of fresh passion fruit as an important health food.
Transcriptome and Metabolite Profiling Reveal Novel Insights into Volatile Heterosis in the Tea Plant (Camellia Sinensis)
Authors: Zheng Yucheng , Wang Pengjie , Chen Xuejin , Sun Yun , Yue Chuan , Ye Naixing
Published: September 2019

Tea aroma is a key indicator for evaluating tea quality. Although notable success in tea aroma improvement has been achieved with heterosis breeding technology, the molecular basis underlying heterosis remains largely unexplored. Thus, the present report studies the tea plant volatile heterosis using a high-throughput next-generation RNA-seq strategy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Phenotypically, we found higher terpenoid volatile and green leaf volatile contents by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in the F1 hybrids than in their parental lines. Volatile heterosis was obvious in both F1 hybrids. At the molecular level, the comparative transcriptomics analysis revealed that approximately 41% (9027 of 21,995) of the genes showed non-additive expression, whereas only 7.83% (1723 of 21,995) showed additive expression. Among the non-additive genes, 42.1% showed high parental dominance and 17.6% showed over-dominance. Among different expression genes with high parental dominance and over-dominance expression patterns, KEGG and GO analyses found that plant hormone signal transduction, tea plant physiological process related pathways and most pathways associated with tea tree volatiles were enriched. In addition, we identified multiple genes (CsDXS, CsAATC2, CsSPLA2, etc.) and transcription factors (CsMYB1, CsbHLH79, CsWRKY40, etc.) that played important roles in tea volatile heterosis. Based on transcriptome and metabolite profiling, we conclude that non-additive action plays a major role in tea volatile heterosis. Genes and transcription factors involved in tea volatiles showing over-dominance expression patterns can be considered candidate genes and provide novel clues for breeding high-volatile tea varieties.
The Comprehensive Evaluation of Safflowers in Different Producing Areas by Combined Analysis of Color, Chemical Compounds, and Biological Activity
Authors: Pu Zong-Jin , Yue Shi-Jun , Zhou Gui-Sheng , Yan Hui , Shi Xu-Qin , Zhu Zhen-Hua , Huang Sheng-Liang , Peng Guo-Ping , Chen Yan-Yan , Bai Ji-Qing , Wang Xiao-Ping , Su Shu-Lan , Tang Yu-Ping , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: September 2019

In the present study, a new strategy including the combination of external appearance, chemical detection, and biological analysis was proposed for the comprehensive evaluation of safflowers in different producing areas. Firstly, 40 batches of safflower samples were classified into class I and II based on color measurements and K-means clustering analysis. Secondly, a rapid and sensitive analytical method was developed for simultaneous quantification of 16 chromaticity-related characteristic components (including characteristic components hydroxysafflor yellow A, anhydrosafflor yellow B, safflomin C, and another 13 flavonoid glycosides) in safflowers by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole linear ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTRAP®/MS2). The results of the quantification indicate that hydroxysafflor yellow A, anhydrosafflor yellow B, kaempferol, quercetin, and safflomin C had significant differences between the two types of safflower, and class I of safflower had a higher content of hydroxysafflor yellow A, anhydrosafflor yellow B, and safflomin C as the main anti-thrombotic components in safflower. Thirdly, chemometrics methods were employed to illustrate the relationship in multivariate data of color measurements and chromaticity-related characteristic components. As a result, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and 6-hydroxykaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucoside were strongly associated with the color indicators. Finally, anti-thrombotic analysis was used to evaluate activity and verify the suitability of the classification basis of safflower based on the color measurements. It was shown that brighter, redder, yellower, more orange–yellow, and more vivid safflowers divided into class I had a higher content of characteristic components and better anti-thrombotic activity. In summary, the presented strategy has potential for quality evaluation of other flower medicinal materials.