bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aging‐ and smoking‐associated alteration in the relative content of mitochondrial DNA in human lung
Authors: Lee Hsin-Chen , Lu Ching-You , Fahn Huei-Jyh , Wei Yau-Huei
Published: July 2002

mtDNA mutations and oxidative DNA damage has been observed to accumulate in the lung and other tissues in human aging. Thus, it is of interest to know whether the content of mtDNA is changed in aging tissues of the human. Using a competitive PCR method, we determined the relative content of mtDNA in the lung tissues of 49 subjects aged 16–85 years. The results showed that the relative content of mtDNA (with respect to the β‐actin gene) in the lung tissues was significantly increased with age (P<0.005). The average mtDNA content in the lung tissues of the subjects over 80 years of age was found to be about 2.6‐fold higher than that of the subjects below age 20. However, the relative content of mtDNA was slightly increased in the lung tissues of light smokers but significantly decreased in heavy smokers. Moreover, we found a significant increase with age in the level of oxidative damage to DNA as indicated by the ratio of 8‐OH‐dG/dG in total DNA (P<0.0005). These results together with our previous findings suggest that the increase in mtDNA content of aging tissues may be effected through a feedback mechanism to compensate for the functional decline of mitochondria in human aging and that smoking may modulate the mechanism.
Chaperone‐assisted expression of authentic bovine adrenodoxin reductase in Escherichia coli
Authors: Vonrhein Clemens , Schmidt Ulrich , Ziegler Gabriele A , Schweiger Susann , Hanukoglu Israel , Schulz Georg E
Published: July 2002

Adrenodoxin reductase is an essential component of the mitochondrial monooxygenase systems that are involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones and related compounds. After removing by mutagenesis a secondary ribosome binding site and an mRNA loop formed between the gene and the vector, large amounts of the enzyme could be produced in Escherichia coli by coexpression with the HSP60‐chaperone system. The purified protein was homogeneous enough for reproducible crystallization. The crystals diffracted X‐rays isotropically beyond 1.7 Å resolution permitting a structure analysis.
Elevated expression of the CD4 receptor and cell cycle arrest are induced in Jurkat cells by treatment with the novel cyclic dinucleotide 3′,5′‐cyclic diguanylic acid
Authors: Steinberger Osnat , Lapidot Ziva , Ben-Ishai Zvi , Amikam Dorit
Published: July 2002

The effect of the novel, naturally occurring nucleotide cyclic diguanylic acid (c‐di‐GMP) on the lymphoblastoid CD4+ Jurkat cell line was studied. When exposed to 50 μM c‐di‐GMP, Jurkat cells exhibited a markedly elevated expression of the CD4 receptor of up to 6.3‐fold over controls. C‐di‐GMP also causes blockage of the cell cycle at the S‐phase, characterized by increased cellular thymidine uptake, reduction in G2/M‐phase cells, increase in S‐phase cells and decreased cell division. Additionally c‐di‐GMP naturally enters these cells and binds irreversibly to the P21ras protein. The effects described appear to be unique for c‐di‐GMP.
→H+/2e stoichiometry in NADH‐quinone reductase reactions catalyzed by bovine heart submitochondrial particles
Authors: Galkin A.S. , Grivennikova V.G. , Vinogradov A.D.
Published: July 2002

Tightly coupled bovine heart submitochondrial particles treated to activate complex I and to block ubiquinol oxidation were capable of rapid uncoupler‐sensitive inside‐directed proton translocation when a limited amount of NADH was oxidized by the exogenous ubiquinone homologue Q1. External alkalization, internal acidification and NADH oxidation were followed by the rapidly responding (t
1/2≤1 s) spectrophotometric technique. Quantitation of the initial rates of NADH oxidation and external H+ decrease resulted in a stoichiometric ratio of 4 H+ vectorially translocated per 1 NADH oxidized at pH 8.0. ADP‐ribose, a competitive inhibitor of the NADH binding site decreased the rates of proton translocation and NADH oxidation without affecting →H+/2e stoichiometry. Rotenone, piericidin and thermal deactivation of complex I completely prevented NADH‐induced proton translocation in the NADH‐endogenous ubiquinone reductase reaction. NADH‐exogenous Q1 reductase activity was only partially prevented by rotenone. The residual rotenone‐ (or piericidin‐) insensitive NADH‐exogenous Q1 reductase activity was found to be coupled with vectorial uncoupler‐sensitive proton translocation showing the same →H+/2e stoichiometry of 4. It is concluded that the transfer of two electrons from NADH to the Q1‐reactive intermediate located before the rotenone‐sensitive step is coupled with translocation of 4 H+.
Mutational analysis of sites in the translational regulator, PHAS‐I, that are selectively phosphorylated by mTOR
Authors: Yang Daqing , Brunn Gregory J , Lawrence John C
Published: July 2002

Results obtained with PHAS‐I proteins having Ser to Ala mutations in the five known phosphorylation sites indicate that mTOR preferentially phosphorylates Thr36 and Thr45. The effects of phosphorylating these sites on eIF4E binding were assessed in a far‐Western analysis with a labeled eIF4E probe. Phosphorylation of Thr36 only slightly attenuated binding of PHAS‐I to eIF4E, while phosphorylation of Thr45 markedly inhibited binding. Phosphorylation of neither site affected the electrophoretic mobility of the protein, indicating that results of studies that rely solely on a gel‐shift assay to assess changes in PHAS‐I phosphorylation must be interpreted with caution.
The nascent polypeptide‐associated complex (NAC) of yeast functions in the targeting process of ribosomes to the ER membrane
Authors: Wiedmann Brigitte , Prehn Siegfried
Published: July 2002

We study here the binding of ribosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and its dependence on nascent polypeptide‐associated complex (NAC). For this, we use an in vitro translation system in combination with isolated microsomes. Importantly, all components in the system are derived from a single source, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ribosome nascent chains (RNCs) of the two naturally occurring invertase species (secreted or cytosolic) were prepared in wild‐type, ΔαNAC or Δαβ1β3NAC translation lysates and tested for binding to the corresponding microsomal membranes. We provide evidence that NAC prevents binding of RNCs without a signal sequence to yeast membranes. In the absence of NAC, signal‐less RNCs are able to bind to ER membranes. However, following puromycin treatment, only very few nascent chains translocate into the lumen, as detected by glycosylation.
Calpain cleavage of integrin β cytoplasmic domains
Authors: Pfaff Martin , Du Xiaoping , Ginsberg Mark H
Published: July 2002

We showed previously that the calcium‐dependent protease, calpain, cleaves the cytoplasmic domain of the integrin β3 subunit. To investigate whether susceptibility to calpain is a common feature of all integrin β subunits, and to map calpain cleavage sites in different integrin β tails, we treated recombinant cytoplasmic domains of integrin β1A, β1D, β2, β3 and β7 subunits with purified calpain in vitro. We found that the cytoplasmic domains of all these integrin chains were cleaved by calpain. HPLC followed by mass spectrometry was used to identify calpain cleavage sites. These sites were clustered in the C‐terminal half of the integrin β cytoplasmic domains in regions flanking the two NXXY motifs, suggesting the possibility that the structural framework provided by these motifs is recognized by calpain. We used the knowledge of these cleavage sites to develop cleavage site‐specific antibodies and to demonstrate cleavage of the β1A cytoplasmic domain in intact platelets stimulated with calcium ionophore or thrombin. Thus susceptibility to calpain cleavage is common to integrin β subunits, can be induced in intact cells, and appears to favor regions surrounding two conserved NXXY motifs.
Role of protein kinase B and the MAP kinase cascade in mediating the EGF‐dependent inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 in Swiss 3T3 cells1
Authors: Shaw Morag , Cohen Philip
Published: July 2002

Epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) induce the inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) by stimulating the phosphorylation of an N‐terminal serine. Here, we show that protein kinase B (PKB) plays a key role in mediating EGF‐induced inhibition of GSK3α and that the classical MAP kinase (MAPK) cascade has two functions in this process. Firstly, it makes a transient contribution to EGF‐induced inhibition of GSK3α. Secondly, it shortens the duration of PKB activation and GSK3α inhibition. In contrast, PKB alone mediates the IGF1‐induced inhibition of GSK3α, while the MAPK cascade mediates the inhibition of GSK3α by PMA.
Evolutionally conserved plant homologue of the Bax Inhibitor‐1 (BI‐1) gene capable of suppressing Bax‐induced cell death in yeast1
Authors: Kawai Maki , Pan Ling , Reed John C. , Uchimiya Hirofumi
Published: July 2002

The plant homologue of Bax Inhibitor‐1, a gene described to suppress the cell death induced by Bax gene expression in yeast, was isolated fromOryza sativaL. (rice) andArabidopsis. The amino acid sequence of the predicted protein was well conserved in both animal and plant (45% in amino acids) and contained six or seven membrane‐spanning segments. Northern blot analysis showed that OsBI‐1 transcripts were present in all tissues examined. The OsBI‐1 cDNA suppressed cell death induced by mammalian Bax in yeast, suggesting functional conservation of this BI‐1 homologue in the plant kingdom.
Tubulin polyglycylation: a morphogenetic marker in ciliates
Authors: Iftode Francine , Clérot Jean‐Claude , Levilliers Nicolette , Bré Marie‐Hélène
Published: July 2002

Summry— The occurrence of the tubulin post‐translational modification, polyglycylation, in stable microtubular structures was investigated during morphogenesis in two ciliates, Paramecium and Frontonia atra, belonging to the Epiplasmata group. This analysis was carried out by means of immunofluorescence and post‐embedding immunoelectron microscopy using two monoclonal antibodies, TAP 952 and AXO 49, respectively recognizing mono‐ and polyglycylated sites in α‐ and β‐tubulin. In the course of cell division, the TAP 952 epitope is detected in all microtubular structures including the newly assembled ones, such as cortical and oral basal bodies and cilia. In contrast, the AXO 49 epitope is only present in ‘old’ microtubular structures such as parental cortical and oral basal bodies and cilia. Our observations show that, in ciliates: 1) this tubulin post‐translational modification takes place early in the course of morphogenesis; and 2) the lengthening of the polyglycine chains occurs after a great delay following addition of the first glycine residues on the tubulin glycylation sites, and following microtubule assembly. Thus, a sequential mechanism of polyglycylation is shown to take place in the tubulin molecule and during morphogenesis in Paramecium and Frontonia atra. Accordingly, polyglycylation, through a time‐dependent polyglycine chain elongation process, appears to be a morphogenetic marker in ciliates.
A 26–30 kDa developmentally‐regulated tauisoform localized within nuclei of mitotic humanneuroblastoma cells
Authors: Shea Thomas B. , Cressman Corine M.
Published: July 2002

Tau isoforms migrating at 46–68 and 97–115 kDa were prominent within heat‐stableTriton‐soluble material, and were present in lesser concentration within Triton‐insolublecytoskeletons, derived from undifferentiated SH‐SY‐5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Conversely,a 26–30 kDa tau isoform was enriched in the cytoskeleton and detected at relatively minor levelswithin cytosolic fractions. Pulse labeling with 35S‐methionine indicated that this 26–30kDa small tau did not represent a breakdown product of larger isoforms. Since the nucleus isretained within the Triton‐insoluble cytoskeleton, additional cultures were fractionated ontosucrose to obtain purified nuclei. The vast majority of small tau was recovered within purifiednuclei. Small tau was reactive with tau antibodies directed towards N‐terminal, C‐terminal andcentral epitopes, further confirming that this small isoform was not derived from proteolyticcleavage of larger tau isoforms. Small tau demonstrated alkaline phosphatase‐sensitive reactivitywith multiple phospho‐dependent tau antibodies. Small tau was depleted within 3 days of retinoicacid‐induced differentiation, suggesting that the putative function of this isoform may be obsoletefollowing terminal differentiation of neurons.
Fava's Anger Attacks Questionnaire: evaluation of the French version in depressed patients
Authors: Morand P , Thomas G , Bungener C , Ferreri M , Jouvent R
Published: July 2002

The prevalence, symptomatology and correlates of anger attacks were studied in 103 depressed French patients, using a French version of the Anger Attacks Questionnaire. The prevalence of anger attacks during the previous month was 46.7%, and the most frequently reported symptoms were feeling of panic (85.1%), tachycardia (83.7%), and feeling out of control (81.3%). The occurrence of anger attacks was significantly associated with intensity of loss of control, and history of panic attacks. There was no significant association with age, gender, severity of depression or anxiety, history of suicidal attempts or mood disorder. Three weeks of treatment with serotoninergic antidepressants induced a significant decrease in anger attack prevalence.
Application of industrial scale genomics to discovery of therapeutic targets in heart failure
Authors: Mehraban Fuad , Tomlinson James E.
Published: July 2002

In recent years intense activity in both academic and industrial sectors has provided a wealth of information on the human genome with an associated impressive increase in the number of novel gene sequences deposited in sequence data repositories and patent applications. This genomic industrial revolution has transformed the way in which drug target discovery is now approached. In this article we discuss how various differential gene expression (DGE) technologies are being utilized for cardiovascular disease (CVD) drug target discovery. Other approaches such as sequencing cDNA from cardiovascular derived tissues and cells coupled with bioinformatic sequence analysis are used with the aim of identifying novel gene sequences that may be exploited towards target discovery. Additional leverage from gene sequence information is obtained through identification of polymorphisms that may confer disease susceptibility and/or affect drug responsiveness. Pharmacogenomic studies are described wherein gene expression‐based techniques are used to evaluate drug response and/or efficacy. Industrial‐scale genomics supports and addresses not only novel target gene discovery but also the burgeoning issues in pharmaceutical and clinical cardiovascular medicine relative to polymorphic gene responses.
Familial dilated cardiomyopathy: clinical features in French families
Authors: Mangin Laurence , Charron Philippe , Tesson Frédérique , Mallet Alain , Dubourg Olivier , Desnos Michel , Benaïsche Azziz , Gayet Christian , Gibelin Pierre , Davy Jean‐Marc , Bonnet Jacques , Sidi Daniel , Schwartz Ketty , Komajda Michel
Published: July 2002

The aims of the study were to analyze the clinical features, the penetrance and the mode of inheritance of 13 French families with dilated cardiomyopathy using diagnostic criteria recently established by a European collaboration.

Methods:

Screening consisted of physical examination, ECG and Echo of all the probands first degree relatives (n=118). Using major Echo criteria [ejection fraction (EF) < 45% or FS< 25% and left ventricular diameter (LVD) > 117% of the predictive value], or combined minor Echo/ECG criteria, relatives were classified as affected, unknown or healthy.

Results:

(1) Adult affected relatives (n=31) were identified with major Echo criteria in 74% of cases, and with combined minor Echo/ECG criteria in 26% of cases. (2) In the unknown relatives (n=21), the most common abnormality was an isolated left ventricular dilation (67%). (3) Mode of inheritance was autosomal dominant (AD) in 11 families and possibly autosomal recessive in two. (4) In AD families, the penetrance was incomplete in adults (72%), age‐related (O.R.: 1.3 per 10 years; 95% CI 1.03–1.56) and sex‐related [greater in men (87%) than in women (61%), actuarial survival curve: P < 0.002]. (5) Mortality related to end stage heart failure was 2.2 times as high as mortality related to sudden death (11% vs. 5%).

Conclusions:

(1) In the absence of a specific phenotype of FDC, the characterization of relatives appears more accurate when minor criteria were added. (2) Since high mortality (16%) and incomplete penetrance frequently give rise to small nuclei of clinically affected and alive relatives per family, the accurate model of penetrance that we proposed might be helpful in the future to enhance the statistical power of linkage analysis in this disease.
Crystal structures of a nicotine MATE transporter provide insight into its mechanism of substrate transport
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiki , Iwaki Shigehiro , Sasaki Akira , Tsukazaki Tomoya
Published: June 2021

A transporter of the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family, Nicotiana tabacum MATE2 (NtMATE2), is located in the vacuole membrane of the tobacco plant root and is involved in the transportation of nicotine, a secondary or specialized metabolic compound in Solanaceae. Here, we report the crystal structures of NtMATE2 in its outward‐facing forms. The overall structure has a bilobate V‐shape with pseudo‐symmetrical assembly of the N‐ and C‐lobes. In one crystal structure, the C‐lobe cavity of NtMATE2 interacts with an unidentified molecule that may partially mimic a substrate. In addition, NtMATE2‐specific conformational transitions imply that an unprecedented movement of the transmembrane α‐helix 7 is related to the release of the substrate into the vacuolar lumen.
The mitochondrial fission factor FIS1 promotes stemness of human lung cancer stem cells via mitophagy
Authors: Liu Doudou , Sun Zhiwei , Ye Ting , Li Jingyuan , Zeng Bin , Zhao Qiting , Wang Jianyu , Xing Hongmei Rosie
Published: June 2021

Mitophagy, a form of autophagy, plays a role in cancer development, progression and recurrence. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) also play a key role in these processes, although it not known whether mitophagy can regulate the stemness of CSCs. Here, we employed the A549‐SD human non‐small cell lung adenocarcinoma CSC model that we have developed and characterized to investigate the effect of mitophagy on the stemness of CSCs. We observed a positive relationship between mitophagic activity and the stemness of lung CSCs. At the mechanistic level, our results suggest that augmentation of mitophagy in lung CSCs can be induced by FIS1 through mitochondrial fission. In addition, we assessed the clinical relevance of FIS1 in lung adenocarcinoma using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. An elevation in FIS1, when observed together with other prognostic markers for lung cancer progression, was found to correlate with shorter overall survival.
Knockdown of RNF6 inhibits HeLa cervical cancer cell growth via suppression of MAPK/ERK signaling
Authors: Zhu Kang , Bai He , Mu Mingzhu , Xue Yuanyuan , Duan Zhao
Published: June 2021

Ring finger protein 6 (RNF6) is implicated in various human malignancies, but its function in cervical cancer (CC) is incompletely understood. Here, we explored the biological significance of RNF6 in HeLa CC cells and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. The expression of RNF6 was observed to be high in both primary tissues and CC cells. RNF6 promoted HeLa CC cell growth. Knockdown of RNF6 in CC cells resulted in suppression of proliferation and promotion of apoptosis. Moreover, elevation of RNF6 had an adverse effect on the prognosis of CC. Subsequent analyses showed that these effects may be mediated via activation of ERK signaling. These findings provide evidence that the knockdown of RNF6 suppresses the MAPK/ERK pathway to regulate the growth of CC cells, which suggests that RNF6 may have potential as a target for diagnosis and treatment for CC.
APA concerned about privacy in proposed HIPAA changes
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2021

Allowing patients access to their records — one of the few really positive aspects of the proposed changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act's (HIPAA's) privacy rule affecting substance use and mental health providers (see “HHS‐proposed rule gutting HIPAA would especially hurt patients with SUD,” ADAW May 17; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33064) — is possibly going to create too great a burden for small practices, according to a comment filed by the American Psychological Association (APA) last month.
Three‐Dimensional Printed Mechanically Compliant Supercapacitor with Exceptional Areal Capacitance from a Self‐Healable Ink
Authors: Kang Wenbin , Zeng Li , Ling Shangwen , Lv Chunzheng , Liu Jingfeng , Yuan Ruoxin , Zhang Chuhong
Published: June 2021

Known for its capability to architect tailored structures for the scaling of active materials in energy storage devices that cater for future electronics having stringent requirements on areal performance, 3D printing is receiving serious attention. However, lingering challenges originating from the notorious interfacial issue and weak component interaction restrain current devices from making a breakthrough in deliverable capacity and structural flexibility. In this work, the printed electrode delivers a record‐breaking electrical double layer (EDL) areal capacitance of 27.1 F cm−2 under an extremely large loading density of 134 mg cm−2. This translates to a deliverable record‐high EDL energy density of 1.26 mWh cm−2 for device performance, which even rivals the highest value reported from highly loaded pseudocapacitors. The bespoke devices are enabled by a strategically formulated 3D printable ink that initiates efficient autonomous room‐temperature self‐healing and strong interplay between constituting ink components. These contribute to interlayer coalescing for eliminated interlayer resistance for a solid electrochemical performance and printed electrodes of great mechanical compliance. By tapping into the huge potential of 3D printing, this work lays a solid foundation on which flexible devices with customized geometry, functionality, and outstanding performance for a broad range of applications can be readily realized.
Development of the inorganic nanoparticles reinforced alginate‐based hybrid fiber for wound care and healing
Authors: Weng Lin , Zhang Xiaolin , Fan Wei , Lu Yao
Published: June 2021

It is necessary for wound dressing constructed from fibers capable of overcoming external stretching and protecting injured skin. The limited mechanical performance of existing alginate fiber limits its biomaterial application. Herein, this issue can be addressed via incorporation of uniformly dispersed hydroxyapatite (HAP) and silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) in alginate (Alg) by microfluidic spinning technique. These NPs serve as a reinforcing phase to help the alginate‐based composite to develop outstanding mechanics. Both HAP‐Alg and SiO2‐Alg hybrid fibers exhibited excellent breaking elongation, 67.56 ± 6.85% and 52.08 ± 5.20% respectively, while that of breaking strength were 7.04 ± 0.58 MPa and 4.96 ± 0.59 MPa. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity was explored by studying on the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which illustrated no obvious cytotoxicity of the resulting alginate fibers loaded with HAP and SiO2 NPs. The artificial scratch assay demonstrated that the resulting alginate‐based composite fiber can assist the injured skin regeneration. This work provides a significant progress in the conception of developing NPs reinforced alginate‐based hybrid fiber which can withstand the large strain behavior and facilitate wound healing, making it an ideal candidate as wound dressings and fibrous scaffolds.
Targeting the CCR6/CCL20 Axis in Entheseal and Cutaneous Inflammation
Authors: Shi Zhenrui , Garcia‐Melchor Emma , Wu Xuesong , Getschman Anthony E. , Nguyen Mimi , Rowland Douglas J. , Wilson Machelle , Sunzini Flavia , Akbar Moeed , Huynh Mindy , Law Timothy , Raychaudhuri Smriti K. , Raychaudhuri Siba P. , Volkman Brian F. , Millar Neal L. , Hwang Sam T.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To assess the involvement of the CCR6/CCL20 axis in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (PsO) and to evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target.

Methods

First, we quantified CCL20 levels in peripheral blood and synovial fluid from PsA patients and examined the presence of CCR6+ cells in synovial and tendon tissue. Utilizing an interleukin‐23 minicircle DNA (IL‐23 MC) mouse model exhibiting key features of both PsO and PsA, we investigated CCR6 and CCL20 expression as well as the preventive and therapeutic effect of CCL20 blockade. Healthy tendon stromal cells were stimulated in vitro with IL‐1β to assess the production of CCL20 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of conditioned media from stimulated tenocytes in inducing T cell migration was interrogated using a Transwell system.

Results

We observed an up‐regulation of both CCR6 and CCL20 in the enthesis of IL‐23 MC–treated mice, which was confirmed in human biopsy specimens. Specific targeting of the CCR6/CCL20 axis with a CCL20 locked dimer (CCL20LD) blocked entheseal inflammation, leading to profound reductions in clinical and proinflammatory markers in the joints and skin of IL‐23 MC–treated mice. The stromal compartment in the tendon was the main source of CCL20 in this model and, accordingly, in vitro activated human tendon cells were able to produce this chemokine and to induce CCR6+ T cell migration, the latter of which could be blocked by CCL20LD.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the pathogenic role of the CCR6/CCL20 axis in enthesitis and introduces the prospect of a novel therapeutic approach for treating patients with PsO and PsA.
The usage of composite nanomaterials in biomedical engineering applications
Authors: Akgöl Sinan , Ulucan‐Karnak Fulden , kuru Cansu İlke , Kuşat Kevser
Published: June 2021

Nanotechnology is still developing over the decades and it is commonly used in biomedical applications with the design of nanomaterials due to the several purposes. With the investigation of materials on the molecular level has increased the develop composite nanomaterials with exceptional properties using in different applications and industries. The application of these composite nanomaterials is widely used in the fields of textile, chemical, energy, defense industry, electronics, and biomedical engineering which is growing and developing on human health. Development of biosensors for the diagnosis of diseases, drug targeting and controlled release applications, medical implants and imaging techniques are the research topics of nanobiotechnology. In this review, overview of the development of nanotechnology and applications which is use of composite nanomaterials in biomedical engineering is provided.
Recent Advances in Aerobic Photo‐Oxidation of Methanol to Valuable Chemicals
Authors: Shi Quanquan , Wei Xuejiao , Raza Ali , Li Gao
Published: June 2021

The oxidation of photocatalytic methanol into valuable chemicals is of considerable importance to the growth of the chemical industry. TiO2 has been proven to be a catalyst for methanol photocatalytic oxidation to valued chemicals (e. g. methyl formate and dimethoxymethane) at room temperature with an inferior activity. Recently, it has become a hot research topic due to its low interaction temperature with fewer by‐products. Further, the introduction of IB metal particles (i. e. Cu, Ag, and Au) upon the surface of titania can drastically enhance the catalytic activity in the photo‐oxidation, which is mainly due to metal nanoparticles can optimally enhance the efficiency of the isolation of photo‐generated holes and electrons as well as dissociate oxygen molecules. Herein, we review recent progress of the photocatalysis of methanol toward the production of chemicals over different photocatalysts (e. g., TiO2P25, M NPs/TiO2, where M=CuO, Ag2O, Au, PtO, etc). Moreover, we also glean an understanding of the catalytic mechanism and conversion pathway at play, which is confirmed by STM, in‐situ ATR‐IR, DFT simulations, etc. The reaction pathway of photo‐oxidation is different from that in the thermal process. A pivotal intermediate is absorbed formaldehyde (HCHO*), which is formed via an oxidative dehydrogenation over the redox sites of catalysts. Then the generated HCHO* directly reacts with neighboring methanol to give methyl formate (on redox sites) and dimethoxymethane (on acidic sites through a scrambling movement).
Critical Review on the Unique Interactions and Electroanalytical Challenges Related to Cathodes ‐ Solutions Interfaces in Non‐Aqueous Mg Battery Prototypes
Authors: Attias Ran , Sharon Daniel , Goffer Yosef , Aurbach Doron
Published: June 2021

Rechargeable batteries based on Mg metal anodes may be a promising alternative to current Li‐ion battery systems. However, the development of practical rechargeable Mg batteries (RMBs) is hindered by the absence of cathode materials that can reversibly intercalate Mg ions with a reasonably fast kinetic, while still exhibiting high capacity and high working voltages. In this minireview we summarize our recent progress in understanding cathodes/electrolyte solutions interfaces in non‐aqueous Mg systems. While most studies in the field of cathode materials for RMBs focus on the solid‐state diffusion phenomena of the bare Mg ion within the solid hosts, this minireview summarizes several important findings that demonstrate how the electrochemical response of the cathode material is also significantly influenced by the solution chemistry and structure. We provide a comprehensive description of the sequential steps taking place in the electrochemical intercalation reactions, with an emphasis on the charge transfer process across the solution/electrode interfaces. We discuss the different manner in which the electrolyte solutions′ chemical characteristics can impact each step of the intercalation process and why this information is important for the development of new cathode materials for rechargeable Mg batteries. We believe that these types of fundamental investigations are crucial steps for the realization of this interesting battery technology.
Performance evaluation of SDAGM‐coated microproppants in hydraulic fracturing using the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Han Yanhui , Liang Feng
Published: June 2021

Hydraulic fracturing has become a standard stimulation technology to enhance hydrocarbon production in unconventional reservoirs in recent decades. During organic‐rich tight carbonate reservoir stimulation, extensive microfractures will be created and pre‐existing microfractures will be opened in the far‐field during hydraulic fracturing, but they tend to close after the release of hydraulic pressure due to the larger sizes of the conventional proppants not fitting into the microfractures. The well productivity will be further enhanced if these microfractures can be held open during production, like the primary hydraulic fractures supported by proppants. Based on this idea, industry has introduced microproppants into the pad or pre‐pad fluid so that they can be placed into opened microfractures during hydraulic fracturing. In this work, we propose further enhancing the stimulation efficiency by introducing solid delayed acid generating materials (SDAGM)‐coated microproppants into the stimulation for the dual function of keeping microfractures open, and, through subsequent reactions of the coating materials with the carbonate formation, creating extra void space inside the microfractures. To prove this concept and help select the appropriate microproppant coating plan, lattice Boltzmann simulation is performed to measure the hydraulic conductivity of the stimulated microfractures under different scenarios that represent corresponding stimulation treatment schemes. The simulations showed that fracture conductivity of the microfractures can be significantly improved by placing SDAGM‐coated microproppant into them. Using the mixed uncoated and SDAGM‐coated microproppants (Scheme II) may have better fracture conductivity improvement than using the coated microproppant alone (Scheme I).
Use of a Removable Backbone Modification Strategy to Prevent Aspartimide Formation in the Synthesis of Asp Lactam Cyclic Peptides†
Authors: Cui Tingting , Chen Junyou , Zhao Rui , Guo Yanyan , Tang Jiahui , Li Yulei , Li Yi‐Ming , Bierer Donald , Liu Lei
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The synthesis of an Asp lactam derivative of A‐183, a selective inhibitor of Factor 7a with good anticoagulant and antithrombotic activity, is described. Our synthesis depends on the use of a removable backbone modification (RBM) strategy to prevent aspartimide formation, which thwarted all attempts to synthesize this target using direct solid‐phase peptide synthesis. Validation of the RBM strategy in the synthesis of a second Asp lactam derivative was also accomplished. The RBM strategy is therefore proposed as a general method for the synthesis of Asp lactam cyclic peptides.
A disease by any other name: Effects of cancer grading nomenclature on perception of prostate cancer risk
Authors: McMahon Gregory C. , Leapman Michael S.
Published: June 2021

The effects of prostate cancer grading nomenclature on disease‐related anxiety and inclinations for initial management are explored. Contemporary issues for prostate cancer management are discussed in the setting of the recent publication that experimentally assesses variations in grading terminology in a randomized online survey of volunteers.
Performance of diploid and interploid hybrids of St. Augustinegrass under moderate shade
Authors: Meeks Meghyn , Chandra Ambika
Published: June 2021

Shadetolerance is an important factor for cultivar selection in urban areas. Diploid (2n = 2x = 18) cultivars of St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze] with moderate to high shade tolerance have been popular choices for residential and commercial landscapes in the southern United States. This study evaluated 26 elite drought resistant diploid and interploid (polyploid × diploid) hybrids and four commercial cultivars under 75% continuous shade from 20 June 2017 through 30 Oct. 2018. Biweekly data were collected during the growing season for percent green cover, visual turfgrass quality, canopy color, shoot density, and daily leaf elongation rates (DER; mm d–1). Spring greenup was rated annually, and to gray leaf spot incidence was rated when naturally occurring. All genotypes lost green cover through 2017, and greenup was delayed transitioning into the summer of 2018 when most diploids struggled to recover from disease, shade, and winter injury whereas, on an average, interploid hybrids reached up to 84.0% green cover. Daily leaf elongation rates were lower for diploids than polyploids in both years. Turfgrass quality, color, and density generally declined under shade as expected. Overall, three interploid hybrids (DALSA 1329, 1404, and 1406) were the top performers demonstrating good retention of turfgrass performance traits and reduced DER under shade.
Further development of a liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry‐based strategy for analyzing eight biomarkers in human urine indicating toxic mushroom or Ricinus communis ingestions
Authors: Bambauer Thomas P. , Wagmann Lea , Weber Armin A. , Meyer Markus R.
Published: June 2021

Recently, we presented a strategy for analysis of eight biomarkers in human urine to verify toxic mushroom or Ricinus communis ingestions. However, screening for the full panel is not always necessary. Thus, we aimed to develop a strategy to reduce analysis time and by focusing on two sets of analytes. One set (A) for biomarkers of late‐onset syndromes, such as phalloides syndrome or the syndrome after castor bean intake. Another set (B) for biomarkers of early‐onset syndromes, such as pantherine–muscaria syndrome and muscarine syndrome. Both analyses should be based on hydrophilic‐interaction liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (MS)/MS (HILIC‐HRMS/MS). For A, urine samples were prepared by liquid–liquid extraction using dichloromethane and subsequent solid‐phase extraction of the aqueous supernatant. For B urine was precipitated using acetonitrile. Method A was validated for ricinine and α‐ and β‐amanitin and method B for muscarine, muscimol, and ibotenic acid according to the specifications for qualitative analytical methods. In addition, robustness of recovery and normalized matrix factors to matrix variability measured by urinary creatinine was tested. Moreover, applicability was tested using 10 urine samples from patients after suspected mushroom intoxication. The analytes α‐ and β‐amanitin, muscarine, muscimol, and ibotenic acid could be successfully identified. Finally, psilocin‐O‐glucuronide could be identified in two samples and unambiguously distinguished from bufotenine‐O‐glucuronide via their MS2 patterns. In summary, the current workflow offers several advantages towards the previous method, particularly being more labor‐, time‐, and cost‐efficient, more robust, and more sensitive.
During capsaicin‐induced central sensitization, brush allodynia is associated with baseline warmth sensitivity, whereas mechanical hyperalgesia is associated with painful mechanical sensibility, anxiety and somatization
Authors: Meeker Timothy J. , Schmid Anne‐Christine , Liu Yiming , Keaser Michael L. , Dorsey Susan G. , Seminowicz David A. , Greenspan Joel D.
Published: June 2021

Background

Mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia incidence varies considerably amongst neuropathic pain patients. This study explored whether sensory or psychological factors associate with mechanical hyperalgesia and brush allodynia in a human experimental model.

Methods

Sixty‐six healthy volunteers (29 male) completed psychological questionnaires and participated in two quantitative sensory testing (QST) sessions. Warmth detection threshold (WDT), heat pain threshold (HPT) and suprathreshold mechanical pain (STMP) ratings were measured before exposure to a capsaicin‐heat pain model (C‐HP). After C‐HP exposure, brush allodynia and STMP were measured in one session, whilst mechanical hyperalgesia was measured in another session.

Results

WDT and HPT measured in sessions separated by 1 month demonstrated significant but moderate levels of reliability (WDT: ICC = 0.5, 95%CI [0.28, 0.77]; HPT: ICC = 0.62, 95%CI [0.40, 0.77]). Brush allodynia associated with lower WDT (z = −3.06, p = 0.002; ϕ = 0.27). Those with allodynia showed greater hyperalgesia intensity (F = 7.044, p = 0.010, ηp2 = 0.107) and area (F = 9.319, p = 0.004, ηp2 = 0.163) than those without allodynia. No psychological self‐report measures were significantly different between allodynic and nonallodynic groups. Intensity of hyperalgesia in response to lighter mechanical stimuli was associated with lower HPT, higher STMP ratings and higher Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire scores at baseline. Hyperalgesia to heavier probe stimuli associated with state anxiety and to a lesser extent somatic awareness. Hyperalgesic area associated with lower baseline HPT and higher STMP ratings. Hyperalgesic area was not correlated with allodynic area across individuals.

Conclusions

These findings support research in neuropathic pain patients and human experimental models that peripheral sensory input and individual sensibility are related to development of mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia during central sensitization, whilst psychological factors play a lesser role.

Significance

We evaluated differential relationships of psychological and perceptual sensitivity to the development of capsaicin‐induced mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia. Fifty percent of healthy volunteers failed to develop mechanical allodynia. Baseline pain sensitivity was greater in those developing allodynia and was related to the magnitude and area of hyperalgesia. State psychological factors, whilst unrelated to allodynia, were related to mechanical hyperalgesia. This supports that the intensity of peripheral sensory input and individual sensibility are related to development of mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia during central sensitization, whilst psychological factors play a lesser role.
Eco‐environmental benefits analysis of EcoPartnerships program of production technology of calcium carbonate from lime mud produced by alkaline papermaking
Authors: Geng Chao , Ma Tao , Liu Jianguo
Published: June 2021

Lime mud (LM) is a kind of industrial solid waste produced in alkali recovery in papermaking industry. LM is a global environmental challenge that both China and the United States are facing. With the support of the EcoPartnership Program under the 10‐year Sino‐US Energy and Environment Cooperation Framework, China Sun Paper Joint Stock Co., Ltd. has successfully formed a partnership with America Mineral Technologies Inc. (MTI). MTI has applied the production technology of calcium carbonate from LM produced by alkaline papermaking (PTCC) to the Sun Paper Company. Compared with the traditional treatment technology of LM in Sun Paper Company, the reduction efficiency of the PTCC technology can reach 97.99%. The waste residue is relatively more stable and poses less threat to the environment than traditional technology. The energy consumption is low, and 4.15 kgce can be saved by treating per ton of LM. It does not release carbon dioxide to the environment, but consumes 0.485 tons of carbon dioxide per ton of LM on the contrary. Because the calcium carbonate produced can be used as a product, RMB 531 yuan can be saved in the treatment of each ton of LM. The PTCC process is conducive to the coordinated development of economic, environmental, and social benefits, and realizes the sustainable development of the paper industry.
Daphnia magna Gut-Specific Transcriptomic Responses to Feeding Inhibiting Chemicals and Food Limitation
Authors: Campos Bruno , Piña Benjamín , Barata Carlos
Published: June 2021

Transcriptomic responses combined with apical adverse ecologically relevant outcomes have proven to be useful to unravel and anchor molecular mechanisms of action to adverse outcomes. This is the case for feeding inhibition responses in the model ecotoxicological species Daphnia magna. The aim of the present study was to assess the transcriptomic responses in guts dissected from D. magna individuals exposed to concentrations of selected compounds that inhibit feeding and compare them with the responses associated to 2 levels of food restriction (low food and starvation). Chemical treatments included cadmium, copper, fluoranthene, λ-cyhalothrin, and the cyanotoxin anatoxin-a. Although the initial hypothesis was that exposure to chemical feeding inhibitors should elicit similar molecular responses as food limitation, the corresponding gut transcriptomic responses differed significantly. In moderate food limitation conditions, D. magna individuals increased protein and carbohydrate catabolism, likely to be used as energetic sources, whereas under severe starving conditions most metabolism-related pathways appeared down-regulated. Treatment with chemical feeding inhibitors promoted cell turnover–related signaling pathways in the gut, probably to renew tissue damage caused by the reported oxidative stress effects of these compounds, and inhibited the transcription of gut digestive gene enzymes and energetic metabolic pathways. We conclude that chemical feeding inhibitors, rather than mimicking the physiological response to low- or no-food conditions, cause specific toxic effects, preventing Daphnia both from feeding and from adjusting its metabolism to the resulting low energy intake. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2510–2520. © 2021 SETAC
Application of graphene oxide in the adsorption and extraction of bioactive compounds from lemon peel
Authors: Sharif Nasirian Valeh , Shahidi Seyed‐Ahmad , Tahermansouri Hasan , Chekin Fereshteh
Published: June 2021

The bioactive compounds like rutin, naringin, and gallic acid have been separated from lemon peel by graphene oxide (GO). The different influences such as pH values and separation conditions were investigated. Moreover, the samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, UV‐Vis spectroscopy, and high‐performance liquid chromatography. The findings of high‐performance liquid chromatography revealed that the adsorbed proportion of rutin by GO was more than naringin and gallic acid so that 66.7% of rutin, 34% of naringin, and 19% of gallic acid from the extract were remarkably adsorbed and separated. Besides, adsorption percentage of these materials by GO was considered 74.8% after five cycles of adsorption–desorption process. On the other hand, we carried out batch experiments in order to study the adsorption mechanism of rutin on the GO since rutin was the highest quantity of bioactive substance in lemon peel. Pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm were the best models for describing adsorption process of rutin by GO. Adsorption capacity of rutin by GO was obtained about 21.08 mgg−1. In addition, the physical adsorption of rutin by GO was confirmed by Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm. This research confirmed that this method for separation of flavonoids is simple and less cost.
Dysphagia profiles after primary transoral robotic surgery or radiation for oropharyngeal cancer: A registry analysis
Authors: Barbon Carly E. A. , Yao Christopher M. K. L. , Alvarez Clare P. , Goepfert Ryan P. , Fuller Clifton D. , Lai Stephen Y. , Gross Neil D. , Hutcheson Katherine A.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To describe the physiologic swallowing impairments (MBSImP™©) associated with safety/efficiency impairments (DIGESTsafety/DIGESTefficiency grades) at 3–6 months after transoral robotic surgery (TORS) or radiation therapy (RT).

Study Design

Secondary analysis of registry data.

Setting

Single, academic institution.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty‐seven patients with HPV+ oropharynx cancer were stratified by primary treatment (75 TORS, 182 RT). Modified barium swallow studies were analyzed at baseline and 3–6 months using MBSImP scores and DIGESTsafety/DIGESTefficiency grades. DIGESTsafety/DIGESTefficiency grades and MBSImP were compared groupwise and associations between DIGESTsafety/DIGESTefficiency grades and MBSImP were explored by ordinal logistic regression. Exploratory analyses were stratified by multimodality treatment.

Results

Neither DIGESTsafety/DIGESTefficiency differed significantly between groups at baseline or 3–6 months. Laryngeal vestibule closure was impaired more frequently in the RT group (RT: 41% vs. TORS: 27%; p = 0.02) while the TORS group had significantly more pharyngeal contraction impairment (63%; p < 0.001) compared to RT at 3–6 months.

Conclusion

The results suggest a focal injury associated with DIGESTsafety/DIGESTefficiency post‐TORS in contrast to a low‐level diffuse physiologic impairment associated with post‐RT dysphagia.