bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cadmium Pathways in Snails Follow a Complementary Strategy between Metallothionein Detoxification and Auxiliary Inactivation by Phytochelatins
Authors: Dvorak Martin , Schnegg Raimund , Niederwanger Michael , Pedrini-Martha Veronika , Ladurner Peter , Lindner Herbert , Kremser Leopold , Lackner Reinhard , Dallinger Reinhard
Published: December 2019

Metal detoxification is crucial for animals to cope with environmental exposure. In snails, a pivotal role in protection against cadmium (Cd) is attributed to metallothioneins (MTs). Some gastropod species express, in a lineage-specific manner, Cd-selective MTs devoted exclusively to the binding and detoxification of this single metal, whereas other species of snails possess non-selective MTs, but still show a high tolerance against Cd. An explanation for this may be that invertebrates and in particular snails may also synthetize phytochelatins (PCs), originally known to be produced by plants, to provide protection against metal or metalloid toxicity. Here we demonstrate that despite the fact that similar mechanisms for Cd inactivation exist in snail species through binding of the metal to MTs, the actual detoxification pathways for this metal may follow different traits in a species-specific manner. In particular, this depends on the detoxification capacity of MTs due to their Cd-selective or non-specific binding features. In the terrestrial slug Arion vulgaris, for example, Cd is solely detoxified by a Cd-selective MT isoform (AvMT1). In contrast, the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata activates an additional pathway for metal inactivation by synthesizing phytochelatins, which compensate for the insufficient capacity of its non-selective MT system to detoxify Cd. We hypothesize that in other snails and invertebrate species, too, an alternative inactivation of the metal by PCs may occur, if their MT system is not Cd-selective enough, or its Cd loading capacity is exhausted.
Multikinase Inhibitor Treatment in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Ancker Ole Vincent , Krüger Marcus , Wehland Markus , Infanger Manfred , Grimm Daniela
Published: December 2019

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. Most thyroid cancer types respond well to conventional treatment consisting of surgery and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Unfortunately, some thyroid cancer types are resistant to surgical and RAI therapy. Multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) can be used in the treatment of advanced refractory thyroid cancers. The objective of this review is to give an update on MKI treatment (lenvatinib, sorafenib, sunitinib, cabozantinib, pazopanib, vandetanib) of thyroid cancer, regarding its efficacy and safety profile. We evaluated 212 articles through a PubMed search. A total of 20 articles met the inclusion and none the exclusion criteria. The studies showed promising progression-free survival rates compared to placebo treatment from earlier studies and similar or better results compared to the SELECT and DECISION trials. Adverse effects (AEs) are substantial in the treatment with MKIs. Almost all patients treated with these novel drugs experienced AEs. It is therefore crucial to focus on the management of AEs for a decent long-term outcome. The AEs are often more severe in patients with high efficacy of MKIs, which could indicate a correlation. Taken together, the novel therapeutic regimen with MKIs has shown favorable results in otherwise treatment-resistant thyroid cancer.
Distinct Differentiation Characteristics of Endothelium Determine Its Ability to Form Pseudo-Embryos in Tomato Ovules
Authors: Chaban Inna , Baranova Ekaterina , Kononenko Neonila , Khaliluev Marat , Smirnova Elena
Published: December 2019

The endothelium is an additional cell layer, differentiating from the inner epidermis of the ovule integument. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), after fertilization, the endothelium separates from integument and becomes an independent tissue developing next to the growing embryo sac. In the absence of fertilization, the endothelium may proliferate and form pseudo-embryo. However, the course of the reorganization of endothelium into pseudo-embryo in tomato ovules is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate specific features of endothelium differentiation and the role of the endothelium in the development of fertilized and unfertilized tomato ovules. The ovules of tomato plants (“YaLF” line), produced by vegetative growth plants of transgenic tomato line expressing the ac gene, encoding chitin-binding protein from Amaranthus caudatus L., were investigated using light and transmission electron microscopy. We showed that in the fertilized ovule of normally developing fruit and in the unfertilized ovule of parthenocarpic fruit, separation of the endothelium from integument occurs via programmed death of cells of the integumental parenchyma, adjacent to the endothelium. Endothelial cells in normally developing ovules change their structural and functional specialization from meristematic to secretory and back to meristematic, and proliferate until seeds fully mature. The secretory activity of the endothelium is necessary for the lysis of dying cells of the integument and provides the space for the growth of the new sporophyte. However, in ovules of parthenocarpic fruits, pseudo-embryo cells do not change their structural and functional organization and remain meristematic, no zone of lysis is formed, and pseudo-embryo cells undergo programmed cell death. Our data shows the key role of the endothelium as a protective and secretory tissue, needed for the normal development of ovules.
Association of Complement Factor D and H Polymorphisms with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Cho Hee Young , Park Han Sung , Ko Eun Ju , Ryu Chang Soo , Kim Jung Oh , Kim Young Ran , Ahn Eun Hee , Lee Woo Sik , Kim Nam Keun
Published: December 2019

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses prior to 20 weeks of gestation, and the incidence of RPL is estimated at 1% of all pregnancies. While the etiologies of RPL are diverse, immune function is considered to be an important cause of RPL. In particular, the complement system is essential for stable development of the placenta and fetus. Moreover, complement factor D (CFD) and complement factor H (CFH) are important regulators of the complement system and are associated with diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, we investigated whether polymorphisms of CFD and CFH are associated with RPL in 412 women with RPL and 384 control women. Genotyping of three polymorphisms (CFD rs2230216, CFH rs1065489, and CFH rs1061170) was performed by TaqMan probe real-time PCR and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Association of three polymorphisms with RPL was evaluated by statistical analysis. The GT/TC genotype combination of CFH rs1065489 G>T/CFH rs1061170 T>C was associated with a decreased risk of RPL occurrence compared with reference genotypes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.439; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.238–0.810; p = 0.008), and this association remained significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons using false discovery rate (FDR) correction (p = 0.040). In addition, the CFH rs1065489G>T polymorphism is associated with homocysteine and prolactin level and CFH rs1061170 TC genotype is related to uric acid and triglycerides level in RPL patients. Therefore, those factors could be possible clinical risk factors in RPL patients.
Knowledge Generation with Rule Induction in Cancer Omics
Authors: Scala Giovanni , Federico Antonio , Fortino Vittorio , Greco Dario , Majello Barbara
Published: December 2019

The explosion of omics data availability in cancer research has boosted the knowledge of the molecular basis of cancer, although the strategies for its definitive resolution are still not well established. The complexity of cancer biology, given by the high heterogeneity of cancer cells, leads to the development of pharmacoresistance for many patients, hampering the efficacy of therapeutic approaches. Machine learning techniques have been implemented to extract knowledge from cancer omics data in order to address fundamental issues in cancer research, as well as the classification of clinically relevant sub-groups of patients and for the identification of biomarkers for disease risk and prognosis. Rule induction algorithms are a group of pattern discovery approaches that represents discovered relationships in the form of human readable associative rules. The application of such techniques to the modern plethora of collected cancer omics data can effectively boost our understanding of cancer-related mechanisms. In fact, the capability of these methods to extract a huge amount of human readable knowledge will eventually help to uncover unknown relationships between molecular attributes and the malignant phenotype. In this review, we describe applications and strategies for the usage of rule induction approaches in cancer omics data analysis. In particular, we explore the canonical applications and the future challenges and opportunities posed by multi-omics integration problems.
How to Make Anticancer Drugs Cross the Blood–Brain Barrier to Treat Brain Metastases
Authors: Angeli Eurydice , Nguyen Thuy T. , Janin Anne , Bousquet Guilhem
Published: December 2019

The incidence of brain metastases has increased in the last 10 years. However, the survival of patients with brain metastases remains poor and challenging in daily practice in medical oncology. One of the mechanisms suggested for the persistence of a high incidence of brain metastases is the failure to cross the blood–brain barrier of most chemotherapeutic agents, including the more recent targeted therapies. Therefore, new pharmacological approaches are needed to optimize the efficacy of anticancer drug protocols. In this article, we present recent findings in molecular data on brain metastases. We then discuss published data from pharmacological studies on the crossing of the blood–brain barrier by anticancer agents. We go on to discuss future developments to facilitate drug penetration across the blood–brain barrier for the treatment of brain metastases among cancer patients, using physical methods or physiological transporters.
Cannabinoid Receptors Signaling in the Development, Epigenetics, and Tumours of Male Germ Cells
Authors: Barchi Marco , Innocenzi Elisa , Giannattasio Teresa , Dolci Susanna , Rossi Pellegrino , Grimaldi Paola
Published: December 2019

Endocannabinoids are natural lipid molecules whose levels are regulated by specific biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. They bind to and activate two main cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), and together with their metabolizing enzymes form the “endocannabinoid system” (ECS). In the last years, the relevance of endocannabinoids (eCBs) as critical modulators in various aspects of male reproduction has been pointed out. Mammalian male germ cells, from mitotic to haploid stage, have a complete ECS which is modulated during spermatogenesis. Compelling evidence indicate that in the testis an appropriate “eCBs tone”, associated to a balanced CB receptors signaling, is critical for spermatogenesis and for the formation of mature and fertilizing spermatozoa. Any alteration of this system negatively affects male reproduction, from germ cell differentiation to sperm functions, and might have also an impact on testicular tumours. Indeed, most of testicular tumours develop during early germ-cell development in which a maturation arrest is thought to be the first key event leading to malignant transformation. Considering the ever-growing number and complexity of the data on ECS, this review focuses on the role of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 signaling in male germ cells development from gonocyte up to mature spermatozoa and in the induction of epigenetic alterations in these cells which might be transmitted to the progeny. Furthermore, we present new evidence on their relevance in testicular cancer.
Molecular Conformations of Di-, Tri-, and Tetra-α-(2→8)-Linked Sialic Acid from NMR Spectroscopy and MD Simulations
Authors: Turupcu Aysegül , Blaukopf Markus , Kosma Paul , Oostenbrink Chris
Published: December 2019

By using molecular dynamics simulations with an efficient enhanced sampling technique and in combination with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy quantitative structural information on α -2,8-linked sialic acids is presented. We used a bottom-up approach to obtain a set of larger ensembles for tetra- and deca-sialic acid from model dimer and trimer systems that are in agreement with the available J-coupling constants and nuclear Overhauser effects. The molecular dynamic (MD) simulations with enhanced sampling are used to validate the force field used in this study for its further use. This empowered us to couple NMR observables in the MD framework via J-coupling and distance restraining simulations to obtain conformations that are supported by experimental data. We used these conformations in thermodynamic integration and one-step perturbation simulations to calculate the free-energy of suggested helical conformations. This study brings most of the available NMR experiments together and supplies information to resolve the conflict on the structures of poly- α -2,8-linked sialic acid.
Defects in G-Actin Incorporation into Filaments in Myoblasts Derived from Dysferlinopathy Patients Are Restored by Dysferlin C2 Domains
Authors: Báez-Matus Ximena , Figueroa-Cares Cindel , Gónzalez-Jamett Arlek M. , Almarza-Salazar Hugo , Arriagada Christian , Maldifassi María Constanza , Guerra María José , Mouly Vincent , Bigot Anne , Caviedes Pablo , Cárdenas Ana M.
Published: December 2019

Dysferlin is a transmembrane C-2 domain-containing protein involved in vesicle trafficking and membrane remodeling in skeletal muscle cells. However, the mechanism by which dysferlin regulates these cellular processes remains unclear. Since actin dynamics is critical for vesicle trafficking and membrane remodeling, we studied the role of dysferlin in Ca2+-induced G-actin incorporation into filaments in four different immortalized myoblast cell lines (DYSF2, DYSF3, AB320, and ER) derived from patients harboring mutations in the dysferlin gene. As compared with immortalized myoblasts obtained from a control subject, dysferlin expression and G-actin incorporation were significantly decreased in myoblasts from dysferlinopathy patients. Stable knockdown of dysferlin with specific shRNA in control myoblasts also significantly reduced G-actin incorporation. The impaired G-actin incorporation was restored by the expression of full-length dysferlin as well as dysferlin N-terminal or C-terminal regions, both of which contain three C2 domains. DYSF3 myoblasts also exhibited altered distribution of annexin A2, a dysferlin partner involved in actin remodeling. However, dysferlin N-terminal and C-terminal regions appeared to not fully restore such annexin A2 mislocation. Then, our results suggest that dysferlin regulates actin remodeling by a mechanism that does to not involve annexin A2.
Anti-Obesity Effects of Microalgae
Authors: Gómez-Zorita Saioa , Trepiana Jenifer , González-Arceo Maitane , Aguirre Leixuri , Milton-Laskibar Iñaki , González Marcela , Eseberri Itziar , Fernández-Quintela Alfredo , Portillo María P.
Published: December 2019

In recent years, microalgae have attracted great interest for their potential applications in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industry as an interesting source of bioactive medicinal products and food ingredients with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. One potential application for bioactive microalgae compounds is obesity treatment. This review gathers together in vitro and in vivo studies which address the anti-obesity effects of microalgae extracts. The scientific literature supplies evidence supporting an anti-obesity effect of several microalgae: Euglena gracilis, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Spirulina maxima, Spirulina platensis, or Nitzschia laevis. Regarding the mechanisms of action, microalgae can inhibit pre-adipocyte differentiation and reduce de novo lipogenesis and triglyceride (TG) assembly, thus limiting TG accumulation. Increased lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation can also be observed. Finally, microalgae can induce increased energy expenditure via thermogenesis activation in brown adipose tissue, and browning in white adipose tissue. Along with the reduction in body fat accumulation, other hallmarks of individuals with obesity, such as enhanced plasma lipid levels, insulin resistance, diabetes, or systemic low-grade inflammation are also improved by microalgae treatment. Not only the anti-obesity effect of microalgae but also the improvement of several comorbidities, previously observed in preclinical studies, has been confirmed in clinical trials.
Improving Phenolic Total Content and Monoterpene in Mentha x piperita by Using Salicylic Acid or Methyl Jasmonate Combined with Rhizobacteria Inoculation
Authors: Cappellari Lorena del Rosario , Santoro Maricel Valeria , Schmidt Axel , Gershenzon Jonathan , Banchio Erika
Published: December 2019

The effects of plant inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and those resulting from the exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) or methyl jasmonte (MeJA) on total phenolic content (TPC) and monoterpenes in Mentha x piperita plants were investigated. Although the PGPR inoculation response has been studied for many plant species, the combination of PGPR and exogenous phytohormones has not been investigated in aromatic plant species. The exogenous application of SA produced an increase in TPC that, in general, was of a similar level when applied alone as when combined with PGPR. This increase in TPC was correlated with an increase in the activity of the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL). Also, the application of MeJA at different concentrations in combination with inoculation with PGPR produced an increase in TPC, which was more relevant at 4 mM, with a synergism effect being observed. With respect to the main monoterpene concentrations present in peppermint essential oil (EO), it was observed that SA or MeJA application produced a significant increase similar to that of the combination with rhizobacteria. However, when plants were exposed to 2 mM MeJA and inoculated, an important increase was produced in the concentration on menthol, pulegone, linalool, limonene, and menthone concentrations. Rhizobacteria inoculation, the treatment with SA and MeJA, and the combination of both were found to affect the amount of the main monoterpenes present in the EO of M. piperita. For this reason, the expressions of genes related to the biosynthesis of monoterpene were evaluated, with this expression being positively affected by MeJA application and PGPR inoculation, but was not modified by SA application. Our results demonstrate that MeJA or SA application combined with inoculation with PGPR constitutes an advantageous management practice for improving the production of secondary metabolites from M. piperita.
Extracellular Vesicles and Epigenetic Modifications Are Hallmarks of Melanoma Progression
Authors: Mannavola Francesco , D’Oronzo Stella , Cives Mauro , Stucci Luigia Stefania , Ranieri Girolamo , Silvestris Franco , Tucci Marco
Published: December 2019

Cutaneous melanoma shows a high metastatic potential based on its ability to overcome the immune system’s control. The mechanisms activated for these functions vary extremely and are also represented by the production of a number of extracellular vesicles including exosomes. Other vesicles showing a potential role in the melanoma progression include oncosomes and melanosomes and the majority of them mediate tumor processes including angiogenesis, immune regulation, and modifications of the micro-environment. Moreover, a number of epigenetic modifications have been described in melanoma and abundant production of altered microRNAs (mi-RNAs), non-coding RNAs, histones, and abnormal DNA methylation have been associated with different phases of melanoma progression. In addition, exosomes, miRNAs, and other molecular factors have been used as potential biomarkers reflecting disease evolution while others have been suggested to be potential druggable molecules for therapeutic application.
Decreased Blood Level of MFSD2a as a Potential Biomarker of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sánchez-Campillo María , Ruiz-Pastor María José , Gázquez Antonio , Marín-Muñoz Juan , Noguera-Perea Fuensanta , Ruiz-Alcaraz Antonio J. , Manzanares-Sánchez Salvadora , Antúnez Carmen , Larqué Elvira
Published: December 2019

The protein Major Facilitator Superfamily Domain containing 2A (MFSD2a) was recently described as the primary carrier for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into the brain. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by lower DHA levels in blood lipids. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of MFSD2a in the whole blood and brain as a potential biomarker of AD. Three groups were established: 38 healthy controls, 48 subjects with moderate AD (GDS4), and 47 with severe AD (GDS6). We analyzed postmortem brain samples from the hippocampus of 11 healthy controls and 11 severe AD patients. Fatty acid (FA) was determined in serum and brain by gas chromatography. Blood and brain MFSD2a protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting. We found a significant and progressive decline of MFSD2a levels in blood of AD patients (Control 0.83 ± 0.13, GDS4 0.72 ± 0.09, GDS6 0.48 ± 0.05*, p ˂ 0.01). We also corroborated a significant reduction of DHA and other n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated FA in serum of AD. No differences were found in MFSD2a expression or FA levels in brain of controls and AD subjects. MFSD2A carrier was analyzed in AD patients for the first time and the level of MFSD2a in the whole blood could be a potential biomarker of this disease.
A Purified Aspartic Protease from Akkermansia Muciniphila Plays an Important Role in Degrading Muc2
Authors: Meng Xin , Wang Wencheng , Lan Tianqi , Yang Wanxin , Yu Dahai , Fang Xuexun , Wu Hao
Published: December 2019

Akkermansia muciniphila can produce various mucin-degrading proteins. However, the functional characteristics of these proteins and their role in mucin degradation are unclear. Of the predicted protein-coding genes, Amuc_1434, which encodes for a hypothetical protein, is the focus in this study. A recombinant enzyme Amuc_1434 containing the 6× His-tag produced in Escherichia coli (hereinafter termed Amuc_1434*) was isolated to homogeneity and biochemically characterised. Results showed that the enzyme can hydrolyse hemoglobin with an activity of 17.21 U/μg. The optimal pH and temperature for hemoglobin hydrolysis of Amuc_1434* were found to be around 8.0 and 40 °C, respectively. Amuc_1434* is identified as a member of the aspartic protease family through the action of inhibitor pepstatin A. Amuc_1434* promotes the adhesion of colon cancer cell line LS174T, which can highly express Muc2. Significantly Amuc_1434* can degrade Muc2 of colon cancer cells. Amuc_1434 is mainly located in the colon of BALB/c mice. These results suggest that the presence of Amuc_1434 from Akkermansia muciniphila may be correlated with the restoration of gut barrier function by decreasing mucus layer thickness.
Computational Disorder Analysis in Ethylene Response Factors Uncovers Binding Motifs Critical to Their Diverse Functions
Authors: Sun Xiaolin , Malhis Nawar , Zhao Bi , Xue Bin , Gsponer Joerg , Rikkerink Erik H. A.
Published: December 2019

APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR transcription factors (AP2/ERFs) play crucial roles in adaptation to stresses such as those caused by pathogens, wounding and cold. Although their name suggests a specific role in ethylene signalling, some ERF members also co-ordinate signals regulated by other key plant stress hormones such as jasmonate, abscisic acid and salicylate. We analysed a set of ERF proteins from three divergent plant species for intrinsically disorder regions containing conserved segments involved in protein–protein interaction known as Molecular Recognition Features (MoRFs). Then we correlated the MoRFs identified with a number of known functional features where these could be identified. Our analyses suggest that MoRFs, with plasticity in their disordered surroundings, are highly functional and may have been shuffled between related protein families driven by selection. A particularly important role may be played by the alpha helical component of the structured DNA binding domain to permit specificity. We also present examples of computationally identified MoRFs that have no known function and provide a valuable conceptual framework to link both disordered and ordered structural features within this family to diverse function.
Preparation of Calcipotriol Emulsion Using Bacterial Exopolysaccharides as Emulsifier for Percutaneous Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Song Bo , Song Ruiteng , Cheng Min , Chu Hairong , Yan Fang , Wang Yuzhen
Published: December 2019

An exopolysaccharides/calcipotriol (EPS/CPT) emulsion was prepared using bacterial EPS as emulsifier, sunflower oil as an oil phase and CPT as the loaded drug, and the effect of this emulsion on psoriasis vulgaris treatment was evaluated. An EPS composed of mannose (70.56%) and glucose (29.44%) was obtained from the marine mangrove bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ZWJ (Zhu Wenjing) strain. The EPS has significant emulsifying activity at the concentration of 1.5%. The prepared EPS/CPT emulsion has small and stable particle size, with a drug content of 0.00492%, and good spreading properties. The in vitro drug release results revealed that the emulsion showed a certain sustained release effect. In vitro and in vivo animal experiments show that the EPS/CPT emulsion can effectively treat psoriasis vulgaris by increasing the accumulation of CPT in psoriatic skin lesions and reducing the levels of inflammatory cells and inflammatory factors (TNF and IL6). Additionally, it has a certain effect on reducing the side effects associated with CPT. This study lays a foundation for the research of EPS in the topical application of medical materials and treatment of psoriasis.
Chiral Self-Sorting in Truxene-Based Metallacages
Authors: Séjourné Simon , Labrunie Antoine , Dalinot Clément , Benchohra Amina , Carré Vincent , Aubriet Frédéric , Allain Magali , Sallé Marc , Goeb Sébastien
Published: December 2019

Two chiral face-rotating metalla-assembled polyhedra were constructed upon self-assembling achiral components, i.e., a tritopic ligand based on a truxene core (10,15-dihydro-5H-diindeno[1,2-a;1′,2′-c]fluorene) and two different hydroxyquinonato–bridged diruthenium complexes. Both polyhedra were characterized in solution as well as in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. In both cases, the self-sorting process leading to only two homo-chiral enantiomers was governed by non-covalent interactions between both truxene units that faced each other.
Scar Formation with Decreased Cardiac Function Following Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in 1 Month Old Swine
Authors: Agnew Emma J , Velayutham Nivedhitha , Matos Ortiz Gabriela , Alfieri Christina M , Hortells Luis , Moore Victoria , Riggs Kyle W , Baker R. Scott , Gibson Aaron M , Ponny Sithara Raju , Alsaied Tarek , Zafar Farhan , Yutzey Katherine E
Published: December 2019

Studies in mice show a brief neonatal period of cardiac regeneration with minimal scar formation, but less is known about reparative mechanisms in large mammals. A transient cardiac injury approach (ischemia/reperfusion, IR) was used in weaned postnatal day (P)30 pigs to assess regenerative repair in young large mammals at a stage when cardiomyocyte (CM) mitotic activity is still detected. Female and male P30 pigs were subjected to cardiac ischemia (1 h) by occlusion of the left anterior descending artery followed by reperfusion, or to a sham operation. Following IR, myocardial damage occurred, with cardiac ejection fraction significantly decreased 2 h post-ischemia. No improvement or worsening of cardiac function to the 4 week study end-point was observed. Histology demonstrated CM cell cycling, detectable by phospho-histone H3 staining, at 2 months of age in multinucleated CMs in both sham-operated and IR pigs. Inflammation and regional scar formation in the epicardial region proximal to injury were observed 4 weeks post-IR. Thus, pigs subjected to cardiac IR at P30 show myocardial damage with a prolonged decrease in cardiac function, formation of a regional scar, and increased inflammation, but do not regenerate myocardium even in the presence of CM mitotic activity.
The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism
Authors: Yu Yijing , Raka Fitore , Adeli Khosrow
Published: December 2019

Both environmental and genetic factors contribute to relative species abundance and metabolic characteristics of the intestinal microbiota. The intestinal microbiota and accompanying microbial metabolites differ substantially in those who are obese or have other metabolic disorders. Accumulating evidence from germ-free mice and antibiotic-treated animal models suggests that altered intestinal gut microbiota contributes significantly to metabolic disorders involving impaired glucose and lipid metabolism. This review will summarize recent findings on potential mechanisms by which the microbiota affects intestinal lipid and lipoprotein metabolism including microbiota dependent changes in bile acid metabolism which affects bile acid signaling by bile acid receptors FXR and TGR5. Microbiota changes also involve altered short chain fatty acid signaling and influence enteroendocrine cell function including GLP-1/GLP-2-producing L-cells which regulate postprandial lipid metabolism.
Trials of a Fluorescent Endoscopic Video System for Diagnosis and Treatment of the Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Farrakhova Dina , Shiryaev Artem , Yakovlev Dmitry , Efendiev Kanamat , Maklygina Yulia , Borodkin Alexandr , Loschenov Maxim , Bezdetnaya Lina , Ryabova Anastasia , Amirkhanova Liana , Samoylova Svetlana , Rusakov Mikhail , Zavodnov Victor , Levkin Vladimir , Reshetov Igor , Loschenov Victor
Published: December 2019

This article presents the results of intraoperative fluorescent diagnostics via the endoscopic system for assessing the quality of photodynamic therapy (PDT) of head and neck cancer. The diagnosis and PDT procedures were performed on the five patients with malignant neoplasms of the vocal cords, lateral surface of the tongue, and trachea and cancer of the left parotid salivary gland. Molecular form of chlorin E6 (Ce6) was intravenously administered with a 1.0–1.1 mg/kg concentration for PDT. Fluorescent diagnostics (FD) was conducted before PDT and after PDT procedures. Control of PDT efficiency was carried out by evaluating the photobleaching of the drug (photosensitizer). The method of intraoperative fluorescent imaging allows determining the exact location of the tumor and its boundaries. The assessment of photosensitizer photobleaching in real time regime allows making quick decisions during PDT procedure, which helps improving the quality of patients’ treatment. The results showed the convenience of endoscopic fluorescent video system in various nosologies of head and neck cancer. Therefore, this diagnostic approach will improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
A Reasoned Comparison between Two Hydrodynamic Models: Delft3D-Flow and ROMS (Regional Oceanic Modelling System)
Authors: Putzu Stefano , Enrile Francesco , Besio Giovanni , Cucco Andrea , Cutroneo Laura , Capello Marco , Stocchino Alessandro
Published: December 2019

Useful information, such as water levels, currents, salinity and temperature dynamics in water bodies, are obtained through numerical models in order to pursue scientific research or consultancy. Model validation dates back long ago, since such models started to be developed in the 1960s. Despite their usefulness and reliability in complex situations, some issues related to well-known benchmarks are still present. This work aims to analyse in detail the behaviour of the velocity profile, vertical eddy viscosity and tangential stresses at the bed in two cases of free surface flows; namely: uniform flow in an inclined rectangular channel and a wind-induced circulation in a closed basin. Computational results strongly depend on the turbulence closure model employed and a reasoned comparison is necessary to highlight possible improvements of these models. The strong differences that arise are deeply analysed in this work.
Spatiotemporal Storm Impact on the Northern Yucatan Coast during Hurricanes and Central American Cold Surge Events
Authors: Rey Wilmer , Salles Paulo , Torres-Freyermuth Alec , Ruíz-Salcines Pablo , Teng Yi-Cheng , Appendini Christian M. , Quintero-Ibáñez Julián
Published: December 2019

We investigate the storm impact associated with historical events in the northern Yucatan Peninsula. The study area is prone to coastal flooding due to both its geographical location and low-lying areas. Extreme events associated with tropical cyclones and Central American cold surge (CACS; locally known as Nortes) are ubiquitous in this region, and coastal development in the study area has exacerbated the erosion of the sand beach-dune system. This study aims to assess the impact on the northern coast of Yucatan associated with different types of storms and to investigate the role of the dune in its spatial variability. Nearshore hydrodynamics, associated with hurricanes (Gilbert: 14 September 1988; Isidore: 22 September 2002) and energetic Nortes (Norte A: 12 March 1993; Norte B: 25 December 2004), were computed using a numerical model. The beach and dune characteristics were extracted from a LIDAR flight with a spatial resolution of 1 m conducted in 2011. Furthermore, the extreme water levels and the spatiotemporal variability of the storm-impact regime (swash, collision, overwash, or inundation), along a 41.5 km stretch of coast, were derived using both runup parametrizations and the modeling results. On the one hand, the predominant storm impact regimes for Hurricanes Gilbert and Isidore were inundation and overwash, respectively. The flood that propagated from east to west in the northern Yucatan was due to westerly-directed hurricane tracks. On the other hand, for the Norte events, the predominant impact regimes were collision and overwash for Nortes A and B, respectively. This difference in the impact regime between Norte events can be ascribed to tidal differences. Moreover, during the passages of Nortes A and B, the flood was propagated from west to east in the northern Yucatan, consistent with cold-front paths. The results suggest that the western part of the study area presented a stronger impact regime due to the dune degradation caused by coastal infrastructure and settlements established in those areas. This work highlights the important role of sand dunes in providing natural coastal protection during Norte events.
Key Performance Indicator Development for Ship-to-Shore Crane Performance Assessment in Container Terminal Operations
Authors: Jo Jung-Hyun , Kim Sihyun
Published: December 2019

Since the introduction of containerization in 1956, its growth has led to a corresponding growth in the role of container seaborne traffic in world trade. To respond to such growth, requirements for setting up the common standards in various kinds of container harbor equipment, and identifying performance indicators to assess container handling equipment performance have increased. Although the operating systems in ship-to-shore cranes may be different at each container terminal, the four main movements are the same: hoist, trolley, gantry, and boom. By determining in this work the hour metrics for each movement, it was possible to define the key performance indicators to be adopted and assess ship-to-shore crane performance. The research results identified that the mean time between failures is decreasing because of the accumulation of long-lasting heavyweight operations, while the number of maintenance of machine parts incidents and man-hours is steadily increasing. The key performance indicators offer a management tool to guide future ship-to-shore container crane inspection and the results provide useful insights for future container crane equipment operation improvements.
Candida auris—“Ten Years After”
Authors: Meis Jacques F. , Chowdhary Anuradha
Published: December 2019

We would like to thank all contributors to this Special Issue on Candida auris [...]
Regulatory Responses by Countries to Banking/Financial Crises
Authors: Barth James R.
Published: December 2019

Banking/financial crises have occurred in countries at all levels of income and in all parts of the world. These crises not only occur too frequently, but also are too costly. Countries everywhere therefore have enacted laws that established regulatory authorities with responsibility to implement appropriate regulations and supervisory practices to promote healthy and stable banking systems. However, relatively recent information has become available that indicates that countries do not choose to regulate and supervise their banks in exactly the same way. Such information helps enable researchers to examine what regulations and supervisory practices work best. The results of these examinations can be extremely important to policy makers when considering changes to make in regulatory regimes in response to the most recent banking crisis.
Friction and Wear Performance of Various Polymer Coatings for Journal Bearings under Stop Start Sliding
Authors: Summer Florian , Grün Florian , Ravenhill Emma R
Published: December 2019

Increasing environmental legislation and demands for improved fuel economy performance have resulted in the introduction of various measures to optimize the internal combustion engine. Many of these actions significantly change the operating conditions of the engines and bring with them new challenges that original engine manufacturers (OEMs) have to solve. One example is stop start technology, which changes the operation of many core parts of engines such as journal bearings. Hence, the current paper deals with this topic. In particular, different polymer coated bearings have been studied regarding their friction and wear performance under stop start sliding. Detailed material characterization of the materials was carried out using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, tribometric tests were conducted under controlled and similar conditions on a TE92 tribometer using a bearing segment test set up. The results show that the various polymer coated bearings tested provide enhanced friction and wear performance in comparison to other bearing types (e.g., lead-based electroplated) and that friction and wear performance differs also among them. In this regard, a higher amount of solid lubricant fillers and a dense filler structure appears to be beneficial under the given test conditions.
Investigations on Graphene Platelets as Dry Lubricant and as Grease Additive for Sliding Contacts and Rolling Bearing Application
Authors: Pape Florian , Poll Gerhard
Published: December 2019

In recent years, graphene-based lubrication was in the focus of nano- and microtribological studies. While the sliding properties of graphene based dry lubrication were previously investigated on the nano- and micro-scale, few studies can be found in the literature for the application of graphene as an additive to oil and grease in rolling contacts. In order to apply graphene platelets as dry lubricants and as grease additives in machine elements, tests were carried out on a rolling bearing test rig under typical load conditions. For these investigations, multilayer graphene platelets of varied staple thickness were functionalized on angular contact ball bearing surfaces as a dry lubricant, which forms a thin film. In addition, bearings were lubricated with grease containing graphene platelets. In this case, a small ratio of graphene was dispersed with grease. The graphene platelets were divided into three groups of different thickness: 2 nm, 6–8 nm, and 11–15 nm. Additionally, the tests were compared to graphite nanoparticles (spheres with a size of 3–4 nm) as dry lubricant and graphite-containing grease. The experimental studies were carried out under oscillating motion. The respective load in the tribological contact was 1.5 GPa. During the tests, the pivoting angle was measured by utilizing a rotary encoder. In addition, the friction torque was recorded under a frequency of 0.2 Hz. As the balls’ velocity at the reversal point is zero, the lubrication conditions are critical. The dry lubricated bearings were compared to grease lubricated bearings. Additionally, the frictional properties of the respective greases were investigated by applying a sliding tribometer. In this case, a ball rotates against three contact planes, which causes a tribological contact under a contact pressure of 1 GPa. It was shown that applying graphene as a dry lubricant and as a grease additive under rolling contact conditions reduces friction significantly.
Bis(N′-(3-chlorobenzoyl)isonicotinohydrazide)iron(III) Complex
Authors: Mardianingrum Richa , Susanti  , Ruswanto Ruswanto
Published: December 2019

The bis(N′-(3-chlorobenzoyl)isonicotinohydrazide)iron(III) complex was synthesised from N′-(3-chlorobenzoyl)isonicotinohydrazide and iron(III) metal by reflux in an ethanol solution. The title compound was characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TGA) and UV-visible spectroscopy. The results indicate that coordination of the iron(III) ion to the ligand increased its thermal stability.
Estimating the Internal Oxidation of Ni-Al Alloys
Authors: Nava-Dino C.G. , Martinez-Villafañe A.
Published: December 2019

Ni-Al alloys create a cone- shaped figure when there is internal oxide. This behavior was studied by TEM, SEM, X-Ray (XRD), Optical Microscopy and Image Processing. The internal oxide precipitates and its results indicate that this precipitation forms continuous rods in a cone-shaped configuration extending from the surface to the internal oxide front for Ni-Al alloys, whereas for Ni-X (X = Cr, Mo, V, W and Mn) alloys the precipitation is discrete and more irregularly-shaped. Furthermore, in a high atomic percentage (5.18% to 8.67%), the precipitation was rod-like and continuous from the surface to the internal oxide front for all temperature\time conditions. For the Ni-2.47% Al alloy at 800 °C, observations showed a mixture of rod-like and fork like precipitates, whereas after oxidation at 1000 and 1100 °C the precipitation was rod-like and continuous. For the Ni-1.18% Al alloy the aluminum concentration was insufficient for fully continuous precipitation to develop, and the internal oxides were generally acicular-shaped and discontinuous. Images obtained by TEM and, after that, analyzed by image processing allowed us to understand their behavior and the internal oxide patterns.
A Guaranteed Deterministic Approach to Superhedging—The Case of Convex Payoff Functions on Options
Authors: Smirnov Sergey
Published: December 2019

This paper considers super-replication in a guaranteed deterministic problem setting with discrete time. The aim of hedging a contingent claim is to ensure the coverage of possible payoffs under the option contract for all admissible scenarios. These scenarios are given by means of a priori given compacts that depend on the history of prices. The increments of the price at each moment in time must lie in the corresponding compacts. The absence of transaction costs is assumed. The game–theoretic interpretation of pricing American options implies that the corresponding Bellman–Isaacs equations hold for both pure and mixed strategies. In the present paper, we study some properties of the least favorable (for the “hedger”) mixed strategies of the “market” and of their supports in the special case of convex payoff functions.
Evaluating Personal Default Risk in P2P Lending Platform: Based on Dual Hesitant Pythagorean Fuzzy TODIM Approach
Authors: Ji Xiaonan , Yu Lixia , Fu Jiapei
Published: December 2019

An extended approach proposed in this paper is to make a more reasonable assessment of personal default risk in peer to peer (P2P) online lending platform, which reduces uncertainty while taking into account the psychological characteristics of lenders to avoid risk. The TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese of interactive and multi-criteria decision making) approach, which can describe the psychological behaviors of decision maker, has been proved to be effective to solve multi-attribute decision making (MADM) problems. The definitions of dual hesitant Pythagorean fuzzy set (DHPFS) and the processes of traditional TODIM approach are firstly introduced in this paper. Then, the TODIM approach is extended to solve the MADM problems with a dual hesitant Pythagorean fuzzy number (DHPFN). Finally, a case study evaluating the personal default risk in P2P online lending is conducted to demonstrate that the proposed approach is applicable to solve MADM problems. In addition, some comparative analyses are performed to compare the dual hesitant Pythagorean fuzzy TODIM method with the other two integrated operators of DHPFS. Through the comparisons, we conclude that the advantage of the proposed method over other methods is that it reduces uncertainty while taking into account the psychological characteristics of lenders to avoid risk. Today’s credit environment is fraught with risks, and the psychological behaviors of decision makers are important factors that cannot be ignored. For these reasons, the dual Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy TODIM method is applicable for evaluating personal default risk.
Sufficient Criteria for the Absence of Global Solutions for an Inhomogeneous System of Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Jleli Mohamed , Samet Bessem
Published: December 2019

A nonlinear inhomogeneous system of fractional differential equations is investigated. Namely, sufficient criteria are obtained so that the considered system has no global solutions. Furthermore, an example is provided to show the effect of the inhomogeneous terms on the blow-up of solutions. Our results are extensions of those obtained by Furati and Kirane (2008) in the homogeneous case.
Left Regular Representation of Gyrogroups
Authors: Suksumran Teerapong
Published: December 2019

In this article, we examine a subspace L gyr ( G ) of the complex vector space, L ( G ) = { f : f   is   a   function   from   G to C } , where G is a nonassociative group-like structure called a gyrogroup. The space L gyr ( G ) arises as a representation space for G associated with the left regular representation, consisting of complex-valued functions invariant under certain permutations of G. In the case when G is finite, we prove that dim ( L gyr ( G ) ) = 1 | γ ( G ) | ∑ ρ ∈ γ ( G ) | Fix ( ρ ) | , where γ ( G ) is the subgroup of Sym ( G ) generated by a class of permutations of G and Fix ( ρ ) = { a ∈ G : ρ ( a ) = a } .
On the Generalized Distance Energy of Graphs
Authors: Alhevaz Abdollah , Baghipur Maryam , Ganie Hilal A. , Shang Yilun
Published: December 2019

The generalized distance matrix D α ( G ) of a connected graph G is defined as D α ( G ) = α T r ( G ) + ( 1 − α ) D ( G ) , where 0 ≤ α ≤ 1 , D ( G ) is the distance matrix and T r ( G ) is the diagonal matrix of the node transmissions. In this paper, we extend the concept of energy to the generalized distance matrix and define the generalized distance energy E D α ( G ) . Some new upper and lower bounds for the generalized distance energy E D α ( G ) of G are established based on parameters including the Wiener index W ( G ) and the transmission degrees. Extremal graphs attaining these bounds are identified. It is found that the complete graph has the minimum generalized distance energy among all connected graphs, while the minimum is attained by the star graph among trees of order n.