bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Glucose on Corticospinal and Intracortical Excitability
Authors: Toepp Stephen L. , Turco Claudia V. , Locke Mitchell B. , Nicolini Chiara , Ravi Roshni , Nelson Aimee J.
Published: November 2019

Neurotransmission is highly dependent on the availability of glucose-derived energy, although it is unclear how glucose availability modulates corticospinal and intracortical excitability as assessed via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). In this double-blinded placebo-controlled study, we tested the effect of acute glucose intake on motor-evoked potential (MEP) recruitment curves, short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) and long-latency afferent inhibition (LAI). Eighteen healthy males participated in four sessions. Session 1 involved acquisition of an individualized blood glucose response curve. This allowed measurements to be time-locked to an individualized glucose peak after consuming one of three drinks during the subsequent three sessions. Participants were administered a 300 mL concealed solution containing 75 g of glucose, sucralose, or water in separate sessions. Dependent measures were assessed at baseline and twice after drinking the solution. Secondary measures included blood glucose and mean arterial pressure. Corticospinal excitability and blood pressure increased following the drink across all treatments. No changes were observed in SICI, SAI or LAI. There was no rise in corticospinal excitability that was specific to the glucose drink, suggesting that acute changes in glucose levels do not necessarily alter TMS measures of corticospinal or intracortical excitability.
Evaluation of Microglia/Macrophage Cells from Rat Striatum and Prefrontal Cortex Reveals Differential Expression of Inflammatory-Related mRNA after Methamphetamine
Authors: Kays Joanne S. , Yamamoto Bryan K.
Published: November 2019

RNA sequencing (RNAseq) can be a powerful tool in the identification of transcriptional changes after drug treatment. RNAseq was utilized to determine expression changes in Fluorescence-activated cell sorted (FACS) CD11b/c+ cells from the striatum (STR) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of male Sprague-Dawley rats after a methamphetamine (METH) binge dosing regimen. Resident microglia and infiltrating macrophages were collected 2 h or 3 days after drug administration. Gene expression changes indicated there was an increase toward an overall pro-inflammatory state, or M1 polarization, along with what appears to be a subset of cells that differentiated toward the anti-inflammatory M2 polarization. In general, there were significantly more mRNA expression changes in the STR than the PFC and more at 2 h post-binge METH than at 3 days post-binge METH. Additionally, Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis along with details of RNA expression changes revealed cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX2)-driven prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis, glutamine uptake, and the Nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (NRF2) canonical pathway in microglia were associated with the binge administration regimen of METH.
Erratum: Lee, J.G., et al. The Neuroprotective Effects of Melatonin: Possible Role in the Pathophysiology of Neuropsychiatric Disease. Brain Sciences 2019, 9(10), 285
Authors: Lee Jung Goo , Woo Young Sup , Park Sung Woo , Seog Dae-Hyun , Seo Mi Kyoung , Bahk Won-Myong
Published: November 2019

The authors wish to make an erratum to the published version of their paper [...]
High-School Satisfaction Scale (H-Sat Scale): Evaluation of Contextual Satisfaction in Relation to High-School Students’ Life Satisfaction
Authors: Lodi Ernesto , Boerchi Diego , Magnano Paola , Patrizi Patrizia
Published: November 2019

Recent literature on positive psychology underlines the crucial role of schools to create a psychologically healthy environment and to set programs and strategies fostering adolescents’ well-being. The aim of the present study is to validate a scale that measures scholastic satisfaction since a scientific evaluation and interventions on school satisfaction can help professionals to support adolescents’ positive development and school adjustment. We adapted the College Satisfaction Scale (CSS) and confirmed the previous five-dimensional structure also in a high school students’ sample (n = 792). The High-school Satisfaction Scale (H-Sat Scale) evaluates five dimensions of school satisfaction: appropriateness of choice (CH), quality of school services (SE), relationships with classmates (RE), effectiveness of study habits (ST) and usefulness for a future career (CA). The questionnaire consists of 20 items; it showed good psychometric features and, consistent with previous literature, confirmed its validity in relation to life satisfaction and quality of life of high school students. Compared with previous scales, the H-Sat evaluates two innovative areas of school satisfaction since it gives a measure of satisfaction in career path (appropriateness of choice and usefulness for future career) could help school counsellors to set interventions in this field.
Temporal Characterization of Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption with High-Frequency Electroporation
Authors: Lorenzo Melvin F. , Thomas Sean C. , Kani Yukitaka , Hinckley Jonathan , Lee Matthew , Adler Joy , Verbridge Scott S. , Hsu Fang-Chi , Robertson John L. , Davalos Rafael V. , Rossmeisl John H.
Published: November 2019

Treatment of intracranial disorders suffers from the inability to accumulate therapeutic drug concentrations due to protection from the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Electroporation-based therapies have demonstrated the capability of permeating the BBB, but knowledge of the longevity of BBB disruption (BBBD) is limited. In this study, we quantify the temporal, high-frequency electroporation (HFE)-mediated BBBD in an in vivo healthy rat brain model. 40 male Fisher rats underwent HFE treatment; two blunt tipped monopolar electrodes were advanced into the brain and 200 bursts of HFE were delivered at a voltage-to-distance ratio of 600 V/cm. BBBD was verified with contrast enhanced T1W MRI (gadopentetate dimeglumine) and pathologically (Evans blue dye) at time points of 1, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after HFE. Contrast enhanced T1W scans demonstrated BBBD for 1 to 72 h after HFE but intact BBB at 96 h. Histologically, tissue damage was restricted to electrode insertion tracks. BBBD was induced with minimal muscle contractions and minimal cell death attributed to HFE. Numerical modeling indicated that brief BBBD was induced with low magnitude electric fields, and BBBD duration increased with field strength. These data suggest the spatiotemporal characteristics of HFE-mediated BBBD may be modulated with the locally applied electric field.
MTA2 as a Potential Biomarker and Its Involvement in Metastatic Progression of Human Renal Cancer by miR-133b Targeting MMP-9
Authors: Chen Yong-Syuan , Hung Tung-Wei , Su Shih-Chi , Lin Chia-Liang , Yang Shun-Fa , Lee Chu-Che , Yeh Chang-Fang , Hsieh Yi-Hsien , Tsai Jen-Pi
Published: November 2019

Metastasis-associated protein 2 (MTA2) was previously known as a requirement to maintain malignant potentials in several human cancers. However, the role of MTA2 in the progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not yet been delineated. In this study, MTA2 expression was significantly increased in RCC tissues and cell lines. Increased MTA2 expression was significantly associated with tumour grade (p = 0.002) and was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival with a high RCC tumour grade. MTA2 knockdown inhibited the migration, invasion, and in vivo metastasis of RCC cells without effects on cell proliferation. Regarding molecular mechanisms, MTA2 knockdown reduced the activity, protein level, and mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in RCC cells. Further analyses demonstrated that patients with lower miR-133b expression had poorer survival rates than those with higher expression from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Moreover, miR-133b modulated the 3′untranslated region (UTR) of MMP-9 promoter activities and subsequently the migratory and invasive abilities of these dysregulated expressions of MTA2 in RCC cells. The inhibition of MTA2 could contribute to human RCC metastasis by regulating the expression of miR-133b targeting MMP-9 expression.
Thirty Years of Cancer Nanomedicine: Success, Frustration, and Hope
Authors: Salvioni Lucia , Rizzuto Maria Antonietta , Bertolini Jessica Armida , Pandolfi Laura , Colombo Miriam , Prosperi Davide
Published: November 2019

Starting with the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect discovery, nanomedicine has gained a crucial role in cancer treatment. The advances in the field have led to the approval of nanodrugs with improved safety profile and still inspire the ongoing investigations. However, several restrictions, such as high manufacturing costs, technical challenges, and effectiveness below expectations, raised skeptical opinions within the scientific community about the clinical relevance of nanomedicine. In this review, we aim to give an overall vision of the current hurdles encountered by nanotherapeutics along with their design, development, and translation, and we offer a prospective view on possible strategies to overcome such limitations.
The Emerging Roles of ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling Complexes in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hasan Nesrin , Ahuja Nita
Published: November 2019

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer with low survival rates. Genetic and epigenetic dysregulation has been associated with the initiation and progression of pancreatic tumors. Multiple studies have pointed to the involvement of aberrant chromatin modifications in driving tumor behavior. ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes regulate chromatin structure and have critical roles in stem cell maintenance, development, and cancer. Frequent mutations and chromosomal aberrations in the genes associated with subunits of the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes have been detected in different cancer types. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the genomic alterations and mechanistic studies of the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in pancreatic cancer. Our review is focused on the four main subfamilies: SWItch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF), imitation SWI (ISWI), chromodomain-helicase DNA-binding protein (CHD), and INOsitol-requiring mutant 80 (INO80). Finally, we discuss potential novel treatment options that use small molecules to target these complexes.
Cachexia and Sarcopenia in Older Adults with Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Dunne Richard F. , Loh Kah Poh , Williams Grant R. , Jatoi Aminah , Mustian Karen M. , Mohile Supriya G.
Published: November 2019

Cancer cachexia is a syndrome characterized by weight loss with accompanying loss of muscle and/or fat mass and leads to impaired patient function and physical performance and is associated with a poor prognosis. It is prevalent in older adults with cancer; age-associated physiologic muscle wasting and weakness, also known as sarcopenia, can compound deficits associated with cancer cachexia in older adults and makes studying this condition more complex in this population. Multiple measurement options are available to assess the older patient with cancer and cachexia and/or sarcopenia including anthropometric measures, imaging modalities such as Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and Computed Tomography (CT), muscular strength and physical performance testing, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). A geriatric assessment (GA) is a useful tool when studying the older patient with cachexia given its comprehensive ability to capture aging-sensitive PROs. Interventions focused on nutrition and increasing physical activity may improve outcomes in older adults with cachexia. Efforts to develop targeted pharmacologic therapies with cachexia have not been successful thus far. Formal treatment guidelines, an updated consensus definition for cancer cachexia and the development of a widely adapted assessment tool, much like the GA utilized in geriatric oncology, could help advance the field of cancer cachexia over the next decade.
Minimal Effect of Bevacizumab Treatment on Residual Vestibular Schwannomas after Partial Resection in Young Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Patients
Authors: Gugel Isabel , Kluwe Lan , Zipfel Julian , Teuber Christian , Tatagiba Marcos , Mautner Victor-Felix , Schuhmann Martin Ulrich , Grimm Florian
Published: November 2019

Hearing-preserving partial resection of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) associated vestibular schwannomas (VS) is a preferred treatment strategy, particularly for children and adolescents. However, the residual tumors do grow and lead at some point to continued hearing deterioration. An adjuvant bevacizumab treatment may provide an option for slowing down this process. In this retrospective study, we reviewed tumor volume and hearing data of 16 operated VS in nine patients younger than 30 years over a period of 63 to 142 months. All these patients had one or more bevacizumab treatment periods and most of them had a non-treatment period after surgery. Four different patterns of growth were observed for the residual tumors: (1) growth in the non-treatment periods, which slowed down in the treatment periods; (2) growth slowed down in one but not in another on-period; (3) unaffected growth; (4) no or minimal growth regardless of the treatment. Neither radiological regression of tumor volume nor hearing improvement were observed in the treatment periods. Accelerated hearing deterioration was observed in several non-treatment periods, but also in some treatment periods. No straightforward correlation can be drawn between tumor growth and hearing scores. Tumor growth and worsening of hearing between two measurement points were slightly less in the treatment periods; however, the differences were not significant, because variations were large. In conclusion, our comprehensive follow-up on 16 VS in nine NF2 patients did show heterogenous effects of bevacizumab on small residual vestibular schwannomas after surgery both regarding tumor size and hearing preservation. Thus, smaller and slower growing tumor residuals seem to behave differently to bevacizumab than reported for not-operated faster growing VS.
IL-8 Released from Human Pancreatic Cancer and Tumor-Associated Stromal Cells Signals through a CXCR2-ERK1/2 Axis to Induce Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Callaway Chandler S. , Delitto Andrea E. , D’Lugos Andrew C. , Patel Rohan , Nosacka Rachel L. , Delitto Daniel , Deyhle Michael R. , Trevino Jose G. , Judge Sarah M. , Judge Andrew R.
Published: November 2019

Tumor-derived cytokines are known to drive the catabolism of host tissues, including skeletal muscle. However, our understanding of the specific cytokines that initiate this process remains incomplete. In the current study, we conducted multiplex analyte profiling of cytokines in conditioned medium (CM) collected from human pancreatic cancer (PC) cells, human tumor-associated stromal (TAS) cells, and their co-culture. Of the factors identified, interleukin-8 (IL-8) is released at high levels from PC cells and PC/TAS co-culture and has previously been associated with low muscle mass in cancer patients. We, therefore, treated C2C12 myotubes with IL-8 which led to the activation of ERK1/2, STAT, and Smad signaling, and induced myotube atrophy. Moreover, the treatment of mice with IL-8 also induced significant muscle wasting, confirming the in vivo relevance of IL-8 on muscle. Mechanistically, IL-8-induced myotube atrophy is inhibited by treatment with the CXCR2 antagonist, SB225002, or by treatment with the ERK1/2 inhibitor, U0126. We further demonstrate that this axis mediates muscle atrophy induced by pancreatic cancer cell CM, as neutralization of IL-8 or treatment with SB225002 or U0126 significantly inhibit CM-induced myotube atrophy. Thus, these data support a key role of IL-8 released from human PC cells in initiating atrophy of muscle cells via CXCR2-ERK1/2.
SBA-15 Anchored Metal Containing Catalysts in the Oxidative Desulfurization Process
Authors: Crucianelli Marcello , Bizzarri Bruno Mattia , Saladino Raffaele
Published: November 2019

Recalcitrant sulfur compounds are common impurities in crude oil. During combustion they produce SOx derivatives that are able to affect the atmospheric ozone layer, increasing the formation of acid rains, and reducing the life of the engine due to corrosion. In the last twenty years, many efforts have been devoted to develop conventional hydrodesulfurization (HDS) procedures, as well as alternative methods, such as selective adsorption, bio-desulfurization, oxidative desulfurization (ODS) under extractive conditions (ECODS), and others. Among them, the oxidative procedures have been usually accomplished by the use of toxic stoichiometric oxidants, namely potassium permanganate, sodium bromate and carboxylic and sulfonic peracids. As an alternative, increasing interest is devoted to selective and economical procedures based upon catalytic methods. Heterogeneous catalysis is of relevance in industrial ODS processes, since it reduces the leaching of active species and favors the recovery and reuse of the catalyst for successive transformations. The heterogenization of different types of high-valent metal transition-based organometallic complexes, able to promote the activation of stoichiometric benign oxidants like peroxides, can be achieved using various solid supports. Many successful cases have been frequently associated with the use of mesoporous silicas that have the advantage of easy surface modification by reaction with organosilanes, facilitating the immobilization of homogeneous catalysts. In this manuscript the application of SBA-15 as efficient support for different active metal species, able to promote the catalytic ODS of either model or real fuels is reviewed, highlighting its beneficial properties such as high surface area, narrow pore size distribution and tunable pore diameter dimensions. Related to this topic, the most relevant advances recently published, will be discussed and critically described.
Polymer Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Melinte Violeta , Stroea Lenuta , Chibac-Scutaru Andreea L.
Published: November 2019

In the present comprehensive review we have specifically focused on polymer nanocomposites used as photocatalytic materials in fine organic reactions or in organic pollutants degradation. The selection of the polymer substrates for the immobilization of the active catalyst particles is motivated by several advantages displayed by them, such as: Environmental stability, chemical inertness and resistance to ultraviolet radiations, mechanical stability, low prices and ease availability. Additionally, the use of polymer nanocomposites as photocatalysts offers the possibility of a facile separation and reuse of the materials, eliminating thus the post-treatment separation processes and implicitly reducing the costs of the procedure. This review covers the polymer-based photocatalytic materials containing the most popular inorganic nanoparticles with good catalytic performance under UV or visible light, namely TiO2, ZnO, CeO2, or plasmonic (Ag, Au, Pt, Pd) NPs. The study is mainly targeted on the preparation, photocatalytic activity, strategies directed toward the increase of photocatalytic efficiency under visible light and reuse of the hybrid polymer catalysts.
Oligodendrocytes as A New Therapeutic Target in Schizophrenia: From Histopathological Findings to Neuron-Oligodendrocyte Interaction
Authors: Raabe Florian J. , Slapakova Lenka , Rossner Moritz J. , Cantuti-Castelvetri Ludovico , Simons Mikael , Falkai Peter G. , Schmitt Andrea
Published: November 2019

Imaging and postmortem studies have revealed disturbed oligodendroglia-related processes in patients with schizophrenia and provided much evidence for disturbed myelination, irregular gene expression, and altered numbers of oligodendrocytes in the brains of schizophrenia patients. Oligodendrocyte deficits in schizophrenia might be a result of failed maturation and disturbed regeneration and may underlie the cognitive deficits of the disease, which are strongly associated with impaired long-term outcome. Cognition depends on the coordinated activity of neurons and interneurons and intact connectivity. Oligodendrocyte precursors form a synaptic network with parvalbuminergic interneurons, and disturbed crosstalk between these cells may be a cellular basis of pathology in schizophrenia. However, very little is known about the exact axon-glial cellular and molecular processes that may be disturbed in schizophrenia. Until now, investigations were restricted to peripheral tissues, such as blood, correlative imaging studies, genetics, and molecular and histological analyses of postmortem brain samples. The advent of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) will enable functional analysis in patient-derived living cells and holds great potential for understanding the molecular mechanisms of disturbed oligodendroglial function in schizophrenia. Targeting such mechanisms may contribute to new treatment strategies for previously treatment-resistant cognitive symptoms.
Gene Expression Profiles Controlled by the Alternative Splicing Factor Nova2 in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Belloni Elisa , Di Matteo Anna , Pradella Davide , Vacca Margherita , Wyatt Christopher D. R. , Alfieri Roberta , Maffia Antonio , Sabbioneda Simone , Ghigna Claudia
Published: November 2019

Alternative splicing (AS) plays an important role in expanding the complexity of the human genome through the production of specialized proteins regulating organ development and physiological functions, as well as contributing to several pathological conditions. How AS programs impact on the signaling pathways controlling endothelial cell (EC) functions and vascular development is largely unknown. Here we identified, through RNA-seq, changes in mRNA steady-state levels in ECs caused by the neuro-oncological ventral antigen 2 (Nova2), a key AS regulator of the vascular morphogenesis. Bioinformatics analyses identified significant enrichment for genes regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (Ppar-γ) and E2F1 transcription factors. We also showed that Nova2 in ECs controlled the AS profiles of Ppar-γ and E2F dimerization partner 2 (Tfdp2), thus generating different protein isoforms with distinct function (Ppar-γ) or subcellular localization (Tfdp2). Collectively, our results supported a mechanism whereby Nova2 integrated splicing decisions in order to regulate Ppar-γ and E2F1 activities. Our data added a layer to the sequential series of events controlled by Nova2 in ECs to orchestrate vascular biology.
TGFβ Family Signaling Pathways in Pluripotent and Teratocarcinoma Stem Cells’ Fate Decisions: Balancing Between Self-Renewal, Differentiation, and Cancer
Authors: Gordeeva Olga
Published: November 2019

The transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family factors induce pleiotropic effects and are involved in the regulation of most normal and pathological cellular processes. The activity of different branches of the TGFβ family signaling pathways and their interplay with other signaling pathways govern the fine regulation of the self-renewal, differentiation onset and specialization of pluripotent stem cells in various cell derivatives. TGFβ family signaling pathways play a pivotal role in balancing basic cellular processes in pluripotent stem cells and their derivatives, although disturbances in their genome integrity induce the rearrangements of signaling pathways and lead to functional impairments and malignant transformation into cancer stem cells. Therefore, the identification of critical nodes and targets in the regulatory cascades of TGFβ family factors and other signaling pathways, and analysis of the rearrangements of the signal regulatory network during stem cell state transitions and interconversions, are key issues for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of both stem cell biology and cancer initiation and progression, as well as for clinical applications. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of TGFβ family functions in naїve and primed pluripotent stem cells and discusses how these pathways are involved in perturbations in the signaling network of malignant teratocarcinoma stem cells with impaired differentiation potential.
The Many Roles of Cell Adhesion Molecules in Hepatic Fibrosis
Authors: Hintermann Edith , Christen Urs
Published: November 2019

Fibrogenesis is a progressive scarring event resulting from disrupted regular wound healing due to repeated tissue injury and can end in organ failure, like in liver cirrhosis. The protagonists in this process, either liver-resident cells or patrolling leukocytes attracted to the site of tissue damage, interact with each other by soluble factors but also by direct cell–cell contact mediated by cell adhesion molecules. Since cell adhesion molecules also support binding to the extracellular matrix, they represent excellent biosensors, which allow cells to modulate their behavior based on changes in the surrounding microenvironment. In this review, we focus on selectins, cadherins, integrins and members of the immunoglobulin superfamily of adhesion molecules as well as some non-classical cell adhesion molecules in the context of hepatic fibrosis. We describe their liver-specific contributions to leukocyte recruitment, cell differentiation and survival, matrix remodeling or angiogenesis and touch on their suitability as targets in antifibrotic therapies.
The Regulatory Role of MicroRNA in Hepatitis-B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HBV-HCC) Pathogenesis
Authors: Sartorius Kurt , Makarova Julia , Sartorius Benn , An Ping , Winkler Cheryl , Chuturgoon Anil , Kramvis Anna
Published: November 2019

The incidence and mortality of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) is an intractable public health problem in developing countries that is compounded by limited early detection and therapeutic options. Despite the early promise of utilizing the regulatory role of miRNA in liver cancer, this field remains largely in the work-in-progress phase. This exploratory review paper adopts a broad focus in order to collate evidence of the regulatory role of miRNA in each stage of the HBV-HCC continuum. This includes the regulatory role of miRNA in early HBV infection, chronic inflammation, fibrosis/cirrhosis, and the onset of HCC. The paper specifically investigates HBV dysregulated miRNA that influence the expression of the host/HBV genome in HBV-HCC pathogenesis and fully acknowledges that this does not cover the full spectrum of dysregulated miRNA. The sheer number of dysregulated miRNA in each phase support a hypothesis that future therapeutic interventions will need to consider incorporating multiple miRNA panels.
Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Disease Associated to Oxaliplatin: An Entity to Think about It
Authors: Puente Angela , Fortea Jose Ignacio , Del Pozo Carmen , Huelin Patricia , Cagigal Maria Luisa , Serrano Marina , Cabezas Joaquin , Arias Loste Maria Teresa , Iruzubieta Paula , Cuadrado Antonio , Llerena Susana , Lopez Carlos , Fábrega Emilio , Crespo Javier
Published: November 2019

Portal sinusoidal vascular disease is a presinusoidal cause of portal hypertension (PHT) of unknown etiology, characterized by typical manifestations of PHT (esophageal varices, ascites, portosystemic collaterals), plaquetopenia and splenomegaly with a gradient of portal pressure slightly increased, according to the presinusoidal nature of the PHT. A few cases in the literature have shown a relationship between oxaliplatin and the development of presinusoidal portal hypertension, years after the chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (therefore, different to sinusoidal obstruction syndrome). There are three mechanisms through which oxaliplatin can cause sinusoidal damage: (1) damage at the level of endothelial cells and stimulates the release of free radicals and depletion of glutathione transferase, with altering the integrity of the sinusoidal cells. The damage in the endothelial sinusoidal cells allows to erythrocytes to across into the Dissé space and formation of perisinusoidal fibrosis, (2) the appearance of nodular regenerative hyperplasia is favored by the chronic hypoxia of the centrilobular areas and, finally, (3) oxaliplatin can generate an obliteration of the blood capillaries and zones of parenchymal extinction. These three facts can develop, in a minority of cases, the appearance of a presinusoidal increase of portal pressure, which typically appears years after the completion of chemotherapy and sometimes is underdiagnosed until variceal bleeding, ascites or encephalopathy appear. The knowledge of this pathology is essential to be able to perform an early diagnostic and consult to the hepatologist.
White Adipocyte Plasticity in Physiology and Disease
Authors: Bielczyk-Maczynska Ewa
Published: November 2019

Cellular plasticity is a transformation of a terminally differentiated cell into another cell type, which has been long known to occur in disease and regeneration. However, white adipocytes (fat cells) have only recently been observed to undergo different types of cellular plasticity. Adipocyte transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts occurs in fibrosis and cancer, respectively. On the other hand, reversible adipocyte dedifferentiation into adipocyte progenitor cells (preadipocytes) has been demonstrated in mammary gland and in dermal adipose tissue. Here we discuss the research on adipocyte plasticity, including the experimental approaches that allowed to detect and study it, the current state of the knowledge, major research questions which remain to be addressed, and the advances required to stimulate adipocyte plasticity research. In the future, the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of adipocyte plasticity can be utilized both to prevent adipocyte plasticity in disease and to stimulate it for use in regenerative medicine.
A New Sensitive Method for the Detection of Mycoplasmas Using Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Ligasová Anna , Vydržalová Markéta , Buriánová Renata , Brůčková Lenka , Večeřová Renata , Janošťáková Anna , Koberna Karel
Published: November 2019

Contamination of cell cultures by mycoplasmas is a very common phenomenon. As they can substantially alter cell metabolism and potentially spread to all cell cultures in laboratory, their early detection is necessary. One of the fastest and cheapest methods of mycoplasma detection relies on the direct staining of mycoplasmas’ DNA by DAPI or Hoechst dyes. Although this method is easy and fast to perform, it suffers from the low signal provided by these dyes compared to the nuclear DNA. Therefore, the reporter cell lines are used for cultivation of mycoplasmas before DAPI or the Hoechst staining step. In the study presented, we have developed and tested a new immunofluorescence assay for the detection of mycoplasmas. The method is based on the enzymatic labeling using DNA polymerase I and modified nucleotides utilizing nicks in the mycoplasmas’ DNA. Modified nucleotides are incorporated into mycoplasmas’ DNA and subsequently visualized by immunofluorescence microscopy. The developed approach is independent of the mycoplasma strain, does not intensely stain nuclear DNA, does not stain other bacteria, and provides higher sensitivity than the approach based on the direct labeling using DAPI or Hoechst dyes.
Synthesis of Antimicrobial Films Based on Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Zeolite A Containing Silver
Authors: de Araújo Luís Otávio , Anaya Katya , Pergher Sibele Berenice Castellã
Published: November 2019

The present study aimed at the preparation of antimicrobial films based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE), with zeolite exchanged with Silver (Ag) in 1, 5 and 10 wt.%. Zeolites with Ag were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). LDPE films with added silver-substituted zeolite A were synthesized by wet-casting, with the zeolite content in the films ranging from 1–5 wt.%. The antibacterial activity of the silver-substituted zeolite was assessed according to its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), using Escherischia coli as the target bacteria. LDPE films with silver-loaded zeolite were also tested against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Silver insertion in the zeolite did not change its structure. The MIC of the zeolite with 1% silver and a concentration of 0.05 mg zeolite/mL was not able to inhibit the visible growth of the bacteria; however, an increased silver concentration resulted in total inhibition after 24 h of incubation. Zeolites with 5% and 10% of silver showed a MIC of 0.05 mg zeolite/mL. The films with best antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus were those prepared with 5 wt.% zeolites loaded with 5% and 10% of silver. LDPE films with silver-loaded zeolite A are potential resources in the development of active packaging for food preservation and safety.
A Short Overview of Recent Developments on Antimicrobial Coatings Based on Phytosynthesized Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Fierascu Irina , Fierascu Ioana Catalina , Dinu-Pirvu Cristina Elena , Fierascu Radu Claudiu , Anuta Valentina , Velescu Bruno Stefan , Jinga Mariana , Jinga Viorel
Published: November 2019

The phytosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles represents an exciting new area of research, with promising perspectives, gaining in the last decades an increasing importance. Nanotechnology represents an important tool and an efficient option for obtaining particles with controlled morphology and shapes, phytosynthesized nanoparticles (NPs) being a good alternative to remove hazardous reagents. Due to the practical applications of the phytosynthesized nanoparticles, which are mainly associated with their antimicrobial potential, the abundance of scientific literature in this domain is given by researches in the phytosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles (3654 articles) and the evaluation of their antimicrobial properties (2338 papers). The application of phytosynthesized nanoparticles as antimicrobial coatings represented the subject of only 446 works, which lead us to the subject of this review paper. Application of antimicrobial coatings containing phytosynthesized nanoparticles for the development of antimicrobial textiles, other biomedical applications, protection of food (including fruits and vegetables), as well as for other types of applications based on their antimicrobial potential are covered by the present review.
Solid-State Photoinitiated Cycloaddition Reaction of 4,4′-(Ethene-1,2-diyl)bis(pyridinium) Dinitrate: Charge-Density Perspective on Initial Stage of the Reaction
Authors: Vologzhanina Anna V. , Aleshin Dmitry Yu. , Volodin Alexander D. , Savchenkov Anton V. , Ushakov Ivan E. , Korlyukov Alexander A.
Published: November 2019

Solid-state photoinitiated [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction 2(H2bpe)(NO3)2 → (H4tpcb)(NO3)4 (bpe = 1,2-bis(pyrid-4-yl)ethylene; tpcb = 1,2,3,4-tetrakis(pyrid-4-yl)cyclobutane) was carried out in a single-crystal-to-single-crystal manner. The reaction product was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Only the rctt-isomer of tpcb was found as the reaction product. Intermolecular interactions in a single crystal of (H2bpe)(NO3)2 were studied within the QTAIM approach. Although sum energy of strong and weak hydrogen bonds dominates in total packing energy, contribution of π…π stacking interactions to the packing energy is also prominent. At solid (H2bpe)(NO3)2, stacking of photoreactive H2bpe2+ cations is realized via N…C, C…C and C–H…C bonding, although no four-membered cycles formed by these bond paths was found in molecular graph representation. Reduced density gradient (RDG) surfaces and molecular Voronoi surfaces clearly demonstrate accumulation of charge density between olefin groups prone to take part in photoinitiated cycloaddition reactions. Good correlation between description of hydrogen bonding in terms of QTAIM and Voronoi approaches was demonstrated. The Voronoi approach confirmed that during the photoreaction the system of hydrogen bonds remained almost unchanged.
Linear One-Dimensional Coordination Polymers Constructed by Dirhodium Paddlewheel and Tetracyanido-Metallate Building Blocks
Authors: Prior David , Cortijo Miguel , González-Prieto Rodrigo , Herrero Santiago , Jiménez-Aparicio Reyes , Perles Josefina , Priego José Luis
Published: November 2019

In this article, we describe the preparation of anionic heteronuclear one-dimensional coordination polymers made by dirhodium paddlewheels and tetracyanido-metallatate building blocks. A series of complexes of (PPh4)2n[{Rh2(µ-O2CCH3)4}{M(CN)4}]n (M = Ni (1), Pd (2), Pt (3)) formulae were obtained by reaction of [Rh2(μ-O2CCH3)4] with (PPh4)2[M(CN)4] in a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio. Crystals of 1−3 suitable for single crystal X-ray diffraction were grown by slow diffusion of a dichloromethane solution of the dirhodium complex into a chloroform solution of the corresponding tetracyanido–metallatate salt. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and crystallize in the triclinic P-1 space group, while compound 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/n space group. A detailed description of the structures is presented, including the analysis of the packing of anionic chains and PPh4+ cations.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Bis(2-phenylpyridine-C,N’)-bis(acetonitrile)iridium(III)hexafluorophosphate Showing Three Anion/Cation Couples in the Asymmetric Unit
Authors: Fresta Elisa , Milanesio Marco , Volpi Giorgio , Barolo Claudia , Conterosito Eleonora
Published: November 2019

The title compound bis(2-phenylpyridine-C,N’)-bis(acetonitrile)iridium(III)hexafluorophosphate, a six-coordinate iridium(III) complex, crystallizes in the P-1 space group. Iridium is in a distorted octahedral (n = 6) coordination with the N,C’ atoms of two phenylpyridine and the N atoms of two acetonitrile ligands. The peculiarity of this structure is that three independent moieties of the title compound and three PF6− anions, to counterbalance the charge, are observed in the asymmetric unit and this is a rather uncommon fact among the Cambridge Crystallographic Database (CSD) entries. The three couples are almost identical conformers with very similar torsional angles. The packing, symmetry, and space group were accurately analyzed and described also by means of Hirshfeld surface analysis, which is able to underline subtle differences among the three anion/cation couples in the asymmetric unit. The driving force of the packing is the clustering of the aromatic rings and the maximization of acetonitrile:PF6− interactions. The asymmetry of the cluster is the cause of the unusual number of moieties in the asymmetric unit.
No Change Detected in Culturable Fungal Assemblages on Cave Walls in Eastern Canada with the Introduction of Pseudogymnoascus destructans
Authors: Vanderwolf Karen J. , Malloch David , McAlpine Donald F.
Published: November 2019

Studies of fungi in caves have become increasingly important with the advent of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease caused by the invasive fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) that has killed an estimated 6.5 million North American bats. We swabbed cave walls in New Brunswick, Canada, in 2012 and 2015 to determine whether the culturable fungal assemblage on cave walls changed after the introduction of Pd and subsequent decrease in hibernating bat populations. We also compared fungal assemblages on cave walls to previous studies on the fungal assemblages of arthropods and hibernating bats in the same sites. The fungal diversity of bats and cave walls was more similar than on arthropods. The diversity and composition of fungal assemblages on cave walls was significantly different among media types and sites but did not differ over time. Therefore, no change in the culturable fungal assemblage present on cave walls was detected with the introduction of Pd and subsequent disappearance of the hibernating bat population over a 3-year period. This suggests that fungi documented in caves in the region prior to the outbreak of Pd do not require regular transmission of spores by bats to maintain fungal diversity at these sites.
Aquatic Hemiptera in Southwest Cameroon: Biodiversity of Potential Reservoirs of Mycobacterium ulcerans and Multiple Wolbachia Sequence Types Revealed by Metagenomics
Authors: Esemu Seraphine N. , Dong Xiaofeng , Kfusi Achah J. , Hartley Catherine S. , Ndip Roland N. , Ndip Lucy M. , Darby Alistair C. , Post Rory J. , Makepeace Benjamin L.
Published: November 2019

Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is a neglected tropical disease associated with freshwater habitats. A variety of limnic organisms harbor this pathogen, including aquatic bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera), which have been hypothesized to be epidemiologically important reservoirs. Aquatic Hemiptera exhibit high levels of diversity in the tropics, but species identification remains challenging. In this study, we collected aquatic bugs from emerging foci of BU in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, which were identified using morphological and molecular methods. The bugs were screened for mycobacterial DNA and a selection of 20 mycobacteria-positive specimens from the families Gerridae and Veliidae were subjected to next-generation sequencing. Only one individual revealed putative M. ulcerans DNA, but all specimens contained sequences from the widespread alpha-proteobacterial symbiont, Wolbachia. Phylogenetic analysis placed the Wolbachia sequences into supergroups A, B, and F. Circularized mitogenomes were obtained for seven gerrids and two veliids, the first from these families for the African continent. This study suggests that aquatic Hemiptera may have a minor role (if any) in the spread of BU in Southwest Cameroon. Our metagenomic analysis provides new insights into the incursion of Wolbachia into aquatic environments and generated valuable resources to aid molecular taxonomic studies of aquatic Hemiptera.
Earth Observation Open Science: Enhancing Reproducible Science Using Data Cubes
Authors: Giuliani Gregory , Camara Gilberto , Killough Brian , Minchin Stuart
Published: November 2019

Earth Observation Data Cubes (EODC) have emerged as a promising solution to efficiently and effectively handle Big Earth Observation (EO) Data generated by satellites and made freely and openly available from different data repositories. The aim of this Special Issue, “Earth Observation Data Cube”, in Data, is to present the latest advances in EODC development and implementation, including innovative approaches for the exploitation of satellite EO data using multi-dimensional (e.g., spatial, temporal, spectral) approaches. This Special Issue contains 14 articles covering a wide range of topics such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Analysis Ready Data (ARD), interoperability, thematic applications (e.g., land cover, snow cover mapping), capacity development, semantics, processing techniques, as well as national implementations and best practices. These papers made significant contributions to the advancement of a more Open and Reproducible Earth Observation Science, reducing the gap between users’ expectations for decision-ready products and current Big Data analytical capabilities, and ultimately unlocking the information power of EO data by transforming them into actionable knowledge.
Site-Specific Propagation Loss Prediction in 4.9 GHz Band Outdoor-to-Indoor Scenario
Authors: Saito Kentaro , Fan Qiwei , Keerativoranan Nopphon , Takada Jun-ichi
Published: November 2019

Owing to the widespread use of smartphones and various cloud services, user traffic in cellular networks is rapidly increasing. Especially, the traffic congestion is severe in urban areas, and effective service-cell planning is required in the area for efficient radio resource usage. Because many users are also inside high buildings in the urban area, the knowledge of propagation loss characteristics in the outdoor-to-indoor (O2I) scenario is indispensable for the purpose. The ray-tracing simulation has been widely used for service-cell planning, but it has a problem that the propagation loss tends to be underestimated in a typical O2I scenario in which the incident radio waves penetrate indoors through building windows. In this paper, we proposed the extension method of the ray-tracing simulation to solve the problem. In the proposed method, the additional loss factors such as the Fresnel zone shielding loss and the transmission loss by the equivalent dielectric plate were calculated for respective rays to eliminate the penetration loss prediction error. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we conducted radio propagation measurements in a high-building environment by using the developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based measurement system. The results showed that the penetration loss of direct and reflection rays was significantly underestimated in the ray-tracing simulation and the proposed method could correct the problem. The mean prediction error was improved from 7.0 dB to −0.5 dB, and the standard deviation was also improved from 8.2 dB to 5.3 dB. The results are expected to be utilized for actual service-cell planning in the urban environment.
An Efficient Resource Allocation Algorithm for OFDM-Based NOMA in 5G Systems
Authors: Saraereh Omar A. , Alsaraira Amer , Khan Imran , Uthansakul Peerapong
Published: November 2019

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has become the key technology in the future 5G wireless networks. It can achieve multi-user multiplexing in the transmit power domain by allocating different power, which can effectively improve the system capacity and spectral efficiency. Aiming at the problem of high computational complexity and improving system capacity in non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) based on orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) for 5G wireless cellular networks, this paper proposes an improved low complexity radio resource allocation algorithm for user grouping and power allocation optimization. The optimization model is established with the goal of maximizing system capacity. Through the step-by-step optimization idea, the complex non-convex optimization problem is decomposed into two sub-problems to be solved separately. Firstly, all users are grouped based on the greedy method, and then the power allocation is performed on the sub-carriers of the fixed group. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has better system capacity than the existing state-of-the-art algorithms and reduced complexity performance.
Review of GaN HEMT Applications in Power Converters over 500 W
Authors: Ma Chao-Tsung , Gu Zhen-Huang
Published: November 2019

Because of the global trends of energy demand increase and decarbonization, developing green energy sources and increasing energy conversion efficiency are recently two of the most urgent topics in energy fields. The requirements for power level and performance of converter systems are continuously growing for the fast development of modern technologies such as the Internet of things (IoT) and Industry 4.0. In this regard, power switching devices based on wide-bandgap (WBG) materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are fast maturing and expected to greatly benefit power converters with complex switching schemes. In low- and medium-voltage applications, GaN-based high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) are superior to conventional silicon (Si)-based devices in terms of switching frequency, power rating, thermal capability, and efficiency, which are crucial factors to enhance the performance of advanced power converters. Previously published review papers on GaN HEMT technology mainly focused on fabrication, device characteristics, and general applications. To realize the future development trend and potential of applying GaN technology in various converter designs, this paper reviews a total of 162 research papers focusing on GaN HEMT applications in mid- to high-power (over 500 W) converters. Different types of converters including direct current (DC)–DC, alternating current (AC)–DC, and DC–AC conversions with various configurations, switching frequencies, power densities, and system efficiencies are reviewed.