bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Form of N Supply Determines Plant Growth Promotion by P-Solubilizing Microorganisms in Maize
Authors: Mpanga Isaac Kwadwo , Nkebiwe Peteh Mehdi , Kuhlmann Mira , Cozzolino Vincenza , Piccolo Alessandro , Geistlinger Jörg , Berger Nils , Ludewig Uwe , Neumann Günter
Published: January 2019

Phosphate-(P)-solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) are important drivers of P cycling in natural and agro-ecosystems. Their use as plant inoculants to improve P acquisition of crops has been investigated for decades. However, limited reproducibility of the expected effects, particularly under field conditions, remains a major challenge. This study demonstrates that the form of nitrogen fertilization has a significant impact on the performance of various fungal and bacterial PSM inoculants in maize grown on neutral to alkaline soils with limited P availability. Under these conditions, a high soil pH-buffering capacity frequently limits the efficiency of nutrient mobilization, mediated by plant roots and microorganisms via rhizosphere acidification. In a soil pH range between 7.0 and 8.0, nitrate fertilization promoting rhizosphere alkalinisation further aggravates this problem. Accordingly, in greenhouse experiments, six strains of Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Streptomyces, and Penicillium with proven P-solubilizing potential, completely failed to promote P acquisition in maize grown on a calcareous Loess sub-soil pH 7.6 with nitrate fertilization and rock phosphate (Rock-P) as a sparingly soluble P source. However, after replacement of nitrate fertilization by ammonium, stabilized with the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole-phosphate (DMPP), five out of seven investigated PSM inoculants (comprising 12 fungal and bacterial PSM strains) exerted beneficial effects on plant growth and reached up to 88% of the shoot biomass production of a control supplied with soluble triple-superphosphate (TSP). Stabilized ammonium combined with PSM-inoculants improved P acquisition (Trichoderma harzianum T22, Pseudomonas sp. DMSZ 13134), while other strains particularly stimulated root growth (T. harzianum OMG16, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42), which promoted the acquisition also of other mineral nutrients, such as N, K, and Mn. A similar effect was recorded under field conditions on an alkaline clay-loam soil pH 8.6. The combination of stabilized ammonium with a range of consortium products based on T. harzianum OMG16, B. amyloliquefaciens, micronutrients, and humic acids completely compensated the effect of a TSP fertilization on field establishment, nutrient acquisition, and yield formation in maize, while non-stabilized urea-di-ammonium phosphate fertilization was largely ineffective. These findings suggest that the efficiency of PSM-plant interactions can be influenced by the form of N fertilization, offering promising perspectives for synergistic effects with stabilized ammonium fertilizers.
Quantitative Data Extraction from Orthopyroxene Trace Element Maps and Its Potential to Examine the Formation of the UG2 Unit, Bushveld Complex
Authors: Brodbeck Maurice , Ubide Teresa , Kleinhanns Ilka , Schoenberg Ronny , Kamber Balz
Published: January 2019

We present a mineral chemical stratigraphy across the UG2 Unit, situated in the Upper Critical Zone of the Bushveld Complex. The magmatic evolution of the rocks hosting this world-class ore deposit for chromium and platinum group elements (PGEs) is still under debate. Orthopyroxene is a common phase across the magmatic stratigraphy of the unit. It hosts trace metals, whose relative contents can record information about magmatic processes. This study determined laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) trace element data for orthopyroxene and spot LA multi-collector ICP-MS Sr-isotope data for plagioclase. Mapping of trace element distributions revealed internal zoning in Cr, V, Y, and Th. Unlike in conventional spot analysis, quantitative trace element concentrations were extracted post-analysis from two-dimensional LA-ICP-MS maps. This approach offered advantages over spot analysis. The maps revealed internal complexities (e.g., inclusions, exsolved phases, zonations and diffusion halos) that could be avoided with suitable thresholds for chemical filter elements (i.e., 100 ppm < Cr < 4000 ppm, Y < 6 ppm), permitting fast, automated extraction of pure orthopyroxene data pixels from elemental maps covering noritic, troctolitic, anorthositic and chromititic mineral assemblages. Diffusive equilibration in orthopyroxene was evaluated by comparing zonations in elements with different known diffusivities. Magnesium and Ni are homogenously distributed, indicative of rapid diffusive processes, while Cr and V show zonations, interpreted to largely reflect primary distribution. Thorium and Y apparently diffused along discrete pathways, indicated by concentration anomalies following orthopyroxene lamellae. A systematic study of the trace element inventory of orthopyroxene across the succession of the UG2 Unit, complemented with Sr isotope signatures of plagioclase, revealed clear evidence for open-system processes: compatible elements (Cr, Ni) are decoupled from Mg# variations in orthopyroxene from specific UG2 subunits; distinct Mg# peaks coincide with negative V excursions in orthopyroxene from chromite-bearing subunits; towards the top of the unit, plagioclase shows a distinct 87Sr/86Srinitial peak and orthopyroxene shows Cr-depleted and Th-enriched rims. These chemical features cannot be explained by crystal mixing alone and argue for the involvement of at least two chemically distinct melts in the formation of the studied UG2 section.
Petrogenesis of Ore-Hosting Diorite in the Zaorendao Gold Deposit at the Tongren-Xiahe-Hezuo Polymetallic District, West Qinling, China
Authors: Gou Zong-Yang , Yu Hao-Cheng , Qiu Kun-Feng , Geng Jian-Zhen , Wu Ming-Qian , Wang Yong-Gang , Yu Ming-Hai , Li Jun
Published: January 2019

The newly discovered Zaorendao gold deposit is in the Tongren-Xiahe-Hezuo polymetallic district in the westernmost West Qinling orogenic belt. The estimated pre-mining resource is approximately 13.6 t of Au at an average grade of 3.02 g/t. Mineralization is predominantly controlled by NW-trending and EW-trending faults within diorite intrusions and surrounding sedimentary rocks. In the present study, in situ zircon U–Pb geochronology and Lu–Hf isotopic analyses of the ore-hosting diorite at Zaorendao were measured using LA-ICP-MS. The data suggest that the diorite was emplaced at ca. 246.5 ± 1.9 Ma. The large variation of zircon Hf isotopic composition (ɛHf(t) values ranging from −12.0 to −1.8) indicates a two-stage model age (TDM2) that ranges from 1.4 Ga to 2.0 Ga. Such Lu–Hf isotopic compositions indicate that the diorite was dominantly derived from a Paleo- to Meso-Proterozoic continental crust. The wide range of εHf(t) and the presence of inherited zircon can be interpreted to suggest the mixing of Paleo- to Meso-Proterozoic continental crust with a mantle component. Combining such characteristics with the geochemistry of coeval rocks that are associated with the diorite, we therefore proposed that the gold-hosting Triassic diorite in the Zaorendao gold deposit formed in an active continental margin that was associated with the northward subduction of the paleo-Tethyan ocean.
Determination of Au(III) and Ag(I) in Carbonaceous Shales and Pyrites by Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Kolpakova Nina , Sabitova Zhamilya , Sachkov Victor , Medvedev Rodion , Nefedov Roman , Orlov Vladislav
Published: January 2019

Techniques of stripping voltammetry (SV) determination of silver and gold in pyrites and carbonaceous matter are developed. The problem of quantitative transfer of the analytes into the solution is solved. For this purpose, the ore matrix of carbonaceous shales was decomposed by mineral acids in autoclaves at high pressures. The element to be determined from the sample matrix was separated by extraction. Ag(I) ions from the solutions were extracted in the form of a dithizonate complex in CCl4. Au(III) ions were extracted by diethyl ether. The extracts were decomposed thermally. The dry residue was dissolved in the background electrolyte, and the element was determined by the SV method. The graphite electrode (GE) impregnated with polyethylene was used as a working electrode in the SV determination of silver. The SV determination of gold was carried out using a GE modified by bismuth. The limits of detection (LOD) of Ag(I) and Au(III) contents were equal to 0.016 mg L−1 and 0.0086 mg L−1, respectively. The results of SV determination of gold and silver in standard samples, pyrites, and carbonaceous shales were presented. The silver content in the pyrite was 13.6 g t−1, and in carbon shale it was 0.34 g t−1. The concentration of gold in the pyrite of the Kirovsko–Kryklinskaya ore zone was 1.15 g t−1, while in carbonaceous shales it was 2.66 g t−1. The obtained data were consistent with the data of atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) and inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). The error of determination of elements by stripping voltammetry was calculated as ranging from 10 to 6 g t−1 (less than 12%) in pyrite and carbonaceous material when determining the silver content, and from 1 to 3 g t−1 (less than 22%) when determining the gold content in pyrite and carbonaceous matter.
Metallogenic Epoch and Tectonic Setting of Saima Niobium Deposit in Fengcheng, Liaoning Province, NE China
Authors: Ju Nan , Ren Yun-Sheng , Zhang Sen , Bi Zhong-Wei , Shi Lei , Zhang Di , Shang Qing-Qing , Yang Qun , Wang Zhi-Gao , Gu Yu-Chao , Sun Qiu-Shi , Wu Tong
Published: January 2019

The Saima deposit is a newly discovered niobium deposit which is located in the eastern of Liaoning Province, NE China. Its mineralization age and geochemical characteristics are firstly reported in this study. The Nb orebodies are hosted by the grey–brown to grass-green aegirine nepheline syenite. Detailed petrographical studies show that the syenite consists of orthoclase (~50%), nepheline (~30%), biotite (~15%) and minor arfvedsonite (~3%) and aegirine (~2%), with weak hydrothermal alteration dominated by silicification. In situ LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating indicates that the aegirine nepheline syenite was emplaced in the Late Triassic (229.5 ± 2.2 Ma), which is spatially, temporally and genetically related to Nb mineralization. These aegirine nepheline syenites have SiO2 contents in the range of 55.86–63.80 wt. %, low TiO2 contents of 0.36–0.64 wt. %, P2O5 contents of 0.04–0.11 wt. % and Al2O3 contents of more than 15 wt. %. They are characterized by relatively high (K2O + Na2O) values of 9.72–15.51 wt. %, K2O/Na2O ratios of 2.42–3.64 wt. % and Rittmann indexes (σ = [ω(K2O + Na2O)]2/[ω(SiO2 − 43)]) of 6.84–17.10, belonging to the high-K peralkaline, metaluminous type. These syenites are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs, e.g., Cs, Rb and Ba) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) and relatively depleted in high field strength elements (HFSEs, e.g., Nb, Zr and Ti) and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), with transitional elements showing an obvious W-shaped distribution pattern. Based on these geochronological and geochemical features, we propose that the ore-forming intrusion associated with the Nb mineralization was formed under post-collision continental-rift setting, which is consistent with the tectonic regime of post-collision between the North China Craton and Paleo-Asian oceanic plate during the age in Ma for Indosinian (257–205 Ma). Intensive magmatic and metallogenic events resulted from partial melting of lithospheric mantle occurred during the post-collisional rifting, resulting in the development of large-scale Cu–Mo mineralization and rare earth deposits in the eastern part of Liaoning Province.
Real-Time Observation of Fibrous Zeolites Reactivity in Contact with Simulated Lung Fluids (SLFs) Obtained by Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)
Authors: Giordani Matteo , Cametti Georgia , Di Lorenzo Fulvio , Churakov Sergey V.
Published: January 2019

Inhalation of fibrous erionite particles has been linked to malignant mesothelioma. Accordingly, erionite is considered the most carcinogenic mineral. The reactivity and the nature of erionite biotoxicity has been the subject of intensive research. Despite very close chemical and structural relationships between erionite and offretite, the reactivity of offretite in lung fluids remains unknown. In this paper, the interaction of erionite and offretite surfaces with simulated lung fluids was investigated by means of in situ atomic force microscope (AFM). To simulate different environments in the lungs, artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF) and Gamble’s solution were used. In ALF (4.15 < pH < 4.31) the dissolution of erionite and offretite surfaces was detected, as well as an evident removal of particles (mainly attributed to impurities) from the crystal faces. Instead, the growth of a layer of a yet unknown phase on the surface of both zeolites was observed during the interaction with Gamble’s solution (7.4 < pH < 8.48). The thickness of this layer reached a few tens of nanometers and covered all the observed areas. The understanding of the observed processes is of paramount importance, since they could be potentially involved in the mechanisms triggering the toxicological effects of erionite fibres.
Serum Metabolomics Identifies Altered Bioenergetics, Signaling Cascades in Parallel with Exposome Markers in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Lai Yunjia , Xue Jingchuan , Liu Chih-Wei , Gao Bei , Chi Liang , Tu Pengcheng , Lu Kun , Ru Hongyu
Published: January 2019

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has stimulated much interest due to its surging incidences and health impacts in the U.S. and worldwide. However, the exact cause of IBD remains incompletely understood, and biomarker is lacking towards early diagnostics and effective therapy assessment. To tackle these, the emerging high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)-based metabolomics shows promise. Here, we conducted a pilot untargeted LC/MS metabolomic profiling in Crohn’s disease, for which serum samples of both active and inactive cases were collected, extracted, and profiled by a state-of-the-art compound identification workflow. Results show a distinct metabolic profile of Crohn’s from control, with most metabolites downregulated. The identified compounds are structurally diverse, pointing to important pathway perturbations ranging from energy metabolism (e.g., β-oxidation of fatty acids) to signaling cascades of lipids (e.g., DHA) and amino acid (e.g., L-tryptophan). Importantly, an integral role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease is highlighted. Xenobiotics and their biotransformants were widely detected, calling for massive exposomic profiling for future cohort studies as such. This study endorses the analytical capacity of untargeted metabolomics for biomarker development, cohort stratification, and mechanistic interpretation; the findings might be valuable for advancing biomarker research and etiologic inquiry in IBD.
Geochemical Significance of Biomarkers in the Methane Hydrate-Bearing Sediments from the Shenhu Area, the South China Sea
Authors: Zhou Qian-Zhi , Li Yan , Chen Fang , Li Shui-Fu , Dong Shu-Jun , Zhang Feng-Lin , Xu Xiao-Ming , Wang Jiang-Hai
Published: January 2019

Biomarkers from methane hydrate-bearing sediments can provide vital evidence for microbial activities associated with methanogenesis and their relation to the formation of methane hydrates. However, the former mainly focus on intact polar lipids from these microorganisms, and rarely investigate molecular hydrocarbons such as acyclic isoprenoids and hopanes so far. In this work, the composition of biomarkers in the methane hydrate-bearing sediments in cores SH2B and SH7B from the Shenhu area, the South China Sea (SCS) were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS). The occurrence of unresolved complex mixtures (UCMs) and 25-norhopane indicate that the organic matters in methane hydrate-bearing sediments underwent a high degree of biodegradation. Although specific biomarkers for methanogens were not identified, the UCMs, 25-norhopane, pristane, phytane, and hopanes can still indicate the microbial activities associated with methanogenesis. These molecular signals suggest that diverse microorganisms, particularly methanogens, were quite vigorous in the methane hydrate-bearing sediments. Further, the biomarkers identified in this study can also be steadily detected from deep oil/gas reservoirs. Considering numerous adjacent oil/gas reservoir systems, fault systems, and mud diapers occurred in the SCS, it can be inferred that microbial activities and deep oil/gas reservoirs may have jointly contributed to the formation of methane hydrate deposits in the SCS.
Selective C-N σ Bond Cleavage in Azetidinyl Amides under Transition Metal-Free Conditions
Authors: Li Hengzhao , Lai Zemin , Adijiang Adila , Zhao Hongye , An Jie
Published: January 2019

Functionalization of amide bond via the cleavage of a non-carbonyl, C-N σ bond remains under-investigated. In this work, a transition-metal-free single-electron transfer reaction has been developed for the C-N σ bond cleavage of N-acylazetidines using the electride derived from sodium dispersions and 15-crown-5. Of note, less strained cyclic amides and acyclic amides are stable under the reaction conditions, which features the excellent chemoselectivity of the reaction. This method is amenable to a range of unhindered and sterically encumbered azetidinyl amides.
Propargylated Purine Deoxynucleosides: New Tools for Fluorescence Imaging Strategies
Authors: Venkatesham Akkaladevi , Pillalamarri Sambasiva Rao , De Wit Flore , Lescrinier Eveline , Debyser Zeger , Van Aerschot Arthur
Published: January 2019

In vivo imaging of biological processes is an important asset of modern cell biology. Selectively reacting fluorophores herein are an important tool and click chemistry reactions take a large share in these events. 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) is well known for visualizing DNA replication, but does not show any selectivity for incorporation into DNA. Striving for specific visualization of virus replication, in particular HIV replication, a series of propargylated purine deoxynucleosides were prepared aiming for selective incorporation by HIV reverse transcriptase (RT). We here report on the synthesis and preliminary biological effects (cellular toxicity, HIV inhibitory effects, and feasibility of the click reaction) of these nucleoside analogues.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Vant Essential Oils Extracted by Simultaneous Distillation-Extraction, Subcritical Extraction and Hydrodistillation
Authors: Guan Xiao , Ge Depeng , Li Sen , Huang Kai , Liu Jing , Li Fan
Published: January 2019

Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Vant essential oil could be used as a good antimicrobial flavouring agent and applied in the food industry. In this study, three methods, including simultaneous distillation-extraction (SDE), subcritical extraction and hydrodistillation, were applied to extract A. argyi essential oil. Compared with subcritical extraction (1%) and hydrodistillation (0.5%), SDE gave a higher yield (1.2%). Components of the essential oils were analysed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the most abundant ingredients were caryophyllene oxide, neointermedeol, borneol, α-thujone and β-caryophyllene. These five components accounted for 82.93%, 40.90% and 40.33% for SDE, subcritical extraction, and hydrodistillation, respectively. Based on agar disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, SDE oil showed a significant inhibitory effect towards Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella enteritidis and Aspergillus niger. Furthermore, electron microscope observations (SEM) confirmed that SDE oil could obviously deform cell morphology and destroy the structure of cell walls. Performances showed that SDE was a promising process for extracting A. argyi essential oil with both high yield and antimicrobial activity.
Size-Dependent Critical Temperature and Anomalous Optical Dispersion in Ferromagnetic CrI3 Nanotubes
Authors: Moaied Mohammed , Hong Jisang
Published: January 2019

Using first principles calculations, we explored the magnetic and optical properties of chromium(III) iodide (CrI3) nanotubes (NTs) by changing their chirality and diameter. Here, we considered six types of NTs: (5,0), (5,5), (7,0), (10,0), (10,10), and (12,0) NTs. We found that both zigzag and armchair NTs had a ferromagnetic ground with a direct band gap, although the band gap was dependent on the chirality and diameter. Using the Monte Carlo simulation, we found that the Curie temperatures (Tc) exhibited chirality and diameter dependence. In zigzag NTs, the larger the tube diameter, the larger the Tc, while it decreased with increasing diameter in the armchair tube. We found that the Tc was almost doubled when the diameter increased two-fold. This finding may guide development of room temperature ferromagnetism in zigzag NTs. We also found that the CrI3 NTs displayed anisotropic optical properties and anomalous optical dispersion in the visible range. Specifically, the (10,0) zigzag NT had a large refractive index of 2 near the infrared region, while it became about 1.4 near blue light wavelengths. We also obtained large reflectivity in the ultraviolet region, which can be utilized for UV protection. Overall, we propose that the CrI3 NTs have multifunctional physical properties for spintronics and optical applications.
Facile Fabrication of Fluorescent Inorganic Nanoparticles with Diverse Shapes for Cell Imaging
Authors: Wang Guifang , Wang Jing , Zhao Linlin , Zhang Qiang , Lu Yan
Published: January 2019

In the present work, we describe a facile and general method of fabricating fluorescent inorganic nanoparticles with diverse shapes for cell imaging application. The hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles (HNPs) with three different shapes (i.e., spindle shape, ellipsoidal shape and quasi-spherical shape) were first prepared as model systems in consideration of good biocompatibility and the controllable morphology of α-Fe2O3. Three fluorescent HNPs with different shapes were readily achieved via one-pot sol-gel reaction of AIE luminogen-functionalized siloxane (AIEgen-Si(OCH3)3) and TEOS in the presence of PVP-stabilized HNPs. Due to the fluorescence originating from the thin AIEgens-contained SiO2 shell around the HNPs, their photoluminescent intensities can be tuned by changing the concentrations of TEOS and AIEgen-Si(OCH3)3 in feed prior to the sol-gel reaction. When the as-prepared fluorescent products were dispersed in water, they gave intense green light emission upon excitation at 360 nm with relatively high fluorescence quantum yield. Further, fluorescent HNPs exhibited low cytotoxicity and excellent photostability and, thus, were used as optical probes to preliminarily explore the effect of nanoparticle shapes on their cellular uptake behaviors. This work should open a facile way to prepare various fluorescent inorganic nanoparticles with specific morphology for various biological applications.
Assembly and Characterization of HBc Derived Virus-like Particles with Magnetic Core
Authors: Rybka Jakub Dalibor , Mieloch Adam Aron , Plis Alicja , Pyrski Marcin , Pniewski Tomasz , Giersig Michael
Published: January 2019

Core-virus like particles (VLPs) assembly is a kinetically complex cascade of interactions between viral proteins, nanoparticle’s surface and an ionic environment. Despite many in silico simulations regarding this process, there is still a lack of experimental data. The main goal of this study was to investigate the capsid protein of hepatitis B virus (HBc) assembly into virus-like particles with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as a magnetic core in relation to their characteristics. The native form of HBc was obtained via agroinfection of Nicotiana benthamiana with pEAQ-HBc plasmid. SPIONs of diameter of 15 nm were synthesized and functionalized with two ligands, providing variety in ζ-potential and hydrodynamic diameter. The antigenic potential of the assembled core-VLPs was assessed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphology of SPIONs and core-VLPs was evaluated via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The most successful core-VLPs assembly was obtained for SPIONs functionalized with dihexadecyl phosphate (DHP) at SPIONs/HBc ratio of 0.2/0.05 mg/mL. ELISA results indicate significant decrease of antigenicity concomitant with core-VLPs assembly. In summary, this study provides an experimental assessment of the crucial parameters guiding SPION-HBc VLPs assembly and evaluates the antigenicity of the obtained structures.
Mechanical Properties of Vacancy Tuned Carbon Honeycomb
Authors: Xie Lu , An Haojie , He Chenwei , Qin Qin , Peng Qing
Published: January 2019

Carbon honeycomb (CHC) has great application potential in many aspects for the outstanding mechanical properties. However, the effect of both defects and temperature on the mechanical properties are far from reasonable understanding, which might be a huge obstacle for its promising applications as engineering materials. In this work, we investigate the effect of vacancy-type defect, which is inevitably exists in material, on the mechanical properties of CHC via reactive molecular dynamics simulations. The mechanical strength is anisotropic and decreases with the increasing temperature. CHC yield in cell axis direction since the break of C–C bonds on the junction. Vacancies weaken CHC by reducing the strength and failure strain. The effect of single vacancy on strength of CHC becomes more obvious with reducing temperature and is sensitive to the location and bonding of the vacancies. The maximum reduction of strength in cell axis direction is with vacancy on the middle of the wall of CHC where sp2 bonds are removed. The strength is reduced by 8.1% at 500 K, 11.5% at 300 K and 12.8% at 100 K. With 0.77% defect concentration, the strength reduces 40.3% in cell axis direction but only 18.7% in zigzag direction and 24.4% in armchair direction.
Self-Assembling Hybrid Linear-Dendritic Block Copolymers: The Design of Nano-Carriers for Lipophilic Antitumoral Drugs
Authors: Fedeli Elisabetta , Lancelot Alexandre , Dominguez Juan Manuel , Serrano José Luis , Calvo Pilar , Sierra Teresa
Published: January 2019

Two series of amphiphilic block copolymers with a hybrid linear-dendritic structure are presented. The compounds consisted of a hydrophilic poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) block and a 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (bis-MPA) dendron functionalized with stearic acid chains that impart a hydrophobic nature to the block. Different self-assembled nanostructures with a hydrophobic interior and a hydrophilic external part were obtained depending on the length of the PEG chain (Mn = 2000 and Mn = 5000) and the generation of the bis-MPA dendron. The materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The shapes of the aggregates ranged from spherical or cylindrical micelles to flexible bilayers. The hydrophobic core enabled these nanostructures to encapsulate the water-insoluble drug plitidepsin. The efficacy of these new plitidepsin-containing carriers was evaluated in four cancer cell-lines and they showed similar anticancer activity to the current standard drug formulation.
Green Waste-Derived Substances Immobilized on SBA-15 Silica: Surface Properties, Adsorbing and Photosensitizing Activities towards Organic and Inorganic Substrates
Authors: Tummino Maria , Testa Maria , Malandrino Mery , Gamberini Roberta , Bianco Prevot Alessandra , Magnacca Giuliana , Laurenti Enzo
Published: January 2019

Urban wastes are a potential source of environment contamination, especially when they are not properly disposed. Nowadays, researchers are finding innovative solutions for recycling and reusing wastes in order to favour a sustainable development from the viewpoint of circular economy. In this context, the lignin-like fraction of biomass derived from Green Compost is a cost-effective source of soluble Bio-Based Substances (BBS-GC), namely complex macromolecules/supramolecular aggregates characterized by adsorbing and photosensitizing properties. In this work BBS-GC were immobilized on a silica support (SBA-15) and the chemico-physical properties of the resulting hybrid material (BBS-SBA) were analysed by zeta-potential measurements, nitrogen adsorption at 77K and micro-calorimetric techniques. Successively, the BBS-SBA photosensitizing and adsorption abilities were tested. Adsorption in the dark of Rhodamine B and Orange II on BBS-SBA and their degradation upon irradiation under simulated solar light were shown, together with the formation of hydroxyl radicals detected by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy. Furthermore, the adsorption of six inorganic ions (Al, Ni, Mn, As, Hg, Cr) on BBS-SBA was studied in pure water at two different pH values and in a landfill leachate, showing the good potential of this kind of materials in the removal of wastewater contaminants.
Evaluation of Solar-Driven Photocatalytic Activity of Thermal Treated TiO2 under Various Atmospheres
Authors: Katal Reza , Kholghi Eshkalak Saeideh , Masudy-panah Saeid , Kosari Mohammadreza , Saeedikhani Mohsen , Zarinejad Mehrdad , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: January 2019

In this report, the photocatalytic activity of P25 has been explored and the influence of thermal treatment under various atmospheres (air, vacuum and hydrogen) were discussed. The samples’ characteristics were disclosed by means of various instruments including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis. This study also accentuates various states of the oxygen vacancy density formed inside the samples as well as the colour turning observed in treated P25 under various atmospheres. Produced coloured TiO2 samples were then exploited for their photocatalytic capability concerning photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) using air mass (AM) 1.5 G solar light irradiation. Our findings revealed that exceptional photocatalytic activity of P25 is related to the thermal treatment. Neither oxygen vacancy formation nor photocatalytic activity enhancement was observed in the air-treated sample. H2-treated samples have shown better photoactivity which even could be further improved by optimizing treatment conditions to achieve the advantages of the positive role of oxygen vacancy (O-vacancy at higher concentration than optimum acts as electron trapping sites). The chemical structure and stability of the samples were also studied. There was no sign of deteriorating of O2-vacancies inside the samples after 6 months. High stability of thermal treated samples in terms of both long and short-term time intervals is another significant feature of the produced photocatalyst.
Versatile Application of Nanocellulose: From Industry to Skin Tissue Engineering and Wound Healing
Authors: Bacakova Lucie , Pajorova Julia , Bacakova Marketa , Skogberg Anne , Kallio Pasi , Kolarova Katerina , Svorcik Vaclav
Published: January 2019

Nanocellulose is cellulose in the form of nanostructures, i.e., features not exceeding 100 nm at least in one dimension. These nanostructures include nanofibrils, found in bacterial cellulose; nanofibers, present particularly in electrospun matrices; and nanowhiskers, nanocrystals, nanorods, and nanoballs. These structures can be further assembled into bigger two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) nano-, micro-, and macro-structures, such as nanoplatelets, membranes, films, microparticles, and porous macroscopic matrices. There are four main sources of nanocellulose: bacteria (Gluconacetobacter), plants (trees, shrubs, herbs), algae (Cladophora), and animals (Tunicata). Nanocellulose has emerged for a wide range of industrial, technology, and biomedical applications, namely for adsorption, ultrafiltration, packaging, conservation of historical artifacts, thermal insulation and fire retardation, energy extraction and storage, acoustics, sensorics, controlled drug delivery, and particularly for tissue engineering. Nanocellulose is promising for use in scaffolds for engineering of blood vessels, neural tissue, bone, cartilage, liver, adipose tissue, urethra and dura mater, for repairing connective tissue and congenital heart defects, and for constructing contact lenses and protective barriers. This review is focused on applications of nanocellulose in skin tissue engineering and wound healing as a scaffold for cell growth, for delivering cells into wounds, and as a material for advanced wound dressings coupled with drug delivery, transparency and sensorics. Potential cytotoxicity and immunogenicity of nanocellulose are also discussed.
Suppressors of Meiotic Silencing by Unpaired DNA
Authors: Xiao Hua , Hammond Thomas M. , Shiu Patrick K. T.
Published: January 2019

Meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA (MSUD) is a gene silencing process that occurs within meiotic cells of Neurospora crassa and other fungi. We have previously developed a high-throughput screen to identify suppressors of this silencing pathway. Here, a list of MSUD suppressor candidates from a single pass of the first 84 plates of the Neurospora knockout library is provided.
Modeling Associations between Chemosensation, Liking for Fats and Sweets, Dietary Behaviors and Body Mass Index in Chronic Smokers
Authors: Larsen Brittany A. , Litt Mark D. , Huedo-Medina Tania B. , Duffy Valerie B.
Published: January 2019

Chronic smokers have a greater risk for altered chemosensation, unhealthy dietary patterns, and excessive adiposity. In an observational study of chronic smokers, we modeled relationships between chemosensation, fat/carbohydrate liking, smoking-associated dietary behaviors, and body mass index (BMI). Also tested in the model was liking for sweet electronic cigarette juice (e-juice). Smokers (n = 135, 37 ± 11 years) were measured for: Taste genetics (intensity of 6-n-propylthiouracil—PROP); taste (NaCl and quinine intensities) and olfactory (odor identification) function; liking for cherry e-juice; and weight/height to calculate BMI. Smokers survey-reported their food liking and use of smoking for appetite/weight control. Structural equation models tested direct and indirect relationships between chemosensation, fat/carbohydrate liking, dietary behaviors, and BMI. In good-fitting models, taste intensity was linked to BMI variation through fat/carbohydrate liking (greater PROP intensity→greater NaCl intensity→greater food liking→higher BMI). Olfactory function tended to predict sweet e-juice liking, which, in turn, partially mediated the food liking and BMI association. The path between smoking-associated dietary behaviors and BMI was direct and independent of chemosensation or liking. These findings indicate that taste associates with BMI in chronic smokers through liking of fats/carbohydrates. Future research should determine if vaping sweet e-juice could improve diet quality and adiposity for smokers.
Association of Total and Trimester-Specific Gestational Weight Gain Rate with Early Infancy Weight Status: A Prospective Birth Cohort Study in China
Authors: Hu Jiajin , Aris Izzuddin M. , Oken Emily , Ma Yanan , Ding Ning , Gao Ming , Wei Xiaotong , Wen Deliang
Published: January 2019

Studies to examine the associations of gestational weight gain (GWG) with offspring weight status during infancy are needed, especially among Asian populations. We examined 801 mother–infant pairs from a prospective cohort study in China to assess the associations of total and trimester-specific GWG with early infant weight status. We used linear mixed effects models and linear regression models to examine the longitudinal and time-point associations of GWG rate (kg/week) with infant growth measures (z-scores of body-mass-index (BMIZ), weight-for-age (WFAZ) and length-for-age (LFAZ)) at birth, 1, 3, and 6 months. Greater total GWG rate was associated with higher BMIZ (β:1.34 SD units (95% CI: 0.84, 1.83) per 1 kg/week increase in GWG) and higher WFAZ (β:1.18 SD units (95% CI: 1.01, 2.28)) across the first 6 months of life. GWG rate in the first two trimesters but not in the third trimester was positively associated with infant BMIZ. The association between GWG rate and infant BMIZ was significant at all timepoints and more pronounced in normal weight women and among male infants. In conclusion, greater GWG rate is positively associated with offspring BMIZ in the first 6 months of life, the association is mostly driven by GWG in the first two trimesters.
Impact of Nutritional Status on Caregiver Burden of Elderly Outpatients. A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tana Claudio , Lauretani Fulvio , Ticinesi Andrea , Gionti Luciano , Nouvenne Antonio , Prati Beatrice , Meschi Tiziana , Maggio Marcello
Published: January 2019

The assistance to older community-dwellers provided by family caregivers is crucial for the maintenance of an acceptable quality of life, especially when dementia is present. The caregiver burden may be extremely high, but few data are available on what patient domains mainly affect the caregiver. The aim of this cross-sectional study, performed in older outpatients, was to examine the impact of cognitive, physical and nutritional status of elderly community-dwellers on the caregiver burden, as evaluated by the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI). A group of 406 elderly outpatients (161 M, 245 F, mean age of 83.20 ± 6.40) was enrolled. A significant correlation was observed between Mini Nutritional Assessment Instrument-Short Form (MNA-SF) and CBI (r = −0.34; p < 0.001), suggesting that a poor nutritional status is significantly associated with the caregiver burden. There was also a significant correlation between CBI and Short Physical Performance Battery score (r = −0.29; p < 0.001), hand grip strength (r = −0.25; p < 0.001), Mini-Mental State Examination score (r = −0.39; p < 0.001), Geriatric Depression Scale (r = 0.23; p < 0.001), Body Mass Index (BMI) (r = 0.01; p = 0.03), Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADL/IADL) (r = −0.61 and −0.62, respectively; p < 0.001), and with the 4-m walking speed (r = −0.42; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, only the relationships of the CBI (in particular the physical subcomponent) with ADL, IADL and MNA-SF remained statistically significant (β ± SE −0.89 ± 0.20, p < 0.001; −0.58 ± 0.15, p < 0.001 and −0.25 ± 0.11, p = 0.02, respectively). The relationship between CBI and BMI remained statistically significant only for the physical subcomponent (β ± SE 0.14 ± 0.05; p = 0.006). Thus, in this study, we confirmed that the impairment in the activities of daily living is associated with a significant impact on the caregiver burden, and we found also that a poor nutritional status of the older outpatient is independently more associated with the caregiver burden than cognitive and physical disability. The combined evaluation of both patients and caregivers can improve the knowledge and assistance to the elderly subjects.
Dairy Product Intake and Cardiometabolic Diseases in Northern Sweden: A 33-Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Johansson Ingegerd , Esberg Anders , Nilsson Lena M , Jansson Jan-Håkan , Wennberg Patrik , Winkvist Anna
Published: January 2019

Dairy products are important constituents of most diets, and their association with adverse health outcomes remains a focus. We characterized dairy food intake and examined associations with the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke among 108,065 Swedish men and women. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using the multivariable Cox proportional hazards models in a population characterized by high milk tolerance. During a mean follow-up of 14.2 years, 11,641 first-time events occurred. Non-fermented milk intake decreased, whereas butter intake increased over the period. For high intake of non-fermented milk, the HR (95% CI) for developing T2D and MI was 1.17 (1.03, 1.34) and 1.23 (1.10, 1.37), respectively, in men. A greater intake of butter, fermented milk, and cheese tended to be associated with a reduced risk of T2D and/or MI. Non-consumers and those who chose low-fat variants of the targeted dairy products had increased risk for T2D, MI, or stroke compared to those in the non-case group. Generally, effect-sizes were small. This prospective study found that non-fermented milk was associated with an increased risk for developing T2D and MI and that subjects abstaining from dairy products or choosing low-fat variants were at greater risk. However, the overall cardiometabolic risk of non-fermented milk intake was judged as low, since the effect sizes were small.
Nutrient Profiling Is Needed to Improve the Nutritional Quality of the Foods Labelled with Health-Related Claims
Authors: Pivk Kupirovič Urška , Miklavec Krista , Hribar Maša , Kušar Anita , Žmitek Katja , Pravst Igor
Published: January 2019

Health-related claims on food products influence consumers and their food preferences. None of the European countries have restricted the use of health claims to foods of high nutritional quality despite the regulatory background provided by the European Union in 2006. We evaluated the nutritional quality of foods labelled with claims available in the Slovenian market using two nutrient profile models—Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and European World Health Organization Regional office for Europe model (WHOE)—and compared the results to the nutritional quality of all available foods. Data for prepacked foods in the Slovenian food supply were collected in 2015 on a representative sample (n = 6619) and supplemented with 12-month product sales data for more accurate assessments of the food supply. A considerable proportion of foods labelled with any type of health-related claim was found to have poor nutritional quality. About 68% of the foods labelled with health-related claims passed FSANZ criterion (75% when considering sales data) and 33% passed the WHOE model (56% when considering sales data). Our results highlight the need for stricter regulations for the use of health-related claims and to build upon available nutrient profiling knowledge to improve nutrition quality of foods labeled with health-related claims.
Insect Consumption Attitudes among Vegans, Non-Vegan Vegetarians, and Omnivores
Authors: Elorinne Anna-Liisa , Niva Mari , Vartiainen Outi , Väisänen Pertti
Published: January 2019

Abstract: Background: Consumption of foods of insect origin is encouraged, since insect consumption is seen as one of the responses to the environmental impact of meat production. This study examines the attitude (A), subjective norm (SN), perceived behavioral control (PC), and food neophobia (FN) toward the consumption of foods of insect origin, as well as the conditions for eating insect-based foods among vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores. Methods: The data was obtained by using an online survey and convenience sampling (n = 567, of whom omnivores represented 74%, vegans 5%, and non-vegan vegetarians 22%). Results: The three dietary groups exhibited significantly different intention (I) to eat foods of insect origin. Vegans held the most rigid negative attitude (A), and their subjective norm (SN) to eat insects was weaker compared to that of omnivores (p < 0.001) and non-vegan vegetarians (p < 0.001). Vegans’ perceived behavioral control (PC) over their eating of insects was stronger compared to that of omnivores (p < 0.001) and non-vegan vegetarians p < 0.001), and they were more neophobic than omnivores (p < 0.001) and non-vegan vegetarians (p < 0.001). Non-vegan vegetarians held the most positive attitude toward eating insects, and both non-vegan vegetarians and omnivores thought that insect consumption is wise and offers a solution to the world’s nutrition problems. In contrast, vegans regarded insect consumption as immoral and irresponsible. Conclusions: Vegans’ weak intention, negative attitude, and low willingness to eat insects in the future exhibit their different dietarian identity compared to that of omnivores and non-vegan vegetarians.
Disease Manifestation and Viral Sequences in a Bonobo More Than 30 Years after Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: Hoffmann Markus , Schütze Enrika , Bernhard Andreas , Schlaphoff Lennart , Kaul Artur , Schöniger Sandra , Pöhlmann Stefan
Published: January 2019

Pan paniscus Papillomavirus 1 (PpPV1) causes focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH) in infected animals. Here, we analyzed the present disease manifestation and PpPV1 genomic sequence of an animal that was afflicted by an FEH epizootic outbreak in 1987 for which the sequence of the responsible PpPV1 was determined. The animal displayed FEH more than 30 years after the initial diagnosis, indicating persistence or recurrence of the disease, and evidence for active PpPV1 infection was obtained. Moreover, the sequences of the viral genomes present in the late 1980s and in 2018 differed at 23 nucleotide positions, resulting in 11 amino acid exchanges within coding regions. These findings suggest that PpPV1-induced FEH might not undergo complete and/or permanent remission in a subset of afflicted animals.
In silico Identification of Novel Toxin Homologs and Associated Mobile Genetic Elements in Clostridium perfringens
Authors: Lacey Jake , Johanesen Priscilla , Lyras Dena , Moore Robert
Published: January 2019

Clostridium perfringens causes a wide range of diseases in a variety of hosts, due to the production of a diverse set of toxins and extracellular enzymes. The C. perfringens toxins play an important role in pathogenesis, such that the presence and absence of the toxins is used as a typing scheme for the species. In recent years, several new toxins have been discovered that have been shown to be essential or highly correlated to diseases; these include binary enterotoxin (BecAB), NetB and NetF. In the current study, genome sequence analysis of C. perfringens isolates from diverse sources revealed several putative novel toxin homologs, some of which appeared to be associated with potential mobile genetic elements, including transposons and plasmids. Four novel toxin homologs encoding proteins related to the pore-forming Leukocidin/Hemolysin family were found in type A and G isolates. Two novel toxin homologs encoding proteins related to the epsilon aerolysin-like toxin family were identified in Type A and F isolates from humans, contaminated food and turkeys. A novel set of proteins related to clostridial binary toxins was also identified. While phenotypic characterisation is required before any of these homologs can be established as functional toxins, the in silico identification of these novel homologs on mobile genetic elements suggests the potential toxin reservoir of C. perfringens may be much larger than previously thought.