bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MTHFR gene variants and non-MALT lymphoma development in primary Sjogren’s syndrome
Authors: Fragkioudaki Sofia , Nezos Adrianos , Souliotis Vassilis L. , Chatziandreou Ilenia , Saetta Angelica A. , Drakoulis Nikolaos , Tzioufas Athanasios G. , Voulgarelis Michael , Sfikakis Petros P. , Koutsilieris Michael , Crow Mary K. , Moutsopoulos Haralampos M. , Mavragani Clio P.
Published: July 2017

Primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) confers increased risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) development. Two common polymorphisms, the c. 677C > T and c. 1298A > C, of the methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, an enzyme essential in DNA synthesis and methylation, have been associated with susceptibility to NHL. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that MTHFR variants contribute to pSS-related lymphomagenesis. 356 pSS patients, of whom 75 had MALT and 19 non-MALT NHL and 600 healthy controls were genotyped for the detection of MTHFR polymorphisms. DNA methylation levels were assessed by pyrosequencing of the LINE-1 retroelement promoter in DNA from 55 salivary gland tissues from pSS patients. DNA double-strand breaks were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 13 pSS patients, using comet assay. Αnalysis according to lymphoma subtype revealed increased frequency of c. 677C > T TT genotype and T allele, as well as reduced prevalence of the c. 1298A > C C allele in the pSS non-MALT group compared to controls and patients without NHL. MTHFR c. 677C > T TT genotype was associated with reduced DNA methylation levels, while MTHFR c. 1298A > C AC genotype with reduced DNA double-strand breaks levels. MTHFR variants may be involved in SS non-MALT NHL development, through contribution to defective DNA methylation and genomic instability.
Surface functionalisation of nanodiamonds for human neural stem cell adhesion and proliferation
Authors: Taylor Alice C. , González Citlali Helenes , Miller Benjamin S. , Edgington Robert J. , Ferretti Patrizia , Jackman Richard B.
Published: July 2017

Biological systems interact with nanostructured materials on a sub–cellular level. These interactions may govern cell behaviour and the precise control of a nanomaterial's structure and surface chemistry allow for a high degree of tunability to be achieved. Cells are surrounded by an extra–cellular matrix with nano–topographical properties. Diamond based materials, and specifically nanostructured diamond has attracted much attention due to its extreme electrical and mechanical properties, chemical inertness and biocompatibility. Here the interaction of nanodiamond monolayers with human Neural Stem Cells (hNSCs) has been investigated. The effect of altering surface functionalisation of nanodiamonds on hNSC adhesion and proliferation has shown that confluent cellular attachment occurs on oxygen terminated nanodiamonds (O–NDs), but not on hydrogen terminated nanodiamonds (H–NDs). Analysis of H and O–NDs by Atomic Force Microscopy, contact angle measurements and protein adsorption suggests that differences in topography, wettability, surface charge and protein adsorption of these surfaces may underlie the difference in cellular adhesion of hNSCs reported here.
Defining a critical period for inhibitory circuits within the somatosensory cortex
Authors: Lo Shun Qiang , Sng Judy C. G. , Augustine George J.
Published: July 2017

Although experience-dependent changes in brain inhibitory circuits are thought to play a key role during the “critical period” of brain development, the nature and timing of these changes are poorly understood. We examined the role of sensory experience in sculpting an inhibitory circuit in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) of mice by using optogenetics to map the connections between parvalbumin (PV) expressing interneurons and layer 2/3 pyramidal cells. Unilateral whisker deprivation decreased the strength and spatial range of inhibitory input provided to pyramidal neurons by PV interneurons in layers 2/3, 4 and 5. By varying the time when sensory input was removed, we determined that the critical period closes around postnatal day 14. This yields the first precise time course of critical period plasticity for an inhibitory circuit.
Drosophila melanogaster rhodopsin Rh7 is a UV-to-visible light sensor with an extraordinarily broad absorption spectrum
Authors: Sakai Kazumi , Tsutsui Kei , Yamashita Takahiro , Iwabe Naoyuki , Takahashi Keisuke , Wada Akimori , Shichida Yoshinori
Published: July 2017

The genome of Drosophila melanogaster contains seven rhodopsin genes. Rh1-6 proteins are known to have respective absorption spectra and function as visual pigments in ocelli and compound eyes. In contrast, Rh7 protein was recently revealed to function as a circadian photoreceptor in the brain. However, its molecular properties have not been characterized yet. Here we successfully prepared a recombinant protein of Drosophila Rh7 in mammalian cultured cells. Drosophila Rh7 bound both 11-cis-retinal and 11-cis-3-hydroxyretinal to form photo-pigments which can absorb UV light. Irradiation with UV light caused formation of a visible-light absorbing metarhodopsin that activated Gq-type of G protein. This state could be photoconverted back to the original state and, thus Rh7 is a Gq-coupled bistable pigment. Interestingly, Rh7 (lambda max = 350 nm) exhibited an unusual broad spectrum with a longer wavelength tail reaching 500 nm, whose shape is like a composite of spectra of two pigments. In contrast, replacement of lysine at position 90 with glutamic acid caused the formation of a normal-shaped absorption spectrum with maximum at 450 nm. Therefore, Rh7 is a unique photo-sensor that can cover a wide wavelength region by a single pigment to contribute to non-visual photoreception.
Fabrication of parabolic Si nanostructures by nanosphere lithography and its application for solar cells
Authors: Cheon See-Eun , Lee Hyeon-seung , Choi Jihye , Jeong Ah Reum , Lee Taek Sung , Jeong Doo Seok , Lee Kyeong-Seok , Lee Wook-Seong , Kim Won Mok , Lee Heon , Kim Inho
Published: July 2017

We demonstrated fabrication of a parabola shaped Si nanostructures of various periods by combined approach of nanosphere lithography and a single step CF4/O2 reactive ion etch (RIE) process. Silica nanosphere monolayers in a hexagonal array were well deposited by a solvent controlled spin coating technique based on binary organic solvents. We showed numerically that a parabolic Si nanostructure of an optimal period among various-shaped nanostructures overcoated with a dielectric layer of a 70 nm thickness provide the most effective antireflection. As the simulation results as a design guide, we fabricated the parabolic Si nanostructures of a 520 nm period and a 300 nm height exhibiting the lowest weighted reflectance of 2.75%. With incorporation of such parabolic Si nanostructures, a damage removal process for 20 sec and SiNx antireflection coating of a 70 nm thickness, the efficiency of solar cells increased to 17.2% while that of the planar cells without the nanostructures exhibited 16.2%. The efficiency enhancement of the cell with the Si nanostructures was attributed to the improved photocurrents arising from the broad spectral antireflection which was confirmed by the external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements.
Bee-derived antibacterial peptide, defensin-1, promotes wound re-epithelialisation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Bucekova Marcela , Sojka Martin , Valachova Ivana , Martinotti Simona , Ranzato Elia , Szep Zoltan , Majtan Viktor , Klaudiny Jaroslav , Majtan Juraj
Published: July 2017

Royal jelly (RJ) has successfully been used as a remedy in wound healing. RJ has multiple effects, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, in various cell types. However, no component(s) (other than antibacterial) have been identified in RJ-accelerated wound healing. In this study, we demonstrate that keratinocytes are responsible for the elevated production of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) after incubation with a water extract of RJ. Furthermore, the keratinocyte migration and wound closure rates were significantly increased in the presence of RJ extract. MMP-9 production was reduced significantly following proteinase K treatment but remained stable after heat treatment, indicating that active component(s) have a proteinous character. To identify the component responsible for inducing MMP-9 production, RJ extract was fractionated using C18 RP-HPLC. In fractions exhibiting stimulatory activity, we immunochemically detected the bee-derived antibacterial peptide, defensin-1. Defensin-1 was cloned, and recombinant peptide was produced in a baculoviral expression system. Defensin-1 stimulated MMP-9 secretion from keratinocytes and increased keratinocyte migration and wound closure in vitro. In addition, defensin-1 promoted re-epithelisation and wound closure in uninfected excision wounds. These data indisputably demonstrate that defensin-1, a regular but concentration variable factor found in honey and RJ, contributes to cutaneous wound closure by enhancing keratinocyte migration and MMP-9 secretion.
A novel crosstalk within the endocannabinoid system controls GABA transmission in the striatum
Authors: Musella A. , Fresegna D. , Rizzo F. R. , Gentile A. , Bullitta S. , De Vito F. , Guadalupi L. , Centonze D. , Mandolesi G.
Published: July 2017

The N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) is an endogenous member of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) with several biological functions, including a neuromodulatory activity in the central nervous system. To shed light on the neuronal function of PEA, we investigated its involvement in the control of both excitatory and inhibitory transmission in the murine striatum, a brain region strongly modulated by the ECS. By means of electrophysiological recordings, we showed that PEA modulates inhibitory synaptic transmission, through activation of GPR55 receptors, promoting a transient increase of GABAergic spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC) frequency. The subsequently rundown effect on sIPSC frequency was secondary to the delayed stimulation of presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) by the endocannabinoid 2-AG, whose synthesis was stimulated by PEA on postsynaptic neurons. Our results indicate that PEA, acting on GPR55, enhances GABA transmission in the striatum, and triggers a parallel synthesis of 2-AG at the postsynaptic site, that in turn acts in a retrograde manner to inhibit GABA release through the stimulation of presynaptic CB1Rs. This electrophysiological study identifies a previously unrecognized function of PEA and of GPR55, demonstrating that GABAergic transmission is under the control of this compound and revealing that PEA modulates the release of the endocannabinoid 2-AG.
Electrospun crosslinked poly-cyclodextrin nanofibers: Highly efficient molecular filtration thru host-guest inclusion complexation
Authors: Celebioglu Asli , Yildiz Zehra Irem , Uyar Tamer
Published: July 2017

Water pollution is a serious concern for public health and environment in today’s world; hence, there exists a strong demand to develop cost-effective, sustainable and eco-friendly membranes. Here, we produce a highly efficient molecular filter membrane based on bio-renewable material; cyclic oligosaccaharides known as cyclodextrins (CD). Crosslinked insoluble poly-CD nanofibers are produced by using electrospinning technique in the absence of any additional polymeric carrier. Poly-CD nanofibrous membrane exhibit significant affinity to a common class of organic pollutant (i.e. methylene blue (MB)). Remarkably, the electrospun poly-CD nanofibrous web can outdistance the commonly used filter material (i.e. activated carbon) in terms of removal capacity. The flexible and free-standing poly-CD nanofibrous membrane depicted outstanding filtration performance. We estimate of above 90% removal efficiency for highly concentrated solutions of MB pollutant (40 mg/L) under extremely high flux (3840 Lm−2h−1). Essentially, these poly-CD nanofibrous webs demonstrate quite rapid uptake of MB from liquid environment. Overall, bio-based flexible electrospun poly-CD nanofibrous membrane represents a highly efficient molecular filter for wastewater treatment.
Ex-Vivo Force Spectroscopy of Intestinal Mucosa Reveals the Mechanical Properties of Mucus Blankets
Authors: Sotres Javier , Jankovskaja Skaidre , Wannerberger Kristin , Arnebrant Thomas
Published: July 2017

Mucus is the viscous gel that protects mucosal surfaces. It also plays a crucial role in several diseases as well as in mucosal drug delivery. Because of technical limitations, mucus properties have mainly been addressed by in-vitro studies. However, this approach can lead to artifacts as mucus collection can alter its structure. Here we show that by using an implemented atomic force microscope it is possible to measure the interactions between micro-particles and mucus blankets ex-vivo i.e., on fresh excised mucus-covered tissues. By applying this method to study the small intestine, we were able to quantify the stiffness and adhesiveness of its mucus blanket at different pH values. We also demonstrate the ability of mucus blankets to bind and attract particles hundreds of µm away from their surface, and to trap and bury them even if their size is as big as 15 µm.
Quantitative proteomics screen identifies a substrate repertoire of rhomboid protease RHBDL2 in human cells and implicates it in epithelial homeostasis
Authors: Johnson Nicholas , Březinová Jana , Stephens Elaine , Burbridge Emma , Freeman Matthew , Adrain Colin , Strisovsky Kvido
Published: July 2017

Rhomboids are intramembrane serine proteases conserved in all kingdoms of life. They regulate epidermal growth factor receptor signalling in Drosophila by releasing signalling ligands from their transmembrane tethers. Their functions in mammals are poorly understood, in part because of the lack of endogenous substrates identified thus far. We used a quantitative proteomics approach to investigate the substrate repertoire of rhomboid protease RHBDL2 in human cells. We reveal a range of novel substrates that are specifically cleaved by RHBDL2, including the interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R), cell surface protease inhibitor Spint-1, the collagen receptor tyrosine kinase DDR1, N-Cadherin, CLCP1/DCBLD2, KIRREL, BCAM and others. We further demonstrate that these substrates can be shed by endogenously expressed RHBDL2 and that a subset of them is resistant to shedding by cell surface metalloproteases. The expression profiles and identity of the substrates implicate RHBDL2 in physiological or pathological processes affecting epithelial homeostasis.
Endothelial dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus – a case-control study and an updated meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Mak Anselm , Kow Nien Yee , Schwarz Herbert , Gong Lingli , Tay Sen Hee , Ling Lieng Hsi
Published: July 2017

Endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (ED-FMD), a biophysical marker of endothelial dysfunction, is apparently impaired in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but such observation is inconsistent. Here, we assessed and compared the brachial artery ED-FMD (baED-FMD) using ultrasonography between SLE patients without cardiovascular disease and healthy controls (HC) matched for age, gender and body mass index. We then performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of case-control studies which compared baED-FMD between SLE patients and HC by determining the effect size of baED-FMD as standardized mean difference (SMD). Factors associated with the effect size were explored by mixed-model meta-regression. Seventy one SLE patients and 71 HC were studied. SLE patients had lower baED-FMD than HC (3.72 ± 2.8% vs 4.63 ± 3.1%, p = 0.032). Meta-analysis of 25 case-control studies involving 1,313 SLE patients and 1,012 HC with the random effects model revealed lower baED-FMD in SLE patients compared to HC (SMD −1.077, p < 0.001). The presence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.04747), higher diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.044), renal involvement (p = 0.027) and aspirin use (p = 0.001) were associated with more discrepant baED-FMD between both groups. In conclusion, SLE patients naïve of cardiovascular disease have impaired endothelial function. Diabetes mellitus, renal disease and diastolic hypertension are major contributors of endothelial dysfunction in SLE patients.
Ising-type Magnetic Anisotropy in CePd2As2
Authors: Ajeesh M. O. , Shang T. , Jiang W. B. , Xie W. , dos Reis R. D. , Smidman M. , Geibel C. , Yuan H. Q. , Nicklas M.
Published: July 2017

We investigated the anisotropic magnetic properties of CePd2As2 by magnetic, thermal and electrical transport studies. X-ray diffraction confirmed the tetragonal ThCr2Si2-type structure and the high-quality of the single crystals. Magnetisation and magnetic susceptibility data taken along the different crystallographic directions evidence a huge crystalline electric field (CEF) induced Ising-type magneto-crystalline anisotropy with a large c-axis moment and a small in-plane moment at low temperature. A detailed CEF analysis based on the magnetic susceptibility data indicates an almost pure |±5/2〉 CEF ground-state doublet with the dominantly |±3/2〉 and the |±1/2〉 doublets at 290 K and 330 K, respectively. At low temperature, we observe a uniaxial antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition at T
N
 = 14.7 K with the crystallographic c-direction being the magnetic easy-axis. The magnetic entropy gain up to T
N
reaches almost R ln 2 indicating localised 4 f-electron magnetism without significant Kondo-type interactions. Below T
N
, the application of a magnetic field along the c-axis induces a metamagnetic transition from the AFM to a field-polarised phase at μ0H
c0 = 0.95 T, exhibiting a text-book example of a spin-flip transition as anticipated for an Ising-type AFM.
Excessive alcohol consumption induces methane production in humans and rats
Authors: Tuboly E. , Molnár R. , Tőkés T. , Turányi R. N. , Hartmann P. , Mészáros A. T. , Strifler G. , Földesi I. , Siska A. , Szabó A. , Mohácsi Á. , Szabó G. , Boros M.
Published: July 2017

Various studies have established the possibility of non-bacterial methane (CH4) generation in oxido-reductive stress conditions in plants and animals. Increased ethanol input is leading to oxido-reductive imbalance in eukaryotes, thus our aim was to provide evidence for the possibility of ethanol-induced methanogenesis in non-CH4 producer humans, and to corroborate the in vivo relevance of this pathway in rodents. Healthy volunteers consumed 1.15 g/kg/day alcohol for 4 days and the amount of exhaled CH4 was recorded by high sensitivity photoacoustic spectroscopy. Additionally, Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into control, 1.15 g/kg/day and 2.7 g/kg/day ethanol-consuming groups to detect the whole-body CH4 emissions and mitochondrial functions in liver and hippocampus samples with high-resolution respirometry. Mitochondria-targeted L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC) can increase tolerance to liver injury, thus the effects of GPC supplementations were tested in further ethanol-fed groups. Alcohol consumption was accompanied by significant CH4 emissions in both human and rat series of experiments. 2.7 g/kg/day ethanol feeding reduced the oxidative phosphorylation capacity of rat liver mitochondria, while GPC significantly decreased the alcohol-induced CH4 formation and hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction as well. These data demonstrate a potential for ethanol to influence human methanogenesis, and suggest a biomarker role for exhaled CH4 in association with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Direct Studies on the Lithium-Storage Mechanism of Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Su Qingmei , Wang Shixin , Feng Miao , Du Gaohui , Xu Bingshe
Published: July 2017

Transition metal sulfides are regarded as a type of high-performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, their electrochemical process and lithium-storage mechanism are complicated and remain controversial. This work is intended to give the direct observation on the electrochemical behavior and find out the lithium-storage mechanism of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We find that single-crystalline MoS2 nanosheets convert to Mo nanograins (~2 nm) embedded in Li2S matrix after the first full lithiation. After the delithiation, the Mo nanograins and Li2S transform to a large number of lamellar MoS2 nanocrystals. The discharge-charge cycling of MoS2 in LIBs is found to be a fully reversible conversion between MoS2 and Mo/Li2S rather than the electrochemical conversion between S and Li2S proposed by many researchers. The in situ real-time characterization results give direct evidence and profound insights into the lithium-storage mechanism of MoS2 as anode in LIBs.
A critical courier role of volatile oils from Dalbergia odorifera for cardiac protection in vivo by QiShenYiQi
Authors: Yu Jiahui , Zhang Wen , Zhang Yiqian , Wang Yadong , Zhang Boli , Fan Guanwei , Zhu Yan
Published: July 2017

Component-based Chinese medicine (CCM) is derived from traditional Chinese medicine but produced with modern pharmaceutical standard and clearer clinical indications. However, it still faces challenges of defining individual component contribution in the complex formula. Using QiShenYiQi (QSYQ) as a model CCM, we investigated the role of Dalbergia odorifera (DO), an herbal component, in preventing myocardial damage. We showed thatin vitro, QSYQ exerted considerable protective activities on cardiomyocytes from H2O2-induced mitochondrial dysfunction with or without DO. However, in isolated rat hearts, myocardial protection by QSYQ was significantly weakened without DO. In everted gut sac model, DO significantly enhanced absorption of the major QSYQ ingredients in different regions of rat intestine. Finally, inin vivomouse model of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced myocardial damage, only QSYQ, but not QiShenYiQi without DO (QSYQ-DO), exerted a full protection. Taken together, our results showed that instead of directly contributing to the myocardial protection, Dalbergia odorifera facilitates the major active ingredients absorption and increases their efficacy, eventually enhancing thein vivopotency of QSYQ. These findings may shed new lights on our understanding of the prescription compatibility theory, as well as the impacts of “courier herbs” in component-based Chinese medicine.
Colony stimulating factor-1 in saliva in relation to age, smoking, and oral and systemic diseases
Authors: Lira-Junior Ronaldo , Åkerman Sigvard , Gustafsson Anders , Klinge Björn , Boström Elisabeth A.
Published: July 2017

Colony stimulating factor (CSF)-1 is a growth factor that stimulates the survival, proliferation and differentiation of mononuclear phagocytes, which has been implicated in several inflammatory diseases. This study evaluated the possible influence of age, sex, smoking, periodontitis, caries, and several systemic conditions on salivary levels of CSF-1. Four-hundred and forty-one individuals were enrolled in this study. All participants answered a health questionnaire and underwent a comprehensive oral examination. Stimulated saliva was collected and CSF-1 levels were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Salivary levels of CSF-1 were significantly increased in participants over 64 years old and in non-smoking individuals, whereas no difference was observed between men and women. Individuals having periodontitis and manifest caries had significantly higher levels of CSF-1. Participants with muscle and joint disease exhibited increased CSF-1 levels as compared to those without. Age, smoking, percentage of pockets ≥4 mm, number of manifest caries lesions, and presence of tumor were associated with CSF-1 levels. Salivary levels of CSF-1 are associated with age, smoking, periodontitis, manifest caries, and the presence of muscle and joint diseases and tumors. CSF-1 might be a promising biomarker candidate in saliva of both local and systemic conditions that needs further investigation.
Role of Resonance Modes on Terahertz Metamaterials based Thin Film Sensors
Authors: Islam Maidul , Rao S. Jagan Mohan , Kumar Gagan , Pal Bishnu P. , Roy Chowdhury Dibakar
Published: July 2017

We investigate thin film sensing capabilities of a terahertz (THz) metamaterial, which comprises of an array of single split gap ring resonators (SRRs). The top surface of the proposed metamaterial is covered with a thin layer of analyte in order to examine various sensing parameters. The sensitivity and corresponding figure of merit (FoM) of the odd and even resonant modes are analyzed with respect to different thicknesses of the coated analyte film. The sensing parameters of different resonance modes are elaborated and explained with appropriate physical explanations. We have also employed a semi-analytical transmission line model in order to validate our numerically simulated observations. Such study should be very useful for the development of metamaterials based sensing devices, bio-sensors etc in near future.
SH3GLB2/endophilin B2 regulates lung homeostasis and recovery from severe influenza A virus infection
Authors: Fino Kristin K. , Yang Linlin , Silveyra Patricia , Hu Sanmei , Umstead Todd M. , DiAngelo Susan , Halstead E. Scott , Cooper Timothy K. , Abraham Thomas , Takahashi Yoshinori , Zhou Zhixiang , Wang Hong Gang , Chroneos Zissis C.
Published: July 2017

New influenza A viruses that emerge frequently elicit composite inflammatory responses to both infection and structural damage of alveolar-capillary barrier cells that hinders regeneration of respiratory function. The host factors that relinquish restoration of lung health to enduring lung injury are insufficiently understood. Here, we investigated the role of endophilin B2 (B2) in susceptibility to severe influenza infection. WT and B2-deficient mice were infected with H1N1 PR8 by intranasal administration and course of influenza pneumonia, inflammatory, and tissue responses were monitored over time. Disruption of B2 enhanced recovery from severe influenza infection as indicated by swift body weight recovery and significantly better survival of endophilin B2-deficient mice compared to WT mice. Compared to WT mice, the B2-deficient lungs exhibited induction of genes that express surfactant proteins, ABCA3, GM-CSF, podoplanin, and caveolin mRNA after 7 days, temporal induction of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein CEBPα, β, and δ mRNAs 3–14 days after infection, and differences in alveolar extracellular matrix integrity and respiratory mechanics. Flow cytometry and gene expression studies demonstrated robust recovery of alveolar macrophages and recruitment of CD4+ lymphocytes in B2-deficient lungs. Targeting of endophilin B2 alleviates adverse effects of IAV infection on respiratory and immune cells enabling restoration of alveolar homeostasis.
Dysfunctional high-density lipoproteins have distinct composition, diminished anti-inflammatory potential and discriminate acute coronary syndrome from stable coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Carnuta Mihaela G. , Stancu Camelia S. , Toma Laura , Sanda Gabriela M. , Niculescu Loredan S. , Deleanu Mariana , Popescu Andreea C. , Popescu Mihaela R. , Vlad Adelina , Dimulescu Doina R. , Simionescu Maya , Sima Anca V.
Published: July 2017

There is a stringent need to find means for risk stratification of coronary artery diseases (CAD) patients. We aimed at identifying alterations of plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDL) components and their validation as dysfunctional HDL that could discriminate between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stable angina (SA) patients. HDL2 and HDL3 were isolated from CAD patients’ plasma and healthy subjects. ApolipoproteinAI (apoAI), apoAII, apoCIII, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), ceruloplasmin and paraoxonase1 (PON1) were assessed. The anti-inflammatory potential of HDL subfractions was tested by evaluating the secreted inflammatory molecules of tumor necrosis factor α-activated endothelial cells (EC) upon co-incubation with HDL2 or HDL3. We found in ACS versus SA patients: 40% increased MPO, MDA, apoCIII in HDL2 and HDL3, 35% augmented apoAII in HDL2, and in HDL3 increased ceruloplasmin, decreased apoAII (40%) and PON1 protein and activity (15% and 25%). Co-incubation of activated EC with HDL2 or HDL3 from CAD patients induced significantly increased levels of secreted inflammatory molecules, 15–20% more for ACS versus SA. In conclusion, the assessed panel of markers correlates with the reduced anti-inflammatory potential of HDL subfractions isolated from ACS and SA patients (mostly for HDL3 from ACS) and can discriminate between these two groups of CAD patients.
Complex refractive index spectra of whole blood and aqueous solutions of anticoagulants, analgesics and buffers in the mid-infrared
Authors: Rowe David J. , Smith David , Wilkinson James S.
Published: July 2017

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for characterising the vibrations of molecular bonds and is therefore ideal for label-free detection of chemical species. Recent research into thin-film deposition and etching techniques for mid-infrared materials shows potential for realising miniaturised bedside biosensors for clinical diagnostics exploiting MIR spectroscopy, to replace laboratory based-techniques. However, lack of refractive index information for commonly encountered biological media and analytes hampers optimisation of biosensor performance for maximum sensitivity, especially for devices exploiting evanescent spectroscopy. Here we present refractive index data for human whole blood and several aqueous solutions of general interest to the clinical community: anticoagulants, analgesics and buffers. The refractive indices are generally dominated by the water content of each sample and the whole blood spectra exhibit additional strong features due to protein content. Furthermore, we present a generalised method for extracting complex refractive indices of aqueous solutions in the mid-infrared region using conventional attenuated total reflection Fourier transform spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) without the need for collimated or polarised incident light, as is required for existing methods.
Age-dependent motor dysfunction due to neuron-specific disruption of stress-activated protein kinase MKK7
Authors: Yamasaki Tokiwa , Deki-Arima Norie , Kaneko Asahito , Miyamura Norio , Iwatsuki Mamiko , Matsuoka Masato , Fujimori-Tonou Noriko , Okamoto-Uchida Yoshimi , Hirayama Jun , Marth Jamey D. , Yamanashi Yuji , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Yamanaka Koji , Penninger Josef M. , Shibata Shigenobu , Nishina Hiroshi
Published: July 2017

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family and controls various physiological processes including apoptosis. A specific upstream activator of JNKs is the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7). It has been reported that MKK7-JNK signaling plays an important regulatory role in neural development, however, post-developmental functions in the nervous system have not been elucidated. In this study, we generated neuron-specific Mkk7 knockout mice (MKK7 cKO), which impaired constitutive activation of JNK in the nervous system. MKK7 cKO mice displayed impaired circadian behavioral rhythms and decreased locomotor activity. MKK7 cKO mice at 8 months showed motor dysfunctions such as weakness of hind-limb and gait abnormality in an age-dependent manner. Axonal degeneration in the spinal cord and muscle atrophy were also observed, along with accumulation of the axonal transport proteins JNK-interacting protein 1 and amyloid beta precursor protein in the brains and spinal cords of MKK7 cKO mice. Thus, the MKK7-JNK signaling pathway plays important roles in regulating circadian rhythms and neuronal maintenance in the adult nervous system.
The Effects of GLCM parameters on LAI estimation using texture values from Quickbird Satellite Imagery
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Yan Guo Rui , Sun Mengtian , Di Tajiguli Tu , Wang Shan , Zhai Jiangyuan , Zhao Zhong
Published: July 2017

When the leaf area index (LAI) of a forest reaches 3, the problem of spectrum saturation becomes the main limitation to improving the accuracy of the LAI estimate. A sensitivity analysis of the Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) parameters which can be applied to satellite image processing and analysis showed that the most important parameters included orientation, displacement and moving window size. We calculated the values of Angular Second Moment (ASM), Entropy (ENT), Correlation (COR), Contrast (CON), Dissimilarity (DIS) and Homogeneity (HOM) from Quickbird panchromatic imagery using a GLCM method. Four orientations, seven displacements and seven window sizes were considered. An orientation of 90° was best for estimating the LAI of black locust forest, regardless of moving window size, displacement and texture parameters. Displacements of 3 pixels appeared to be best. The orientation and window size had only a little influence on these settings. The highest adjusted r2 values were obtained using a 3 × 3 moving window size for ASM and ENT. The tendency of CON, COR, DIS and HOM to vary with window size was significantly affected by orientation. This study can help with parameter selection when texture features from high resolution imagery are used to estimate broad-leaved forest structure information.
A colorimetric assay for Hg2+ detection based on Hg2+-induced hybridization chain reactions
Authors: Wang Li-Juan , Jia Li-Ping , Ma Rong-Na , Jia Wen-Li , Wang Huai-Sheng
Published: July 2017

A simple colorimetric sensing method for the detection of Hg2+ was developed by combining enzymatic catalysis with DNA-based hybridization chain reactions (HCRs).
Defective ATP breakdown activity related to an ENTPD1 gene mutation demonstrated using31P NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Nardi-Schreiber Atara , Sapir Gal , Gamliel Ayelet , Kakhlon Or , Sosna Jacob , Gomori J. Moshe , Meiner Vardiella , Lossos Alexander , Katz-Brull Rachel
Published: July 2017

Quantification of the ENTPDase activity of human mononuclear cells by31P NMR spectroscopy and the effect of a stop-codon mutation in theENTPD1gene.
Formation of titanium dioxide core–shell microcapsules through a binary-phase spray technique
Authors: Bergek Jonatan , Elgh Björn , Palmqvist Anders E. C. , Nordstierna Lars
Published: July 2017

Fast and single-step formation of metal oxide core–shell particles with a loading of 50 wt% active substance.
The influence of topological phase transition on the superfluid density of overdoped copper oxides
Authors: Shaginyan V. R. , Stephanovich V. A. , Msezane A. Z. , Japaridze G. S. , Popov K. G.
Published: July 2017

We show that a quantum phase transition, generating flat bands and altering Fermi surface topology, is a primary reason for the exotic behavior of the overdoped high-temperature superconductors represented by La2−xSrxCuO4, whose superconductivity features differ from what is predicted by the classical Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer theory.
A simplified ab initio treatment of diradicaloid structures produced from stretching and breaking chemical bonds
Authors: Sinha Ray Suvonil , Ghosh Anirban , Shit Anindita , Chaudhuri Rajat K. , Chattopadhyay Sudip
Published: July 2017

With a proper choice of active spaces, the single root perturbation theory employing improved virtual orbitals can flawlessly describe the ground, excited, ionized, and dissociated states having varying degrees of degeneracy at the expense of low computational cost.
Geobacter sulfurreducenspili support ohmic electronic conduction in aqueous solution
Authors: Ing Nicole L. , Nusca Tyler D. , Hochbaum Allon I.
Published: July 2017

Solid-state and electrochemical observations of ohmic conductivity in purifiedGeobacter sulfurreducenspili.
Multi-dimensional micro-/nano-reactor spheres for sustainable water treatment
Authors: Ang Jeremy Koon Keong , Juay Jermyn , Kok Yong Hao , Bai Hongwei , Sun Darren D.
Published: July 2017

Micro-/nano-reactor spheres assembled through green synthesis featuring multi-shell hollow, hierarchical, carbonaceous CuO/CuTi3O8/TiO2 for clean water production.
Polystyrene supported palladium nanoparticles catalyzed cinnamic acid synthesis using maleic anhydride as a substitute for acrylic acid
Authors: Thakur Vandna , Kumar Sandeep , Das Pralay
Published: July 2017

Maleic anhydride as a substitute for acrylic acid for cinnamic acid synthesis was explored elaborating the combined role of the support and the catalyst.
In situ chemical transformation synthesis of Bi4Ti3O12/I–BiOCl 2D/2D heterojunction systems for water pollution treatment and hydrogen production
Authors: Qian Kun , Xia Li , Jiang Zhifeng , Wei Wei , Chen Linlin , Xie Jimin
Published: July 2017

Enhancing visible light response and inhibiting the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers are vital for Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets to achieve high activity in the fields of hydrogen generation and water pollutant treatment.
Protective effects of theasinensin A against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Hung Wei-Lun , Yang Guliang , Wang Yu-Chuan , Chiou Yi-Shiou , Tung Yen-Chen , Yang Meei-Ju , Wang Bi-Ni , Ho Chi-Tang , Wang Yu , Pan Min-Hsiung
Published: July 2017

TSA markedly reduced the CCl4-induced liver injury in mice.
The protective effect of acerola (Malpighia emarginata) against oxidative damage in human dermal fibroblasts through the improvement of antioxidant enzyme activity and mitochondrial functionality
Authors: Alvarez-Suarez José M. , Giampieri Francesca , Gasparrini Massimiliano , Mazzoni Luca , Santos-Buelga Celestino , González-Paramás Ana M. , Forbes-Hernández Tamara Y. , Afrin Sadia , Páez-Watson Timothy , Quiles José L. , Battino Maurizio
Published: July 2017

Acerola fruits are shown as an important natural source of bioactive compounds with beneficial properties for health.
Novel lead compounds in pre-clinical development against African sleeping sickness
Authors: Berninger Michael , Schmidt Ines , Ponte-Sucre Alicia , Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: July 2017

This article reviews the recent progress in drug development against the African sleeping sickness.
Synthesis of fluorescein by a ship-in-a-bottle method in different zeolites
Authors: Łukarska M. , Jankowska A. , Gapiński J. , Valable S. , Anfray C. , Ménard B. , Mintova S. , Kowalak S.
Published: July 2017

Composites consisting of fluorescein (F) entrapped inside various zeolite structures (i.e. FAU, LTL, MFI, and LTA) were prepared by catalytic synthesis of the dye from its precursors (phthalic anhydride and resorcinol) adsorbed in the zeolites.
Cytochromes P450 for natural product biosynthesis in Streptomyces: sequence, structure, and function
Authors: Rudolf Jeffrey D. , Chang Chin-Yuan , Ma Ming , Shen Ben
Published: July 2017

This review catalogues functionally characterized P450s fromStreptomycesand discusses their sequences, structures, and functions in natural products biosynthesis.
Versatile NiO/mesoporous carbon nanodisks: controlled synthesis from hexagon shaped heterobimetallic metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Zeng Dehong , Yang Ying , Yang Feng , Guo Fangmin , Yang Senjie , Liu Baijun , Hao Shijie , Ren Yang
Published: July 2017

Facile fabrication of versatile NiO/mesoporous carbon nanodisks was realized by conversion of hexagon shaped controllably synthesized metal–organic frameworks.
Ultrathin TiO2-B nanowires as an anode material for Mg-ion batteries based on a surface Mg storage mechanism
Authors: Meng Yuan , Wang Dashuai , Zhao Yingying , Lian Ruqian , Wei Yingjin , Bian Xiaofei , Gao Yu , Du Fei , Liu Bingbing , Chen Gang
Published: July 2017

Ultrathin TiO2-B nanowires with a naked (−110) surface were prepared by a hydrothermal process and used as the anode material for Mg-ion batteries.
Co9S8 nanoparticles anchored on nitrogen and sulfur dual-doped carbon nanosheets as highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution and reduction reactions
Authors: Wu Can , Zhang Yuhang , Dong Duo , Xie Haiming , Li Jinghong
Published: July 2017

Co9S8/N,S–C nanosheets were prepared using an NaCl-templated strategy, and exhibited excellent OER and ORR catalytic performance.
Computational analysis revealing that K634 and T681 mutations modulate the 3D-structure of PDGFR-β and lead to sunitinib resistance
Authors: Nemaysh Vishal , Luthra Pratibha Mehta
Published: July 2017

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFR-β) is expressed by endothelial cells (ECs) of tumor-associated blood vessels and regulates primarily early hematopoiesis.
Broadband quarter-wave plate based on dielectric-embedded plasmonic metasurface
Authors: Owiti Edgar O. , Yang Hanning , Ominde Calvine F. , Sun Xiudong
Published: July 2017

High efficiency and broadband quarter-wave plate with enhanced degree of birefringence tunability on an ultrathin dielectric-embedded plasmonic metasurface.
Lipase-mediated synthesis of sugar–PEG-based amphiphiles for encapsulation and stabilization of indocyanine green
Authors: Khatri Vinod , Bhatia Sumati , Achazi Katharina , Deep Satyanarayan , Kohli Ekta , Sharma Sunil K. , Haag Rainer , Prasad Ashok K.
Published: July 2017

Bio-catalytically synthesized sugar–PEG-based copolymers form stable micelles in an aqueous medium. These micelles from amphiphilic copolymer are able to efficiently solubilize and stabilize indocyanine green dye (ICG) under physiological conditions.
Phase tuned synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles for room temperature enhanced ammonia detection
Authors: Mohamed Sali Sameeha , Joy Soumya , Meenakshisundaram N. , Karn Rakesh Kumar , Gopalakrishnan C. , Karthick P. , Jeyadheepan K. , Sankaranarayanan Kamatchi
Published: July 2017

Ionic liquid induced phase tuned TiO2nanoparticles for ammonia gas sensing.
Hormesis of some organic solvents on Vibrio qinghaiensis sp.-Q67 from first binding to the β subunit of luciferase
Authors: Zheng Qiao-Feng , Yu Mo , Liu Shu-Shen , Chen Fu
Published: July 2017

Hormesis is a biphasic concentration–response relationship. During the luminescence inhibition test ofVibrio qinghaiensissp.-Q67 (Q67), some organic solvents display the hormesis phenomenon.
Water soluble Ru(ii)–arene complexes of the antidiabetic drug metformin: DNA and protein binding, molecular docking, cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing activity
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Durairaj , Ganeshpandian Mani , Loganathan Rangasamy , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P. , Sabina Xavier Janet , Karthikeyan J.
Published: July 2017

The incorporation of antidiabetic drug metformin with organometallic Ru(arene) pharmacophore is a promising approach to develop new anticancer agents.
Systematic tuning of segmented magnetic nanowires into three-dimensional arrays of ‘bits’
Authors: Bochmann S. , Fernandez-Pacheco A. , Mačković M. , Neff A. , Siefermann K. R. , Spiecker E. , Cowburn R. P. , Bachmann J.
Published: July 2017

A method is presented for the preparation of a three-dimensional magnetic data storage material system.
Mechanism and performance of lithium–oxygen batteries – a perspective
Authors: Mahne Nika , Fontaine Olivier , Thotiyl Musthafa Ottakam , Wilkening Martin , Freunberger Stefan A.
Published: July 2017

Rechargeable Li–O2 batteries have amongst the highest formal energy and could store significantly more energy than other rechargeable batteries in practice if at least a large part of their promise could be realized.
Intra-molecular origin of the spin-phonon coupling in slow-relaxing molecular magnets
Authors: Lunghi Alessandro , Totti Federico , Sanvito Stefano , Sessoli Roberta
Published: July 2017

The design of slow relaxing magnetic molecules requires the optimization of internal molecular vibrations to reduce spin-phonon coupling.
Capillary uptake in macroporous compressible sponges
Authors: Chatterjee Soumyajyoti , Doshi Pankaj , Kumaraswamy Guruswamy
Published: July 2017

The capillarity-driven uptake of liquid in swellable, highly porous sponges is systematically investigated.
Stable & re-dispersible polyacryloyl hydrazide–Ag nanocomposite Pickering emulsions
Authors: Narukulla Ramesh , Ojha Umaprasana , Sharma Tushar
Published: July 2017

Freeze drying and re-dispersibility of oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions is important from the perspective of storage, transportation and usability.
Efficient coupling of a hierarchical V2O5@Ni3S2hybrid nanoarray for pseudocapacitors and hydrogen production
Authors: Zhong Xiongwei , Zhang Linfei , Tang Jun , Chai Jianwei , Xu Jincheng , Cao Lujie , Yang Mingyang , Yang Ming , Kong Weiguang , Wang Shijie , Cheng Hua , Lu Zhouguang , Cheng Chun , Xu Baomin , Pan Hui
Published: July 2017

A robust and highly active nanomaterial for pseudocapacitors and hydrogen production by growing vanadium pentoxide on the surface of nickel sulfide.
Removing structural water from sodium titanate anodes towards barrier-free ion diffusion for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Qing , Zhang Tianqi , Wei Yaqing , Zhai Tianyou , Li Huiqiao
Published: July 2017

The dehydrated sample exhibits a better rate capability and enhanced cycling performance, suggesting that the existence of layered water in sodium titanate is unfavourable for the sodium ion diffusion in TiO6 octahedral layers.
Bio-inspired bioactive glasses for efficient microRNA and drug delivery
Authors: Li Xian , Liang Qiming , Zhang Wen , Li Yuli , Ye Jiandong , Zhao Fujian , Chen Xiaofeng , Wang Shiren
Published: July 2017

Inspired by nature's pinecone structure, we innovatively designed and synthesized pinecone-like bioactive glasses for the delivery of microRNAs and drugs. The particles showed a large specific surface area, unique porous structure, and efficient delivery of microRNAs and doxorubicin.
Palladium-Catalyzed Regio- and Stereoselective Hydrosulfonation of Propiolate Esters
Authors: Chuang Shih-Ching , Raju Selvam , Annamalai Pratheepkumar , Chan Fu-Wei , Tseng Po-Yen , Chen Po-Yen , Kuo Ting-Shen
Published: July 2017

An efficient palladium-catalyzed addition reaction of alkyl- and arylsulfonic acids to propiolate esters to yield alkenyl sulfonates is demonstrated. The formation of alkenyl sulfonates is highly regio- and stereoselective with favorable yields of up to 95%, and two of the alkenyl sulfonates are utilized for a Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction to produce (Z)-1,3-enynoates.
Treating Dyslipidemia for the Primary and Secondary Prevention of Stroke
Authors: Barkas Fotios , Milionis Haralampos
Published: July 2017

Stroke is associated with a heavy burden of mortality and disability, underscoring the importance of effective primary and secondary prevention measures. Dyslipidemia as a risk factor for ischemic stroke has long been disputed. Nevertheless, accumulating epidemiological evidence supports a role of lipid abnormalities in increasing ischemic stroke risk and representing a potential target for therapeutic interventions. 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl- (HMG-) CoA reductase inhibitors (i.e., statins) are currently the mainstay of therapy for the management of hypercholesterolemia in patients with cardiovascular disease and stroke. Although their beneficial effects on stroke risk have been attributed chiefly to their lipid-lowering capacity, they also have pleiotropic effects. Other lipid lowering modalities have been shown to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in individuals at high cardiovascular risk, but data regarding their use in secondary stroke prevention are lacking.
Large Artery Atherosclerosis: Extracranial and Intracranial
Authors: Banerjee Chirantan , Turan Tanya
Published: July 2017

Large vessel atherosclerotic disease (affecting both intracranial and extracranial arteries) is a highly prevalent cause of stroke. In this review, the authors describe the epidemiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and therapeutic aspects of large-vessel atherosclerotic disease. Endarterectomy and stenting have proven to be effective methods for carotid artery revascularization and stroke prevention, although some of the clinical trials demonstrating this benefit predated the advances in modern medical therapy. Randomized clinical trials comparing aggressive management with surgical and endovascular stenting plus aggressive medical management have shown medical management alone to be safer and more effective for preventing stroke in intracranial and vertebrobasilar stenosis.