bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Antiviral Effects of Na,K-ATPase Inhibition: A Minireview
Authors: Amarelle Luciano , Lecuona Emilia
Published: July 2018

Since being first described more than 60 years ago, Na,K-ATPase has been extensively studied, while novel concepts about its structure, physiology, and biological roles continue to be elucidated. Cardiac glycosides not only inhibit the pump function of Na,K-ATPase but also activate intracellular signal transduction pathways, which are important in many biological processes. Recently, antiviral effects have been described as a novel feature of Na,K-ATPase inhibition with the use of cardiac glycosides. Cardiac glycosides have been reported to be effective against both DNA viruses such as cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex and RNA viruses such as influenza, chikungunya, coronavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus, among others. Consequently, cardiac glycosides have emerged as potential broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, with the great advantage of targeting cell host proteins, which help to minimize resistance to antiviral treatments, making them a very promising strategy against human viral infections. Here, we review the effect of cardiac glycosides on viral biology and the mechanisms by which these drugs impair the replication of this array of different viruses.
Interleukin-1 Beta—A Friend or Foe in Malignancies?
Authors: Bent Rebekka , Moll Lorna , Grabbe Stephan , Bros Matthias
Published: July 2018

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is induced by inflammatory signals in a broad number of immune cell types. IL-1β (and IL-18) are the only cytokines which are processed by caspase-1 after inflammasome-mediated activation. This review aims to summarize current knowledge about parameters of regulation of IL-1β expression and its multi-facetted role in pathophysiological conditions. IL-1 signaling activates innate immune cells including antigen presenting cells, and drives polarization of CD4+ T cells towards T helper type (Th) 1 and Th17 cells. Therefore, IL-1β has been attributed a largely beneficial role in resolving acute inflammations, and by initiating adaptive anti-tumor responses. However, IL-1β generated in the course of chronic inflammation supports tumor development. Furthermore, IL-1β generated within the tumor microenvironment predominantly by tumor-infiltrating macrophages promotes tumor growth and metastasis via different mechanisms. These include the expression of IL-1 targets which promote neoangiogenesis and of soluble mediators in cancer-associated fibroblasts that evoke antiapoptotic signaling in tumor cells. Moreover, IL-1 promotes the propagation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Using genetic mouse models as well as agents for pharmacological inhibition of IL-1 signaling therapeutically applied for treatment of IL-1 associated autoimmune diseases indicate that IL-1β is a driver of tumor induction and development.
WB1, a Regulator of Endosperm Development in Rice, Is Identified by a Modified MutMap Method
Authors: Wang Hong , Zhang Yingxin , Sun Lianping , Xu Peng , Tu Ranran , Meng Shuai , Wu Weixun , Anis Galal Bakr , Hussain Kashif , Riaz Aamiar , Chen Daibo , Cao Liyong , Cheng Shihua , Shen Xihong
Published: July 2018

Abnormally developed endosperm strongly affects rice (Oryza sativa) appearance quality and grain weight. Endosperm formation is a complex process, and although many enzymes and related regulators have been identified, many other related factors remain largely unknown. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a recessive mutation of White Belly 1 (WB1), which regulates rice endosperm development, using a modified MutMap method in the rice mutant wb1. The wb1 mutant develops a white-belly endosperm and abnormal starch granules in the inner portion of white grains. Representative of the white-belly phenotype, grains of wb1 showed a higher grain chalkiness rate and degree and a lower 1000-grain weight (decreased by ~34%), in comparison with that of Wild Type (WT). The contents of amylose and amylopectin in wb1 significantly decreased, and its physical properties were also altered. We adopted the modified MutMap method to identify 2.52 Mb candidate regions with a high specificity, where we detected 275 SNPs in chromosome 4. Finally, we identified 19 SNPs at 12 candidate genes. Transcript levels analysis of all candidate genes showed that WB1 (Os04t0413500), encoding a cell-wall invertase, was the most probable cause of white-belly endosperm phenotype. Switching off WB1 with the CRISPR/cas9 system in Japonica cv. Nipponbare demonstrates that WB1 regulates endosperm development and that different mutations of WB1 disrupt its biological function. All of these results taken together suggest that the wb1 mutant is controlled by the mutation of WB1, and that the modified MutMap method is feasible to identify mutant genes, and could promote genetic improvement in rice.
Can Selenium and Molybdenum Restrain Cadmium Toxicity to Pollen Grains in Brassica napus?
Authors: Ismael Marwa A. , Elyamine Ali Mohamed , Zhao Yuan Yuan , Moussa Mohamed G. , Rana Muhammad Shoaib , Afzal Javaria , Imran Muhammad , Zhao Xiao Hu , Hu Cheng Xiao
Published: July 2018

Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic, even at very low concentrations, to both animals and plants. Pollen is extremely sensitive to heavy metal pollutants; however, less attention has been paid to the protection of this vital part under heavy metal stress. A pot experiment was designed to investigate the effect of foliar application of Se (1 mg/L) and Mo (0.3 mg/L) either alone or in combination on their absorption, translocation, and their impact on Cd uptake and its further distribution in Brassica napus, as well as the impact of these fertilizers on the pollen grains morphology, viability, and germination rate in B. napus under Cd stress. Foliar application of either Se or Mo could counteract Cd toxicity and increase the plant biomass, while combined application of Se and Mo solutions on B. napus has no significant promotional effect on plant root and stem, but reduces the seeds’ weight by 10–11%. Se and Mo have decreased the accumulated Cd in seeds by 6.8% and 9.7%, respectively. Microscopic studies, SEM, and pollen viability tests demonstrated that pollen grains could be negatively affected by Cd, thus disturbing the plant fertility. Se and Mo foliar application could reduce the toxic symptoms in pollen grains when the one or the other was sprayed alone on plants. In an in vitro pollen germination test, 500 μM Cd stress could strongly inhibit the pollen germination rate to less than 2.5%, however, when Se (10 μM) or Mo (1.0 μM) was added to the germination medium, the rate increased, reaching 66.2% and 39.4%, respectively. At the molecular level, Se and Mo could greatly affect the expression levels of some genes related to Cd uptake by roots (IRT1), Cd transport (HMA2 and HMA4), Cd sequestration in plant vacuoles (HMA3), and the final Cd distribution in plant tissue at the physiological level (PCS1).
Silibinin Ameliorates O-GlcNAcylation and Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Lee Su Jin , Nam Min Jung , Lee Da Eun , Park Jeen-Woo , Kang Beom Sik , Lee Dong-Seok , Lee Hyun-Shik , Kwon Oh-Shin
Published: July 2018

The mechanisms underlying the progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to identify the proteins involved in the pathogenesis of liver tissue inflammation and to investigate the effects of silibinin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid, on steatohepatitis. We performed comparative proteomic analysis using methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced NASH model mice. Eighteen proteins were identified from the two-dimensional proteomic analysis, which are not only differentially expressed, but also significantly improved, by silibinin treatment. Interestingly, seven of these proteins, including keratin cytoskeletal 8 and 18, peroxiredoxin-4, and protein disulfide isomerase, are known to undergo GlcNAcylation modification, most of which are related to structural and stress-related proteins in NASH model animals. Thus, we primarily focused on how the GlcNAc modification of these proteins is involved in the progression to NASH. Remarkably, silibinin treatment alleviates the severity of hepatic inflammation along with O-GlcNAcylation in steatohepatitis. In particular, the reduction of inflammation by silibinin is due to the inhibition of the O-GlcNAcylation-dependent NF-κB-signaling pathway. Therefore, silibinin is a promising therapeutic agent for hyper-O-GlcNAcylation as well as NASH.
Tetraruthenium Metallamacrocycles with Potentially Coordinating Appended Functionalities
Authors: Anders Patrick , Rapp Mario Robin , Linseis Michael , Winter Rainer F.
Published: July 2018

We present four new tetraruthenium macrocycles built from two 1,4-divinylphenylene diruthenium and two isophthalic acid building blocks with peripheral, potentially mono- or tridentate donor functions attached to the isophthalic linkers. These macrocycles are characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and, in the case of the thioacetyl-appended complex 4, by X-ray crystallography. Cyclic and square wave voltammetry establish that the macrocycles can be oxidized in four consecutive redox steps that come as two pairs of two closely spaced one-electron waves. Spectroscopic changes observed during IR and UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemical experiments (NIR = near infrared) show that the isophthalate linkers insulate the electroactive divinylphenylene diruthenium moieties against each other. The macrocycles exhibit nevertheless pronounced polyelectrochromism with highly intense absorptions in the Vis (2+/4+ states) and the NIR (2+ states) with extinction coefficients of up to >100,000 M−1·cm−1. The strong absorptivity enhancement with respect to the individual divinylphenylene diruthenium building blocks is attributed to conformational restrictions imposed by the macrocycle backbone. Moreover, the di- and tetracations of these macrocycles are paramagnetic as revealed by EPR spectroscopy.
Heart Development, Coronary Vascularization and Ventricular Maturation in a Giant Danio (Devario malabaricus)
Authors: Shifatu Olubusola , Glasshagel-Chilson Sarah , Nelson Hannah M. , Patel Purva , Tomamichel Wendy , Higginbotham Clay , Evans Paula K. , Lafontant Gregory S. , Burns Alan R. , Lafontant Pascal J.
Published: July 2018

Giant danios (genus Devario), like zebrafish, are teleosts belonging to the danioninae subfamily of cyprinids. Adult giant danios are used in a variety of investigations aimed at understanding cellular and physiological processes, including heart regeneration. Despite their importance, little is known about development and growth in giant danios, or their cardiac and coronary vessels development. To address this scarcity of knowledge, we performed a systematic study of a giant danio (Devario malabaricus), focusing on its cardiac development, from the segmentation period to ten months post-fertilization. Using light and scanning electron microscopy, we documented that its cardiovascular development and maturation proceed along well defined dynamic and conserved morphogenic patterns. The overall size and cardiovascular expansion of this species was significantly impacted by environmental parameters such as rearing densities. The coronary vasculature began to emerge in the late larval stage. More importantly, we documented two possible loci of initiation of the coronary vasculature in this species, and compared the emergence of the coronaries to that of zebrafish and gourami. This is the first comprehensive study of the cardiac growth in a Devario species, and our findings serve as an important reference for further investigations of cardiac biology using this species.
Single Step Process for Crystalline Ni-B Compounds
Authors: Shahbazi Mahboobeh , Cathey Henrietta , Danilova Natalia , Mackinnon Ian D.R.
Published: July 2018

Crystalline Ni2B, Ni3B, and Ni4B3 are synthesized by a single-step method using autogenous pressure from the reaction of NaBH4 and Ni precursors. The effect of reaction temperature, pressure, time, and starting materials on the composition of synthesized products, particle morphologies, and magnetic properties is demonstrated. High yields of Ni2B (>98%) are achieved at 2.3–3.4 MPa and ~670 °C over five hours. Crystalline Ni3B or Ni4B3 form in conjunction with Ni2B at higher temperature or higher autogenous pressure in proportions influenced by the ratios of initial reactants. For the same starting ratios of reactants, a longer reaction time or higher pressure shifts equilibria to lower yields of Ni2B. Using this approach, yields of ~88% Ni4B3 (single phase orthorhombic) and ~72% Ni3B are obtained for conditions 1.9 MPa < Pmax < 4.9 MPa and 670 °C < Tmax < 725 °C. Gas-solid reaction is the dominant transformation mechanism that results in formation of Ni2B at lower temperatures than conventional solid-state methods.
Experimental Parametric Relationships for Chip Geometry in Dry Machining of the Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Sánchez Hernández Yezika , Trujillo Vilches Francisco Javier , Bermudo Gamboa Carolina , Sevilla Hurtado Lorenzo
Published: July 2018

The Ti6Al4V alloy is included in the group of difficult-to-cut materials. Segmented chips are generated for a wide range of cutting parameters. This kind of chip geometry leads to the periodic variation of machining forces, tool vibrations, and work part-tolerance inaccuracies. Therefore, the analysis of chip morphology and geometry becomes a fundamental machinability criterion. However, few studies propose experimental parametric relationships that allow predicting chip-geometry evolution as a function of cutting parameters. In this work, an experimental analysis of the influence of cutting speed and feed rate on various chip-geometric parameters in dry machining of the Ti6Al4V alloy was carried out. In addition, the chip morphology and chip microstructure were studied. A clear dependence of certain chip-geometric parameters on the cutting parameters studied was found. From the experimental data, several parametric relationships were developed. These relationships were able to predict the evolution of different geometric parameters as a function of cutting speed and feed, within the tested range of values. The differences between the proposed models and the experimental data were also highlighted. These parametric equations allowed quantifying the value of parameters in which the trend was clear.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation of Sheet Laser Forming Processes Using General Scanning Paths
Authors: Navarrete Álvaro , Cook Felipe , Celentano Diego , Cruchaga Marcela , García-Herrera Claudio
Published: July 2018

This work presents numerical simulations and an experimental validation of sheet laser forming processes using general scanning paths with different laser beam operating parameters (i.e., power, diameter, and scanning speed) in two specific graphite coated stainless steel blanks (i.e., with thicknesses of 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm for the AISI 302 and 304 alloys, respectively). To this end, three specific laser forming tests involving single S-shaped, multiple circular, and single piecewise linear scanning paths are carried out. On the other hand, the numerical simulation of these tests is performed via a coupled thermomechanical finite element formulation, accounting for large viscoplastic strains, temperature-dependent material properties, and convection-radiation phenomena. The final bending angles provided by this model are found to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements for all of the cases studied. Therefore, this modeling framework can be established as a reliable approach to predict the material thermomechanical response during sheet laser forming using general scanning paths.
Evaluation of the Functional Performance in Turned Workpieces: Methodology and Application to UNS A92024-T3
Authors: Gómez-Parra Álvaro , Sanz Alfredo , Gámez Antonio J.
Published: July 2018

Turning of light alloys as aluminum-based UNS A92024-T3 is broadly implemented in the manufacture of critical aircraft parts, so ensuring a good functional performance of these pieces is essential. Moreover, operational conditions of these pieces include saline environments where corrosion processes are present. In this paper, a methodology for the evaluation of the functional performance in turned pieces is proposed. Specimens affected and not affected by corrosion are compared. In addition, performance in service through tensile stress tests of these parts is considered. The results show that turning improves the functional performance of UNS A92024-T3 alloy and that corrosion can enhance the mechanical properties of this alloy.
Inhibitory Effect of Flower-Shaped Zinc Oxide Nanostructures on the Growth and Aflatoxin Production of a Highly Toxigenic Strain of Aspergillus flavus Link
Authors: Hernández-Meléndez David , Salas-Téllez Enrique , Zavala-Franco Anai , Téllez Guillermo , Méndez-Albores Abraham , Vázquez-Durán Alma
Published: July 2018

Flower-shaped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures were prepared via a simple aqueous precipitation strategy at room temperature. The as-grown nanostructures were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), spectrofluorometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic activities of the ZnO nanostructures were further investigated using a highly toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus Link under in vitro and in situ conditions. The results showed that the A. flavus isolate was inhibited to various extents by different concentrations of ZnO nanostructures, but the best inhibitions occurred at 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mM in the culture media. At these concentrations, suppression of aflatoxin biosynthesis (99.7%) was also observed. Moreover, a reasonable reduction in the aflatoxin content (69%) was observed in maize grains treated with the lowest ZnO concentration that exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity in the liquid media. SEM micrographs clearly indicate multiple degenerative alterations in fungal morphology after treatment with ZnO such as damage of the tubular filaments, loss of hyphae shape, as well as hyphae rupture. These results suggest that flower-shaped ZnO nanostructures exhibit strong antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic activity with potential applications in the agro-food system.
Antimicrobial Porous Surfaces Prepared by Breath Figures Approach
Authors: Muñoz-Bonilla Alexandra , Cuervo-Rodríguez Rocío , López-Fabal Fátima , Gómez-Garcés José L. , Fernández-García Marta
Published: July 2018

Herein, efficient antimicrobial porous surfaces were prepared by breath figures approach from polymer solutions containing low content of block copolymers with high positive charge density. In brief, those block copolymers, which were used as additives, are composed of a polystyrene segment and a large antimicrobial block bearing flexible side chain with 1,3-thiazolium and 1,2,3-triazolium groups, PS54-b-PTTBM-M44, PS54-b-PTTBM-B44, having different alkyl groups, methyl or butyl, respectively. The antimicrobial block copolymers were blended with commercial polystyrene in very low proportions, from 3 to 9 wt %, and solubilized in THF. From these solutions, ordered porous films functionalized with antimicrobial cationic copolymers were fabricated, and the influence of alkylating agent and the amount of copolymer in the blend was investigated. Narrow pore size distribution was obtained for all the samples with pore diameters between 5 and 11 µm. The size of the pore decreased as the hydrophilicity of the system increased; thus, either as the content of copolymer was augmented in the blend or as the copolymers were quaternized with methyl iodide. The resulting porous polystyrene surfaces functionalized with low content of antimicrobial copolymers exhibited remarkable antibacterial efficiencies against Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida parapsilosis fungi as microbial models.
Material Characterization of Hardening Soft Sponge Featuring MR Fluid and Application of 6-DOF MR Haptic Master for Robot-Assisted Surgery
Authors: Oh Jong-Seok , Sohn Jung Woo , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: July 2018

In this work, the material characterization of hardening magneto-rheological (MR) sponge is analyzed and a robot-assisted surgery system integrated with a 6-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) haptic master and slave root is constructed. As a first step, the viscoelastic property of MR sponge is experimentally analyzed. Based on the viscoelastic property and controllability, a MR sponge which can mimic the several reaction force characteristics of human-like organs is devised and manufactured. Secondly, a slave robot corresponding to the degree of the haptic master is manufactured and integrated with the master. In order to manipulate the robot motion by the master, the kinematic analysis of the master and slave robots is performed. Subsequently, a simple robot cutting surgery system which is manipulated by the haptic master and MR sponge is established. It is then demonstrated from this system that using both MR devices can provide more accurate cutting surgery than the case using the haptic master only.
Facile Green Synthesis of BiOBr Nanostructures with Superior Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Garg Seema , Yadav Mohit , Chandra Amrish , Sapra Sameer , Gahlawat Soniya , Ingole Pravin P. , Todea Milica , Bardos Eniko , Pap Zsolt , Hernadi Klara
Published: July 2018

Novel green bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr-G) nanoflowers were successfully synthesized via facile hydrolysis route using an Azadirachta indica (Neem plant) leaf extract and concurrently, without the leaf extract (BiOBr-C). The Azadirachta indica leaf extract was employed as a sensitizer and stabilizer for BiOBr-G, which significantly expanded the optical window and boosted the formation of photogenerated charge carriers and transfer over the BiOBr-G surface. The photocatalytic performance of both samples was investigated for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) and phenol (Ph) under the irradiation of visible light. The leaf extract mediated BiOBr-G photocatalyst displayed significantly higher photocatalytic activity when compared to BiOBr-C for the degradation of both pollutants. The degradation rate of MO and Ph by BiOBr-G was found to be nearly 23% and 16% more when compared to BiOBr-C under visible light irradiation, respectively. The substantial increase in the photocatalytic performance of BiOBr-G was ascribed to the multiple synergistic effects between the efficient solar energy harvesting, narrower band gap, high specific surface area, porosity, and effective charge separation. Furthermore, BiOBr-G displayed high stability for five cycles of photocatalytic activity, which endows its practical application as a green photocatalyst in the long run.
The Relation between the Probability of Collision-Free Broadcast Transmission in a Wireless Network and the Stirling Number of the Second Kind
Authors: Veeraraghavan Prakash , Khomami Golnar , Fontan Fernando Perez
Published: July 2018

The broadcast performance of the 802.11 wireless protocol depends on several factors. One of the important factor is the number of nodes simultaneously contending for the shared channel. The Medium Access Control (MAC) technique of 802.11 is called the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF). DCF is a Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) scheme with binary slotted exponential backoff. A collision is the result of two or more stations transmitting simultaneously. Given the simplicity of the DCF scheme, it was adapted for Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) based vehicular communication. A broadcast mechanism is used to disseminate emergency and safety related messages in a vehicular network. Emergency and safety related messages have a strict end-to-end latency of 100 ms and a Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) of 90% and above. The PDR can be evaluated through the packet loss probability. The packet loss probability PL is given by, PL = 1 − (1−Pe)(1−PC), where Pe is the probability of channel error and PC is the probability of collision. Pe depends on several environmental and operating factors and thus cannot be improved. The only way to reduce PL is by reducing PC. Currently, expensive radio hardware are used to measure PL. Several adaptive algorithms are available to reduce PC. In this paper, we establish a closed relation between PC and the Stirling number of the second kind. Simulation results are presented and compared with the analytical model for accuracy. Our simulation results show an accuracy of 99.9% compared with the analytical model. Even on a smaller sample size, our simulation results show an accuracy of 95% and above. Based on our analytical model, vehicles can precisely estimate these real-time requirements with the least expensive hardware available. Also, once the distribution of PC and PL are known, one can precisely determine the distribution of Pe.
Review of Chromatographic Bioanalytical Assays for the Quantitative Determination of Marine-Derived Drugs for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Van Andel Lotte , Rosing Hilde , Schellens Jan HM , Beijnen Jos H
Published: July 2018

The discovery of marine-derived compounds for the treatment of cancer has seen a vast increase over the last few decades. Bioanalytical assays are pivotal for the quantification of drug levels in various matrices to construct pharmacokinetic profiles and to link drug concentrations to clinical outcomes. This review outlines the different analytical methods that have been described for marine-derived drugs in cancer treatment hitherto. It focuses on the major parts of the bioanalytical technology, including sample type, sample pre-treatment, separation, detection, and quantification.
On the Neuroprotective Role of Astaxanthin: New Perspectives?
Authors: Galasso Christian , Orefice Ida , Pellone Paola , Cirino Paola , Miele Roberta , Ianora Adrianna , Brunet Christophe , Sansone Clementina
Published: July 2018

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity produced by several freshwater and marine microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, fungi, and microalgae. Due to its deep red-orange color it confers a reddish hue to the flesh of salmon, shrimps, lobsters, and crayfish that feed on astaxanthin-producing organisms, which helps protect their immune system and increase their fertility. From the nutritional point of view, astaxanthin is considered one of the strongest antioxidants in nature, due to its high scavenging potential of free radicals in the human body. Recently, astaxanthin is also receiving attention for its effect on the prevention or co-treatment of neurological pathologies, including Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. In this review, we focus on the neuroprotective properties of astaxanthin and explore the underlying mechanisms to counteract neurological diseases, mainly based on its capability to cross the blood-brain barrier and its oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.
Comorbidities, Complications and Non-Pharmacologic Treatment in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Millan-Billi Paloma , Serra Candela , Alonso Leon Ana , Castillo Diego
Published: July 2018

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive and fatal disease. The treatment is challenging and nowadays a comprehensive approach based not only in pharmacological strategies is necessary. Identification and control of comorbidities, non-pharmacological treatment, prevention and management of exacerbations as well as other areas of care (social, psychological) are fundamental for a holistic management of IPF. Gastroesophageal reflux, pulmonary hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, combined with emphysema, lung cancer and cardiovascular involvement are the main comorbidities associated with IPF. Non-pharmacological treatment includes the use of oxygen in patients with rest or nocturnal hypoxemia and other support therapies such as non-invasive ventilation or even a high-flow nasal cannula to improve dyspnea. In some patients, lung transplant should be considered as this enhances survival. Pulmonary rehabilitation can add benefits in outcomes such control of dyspnea, exercise capacity distance and, overall, improve the quality of life; therefore it should be considered in patients with IPF. Also, multidisciplinary palliative care programs could help with symptom control and psychological support, with the aim of maintaining quality of life during the whole process of the disease. This review intends to provide clear information to help those involved in IPF follow up to improve patients’ daily care.
Degradation Mechanism of Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum (NCA) Cathode Material from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries in Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis
Authors: Diaz Fabian , Wang Yufengnan , Moorthy Tamilselvan , Friedrich Bernd
Published: July 2018

Recycling of Li-Ion Batteries (LIBs) is still a topic of scientific interest. Commonly, spent LIBs are pretreated by mechanical and/or thermal processing. Valuable elements are then recycled via pyrometallurgy and/or hydrometallurgy. Among the thermal treatments, pyrolysis is the most commonly used pre-treatment process. This work compares the treatment of typical cathode nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) material by conventional pyrolysis, and by a microwave assisted pyrolysis. In the conventional route, the heating is provided indirectly, while via microwave the heating is absorbed by the microwaves, according to the materials properties. The comparison is done with help of a detailed characterization of solid as well as the gaseous products during and after the thermal treatment. The results indicated at least three common stages in the degradation: Dehydration and evaporation of electrolyte solvents (EC) and two degradation periods of EC driven by combustion and reforming reactions. In addition, microwave assisted pyrolysis promotes catalytic steam and dry reforming reactions, leading to the strong formation of H2 and CO.
The Difference of Lamellar Structure Formation between Ti-45Al-5.4V-3.6Nb-Y Alloy and Ti-44Al-4Nb-4V-0.3Mo-Y Alloy
Authors: Han Jianchao , Zhang Shuzhi , Zhang Changjiang , Kong Fantao , Chen Yuyong , Yang Fei
Published: July 2018

In this study, the effect factors on the formation of lamellar structure for Ti-45Al-5.4V-3.6Nb-Y alloy and Ti-44Al-4Nb-4V-0.3Mo-Y alloy is discussed in detail. During heat treatment in different procedures, temperature was the common factor influencing the formation of lamellar structures of Ti-45Al-5.4V-3.6Nb-Y and Ti-44Al-4Nb-4V-0.3Mo-Y alloys. In the range of 1230 °C and 1300 °C, the volume fraction of lamellar structure in Ti-45Al-5.4V-3.6Nb-Y alloy was proportional to the annealing temperature. However, between 1210 °C and 1260 °C, the volume fraction of lamellar structure in Ti-44Al-4Nb-4V-0.3Mo-Y alloy deceased when temperature was located in the α + γ + β triple phase field and then increased when temperature was in the α + β binary phase field. Besides the influence of temperature, the lamellar structure formation of Ti-44Al-4Nb-4V-0.3Mo-Y alloy was also affected by the β-phase stabilizing element.
Metabolomics Discovers Early-Response Metabolic Biomarkers that Can Predict Chronic Reproductive Fitness in Individual Daphnia magna
Authors: Taylor Nadine S. , Gavin Alex , Viant Mark R.
Published: July 2018

Chemical risk assessment remains entrenched in chronic toxicity tests that set safety thresholds based on animal pathology or fitness. Chronic tests are resource expensive and lack mechanistic insight. Discovering a chemical’s mode-of-action can in principle provide predictive molecular biomarkers for a toxicity endpoint. Furthermore, since molecular perturbations precede pathology, early-response molecular biomarkers may enable shorter, more resource efficient testing that can predict chronic animal fitness. This study applied untargeted metabolomics to attempt to discover early-response metabolic biomarkers that can predict reproductive fitness of Daphnia magna, an internationally-recognized test species. First, we measured the reproductive toxicities of cadmium, 2,4-dinitrophenol and propranolol to individual Daphnia in 21-day OECD toxicity tests, then measured the metabolic profiles of these animals using mass spectrometry. Multivariate regression successfully discovered putative metabolic biomarkers that strongly predict reproductive impairment by each chemical, and for all chemicals combined. The non-chemical-specific metabolic biomarkers were then applied to metabolite data from Daphnia 24-h acute toxicity tests and correctly predicted that significant decreases in reproductive fitness would occur if these animals were exposed to cadmium, 2,4-dinitrophenol or propranolol for 21 days. While the applicability of these findings is limited to three chemicals, they provide proof-of-principle that early-response metabolic biomarkers of chronic animal fitness can be discovered for regulatory toxicity testing.
Variability in Characterizing Escherichia coli from Cattle Feces: A Cautionary Tale
Authors: Stanford Kim , Reuter Tim , Hallewell Jennyka , Tostes Renata , Alexander Trevor W. , McAllister Tim A.
Published: July 2018

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are diverse bacteria, with seven serogroups (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, O157; “Top 7”) of interest due to their predominance in human disease. Confirmation of STEC relies on a combination of culturing, immunological and molecular assays, but no single gold standard for identification exists. In this study, we compared analysis of STEC between three independent laboratories (LAB) using different methodologies. In LAB A, colonies of Top 7 were picked after serogroup-specific immunomagnetic separation of feces from western-Canadian slaughter cattle. A fraction of each colony was tested by PCR (stx1, stx2, eae, O group), and Top 7 isolates were saved as glycerol stocks (n = 689). In LAB B, a subsample of isolates (n = 171) were evaluated for stx1 and stx2 using different primer sets. For this, approximately half of the PCR were performed using original DNA template provided by LAB A and half using DNA extracted from sub-cultured isolates. All Top 7 isolates were sub-cultured by LAB A and shipped to LAB C for traditional serotyping (TS) to determine O and H groups, with PCR-confirmation of virulence genes using a third set of primers. By TS, 76% of O groups (525/689) matched PCR-determined O groups. Lowest proportions (p < 0.05) of O group matches between PCR and TS (62.6% and 69.8%) occurred for O26 and O45 serogroups, respectively. PCR-detection of stx differed most between LAB A and LAB C. Excluding isolates where O groups by PCR and TS did not match, detection of stx1 was most consistent (p < 0.01) for O111 and O157:H7/NM. In contrast, for O45 and O103, stx1 was detected in >65% of isolates by LAB A and <5% by LAB C. Stx2 was only detected by LAB C in isolates of serogroups O121, O145, and O157:H7/NM. LAB B also detected stx2 in O26 and O157:H12/H29, while LAB A detected stx2 in all serogroups. Excluding O111 and O157:H7/NM, marked changes in stx detection were observed between initial isolation and sub-cultures of the same isolate. While multiple explanations exist for discordant O-typing between PCR and TS and for differences in stx detection across labs, these data suggest that assays for STEC classification may require re-evaluation and/or standardization.
Sharyginite, Ca3TiFe2O8, A New Mineral from the Bellerberg Volcano, Germany
Authors: Juroszek Rafał , Krüger Hannes , Galuskina Irina , Krüger Biljana , Jeżak Lidia , Ternes Bernd , Wojdyla Justyna , Krzykawski Tomasz , Pautov Leonid , Galuskin Evgeny
Published: July 2018

The new mineral sharyginite, Ca3TiFe2O8 (P21ma, Z = 2, a = 5.423(2) Å, b = 11.150(8) Å, c = 5.528(2) Å, V = 334.3(3) Å3), a member of the anion deficient perovskite group, was discovered in metacarbonate xenoliths in alkali basalt from the Caspar quarry, Bellerberg volcano, Eifel, Germany. In the holotype specimen, sharyginite is widespread in the contact zone of xenolith with alkali basalt. Sharyginite is associated with fluorellestadite, cuspidine, brownmillerite, rondorfite, larnite and minerals of the chlormayenite-wadalite series. The mineral usually forms flat crystals up to 100 µm in length, which are formed by pinacoids {100}, {010} and {001}. Crystals are flattened on (010). Sharyginite is dark brown, opaque with a brown streak and has a sub-metallic lustre. In reflected light, it is light grey and exhibits rare yellowish-brown internal reflections. The calculated density of sharyginite is 3.943 g·cm-3. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 8 O apfu is Ca3.00(Fe3+1.00Ti4+0.86Mn4+0.11Zr0.01Cr3+0.01Mg0.01)Σ2(Fe3+0.76Al0.20Si0.04)Σ1.00O8. The crystal structure of sharyginite, closely related to shulamitite Ca3TiFeAlO8 structure, consists of double layers of corner-sharing (Ti, Fe3+) O6 octahedra, which are separated by single layers of (Fe3+O4) tetrahedra. We suggest that sharyginite formed after perovskite at high-temperature conditions >1000°C.
Variographic Assessment of Total Process Measurement System Performance for a Complete Ore-to-Shipping Value Chain
Authors: Engström Karin , Esbensen Kim
Published: July 2018

Variographic characterisation has been shown to be a powerful tool to assess the performance of process measurement systems, using existing process data. Variogram interpretation enables decomposition of variabilities stemming from the process and measurement system, respectively, allowing to determine if measurements are able to describe the true process variability with sufficient resolution. This study evaluated 14 critical sampling locations, covering a total of 34 separate measurement systems, along the full processing value chain at Luossavaara Kiirunavaara limited company (LKAB), Sweden. A majority of the variograms show low sill levels, indicating that many sub-processes are well controlled. Many also show low nugget effect, indicating satisfactory measurement systems. However, some notable exceptions were observed, pointing to systems in the need of improvement. Even if some of these were previously recognized internally at LKAB, the use of variographic characterisation provide objective and numerical evidence of measurement system performance. The study also showed some unexpected results, for example that slurry shark-fin and spear sampling show acceptable variogram characteristics for the present materials, despite the associated incorrect sampling errors. On the other hand, the results support previous conclusions indicating that manual sampling and cross belt hammer samplers are leading to unacceptably large sampling errors and should be abandoned. Such specific findings underline the strength of comprehensive empirical studies. Based on the present compilation of results, it is possible to conduct rational enquiry of all evaluated measurement systems, enabling objective prioritization of where improvement efforts will have the largest cost–benefit effect.
α-MoO3 Crystals with a Multilayer Stack Structure Obtained by Annealing from a Lamellar MoS2/g-C3N4 Nanohybrid
Authors: Martín-Ramos Pablo , Fernández-Coppel Ignacio A. , Avella Manuel , Martín-Gil Jesús
Published: July 2018

Transition metal oxides and chalcogenides have recently attracted great attention as the next generation of 2-D materials due to their unique electronic and optical properties. In this study, a new procedure for the obtaining of highly crystalline α-MoO3 is proposed as an alternative to vapor-phase synthesis. In this approach, a first reaction between molybdate, citrate and thiourea allowed to obtain MoS2, which—upon calcination at a temperature of 650 °C in the presence of g-C3N4—resulted in MoO3 with a definite plate-like shape. The colorless (or greenish) α-MoO3 nanoplates obtained with this procedure featured a multilayer stack structure, with a side-length of 1–2 μm and a thickness of several nanometers viewed along the [010] direction. The nucleation-growth of the crystal can be explained by a two-dimensional layer-by-layer mechanism favored by g-C3N4 lamellar template.
Gene Expression of Sirtuin-1 and Endogenous Secretory Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products in Healthy and Slightly Overweight Subjects after Caloric Restriction and Resveratrol Administration
Authors: Roggerio Alessandra , Strunz Célia M. Cassaro , Pacanaro Ana Paula , Leal Dalila Pinheiro , Takada Julio Y. , Avakian Solange D. , Mansur Antonio de Padua
Published: July 2018

Sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1) and an endogenous secretory receptor for an advanced glycation end product (esRAGE) are associated with vascular protection. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of resveratrol (RSV) and caloric restriction (CR) on gene expression of Sirt-1 and esRAGE on serum levels of Sirt1 and esRAGE in healthy and slightly overweight subjects. The study included 48 healthy subjects randomized to 30 days of RSV (500 mg/day) or CR (1000 cal/day). Waist circumference (p = 0.011), TC (p = 0.007), HDL (p = 0.031), non-HDL (p = 0.025), ApoA1 (p = 0.011), and ApoB (p = 0.037) decreased in the CR group. However, TC (p = 0.030), non-HDL (p = 0.010), ApoB (p = 0.034), and HOMA-IR (p = 0.038) increased in the RSV group. RSV and CR increased serum levels of Sirt-1, respectively, from 1.06 ± 0.71 ng/mL to 5.75 ± 2.98 ng/mL (p < 0.0001) and from 1.65 ± 1.81 ng/mL to 5.80 ± 2.23 ng/mL (p < 0.0001). esRAGE serum levels were similar in RSV (p = NS) and CR (p = NS) groups. Significant positive correlation was observed between gene expression changes of Sirt-1 and esRAGE in RSV (r = 0.86; p < 0.0001) and in CR (r = 0.71; p < 0.0001) groups, but not for the changes in serum concentrations. CR promoted increases in the gene expression of esRAGE (post/pre). Future long-term studies are needed to evaluate the impact of these outcomes on vascular health.
Promoting Healthy Diet, Physical Activity, and Life-Skills in High School Athletes: Results from the WAVE Ripples for Change Childhood Obesity Prevention Two-Year Intervention
Authors: Meng Yu , Manore Melinda M. , Schuna John M. , Patton-Lopez Megan M. , Branscum Adam , Wong Siew Sun
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to compare changes in diet and daily physical activity (PA) in high school (HS) soccer players who participated in either a two-year obesity prevention intervention or comparison group, while controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Participants (n = 388; females = 58%; Latino = 38%; 15.3 ± 1.1 years, 38% National School Breakfast/Lunch Program) were assigned to either an intervention (n = 278; 9 schools) or comparison group (n = 110; 4 schools) based on geographical location. Pre/post intervention assessment of diet was done using Block Fat/Sugar/Fruit/Vegetable Screener, and daily steps was done using the Fitbit-Zip. Groups were compared over-time for mean changes (post-pre) in fruit/vegetables (FV), saturated fat (SF), added sugar, and PA (daily steps, moderate-to-vigorous PA) using analysis of covariance. The two-year intervention decreased mean added sugar intake (−12.1 g/day, CI (7.4, 16.8), p = 0.02); there were no differences in groups for FV or SF intake (p = 0.89). For both groups, PA was significantly higher in-soccer (9937 steps/day) vs. out-of-soccer season (8117 steps/day), emphasizing the contribution of organized sports to youth daily PA. At baseline, Latino youth had significantly higher added sugar intake (+14 g/day, p < 0.01) than non-Latinos. Targeting active youth in a diet/PA intervention improves diet, but out of soccer season youth need engagement to maintain PA (200).
Metabolism of Caprine Milk Carbohydrates by Probiotic Bacteria and Caco-2:HT29–MTX Epithelial Co-Cultures and Their Impact on Intestinal Barrier Integrity
Authors: Barnett Alicia M. , Roy Nicole C. , Cookson Adrian L. , McNabb Warren C.
Published: July 2018

The development and maturation of the neonatal intestine is generally influenced by diet and commensal bacteria, the composition of which, in turn, can be influenced by the diet. Colonisation of the neonatal intestine by probiotic Lactobacillus strains can strengthen, preserve, and improve barrier integrity, and adherence of probiotics to the intestinal epithelium can be influenced by the available carbon sources. The goal of the present study was to examine the role of probiotic lactobacilli strains alone or together with a carbohydrate fraction (CF) from caprine milk on barrier integrity of a co-culture model of the small intestinal epithelium. Barrier integrity (as measured by trans epithelial electrical resistance (TEER)), was enhanced by three bacteria/CF combinations (Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, L. plantarum 299v, and L. casei Shirota) to a greater extent than CF or bacteria alone. Levels of occludin mRNA were increased for all treatments compared to untreated co-cultures, and L. plantarum 299v in combination with CF had increased mRNA levels of MUC4, MUC2 and MUC5AC mucins and MUC4 protein abundance. These results indicate that three out of the four probiotic bacteria tested, in combination with CF, were able to elicit a greater increase in barrier integrity of a co-culture model of the small intestinal epithelium compared to that for either component alone. This study provides additional insight into the individual or combined roles of microbe–diet interactions in the small intestine and their beneficial contribution to the intestinal barrier.
Complexes of Oligoribonucleotides with d-Mannitol Modulate the Innate Immune Response to Influenza A Virus H1N1 (A/FM/1/47) In Vivo
Authors: Melnichuk Nataliia , Kashuba Vladimir , Rybalko Svitlana , Tkachuk Zenoviy
Published: July 2018

Rapid replication of the influenza A virus and lung tissue damage caused by exaggerated pro-inflammatory host immune responses lead to numerous deaths. Therefore, novel therapeutic agents that have anti-influenza activities and attenuate excessive pro-inflammatory responses that are induced by an influenza virus infection are needed. Oligoribonucleotides-d-mannitol (ORNs-d-M) complexes possess both antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. The current research was aimed at studying the ORNs-d-M effects on expression of innate immune genes in mice lungs during an influenza virus infection. Expression of genes was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot assays. In the present studies, we found that the ORNs-d-M reduced the influenza-induced up-expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) (tlr3, tlr7, tlr8), nuclear factor NF-kB (nfkbia, nfnb1), cytokines (ifnε, ifnk, ifna2, ifnb1, ifnγ, il6, il1b, il12a, tnf), chemokines (ccl3, ccl4, сcl5, cxcl9, cxcl10, cxcl11), interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) (oas1a, oas2, oas3, mx1), and pro-oxidation (nos2, xdh) genes. The ORNs-d-M inhibited the mRNA overexpression of tlr3, tlr7, and tlr8 induced by the influenza virus, which suggests that they impair the upregulation of NF-kB, cytokines, chemokines, ISGs, and pro-oxidation genes induced by the influenza virus by inhibiting activation of the TLR-3, TLR-7, and TLR-8 signaling pathways. By impairing activation of the TLR-3, TLR-7, and TLR-8 signaling pathways, the ORNs-d-M can modulate the innate immune response to an influenza virus infection.