bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Retail Environments in Greater Melbourne 2008–2016: Longitudinal Analysis of Intra-City Variation in Density and Healthiness of Food Outlets
Authors: Needham Cindy , Orellana Liliana , Allender Steven , Sacks Gary , Blake Miranda R. , Strugnell Claudia
Published: February 2020

Obesity prevalence is inequitably distributed across geographic areas. Food environments may contribute to health disparities, yet little is known about how food environments are evolving over time and how this may influence dietary intake and weight. This study aimed to analyse intra-city variation in density and healthiness of food outlets between 2008 and 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. Food outlet data were classified by location, type and healthiness. Local government areas (LGAs) were classified into four groups representing distance from the central business district. Residential population estimates for each LGA were used to calculate the density of food outlets per 10,000 residents. Linear mixed models were fitted to estimate the mean density and ratio of ‘healthy’ to ‘unhealthy’ food outlets and food outlet ‘types’ by LGA group over time. The number of food outlets increased at a faster rate than the residential population, driven by an increasing density of both ‘unhealthy’ and ‘healthy’ outlets. Across all years, ratios of ‘unhealthy’ to ‘healthy’ outlets were highest in LGAs located in designated Growth Areas. Melbourne’s metropolitan food environment is saturated by ‘unhealthy’ and ‘less healthy’ food outlets, relative to ‘healthy’ ones. Melbourne’s urban growth areas had the least healthy food environments.
Acute Kidney Injury Biomarker Responses to Short-Term Heat Acclimation
Authors: Pryor Riana R. , Pryor J. Luke , Vandermark Lesley W. , Adams Elizabeth L. , Brodeur Rachel M. , Schlader Zachary J. , Armstrong Lawrence E. , Lee Elaine C. , Maresh Carl M. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: February 2020

The combination of hyperthermia, dehydration, and strenuous exercise can result in severe reductions in kidney function, potentially leading to acute kidney injury (AKI). We sought to determine whether six days of heat acclimation (HA) mitigates the rise in clinical biomarkers of AKI during strenuous exercise in the heat. Twenty men completed two consecutive 2 h bouts of high-intensity exercise in either hot (n = 12, 40 °C, 40% relative humidity) or mild (n = 8, 24 °C, 21% relative humidity) environments before (PreHA) and after (PostHA) 4 days of 90–120 min of exercise per day in a hot or mild environment. Increased clinical biomarkers of AKI (CLINICAL) was defined as a serum creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg·dL−1 or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction >25%. Creatinine similarly increased in the hot environment PreHA (0.35 ± 0.23 mg·dL−1) and PostHA (0.39 ± 0.20 mg·dL−1), with greater increases than the mild environment at both time points (0.11 ± 0.07 mg·dL−1, 0.08 ± 0.06 mg·dL−1, p ≤ 0.001), respectively. CLINICAL occurred in the hot environment PreHA (n = 9, 75%), with fewer participants with CLINICAL PostHA (n = 7, 58%, p = 0.007), and no participants in the mild environment with CLINICAL at either time point. Percent change in plasma volume was predictive of changes in serum creatinine PostHA and percent changes in eGFR both PreHA and PostHA. HA did not mitigate reductions in eGFR nor increases in serum creatinine during high-intensity exercise in the heat, although the number of participants with CLINICAL was reduced PostHA.
The Impact of Environmental Conditions on Urban Eco-Sustainable Total Factor Productivity: A Case Study of 21 Cities in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Yu Haidong , Zhao Juanjuan
Published: February 2020

Environmental protection has attracted much attention. This study first describes the status of the ecological environment and then uses data envelopment analysis and the system the system generalized method of moments (GMM) model to study the relationship between the environmental status and ecological sustainable total factor productivity (ESTFP) in 21 prefecture-level cities of Guangdong Province. The main conclusions of this study are as follows. (1) The ecological index (EI), which reflects the ecological environment, shows a general trend of first decreasing and then rising. The average EI value decreased from 80.95 in 2008 to 68.71 in 2011 and then gradually increased to 74.76 in 2017. (2) The ecological sustainable total factor productivity (ESTFP = 0.960), including the two additional dimensions of the urban resource consumption index (URCI) and urban pollution discharge index (UPDI), is better than the traditional total factor productivity (TFP = 0.954). (3) The EI has a highly significant positive promoting effect on ESTFP at a significance level of 1%. The methods and results from this research provide an important scientific reference for the research on urban production efficiency and sustainable urban development in China.
Sugar-Sweetened and Diet Beverage Consumption in Philadelphia One Year after the Beverage Tax
Authors: Zhong Yichen , Auchincloss Amy H. , Lee Brian K. , McKenna Ryan M. , Langellier Brent A.
Published: February 2020

In January 2017, Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) implemented an excise tax ($ 0.015/ounce) on sugar-sweetened and diet beverages. This study is a general population-based study to report on the longer-term impacts of the tax on within-person changes in consumption 12 months after implementation. A quasi-experimental difference-in-difference design was used to contrast Philadelphia vs. nearby comparison cities (Trenton, New Jersey; Camden, New Jersey; and Wilmington, Delaware) at baseline (December 2016–January 2017) vs. 12-month follow-up (December 2017–February 2018). A random-digit-dialing phone survey was administered to a population-based cohort. Analyses assessed changes in 30-day consumption frequency and ounces of sugar-sweetened and diet beverages (and a substitution beverage, bottled water) in the analytic sample (N = 515). After 12 months, relative to the comparison group, Philadelphians were slightly more likely to decrease their frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (39.2% vs. 33.5%), and slightly less likely to increase their frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (38.9% vs. 43.0%). The effects of the tax estimated in the adjusted difference-in-difference analysis were very small (for example, changes in monthly sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in Philadelphia relative to comparison cities was −3.03 times or −51.65 ounces) and confidence intervals were very wide. Results suggested that, one year after implementation, there was no major overall impact of the tax on general population-level consumption of sugar-sweetened or diet beverages, or bottled water. Future studies should test whether the tax’s effect differs in vulnerable sub-populations.
Calculation and Evaluation of Carbon Footprint in Mulberry Production: A Case of Haining in China
Authors: Li Yi , Wang Yi , He Qing , Yang Yongliang
Published: February 2020

Carbon footprint refers to the greenhouse gas emissions of an activity during the whole life cycle or a specific period of time. Mulberry is an important cash crop. Thus, establishing a standardized accounting method for the carbon footprint of mulberry production and analyzing its carbon emission scenarios is important in correctly understanding the impact of mulberry production on the environment. Using the life cycle assessment method and on the basis of the statistical data of mulberry production of urban farmers in Haining City, China, in 2014–2016, this study calculates and evaluates the carbon footprint of mulberry production. Results show the following. (1) Indirect carbon emissions is the main part of total carbon emissions, accounting for 85%–88% of total carbon emission, and industrial inputs (fertilizers and pesticides) are the main cause of carbon emissions. (2) The total carbon emissions per hectare in 2016 (6550.73 kgce/hm2) rose relative to the 2015 data (5617.92 kgce/hm2 at least in 2014) (5729.64 kgce/hm2). The output value of mulberry in spring was greater than that in summer and autumn, and the production efficiency of mulberry carbon in spring was higher than that in summer and autumn. The ecological environment of the mulberry production industry can be improved by increasing the resources of carbon sequestration and reducing the source of production input. (3) In general, the photosynthetic carbon sink of mulberry is greater than the total carbon emission and presents a positive externality to the ecological environment.
Making Health Services Adolescent-Friendly in Northeastern Peninsular Malaysia: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Awang Hafizuddin , Ab Rahman Azriani , Sukeri Surianti , Hashim Noran , Nik Abdul Rashid Nik Rubiah
Published: February 2020

A mixed-methods study was conducted in a Malaysian state beginning with a cross-sectional quantitative study to determine the relationship between clinic characteristics and clinic score of adolescent-friendliness. Subsequently, perceptions of healthcare providers on the facilitating factors for the provision of adolescent-friendly health services were explored qualitatively to support the quantitative findings. Availability of trained healthcare providers, adequate privacy, dedicated adolescent health services team, and adolescent health promotional activities were the clinic characteristics that significantly (p < 0.05) related with clinics’ scores of adolescent-friendliness. The facilitating factors required for adolescent-friendly health services were (1) healthcare providers’ commitment and prioritization towards adolescent-friendly health services; (2) organizational supports; (3) appropriate clinic settings; and (4) external supports for adolescent health promotional activities. The qualitative findings reaffirmed those of the quantitative study on the significant clinic characteristics required for adolescent-friendly health services. This study provides valuable insight for the Ministry of Health to elicit the required facilitating factors to further improve the quality of adolescent health services in Malaysia.
Exploring Risk Factors Contributing to the Severity of Hazardous Material Transportation Accidents in China
Authors: Xing Yingying , Chen Shengdi , Zhu Shengxue , Zhang Yi , Lu Jian
Published: February 2020

With the increasing demand of hazardous material (Hazmat), traffic accidents occurred frequently during Hazmat transportation, which had caused widespread concern in communities. Therefore, a good understanding of Hazmat transportation accident characteristics and contributing factors is of practical importance. In this study, 1721 Hazmat accidents that have occurred during road transportation for the period 2014–2017 in China were examined, and a random-parameters ordered probit model was established to explore the influence of contributing factors on the severity of accidents by accounting for unobserved heterogeneity in the data. Both the injuries and the number of people evacuated were considered as the indicator of accident severity and investigated, respectively. Results show that higher injury severity is likely to be associated with type of Hazmat (compressed gas, explosive, and poison), misoperation, driver fatigue, speeding, tunnel, slope, county road, dry road surface, winter, dark, more than two vehicles, rear end crash, and explosion. As for the correlation between risk factors and the severity of evacuation, type of Hazmat (compressed gas, explosive, and poison), quantity of Hazmat (10–39 t), misoperation, county road, dry road surface, weekdays, dusk, explosion significantly contribute to increasing the severity of evacuation of Hazmat accidents.
Shift Work and Prostate Cancer: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rivera-Izquierdo Mario , Martínez-Ruiz Virginia , Castillo-Ruiz Elena Mercedes , Manzaneda-Navío Miriam , Pérez-Gómez Beatriz , Jiménez-Moleón José Juan
Published: February 2020

The International Agency of Research in Cancer (IARC) has recently confirmed shift work as a type 2A carcinogen. The results presented in published epidemiological studies regarding prostate cancer are inconsistent and the association remains controversial. The aims of this study were: (a) to investigate the possible association between shift work and prostate cancer incidence, identifying possible sources of heterogeneity; and (b) to analyze the potential effect of publication bias. A search for cohort and case-control studies published from January 1980 to November 2019 was conducted. The quality of the articles was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled OR were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q test and data were stratified by potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was analyzed. Eighteen studies were included. No association was found between rotating/night-shift work and prostate cancer, pooled OR 1.07 (95%CI 0.99 to 1.15), I2 = 45.7%, p = 0.016. Heterogeneity was eliminated when only cohort studies (pooled OR 1.03; 95%CI 0.96 to 1.10; I2 = 18.9%, p = 0.264) or high-quality studies (pooled OR 0.99; 95%CI 0.89 to 1.08; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.571) were considered. A publication bias was detected. An association between shift work and prostate cancer cannot be confirmed with the available current data. Future analytical studies assessing more objective homogeneous exposure variables still seem necessary.
Contextual and Psychosocial Factors Influencing the Use of Safe Water Sources: A Case of Madeya Village, uMkhanyakude District, South Africa
Authors: Mulopo Chanelle , Kalinda Chester , Chimbari Moses J.
Published: February 2020

Background: Schistosomiasis is a public health problem that affects over 240 million people worldwide. It is mostly prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas among communities with limited access to clean water and adequate sanitation. This study was conducted in uMkhanyakude District in rural South Africa, where water resources are limited. In this community, individuals frequently come into contact with freshwater bodies for various reasons. The objective of the study was to identify critical contextual and psychosocial factors for behaviour change to reduce risk of schistosomiasis transmission in Madeya Village, uMkhanyakude district. Methods: Structured household interviews were held with 57 primary caregivers to assess their thoughts and attitudes towards collecting water from a safe source. We used the Risk, Attitude, Norm, Ability, and Self-regulation model (RANAS) to estimate the intervention potential for each factor by analysing differences in means between groups of current performers and nonperformers who use safe water sources. Results: The subscale vulnerability belonging to the risk factor on the RANAS was scored as low. Furthermore, attitudinal factors towards the use of safe water sources were found to be low. Ability factors (confidence in performance and confidence in recovery) towards the use of safe water sources were low as well, indicating that these factors should be the target of the intervention in the study area. Discussion: Based on this study, it is recommended that a community-based empowerment intervention strategy it appropriate. The strategy should prompt behavioural practice and public commitment, use persuasive language to boost self-efficacy and target younger low-income caregivers between 18 and 35 years of age.
Insomnia in Schizophrenia Patients: Prevalence and Quality of Life
Authors: Batalla-Martín David , Belzunegui-Eraso Angel , Miralles Garijo Eva , Martínez Martín Elena , Romaní Garcia Rosanna , Heras Jacobo San Miguel , Lopez-Ruiz Marina , Martorell-Poveda Maria Antonia
Published: February 2020

Sleep disorders are often not regarded as an important health problem, despite their impact on heath. Insomnia is the most frequent sleep disorder in mental health. The aim is to quantify the prevalence of insomnia in a population with schizophrenic disorder and assess its influence on quality of life. This is a descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional study conducted in a sample of 267 schizophrenic patients over 18 years of age using consecutive non-probabilistic sampling. The variables of interest were collected by means of the "Cuestionario Oviedo de Sueño," "Insomnia Severity Index" and EuqoQol-5D. The estimation of insomnia in our schizophrenic population according to the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) criteria was 23.2%. The likelihood of insomnia when there are problems in the quality of life is significant in all its dimensions: mobility OR: 3.54 (95% CI 1.88– 6.65), self-care OR: 2.69 (95% CI 1.36–5.32), usual activities OR: 3.56 (95% CI 1.97–6.44), pain/discomfort OR: 4.29 (95% CI 2.37–7.74) and anxiety/depression OR: 3.01 (95% CI 1.61–5.65). The prevalence of insomnia fluctuates depending on the diagnostic criteria; however, the schizophrenic population shows high prevalence in some clinical characteristics. People with insomnia have a lower quality of life.
Smart Tour Route Planning Algorithm Based on Naïve Bayes Interest Data Mining Machine Learning
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Su Mingzhan , Liu Zhong , Hu Yu , Sun Bin , Feng Guanghui
Published: February 2020

A smart tour route planning algorithm based on a Naïve Bayes interest data mining machine learning is brought forward in the paper, according to the problems of current tour route planning methods. A machine learning model of Naïve Bayes interest data mining is set up by learning a mass of training data on tourists’ interests and needs. Through the recommended interest tourist site classifications from the machine learning module, the optimal tourist site mining algorithm based on the membership degree searching propagating tree of a tourist’s temporary accommodation is set up, which mines and outputs the optimal tourist sites. The mined optimal tourist sites are taken as seed points to set up a tour route planning algorithm based on the optimal propagating tree of a closed-loop structure. Through the proposed algorithm, an experiment is designed and performed to output optimal tour routes conforming to tourists’ needs and interests, including the propagating tree closed-loop structures, a minimum heap of propagating tree weight function value, and a weight function value complete binary tree. We prove that the proposed algorithm has the features of intelligence and accuracy, and it can learn tourists’ needs and interests to output optimal tourist sites and tour routes and ensure that tourists can get the best motive benefits and travel experience in the tour process, by analyzing the experiment data and results.
Use of Mamdani Fuzzy Algorithm for Multi-Hazard Susceptibility Assessment in a Developing Urban Settlement (Mamak, Ankara, Turkey)
Authors: Yanar Tugce , Kocaman Sultan , Gokceoglu Candan
Published: February 2020

Urban areas may be affected by multiple hazards, and integrated hazard susceptibility maps are needed for suitable site selection and planning. Furthermore, geological–geotechnical parameters, construction costs, and the spatial distribution of existing infrastructure should be taken into account for this purpose. Up-to-date land-use and land-cover (LULC) maps, as well as natural hazard susceptibility maps, can be frequently obtained from high-resolution satellite sensors. In this study, an integrated hazard susceptibility assessment was performed for a developing urban settlement (Mamak District of Ankara City, Turkey) considering landslide and flood potential. The flood susceptibility map of Ankara City was produced in a previous study using modified analytical hierarchical process (M-AHP) approach. The landslide susceptibility map was produced using the logistic regression technique in this study. Sentinel-2 images were employed for generating LULC data with the random forest classification method. Topographical derivatives obtained from a high-resolution digital elevation model and lithological parameters were employed for the production of landslide susceptibility maps. For the integrated hazard susceptibility assessment, the Mamdani fuzzy algorithm was considered, and the results are discussed in the present study. The results demonstrate that multi-hazard susceptibility assessment maps for urban planning can be obtained by combining a set of expert-based and ensemble learning methods.
Impact of Targeted Deletion of the Circadian Clock Gene Bmal1 in Excitatory Forebrain Neurons on Adult Neurogenesis and Olfactory Function
Authors: Ali Amira A. H. , Tundo-Lavalle Federica , Hassan Soha A. , Pfeffer Martina , Stahr Anna , von Gall Charlotte
Published: February 2020

The circadian system is an endogenous timekeeping system that synchronizes physiology and behavior with the 24 h solar day. Mice with total deletion of the core circadian clock gene Bmal1 show circadian arrhythmicity, cognitive deficits, and accelerated age-dependent decline in adult neurogenesis as a consequence of increased oxidative stress. However, it is not yet known if the impaired adult neurogenesis is due to circadian disruption or to loss of the Bmal1 gene function. Therefore, we investigated oxidative stress and adult neurogenesis of the two principle neurogenic niches, the hippocampal subgranular zone and the subventricular zone in mice with a forebrain specific deletion of Bmal1 (Bmal1 fKO), which show regular circadian rhythmicity. Moreover, we analyzed the morphology of the olfactory bulb, as well as olfactory function in Bmal1 fKO mice. In Bmal1 fKO mice, oxidative stress was increased in subregions of the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb but not in the neurogenic niches. Consistently, adult neurogenesis was not affected in Bmal1 fKO mice. Although Reelin expression in the olfactory bulb was higher in Bmal1 fKO mice as compared to wildtype mice (Bmal1 WT), the olfactory function was not affected. Taken together, the targeted deletion of Bmal1 in mouse forebrain neurons is associated with a regional increase in oxidative stress and increased Reelin expression in the olfactory bulb but does not affect adult neurogenesis or olfactory function.
Exosomal Non Coding RNA in LIQUID Biopsies as a Promising Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Baassiri Amro , Nassar Farah , Mukherji Deborah , Shamseddine Ali , Nasr Rihab , Temraz Sally
Published: February 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with a high mortality rate, especially in those that are diagnosed in late stages of the disease. The current screening blood-based markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), have low sensitivity and specificity. Meanwhile, other modalities are either expensive or invasive. Therefore, recent research has shifted towards a minimally invasive test, namely, liquid biopsy. Exosomes are favorable molecules sought in blood samples, since they are abundant, stable in circulation, and harbor genetic information and other biomolecules that could serve as biomarkers or even therapeutic targets. Furthermore, exosomal noncoding RNAs, such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, have demonstrated the diagnostic potential to detect CRC at an early stage with a higher sensitivity and specificity than CEA and CA19-9 alone. Moreover, they have prognostic potential that is TNM stage specific and could serve as predictive biomarkers for the most common chemotherapeutic drug and combination regimen in CRC, which are 5-FU and FOLFOX, respectively. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the role of these exosomal noncoding RNAs as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. In addition, we discuss the advantages and challenges of exosomes as a liquid biopsy target.
Interpenetrating Hydrogel Networks Enhance Mechanical Stability, Rheological Properties, Release Behavior and Adhesiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors: Censi Roberta , Casadidio Cristina , Deng Siyuan , Gigliobianco Maria Rosa , Sabbieti Maria Giovanna , Agas Dimitrios , Laus Fulvio , Di Martino Piera
Published: February 2020

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has attracted much attention for the treatment of articular cartilage defects or wounds due to its intrinsic content of growth factors relevant for tissue repair. However, the short residence time of PRP in vivo, due to the action of lytic enzymes, its weak mechanical properties and the consequent short-term release of bioactive factors has restricted its application and efficacy. The present work aimed at designing new formulation strategies for PRP, based on the use of platelet concentrate (PC)-loaded hydrogels or interpenetrating polymer networks, directed at improving mechanical stability and sustaining the release of bioactive growth factors over a prolonged time-span. The interpenetrating hydrogels comprised two polymer networks interlaced on a molecular scale: (a) a first covalent network of thermosensitive and biodegradable vinyl sulfone bearing p(hydroxypropyl methacrylamide-lacate)-polyethylene glycol triblock copolymers, tandem cross-linked by thermal gelation and Michael addition when combined with thiolated hyaluronic acid, and (b) a second network composed of cross-linked fibrin. The PC-loaded hydrogels, instead, was formed only by network (a). All the designed and successfully synthesized formulations greatly increased the stability of PRP in vitro, leading to significant increase in degradation time and storage modulus of PRP gel. The resulting viscoelastic networks showed the ability to controllably release platelet derived growth factor and transforming growth factr β1, and to improve the tissue adhesiveness of PRP. The newly developed hydrogels show great potential for application in the field of wound healing, cartilage repair and beyond.
AGAP2: Modulating TGFβ1-Signaling in the Regulation of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Navarro-Corcuera Amaia , Ansorena Eduardo , Montiel-Duarte Cristina , Iraburu María J.
Published: February 2020

AGAP2 (Arf GAP with GTP-binding protein-like domain, Ankyrin repeat and PH domain 2) isoform 2 is a protein that belongs to the Arf GAP (GTPase activating protein) protein family. These proteins act as GTPase switches for Arfs, which are Ras superfamily members, being therefore involved in signaling regulation. Arf GAP proteins have been shown to participate in several cellular functions including membrane trafficking and actin cytoskeleton remodeling. AGAP2 is a multi-tasking Arf GAP that also presents GTPase activity and is involved in several signaling pathways related with apoptosis, cell survival, migration, and receptor trafficking. The increase of AGAP2 levels is associated with pathologies as cancer and fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) is the most potent pro-fibrotic cytokine identified to date, currently accepted as the principal mediator of the fibrotic response in liver, lung, and kidney. Recent literature has described that the expression of AGAP2 modulates some of the pro-fibrotic effects described for TGF-β1 in the liver. The present review is focused on the interrelated molecular effects between AGAP2 and TGFβ1 expression, presenting AGAP2 as a new player in the signaling of this pro-fibrotic cytokine, thereby contributing to the progression of hepatic fibrosis.
Structural Analysis and Design of Chionodracine-Derived Peptides Using Circular Dichroism and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Borocci Stefano , Della Pelle Giulia , Ceccacci Francesca , Olivieri Cristina , Buonocore Francesco , Porcelli Fernando
Published: February 2020

Antimicrobial peptides have been identified as one of the alternatives to the extensive use of common antibiotics as they show a broad spectrum of activity against human pathogens. Among these is Chionodracine (Cnd), a host-defense peptide isolated from the Antarctic icefish Chionodraco hamatus, which belongs to the family of Piscidins. Previously, we demonstrated that Cnd and its analogs display high antimicrobial activity against ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species). Herein, we investigate the interactions with lipid membranes of Cnd and two analogs, Cnd-m3 and Cnd-m3a, showing enhanced potency. Using a combination of Circular Dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, and all-atom Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, we determined the structural basis for the different activity among these peptides. We show that all peptides are predominantly unstructured in water and fold, preferentially as α-helices, in the presence of lipid vesicles of various compositions. Through a series of MD simulations of 400 ns time scale, we show the effect of mutations on the structure and lipid interactions of Cnd and its analogs. By explaining the structural basis for the activity of these analogs, our findings provide structural templates to design minimalistic peptides for therapeutics.
β2 Integrins—Multi-Functional Leukocyte Receptors in Health and Disease
Authors: Bednarczyk Monika , Stege Henner , Grabbe Stephan , Bros Matthias
Published: February 2020

β2 integrins are heterodimeric surface receptors composed of a variable α (CD11a-CD11d) and a constant β (CD18) subunit and are specifically expressed by leukocytes. The α subunit defines the individual functional properties of the corresponding β2 integrin, but all β2 integrins show functional overlap. They mediate adhesion to other cells and to components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), orchestrate uptake of extracellular material like complement-opsonized pathogens, control cytoskeletal organization, and modulate cell signaling. This review aims to delineate the tremendous role of β2 integrins for immune functions as exemplified by the phenotype of LAD-I (leukocyte adhesion deficiency 1) patients that suffer from strong recurrent infections. These immune defects have been largely attributed to impaired migratory and phagocytic properties of polymorphonuclear granulocytes. The molecular base for this inherited disease is a functional impairment of β2 integrins due to mutations within the CD18 gene. LAD-I patients are also predisposed for autoimmune diseases. In agreement, polymorphisms within the CD11b gene have been associated with autoimmunity. Consequently, β2 integrins have received growing interest as targets in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Moreover, β2 integrin activity on leukocytes has been implicated in tumor development.
Molecular Rescue of Dyrk1A Overexpression Alterations in Mice with Fontup® Dietary Supplement: Role of Green Tea Catechins
Authors: Gu Yuchen , Moroy Gautier , Paul Jean-Louis , Rebillat Anne-Sophie , Dierssen Mara , de la Torre Rafael , Cieuta-Walti Cécile , Dairou Julien , Janel Nathalie
Published: February 2020

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is an inhibitor of DYRK1A, a serine/threonine kinase considered to be a major contributor of cognitive dysfunctions in Down syndrome (DS). Two clinical trials in adult patients with DS have shown the safety and efficacy to improve cognitive phenotypes using commercial green tea extract containing EGCG (45% content). In the present study, we performed a preclinical study using FontUp®, a new nutritional supplement with a chocolate taste specifically formulated for the nutritional needs of patients with DS and enriched with a standardized amount of EGCG in young mice overexpressing Dyrk1A (TgBACDyrk1A). This preparation is differential with previous one used, because its green tea extract has been purified to up 94% EGCG of total catechins. We analyzed the in vitro effect of green tea catechins not only for EGCG, but for others residually contained in FontUp®, on DYRK1A kinase activity. Like EGCG, epicatechin gallate was a noncompetitive inhibitor against ATP, molecular docking computations confirming these results. Oral FontUp® normalized brain and plasma biomarkers deregulated in TgBACDyrk1A, without negative effect on liver and cardiac functions. We compared the bioavailability of EGCG in plasma and brain of mice and have demonstrated that EGCG had well crossed the blood-brain barrier.
Inflammasomes—A Molecular Link for Altered Immunoregulation and Inflammation Mediated Vascular Dysfunction in Preeclampsia
Authors: Murthi Padma , Pinar Anita A. , Dimitriadis Evdokia , Samuel Chrishan S.
Published: February 2020

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific multisystem disorder and is associated with maladaptation of the maternal cardiovascular system and abnormal placentation. One of the important characteristics in the pathophysiology of PE is a dysfunction of the placenta. Placental insufficiency is associated with poor trophoblast uterine invasion and impaired transformation of the uterine spiral arterioles to high capacity and low impedance vessels and/or abnormalities in the development of chorionic villi. Significant progress in identifying potential molecular targets in the pathophysiology of PE is underway. The human placenta is immunologically functional with the trophoblast able to generate specific and diverse innate immune-like responses through their expression of multimeric self-assembling protein complexes, termed inflammasomes. However, the type of response is highly dependent upon the stimuli, the receptor(s) expressed and activated, the downstream signaling pathways involved, and the timing of gestation. Recent findings highlight that inflammasomes can act as a molecular link for several components at the syncytiotrophoblast surface and also in maternal blood thereby directly influencing each other. Thus, the inflammasome molecular platform can promote adverse inflammatory effects when chronically activated. This review highlights current knowledge in placental inflammasome expression and activity in PE-affected pregnancies, and consequently, vascular dysfunction in PE that must be addressed as an interdependent interactive process.
Co-Expression Effect of SLC7A5/SLC3A2 to Predict Response to Endocrine Therapy in Oestrogen-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Alfarsi Lutfi H. , El-Ansari Rokaya , Craze Madeleine L. , Masisi Brendah K. , Mohammed Omar J. , Ellis Ian O. , Rakha Emad A. , Green Andrew R.
Published: February 2020

The majority of breast cancers are oestrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) and are subject to endocrine therapy; however, an unpredictable subgroup of patients will develop resistance to endocrine therapy. The SLC7A5/SLC3A2 complex is a major route for the transport of large neutral essential amino acids through the plasma membrane. Alterations in the expression and function of those amino-acid transporters lead to metabolic reprogramming, which contributes to the tumorigenesis and drug resistance. This study aims to assess the effects and roles of SLC7A5/SLC3A2 co-expression in predicting responses to endocrine therapy in patients with ER+ breast cancer. The biological and clinical impact of SLC7A5/SLC3A2 co-expression was assessed in large annotated cohorts of ER+/HER2− breast cancer with long-term follow-up at the mRNA and protein levels. In vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of SLC7A5/SLC3A2 knockdown in the proliferation of cancer cells and to the sensitivity to tamoxifen. We found that proliferation-related genes are highly expressed in a subgroup of patients with high SLC7A5/SLC3A2, and knockdown of SLC7A5/SLC3A2 decreased proliferation of ER+ breast cancer cells. In patients treated with endocrine therapy, high SLC7A5/SLC3A2 co-expression was associated with poor patient outcome, and depletion of SLC7A5/SLC3A2 using siRNA increased the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to tamoxifen. On the basis of our findings, SLC7A5/SLC3A2 co-expression has the potential of identifying a subgroup of ER+/HER2− breast cancer patients who fail to benefit from endocrine therapy and could guide the choice of other alternative therapies.
Functional Aspects of Early Light-Induced Protein (ELIP) Genes from the Desiccation-Tolerant Moss Syntrichia caninervis
Authors: Liu Xiujin , Zhang Yigong , Yang Honglan , Liang Yuqing , Li Xiaoshuang , Oliver Melvin J. , Zhang Daoyuan
Published: February 2020

The early light-induced proteins (ELIPs) are postulated to act as transient pigment-binding proteins that protect the chloroplast from photodamage caused by excessive light energy. Desert mosses such as Syntrichia caninervis, that are desiccation-tolerant and homoiochlorophyllous, are often exposed to high-light conditions when both hydrated and dry ELIP transcripts are accumulated in response to dehydration. To gain further insights into ELIP gene function in the moss S. caninervis, two ELIP cDNAs cloned from S. caninervis, ScELIP1 and ScELIP2 and both sequences were used as the basis of a transcript abundance assessment in plants exposed to high-light, UV-A, UV-B, red-light, and blue-light. ScELIPs were expressed separately in an Arabidopsis ELIP mutant Atelip. Transcript abundance for ScELIPs in gametophytes respond to each of the light treatments, in similar but not in identical ways. Ectopic expression of either ScELIPs protected PSII against photoinhibition and stabilized leaf chlorophyll content and thus partially complementing the loss of AtELIP2. Ectopic expression of ScELIPs also complements the germination phenotype of the mutant and improves protection of the photosynthetic apparatus of transgenic Arabidopsis from high-light stress. Our study extends knowledge of bryophyte photoprotection and provides further insight into the molecular mechanisms related to the function of ELIPs.
Characterization of Naturally Occurring Bioactive Factor Mixtures for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Bretschneider Henriette , Quade Mandy , Lode Anja , Gelinsky Michael , Rammelt Stefan , Zwingenberger Stefan , Schaser Klaus-Dieter , Vater Corina
Published: February 2020

In this study, the bone-regenerative potential of bioactive factors derived from adipose tissue, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and conditioned medium from hypoxia-treated human telomerase immortalized bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hTERT-MSC) was investigated in vitro with the aim to develop cost-effective and efficient bone substitutes for optimized regeneration of bone defects. Adipose tissue was harvested from human donors undergoing reconstructive surgery, and adipose tissue extract (ATE) was prepared. Platelet lysates (PL) were produced by repeated freeze-thaw cycles of PRP, and hypoxia-conditioned medium (HCM) was obtained by culturing human telomerase immortalized bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells for 5 days with 1% O2. Besides analysis by cytokine and angiogenesis arrays, ELISA was performed. Angiogenic potential was investigated in cocultures of bone-marrow-derived (BM)-MSC and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Multiple angiogenic proteins and cytokines were detected in all growth factor mixtures. HCM and ATE contained high amounts of angiogenin and CCL2/MCP-1, whereas PL contained high amounts of IGFBP-1. Culturing cells with HCM and ATE significantly increased specific ALP activity of BM-MSC as well as tubule length and junctions of endothelial networks, indicating osteogenic and angiogenic stimulation. To achieve a synergism between chemoattractive potential and osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation capacity, a combination of different growth factors appears promising for potential clinical applications.
Dose-Dependent Effects of Long-Term Administration of Hydrogen Sulfide on Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in Male Wistar Rats: Modulation of RKIP, NF-κB, and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Jeddi Sajad , Gheibi Sevda , Kashfi Khosrow , Carlström Mattias , Ghasemi Asghar
Published: February 2020

Decreased circulating levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are associated with higher mortality following myocardial ischemia. This study aimed at determining the long-term dose-dependent effects of sodium hydrosulfide (NaSH) administration on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Male rats were divided into control and NaSH groups that were treated for 9 weeks with daily intraperitoneal injections of normal saline or NaSH (0.28, 0.56, 1.6, 2.8, and 5.6 mg/kg), respectively. At the end of the study, hearts from all rats were isolated and hemodynamic parameters were recorded during baseline and following IR. In isolated hearts, infarct size, oxidative stress indices as well as mRNA expression of H2S-, nitric oxide (NO)-producing enzymes, and inflammatory markers were measured. In heart tissue following IR, low doses of NaSH (0.28 and 0.56 mg/kg) had no effect, whereas an intermediate dose (1.6 mg/kg), improved recovery of hemodynamic parameters, decreased infarct size, and decreased oxidative stress. It also increased expression of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and neuronal NOS (nNOS), as well as decreased expression of inducible NOS (iNOS) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). At the high dose of 5.6 mg/kg, NaSH administration was associated with worse recovery of hemodynamic parameters and increased infarct size as well as increased oxidative stress. This dose also decreased expression of CSE, RKIP, and eNOS and increased expression of iNOS and NF-κB. In conclusion, chronic treatment with NaSH has a U-shaped concentration effect on IR injury in heart tissue. An intermediate dose was associated with higher CSE-derived H2S, lower iNOS-derived NO, lower oxidative stress, and inflammation in heart tissue following IR.
First Insight into Microbiome Profiles of Myrmecophilous Beetles and Their Host, Red Wood Ant Formica polyctena (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)—A Case Study
Authors: Kaczmarczyk-Ziemba Agnieszka , Zagaja Mirosław , Wagner Grzegorz K. , Pietrykowska-Tudruj Ewa , Staniec Bernard
Published: February 2020

Formica polyctena belongs to the red wood ant species group. Its nests provide a stable, food rich, and temperature and humidity controlled environment, utilized by a wide range of species, called myrmecophiles. Here, we used the high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene on the Illumina platform for identification of the microbiome profiles of six selected myrmecophilous beetles (Dendrophilus pygmaeus, Leptacinus formicetorum, Monotoma angusticollis, Myrmechixenus subterraneus, Ptenidium formicetorum and Thiasophila angulata) and their host F. polyctena. Analyzed bacterial communities consisted of a total of 23 phyla, among which Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes were the most abundant. Two known endosymbionts—Wolbachia and Rickettsia—were found in the analyzed microbiome profiles and Wolbachia was dominant in bacterial communities associated with F. polyctena, M. subterraneus, L. formicetorum and P. formicetorum (>90% of reads). In turn, M. angusticollis was co-infected with both Wolbachia and Rickettsia, while in the microbiome of T. angulata, the dominance of Rickettsia has been observed. The relationships among the microbiome profiles were complex, and no relative abundance pattern common to all myrmecophilous beetles tested was observed. However, some subtle, species-specific patterns have been observed for bacterial communities associated with D. pygmaeus, M. angusticollis, and T. angulata.
Identifying the Frequency Dependent Interactions between Ocean Waves and the Continental Margin on Seismic Noise Recordings
Authors: Guo Zhen , Huang Yu , Aydin Adnan , Xue Mei
Published: February 2020

This study presents an exploration into identifying the interactions between ocean waves and the continental margin in the origination of double-frequency (DF, 0.1–0.5 Hz) microseisms recorded at 33 stations across East Coast of USA (ECUSA) during a 10-day period of ordinary ocean wave climate. Daily primary vibration directions are calculated in three frequency bands and projected as great circles passing through each station. In each band, the great circles from all stations exhibit largest spatial density primarily near the continental slope in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Generation mechanisms of three DF microseism events are explored by comparing temporal and spatial variations of the DF microseisms with the migration patterns of ocean wave fronts in Wavewatch III hindcasts. Correlation analyses are conducted by comparing the frequency compositions of and calculating the Pearson correlation coefficients between the DF microseisms and the ocean waves recorded at selected buoys. The observations and analyses lead to a hypothesis that the continental slope causes wave reflection, generating low frequency DF energy and that the continental shelf is where high frequency DF energy is mainly generated in ECUSA. The hypothesis is supported by the primary vibration directions being mainly perpendicular to the strike of the continental slope.
Thermal Infrared Spectral Characteristics of Bunker Fuel Oil to Determine Oil-Film Thickness and API
Authors: Guo Gang , Liu Bingxin , Liu Chengyu
Published: February 2020

Remote sensing is an important method for monitoring marine oil-spill accidents. However, methods for measuring oil-film thickness remain insufficient. Due to the stable differences in the surface emissivity and temperature of oil and water, the oil film can be detected using thermal infrared. This study measured emissivity of seven different oil-film thicknesses and seven different American Petroleum Institute (API) densities, and analyzed the spectral characteristics. Results show an optimal wavelength position for oil-film thickness and fuel API density monitoring is 12.55 μm. Principal component analysis and continuum removal methods were used for data processing. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to establish relationships between emissivity and oil slick thicknesses and API densities. Oil-film thickness and fuel API density data were analyzed by principal component analysis and continuum removal before regression analysis. The spectral emissivity data was convolved into Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) thermal bands to determine potential of the sensor in oil-film detection. The result shows that neither could be used to estimate thickness. The AVHRR-4 band and band 12 and 13 of the ASTER could be used to separate oils from water and have potential to distinguish different oil types.
Polypropylene/ZnO Nanocomposites: Mechanical Properties, Photocatalytic Dye Degradation, and Antibacterial Property
Authors: Prasert Ampawan , Sontikaew Somchoke , Sriprapai Dilok , Chuangchote Surawut
Published: February 2020

Nanocomposite materials were prepared by compounding polypropylene (PP) with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, using a twin-screw extruder. The compound was molded by injection molding to form dumbbell-shaped specimens. The influence of ZnO nanoparticle content on the morphology, mechanical properties, chemical structure, photocatalytic activity, and antibacterial properties of the obtained nanocomposites was investigated. The morphological images showed that the ZnO nanoparticles were well distributed in the PP matrix. Characterizations of the mechanical properties and chemical structures before and after sunlight exposure found that at the shortest exposure time, crosslinks could occur in the nanocomposites, which resulted in improved mechanical properties. However, sunlight exposure with the time period longer than 18 weeks caused the reduction of the mechanical properties, due to degradation of the PP matrix. It was found that PP with 2% ZnO could achieve the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue up to 59%. Moreover, the result of antibacterial tests indicated that the nanocomposites had better antibacterial properties than neat PP.
Synthesis of Multiwall Boron Nitride (BN) Nanotubes by a PVD Method Based on Vapor–Liquid–Solid Growth
Authors: Guo Hao , Xu Yonggang , Chen Hetuo , Wang Zhengjuan , Mao Xiaojian , Zhou Guohong , Zhang Jian , Wang Shiwei
Published: February 2020

Multiwall boron nitride (BN) nanotubes were synthesized by a novel physical vapor deposition (PVD) method, in which the BN nanotubes grow on a compact substrate composed of AlN, γ-Al2O3, Y2O3, and carbon powders. The obtained BN nanotubes assemble in an orderly manner with a typical length of over one millimeter and a diameter of one-hundred nanometers. The hollow multiwall tubes have a spherical tip, which is presumed to be a liquid drop at the synthesis temperature, indicating the vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth mechanism.