bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusion Transcripts of Adjacent Genes: New Insights into the World of Human Complex Transcripts in Cancer
Authors: Barresi Vincenza , Cosentini Ilaria , Scuderi Chiara , Napoli Salvatore , Di Bella Virginia , Spampinato Giorgia , Condorelli Daniele Filippo
Published: October 2019

The awareness of genome complexity brought a radical approach to the study of transcriptome, opening eyes to single RNAs generated from two or more adjacent genes according to the present consensus. This kind of transcript was thought to originate only from chromosomal rearrangements, but the discovery of readthrough transcription opens the doors to a new world of fusion RNAs. In the last years many possible intergenic cis-splicing mechanisms have been proposed, unveiling the origins of transcripts that contain some exons of both the upstream and downstream genes. In some cases, alternative mechanisms, such as trans-splicing and transcriptional slippage, have been proposed. Five databases, containing validated and predicted Fusion Transcripts of Adjacent Genes (FuTAGs), are available for the scientific community. A comparative analysis revealed that two of them contain the majority of the results. A complete analysis of the more widely characterized FuTAGs is provided in this review, including their expression pattern in normal tissues and in cancer. Gene structure, intergenic splicing patterns and exon junction sequences have been determined and here reported for well-characterized FuTAGs. The available functional data and the possible roles in cancer progression are discussed.
The Crosstalk of miRNA and Oxidative Stress in the Liver: From Physiology to Pathology and Clinical Implications
Authors: Klieser Eckhard , Mayr Christian , Kiesslich Tobias , Wissniowski Till , Di Fazio Pietro , Neureiter Daniel , Ocker Matthias
Published: October 2019

The liver is the central metabolic organ of mammals. In humans, most diseases of the liver are primarily caused by an unhealthy lifestyle–high fat diet, drug and alcohol consumption- or due to infections and exposure to toxic substances like aflatoxin or other environmental factors. All these noxae cause changes in the metabolism of functional cells in the liver. In this literature review we focus on the changes at the miRNA level, the formation and impact of reactive oxygen species and the crosstalk between those factors. Both, miRNAs and oxidative stress are involved in the multifactorial development and progression of acute and chronic liver diseases, as well as in viral hepatitis and carcinogenesis, by influencing numerous signaling and metabolic pathways. Furthermore, expression patterns of miRNAs and antioxidants can be used for biomonitoring the course of disease and show potential to serve as possible therapeutic targets.
Nutraceutical Compounds as Sensitizers for Cancer Treatment in Radiation Therapy
Authors: Calvaruso Marco , Pucci Gaia , Musso Rosa , Bravatà Valentina , Cammarata Francesco P. , Russo Giorgio , Forte Giusi I. , Minafra Luigi
Published: October 2019

The improvement of diagnostic techniques and the efficacy of new therapies in clinical practice have allowed cancer patients to reach a higher chance to be cured together with a better quality of life. However, tumors still represent the second leading cause of death worldwide. On the contrary, chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) still lack treatment plans which take into account the biological features of tumors and depend on this for their response to treatment. Tumor cells’ response to RT is strictly-connected to their radiosensitivity, namely, their ability to resist and to overcome cell damage induced by ionizing radiation (IR). For this reason, radiobiological research is focusing on the ability of chemical compounds to radiosensitize cancer cells so to make them more responsive to IR. In recent years, the interests of researchers have been focused on natural compounds that show antitumoral effects with limited collateral issues. Moreover, nutraceuticals are easy to recover and are thus less expensive. On these bases, several scientific projects have aimed to test also their ability to induce tumor radiosensitization both in vitro and in vivo. The goal of this review is to describe what is known about the role of nutraceuticals in radiotherapy, their use and their potential application.
The Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Effect of Persimmon leaves (Diospyros kaki) in a Mouse Model of Glaucoma
Authors: Ahn Hong Ryul , Yang Jae Wook , Kim Jee Young , Lee Chang Yong , Kim Tae-Jin , Jung Sang Hoon
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological efficacy of persimmon leaves in two glaucoma models, microbeads-induced ocular hypertension (OHT) and DBA/2 mouse. Thus, we demonstrated that Ethanol Extract of Diospyros kaki (EEDK) reduced elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in both mouse models of glaucoma by measurements with a tonometer. In particular, we revealed that retinal ganglion cell loss and optic nerve damage caused by IOP elevation were markedly diminished as assessed by TUNEL assay, H&E staining, and fluorescent staining, while the expression of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGCα-1) increased, when EEDK was administered, as revealed by western blot. Moreover, the b-wave magnitude indicating functional scotopic vision was significantly improved in EEDK-administered DBA/2 mice during the 10-week follow-up study, as observed with electroretinography. Collectively, our results suggested that EEDK could be an effective therapeutic and IOP-lowering agent for preventing and treating retinal degenerative diseases such as glaucoma.
Anticoagulants and Osteoporosis
Authors: Signorelli Salvatore Santo , Scuto Salvatore , Marino Elisa , Giusti Michele , Xourafa Anastasia , Gaudio Agostino
Published: October 2019

Anticoagulant agents are widely used in the treatment of thromboembolic events and in stroke prevention. Data about their effects on bone tissue are in some cases limited or inconsistent (oral anti-vitamin K agents), and in others are sufficiently strong (heparins) to suggest caution in their use in subjects at risk of osteoporosis. This review analyses the effects of this group of drugs on bone metabolism, on bone mineral density, and on fragility fractures. A literature search strategy was developed by an experienced team of specialists by consulting the MEDLINE platform, including published papers and reviews updated to March 2019. Literature supports a detrimental effect of heparin on bone, with an increase in fracture rate. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) seem to be safer than heparin. Although anti-vitamin K agents (VKAs) have a significant impact on bone metabolism, and in particular, on osteocalcin, data on bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures are contrasting. To date, the new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are found to safe for bone health.
Gender Related Changes in Gene Expression Induced by Valproic Acid in A Mouse Model of Autism and the Correction by S-adenosyl Methionine. Does It Explain the Gender Differences in Autistic Like Behavior?
Authors: Weinstein-Fudim Liza , Ergaz Zivanit , Turgeman Gadi , Yanai Joseph , Szyf Moshe , Ornoy Asher
Published: October 2019

In previous studies we produced autism like behavioral changes in mice by Valproic acid (VPA) with significant differences between genders. S-adenosine methionine (SAM) prevented the autism like behavior in both genders. The expression of 770 genes of pathways involved in neurophysiology and neuropathology was studied in the prefrontal cortex of 60 days old male and female mice using the NanoString nCounter. In females, VPA induced statistically significant changes in the expression of 146 genes; 71 genes were upregulated and 75 downregulated. In males, VPA changed the expression of only 19 genes, 16 were upregulated and 3 downregulated. Eight genes were similarly changed in both genders. When considering only the genes that were changed by at least 50%, VPA changed the expression of 15 genes in females and 3 in males. Only Nts was similarly downregulated in both genders. SAM normalized the expression of most changed genes in both genders. We presume that genes that are involved in autism like behavior in our model were similarly changed in both genders and corrected by SAM. The behavioral and other differences between genders may be related to genes that were differently affected by VPA in males and females and/or differently affected by SAM.
Deleterious Variants in WNT10A, EDAR, and EDA Causing Isolated and Syndromic Tooth Agenesis: A Structural Perspective from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Parveen Asia , Khan Sher Alam , Mirza Muhammad Usman , Bashir Hina , Arshad Fatima , Iqbal Maria , Ahmad Waseem , Wahab Ahsan , Fiaz Amal , Naz Sidra , Ashraf Fareeha , Mobeen Tayyaba , Aziz Salman , Ahmed Syed Shoaib , Muhammad Noor , Hassib Nehal F. , Mostafa Mostafa I. , Gaboon Nagwa E. , Gul Roquyya , Khan Saadullah , Froeyen Matheus , Shoaib Muhammad , Wasif Naveed
Published: October 2019

The dental abnormalities are the typical features of many ectodermal dysplasias along with congenital malformations of nails, skin, hair, and sweat glands. However, several reports of non-syndromic/isolated tooth agenesis have also been found in the literature. The characteristic features of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) comprise of hypodontia/oligodontia, along with hypohidrosis/anhidrosis, and hypotrichosis. Pathogenic variants in EDA, EDAR, EDARADD, and TRAF6, cause the phenotypic expression of HED. Genetic alterations in EDA and WNT10A cause particularly non-syndromic/isolated oligodontia. In the current project, we recruited 57 patients of 17 genetic pedigrees (A-Q) from different geographic regions of the world, including Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. The molecular investigation of different syndromic and non-syndromic dental conditions, including hypodontia, oligodontia, generalized odontodysplasia, and dental crowding was carried out by using exome and Sanger sequencing. We have identified a novel missense variant (c.311G>A; p.Arg104His) in WNT10A in three oligodontia patients of family A, two novel sequence variants (c.207delinsTT, p.Gly70Trpfs*25 and c.1300T>G; p.Try434Gly) in EDAR in three patients of family B and four patients of family C, respectively. To better understand the structural and functional consequences of missense variants in WNT10A and EDAR on the stability of the proteins, we have performed extensive molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. We have also identified three previously reported pathogenic variants (c.1076T>C; p.Met359Thr), (c.1133C>T; p.Thr378Met) and (c.594_595insC; Gly201Argfs*39) in EDA in family D (four patients), E (two patients) and F (one patient), correspondingly. Presently, our data explain the genetic cause of 18 syndromic and non-syndromic tooth agenesis patients in six autosomal recessive and X-linked pedigrees (A-F), which expand the mutational spectrum of these unique clinical manifestations.
The Modulating Effect of p-Coumaric Acid on The Surface Charge Density of Human Glioblastoma Cell Membranes
Authors: Kruszewski Marcin Andrzej , Kotyńska Joanna , Kusaczuk Magdalena , Gál Miroslav , Naumowicz Monika
Published: October 2019

p-Coumaric acid (p-CoA), a phenolic acid belonging to the hydroxycinnamic acids family, is a compound with tentative anticancer potential. Microelectrophoretic mobility measurements conducted at various pH values of electrolyte solution were applied to study p-CoA effects on electrical properties of human glioblastoma cell membranes. The obtained results demonstrated that after the p-CoA treatment, the surface charge density of cancer cells changed in alkaline pH solutions, while no noticeable changes were observed in cell membranes incubated with p-CoA compared to control at acidic pH solutions. A four-equilibrium model was used to describe the phenomena occurring on the cell membrane surface. The total surface concentrations of both acidic and basic functional groups and their association constants with solution ions were calculated and used to define theoretical curves of membrane surface charge density versus pH. The resulting theoretical curves and the experimental data were compared to verify the reliability and validity of the adopted model. The deviation of both kinds of data obtained at a higher pH may be caused by disregarding interactions between the functional groups of cancer cells. Processes occurring in the cell membranes after their incubation with p-CoA can lead to disorders of existing equilibria, which result in changes in values of the parameters describing these equilibria.
Detection and Quantification of eDNA-Associated Bacterial Membrane Vesicles by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Puca Valentina , Ercolino Eva , Celia Christian , Bologna Giuseppina , Di Marzio Luisa , Mincione Gabriella , Marchisio Marco , Miscia Sebastiano , Muraro Raffaella , Lanuti Paola , Grande Rossella
Published: October 2019

Bacteria generate membrane vesicles, which are structures known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), reported to be involved in different pathogenic mechanisms, as it has been demonstrated that EVs participate in biofilm formation, cell-to-cell communication, bacteria–host interactions, and nutrients supply. EVs deliver nucleic acids, proteins, and polysaccharides. It has been reported that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri), of both planktonic and biofilm phenotypes, produce EVs carrying extracellular DNA (eDNA). Here, we used polychromatic flow cytometry (PFC) to identify, enumerate, and characterize EVs as well as the eDNA-delivering EV compartment in the biofilm and planktonic phenotypes of H.pylori ATCC 43629 and L. reuteri DSM 17938. Biofilm formation was demonstrated and analyzed by fluorescence microscopy, using a classical live/dead staining protocol. The enumeration of EVs and the detection of eDNA-associated EVs were performed by PFC, analyzing both whole samples (cells plus vesicles) and EVs isolated by ultracentrifugation confirm EVs isolated by ultracentrifugation. PFC analysis was performed relying on a known-size beaded system and a mix of three different fluorescent tracers. In detail, the whole EV compartment was stained by a lipophilic cationic dye (LCD), which was combined to PKH26 and PicoGreen that selectively stain lipids and DNA, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy results displayed that both H. pylori and L. reuteri produced well-structured biofilms. PFC data highlighted that, in both detected bacterial species, biofilms produced higher EVs counts when paralleled to the related planktonic phenotypes. Furthermore, the staining with PicoGreen showed that most of the generated vesicles were associated with eDNA. These data suggest that the use of PFC, set according to the parameters here described, allows for the study of the production of eDNA-associated EVs in different microbial species in the same or several phases of growth, thus opening new perspectives in the study of microbial derived EVs in clinical samples.
Comparative Genome-wide Analysis and Expression Profiling of Histone Acetyltransferase (HAT) Gene Family in Response to Hormonal Applications, Metal and Abiotic Stresses in Cotton
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Shafiq Sarfraz , Farooq Muhammad Ansar , Naeem Muhammad Kashif , Widemann Emilie , Bakhsh Ali , Jensen Kevin B. , Wang Richard R.-C.
Published: October 2019

Post-translational modifications are involved in regulating diverse developmental processes. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) play vital roles in the regulation of chromation structure and activate the gene transcription implicated in various cellular processes. However, HATs in cotton, as well as their regulation in response to developmental and environmental cues, remain unidentified. In this study, 9 HATs were identified from Gossypium raimondi and Gossypium arboretum, while 18 HATs were identified from Gossypium hirsutum. Based on their amino acid sequences, Gossypium HATs were divided into three groups: CPB, GNAT, and TAFII250. Almost all the HATs within each subgroup share similar gene structure and conserved motifs. Gossypium HATs are unevenly distributed on the chromosomes, and duplication analysis suggests that Gossypium HATs are under strong purifying selection. Gene expression analysis showed that Gossypium HATs were differentially expressed in various vegetative tissues and at different stages of fiber development. Furthermore, all the HATs were differentially regulated in response to various stresses (salt, drought, cold, heavy metal and DNA damage) and hormones (abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin (NAA)). Finally, co-localization of HAT genes with reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) of fiber development were reported. Altogether, these results highlight the functional diversification of HATs in cotton growth and fiber development, as well as in response to different environmental cues. This study enhances our understanding of function of histone acetylation in cotton growth, fiber development, and stress adaptation, which will eventually lead to the long-term improvement of stress tolerance and fiber quality in cotton.
Acoustic Trauma Modulates Cochlear Blood Flow and Vasoactive Factors in a Rodent Model of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Authors: Shin Sun-Ae , Lyu Ah-Ra , Jeong Seong-Hun , Kim Tae Hwan , Park Min Jung , Park Yong-Ho
Published: October 2019

Noise exposure affects the organ of Corti and the lateral wall of the cochlea, including the stria vascularis and spiral ligament. Although the inner ear vasculature and spiral ligament fibrocytes in the lateral wall consist of a significant proportion of cells in the cochlea, relatively little is known regarding their functional significance. In this study, 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to noise trauma to induce transient hearing threshold shift (TTS) or permanent hearing threshold shift (PTS). Compared to mice with TTS, mice with PTS exhibited lower cochlear blood flow and lower vessel diameter in the stria vascularis, accompanied by reduced expression levels of genes involved in vasodilation and increased expression levels of genes related to vasoconstriction. Ultrastructural analyses by transmission electron microscopy revealed that the stria vascularis and spiral ligament fibrocytes were more damaged by PTS than by TTS. Moreover, mice with PTS expressed significantly higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the cochlea (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Overall, our findings suggest that cochlear microcirculation and lateral wall pathologies are differentially modulated by the severity of acoustic trauma and are associated with changes in vasoactive factors and inflammatory responses in the cochlea.
Single-Channel Properties of the ROMK-Pore-Forming Subunit of the Mitochondrial ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel
Authors: Laskowski Michał , Augustynek Bartłomiej , Bednarczyk Piotr , Żochowska Monika , Kalisz Justyna , O’Rourke Brian , Szewczyk Adam , Kulawiak Bogusz
Published: October 2019

An increased flux of potassium ions into the mitochondrial matrix through the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoKATP) has been shown to provide protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Recently, it was proposed that the mitochondrial-targeted isoform of the renal outer medullary potassium channel (ROMK) protein creates a pore-forming subunit of mitoKATP in heart mitochondria. Our research focuses on the properties of mitoKATP from heart-derived H9c2 cells. For the first time, we detected single-channel activity and describe the pharmacology of mitoKATP in the H9c2 heart-derived cells. The patch-clamping of mitoplasts from wild type (WT) and cells overexpressing ROMK2 revealed the existence of a potassium channel that exhibits the same basic properties previously attributed to mitoKATP. ROMK2 overexpression resulted in a significant increase of mitoKATP activity. The conductance of both channels in symmetric 150/150 mM KCl was around 97 ± 2 pS in WT cells and 94 ± 3 pS in cells overexpressing ROMK2. The channels were inhibited by 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (a mitoKATP inhibitor) and by Tertiapin Q (an inhibitor of both the ROMK-type channels and mitoKATP). Additionally, mitoKATP from cells overexpressing ROMK2 were inhibited by ATP/Mg2+ and activated by diazoxide. We used an assay based on proteinase K to examine the topology of the channel in the inner mitochondrial membrane and found that both termini of the protein localized to the mitochondrial matrix. We conclude that the observed activity of the channel formed by the ROMK protein corresponds to the electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of mitoKATP.
Chemical Patterns of Proteasome Inhibitors: Lessons Learned from Two Decades of Drug Design
Authors: Guedes Romina A. , Aniceto Natália , Andrade Marina A. P. , Salvador Jorge A. R. , Guedes Rita C.
Published: October 2019

Drug discovery now faces a new challenge, where the availability of experimental data is no longer the limiting step, and instead, making sense of the data has gained a new level of importance, propelled by the extensive incorporation of cheminformatics and bioinformatics methodologies into the drug discovery and development pipeline. These enable, for example, the inference of structure-activity relationships that can be useful in the discovery of new drug candidates. One of the therapeutic applications that could benefit from this type of data mining is proteasome inhibition, given that multiple compounds have been designed and tested for the last 20 years, and this collection of data is yet to be subjected to such type of assessment. This study presents a retrospective overview of two decades of proteasome inhibitors development (680 compounds), in order to gather what could be learned from them and apply this knowledge to any future drug discovery on this subject. Our analysis focused on how different chemical descriptors coupled with statistical tools can be used to extract interesting patterns of activity. Multiple instances of the structure-activity relationship were observed in this dataset, either for isolated molecular descriptors (e.g., molecular refractivity and topological polar surface area) as well as scaffold similarity or chemical space overlap. Building a decision tree allowed the identification of two meaningful decision rules that describe the chemical parameters associated with high activity. Additionally, a characterization of the prevalence of key functional groups gives insight into global patterns followed in drug discovery projects, and highlights some systematically underexplored parts of the chemical space. The various chemical patterns identified provided useful insight that can be applied in future drug discovery projects, and give an overview of what has been done so far.
PRP and BMAC for Musculoskeletal Conditions via Biomaterial Carriers
Authors: Yamaguchi Fabio S. M. , Shams Shahin , Silva Eduardo A. , Stilhano Roberta S.
Published: October 2019

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) are orthobiologic therapies considered as an alternative to the current therapies for muscle, bone and cartilage. Different formulations of biomaterials have been used as carriers for PRP and BMAC in order to increase regenerative processes. The most common biomaterials utilized in conjunction with PRP and BMAC clinical trials are organic scaffolds and natural or synthetic polymers. This review will cover the combinatorial strategies of biomaterial carriers with PRP and BMAC for musculoskeletal conditions (MsCs) repair and regeneration in clinical trials. The main objective is to review the therapeutic use of PRP and BMAC as a treatment option for muscle, bone and cartilage injuries.
Delayed Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients with Head Trauma and Antithrombotic Therapy
Authors: Antoni Anna , Schwendenwein Elisabeth , Binder Harald , Schauperl Martin , Datler Philip , Hajdu Stefan
Published: October 2019

Background: Delayed intracranial hemorrhage can occur up to several weeks after head trauma and was reported more frequently in patients with antithrombotic therapy. Due to the risk of delayed intracranial hemorrhage, some hospitals follow extensive observation and cranial computed tomography (CT) protocols for patients with head trauma, while others discharge asymptomatic patients after negative CT. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data on patients with head trauma and antithrombotic therapy without pathologies on their initial CT. During the observation period, we followed a protocol of routine repeat CT before discharge for patients using vitamin K antagonists, clopidogrel or direct oral anticoagulants. Results: 793 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was the most common antithrombotic therapy (46.4%), followed by vitamin K antagonists (VKA) (32.2%) and Clopidogrel (10.8%). We observed 11 delayed hemorrhages (1.2%) in total. The group of 390 patients receiving routine repeat CT showed nine delayed hemorrhages (2.3%). VKA were used in 6 of these 11 patients. One patient needed an urgent decompressive craniectomy while the other patients were discharged after an extended observation period. The patient requiring surgical intervention due to delayed hemorrhage showed neurological deterioration during the observation period. Conclusions: Routine repeat CT scans without neurological deterioration are not necessary if patients are observed in a clinical setting. Patients using ASA as single antithrombotic therapy do not require in-hospital observation after a negative CT scan.
Histopathological Verification of the Diagnostic Performance of the EU-TIRADS Classification of Thyroid Nodules—Results of a Multicenter Study Performed in a Previously Iodine-Deficient Region
Authors: Dobruch-Sobczak Katarzyna , Adamczewski Zbigniew , Szczepanek-Parulska Ewelina , Migda Bartosz , Woliński Kosma , Krauze Agnieszka , Prostko Piotr , Ruchała Marek , Lewiński Andrzej , Jakubowski Wiesław , Dedecjus Marek
Published: October 2019

Background: To validate the European Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System EU-TIRADS classification in a multi-institutional database of thyroid nodules by analyzing the obtained scores and histopathology results. Methods: A total of 842 thyroid lesions (613 benign, 229 malignant) were identified in 428 patients (mean age 62.7 years) and scored according to EU-TIRADS, using ultrasound examination. In all tumors, histopathological verification was performed. Results: In EU-TIRADS 2 (154 nodules) all nodules were benign; in EU-TIRADS 3, only 3/93 malignancies were identified. In EU-TIRADS 4, 12/103 were malignant, and in EU-TIRADS 5 (278 benign vs. 214 malignant). The malignant nodules that would not have qualified for biopsy were: EU-TIRADS 3, 2/3 (67%) malignancies were <20 mm, in EU-TIRADS 4, 7/12 (58%) were <15 mm. In EU-TIRADS 5, 72/214 (34%) were <10 mm; in total, 81/229 (36%) malignant lesions would have been missed. The cutoff between EU-TIRADS 3/4 had sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 25.1%. Using cutoff for EU-TIRADS 5, 93.4%, 54.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The application of EU-TIRADS guidelines allowed us to achieve moderate specificity. The vast majority of malignancies in EU-TIRADS 3, 4, and 5 would not have been recommended for biopsy because having a smaller size than that proposed classification.
Plasma Levels of Retinol Binding Protein 4 Relate to Large VLDL and Small LDL Particles in Subjects with and without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wessel Hanna , Saeed Ali , Heegsma Janette , Connelly Margery A. , Faber Klaas Nico , Dullaart Robin P. F.
Published: October 2019

Background: Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) carries retinol in plasma, but is also considered an adipokine, as it is implicated in insulin resistance in mice. Plasma RBP4 correlates with total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides, and may confer increased cardiovascular risk. However, controversy exists about circulating RPB4 levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Here, we analyzed the relationships of RBP4 and retinol with lipoprotein subfractions in subjects with and without T2DM. Methods: Fasting plasma RBP4 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and retinol (high performance liquid chromatography) were assayed in 41 T2DM subjects and 37 non-diabetic subjects. Lipoprotein subfractions (NMR spectroscopy) were measured in 36 T2DM subjects and 27 non-diabetic subjects. Physical interaction of RBP4 with lipoproteins was assessed by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). Results: Plasma RBP4 and retinol were strongly correlated (r = 0.881, p < 0.001). RBP4, retinol and the RBP4/retinol ratio were not different between T2DM and non-diabetic subjects (all p > 0.12), and were unrelated to body mass index. Notably, RBP4 and retinol were elevated in subjects with metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05), which was attributable to an association with elevated triglycerides (p = 0.013). Large VLDL, total LDL and small LDL were increased in T2DM subjects (p = 0.035 to 0.003). Taking all subjects together, RBP4 correlated with total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B in univariate analysis (p < 0.001 for each). Age-, sex- and diabetes status-adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that RBP4 was independently associated with large VLDL (β = 0.444, p = 0.005) and small LDL particles (β = 0.539, p < 0.001). Its relationship with large VLDL remained after further adjustment for retinol. RBP4 did not co-elute with VLDL nor LDL particles in FPLC analyses. Conclusions: Plasma RBP4 levels are related to but do not physically interact with large VLDL and small LDL particles. Elevated RBP4 may contribute to a proatherogenic plasma lipoprotein profile.
Numerical Investigation of 1 × 7 Steel Wire Strand under Fretting Fatigue Condition
Authors: Ahmad Sajjad , Badshah Saeed , Ul Haq Ihsan , Abdullah Malik Suheel , Amjad Muhammad , Nasir Tamin Mohd
Published: October 2019

Wire ropes undergo a fretting fatigue condition when subjected to axial and bending loads. The fretting behavior of wires are classified as line contact and trellis point of contact. The experimental study on the fatigue of wire ropes indicates that most of the failure occurs due to high localized stresses at trellis point of contact. A continuum damage mechanics approach was previously proposed to estimate the fatigue life estimation of wire ropes. The approach majorly depends on the high value of localized stresses as well as the micro-slippage occurs at the contact region. Finite element approach has been used to study radial and axial distribution of stresses and displacement in order to clearly understand the evolution of stresses and existence of relative displacements between neighboring wires under various loading and frictional conditions. The relative movements of contacting wires are more when friction is not considered. In the presence of friction, the relative movement occurs at the boundaries of the contact region. The location of microslip in the presence of friction is backed by the experimental observation stating the crack is initiated at or the outer boundary of the contact spot. The existence of slip is due to different displacement of outer and central wires.
Angular X-ray Cross-Correlation Analysis (AXCCA): Basic Concepts and Recent Applications to Soft Matter and Nanomaterials
Authors: Zaluzhnyy Ivan , Kurta Ruslan , Scheele Marcus , Schreiber Frank , Ostrovskii Boris , Vartanyants Ivan
Published: October 2019

Angular X-ray cross-correlation analysis (AXCCA) is a technique which allows quantitative measurement of the angular anisotropy of X-ray diffraction patterns and provides insights into the orientational order in the system under investigation. This method is based on the evaluation of the angular cross-correlation function of the scattered intensity distribution on a two-dimensional (2D) detector and further averaging over many diffraction patterns for enhancement of the anisotropic signal. Over the last decade, AXCCA was successfully used to study the anisotropy in various soft matter systems, such as solutions of anisotropic particles, liquid crystals, colloidal crystals, superlattices composed by nanoparticles, etc. This review provides an introduction to the technique and gives a survey of the recent experimental work in which AXCCA in combination with micro- or nanofocused X-ray microscopy was used to study the orientational order in various soft matter systems.
Stiffer, Stronger and Centrosymmetrical Class of Pentamodal Mechanical Metamaterials
Authors: Huang Yan , Zhang Xiaozhe , Kadic Muamer , Liang Gongying
Published: October 2019

Pentamode metamaterials have been used as a crucial element to achieve elastical unfeelability cloaking devices. They are seen as potentially fragile and not simple for integration in anisotropic structures due to a non-centrosymmetric crystalline structure. Here, we introduce a new class of pentamode metamaterial with centrosymmetry, which shows better performances regarding stiffness, toughness, stability and size dependence. The phonon band structure is calculated based on the finite element method, and the pentamodal properties are evaluated by analyzing the single band gap and the ratio of bulk and shear modulus. The Poisson’s ratio becomes isotropic and close to 0.5 in the limit of small double-cone connections. Stability and scalability analysis results show that the critical load factor of this structure is obviously higher than the classical pentamode structure under the same static elastic properties, and the Young’s modulus gradually converges to a stable value (the infinite case) with an increasing number of unit cells.
A New Bioactive Complex between Zn(II) and a Fluorescent Symmetrical Benzanthrone Tripod for an Antibacterial Textile
Authors: Staneva Desislava , Vasileva-Tonkova Evgenia , Grabchev Ivo
Published: October 2019

A new fluorescent Zn(II) complex of symmetrical tripod form based on a 3-substituted benzanthrone (BT) has been synthesized and characterised. The basic photophysical properties of the new metal complex have been determined. It has been found by fluorescence spectroscopy that, one zinc ion forms a complex with the tripod ligand. The surface morphology of the ligand and its Zn(II) complex has been investigated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used for the characterisation of the chemical composition of the complex surfaces. The antibacterial activity of the Zn(II) complex has been investigated in solution and upon its deposition onto a cotton fabric. A reduction of biofilm formation on the surface of the cotton fabric has been observed compared to the non-treated cotton material. The results obtained demonstrate that the studied Zn(II) complex possesses good antimicrobial activity being most effective against the used Gram-positive bacteria.
The Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Structure and Performance of Nanocrystalline Mayenite Powders
Authors: Berent Katarzyna , Komarek Sebastian , Lach Radosław , Pyda Waldemar
Published: October 2019

The effect of calcination temperature on the structural properties and phase formation of synthesized CaO-Al2O3 nanopowder was investigated and discussed. The calcination products were identified by differential thermal analysis (DTA) and the crystalline phase formation was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The obtained results showed that the crystallization started at 460 °C. Finally, the microstructures of the nanoparticles were observed by scanning (SEM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopes. The investigation showed that an increase in the calcination temperature led to the appreciable increase in the crystallite size and the crystallinity of the final product. The obtained data confirmed that the prepared materials were mayenite with different surface area in the range of 71.18 m2/g to 10.34 m2/g after annealing in the temperature range of 470 °C to 960 °C.
Penetration Behavior of High-Density Reactive Material Liner Shaped Charge
Authors: Guo Huanguo , Xie Jianwen , Wang Haifu , Yu Qingbo , Zheng Yuanfeng
Published: October 2019

The traditional polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/Al reactive material liner shaped charge generally produces insufficient penetration depth, although it enlarges the penetration hole diameter by chemical energy release inside the penetration crater. As such, a novel high-density reactive material liner based on the PTFE matrix was fabricated, and the corresponding penetration performance was investigated. Firstly, the PTFE/W/Cu/Pb high-density reactive material liner was fabricated via a cold pressing/sintering process. Then, jet formation and penetration behaviors at different standoffs were studied by pulse X-ray and static experiments, respectively. The X-ray results showed that the PTFE/W/Cu/Pb high-density reactive material liner forms an excellent reactive jet penetrator, and the static experimental results demonstrated that the penetration depth of this high-density reactive jet increased firstly and then decreased by increasing the standoff. When the standoff was 1.5 CD (charge diameter), the penetration depth of this reactive jet reached 2.82 CD, which was significantly higher than that of the traditional PTFE/Al reactive jet. Moreover, compared with the conventional metal copper jet penetrating steel plates, the entrance hole diameter caused by this high-density reactive jet improved 29.2% at the same standoff. Lastly, the chemical reaction characteristics of PTFE/W/Cu/Pb reactive materials were analyzed, and a semi-empirical penetration model of the high-density reactive jet was established based on the quasi-steady ideal incompressible fluid dynamics theory.
First Principles Investigation of Anomalous Pressure-Dependent Thermal Conductivity of Chalcopyrites
Authors: Elalfy Loay , Music Denis , Hu Ming
Published: October 2019

The effect of compression on the thermal conductivity of CuGaS2, CuInS2, CuInTe2, and AgInTe2 chalcopyrites (space group I-42d) was studied at 300 K using phonon Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) calculations. The thermal conductivity was evaluated by solving the BTE with harmonic and third-order interatomic force constants. The thermal conductivity of CuGaS2 increases with pressure, which is a common behavior. Striking differences occur for the other three compounds. CuInTe2 and AgInTe2 exhibit a drop in the thermal conductivity upon increasing pressure, which is anomalous. AgInTe2 reaches a very low thermal conductivity of 0.2 W·m−1·K−1 at 2.6 GPa, being beneficial for many energy devices, such as thermoelectrics. CuInS2 is an intermediate case. Based on the phonon dispersion data, the phonon frequencies of the acoustic modes for CuInTe2 and AgInTe2 decrease with increasing pressure, thereby driving the anomaly, while there is no significant pressure effect for CuGaS2. This leads to the negative Grüneisen parameter for CuInTe2 and AgInTe2, a decreased phonon relaxation time, and a decreased thermal conductivity. This softening of the acoustic modes upon compression is suggested to be due to a rotational motion of the chalcopyrite building blocks rather than a compressive oscillation. The negative Grüneisen parameters and the anomalous phonon behavior yield a negative thermal expansion coefficient at lower temperatures, based on the Grüneisen vibrational theory.
Comparative Analysis of Biofilm Removal Efficacy by Multisonic Ultracleaning System and Passive Ultrasonic Activation
Authors: Choi Hae Won , Park Seong Yeon , Kang Mo Kwan , Shon Won Jun
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare disinfection and the biofilm removal efficacy of the GentleWave System (Sonendo, Inc., Laguna Hills, CA, USA) with passive ultrasonic activation method. Forty-seven freshly extracted human molars were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and cultured for five weeks to establish biofilm. Eight molars were tested for confirmation of infection. Four of the eight teeth were not inoculated in order to provide a negative control. The remaining 39 inoculated molars were randomly separated into three treatment groups (n = 13 per group): Group 1—no treatment, Group 2—conventional rotary instrumentation and passive ultrasonic activation, and Group 3—minimal instrumentation and the GentleWave System treatment. Roots were subsequently prepared per standard histological tissue processing procedures. Modified Brown and Brenn stained sections and Hematoxylin and Eosin stained sections were visualized at 4× and 13.5× magnification using a stereomicroscope. The sections were scored and blindly analyzed by two independent evaluators, including a histopathologist, to evaluate the presence of biofilm on canal wall. A significant difference was found between Group 2 and Group 3 in both apical and middle regions (p = 0.001) of the mesial roots of mandibular molars and mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars. Group 3 revealed significantly less biofilm than the controls (p = 0.003). The GentleWave System demonstrated significantly greater reduction in biofilm within the mesial roots of mandibular molars and mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars than those treated with conventional rotary instrumentation and passive ultrasonic activation protocol.
Different Influences of Rare Earth Eu Addition on Primary Si Refinement in Hypereutectic Al–Si Alloys with Varied Purity
Authors: Mao Feng , Wei Shizhong , Ou Liming , Zhang Cheng , Chen Chong , Wang Xiaodong , Cao Zhiqiang
Published: October 2019

The effect of alloying the Eu element on primary Si refinement in varied purity Al–16Si alloys was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis, micro x–ray diffraction (μ–XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate that the P impurity element in hypereutectic Al–Si alloys has a great influence on the rare earths’ refinement efficiency of primary Si. Coinstantaneous primary Si refinement and eutectic Si modification by Eu was obtained in high purity (HP) Al–16Si and commercial purity (CP) Al–16Si–0.06P alloys, but the primary Si was gradually coarsened in CP Al–16Si alloys. An excellent integration of ultimate tensile strength (144.8 MPa) and elongation (9.8%) of CP hypereutectic Al–16Si–0.06P alloy was obtained by adding 0.15% Eu. The refinement of primary Si in Eu–modified HP Al–16Si alloys was related to the constitutional undercooling of Eu. There was no sufficient Eu element partition into the primary Si particles, and fewer parallel twins, rather than multiple twins, were observed within them. The refinement of primary Si in CP Al–16Si–0.06P alloys was caused by the overlay of two kinds of mechanisms including the heterogeneous nucleation mechanism of AlP and the constitutional supercooling mechanism of Eu. However, in order to refine the primary Si in CP hypereutectic Al–16Si alloys, the Eu:P weight ratio should not exceed 3.33, otherwise the refinement efficiency of primary Si will be reduced due to mutual poisoning between Eu and P. This work can be used to interpret the controversy concerning the influence of rare earths on the primary Si in hypereutectic Al–Si alloys, thereby elucidating the importance of alloy purity to primary Si refinement by rare earths.
A Combined Electromagnetic Induction and Radar-Based Test for Quality Control of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Kobaka Janusz , Katzer Jacek , Ponikiewski Tomasz
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the authors made an attempt to detect the fibre content and fibre spacing in a steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) industrial floor. Two non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, an electromagnetic induction technique and a radar-based technique, were applied. The first method allowed us to detect the spacing in subsequent layers located in the thickness of the slab. The result of the second method was a 3D visualization of the detected fibre in the volume of concrete slab. The conducted tests showed aptitude and limitations of the applied methods in estimating fibre volume and spacing. The two techniques also allowed us to locate the areas with relatively low fibre concentration, which are very likely to be characterized by low mechanical properties.
Dechdigliotoxins A–C, Three Novel Disulfide-Bridged Gliotoxin Dimers from Deep-Sea Sediment Derived Fungus Dichotomomyces cejpii
Authors: Liu Zhaoming , Fan Zhen , Sun Zhanghua , Liu Hongxin , Zhang Weimin
Published: October 2019

Dechdigliotoxins A–C (1–3), which represented the first examples of gliotoxin dimers with an unprecedented exocyclic disulfide linkage, were obtained from a deep-sea derived fungus Dichotomomyces cejpii FS110. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and the absolute configurations were unambiguously determined through quantum chemical calculations, as well as DP4+ probability simulations. The proposed biosynthetic pathway suggested 1–3 were generated from unusual L-Phe and D-Ser. All the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against four tumor cell lines.
A New β-Galactosidase from the Antarctic Bacterium Alteromonas sp. ANT48 and Its Potential in Formation of Prebiotic Galacto-Oligosaccharides
Authors: Li Shangyong , Zhu Xiangjie , Xing Mengxin
Published: October 2019

As an important medical enzyme, β-galactosidases catalyze transgalactosylation to form prebiotic Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS) that assist in improving the effect of intestinal flora on human health. In this study, a new glycoside hydrolase family 2 (GH2) β-galactosidase-encoding gene, galA, was cloned from the Antarctic bacterium Alteromonas sp. ANT48 and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant β-galactosidase GalA was optimal at pH 7.0 and stable at pH 6.6–7.0, which are conditions suitable for the dairy environment. Meanwhile, GalA showed most activity at 50 °C and retained more than 80% of its initial activity below 40 °C, which makes this enzyme stable in normal conditions. Molecular docking with lactose suggested that GalA could efficiently recognize and catalyze lactose substrates. Furthermore, GalA efficiently catalyzed lactose degradation and transgalactosylation of GOS in milk. A total of 90.6% of the lactose in milk could be hydrolyzed within 15 min at 40 °C, and the GOS yield reached 30.9%. These properties make GalA a good candidate for further applications.
Hybrid Polyketides from a Hydractinia-Associated Cladosporium sphaerospermum SW67 and Their Putative Biosynthetic Origin
Authors: Lee Seoung Rak , Lee Dahae , Eom Hee Jeong , Rischer Maja , Ko Yoon-Joo , Kang Ki Sung , Kim Chung Sub , Beemelmanns Christine , Kim Ki Hyun
Published: October 2019

Five hybrid polyketides (1a, 1b, and 2–4) containing tetramic acid core including a new hybrid polyketide, cladosin L (1), were isolated from the marine fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum SW67, which was isolated from the marine hydroid polyp of Hydractinia echinata. The hybrid polyketides were isolated as a pair of interconverting geometric isomers. The structure of 1 was determined based on 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and HR-ESIMS analyses. Its absolute configuration was established by quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and modified Mosher’s method. Tetramic acid-containing compounds are reported to be derived from a hybrid PKS-NRPS, which was also proved by analyzing our 13C-labeling data. We investigated whether compounds 1–4 could prevent cell damage induced by cisplatin, a platinum-based anticancer drug, in LLC-PK1 cells. Co-treatment with 2 and 3 ameliorated the damage of LLC-PK1 cells induced by 25 μM of cisplatin. In particular, the effect of compound 2 at 100 μM (cell viability, 90.68 ± 0.81%) was similar to the recovered cell viability of 88.23 ± 0.25% with 500 μM N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a positive control.