bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of posttranslational protein modifications in aging of subcellular compartments
Authors: Baldensperger Tim , Eggen Michael , Kappen Jonas , Winterhalter Patrick R. , Pfirrmann Thorsten , Glomb Marcus A.
Published: May 2020

Enzymatic and non-enzymatic posttranslational protein modifications by oxidation, glycation and acylation are key regulatory mechanisms in hallmarks of aging like inflammation, altered epigenetics and decline in proteostasis. In this study a mouse cohort was used to monitor changes of posttranslational modifications in the aging process. A protocol for the extraction of histones, cytosolic and mitochondrial proteins from mouse liver was developed and validated. In total, 6 lysine acylation structures, 7 advanced glycation endproducts, 6 oxidative stress markers, and citrullination were quantitated in proteins of subcellular compartments using HPLC-MS/MS. Methionine sulfoxide, acetylation, formylation, and citrullination were the most abundant modifications. Histone proteins were extraordinary high modified and non-enzymatic modifications accumulated in all subcellular compartments during the aging process. Compared to acetylation of histone proteins which gave between 350 and 305 µmol/mol leucine equivalents in young and old animals, modifications like acylation, glycation, and citrullination raised to 43%, 20%, and 18% of acetylation, respectively. On the other hand there was an age related increase of selected oxidative stress markers by up to 150%. The data and patterns measured in this study are mandatory for further studies and will strongly facilitate understanding of the molecular mechanisms in aging.
An elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio associates with weight loss and cachexia in cancer
Authors: Barker Tyler , Fulde Gail , Moulton Bryce , Nadauld Lincoln D. , Rhodes Terence
Published: May 2020

Systemic inflammation is present during and serves as a diagnostic tool for cancer-associated cachexia and is detrimental to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in non-cancer conditions. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a desirable measure of systemic inflammation because it is easily calculated from a routine complete blood cell count with differentials. We sought to determine if an elevation in the NLR associates with greater weight loss, cachexia, and lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in patients with advanced cancer. Advanced colon, lung, and prostate cancer patients (stages III/IV; n = 50) were retrospectively studied and separated into one of two groups: 1) Above (n = 25) or 2) Below (n = 25) the median NLR of 3.15 determined at diagnosis. Around the time of diagnosis, serum 25(OH)D and body weight were assessed, while body weight was assessed again at a later date. Weight loss and cachexia were significantly (both p < 0.05) greater and there was a trend (p < 0.10) for lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations in the Above group. We conclude that an elevation in the NLR associates with greater weight loss and cachexia, and potentially, a lower serum 25(OH)D concentration in patients with advanced colon, lung, or prostate cancer.
Tumor grafts grown on the chicken chorioallantoic membrane are distinctively characterized by MRI under functional gas challenge
Authors: Waschkies Conny F. , Pfiffner Fatma Kivrak , Heuberger Dorothea M. , Schneider Marcel A. , Tian Yinghua , Wolint Petra , Calcagni Maurizio , Giovanoli Pietro , Buschmann Johanna
Published: May 2020

Recently, a tumor model based on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was characterized structurally with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Yet, capability of MRI to assess vascular functional reserve and potential of oxygenation-sensitive MRI remain largely unexplored in this model. For this purpose, we compared MC-38 colon and A549 lung adenocarcinoma cell grafts grown on the CAM, using quantitative T1 and T2* MRI readouts as imaging markers. These are associated with vascular functionality and oxygenation status when compared between periods of air and carbogen exposure. Our data show that in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cell grafts T2* values increased significantly upon carbogen exposure (p < 0.004, Wilcoxon test; no change in T1), while MC-38 grafts displayed no changes in T1 and T2*), indicating that the grafts differ in their vascular response. Heterogeneity with regard to T1 and T2* distribution within the grafts was noted. MC-38 grafts displayed larger T1 and T2* in the graft centre, while in A549 they were distributed more towards the graft surface. Finally, qualitative assessment of gadolinium-enhancement suggests that A549 grafts display more prominent enhancement compared to MC-38 grafts. Furthermore, MC-38 grafts had 65% larger volumes than A549 grafts. Histology revealed distinct underlying phenotypes of the two tumor grafts, pertaining to the proliferative status (Ki-67) and cellularity (H&E). In sum, a functional gas challenge with carbogen is feasible through gas exchange on the CAM, and it affects MRI signals associated with vascular reactivity and oxygenation status of the tumor graft planted on the CAM. Different grafts based on A549 lung adenocarcinoma and MC-38 colon carcinoma cell lines, respectively, display distinct phenotypes that can be distinguished and characterized non-invasively in ovo using MRI in the living chicken embryo.
Endothelial Twist1-PDGFB signaling mediates hypoxia-induced proliferation and migration of αSMA-positive cells
Authors: Mammoto Akiko , Hendee Kathryn , Muyleart Megan , Mammoto Tadanori
Published: May 2020

Remodeling of distal pulmonary arterioles (PAs) associated with marked accumulation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) represents one of the major pathologic features of pulmonary hypertension (PH). We have reported that the transcription factor Twist1 mediates hypoxia-induced PH. However, the mechanism by which endothelial Twist1 stimulates SMC accumulation to distal PAs in PH remains unclear. Here, we have demonstrated that Twist1 overexpression increases the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGFB) in human pulmonary arterial endothelial (HPAE) cells. Hypoxia upregulates the levels of Twist1 and PDGFB in HPAE cells. When we implant hydrogel supplemented with endothelial cells (ECs) on the mouse lung, these ECs form vascular lumen structures and hypoxia upregulates PDGFB expression and stimulates accumulation of αSMA–positive cells in the gel, while knockdown of endothelial Twist1 suppresses the effects. The levels of Twist1 and PDGFB are higher in PAE cells isolated from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients compared to those from healthy controls. IPAH patient-derived PAE cells stimulate accumulation of αSMA–positive cells in the implanted gel, while Twist1 knockdown in PAE cells inhibits the effects. Endothelial Twist1-PDGFB signaling plays a key role in αSMA–positive cell proliferation and migration in PH.
Effective bifidogenic growth factors cyclo-Val-Leu and cyclo-Val-Ile produced by Bacillus subtilis C-3102 in the human colonic microbiota model
Authors: Hatanaka Misaki , Morita Hiroto , Aoyagi Yumi , Sasaki Kengo , Sasaki Daisuke , Kondo Akihiko , Nakamura Teppei
Published: May 2020

Bifidobacterium species are known to fulfill important functions within the human colon. Thus, stimulating the activity of bifidobacteria is important to maintain host health. We revealed that culture supernatants of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 (referred to as C-3102) stimulated the growth of Bifidobacterium species. In this study, we isolated and identified six bifidogenic growth factors, which were cyclo (D-Val-D-Ile), cyclo (L-Val-D-Ile), cyclo (D-Val-L-Ile), cyclo (L-Val-L-Ile), cyclo (D-Val-L-Leu) and cyclo (L-Val-L-Leu). These six cyclic dipeptides increased the growth of Bifidobacterium species and had no effect on potentially harmful gut organisms. Moreover, supplementation with a mixture of these six cyclic dipeptides significantly increased the abundance of microorganisms related to the genus Bifidobacterium in a human colonic microbiota model culture system, although supplementation with a single type of dipeptide had no effect. These results show that cyclic dipeptides containing Val-Leu and Val-Ile produced by C-3102 could serve as bifidogenic growth factors in the gut microbial community.
High gamma response tracks different syntactic structures in homophonous phrases
Authors: Artoni Fiorenzo , d’Orio Piergiorgio , Catricalà Eleonora , Conca Francesca , Bottoni Franco , Pelliccia Veronica , Sartori Ivana , Russo Giorgio Lo , Cappa Stefano F. , Micera Silvestro , Moro Andrea
Published: May 2020

Syntax is a species-specific component of human language combining a finite set of words in a potentially infinite number of sentences. Since words are by definition expressed by sound, factoring out syntactic information is normally impossible. Here, we circumvented this problem in a novel way by designing phrases with exactly the same acoustic content but different syntactic structures depending on the other words they occur with. In particular, we used phrases merging an article with a noun yielding a Noun Phrase (NP) or a clitic with a verb yielding a Verb Phrase (VP). We performed stereo-electroencephalographic (SEEG) recordings in epileptic patients. We measured a different electrophysiological correlates of verb phrases vs. noun phrases in multiple cortical areas in both hemispheres, including language areas and their homologous in the non-dominant hemisphere. The high gamma band activity (150-300 Hz frequency), which plays a crucial role in inter-regional cortical communications, showed a significant difference during the presentation of the homophonous phrases, depending on whether the phrase was a verb phrase or a noun phrase. Our findings contribute to the ultimate goal of a complete neural decoding of linguistic structures from the brain.
Iridium Corroles Exhibit Weak Near-Infrared Phosphorescence but Efficiently Sensitize Singlet Oxygen Formation
Authors: Thomassen Ivar K. , McCormick-McPherson Laura J. , Borisov Sergey M. , Ghosh Abhik
Published: May 2020

Six-coordinate iridium(III) triarylcorrole derivatives, Ir[TpXPC)]L2, where TpXPC = tris(para-X-phenyl)corrole (X = CF3, H, Me, and OCH3) and L = pyridine (py), trimethylamine (tma), isoquinoline (isoq), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (dmap), and 4-picolinic acid (4pa), have been examined, with a view to identifying axial ligands most conducive to near-infrared phosphorescence. Disappointingly, the phosphorescence quantum yield invariably turned out to be very low, about 0.02 – 0.04% at ambient temperature, with about a two-fold increase at 77 K. Phosphorescence decay times were found to be around ~5 µs at 295 K and ~10 µs at 77 K. Fortunately, two of the Ir[TpCF3PC)]L2 derivatives, which were tested for their ability to sensitize singlet oxygen formation, were found to do so efficiently with quantum yields Φ(1O2) = 0.71 and 0.38 for L = py and 4pa, respectively. Iridium corroles thus may hold promise as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The possibility of varying the axial ligand and of attaching biotargeting groups at the axial positions makes iridium corroles particularly exciting as PDT drug candidates.
Author Correction: Solvent-free bulk polymerization of lignin-polycaprolactone (PCL) copolymer and its thermoplastic characteristics
Authors: Park In-Kyung , Sun Hanna , Kim Sung-Hoon , Kim Youngjun , Kim Go Eun , Lee Youngkwan , Kim Taesung , Choi Hyouk Ryeol , Suhr Jonghwan , Nam Jae-Do
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Ultra-thin passivation layers in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin-film solar cells: full-area passivated front contacts and their impact on bulk doping
Authors: Werner Florian , Veith-Wolf Boris , Melchiorre Michele , Babbe Finn , Schmidt Jan , Siebentritt Susanne
Published: May 2020

In the search for highly transparent and non-toxic alternative front layers replacing state-of-the-art CdS in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin-film solar cells, alternatives rarely exceed reference devices in terms of efficiency. Full-area ultra-thin aluminium oxide tunnelling layers do not require any contact patterning and thus overcome the main drawback of insulating passivation layers. Even a few monolayers of aluminium oxide can be deposited in a controlled manner by atomic layer deposition, they show excellent interface passivation properties, low absorption, and suitable current transport characteristics on test devices. Depositing a ZnO-based transparent front contact, however, results in extremely poor solar cell performance. The issue is not necessarily a low quality of the alternative front layer, but rather the intricate relation between front layer processing and electronic bulk properties in the absorber layer. We identify three challenges critical for the development of novel front passivation approaches: (i) both Cd and Zn impurities beneficially reduce the high native net dopant concentration in the space charge region, (ii) sputter deposition of ZnO damages the passivation layer resulting in increased interface recombination, (iii) thermal treatments of devices with ZnO layer result in substantial Zn diffusion, which can penetrate the full absorber thickness already at moderate temperatures.
Deep Learning Hybrid Method to Automatically Diagnose Periodontal Bone Loss and Stage Periodontitis
Authors: Chang Hyuk-Joon , Lee Sang-Jeong , Yong Tae-Hoon , Shin Nan-Young , Jang Bong-Geun , Kim Jo-Eun , Huh Kyung-Hoe , Lee Sam-Sun , Heo Min-Suk , Choi Soon-Chul , Kim Tae-Il , Yi Won-Jin
Published: May 2020

We developed an automatic method for staging periodontitis on dental panoramic radiographs using the deep learning hybrid method. A novel hybrid framework was proposed to automatically detect and classify the periodontal bone loss of each individual tooth. The framework is a hybrid of deep learning architecture for detection and conventional CAD processing for classification. Deep learning was used to detect the radiographic bone level (or the CEJ level) as a simple structure for the whole jaw on panoramic radiographs. Next, the percentage rate analysis of the radiographic bone loss combined the tooth long-axis with the periodontal bone and CEJ levels. Using the percentage rate, we could automatically classify the periodontal bone loss. This classification was used for periodontitis staging according to the new criteria proposed at the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. The Pearson correlation coefficient of the automatic method with the diagnoses by radiologists was0.73overall for the whole jaw (p < 0.01), and the intraclass correlation value0.91overall for the whole jaw (p < 0.01). The novel hybrid framework that combined deep learning architecture and the conventional CAD approach demonstrated high accuracy and excellent reliability in the automatic diagnosis of periodontal bone loss and staging of periodontitis.
Experimental investigation on rockburst behavior of the rock-coal-bolt specimen under different stress conditions
Authors: Wu Gen-shui , Yu Wei-jian , Zuo Jian-ping , Li Chun-yuan , Li Jie-hua , Du Shao-hua
Published: May 2020

Coal and rock burst are one of the main dynamic disasters that affect coal mine production. In this paper, the burst structural model of the rock-coal-bolt (RCB) system and the burst tendency criterion are established on the background of deep thin coal seam mining. Uniaxial and triaxial mechanical tests under different stress states are carried out on RCB specimens with different angles. Combined with thermal imaging, the mechanical behavior of the inclined RCB specimen under uniaxial loading is discussed. The results show that the burst tendency of the RCB specimen increases with the angle. The stress-strain curves of some uniaxial and triaxial test specimens show two or more peaks, and the thermal imaging evolutionary process shows that the cracks of the coal and rock develop from shear to tension shear cracks. There is a further development of fracture and energy accumulation between the first and second peaks in the stress-strain curve of the specimen. Therefore, the failure degree of the second peak of the specimen may be stronger than that of the first peak. Additionally, the established stiffness coefficient and burst energy index can better describe the burst tendency of the RCB specimen under different stress states. The results show that the burst tendency of the RCB specimen under the triaxial test is much higher than that of the uniaxial test. In other words, it also explains that the essence of the burst failure of the surrounding rock in the roadway is the initial instability induced by the inside surrounding rock in the roadway. Moreover, the burst tendency is the largest when the rock and coal combination angle is 15°, and the burst damage range may also be increased by the failure of internal coal and rock mass.
Transcriptional profiling of murine macrophages stimulated with cartilage fragments revealed a strategy for treatment of progressive osteoarthritis
Authors: Hamasaki Masanari , Terkawi Mohamad Alaa , Onodera Tomohiro , Tian Yuan , Ebata Taku , Matsumae Gen , Alhasan Hend , Takahashi Daisuke , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: May 2020

Accumulating evidence suggests that synovitis is associated with osteoarthritic process. Macrophages play principal role in development of synovitis. Our earlier study suggests that interaction between cartilage fragments and macrophages exacerbates osteoarthritic process. However, molecular mechanisms by which cartilage fragments trigger cellular responses remain to be investigated. Therefore, the current study aims at analyzing molecular response of macrophages to cartilage fragments. To this end, we analyzed the transcriptional profiling of murine macrophages exposed to cartilage fragments by RNA sequencing. A total 153 genes were differentially upregulated, and 105 genes were down-regulated in response to cartilage fragments. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the most significantly enriched terms of the upregulated genes included scavenger receptor activity, integrin binding activity, TNF signaling, and toll-like receptor signaling. To further confirm our results, immunohistochemical staining was performed to detected regulated molecules in synovial tissues of OA patients. In consistence with RNA-seq results, MARCO, TLR2 and ITGα5 were mainly detected in the intima lining layer of synovial tissues. Moreover, blockade of TLR2 or ITGα5 but not Marco using specific antibody significantly reduced production of TNF-α in stimulated macrophages by cartilage fragments. Our data suggested that blocking TLR2 or ITGα5 might be promising therapeutic strategy for treating progressive osteoarthritis.
Comparison of vascularization and overall perfusion of the bladder wall between women with and without overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: Hsiao Sheng-Mou , Shih Jin-Chung , Lee Chien-Nan , Lin Ho-Hsiung
Published: May 2020

The pathophysiology of female overactive bleeder syndrome (OAB) remains undetermined. Our aim is to elucidate the role of vacularization and overall perfusion of the bladder wall in women with OAB. Between 2010 and 2016, women with OAB and the asymptomatic controls were enrolled. Women with OAB were treated with tolterodine. Women with OAB (n = 40) had higher vascularization index (0.40 ± 0.57 versus 0.17 ± 0.22, p = 0.003), vascularization-flow index (0.15 ± 0.28 versus 0.05 ± 0.08, p = 0.003) and thicker trigone (0.56 ± 0.13 cm versus 0.47 ± 0.11 cm, p = 0.004), compared with the controls (n = 34). The following optimum cut-off values to predict OAB were determined: (1) vascularization index (%) ≥ 0.16, (2) vascularization-flow index ≥ 0.032, and (3) trigone bladder wall thickness ≥ 0.47 cm with an area under the curve of 0.71, 0.71 and 0.70, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that a significant correlation between urgency and vascularization index/vascularization-flow index (Spearman’s rho = 0.34 and 0.35, respectively, all p < 0.01). However, after 12 weeks of tolterodine treatment, the vascularization index, flow index and vascularization-flow index did not differ between baseline and after treatment. In conclusion, women with OAB have higher vascularization and overall perfusion of the bladder wall, compared women without OAB. However, vascularization and overall perfusion did not change after antimuscarinic treatment.
High-Throughput Generation of Bipod (Fab × scFv) Bispecific Antibodies Exploits Differential Chain Expression and Affinity Capture
Authors: Nesspor Thomas C. , Kinealy Kyle , Mazzanti Nicholas , Diem Michael D. , Boye Kevin , Hoffman Hunter , Springer Christine , Sprenkle Justin , Powers Gordon , Jiang Haiyan , La Porte Sherry L. , Ganesan Rajkumar , Singh Sanjaya , Zwolak Adam
Published: May 2020

Generation of bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) having two unique Fab domains requires heterodimerization of the two heavy chains and pairing of each heavy chain with its cognate light chain. An alternative bispecific scaffold (Bipod) comprising an scFv and a Fab on a heterodimeric Fc eliminates the possibility of light chain mispairing. However, unpredictable levels of chain expression and scFv-induced aggregation can complicate purification and reduce the yield of desired Bipod. Here, we describe a high-throughput method for generation of Bipods based on protein A and CH1 domain affinity capture. This method exploits over-expression of the scFv chain to maximize heterodimer yield. Bipods purified by this method have purity suitable for cell-based functional assays and in vivo studies.
Multivariate pattern classification on BOLD activation pattern induced by deep brain stimulation in motor, associative, and limbic brain networks
Authors: Cho Shinho , Min Hoon-Ki , In Myung-Ho , Jo Hang Joon
Published: May 2020

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been shown to be an effective treatment for movement disorders and it is now being extended to the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies indicate that DBS stimulation targets dependent brain network effects, in networks that respond to stimulation. Characterizing these patterns is crucial for linking DBS-induced therapeutic and adverse effects. Conventional DBS-fMRI, however, lacks the sensitivity needed for decoding multidimensional information such as spatially diffuse patterns. We report here on the use of a multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) to demonstrate that stimulation of three DBS targets (STN, subthalamic nucleus; GPi, globus pallidus internus; NAc, nucleus accumbens) evoked a sufficiently distinctive blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) activation in swine brain. The findings indicate that STN and GPi evoke a similar motor network pattern, while NAc shows a districted associative and limbic pattern. The findings show that MVPA could be effectively applied to overlapping or sparse BOLD patterns which are often found in DBS. Future applications are expected employ MVPA fMRI to identify the proper stimulation target dependent brain circuitry for a DBS outcome.
The Mechanical Behaviors of Polyethylene/Silver Nanoparticle Composites: an Insight from Molecular Dynamics study
Authors: Su Chia-Hao , Chen Hui-Lung , Ju Shin-Pon , Chen Hsing-Yin , Shih Che-Wei , Pan Cheng-Tang , You Tai-Ding
Published: May 2020

This research uses molecular dynamics simulation (MD) to study the mechanical properties of pristine polyethylene (PE) and its composites which include silver nanoparticles (PE/AgNPs) at two AgNP weight fractions of 1.05 wt% and 3.10 wt%. The stress-strain distribution of the tensile process shows that the embedded AgNPs can significantly improve the Young’s modulus and tensile strength of the pristine PE, due to improvements in the local density and strength of the PE near the AgNP surface in the range of 12 Å. Regarding the effect of temperature on the mechanical properties of pristine PE and PE/AgNP composites, the Young’s modulus and the strength of the pristine PE and PE/AgNP composites decreased significantly at 350 K and 450 K, respectively, consistent with predicted melting temperature of pristine PE, which lies at around 360 K. At such temperatures as these, PE material has stronger ductility and a higher mobility of AgNPs in the PE matrix than those at 300 K. With the increase of tensile strain, AgNPs tend to be close, and the fracture of PE leads to a similarity between both the Young’s modulus and ultimate strength found for the pristine PE and those found for the PE/AgNP composites at 350 K and 450 K, respectively.
Structure and membership of gut microbial communities in multiple fish cryptic species under potential migratory effects
Authors: Le My Hanh , Wang Daryi
Published: May 2020

The animal gut microbiota evolves quickly towards a complex community and plays crucial roles in its host’s health and development. Factors such as host genetics and environmental changes are regarded as important for controlling the dynamics of animal gut microbiota. Migratory animals are an important group for studying how these factors influence gut microbiota because they experience strong environmental perturbations during migration. The commercially important grey mullet, Mugil cephalus, is a cosmopolitan species complex that display reproductive migration behaviour. There are three cryptic species of M. cephalus fish distributed across the Northwest Pacific, and their spawning sites overlap in the Taiwan Strait. This extraordinary natural occurrence makes the grey mullet an ideal model organism for exploring the nature of wild animal-gut microbiota relationships and interactions. This study investigates the diversity and structure of the gut microbial community in three cryptic M. cephalus species using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Gut microbial compositions from adult and juvenile fish samples were analysed. Our results indicate that gut microbial communities within the grey mullet share a core microbiome dominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. However, the structures of gut microbial communities were more distinct between adult mullet groups than they were between juvenile ones. Intriguingly, we found that adult fish that migrate to different geographical tracts harbour gut microbiota similar to historical records of seawater microflora, along their respective migration routes. This observation provides new insights into the interaction between aquatic animal gut microbial communities and the environments along their hosts’ migratory routes, and thus warrants future study.
Repurposing approach identifies pitavastatin as a potent azole chemosensitizing agent effective against azole-resistant Candida species
Authors: Eldesouky Hassan E. , Salama Ehab A. , Li Xiaoyan , Hazbun Tony R. , Mayhoub Abdelrahman S. , Seleem Mohamed N.
Published: May 2020

The limited number of antifungals and the rising frequency of azole-resistant Candida species are growing challenges to human medicine. Drug repurposing signifies an appealing approach to enhance the activity of current antifungal drugs. Here, we evaluated the ability of Pharmakon 1600 drug library to sensitize an azole-resistant Candida albicans to the effect of fluconazole. The primary screen revealed 44 non-antifungal hits were able to act synergistically with fluconazole against the test strain. Of note, 21 compounds, showed aptness for systemic administration and limited toxic effects, were considered as potential fluconazole adjuvants and thus were termed as “repositionable hits”. A follow-up analysis revealed pitavastatin displaying the most potent fluconazole chemosensitizing activity against the test strain (ΣFICI 0.05) and thus was further evaluated against 18 isolates of C. albicans (n = 9), C. glabrata (n = 4), and C. auris (n = 5). Pitavastatin displayed broad-spectrum synergistic interactions with both fluconazole and voriconazole against ~89% of the tested strains (ΣFICI 0.05–0.5). Additionally, the pitavastatin-fluconazole combination significantly reduced the biofilm-forming abilities of the tested Candida species by up to 73%, and successfully reduced the fungal burdens in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model by up to 96%. This study presents pitavastatin as a potent azole chemosensitizing agent that warrant further investigation.
Development of a heat labile antibiotic eluting 3D printed scaffold for the treatment of osteomyelitis
Authors: Lee Ji-Hyun , Baik Jong-Min , Yu Young-Soo , Kim Joo Hyun , Ahn Chi Bum , Son Kuk Hui , Kim Joo-Hyung , Choi Eun Seok , Lee Jin Woo
Published: May 2020

In general, osteomyelitis is treated with antibiotics, and in severe cases, the inflammatory bone tissue is removed and substituted with poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) beads containing antibiotics. However, this treatment necessitates re-surgery to remove the inserted PMMA beads. Moreover, rifampicin, a primary heat-sensitive antibiotic used for osteomyelitis, is deemed unsuitable in this strategy. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has gained popularity, as it facilitates the production of a patient-customized implantable structure using various biodegradable biomaterials as well as controlling printing temperature. Therefore, in this study, we developed a rifampicin-loaded 3D scaffold for the treatment of osteomyelitis using 3D printing and polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable polymer that can be printed at low temperatures. We successfully fabricated rifampicin-loaded PCL 3D scaffolds connected with all pores using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and printed them at a temperature of 60 °C to prevent the loss of the antibacterial activity of rifampicin. The growth inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), the representative causative organisms of osteomyelitis, was confirmed. In addition, we optimized the rifampicin-loading capacity that causes no damage to the normal bone tissues in 3D scaffold with toxicity evaluation using human osteoblasts. The rifampicin-releasing 3D scaffold developed herein opens new possibilities of the patient-customized treatment of osteomyelitis.
Epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria in Shandong Province, China, from 2012 to 2017
Authors: Yu Tao , Fu Yuguang , Kong Xiangli , Liu Xin , Yan Ge , Wang Yongbin
Published: May 2020

Shandong Province, China, has been implementing a malaria elimination program. In this study, we analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of malaria imported into Shandong Province between 2012 and 2017 to provide scientific data for the elimination of malaria. In this epidemiological study, we examined the status of malaria in 2012–2017 in Shandong Province, China. Data on all cases of malaria were collected from the online Infection Diseases Monitor Information System to describe and statistically analyze the sources of infection, species of parasite, populations affected, regional distributions, incidence, and temporal distributions of malaria. In total, 1053 cases of malaria were reported in 2012–2017, and all of them were imported. Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant species (77.6%) in Shandong Province; P. vivax malaria accounted for 10.9% of the total number of cases, P. ovale malaria for 2.9%, and P. malariae malaria for 8.2%. Most patients were male (96.8%), most were aged 21–50 years (87.2%), and migrant laborers (77.2%) and workers (6.6%) were at highest risk. The origin of the largest number of imported cases was Africa (93.4%), followed by Asia (5.9%) and Oceania (0.4%). Most cases of imported malaria occurred in June each year and 70% of cases were recorded in six cities during the period of 2012–2017. It is necessary to strengthen malaria surveillance among workers returning home from Africa and Southeast Asia, and to conduct timely blood tests to diagnose and treat imported infections.
Past, Present and Future of Green Analytical Chemistry
Authors: de la Guardia Miguel , Garrigues Salvador
Published: May 2020

The origin and evolution of the concept of green analytical chemistry (GAC), from the introduction, in 1995, of clean analytical methods to the present paradigm of democratic analytical chemistry (DAC), are considered in this introductory chapter. Today, GAC has been widely accepted by researchers and technicians and concerns a mixture of a pragmatic point of view concerning the reduction of expenses and an ethical compromise with environmental sustainability. In short, the main idea concerns maintaining analytical features of methods and avoiding deleterious side effects for operators and the environment. Considering theoretical developments in and the practical applications of GAC, a description of their evolution from the start of this philosophy is summarized. Finally, the evolution of classical GAC to the concept of DAC is presented and discussed.
Direct Analysis by Green Spectroscopy and Spectrometry
Authors: Garrigues Salvador , de la Guardia Miguel
Published: May 2020

From the point of view of green analytical chemistry (GAC), methods based on direct analysis must be considered the ideal approach because they do not involve sample handling or the use of reagents and/or solvents and they do not generate waste, thus reducing contamination and analyte loss risks together with a minimum impact on the environment. In this chapter, direct measurements based on the use of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques are presented, taking into consideration their versatility and capability to be used for the analysis of samples in different physical states. These techniques are discussed considering the potential damage to the sample, after measurements, their non-invasive characteristics and their non-destructive capability. Measurement strategies for mineral and molecular analysis are discussed and the possibilities of the use of remote sensing and teledetection systems are considered as analytical tools that agree with the principles of GAC. The role of chemometrics and the emerging image processing-based methods and their contribution to the democratization of analytical chemistry are also discussed.
Sensors as Green Tools
Authors: del Valle Manel
Published: May 2020

This chapter is focused on green aspects of the use of (bio)chemical sensors for qualitative and quantitative analysis applications. After discussing the aspects that connect chemical sensors and biosensors with the main trends of green analytical chemistry, a set of paradigmatic examples of top sustainable assays pertaining to the (bio)sensing field are selected and explored in some of their variants. These are the use of greener types of nanoparticles for chemical assays, colorimetric assays coupled with reading using a smartphone camera, the use of a portable glucose meter as a transducer for other assays different to glucose, the use of biofuel cells for estimating organic load and toxicity and finally the coupling of sensor arrays with machine learning algorithms for gas sensing (electronic noses) and liquid monitoring (electronic tongues).
Innocuous and Less Hazardous Reagents
Authors: Raynie Douglas E.
Published: May 2020

This chapter touches on two components of analytical chemistry that can have a significant impact on the greenness of analysis, but that are often overlooked: solvents and reagents. Both are integral parts of sample preparation and analysis. In the “Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry” outlined by Anastas and Warner, prevention of waste, atom economy, safer solvents and reagents, energy efficiency, renewability, reducing derivatives, real-time analysis and inherently safer chemistry for accident prevention can be linked to the solvents and reagents chosen for the analytical technique. Green analytical chemistry is influenced by these principles, although not all of them may apply in every situation. The goal is to strive for improved greenness and continual improvement.
Green Solvents for Analytical Chemistry
Authors: Fabiano-Tixier Anne-Sylvie , Ravi Harish Karthikeyan , Khadhraoui Boutheina , Perino Sandrine , Abert-Vian Maryline , Santerre Cyrille , Vallet Nadine , Chemat Farid
Published: May 2020

This chapter gives an overview of available green solvents that could be applied in extraction as a sample preparation method prior to analysis. Examples of replacements of petroleum solvents are given to illustrate successes in using solvent-free systems, water, super- or subcritical fluids, ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents and bio-based solvents. A survey is also presented of existing tools used as decision-making aids for the selection of one or more solvents according to the target molecules, especially HSPiP software programs (based on Hansen solubility parameters) and COSMO-RS (Conductor-like Screening Model).
Evaluation of the Greenness of Analytical Procedures
Authors: Bystrzanowska Marta , Namieśnik Jacek , Tobiszewski Marek
Published: May 2020

This chapter introduces the need to develop methods for evaluating analytical procedures in the light of green analytical chemistry. Green chemistry metrics are not applicable in analytical chemistry because they refer to the mass of a product and no product with mass is generated during analytical determinations. Evaluations of analytical greenness are based on scoring, with methods such as NEMI and Eco-scale, or comparative analysis as in the case of multicriteria decision analysis. Another important aspect is the assessment of solvents and reagents that are applied in analytical procedures for their greening. Various environmental, safety and health parameters are included in the assessments of solvents and reagents. The mechanisms of evaluation and numerous examples are presented and some results of assessments of reagents and solvents are also included to help analysts in the selection of greener alternatives.
A high-throughput plasmonic tongue using an aggregation assay and nonspecific interactions: classification of taste profiles in maple syrup
Authors: Forest Simon , Théorêt Trevor , Coutu Julien , Masson Jean-Francois
Published: May 2020

A simple colorimetric test detects off-flavour profiles of maple syrups in minutes, which are detectable by the naked eye.
FeS colloids – formation and mobilization pathways in natural waters
Authors: Noël Vincent , Kumar Naresh , Boye Kristin , Barragan Lilia , Lezama-Pacheco Juan S. , Chu Rosalie , Tolic Nikola , Brown Gordon E. , Bargar John R.
Published: May 2020

Reaction of Fe(iii)-(oxyhydr)oxides common in soil releases FeS nanoclusters that are stable in suspension and can be transported in groundwater.
Cerebral effect of optimizedAllium sativumoil-loaded chitosan nanorods: GC-MS analysis andin vitro/in vivoevaluation
Authors: Kamel Rabab , Salama Abeer , Shaffie Nermine M. , Salah Nesma M.
Published: May 2020

Two-level orthogonal factorial design was used to optimize GO-loaded chitosan nanorods. This study proves that the nanoencapsulation of GO is a promising strategy which overcomes its limitations and improves its biological effects.
Plant triterpenoids with bond-missing skeletons: biogenesis, distribution and bioactivity
Authors: Almeida Aldo , Dong Lemeng , Appendino Giovanni , Bak Søren
Published: May 2020

A comprehensive review of the overlooked class of plant specialized metabolites, bond-missing triterpenoids; their occurrence, biogenesis and medicinal bioactivities.
Exploring a lead-free organic–inorganic semiconducting hybrid with above-room-temperature dielectric phase transition
Authors: Wang Yuyin , Han Shiguo , Liu Xitao , Wu Zhenyue , Sun Zhihua , Dey Dhananjay , Li Yaobin , Luo Junhua
Published: May 2020

Recently, organic–inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskites have attracted great attention for optoelectronic applications, such as light-emitting diodes, photovoltaics and optoelectronics.
A dopamine electrochemical sensor based on a platinum–silver graphene nanocomposite modified electrode
Authors: Anuar Nadzirah Sofia , Basirun Wan Jeffrey , Shalauddin Md. , Akhter Shamima
Published: May 2020

A platinum–silver graphene nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized. A nanocomposite modified electrode was fabricated in order to investigate the electrochemical detection of dopamine.
A liquid-crystal-based immunosensor for the detection of cardiac troponin I
Authors: Xia Chunli , Zhou Dong , Su Yueming , Zhou Guangkai , Yao Lishuang , Sun Weimin , Liu Yongjun
Published: May 2020

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is one of the most sensitive and specific markers of myocardial cell injury. In this study, a label-free biosensor that utilizes the birefringence property of liquid crystal (LC) for the detection of cTnI is demonstrated.
Driving force to detect Alzheimer's disease biomarkers: application of a thioflavine T@Er-MOF ratiometric fluorescent sensor for smart detection of presenilin 1, amyloid β-protein and acetylcholine
Authors: Wang Xing Ze , Du Jing , Xiao Nan Nan , Zhang Yan , Fei Ling , LaCoste Jed D. , Huang Zhuo , Wang Qian , Wang Xin Rui , Ding Bin
Published: May 2020

ThT@Er-MOF has been successfully applied in highly sensitive detection of three main Alzheimer Disease biomarkers through three different low cost and facile detection strategies.
A DNA logic gate with dual-anchored proximity aptamers for the accurate identification of circulating tumor cells
Authors: Chen Tianshu , Fu Xin , Zhang Qianqian , Mao Dongsheng , Song Yuchen , Feng Chang , Zhu Xiaoli
Published: May 2020

A DNA logic gate that integrate the recognition of multiple biomarkers with signal amplification was fabricated to achieve the accurate and sensitive analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
Host–guest interaction based supramolecular photodynamic therapy systems: a promising candidate in the battle against cancer
Authors: Yang Kui , Zhang Zhihua , Du Jie , Li Wei , Pei Zhichao
Published: May 2020

This article summarizes recent advances in the development of supramolecular photodynamic therapy based on host–guest interactions.
Ultrasensitive DNA electrochemical biosensor based on MnTBAP biomimetic catalyzed AGET ATRP signal amplification reaction
Authors: Sun Haobo , Qiu Yunliang , Lu Yajie , Kong Jinming , Zhang Xueji
Published: May 2020

In this paper, an ultrasensitive, highly selective and green electrochemical biosensor for quantifying DNA sequences (aM DNA) based on a MnTBAP catalyst for AGET ATRP reaction is proposed.
Bimolecular vinylation of arenes by vinyl cations
Authors: Li Zhilong , Gandon Vincent , Bour Christophe
Published: May 2020

Styrene derivatives can be easily synthesized from vinyl triflates and arenes under mild reaction conditions, using [Li][Al(OC(CF3)3)4] as a catalyst and LiHMDS as a base.
New carbon allotropes derived from nanotubes via a three-fold distortion mechanism
Authors: Wang Jian-Tao , Chen Changfeng
Published: May 2020

Hexagonal diamond, and new carbon allotropes hP24 and hP36, are derived from carbon nanotubes.
Homogeneous vs. heterogeneous: mechanistic insights into iron group metal-catalyzed reductions from poisoning experiments
Authors: Gärtner Dominik , Sandl Sebastian , Jacobi von Wangelin Axel
Published: May 2020

Iron group catalysts constitute a promising alternative to well-established noble metal catalysts in reduction reactions. This review advocates the use of kinetic poisoning experiments to distinguish between homotopic and heterotopic mechanisms.
Water-locking molecule-assisted fabrication of nature-inspired Mg(OH)2 for highly efficient and economical uranium capture
Authors: Xu Hengbin , Bai Zhenyuan , Zhang Milin , Wang Jun , Yan Yongde , Qiu Min , Chen Jiaming
Published: May 2020

Water-locking molecule-assisted fabrication of natural-inspired mesoporous-Mg(OH)2 for high-efficient and economical uranium capture.
Accelerating charge transfer at an ultrafine NiFe-LDHs/CB interface during the electrocatalyst activation process for water oxidation
Authors: Cai Mengke , Liu Qinglin , Zhao Yiyue , Wang Zhenyu , Li Yinle , Li Guangqin
Published: May 2020

Benefiting from chemical bonding interface and homogeneity of active sites, NiFe-LDHs/CB possesses a faster nickel redox process, a tighter interface structure, and an increased number of active sites during activation process.
Color tuning in Ca3−xMx(PO4)2:Eu2+ (M = Sr, Ba) phosphors via cation substitution
Authors: Zhang Huiling , Yuan Dengwen , Mi Xiaoyun , Liu Xiuling , Lin Jun
Published: May 2020

A series of Ca3−xMx(PO4)2:Eu2+ (M = Sr, Ba) phosphors were prepared via a high-temperature solid-state reaction process.
Structural, spectroscopic and electronic properties of a family of face-shared bi-octahedral Ru25+/6+complexes with a bridging 2,5-di(2-pyridyl)pyrrolide ligand
Authors: Kang Shi-Rui , Zhou Zi-Qin , Xiong Chang-Feng , Liu Bin , McGrady John E. , Obies Mohammed , Liu Chao , He Piao , Yi Xiao-Yi
Published: May 2020

Herein, we found that nitrogen donor dpp−ligand is flexible and provides a platform for aggregation of Ru2+and/or Ru3+to give a new type of face-sharing bi-octahedra Ru25+and Ru26+dimer featuring of distinct metal–metal bond bond between two ruthenium centres.
An ultra-effective pathway for fully removing the oxygen components of graphene oxide by a flame-assisted microwave process
Authors: Zou Xuefeng , Hu Qin , Yang Hengxiu , Chen Feng , Xiang Bin , Liang Xinyue , Wu Qibin , Shen Hujun
Published: May 2020

An ultra-effective and reliable pathway to reduce GO into graphene by an about 4 seconds flame-assisted microwave process.
The ameliorative effect ofLactobacillus plantarum-12 on DSS-induced murine colitis
Authors: Sun Mengying , Liu Yujun , Song Yinglong , Gao Yuan , Zhao Fujunzhu , Luo Yanghe , Qian Fang , Mu Guangqing , Tuo Yanfeng
Published: May 2020

Lactobacillus plantarum-12 can relieve colitis, and the results have some practical value in applications.
Sugar matters: sugar moieties as reactivity-tuning factors in quercetin O-glycosides
Authors: Zagrean-Tuza Cezara , Mot Augustin C. , Chmiel Tomasz , Bende Attila , Turcu Ioan
Published: May 2020

Property-tuning capacity of different sugar moieties from four wide-spread quercetin O-glycosides were evaluated, enabling to explain and predict some of their functions such as their lipid association, antioxidant ability and other redox properties.
Hypoglycemic effects and modulation of gut microbiota of diabetic mice by saponin fromPolygonatum sibiricum
Authors: Luo Jiayuan , Chai Yangyang , Zhao Min , Guo Qingqi , Bao Yihong
Published: May 2020

Polygonatum sibiricumis a medicinal and homologous plant grown in China. The saponin inPolygonatum sibiricumhas shown its good hypoglycemic performance, and it can be developed as functional foods and drugs with hypoglycemic effect.
Polysaccharides fromEnteromorpha proliferaprotect against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in miceviaactivation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, and suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Guo Fuchuan , Zhuang Xinyun , Han Mengyuan , Lin Wenting
Published: May 2020

EPP protected against hepatic injury induced by CCl4-derived reactive intermediates through the suppression of hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 prevents renal damage in the NZBWF1 mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: de la Visitación Néstor , Robles-Vera Iñaki , Toral Marta , O'Valle Francisco , Moleon Javier , Gómez-Guzmán Manuel , Romero Miguel , Duarte Marcos , Sánchez Manuel , Jiménez Rosario , Duarte Juan
Published: May 2020

The aim of this work was to evaluate whether the immune-modulatory bacterium Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 (LC40) protects the kidneys in a female mouse model of lupus with hypertension.
Unveiling the bioactivity of Allium triquetrum L. lipophilic fractions: chemical characterization and in vitro antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Rabah Samia , Kouachi Kahina , Ramos Patrícia A. B. , Gomes Ana Peixoto , Almeida Adelaide , Haddadi-Guemghar Hayate , Madani Khodir , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Santos Sónia A. O.
Published: May 2020

Allium triquetrum L. bulbs, flowers and leaves are proved to be valuable sources of value-added lipophilic compounds, specifically as antibacterial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.