bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
City-Level Features of Energy Footprints and Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Sichuan Province of China
Authors: Wang Junbo , Chen Liu , Chen Lu , Zhao Xiaohui , Wang Minxi , Ju Yiyi , Xin Li
Published: May 2019

The sustainable development of the western region of China has always been essential to the national development strategy. The Western region has undertaken an industrial transfer from the Eastern and Central regions. Therefore, the CO2 emission intensity in the western region is higher than those of the Eastern and Central regions of China, and consequently its low-carbon development pathway has an important impact for China as a whole. Sichuan Province is not only the province with the highest CO2 emissions, but also the most economically developed province in Western China in 2018. In order to promote low carbon development in the western region, it is important to understand the features of emissions in Sichuan Province and to formulate effective energy strategies accordingly. This paper uses the IPCC regional emission accounting method to calculate the carbon emissions of 15 cities in Sichuan province, and to comply with the city-level emission accounts. The results show that the total carbon emissions of Sichuan province over the past 10 years was 3258.32 mt and reached a peak in 2012. The smelting and pressing of ferrous metals, coal mining and dressing were the leading sectors that contributed to the emissions, accounting for 17.86% and 15.82%, respectively. Raw coal, cleaned coal, and coke were the most significant contributors to CO2 emissions, accounting for 43.73%, 9.55%, and 6.60%, respectively. Following the above results, the Sichuan provincial government can formulate differentiated energy structure policies according to different energy consumption structures and carbon emission levels in the 15 cities. By controlling the level of total emissions and regulating larger industrial emitters in Sichuan province, some useful information could be provided as an essential reference for low-carbon development in Western China, and contribute to the promotion of emissions mitigation from a more holistic perspective.
Fundamental Investigation of the Effects of Modified Starch, Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium, and Xanthan Gum on Hydrate Formation under Different Driving Forces
Authors: Wang Ren , Sun Huicui , Shi Xiaomei , Xu Xianguang , Zhang Ling , Zhang Zhilei
Published: May 2019

The development of a new drilling fluid system with hydrate inhibition is of great significance for drilling safety in gas hydrate-bearing sediments. Considering the importance of the selection of a suitable thickener for drilling fluid systems under weak and strong driving forces, the hydrate inhibition of 0.1–0.5 wt% modified starch (MS), carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC), and xanthan gum (XG) aqueous solutions was studied. The applicability of these three thickeners were investigated through hydrate formation experiments, mesostructure observations, water activity tests, bubble retention observations, and rheological property tests. The results show that (1) under weak driving force, 0.3 wt% or higher concentration CMC and 0.3 wt% XG can almost completely inhibit hydrate formation due to the interactions between relatively small amounts of free water and CH4 molecules. Furthermore, the hydrate inhibition of higher XG concentrations was decreased due to their strong foam stability, leading to good contact between free water and CH4 molecules. Meanwhile, the hydrate inhibition of MS was weaker when compared with that of CMC and XG at the same concentrations. (2) Under strong driving force, the existence of the three 0.1–0.5 wt% thickeners could only slow down the hydrate formation rate, and hydrate inhibition due to XG was slightly better than that of the other two. This result implies that the effects of the different mesostructures on hydrate formation were severely weakened. Finally, (3) the tackifying effect of CMC was found to be stronger than that of XG and MS, and the rheological properties of the CMC solution were shown to be relatively weak compared to those of the XG and MS solutions; the CMC solution showed a more significant increase in viscosity with decreasing temperature, which is related to the differences in the mesostructures. Therefore, when the driving force of hydrate formation is relatively low, CMC is a good choice for the drilling fluid system when there is no requirement for cooling, while XG is more applicable for a system that needs cooling. In the case of a stronger driving force, XG is the optimal choice irrespective of whether the drilling fluid system needs cooling or not.
An Energy Potential Estimation Methodology and Novel Prototype Design for Building-Integrated Wind Turbines
Authors: Garcia Oscar , Ulazia Alain , del Rio Mario , Carreno-Madinabeitia Sheila , Gonzalez-Arceo Andoni
Published: May 2019

ROSEO-BIWT is a new Building-Integrated Wind Turbine (BIWT) intended for installation on the edge of buildings. It consists of a Savonius wind turbine and guiding vanes to accelerate the usual horizontal wind, together with the vertical upward air stream on the wall. This edge effect improves the performance of the wind turbine, and its architectural integration is also beneficial. The hypothetical performance and design configuration were studied for a university building in Eibar city using wind data from the ERA5 reanalysis (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts’ reanalysis), an anemometer to calibrate the data, and the actual small-scale behavior in a wind tunnel. The data acquired by the anemometer show high correlations with the ERA5 data in the direction parallel to the valley, and the calibration is therefore valid. According to the results, a wind speed augmentation factor of three due to the edge effect and concentration vanes would lead to a increase in working hours at the rated power, resulting annually in more than 2000 h.
Public Access to Building Related Energy Data for Better Decision Making in Implementing Energy Efficiency Strategies: Legal Barriers and Technical Challenges
Authors: Geissler Susanne , G. Charalambides Alexandros , Hanratty Michael
Published: May 2019

The EU is committed to achieve ambitious energy efficiency and CO2 reduction targets. Regarding improving the energy performance of the building stock, detailed building related energy data made accessible by means of GIS are crucial. For this purpose, geo-referenced data from Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) according to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is of central importance, in order to facilitate decision-making about large-scale renovation projects and developing targeted products and services. The ENERFUND project developed a method and subsequently an internet based tool making use of EPC data from 13 EU member states as well as other open-source data (such as renovation costs), thus clearly demonstrating the feasibility and usefulness of this approach. However, also technical challenges and legal barriers were encountered, such as a lack of data and varying data specifications depending on the national transposition of the European Directive, and different interpretation of specific clauses of the General Data Protection Regulation depending on EU member states’ societal norms. Recommendations include the development of guidance notes to be issued by the responsible EU bodies to specify and harmonize data for mandatory public access, to ensure the effective implementation of energy efficiency and CO2 reduction policies in the EU’s building sector.
Impacts of Change in Atmospheric CO2 Concentration on Larix gmelinii Forest Growth in Northeast China from 1950 to 2010
Authors: Wang Bin , Li Mingze , Fan Wenyi , Yu Ying , Jia Weiwei
Published: May 2019

Although CO2 fertilization on plant growth has been repeatedly modeled to be the main reason for the current changes in the terrestrial carbon sink at the global scale, there have been controversial findings on the CO2 fertilization effects on forests from tree-ring analyses. In this study, we employed conventional dendrochronological tree-ring datasets from Northeast China, to detect the effect of CO2 fertilization on Larix gmelinii growth from 1950 to 2010. Among four sites, there were two sites exhibiting a significant residual growth enhancement at a 90% confidence level after removing the size, age and climaterelated trends of tree-ring indices. In addition, we found consistency (R from 0.26 to 0.33, p < 0.1) between the high frequency CO2 fluctuation and residual growth indices at two of the four sites during the common period. A biogeochemical model was used to quantitatively predict the contribution of elevated atmospheric CO2 on accumulated residual growth enhancement. As found in the tree-ring data, 14% of the residual growth was attributed to the CO2 fertilization effect, while climate was responsible for approximately the remainding 86%.
Whitebark Pine Recruitment in Sierra Nevada Driven by Range Position and Disturbance History
Authors: Slaton Michèle R. , MacKenzie Martin , Kohler Tanya , Ramirez Carlos M.
Published: May 2019

Effective restoration of whitebark pine populations will require a solid understanding of factors affecting seedling recruitment success, which may vary by site and biogeographic region. We examined the relationship between whitebark pine seedling recruitment, disturbance history, and range position in three independent studies in the southern Sierra Nevada, California (CA), USA. In 66 plots broadly distributed across watersheds, we found that whitebark pine seedling density and proportion were greatest at upper elevations, and where canopy cover of whitebark pine was higher (density ranged 0–383 seedlings/ha; x ¯ = 4, σX = 1). Seedling density and proportion were also greater in plots that had recently experienced loss of canopy cover from insects, avalanche, windthrow, or other disturbance effects. In a second study conducted in popular recreational areas, including campgrounds and trailheads, the response of whitebark pine recruitment to disturbance was strongly dependent on the relative position of stands within the range, or proximity to other forest types. Both studies indicated that low to moderate levels of disturbance enhanced whitebark pine recruitment, especially at its range edge, a finding consistent with the early seral status of whitebark observed in previous studies conducted elsewhere in North America. In our third study, a case study at the June Mt. Ski Area, we demonstrate the potential for a downward shift in the whitebark-lodgepole pine ecotone as a result of insect-caused disturbance.
Consumer Distrust about E-numbers: A Qualitative Study among Food Experts
Authors: van Gunst Annelies , Roodenburg Annet J.C.
Published: May 2019

Food additives (E-numbers) are allowed in foods, but many consumers have a negative perception of them. The objective was to study the opinion of food experts about the causes and ways to reduce consumer distrust about E-numbers. Thirteen food experts from universities, research institutes, the government, food industry organisations, media, a nutrition information organisation, a consumer association and two other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were interviewed with a semi-structured topic list, based on a model of risk perception. Interviews were transcribed, coded by an open-coding approach and analysed. Results indicated that, according to food experts, consumer distrust of E-numbers arose from negative communication by traditional media, social media and books. Food experts suggested that the information sources and the reliability of E-number information are important for consumers. Food experts also suggested reducing consumer distrust by avoiding negative label claims and making collective agreements with all parties about honest and transparent communication. According to interviewed food experts, food companies need to explain clearly and honestly why they use E-numbers in food. A nutrition information organisation and the government were often mentioned as appropriate parties to undertake action. The interviews suggested that consumers had no confidence in the food industry.
Simplified Transformation of Ostreococcus tauri Using Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Sanchez Frédéric , Geffroy Solène , Norest Manon , Yau Sheree , Moreau Hervé , Grimsley Nigel
Published: May 2019

Ostreococcus tauri is an easily cultured representative of unicellular algae (class Mamiellophyceae) that abound in oceans worldwide. Eight complete 13–22 Mb genomes of phylogenetically divergent species within this class are available, and their DNA sequences are nearly always present in metagenomic data produced from marine samples. Here we describe a simplified and robust transformation protocol for the smallest of these algae (O. tauri). Polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment was much more efficient than the previously described electroporation protocol. Short (2 min or less) incubation times in PEG gave >104 transformants per microgram DNA. The time of cell recovery after transformation could be reduced to a few hours, permitting the experiment to be done in a day rather than overnight as used in previous protocols. DNA was randomly inserted in the O. tauri genome. In our hands PEG was 20–40-fold more efficient than electroporation for the transformation of O. tauri, and this improvement will facilitate mutagenesis of all of the dispensable genes present in the tiny O. tauri genome.
Genome-Wide Identification of Na+/H+ Antiporter (NHX) Genes in Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and Their Regulated Expression under Salt Stress
Authors: Wu Guo-Qiang , Wang Jin-Long , Li Shan-Jia
Published: May 2019

Salinity is one of the major environment factors that limits the growth of plants and the productivity of crops worldwide. It has been shown that Na+ transporters play a central role in salt tolerance and development of plants. The objective of this study was to identify Na+/H+ antiporter (NHX) genes and investigate their expression patterns in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) subjected to various concentrations of NaCl. A total of five putative NHX genes were identified and distributed on four chromosomes in sugar beet. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these BvNHX genes are grouped into three major classes, viz Vac- (BvNHX1, -2 and -3), Endo- (BvNHX4), and PM-class NHX (BvNHX5/BvSOS1), and within each class the exon/intron structures are conserved. The amiloride-binding site is found in TM3 at N-terminus of Vac-class NHX proteins. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) prediction suggested that only BvNHX5 putatively interacts with calcineurin B-like proteins (CBL) and CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPK), implying it might be the primary NHX involved in CBL-CIPK pathway under saline condition. It was also found that BvNHX5 contains one abscisic acid (ABA)-responsive element (ABRE), suggesting that BvNHX5 might be involved in ABA signal responsiveness. Additionally, the qRT-PCR analysis showed that all the BvNHX genes in both roots and leaves are significantly up-regulated by salt, and the transcription levels under high salinity are significantly higher than those under either low or moderate salinity. Taken together, this work gives a detailed overview of the BvNHX genes and their expression patterns under salt stress. Our findings also provide useful information for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of Na+ homeostasis and further functional identification of the BvNHX genes in sugar beet.
Biphenyl/PCB Degrading bph Genes of Ten Bacterial Strains Isolated from Biphenyl-Contaminated Soil in Kitakyushu, Japan: Comparative and Dynamic Features as Integrative Conjugative Elements (ICEs)
Authors: Hirose Jun , Fujihara Hidehiko , Watanabe Takahito , Kimura Nobutada , Suenaga Hikaru , Futagami Taiki , Goto Masatoshi , Suyama Akiko , Furukawa Kensuke
Published: May 2019

We sequenced the entire genomes of ten biphenyl/PCB degrading bacterial strains (KF strains) isolated from biphenyl-contaminated soil in Kitakyushu, Japan. All the strains were Gram-negative bacteria belonging to β- and γ-proteobacteria. Out of the ten strains, nine strains carried a biphenyl catabolic bph gene cluster as integrative conjugative elements (ICEs), and they were classified into four groups based on the structural features of the bph genes. Group I (five strains) possessed bph genes that were very similar to the ones in Pseudomonas furukawaii KF707 (formerly Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes KF707), which is one of the best characterized biphenyl-utilizing strains. This group of strains carried salicylate catabolic sal genes that were approximately 6-kb downstream of the bph genes. Group II (two strains) possessed bph and sal genes similar to the ones in KF707, but these strains lacked the bphX region between bphC and bphD, which is involved in the downstream catabolism of biphenyl. These bph-sal clusters in groups I and II were located on an integrative conjugative element that was larger than 110 kb, and they were named ICEbph-sal. Our previous study demonstrated that the ICEbph-sal of Pseudomonas putida KF715 in group II existed both in an integrated form in the chromosome (referred to as ICEbph-salKF715 (integrated)) and in a extrachromosomal circular form (referred to as ICEbph-sal (circular)) (previously called pKF715A, 483 kb) in the stationary culture. The ICEbph-sal was transferred from KF715 into P. putida AC30 and P. putida KT2440 with high frequency, and it was maintained stably as an extrachromosomal circular form. The ICEbph-salKF715 (circular) in these transconjugants was further transferred to P. putida F39/D and then integrated into the chromosome in one or two copies. Meanwhile, group III (one strain) possessed bph genes, but not sal genes. The nucleotide sequences of the bph genes in this group were less conserved compared to the genes of the strains belonging to groups I and II. Currently, there is no evidence to indicate that the bph genes in group III are carried by a mobile element. Group IV (two strains) carried bph genes as ICEs (59–61 kb) that were similar to the genes found in Tn4371 from Cupriavidus oxalacticus A5 and ICEKKS1024677 from the Acidovorax sp. strain KKS102. Our study found that bph gene islands have integrative functions, are transferred among soil bacteria, and are diversified through modification.
Viroids-First—A Model for Life on Earth, Mars and Exoplanets
Authors: Moelling Karin , Broecker Felix
Published: May 2019

The search for extraterrestrial life, recently fueled by the discovery of exoplanets, requires defined biosignatures. Current biomarkers include those of extremophilic organisms, typically archaea. Yet these cellular organisms are highly complex, which makes it unlikely that similar life forms evolved on other planets. Earlier forms of life on Earth may serve as better models for extraterrestrial life. On modern Earth, the simplest and most abundant biological entities are viroids and viruses that exert many properties of life, such as the abilities to replicate and undergo Darwinian evolution. Viroids have virus-like features, and are related to ribozymes, consisting solely of non-coding RNA, and may serve as more universal models for early life than do cellular life forms. Among the various proposed concepts, such as “proteins-first” or “metabolism-first”, we think that “viruses-first” can be specified to “viroids-first” as the most likely scenario for the emergence of life on Earth, and possibly elsewhere. With this article we intend to inspire the integration of virus research and the biosignatures of viroids and viruses into the search for extraterrestrial life.
The Effect of Ballistic Exercise as Pre-Activation for 100 m Sprints
Authors: Gil Maria H. , Neiva Henrique P. , Garrido Nuno D. , Aidar Felipe J. , Cirilo-Sousa Maria S. , Marques Mário C. , Marinho Daniel A.
Published: May 2019

The benefits of warm-up in sports performance has received a special interest in the current literature. However, there is a large gap of knowledge about the tasks to be performed, specifically in the real competitive environment. The purpose of the study was to verify the acute effects of a warm-up including ballistic exercises in 100 m running performance. In addition, a second 100 m trial was assessed to better understand the warm-up effects in training and competition. Eleven men (25.4 ± 6.2 years of age, 1.76 ± 0.08 m of height, 78.2 ± 8.6 kg of body mass) were submitted to three different protocols, in a randomized order: no warm-up (NWU), typical warm-up (WU) and WU complemented with ballistic exercises (PAP). Biomechanical, physiological and psychophysiological variables were assessed. Differences were found between the three conditions assessed in the first 100 m sprint with 7.4% and 7.6% faster performances after the WU and PAP, compared to NWU. Stride length was higher in the second part of the 100 m after PAP compared with WU. These results highlight the positive effects of warm-up for sprinting performance. The inclusion of ballistic exercises, besides being used to improve sprint performance, can increase stride length in the final of the 100 m race.
Malaria and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in Gold Mining in the Amazon Region, Brazil
Authors: Terças-Trettel Ana Cláudia Pereira , Oliveira Elaine Cristina de , Fontes Cor Jesus Fernandes , Melo Alba Valéria Gomes de , Oliveira Renata Carvalho de , Guterres Alexandro , Fernandes Jorlan , Silva Raphael Gomes da , Atanaka Marina , Espinosa Mariano Martinez , Lemos Elba Regina Sampaio de
Published: May 2019

People living in mining regions are exposed to numerous biological agents by several specific types of transmission mechanisms. This study is designed to describe fatal hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) cases confirmed by serology and molecular analysis, where a seroprevalence survey was conducted in the gold mining regions of the state of Mato Grosso, in the official Amazon region, Brazil. Two fatal cases of HPS were confirmed in a mining area in the Legal Amazon, where malaria is one of the most important public health problems. A molecular analysis detected the presence of the genome of the Castelo dos Sonhos virus. Out of the 112 blood samples analyzed, five were positive for Plasmodium infection (four P. falciparum and one P. vivax), and four were seropositive for hantavirus, showing a seroprevalence of 3.57%. One of the four miners who was seroreactive for hantavirus concomitantly had P. falciparum infection, which was confirmed by thick blood smear. This manuscript highlights the importance of considering hantavirus pulmonary syndrome as a diagnostic possibility in febrile infection associated with pulmonary manifestations in mining areas where malaria cases are often identified.
Mental Health among Left-Behind Children in Rural China in Relation to Parent-Child Communication
Authors: Wang Feng , Lin Leesa , Xu Mingming , Li Leah , Lu Jingjing , Zhou Xudong
Published: May 2019

In China, there are an estimated 41 million left-behind children (LBC). The objective of this study was to examine the mental health of current-left-behind children (current-LBC) and previous-left-behind children (previous-LBC) as compared to never-left-behind children (never-LBC), while considering factors like parent-child communication. Children were recruited from schools in rural areas of Anhui province in eastern China. Participants completed a questionnaire focusing on migration status, mental health, and parent-child communication, measured with the validated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Parent–Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS). Full data were available for 1251 current-, 473 previous-, and 268 never-LBC in Anhui province. After adjusting for all confounding variables, the results showed that both current and previous parental migration was associated with significantly higher mental health difficulties, including aspects of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and total difficulties. Additionally, we found that difficulties communicating with parents were strongly associated with the presence of greater total difficulties in children. Parental migration has an independent, long-lasting negative effect on children. Poor parent-child communication is strongly associated with children’s mental health. These results indicate that parent–child communication is important for the development of children, and interventions are needed to improve migrant parents’ understanding and communication skills with their children.
Research on the Driving Mechanism of Waste Separation Behavior: Based on Qualitative Analysis of Chinese Urban Residents
Authors: Chen Feiyu , Chen Hong , Wu Meifen , Li Shanshan , Long Ruyin
Published: May 2019

Waste source separation is the fundamental premise to ensure effective waste recycling. Whether the entire waste recycling and reduction process can be effectively carried out depends on the waste source separation. Clarifying the driving mechanism of waste separation behavior plays an important role in effectively guiding the urban residents’ waste separation behavior and achieving waste recycling. In this study, qualitative analysis was used to explore the driving mechanism of waste separation behavior. Through the open coding, axial coding and selective coding of the in-depth interview data collected from 323 Chinese urban residents, the study has proposed and verified the four-dimensional structure of waste separation behavior, namely, waste separation behavior of habit, decision, relationship, and citizen. The main driving factors of urban residents’ waste separation behavior have been clarified. On this basis, a theoretical model for the driving mechanism of waste separation behavior was constructed in this study. Ten main categories of factors have been presented, namely, value orientation, cognition of separation, regulatory focus, preferences for comfort, perception of separation empowerment, policy and standards, products and facilities, group norms, links trustworthiness, and social demography variables. Moreover, four typical relationship structures were proposed. Finally, the intervention policy suggestions were made to effectively guide the urban residents’ waste separation behavior.
Dental Students’ Awareness, Preparedness and Barriers towards Managing Tobacco-Using Patients—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Dave Ching Yeung , Ho Tracy Chui Yi , Duangthip Duangporn , Gao Sherry Shiqian , Lo Edward Chin Man , Chu Chun Hung
Published: May 2019

Aims: To evaluate Hong Kong dental students’ perceived awareness, preparedness and barriers towards managing tobacco-using patients. Methods: A validated questionnaire was administered to dental students who were in their clinical years (the third, fourth, fifth and sixth year of study) in 2017 at the University of Hong Kong. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: (1) awareness towards practicing tobacco cessation counselling (TCC), (2) preparedness in terms of confidence, knowledge and clinical practices when managing tobacco-using patients, and (3) perceived barriers to counselling. Results: All 206 invited students had participated this study. Most (93%) agreed that dentists should deliver TCC. However, only around a quarter (26%) of students were well-prepared to help patients in tobacco cessation. While 60% of students agreed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) was helpful for patients to quit tobacco use, only 28% understood its mechanism of action, and merely 16% were knowledgeable enough to introduce NRT to their patients. Two-thirds (62%) of students felt they did not have sufficient skills at this stage of their training. Conclusions: Most Hong Kong dental students had good awareness that dental professionals had an important role to promote tobacco cessation in their patient pools. However, not many of them were well-prepared to manage tobacco-using patients. Common barriers were found to be patients’ apathy and students’ inadequate familiarity with NRT.
Malignancy Risk and Hormonal Activity of Adrenal Incidentalomas in a Large Cohort of Patients from a Single Tertiary Reference Center
Authors: Cyranska-Chyrek Ewa , Szczepanek-Parulska Ewelina , Olejarz Michal , Ruchala Marek
Published: May 2019

Background: A rise in adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) detection has been observed recently. Even though AIs are detected in asymptomatic patients, thorough assessment may reveal hormonal and metabolic abnormalities or malignant character. Methods: Medical records of 2005 patients (1301 women, 704 men) with 2498 tumors aged 61 ± 11.3 (18–93) years, who had been hospitalized due to AI diagnosis, were reviewed. Patients underwent clinical examination, adrenal CT and hormonal assessment. In patients subjected to adrenalectomy, histopathological character of AI was confirmed. Results: AIs most frequently occurred in patients in their 7th decade of life. Hypertension was present in 76.6%, glucose metabolism disorders in 41.3%, and hypercholesterolemia in 60.1% of patients. Lipid-rich adenomas (83.2%) and hormonally inactive tumors (83.1%) predominated. Autonomous cortisol secretion was present or suspected in 6.6%, pheochromocytoma in 4.7%, hyperandrogenism in 3.1%, and primary hyperaldosteronism in 2.4% of patients. The risk of malignancy increased in patients with tumors >6 cm was 37.7%. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the strongest predictor of hormonal activity of AIs was lipid-poor picture on CT scan (OR 7.072; CI 5.118–9.771), while the most important factor increasing the risk of malignancy was lipid-poor adenoma or non-adenoma on CT scan (OR 4.843; CI 1.697–13.819). Final histopathology was available for 214 tumors; 106 adrenocortical adenomas, 46 pheochromocytomas, and 18 adrenocortical carcinomas were diagnosed. Conclusion: Most AIs are hormonally inactive adenomas. The most frequent hormonal manifestation of AI is subclinical hypercortisolemia. Presence of AI is often accompanied by features of metabolic syndrome. The tumor density on CT scan picture may be predictive of both hormonal activity and the risk of malignancy. Tumors of all sizes may exhibit hormonal activity, while the risk of malignancy significantly increases with the size above 6 cm.
Trained Innate Immunity Not Always Amicable
Authors: Włodarczyk Marcin , Druszczyńska Magdalena , Fol Marek
Published: May 2019

The concept of “trained innate immunity” is understood as the ability of innate immune cells to remember invading agents and to respond nonspecifically to reinfection with increased strength. Trained immunity is orchestrated by epigenetic modifications leading to changes in gene expression and cell physiology. Although this phenomenon was originally seen mainly as a beneficial effect, since it confers broad immunological protection, enhanced immune response of reprogrammed innate immune cells might result in the development or persistence of chronic metabolic, autoimmune or neuroinfalmmatory disorders. This paper overviews several examples where the induction of trained immunity may be essential in the development of diseases characterized by flawed innate immune response.
Modern Concepts in Regenerative Therapy for Ischemic Stroke: From Stem Cells for Promoting Angiogenesis to 3D-Bioprinted Scaffolds Customized via Carotid Shear Stress Analysis
Authors: Benedek Annabella , Cernica Daniel , Mester Andras , Opincariu Diana , Hodas Roxana , Rodean Ioana , Keri Johanna , Benedek Theodora
Published: May 2019

Ischemic stroke is associated with a tremendous economic and societal burden, and only a few therapies are currently available for the treatment of this devastating disease. The main therapeutic approaches used nowadays for the treatment of ischemic brain injury aim to achieve reperfusion, neuroprotection and neurorecovery. Therapeutic angiogenesis also seems to represent a promising tool to improve the prognosis of cerebral ischemia. This review aims to present the modern concepts and the current status of regenerative therapy for ischemic stroke and discuss the main results of major clinical trials addressing the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for achieving neuroregeneration in ischemic stroke. At the same time, as a glimpse into the future, this article describes modern concepts for stroke prevention, such as the implantation of bioprinted scaffolds seeded with stem cells, whose 3D geometry is customized according to carotid shear stress.
The Oxidative Pathway to Dopamine–Protein Conjugates and Their Pro-Oxidant Activities: Implications for the Neurodegeneration of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Nakao Kenta , Tanaka Hitomi , Kitahori Yuki , Tanaka Yui , Ojika Makoto , Ito Shosuke
Published: May 2019

Neuromelanin (NM) is a dark brown pigment found in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) and in norepinephrinergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC). Although NM is thought to be involved in the etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) because its content decreases in neurodegenerative diseases such as PD, details are still unknown. In this study, we characterized the biosynthetic pathway of the oxidation of dopamine (DA) by tyrosinase in the presence of thiol peptides and proteins using spectroscopic and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods and we assessed the binding of DA via cysteine residues in proteins by oxidation catalyzed by redox-active metal ions. To examine whether the protein-bound DA conjugates exhibit pro-oxidant activities, we measured the depletion of glutathione (GSH) with the concomitant production of hydrogen peroxide. The results suggest that the fate of protein-bound DA conjugates depends on the structural features of the proteins and that DA-protein conjugates produced in the brain possess pro-oxidant activities, which may cause neurodegeneration due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the depletion of antioxidants.
Expanding the Zebrafish Genetic Code through Site-Specific Introduction of Azido-lysine, Bicyclononyne-lysine, and Diazirine-lysine
Authors: Syed Junetha , Palani Saravanan , Clarke Scott T. , Asad Zainab , Bottrill Andrew R. , Jones Alexandra M.E. , Sampath Karuna , Balasubramanian Mohan K.
Published: May 2019

Site-specific incorporation of un-natural amino acids (UNAA) is a powerful approach to engineer and understand protein function. Site-specific incorporation of UNAAs is achieved through repurposing the amber codon (UAG) as a sense codon for the UNAA, using a tRNACUA that base pairs with an UAG codon in the mRNA and an orthogonal amino-acyl tRNA synthetase (aaRS) that charges the tRNACUA with the UNAA. Here, we report an expansion of the zebrafish genetic code to incorporate the UNAAs, azido-lysine (AzK), bicyclononyne-lysine (BCNK), and diazirine-lysine (AbK) into green fluorescent protein (GFP) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST). We also present proteomic evidence for UNAA incorporation into GFP. Our work sets the stage for the use of AzK, BCNK, and AbK introduction into proteins as a means to investigate and engineer their function in zebrafish.
Role of Nephronectin in Pathophysiology of Silicosis
Authors: Lee Suni , Honda Machiko , Yamamoto Shoko , Kumagai-Takei Naoko , Yoshitome Kei , Nishimura Yasumitsu , Sada Nagisa , Kon Shigeyuki , Otsuki Takemi
Published: May 2019

Silicosis is a typical form of pneumoconiosis and is characterized as a type of lung fibrosis. Silica particles are captured and recognized upon by alveolar macrophages via the macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) scavenger receptor, and thereafter the inflammasome is activated. Thereafter, various chemokines/cytokines play their roles to eventually form fibrosis. Additionally, silica particles chronically activate T helper cells which sets the background for the formation of silicosis-associated autoimmune disturbances. The occurrence and progression of lung fibrosis, the extracellular matrix-related molecules such as integrins and their ligands including fibronectin, vitronectin, laminin, and collagens, all play important roles. Here, the roles of these molecules in silicosis-related lung fibrosis are reviewed from the literature. Additionally, the measurement of serum nephronectin (Npnt), a new member of the integrin family of ligands, is discussed, together with investigations attempting to delineate the role of Npnt in silica-induced lung fibrosis. Serum Npnt was found to be higher in silicosis patients compared to healthy volunteers and seems to play a role in the progression of fibrosis with other cytokines. Therefore, serum Npnt levels may be employed as a suitable marker to monitor the progression of fibrosis in silicosis patients.
Ion Transporters, Channelopathies, and Glucose Disorders
Authors: Demirbilek Huseyin , Galcheva Sonya , Vuralli Dogus , Al-Khawaga Sara , Hussain Khalid
Published: May 2019

Ion channels and transporters play essential roles in excitable cells including cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle cells, neurons, and endocrine cells. In pancreatic beta-cells, for example, potassium KATP channels link the metabolic signals generated inside the cell to changes in the beta-cell membrane potential, and ultimately regulate insulin secretion. Mutations in the genes encoding some ion transporter and channel proteins lead to disorders of glucose homeostasis (hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia and different forms of diabetes mellitus). Pancreatic KATP, Non-KATP, and some calcium channelopathies and MCT1 transporter defects can lead to various forms of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH). Mutations in the genes encoding the pancreatic KATP channels can also lead to different types of diabetes (including neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) and Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, MODY), and defects in the solute carrier family 2 member 2 (SLC2A2) leads to diabetes mellitus as part of the Fanconi–Bickel syndrome. Variants or polymorphisms in some ion channel genes and transporters have been reported in association with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Disturbance of Intracerebral Fluid Clearance and Blood–Brain Barrier in Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Ueno Masaki , Chiba Yoichi , Murakami Ryuta , Matsumoto Koichi , Fujihara Ryuji , Uemura Naoya , Yanase Ken , Kamada Masaki
Published: May 2019

The entry of blood-borne macromolecular substances into the brain parenchyma from cerebral vessels is blocked by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) function. Accordingly, increased permeability of the vessels induced by insult noted in patients suffering from vascular dementia likely contributes to the cognitive impairment. On the other hand, blood-borne substances can enter extracellular spaces of the brain via endothelial cells at specific sites without the BBB, and can move to brain parenchyma, such as the hippocampus and periventricular areas, adjacent to specific sites, indicating the contribution of increased permeability of vessels in the specific sites to brain function. It is necessary to consider influx and efflux of interstitial fluid (ISF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in considering effects of brain transfer of intravascular substances on brain function. Two pathways of ISF and CSF are recently being established. One is the intramural peri-arterial drainage (IPAD) pathway of ISF. The other is the glymphatic system of CSF. Dysfunction of the two pathways could also contribute to brain dysfunction. We review the effects of several kinds of insult on vascular permeability and the failure of fluid clearance on the brain function.
Differences in Liver TFAM Binding to mtDNA and mtDNA Damage between Aged and Extremely Aged Rats
Authors: Chimienti Guglielmina , Picca Anna , Fracasso Flavio , Marzetti Emanuele , Calvani Riccardo , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Russo Francesco , Lezza Angela Maria Serena , Pesce Vito
Published: May 2019

While mitochondrial dysfunction is acknowledged as a major feature of aging, much less is known about the role of mitochondria in extended longevity. Livers from aged (28-month-old) and extremely aged (32-month-old) rats were analyzed for citrate synthase activity, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) amount, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and 4.8 Kb “common deletion” contents. None of the assayed parameters differed significantly between age groups. TFAM-binding to mtDNA and the incidence of 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine in specific mtDNA regions, encompassing the origins of mtDNA replication (D-loop and Ori-L) and the 16-bp long direct repeat 1 (DR1) of the 4.8 Kb deletion, were determined. A decrease in TFAM binding was unveiled at all regions in extremely aged in comparison with aged rats. Reduced incidence of oxidized purines at all assayed regions was detected in 32-month-old rats compared with the 28-month-old group. A significant positive correlation between the incidence of 8-oxo-deoxoguanosine and TFAM-bound mtDNA was found at D-Loop and Ori-L regions only in 28-month-old rats. The absence of such correlation in 32-month-old rats indicates a different, fine-tuned regulation of TFAM binding in the two age groups and supports the existence of two different paces in aging and extended aging.
An R1R2R3 MYB Transcription Factor, MnMYB3R1, Regulates the Polyphenol Oxidase Gene in Mulberry (Morus notabilis)
Authors: Liu Dan , Meng Shuai , Xiang Zhonghuai , Yang Guangwei , He Ningjia
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to determine how the mulberry (Morus notabilis) polyphenol oxidase 1 gene (MnPPO1) is regulated during plant stress responses by exploring the interaction between its promoter region and regulatory transcription factors. First, we analyzed the cis-acting elements in the MnPPO1 promoter. Then, we used the MnPPO1 promoter region [(1268 bp, including an MYB3R-binding cis-element (MSA)] as a probe to capture proteins in DNA pull-down assays. These analyses revealed that the MYB3R1 transcription factor in M. notabilis (encoded by MnMYB3R1) binds to the MnPPO1 promoter region. We further explored the interaction between the MnPPO1 promoter and MYB3R1 with the dual luciferase reporter, yeast one-hybrid, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. These analyses verified that MnMYB3R1 binds to the MSA in the MnPPO1 promoter region. The overexpression of MnMYB3R1 in tobacco upregulated the expression of the tobacco PPO gene. This observation as well as the quantitative real-time PCR results implied that MnMYB3R1 and PPO are involved in the abscisic acid-responsive stress response pathway.
Epidemiology and Burden of Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Peripheral Arterial Disease in Korea
Authors: Chun Dong-il , Kim Sangyoung , Kim Jahyung , Yang Hyeon-Jong , Kim Jae Heon , Cho Jae-ho , Yi Young , Kim Woo Jong , Won Sung Hun
Published: May 2019

Information about the epidemiology of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is likely to be crucial for predicting future disease progression and establishing a health care budget. We investigated the incidence and prevalence of DFU and PAD in Korea. In addition, we examined costs of treatments for DFU and PAD. This study was conducted using data from Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2016. The incidence of DFU with PAD was 0.58% in 2012 and 0.49% in 2016. The prevalence of DFU with PAD was 1.7% in 2011 to 1.8% in 2016. The annual amputation rate of DFU with PAD was 0.95% in 2012 and 1.10% in 2016. Major amputation was decreased, while minor amputation was increased. The direct cost of each group was increased, especially the limb saving group. which was increased from 296 million dollars in 2011 to 441 million dollars in 2016. The overall incidence of DFU with PAD was about 0.5% of total population in Korea, from 2012 to 2016. Furthermore, costs for treatments of diabetic foot ulcer are increasing, especially those for the limb saving group.
Can Metabolic Pathways Be Therapeutic Targets in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Authors: Sanchez-Lopez Elsa , Cheng Anyan , Guma Monica
Published: May 2019

The metabolic rewiring of tumor cells and immune cells has been viewed as a promising source of novel drug targets. Many of the molecular pathways implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) directly modify synovium metabolism and transform the resident cells, such as the fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), and the synovial tissue macrophages (STM), toward an overproduction of enzymes, which degrade cartilage and bone, and cytokines, which promote immune cell infiltration. Recent studies have shown metabolic changes in stromal and immune cells from RA patients. Metabolic disruption in the synovium provide the opportunity to use in vivo metabolism-based imaging techniques for patient stratification and to monitor treatment response. In addition, these metabolic changes may be therapeutically targetable. Thus, resetting metabolism of the synovial membrane offers additional opportunities for disease modulation and restoration of homeostasis in RA. In fact, rheumatologists already use the antimetabolite methotrexate, a chemotherapy agent, for the treatment of patients with inflammatory arthritis. Metabolic targets that do not compromise systemic homeostasis or corresponding metabolic functions in normal cells could increase the drug armamentarium in rheumatic diseases for combination therapy independent of systemic immunosuppression. This article summarizes what is known about metabolism in synovial tissue cells and highlights chemotherapies that target metabolism as potential future therapeutic strategies for RA.
Fermentation of Cucumber Extract with Hydromagnesite as a Neutralizing Agent to Produce an Ingredient for Dermal Magnesium Products
Authors: Nguyen Van Khanh , Tran Tam , Crimmins Tony , Luong Van-Tri , Kang Ho Young
Published: May 2019

Magnesium is an essential element involved in various biochemical processes in the human body. In addition to oral supplementation, topical magnesium application is another conventional form of magnesium delivery for the treatment of skin diseases and muscle inflammation. Cucumber extract is a well-known superfood for human skin. It has been widely used in various skincare product lines because of its known benefits to the skin. The benefit of cucumber extract to the human skin would be significantly enhanced if the cucumber extract was fermented to convert the reducing sugars to beneficial organic acids. In this study, we developed a protocol for lactic acid fermentation of cucumber extract using hydromagnesite as a neutralizing agent. Various lactic acid bacteria were screened for fermentation of cucumber extract. The best fermenting performance was observed with Lactobacillus paracasei, which could convert approximately 13 g/L of reducing sugars (glucose and fructose) to lactic acid and a minor amount of acetic acid within 2 days of incubation. The final fermented cucumber extract contains magnesium in the form of salts of organic acids, which have high absorption ability and bioavailability. The product is a potent ingredient for producing dermal magnesium products.