bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BRAF Inhibitors: Molecular Targeting and Immunomodulatory Actions
Authors: Proietti Ilaria , Skroza Nevena , Michelini Simone , Mambrin Alessandra , Balduzzi Veronica , Bernardini Nicoletta , Marchesiello Anna , Tolino Ersilia , Volpe Salvatore , Maddalena Patrizia , Di Fraia Marco , Mangino Giorgio , Romeo Giovanna , Potenza Concetta
Published: July 2020

The BRAF inhibitors vemurafenib, dabrafenib and encorafenib are used in the treatment of patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma. They selectively target BRAF kinase and thus interfere with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway that regulates the proliferation and survival of melanoma cells. In addition to their molecularly targeted activity, BRAF inhibitors have immunomodulatory effects. The MAPK pathway is involved in T-cell receptor signalling, and interference in the pathway by BRAF inhibitors has beneficial effects on the tumour microenvironment and anti-tumour immune response in BRAF-mutant melanoma, including increased immune-stimulatory cytokine levels, decreased immunosuppressive cytokine levels, enhanced melanoma differentiation antigen expression and presentation of tumour antigens by HLA 1, and increased intra-tumoral T-cell infiltration and activity. These effects promote recognition of the tumour by the immune system and enhance anti-tumour T-cell responses. Combining BRAF inhibitors with MEK inhibitors provides more complete blockade of the MAPK pathway. The immunomodulatory effects of BRAF inhibition alone or in combination with MEK inhibition provide a rationale for combining these targeted therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Available data support the synergy between these treatment approaches, indicating such combinations provide an additional beneficial effect on the tumour microenvironment and immune response in BRAF-mutant melanoma.
Optimization of Fe@Cu Core–Shell Nanoparticle Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in Dye Removal and Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Dlamini Nkosinathi Goodman , Basson Albertus Kotze , Emmanuel Shandu Jabulani Siyabonga , Pullabhotla Viswanadha Srirama Rajasekhar
Published: July 2020

Green synthesis of core–shell nanoparticles is gaining importance nowadays as it is viewed as being environmental friendly and cost effective. The present study aimed to synthesize iron@copper core–shell nanoparticles using a polysaccharide-based bioflocculant from Alcalegenis faecalis and to evaluate its efficiency in dye removal and river water and domestic wastewater treatment. The synthesized samples were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis. To optimize the best concentration for core–shell formation, different ratios of iron to copper were prepared. Sample 1 (S1) contained 1:3 iron to copper (Fe 25%–Cu 75%), sample 2 (S2) contained 1:1 iron to copper (Fe 50%–Cu 50%), and the third sample (S3) contained 3:1 iron to copper (Fe 75%–Cu 25%). The flocculation activity (FA) was above 98% at 0.2 mg/mL for all the samples and the samples flocculated well under acidic, alkaline, and neutral pH conditions. Sample 3 was shown to be thermostable, with flocculation activity above 90%, and samples 2 and 1 were also thermostable, but the flocculation decreased to 87 at 100 °C. All three samples revealed some remarkable properties for staining dye removal as the removal efficiency was above 89% for all dyes tested. The synthesized core–shell nanoparticles could remove nutrients such as total nitrogen and phosphate in both domestic wastewater and Mzingazi river water. Furthermore, high removal efficiency for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) was also observed.
Adenosine and Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Are Present in Blood Serum and Exosomes from SAMP8 Mice: Modulation by Aging and Resveratrol
Authors: Sánchez-Melgar Alejandro , Albasanz José Luis , Griñán-Ferré Christian , Pallàs Mercè , Martín Mairena
Published: July 2020

Adenosine (ARs) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are modulated in the brain of SAMP8 mice, an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In the present work, it is shown the presence of ARs and mGluRs in blood serum and derived exosomes from SAMP8 mice as well as its possible modulation by aging and resveratrol (RSV) consumption. In blood serum, adenosine A1 and A2A receptors remained unaltered from 5 to 7 months of age. However, an age-related decrease in adenosine level was observed, while 5′-Nucleotidase activity was not modulated. Regarding the glutamatergic system, it was observed a decrease in mGluR5 density and glutamate levels in older mice. In addition, dietary RSV supplementation caused an age-dependent modulation in both adenosinergic and glutamatergic systems. These GPCRs were also found in blood serum-derived exosomes, which might suggest that these receptors could be released into circulation via exosomes. Interestingly, changes elicited by age and RSV supplementation on mGluR5 density, and adenosine and glutamate levels were similar to that detected in whole-brain. Therefore, we might suggest that the quantification of these receptors, and their corresponding endogenous ligands, in blood serum could have predictive value for early diagnosis in combination with other distinctive hallmarks of AD.
Synthesis of a Very High Specific Surface Area Active Carbon and Its Electrical Double-Layer Capacitor Properties in Organic Electrolytes
Authors: Yue Zheng , Dunya Hamza , Ashuri Maziar , Kucuk Kamil , Aryal Shankar , Antonov Stoichko , Alabbad Bader , Segre Carlo U. , Mandal Braja K.
Published: July 2020

A new porous activated carbon (AC) material with very high specific surface area (3193 m2 g−1) was prepared by the carbonization of a colloidal silica-templated melamine–formaldehyde (MF) polymer composite followed by KOH-activation. Several electrical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) cells were fabricated using this AC as the electrode material. A number of organic solvent-based electrolyte formulations were examined to optimize the EDLC performance. Both high specific discharge capacitance of 130.5 F g−1 and energy density 47.9 Wh kg−1 were achieved for the initial cycling. The long-term cycling performance was also measured.
In Vitro Corrosion and Tribocorrosion Performance of Biocompatible Carbide Coatings
Authors: Pana Iulian , Vladescu Alina , Constantin Lidia R. , Sandu Ioan G. , Dinu Mihaela , Cotrut Cosmin M.
Published: July 2020

The present study aims to explain the corrosion and the tribocorrosion performance in simulated conditions of the human body by the level of stress, adhesion of coating to substrate, roughness, and hardness. The coatings were synthesized by the cathodic arc evaporation method on 316L stainless steel substrates to be used for load bearing implants. Structure, elemental, and phase compositions were studied by means of energy dispersive spectrometry and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The grain size and strain of the coatings were determined by the Williamson–Hall plot method. Tests on hardness, adhesion, roughness, and electrochemical behavior in 0.9% NaCl solution at 37 ± 0.5 °C were carried out. Tribocorrosion performances, evaluated by measuring the friction coefficient and wear rate, were conducted in 0.9% NaCl solution using the pin on disc method at 37 ± 0.5 °C. TiC and ZrC exhibited a (111) preferred orientation, while TiNbC had a (200) orientation and the smallest crystallite size (8.1 nm). TiC was rougher than ZrC and TiNbC; the lowest roughness was found for TiNbC coatings. The highest hardness and adhesion values were found for TiNbC, followed by TiC and the ZrC. All coatings improved the corrosion resistance of 316L steels, but TiNbC showed the best corrosion behavior. TiNbC had the lowest friction coefficient (1.6) and wear rate (0.99 × 10−5 mm3·N−1∙m−1) values, indicating the best tribocorrosive performance in 0.9% NaCl at 37 ± 0.5 °C.
A Modified Model Reference Adaptive Controller (M-MRAC) Using an Updated MIT-Rule for the Altitude of a UAV
Authors: Rothe Julian , Zevering Jasper , Strohmeier Michael , Montenegro Sergio
Published: July 2020

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are playing an increasingly important role in a wide variety of areas and the range of applications increases daily, which can also be seen in the research of the topic. At the University of Wuerzburg drones are to be used in a project, where the aim is to catch possibly dangerous UAVs in mid air using a net, carried by two drones. This very special scenario poses new problems to the control of the drones, so that traditionally used Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) controllers are no longer sufficient. Therefore a model-based adaption mechanism was chosen to be used to control the altitude of the drones. Though adaption based controllers have been used in the field of drone research before, the existing algorithms had to be modified to work with the special conditions of the altitude control of UAVs. The design and implementation of the modified Model Reference Adaptive Controllers (MRACs) with an updated Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)-rule will be presented in this work. The behavior of the drones with and without the adaption as well as the changes to the original MRAC are then compared in simulation as well as on a real system and show very promising results in further improving the stability of the altitude control of the drones.
Enabling Methodologies for Predictive Power System Resilience Analysis in the Presence of Extreme Wind Gusts
Authors: Brugnetti Ennio , Coletta Guido , De Caro Fabrizio , Vaccaro Alfredo , Villacci Domenico
Published: July 2020

Modern power system operation should comply with strictly reliability and security constraints, which aim at guarantee the correct system operation also in the presence of severe internal and external disturbances. Amongst the possible phenomena perturbing correct system operation, the predictive assessment of the impacts induced by extreme weather events has been considered as one of the most critical issues to address, since they can induce multiple, and large-scale system contingencies. In this context, the development of new computing paradigms for resilience analysis has been recognized as a very promising research direction. To address this issue, this paper proposes two methodologies, which are based on Time Varying Markov Chain and Dynamic Bayesian Network, for assessing the system resilience against extreme wind gusts. The main difference between the proposed methodologies and the traditional solution techniques is the improved capability in modelling the occurrence of multiple component faults and repairing, which cannot be neglected in the presence of extreme events, as experienced worldwide by several Transmission System Operators. Several cases studies and benchmark comparisons are presented and discussed in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods in the task of assessing the power system resilience in realistic operation scenarios.
Extending the Application of the Smart Readiness Indicator—A Methodology for the Quantitative Assessment of the Load Shifting Potential of Smart Districts
Authors: Märzinger Thomas , Österreicher Doris
Published: July 2020

In 2018, the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) included for the first time the application of a smart readiness indicator (SRI). Based on the fact that load shifting in and across buildings plays an increasingly important role to improve efficiency and alleviate the integration of renewable energy systems, the SRI is also aimed at providing an indication of how well buildings can interact with the energy grids. With the clustering of buildings into larger entities, synergies related to the integration of renewable energy and load shifting can be efficiently exploited. However, current proposals for the SRI focus mainly on qualitative appraisals of the smartness of buildings and do not include the wider context of the districts. Quantitative approaches that can be easily applied at an early planning stage are still mostly missing. To optimize infrastructure decisions on a larger scale, a quantifiable perspective beyond the building level is necessary to evaluate and leverage the larger load shifting capacities. This article builds on a previously published methodology for smart buildings with the aim to provide a numerical model-based approach on the assessment of whole districts based on their overall energy storage capacity, load shifting potential and their ability to actively interact with the energy grids. It also delivers the equivalent CO2 savings potential compared to a non-interactive system. The methodology is applied to theoretical use cases for validation. The results highlight that the proposed quantitative model can provide a meaningful and objective assessment of the load shifting potentials of smart districts.
Plastic Responses of Magnolia schiedeana Schltdl., a Relict-Endangered Mexican Cloud Forest Tree, to Climatic Events: Evidences from Leaf Venation and Wood Vessel Anatomy
Authors: Rodríguez-Ramírez Ernesto C. , Valdez-Nieto Jeymy Adriana , Vázquez-García José Antonio , Dieringer Gregg , Luna-Vega Isolda
Published: July 2020

The Mexican tropical montane cloud forest trees occur under special and limited climatic conditions; many of these species are particularly more sensitive to drought stress. Hydric transport in leaf veins and wood features are influenced by climatic variations and individual intrinsic factors, which are essential processes influencing xylogenesis. We assessed the plastic response to climatic oscillation in two relict-endangered Magnolia schiedeana Schltdl. populations and associated the architecture of leaf vein traits with microenvironmental factors and wood anatomy features with climatic variables. The microenvironmental factors differed significantly between the two Magnolia populations and significantly influenced variation in M. schiedeana leaf venation traits. The independent chronologies developed for the two study forests were dated back 171–190 years. The climate-growth analysis showed that M. schiedeana growth is strongly related to summer conditions and growth responses to Tmax, Tmin, and precipitation. Our study highlights the use of dendroecological tools to detect drought effects. This association also describes modifications in vessel traits recorded before, during, and after drought events. In conclusion, our results advance our understanding of the leaf vein traits and wood anatomy plasticity in response to microenvironmental fluctuations and climate in the tropical montane cloud forest.
Mutation Patterns of Human SARS-CoV-2 and Bat RaTG13 Coronavirus Genomes Are Strongly Biased Towards C>U Transitions, Indicating Rapid Evolution in Their Hosts
Authors: Matyášek Roman , Kovařík Aleš
Published: July 2020

The pandemic caused by the spread of SARS-CoV-2 has led to considerable interest in its evolutionary origin and genome structure. Here, we analyzed mutation patterns in 34 human SARS-CoV-2 isolates and a closely related RaTG13 isolated from Rhinolophus affinis (a horseshoe bat). We also evaluated the CpG dinucleotide contents in SARS-CoV-2 and other human and animal coronavirus genomes. Out of 1136 single nucleotide variations (~4% divergence) between human SARS-CoV-2 and bat RaTG13, 682 (60%) can be attributed to C>U and U>C substitutions, far exceeding other types of substitutions. An accumulation of C>U mutations was also observed in SARS-CoV2 variants that arose within the human population. Globally, the C>U substitutions increased the frequency of codons for hydrophobic amino acids in SARS-CoV-2 peptides, while U>C substitutions decreased it. In contrast to most other coronaviruses, both SARS-CoV-2 and RaTG13 exhibited CpG depletion in their genomes. The data suggest that C-to-U conversion mediated by C deamination played a significant role in the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. We hypothesize that the high frequency C>U transitions reflect virus adaptation processes in their hosts, and that SARS-CoV-2 could have been evolving for a relatively long period in humans following the transfer from animals before spreading worldwide.
Parameterization of a Bayesian Normalized Difference Water Index for Surface Water Detection
Authors: Liuzzo Lorena , Puleo Valeria , Nizza Salvatore , Freni Gabriele
Published: July 2020

The normalized difference water index (NDWI) has been extensively used for different purposes, such as delineating and mapping surface water bodies and monitoring floods. However, the assessment of this index (based on multispectral remote sensing data) is highly affected by the effects of atmospheric aerosol scattering and built-up land, especially when green and near infrared bands are used. In this study, a modified version of the NDWI was developed to improve precision and reliability in the detection of water reservoirs from satellite images. The proposed equation includes eight different parameters. A Bayesian procedure was implemented for the identification of the optimal set of these parameters. The calculation of the index was based on Sentinel-2 satellite images of spectral bands collected over the 2015–2019 period. The modified NDWI was tested for the identification of small reservoirs in a subbasin of the Belice catchment in Sicily (southern Italy). To assess the effectiveness of the index, a reference image, representing the actual reservoirs in the study area, was used. The results suggested that the use of the proposed methodology for the parameterization of the modified NDWI improves the identification of water reservoirs with surfaces smaller than 0.1 ha.
COVID-19 among Health Workers in Germany and Malaysia
Authors: Nienhaus Albert , Hod Rozita
Published: July 2020

We report on the suspected case reports filed for SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 illnesses among health and social welfare workers in Germany. In addition, we report about COVID-19 in health workers in Malaysia. Claims for occupational diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2 are recorded separately in a database of the Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Health and Welfare Services (BGW). This database is analyzed according to its content as of May 22, 2020. In addition, the notifiable cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections from personnel in medical institutions (e.g., clinics and doctor’s office) and social welfare institutions (e.g., nursing homes, shelters and refugee camps) following the German Infection Protection Act are analyzed. The report from Malaysia is based on personal experience and publications of the government. In Germany at present, 4398 suspected case reports for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections among health and social workers have been filed. This figure is four times the number of all reported infections normally received per year. The majority of claims, regardless of being a confirmed infection, concerned nurses (n = 6927, 63.9%). The mortality rate for workers infected with SARS-CoV-2 is 0.2% to 0.5%. Doctors are affected by severe illness more frequently than other occupational groups (8.1% vs. 4.1%). In Malaysia, work-related infection of health workers (HW) occurred mainly when COVID-19 was not suspected in patients and no adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) was worn. Although knowledge on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections among workers remains limited, the impact appears to be substantial. This is supported by the mortality rate among infected workers. Occupational health check-ups carried out at the present time should be systematically analyzed in order to gain more information on the epidemiology of COVID-19 among HW. Since the supply and use of PPE improved, the infection risk of HW in Malaysia seems to have decreased.
Investigating Rural Domestic Waste Sorting Intentions Based on an Integrative Framework of Planned Behavior Theory and Normative Activation Models: Evidence from Guanzhong Basin, China
Authors: Shen Jing , Zheng Donghui , Zhang Xiaoning , Qu Mei
Published: July 2020

The sorting of domestic waste is the most effective way to alleviate the problem of mass garbage accumulation around the villages of rural China. Farmers are the creators of rural domestic waste as well as the direct beneficiaries of effective waste management. However, few studies have been conducted on the psychological determinants of farmers’ intentions to sort domestic waste. This paper applies planned behavior theory (TPB) and normative activation theory (NAM), to analyze the domestic waste sorting intentions of rural residents in Guanzhong, China. Based on the micro-data of 327 rural households in Guanzhong, structural equation models of the factors influencing farmers’ domestic waste sorting intentions were estimated. The results demonstrate the following. (1) Farmers’ attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and personal norms have significant positive direct impacts on their domestic waste sorting intentions, with personal norms having the greatest direct impact. (2) Subjective norms have no direct impact on farmers’ domestic waste sorting intentions but do have an indirect impact on them through personal norms, behavioral attitudes, and perceived behavior control. This article increases scholarly understanding of the psychosocial determinants of the environmentally friendly behavioral intention to sort domestic waste. The study also provides academic and theoretical support to policy makers in implementing relevant policy recommendations.
Disease Perception and Coping with Emotional Distress During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Among Medical Staff
Authors: Man Milena Adina , Toma Claudia , Motoc Nicoleta Stefania , Necrelescu Octavia Luiza , Bondor Cosmina Ioana , Chis Ana Florica , Lesan Andrei , Pop Carmen Monica , Todea Doina Adina , Dantes Elena , Puiu Ruxandra , Rajnoveanu Ruxandra-Mioara
Published: July 2020

The novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, is a highly contagious infectious disease declared by the World Health Organization to be a pandemic and a global public health emergency. During outbreaks, health care workers are submitted to an enormous emotional burden as they must balance the fundamental “duty to treat” with their parallel duties to family and loved ones. The aims of our study were to evaluate disease perceptions, levels of stress, emotional distress, and coping strategies among medical staff (COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 departments) in a tertiary pulmonology teaching hospital in the first month after the outbreak of COVID-19. One hundred and fifteen health care workers completed four validated questionnaires (the brief illness perception questionnaire, perceived stress scale, the profile of emotional distress emotional, and the cognitive coping evaluation questionnaire) that were afterwards interpreted by one psychologist. There was a high level of stress and psychological distress among health care workers in the first month after the pandemic outbreak. Interestingly, there were no differences between persons that worked in COVID-19 departments versus those working in non-COVID-19 departments. Disease perceptions and coping mechanisms were similar in the two groups. As coping mechanisms, refocusing on planning and positive reappraisal were used more than in the general population. There is no difference in disease perceptions, levels of stress, emotional distress, and coping strategies in medical staff handling COVID-19 patients versus those staff who were not handling COVID-19 patients in the first month after the pandemic outbreak.
MicroRNAs as Guardians of the Prostate: Those Who Stand before Cancer. What Do We Really Know about the Role of microRNAs in Prostate Biology?
Authors: Andl Thomas , Ganapathy Kavya , Bossan Alexia , Chakrabarti Ratna
Published: July 2020

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths of men in the Western world. Despite recent advancement in genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics to understand prostate cancer biology and disease progression, castration resistant metastatic prostate cancer remains a major clinical challenge and often becomes incurable. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), about 22-nucleotide-long non-coding RNAs, are a group of regulatory molecules that mainly work through post-transcriptional gene silencing via translational repression. Expression analysis studies have revealed that miRNAs are aberrantly expressed in cancers and have been recognized as regulators of prostate cancer progression. In this critical review, we provide an analysis of reported miRNA functions and conflicting studies as they relate to expression levels of specific miRNAs and prostate cancer progression; oncogenic and/or tumor suppressor roles; androgen receptor signaling; epithelial plasticity; and the current status of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This review focuses on select miRNAs, highly expressed in normal and cancer tissue, to emphasize the current obstacles faced in utilizing miRNA data for significant impacts on prostate cancer therapeutics.
Large-Scale Production of Human iPSC-Derived Macrophages for Drug Screening
Authors: Gutbier Simon , Wanke Florian , Dahm Nadine , Rümmelin Anna , Zimmermann Silke , Christensen Klaus , Köchl Fabian , Rautanen Anna , Hatje Klas , Geering Barbara , Zhang Jitao David , Britschgi Markus , Cowley Sally A. , Patsch Christoph
Published: July 2020

Tissue-resident macrophages are key players in inflammatory processes, and their activation and functionality are crucial in health and disease. Numerous diseases are associated with alterations in homeostasis or dysregulation of the innate immune system, including allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Macrophages are a prime target for drug discovery due to their major regulatory role in health and disease. Currently, the main sources of macrophages used for therapeutic compound screening are primary cells isolated from blood or tissue or immortalized or neoplastic cell lines (e.g., THP-1). Here, we describe an improved method to employ induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for the high-yield, large-scale production of cells resembling tissue-resident macrophages. For this, iPSC-derived macrophage-like cells are thoroughly characterized to confirm their cell identity and thus their suitability for drug screening purposes. These iPSC-derived macrophages show strong cellular identity with primary macrophages and recapitulate key functional characteristics, including cytokine release, phagocytosis, and chemotaxis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that genetic modifications can be readily introduced at the macrophage-like progenitor stage in order to interrogate drug target-relevant pathways. In summary, this novel method overcomes previous shortcomings with primary and leukemic cells and facilitates large-scale production of genetically modified iPSC-derived macrophages for drug screening applications.
Steroids and Alzheimer’s Disease: Changes Associated with Pathology and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Akwa Yvette
Published: July 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial age-related neurodegenerative disease that today has no effective treatment to prevent or slow its progression. Neuroactive steroids, including neurosteroids and sex steroids, have attracted attention as potential suitable candidates to alleviate AD pathology. Accumulating evidence shows that they exhibit pleiotropic neuroprotective properties that are relevant for AD. This review focuses on the relationship between selected neuroactive steroids and the main aspects of AD disease, pointing out contributions and gaps with reference to sex differences. We take into account the regulation of brain steroid concentrations associated with human AD pathology. Consideration is given to preclinical studies in AD models providing current knowledge on the neuroprotection offered by neuroactive (neuro)steroids on major AD pathogenic factors, such as amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathology, mitochondrial impairment, neuroinflammation, neurogenesis and memory loss. Stimulating endogenous steroid production opens a new steroid-based strategy to potentially overcome AD pathology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Steroids and the Nervous System.
Intra-Abdominal Nocardiosis—Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tramèr Lucas , Mertz Kirsten D. , Huegli Rolf , Hinic Vladimira , Jost Lorenz , Burkhalter Felix , Wirz Sebastian , Tarr Philip E.
Published: July 2020

Nocardiosis is primarily an opportunistic infection affecting immunosuppressed individuals, in whom it most commonly presents as pulmonary infection and sometimes cerebral abscesses. Isolated abdominal or retroperitoneal nocardiosis is rare. Here, we report the second case, to our knowledge, of isolated abdominal nocardiosis due to Nocardia paucivorans and provide a comprehensive review of intra-abdominal nocardiosis. The acquisition of abdominal nocardiosis is believed to occur via hematogenous spreading after pulmonary or percutaneous inoculation or possibly via direct abdominal inoculation. Cases of Nocardia peritonitis have been reported in patients on peritoneal dialysis. Accurate diagnosis of abdominal nocardiosis requires histological and/or microbiological examination of appropriate, radiologically or surgically obtained biopsy specimens. Malignancy may initially be suspected when the patient presents with an abdominal mass. Successful therapy usually includes either percutaneous or surgical abscess drainage plus prolonged combination antimicrobial therapy.
Insulin Resistance Predicts Severity of Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease in Non-Diabetic Patients
Authors: Strisciuglio Teresa , Izzo Raffaele , Barbato Emanuele , Di Gioia Giuseppe , Colaiori Iginio , Fiordelisi Antonella , Morisco Carmine , Bartunek Jozef , Franco Danilo , Ammirati Giuseppe , Pergola Valerio , Imparato Livio , Trimarco Bruno , Esposito Giovanni , Rapacciuolo Antonio
Published: July 2020

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, how IR is able to impact the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in non-diabetic patients is unknown. Objectives. We investigated the relation between the IR and the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in non-diabetic patients referred to coronary angiography (CA) Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing to CA for acute coronary syndromes or stable angina were analyzed. The IR was assessed by mean of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) whereas the SYNTAX score (SS) was used as index of the severity of coronary atherosclerosis Results: Overall, 126 patients were included, with a median SS of 12 (IQR 5.25–20.5). Patients were divided in four groups according to the distribution in quartiles of SS (SS1-2-3-4). A significant correlation between HOMA-IR and SS was observed, especially in women. A progressive increase of HOMA-IR was observed in parallel with the increasing severity (from SS1 to SS4) and extension (1-2-3-vessel disease) of coronary atherosclerosis. Multivariable analysis showed that the HOMA-IR was the strongest independent predictor of severe (SS4) and extensive (three-vessel disease) coronary atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Insulin resistance goes hand in hand with the extension and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in non-diabetic patients. The HOMA index is an independent predictor of three-vessel disease at CA. The HOMA index could be useful for risk stratification of CAD even in absence of T2DM.
Natural Architectures for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Honig Floris , Vermeulen Steven , Zadpoor Amir A. , de Boer Jan , Fratila-Apachitei Lidy E.
Published: July 2020

The ability to control the interactions between functional biomaterials and biological systems is of great importance for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the underlying mechanisms defining the interplay between biomaterial properties and the human body are complex. Therefore, a key challenge is to design biomaterials that mimic the in vivo microenvironment. Over millions of years, nature has produced a wide variety of biological materials optimised for distinct functions, ranging from the extracellular matrix (ECM) for structural and biochemical support of cells to the holy lotus with special wettability for self-cleaning effects. Many of these systems found in biology possess unique surface properties recognised to regulate cell behaviour. Integration of such natural surface properties in biomaterials can bring about novel cell responses in vitro and provide greater insights into the processes occurring at the cell-biomaterial interface. Using natural surfaces as templates for bioinspired design can stimulate progress in the field of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and biomaterials science. This literature review aims to combine the state-of-the-art knowledge in natural and nature-inspired surfaces, with an emphasis on material properties known to affect cell behaviour.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Post-Processing of Prosopis Chilensis/Polyethersulfone Composite (PCPC)
Authors: Idriss Aboubaker I. B. , Li Jian , Wang Yangwei , Guo Yanling , Elfaki Elkhawad A. , Adam Shareef A.
Published: July 2020

The range of selective laser sintering (SLS) materials is currently limited, and the available materials are often of high cost. Moreover, the mechanical strength of wood–plastic SLS parts is low, which restricts the application of a SLS technology. A new composite material has been proposed to address these issues, while simultaneously valorizing agricultural and forestry waste. This composite presents several advantages, including reduced pollution associated with waste disposal and reduced CO2 emission with the SLS process in addition to good mechanical strength. In this article, a novel and low-cost Prosopis chilensis/polyethersulfone composite (PCPC) was used as a primary material for SLS. The formability of PCPC with various raw material ratios was investigated via single-layer experiments, while the mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy of the parts produced using the various PCPC ratios were evaluated. Further, the microstructure and particle distribution in the PCPC pieces were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The result showed that the SLS part produced via 10/90 (wt/wt) PCPC exhibited the best mechanical strength and forming quality compared to other ratios and pure polyethersulfone (PES), where bending and tensile strengths of 10.78 and 4.94 MPa were measured. To improve the mechanical strength, post-processing infiltration was used and the PCPC-waxed parts were enhanced to 12.38 MPa and 5.73 MPa for bending and tensile strength.
Quantification of the Morphological Signature of Roping Based on Multiscale Analysis and Autocorrelation Function Description
Authors: Marteau Julie , Deltombe Raphaël , Bigerelle Maxence
Published: July 2020

Roping or ridging is a visual defect affecting the surface of ferritic stainless steels, assessed using visual inspection of the surfaces. The aim of this study was to quantify the morphological signature of roping to link roughness results with five levels of roping identified with visual inspection. First, the multiscale analysis of roughness showed that the texture aspect ratio Str computed with a low-pass filter of 32 µm gave a clear separation between the acceptable levels of roping and the non-acceptable levels (rejected sheets). To obtain a gradation description of roping instead of a binary description, a methodology based on the use of the autocorrelation function was created. It consisted of several steps: a low-pass filtering of the autocorrelation function at 150 µm, the segmentation of the autocorrelation into four stabilized portions, and finally, the computation of isotropy and the root-mean-square roughness Sq on the obtained quarters of function. The use of the isotropy combined with the root-mean-square roughness Sq led to a clear separation of the five levels of roping: the acceptable levels of roping corresponded to strong isotropy (values larger than 10%) coupled with low root-mean-square roughness Sq. Both methodologies can be used to quantitatively describe surface morphology of roping in order to improve our understanding of the roping phenomenon.
Effective Removal of Pb(II) Ions by Electrospun PAN/Sago Lignin-Based Activated Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Nordin Nurul Aida , Abdul Rahman Norizah , Abdullah Abdul Halim
Published: July 2020

Heavy metal pollution, such as lead, can cause contamination of water resources and harm human life. Many techniques have been explored and utilized to overcome this problem, with adsorption technology being the most common strategies for water treatment. In this study, carbon nanofibers, polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/sago lignin (SL) carbon nanofibers (PAN/SL CNF) and PAN/SL activated carbon nanofibers (PAN/SL ACNF), with a diameter approximately 300 nm, were produced by electrospinning blends of polyacrylonitrile and sago lignin followed by thermal and acid treatments and used as adsorbents for the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The incorporation of biodegradable and renewable SL in PAN/SL blends fibers produces the CNF with a smaller diameter than PAN only but preserves the structure of CNF. The adsorption of Pb(II) ions on PAN/SL ACNF was three times higher than that of PAN/SL CNF. The enhanced removal was due to the nitric acid treatment that resulted in the formation of surface oxygenated functional groups that promoted the Pb(II) ions adsorption. The best-suited adsorption conditions that gave the highest percentage removal of 67%, with an adsorption capacity of 524 mg/g, were 40 mg of adsorbent dosage, 125 ppm of Pb(II) solution, pH 5, and a contact time of 240 min. The adsorption data fitted the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models, indicating that the adsorption is a monolayer, and is governed by the availability of the adsorption sites. With the adsorption capacity of 588 mg/g, determined via the Langmuir isotherm model, the study demonstrated the potential of PAN/SL ACNFs as the adsorbent for the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution.
Prediction of Chromatographic Elution Order of Analytical Mixtures Based on Quantitative Structure-Retention Relationships and Multi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Žuvela Petar , Liu J. Jay , Wong Ming Wah , Bączek Tomasz
Published: July 2020

Prediction of the retention time from the molecular structure using quantitative structure-retention relationships is a powerful tool for the development of methods in reversed-phase HPLC. However, its fundamental limitation lies in the fact that low error in the prediction of the retention time does not necessarily guarantee a prediction of the elution order. Here, we propose a new method for the prediction of the elution order from quantitative structure-retention relationships using multi-objective optimization. Two case studies were evaluated: (i) separation of organic molecules in a Supelcosil LC-18 column, and (ii) separation of peptides in seven columns under varying conditions. Results have shown that, when compared to predictions based on the conventional model, the relative root mean square error of the elution order decreases by 48.84%, while the relative root mean square error of the retention time increases by 4.22% on average across both case studies. The predictive ability in terms of both retention time and elution order and the corresponding applicability domains were defined. The models were deemed stable and robust with few to no structural outliers.
Accumulation of Saponins in Underground Parts of Panax vietnamensis at Different Ages Analyzed by HPLC-UV/ELSD
Authors: Vu-Huynh Kim Long , Nguyen Huy Truong , Van Le Thi Hong , Ma Chi Thanh , Lee Gwang Jin , Kwon Sung Won , Park Jeong Hill , Nguyen Minh Duc
Published: July 2020

Panax vietnamensis (PV), a wild Panax species discovered in Vietnam in 1973, has been increasingly overexploited due to its economic value and therapeutic uses. This resulted in the development of PV cultivation to meet the market demand. There is little information on the accumulation of saponins in PV during cultivation, but this information could serve as an indication of the appropriate harvest time. In this study we developed an HPLC-UV/ELSD method to simultaneously determine the content of 10 characteristic saponins in PV from 2–7 years old, including G-Rb1, G-Rd, G-Rg1, G-Re, N-R1, M-R1, M-R2, V-R2, V-R11, and p-RT4. The result indicated that from 2 to 5 years, the content of saponins in PV rhizome and radix increase 3.02 and 4.2 times, respectively, whereas from 5 to 7 years, no significant changes were observed. Hence, our study suggests that after 5 years of growth could be considered as an appropriate time for PV to be harvested. Among the analyzed saponins, G-Rg1, G-Rb1, G-Rd, and especially M-R2 were the major saponins that contributed to the change of PV’s saponin content through the years. In addition, the developed and validated HPLC method was proven to be reliable and effective for quality control of PV.
Characteristic Metabolic Changes of the Crust from Dry-Aged Beef Using 2D NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Hyun Cheol , Baek Ki Ho , Ko Yoon-Joo , Lee Hyun Jung , Yim Dong-Gyun , Jo Cheorun
Published: July 2020

Two-dimensional quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (2D qNMR)-based metabolomics was performed to understand characteristic metabolic profiles in different aging regimes (crust from dry-aged beef, inner edible flesh of dry-aged beef, and wet-aged beef striploin) over 4 weeks. Samples were extracted using 0.6 M perchlorate to acquire polar metabolites. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis showed a good cumulative explained variation (R2 = 0.967) and predictive ability (Q2 = 0.935). Metabolites of crust and aged beef (dry- and wet-aged beef) were separated in the first week and showed a completely different aspect in the second week via NMR-based multivariable analyses. Moreover, NMR-based multivariable analyses could be used to distinguish the method, degree, and doneness of beef aging. Among them, the crust showed more unique metabolic changes that accelerated proteolysis (total free amino acids and biogenic amines) and inosine 5′-monophosphate depletion than dry-aged beef and generated specific microbial catabolites (3-indoxyl sulfate) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), while asparagine, glutamine, tryptophan, and glucose in the crust were maintained or decreased. Compared to the crust, dry-aged beef showed similar patterns of biogenic amines, as well as bioactive compounds and GABA, without a decrease in free amino acids and glucose. Based on these results, the crust allows the inner dry-aged beef to be aged similarly to wet-aged beef without microbial effects. Thus, 2D qNMR-based metabolomic techniques could provide complementary information about biochemical factors for beef aging.
Pleurotus sajor-caju-Mediated Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Active against Colon Cancer Cell Lines: A New Era of Herbonanoceutics
Authors: Chaturvedi Vivek K. , Yadav Navneet , Rai Neeraj K. , Ellah Noura H. Abd , Bohara Raghvendra A. , Rehan Ibrahim F. , Marraiki Najat , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Hetta Helal F. , Singh M. P.
Published: July 2020

Herbal medicines are widely used worldwide and much appreciated because of their fewer side effects and the ability to fight diseases at the root cause. Active ‘phyto’ ingredients require a scientific approach and a mechanism to distribute components at the target site for better therapeutic results. Nanotechnology, on the other hand, has created new hope for cancer treatment but is still far from being proven in clinical settings. This article combines a unique approach to synthesis with the use of Pleurotus sajor-caju, followed by microwave irritation of silver and gold nanoparticles that ensures the capping of the active phyto ingredient and further enhances the effects of nanomedicine to fight colon cancer, thus opening a new era of what we call herbonanoceutics. The article also compares the characteristics and properties of silver (Au) and gold (Ag) nanoparticles synthesized by an in house developed novel microwave-assisted rapid green synthesis method. The as-prepared Ag NPs and Au NPs were compared using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Our comparative study revealed that both assemblies display face-centred cubic structures (FCCs) and are nanocrystalline in nature. The advantage of the approach was that the sizes of gold and silver were identical in range with a similar distribution pattern. This has helped us to study the activity against colon cancer cell line (HCT-116) without incoherence since size plays a key role in the application. More specifically, morphological changes, cell viability, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the fragmentation of DNA have been further reported to assess better the results obtained with the two metals. Our results suggest that the newly adopted synthesis method may ensure the dual benefits from phyto ingredients which further enhances the effectiveness of advanced nanomedicine.
A Nano Drug Delivery System Based on Angelica sinensis Polysaccharide for Combination of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Min-Zhe , He Xin , Yu Zhe , Wu Hong , Yang Tie-Hong
Published: July 2020

Combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy has been a promising strategy in cancer treatment. Polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis (AP), a well-known Chinese herbal medicine, have been proved to have good immunomodulatory activity. In the present study, an enzyme-sensitive tumor-targeting nano drug delivery system (AP-PP-DOX (doxorubicin), PP stood for peptide) was constructed. In this system, Angelica polysaccharides act as not only carriers to targeted delivery of drugs to tumor tissue but also effectors to improve tumor microenvironment and enhance immune function, resulting in synergistic antitumor effect with chemotherapy drugs. The structure of this conjugate was confirmed by FI-IR and 1H-NMR. The particle size and zeta potential of the nanoparticles were 129.00 ± 3.32 nm and −28.45 ± 0.22 mV, respectively. Doxorubicin (DOX) and AP could be quickly released from the AP-PP-DOX under the presence of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). The released DOX showed good antitumor efficacy in vitro. The treatment of released AP moiety increased the expression of IL-2, while that of IL-10 was decreased, showing potential in restoring Th1/Th2 immune balance in tumor microenvironment. In a word, this drug delivery system, with specific tissue targeting and tumor microenvironment improvement, will open a new avenue for combination treatment of cancer.