bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicity of extracts from municipal wastewater to early life stages of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) to evaluate removals of micropollutants by wastewater treatment
Authors: Maya Nicholas , Crispo Calvin , McFarland Victoria , Nasuhoglu Deniz , Isazadeh Siavash , Yargeau Viviane , Metcalfe Chris D.
Published: August 2017

Treatment of municipal wastewater reduces the concentrations of some pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), hormones, and drugs of abuse. However, reduced concentrations of these micropollutants in wastewater may not correlate with reduced toxicity because transformations of micropollutants and/or the formation of disinfection by-products may generate toxic compounds. In the present study, we prepared extracts by solid phase extraction of samples collected from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) at various stages of treatment and tested these extracts for toxicity to early life stages of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). Toxicity data for extracts prepared from a WWTP with secondary treatment showed that the numbers of exposed embryos (n = 12 per treatment) that did not hatch increased from 1 of 12 for the treatment with untreated effluent to 5 of 12 for the treatment with final treated effluent. For extracts prepared from a WWTP with tertiary treatment, toxicity among exposed embryos (n = 12 per treatment) also increased with each step of wastewater treatment, as shown by mortalities of 2 of 12 and 8 of 12 in treatments with extracts from untreated and final treated effluent, respectively, as well as an increase in the numbers of embryos that did not hatch from 2 of 12 to 9 of 12 in treatments with untreated and final treated effluent, respectively. Ozonation of treated wastewater collected from a third WWTP caused a high incidence of delayed hatch in exposed embryos (n = 24 per treatment). However, hatching success and the numbers of developmental abnormalities in embryos from this ozonation treatment were not different from controls. The present study shows the value of including toxicity testing to assess the effectiveness of technologies for treatment of municipal wastewater. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:136–144. © 2017 SETAC
Predictors of remission in children with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia: Data from the Intercontinental Cooperative ITP Study Group Registry II participants
Authors: Bennett Carolyn M. , Neunert Cindy , Grace Rachael F. , Buchanan George , Imbach Paul , Vesely Sara K. , Kuhne Thomas
Published: August 2017

Background

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) during childhood spontaneously remits in up to 80% of children. Predictors of remission are not well understood.

Procedure

We analyzed data from Intercontinental Cooperative ITP Study Group (ICIS) Registry II, a large prospective cohort of children with ITP, to investigate factors that might predict remission.

Results

In ICIS Registry II, 705 patients had data collected through 12 months following diagnosis, with 383 patients having data available at 24 months as well. Younger age and pharmacologic treatment at diagnosis were significantly associated with disease resolution at 12 and 24 months (P < 0.0001 for both) as was bleeding at diagnosis (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0213, respectively). Gender and platelet count at diagnosis were not significantly correlated with remission. In the multivariable analysis, remission at 12 months was associated with younger age, higher bleeding grade at diagnosis, and treatment with a combination of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and corticosteroids at diagnosis. Only younger age and treatment with IVIG and steroids in combination at diagnosis were associated with remission at 24 months. Patients <1 year of age had the highest odds of achieving remission at both 12 months (OR 4.7, 95% CI: 2.0–10.6) and 24 months (OR 7.0, 95% CI: 2.3–20.8).

Conclusions

Younger age, bleeding severity at diagnosis, and initial treatment with a combination of corticosteroids and IVIG are associated with remission at 12 months in the ICIS Registry II. Patients <1 year of age have the highest likelihood of remission. The relationship of bleeding and treatment at diagnosis requires further study to clarify whether these are independent predictors of remission.
Modeling Glaucoma: Retinal Ganglion Cells Generated from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of Patients with SIX6 Risk Allele Show Developmental Abnormalities
Authors: Teotia Pooja , Van Hook Matthew J. , Wichman Christopher S. , Allingham R. Rand , Hauser Michael A. , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: August 2017

Glaucoma represents a group of multifactorial diseases with a unifying pathology of progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration, causing irreversible vision loss. To test the hypothesis that RGCs are intrinsically vulnerable in glaucoma, we have developed an in vitro model using the SIX6 risk allele carrying glaucoma patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for generating functional RGCs. Here, we demonstrate that the efficiency of RGC generation by SIX6 risk allele iPSCs is significantly lower than iPSCs-derived from healthy, age- and sex-matched controls. The decrease in the number of RGC generation is accompanied by repressed developmental expression of RGC regulatory genes. The SIX6 risk allele RGCs display short and simple neurites, reduced expression of guidance molecules, and immature electrophysiological signature. In addition, these cells have higher expression of glaucoma-associated genes, CDKN2A and CDKN2B, suggesting an early onset of the disease phenotype. Consistent with the developmental abnormalities, the SIX6 risk allele RGCs display global dysregulation of genes which map on developmentally relevant biological processes for RGC differentiation and signaling pathways such as mammalian target of rapamycin that integrate diverse functions for differentiation, metabolism, and survival. The results suggest that SIX6 influences different stages of RGC differentiation and their survival; therefore, alteration in SIX6 function due to the risk allele may lead to cellular and molecular abnormalities. These abnormalities, if carried into adulthood, may make RGCs vulnerable in glaucoma.
RNA‐mediated signal perception in pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Ignatov Dmitriy , Johansson Jörgen
Published: August 2017

Bacterial pathogens encounter several different environments during an infection, many of them possibly being detrimental. In order to sense its surroundings and adjust the gene expression accordingly, different regulatory schemes are undertaken. With these, the bacterium appropriately can differentiate between various environmental cues to express the correct virulence factor at the appropriate time and place. An attractive regulator device is RNA, which has an outstanding ability to alter its structure in response to external stimuli, such as metabolite concentration or alterations in temperature, to control its downstream gene expression. This review will describe the function of riboswitches and thermometers, with a particular emphasis on regulatory RNAs being important for bacterial pathogenicity. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1429. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1429

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems

Translation > Translation Regulation

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Riboswitches
Genesis of volatiles in suprasubduction basaltic melts from Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka
Authors: Dobretsov N.L. , Simonov V.A. , Kotlyarov A.V. , Stupakov S.I.
Published: August 2017

Vitreous basalts and plagioclase lapilli from Tolbachik Volcano studied by high-temperature gas chromatography reveal features of a fluid regime uncommon to suprasubduction melts. Prominent depletion in volatiles confirms the anomalous behavior of the Tolbachik fluid systems. Vitreous basalts contain minor amounts of water (0.16–0.27 wt.%) and carbon dioxide (95–440 ppm). New data on volatiles in the Tolbachik plagioclase lapilli show very low contents of CO2 and total gas (exclusive of H2O) and enrichment in reduced fluids (CO and CH4) relative to the basalts. In general, analysis of basalts and plagioclase lapilli from different eruptions trace a progressive increase in reduced fluids (CO and CH4) and decrease in CO2 and total gas from past to present events. The concentrations of CO2 decrease, while those of CO and CH4 in basalts and plagioclase lapilli increase systematically with an increase in FeO/MgO ratios and K2O contents in the lavas and in anorthite component in plagioclase.
Geochemistry of Precambrian volcanosedimentary rocks of the Karsakpai Group in southern Ulutau (Central Kazakhstan)
Authors: Dmitrieva N.V. , Letnikova E.F. , Vishnevskaya I.A. , Serov P.A.
Published: August 2017

We have analyzed the isotope-geochemical features of volcanosedimentary rocks of the Karsakpai Group in southern Ulutau (Central Kazakhstan): mafic volcanics, siliceous and siliceous-ferruginous sediments, and quartz–sericite–chlorite schists. The close association of ferruginous quartzites with intraplate volcanics indicates that they formed in a tectonically active basin. The Nd isotope composition of ferruginous quartzites was governed by synchronous underwater volcanism, whereas the 143Nd/144Nd value of schists was additionally controlled by the Nd isotope composition of older sources. The Mesoproterozoic Nd model ages and positive εNd(t) values of the metaterrigenous rocks of the Karsakpai Group indicate the presence of Mesoproterozoic juvenile material in the provenance. The minimum Nd model ages suggest the lower boundary of sedimentation of 1.3 Ga.
New data on betekhtinite: refinement of crystal structure and revision of chemical formula
Authors: Krivovichev S.V. , Yakovenchuk V.N.
Published: August 2017

The crystal structure of betekhtinite from Dzhezkazgan copper ore deposit, Kazakhstan, has been refined to R1 = 0.047 for 1321 unique observed reflections. The mineral is orthorhombic, Immm, a = 3.9047(6), b = 14.796(2), c = 22.731(3) Å, and V = 1313.3(3) Å3. Structure refinement revealed five additional partially occupied Cu sites compared to the previous structural study. The structure contains one Pb and thirteen Cu sites. The coordination of the Pb site is sevenfold. Coordination geometries of the Cu sites are variable: The Cu1, Cu2, Cu3 Cu6, Cu7, Cu8, and Cu9 sites are tetrahedrally coordinated, whereas Cu4, Cu5, Cu10, Cu11, and Cu13 have a triangular coordination. The Cu12 site is coordinated by two S atoms to form a CuS2 dumbell. The crystal structure of betekhtinite is based upon complex Pb–Cu sulfide rods running parallel to the a axis. The rods have a rhombus-like cross sections with lateral dimensions of ca. 11 × 16 Å2. The core of the rod is composed from the CuS4 tetrahedra and may be considered a module extracted from the archetype structure of fluorite, CaF2. The tetrahedral columns are further incrustated by the Cu4S3 and Cu5S3 triangles and Pb atoms to form the [Pb2Cu16S15] rods, which are linked to each other along the b axis via S6 atoms. The low-occupied Cu sites are located in between the rods. The structural formula determined on the basis of the crystal-structure refinement can be written as Pb2Cu22.18Fe1.04S15, which is in good agreement with the chemical analyses of betekhtinite and disagrees notably with the formula Pb2(Cu,Fe)21S15 suggested by Dornberger-Schiff and Höhne. The general crystal chemical formula of betekhtinite can be written as Pb2(Cu,Fe)22–24S15. Information-based structural complexity parameters for betekhtinite are: Ig = 3.696 bits/atom and IG,total = 144.131 bits/cell. Decomposition of betekhtinite into a mixture of galena (PbS; Ig = 1.000 bits/atom; IG,total = 2.000 bits/cell) and chalcocite (Cu2S; IG = 1.500 bits/atom; IG,total = 12.000 bits/cell) at temperatures above 150 °C is associated with the loss of structural complexity and the rise of configurational entropy of the system.
Interferon-alpha treatment rapidly clears Hepatitis E virus infection in humanized mice
Authors: van de Garde Martijn D. B. , Pas Suzan D. , van Oord Gertine W. , Gama Lucio , Choi Youkyung , de Man Robert A. , Boonstra Andre , Vanwolleghem Thomas
Published: August 2017

Antiviral treatment options for chronic Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infections are limited and immunological determinants of viral persistence remain largely unexplored. We studied the antiviral potency of pegylated interferon-α (pegIFNα) against HEV infections in humanized mice and modelled intrahepatic interferon stimulated gene (ISG) responses. Human gene expression levels in humanized mouse livers were analyzed by qPCR and Nanostring. Human CXCL10 was measured in mouse serum. HEV genotype 3 (gt3) infections were cleared from liver and feces within 8 pegIFNα doses in all mice and relapsed after a single pegIFNα injection in only half of treated animals. Rapid viral clearance by pegIFNα was confirmed in HEV gt1, but not in Hepatitis B Virus infected animals. No ISG induction was observed in untreated HEV gt3 and gt1 infected humanized livers compared to control chimeric mice, irrespective of the human hepatocyte donor, viral isolate or HEV infection duration. Human specific ISG transcript levels in mouse liver increased significantly after pegIFNα treatment and induced high circulating human CXCL10 in mouse serum. In conclusion, HEV gt1 and gt3 infections do not elicit innate intrahepatic immune responses and remain highly sensitive to pegIFNα in immunocompromised humanized mice.
Low protein-induced increases in FGF21 drive UCP1-dependent metabolic but not thermoregulatory endpoints
Authors: Hill Cristal M. , Laeger Thomas , Albarado Diana C. , McDougal David H. , Berthoud Hans-Rudolf , Münzberg Heike , Morrison Christopher D.
Published: August 2017

Dietary protein restriction increases adipose tissue uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), energy expenditure and food intake, and these effects require the metabolic hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Here we test whether the induction of energy expenditure during protein restriction requires UCP1, promotes a resistance to cold stress, and is dependent on the concomitant hyperphagia. Wildtype, Ucp1-KO and Fgf21-KO mice were placed on control and low protein (LP) diets to assess changes in energy expenditure, food intake and other metabolic endpoints. Deletion of Ucp1 blocked LP-induced increases in energy expenditure and food intake, and exacerbated LP-induced weight loss. While LP diet increased energy expenditure and Ucp1 expression in an FGF21-dependent manner, neither LP diet nor the deletion of Fgf21 influenced sensitivity to acute cold stress. Finally, LP-induced energy expenditure occurred even in the absence of hyperphagia. Increased energy expenditure is a primary metabolic effect of dietary protein restriction, and requires both UCP1 and FGF21 but is independent of changes in food intake. However, the FGF21-dependent increase in UCP1 and energy expenditure by LP has no effect on the ability to acutely respond to cold stress, suggesting that LP-induced increases in FGF21 impact metabolic but not thermogenic endpoints.
Direct Detection Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy: A Method to Push the Limits of Resolution and Sensitivity
Authors: Hart James L. , Lang Andrew C. , Leff Asher C. , Longo Paolo , Trevor Colin , Twesten Ray D. , Taheri Mitra L.
Published: August 2017

In many cases, electron counting with direct detection sensors offers improved resolution, lower noise, and higher pixel density compared to conventional, indirect detection sensors for electron microscopy applications. Direct detection technology has previously been utilized, with great success, for imaging and diffraction, but potential advantages for spectroscopy remain unexplored. Here we compare the performance of a direct detection sensor operated in counting mode and an indirect detection sensor (scintillator/fiber-optic/CCD) for electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Clear improvements in measured detective quantum efficiency and combined energy resolution/energy field-of-view are offered by counting mode direct detection, showing promise for efficient spectrum imaging, low-dose mapping of beam-sensitive specimens, trace element analysis, and time-resolved spectroscopy. Despite the limited counting rate imposed by the readout electronics, we show that both core-loss and low-loss spectral acquisition are practical. These developments will benefit biologists, chemists, physicists, and materials scientists alike.
The impact of human population pressure on flying fox niches and the potential consequences for Hendra virus spillover
Authors: Walsh Michael G. , Wiethoelter Anke , Haseeb M. A.
Published: August 2017

Hendra virus (HeV) is an emerging pathogen of concern in Australia given its ability to spillover from its reservoir host, pteropid bats, to horses and further on to humans, and the severe clinical presentation typical in these latter incidental hosts. Specific human pressures over recent decades, such as expanding human populations, urbanization, and forest fragmentation, may have altered the ecological niche of Pteropus species acting as natural HeV reservoirs and may modulate spillover risk. This study explored the influence of inter-decadal net human local migration between 1970 and 2000 on changes in the habitat suitability to P. alecto and P. conspicillatus from 1980 to 2015 in eastern Australia. These ecological niches were modeled using boosted regression trees and subsequently fitted, along with additional landscape factors, to HeV spillovers to explore the spatial dependency of this zoonosis. The spatial model showed that the ecological niche of these two flying fox species, the human footprint, and proximity to woody savanna were each strongly associated with HeV spillover and together explained most of the spatial dependency exhibited by this zoonosis. These findings reinforce the potential for anthropogenic pressures to shape the landscape epidemiology of HeV spillover.
RNA sequencing of db/db mice liver identifies lncRNA H19 as a key regulator of gluconeogenesis and hepatic glucose output
Authors: Goyal Neha , Sivadas Ambily , Shamsudheen K. V. , Jayarajan Rijith , Verma Ankit , Sivasubbu Sridhar , Scaria Vinod , Datta Malabika
Published: August 2017

Liver plays a key role in maintaining glucose homeostasis and impaired hepatic glucose metabolism is associated with type 2 diabetes. In the present study, we used RNA sequencing to profile the transcriptome of the livers of diabetic db/db mice as compared to the normal db/+ mice and identified 218 differentially expressed genes. Amongst these, there were 3 lncRNAs that were significantly downregulated and H19 was the most altered lncRNA in the livers of db/db mice. H19 expression significantly correlated with the expression of genes of the glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways, which suggest that altered hepatic H19 levels can directly or indirectly modulate their expression. Inhibition of H19 using specific siRNA in HepG2 cells and primary mouse hepatocytes significantly increased the levels of gluconeogenic genes. This was subsequently accompanied by increased hepatic glucose output. Further,H19 depletion in HepG2 cells impaired insulin signaling and increased nuclear localization of FoxO1, an important transcriptional regulator of gluconeogenic gene expression. Our results reveal a novel link between decreased H19 levels and impaired gluconeogenesis via regulation of FoxO1 nuclear levels. These put forth interesting observations on the regulatory role of H19 in altering hepatic physiology during diabetes.
Identification and quantification of plasma free salusin-β, an endogenous parasympathomimetic peptide
Authors: Fujimoto Kazumi , Hayashi Akinori , Kodera Yoshio , Saito Tatsuya , Toki Takuya , Ogawa Akifumi , Kamata Yuji , Takano Koji , Katakami Hideki , Shichiri Masayoshi
Published: August 2017

Salusin-β is an endogenous parasympathomimetic proatherosclerotic peptide. Salusin-β was initially predicted from bioinformatic analyses and later immunologically detected in human biofluids. However, elucidation of salusin-β bioactivity has faced enormous challenges because of its unique physicochemical characteristics that cause it to strongly adhere to laboratory apparatus materials. In the strictest sense, the discovery of bioactive peptides is not complete until their exact native sequences have been confirmed in the peripheral circulation. In this study, we determined the plasma molecular form and levels of free salusin-β to determine its pathophysiological significance. Ultra-high-yield enrichment and preseparation of non-tryptic human plasma was followed by LC-MS/MS, and full-length salusin-β and seven different endogenous fragment sequences were identified. We established a new ELISA that specifically detects plasma free salusin-β without cross-reacting with any of its identified endogenous fragments. Free salusin-β levels exhibited a profound early morning nadir and rapidly decreased in response to parasympathetic nervous augmentation. Our technical advance in plasma native peptide analysis successfully identified a hard-to-detect bioactive peptide, salusin-β, together with its formerly unrecognized fragments, and further suggests that conventional immunological measurements of target peptides may not be fully representative.
Plasma metabolomics profiling of maintenance hemodialysis based on capillary electrophoresis - time of flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Shuxin , Wang Lichao , Hu Chunxiu , Huang Xin , Liu Hong , Xuan Qiuhui , Lin Xiaohui , Peng Xiaojun , Lu Xin , Chang Ming , Xu Guowang
Published: August 2017

Uremia has been a rapidly increasing health problem in China. Hemodialysis (HD) is the main renal replacement therapy for uremia. The results of large-scale clinical trials have shown that the HD pattern is crucial for long-term prognosis of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) in uremic patients. Plasma metabolism is very important for revealing the biological insights linked to the therapeutic effects of the HD pattern on uremia. Alteration of plasma metabolites in uremic patients in response to HD therapy has been reported. However, HD-pattern-dependent changes in plasma metabolites remain poorly understood. To this end, a capillary electrophoresis-time of flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOF/MS)-based metabolomics method was performed to systemically study the differences between HD and high flux hemodialysis (HFD) on plasma metabolite changes in patients. Three hundred and one plasma samples from three independent human cohorts (i.e., healthy controls, patients with pre-HD/post-HD, and patients with pre-HFD/post-HFD) were used in this study. Metabolites significantly changed (p < 0.05) after a single HD or HFD process. However, 11 uremic retention solutes could be more efficiently removed by HFD. Our findings indicate that a CE-TOF/MS-based metabolomics approach is promising for providing novel insights into understanding the effects of different dialysis methods on metabolite alterations of uremia.
Distinct projection patterns of different classes of layer 2 principal neurons in the olfactory cortex
Authors: Mazo Camille , Grimaud Julien , Shima Yasuyuki , Murthy Venkatesh N. , Lau C. Geoffrey
Published: August 2017

The broadly-distributed, non-topographic projections to and from the olfactory cortex may suggest a flat, non-hierarchical organization in odor information processing. Layer 2 principal neurons in the anterior piriform cortex (APC) can be divided into 2 subtypes: semilunar (SL) and superficial pyramidal (SP) cells. Although it is known that SL and SP cells receive differential inputs from the olfactory bulb (OB), little is known about their projections to other olfactory regions. Here, we examined axonal projections of SL and SP cells using a combination of mouse genetics and retrograde labeling. Retrograde tracing from the OB or posterior piriform cortex (PPC) showed that the APC projects to these brain regions mainly through layer 2b cells, and dual-labeling revealed many cells extending collaterals to both target regions. Furthermore, a transgenic mouse line specifically labeling SL cells showed that they send profuse axonal projections to olfactory cortical areas, but not to the OB. These findings support a model in which information flow from SL to SP cells and back to the OB is mediated by a hierarchical feedback circuit, whereas both SL and SP cells broadcast information to higher olfactory areas in a parallel manner.
Prenatal hypoxia leads to hypertension, renal renin-angiotensin system activation and exacerbates salt-induced pathology in a sex-specific manner
Authors: Walton S. L. , Bielefeldt-Ohmann H. , Singh R. R. , Li J. , Paravicini T. M. , Little M. H. , Moritz K. M.
Published: August 2017

Prenatal hypoxia is associated with growth restriction and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Here, we describe renal and cardiovascular outcomes in ageing mouse offspring prenatally exposed to hypoxia (12% O2) from embryonic day 14.5 until birth. At 12 months of age, both male and female offspring exposed to prenatal hypoxia had elevated mean arterial pressure. Glomerular number was reduced by 25% in hypoxia-exposed male, but not female, offspring and this was associated with increased urinary albumin excretion, glomerular hypertrophy and renal fibrosis. Hypoxia-exposed offspring of both sexes were more susceptible to salt-induced cardiac fibrosis, however, renal fibrosis was exacerbated by high salt in males only. In male but not female hypoxia-exposed offspring, renal renin mRNA was increased at weaning. By 12 months, renal renin mRNA expression and concentrations were elevated in both sexes. mRNA expression of At
1a
R was also elevated in male hypoxia-exposed offspring at 12 months. These results demonstrate that prenatal hypoxia programs elevated blood pressure and exacerbates salt-induced cardiovascular and renal pathology in a sex specific manner. Given sex differences observed in RAS expression and nephron number, future studies may consider RAS blockade as a therapeutic target in this model.
Evidence for the importance of post-transcriptional regulatory changes in ovarian cancer progression and the contribution of miRNAs
Authors: Zhang Mengnan , Matyunina Lilya V. , Walker L. DeEtte , Chen Weixuan , Xiao Haopeng , Benigno Benedict B. , Wu Ronghu , McDonald John F.
Published: August 2017

High-throughput technologies have identified significant changes in patterns of mRNA expression over cancer development but the functional significance of these changes often rests upon the assumption that observed changes in levels of mRNA accurately reflect changes in levels of their encoded proteins. We systematically compared the expression of 4436 genes on the RNA and protein levels between discrete tumor samples collected from the ovary and from the omentum of the same OC patient. The overall correlation between global changes in levels of mRNA and their encoding proteins is low (r = 0.38). The majority of differences are on the protein level with no corresponding change on the mRNA level. Indirect and direct evidence indicates that a significant fraction of the differences may be mediated by microRNAs.
Biological and functional characterization of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells from patients affected by primary immunodeficiency
Authors: Starc Nadia , Ingo Daniela , Conforti Antonella , Rossella Valeria , Tomao Luigi , Pitisci Angela , De Mattia Fabiola , Brigida Immacolata , Algeri Mattia , Montanari Mauro , Palumbo Giuseppe , Merli Pietro , Rossi Paolo , Aiuti Alessandro , Locatelli Franco , Bernardo Maria Ester
Published: August 2017

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a key component of bone marrow (BM) microenvironment and display immune-regulatory properties. We performed a detailed analysis of biological/functional properties of BM-MSCs derived from 33 pediatric patients affected by primary immune-deficiencies (PID-MSCs): 7 Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), 15 Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS), 11 Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID). Results were compared with MSCs from 15 age-matched pediatric healthy-donors (HD-MSCs). Clonogenic and proliferative capacity, differentiation ability, immunophenotype, immunomodulatory properties were analyzed. WB and RT-qPCR for CYBB, WAS and ADA genes were performed. All PID-MSCs displayed clonogenic and proliferative capacity, morphology and immunophenotype comparable with HD-MSCs. PID-MSCs maintained the inhibitory effect on T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation, except for decreased inhibitory ability of SCID-MSCs at MSC:PBMC ratio 1:10. While HD- and CGD-MSCs were able to inhibit monocyte maturation into immature dendritic cells, in SCID- and WAS-MSCs this ability was reduced. After Toll-like Receptor priming, PID-MSCs displayed in vitro an altered gene expression profile of pro- and anti-inflammatory soluble factors. PID-MSCs displayed lower PPARγ levels and WAS- and SCID-MSCs higher levels of key osteogenic markers, as compared with HD-MSCs. Our results indicate that PID-MSCs may be defective in some functional abilities; whether these defects contribute to disease pathophysiology deserves further investigation.
Nanopriming technology for enhancing germination and starch metabolism of aged rice seeds using phytosynthesized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Mahakham Wuttipong , Sarmah Ajit K. , Maensiri Santi , Theerakulpisut Piyada
Published: August 2017

Application of nanomaterials for agriculture is relatively new as compared to their use in biomedical and industrial sectors. In order to promote sustainable nanoagriculture, biocompatible silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized through green route using kaffir lime leaf extract for use as nanopriming agent for enhancing seed germination of rice aged seeds. Results of various characterization techniques showed the successful formation of AgNPs which were capped with phytochemicals present in the plant extract. Rice aged seeds primed with phytosynthesized AgNPs at 5 and 10 ppm significantly improved germination performance and seedling vigor compared to unprimed control, AgNO3 priming, and conventional hydropriming. Nanopriming could enhance α-amylase activity, resulting in higher soluble sugar content for supporting seedlings growth. Furthermore, nanopriming stimulated the up-regulation of aquaporin genes in germinating seeds. Meanwhile, more ROS production was observed in germinating seeds of nanopriming treatment compared to unprimed control and other priming treatments, suggesting that both ROS and aquaporins play important roles in enhancing seed germination. Different mechanisms underlying nanopriming-induced seed germination were proposed, including creation of nanopores for enhanced water uptake, rebooting ROS/antioxidant systems in seeds, generation of hydroxyl radicals for cell wall loosening, and nanocatalyst for fastening starch hydrolysis.
Colorimetric Fingerprints of Gold Nanorods for Discriminating Catecholamine Neurotransmitters in Urine Samples
Authors: Jafarinejad Somayeh , Ghazi-Khansari Mahmoud , Ghasemi Forough , Sasanpour Pezhman , Hormozi-Nezhad M. Reza
Published: August 2017

Catecholamine neurotransmitters, generally including dopamine (DA), epinephrine (EP) and norepinephrine (NE) are known as substantial indicators of various neurological diseases. Simultaneous detection of these compounds and their metabolites is highly recommended in early clinical diagnosis. To this aim, in the present contribution, a high performance colorimetric sensor array has been proposed for the detection and discrimination of catecholamines based on their reducing ability to deposit silver on the surface of gold nanorods (AuNRs). The amassed silver nanoshell led to a blue shift in the longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak of AuNRs, creating a unique pattern for each of the neurotransmitters. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and linear discriminate analysis (LDA) pattern recognition techniques were employed to identify DA, EP and NE. The proposed colorimetric array is able to differentiate among individual neurotransmitters as well as their mixtures, successfully. Finally, it was shown that the sensor array can identify these neurotransmitters in human urine samples.
Covalent organic frameworks and organic cage structures
Authors: Banerjee Rahul , Champness Neil R.
Published: August 2017

Welcome to this CrystEngComm themed issue entitled “Covalent Organic Frameworks and Organic Cage Structures”.
A study of the prebiotic-like effects of tomato juice consumption in rats with diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Authors: García-Alonso F. J. , González-Barrio R. , Martín-Pozuelo G. , Hidalgo N. , Navarro-González I. , Masuero D. , Soini E. , Vrhovsek U. , Periago M. J.
Published: August 2017

Tomato juice intake partially ameliorated high-fat diet-induced disturbances of gut microbiota, particularly by increasingLactobacillusabundance and diminishing the acetate to propionate ratio.
Synthesis of nanostructured alumina with ultrahigh pore volume for pH-dependent release of curcumin
Authors: Alem Masoumeh , Tarlani Aliakbar , Aghabozorg Hamid Reza
Published: August 2017

Versatile new high porous alumina supports were synthesized by double templates. They gave different release state for curcumin drug. The release of (insoluble) curcumin reached to 80% in SGF. The new formulation enhanced the SH-SY5Y cells survival.
Highly responsive photoconductance in a Sb2SeTe2 topological insulator nanosheet at room temperature
Authors: Huang Shiu-Ming , Huang Shih-Jhe , Yan You-Jhih , Yu Shih-Hsun , Chou Mitch , Yang Hung-Wei , Chang Yu-Shin , Chen Ruei-San
Published: August 2017

SEM picture of the Sb2SeTe2 nanosheet. The top-right figure shows the linear current–voltage curve indicating the ohmic contact between the Pt electrodes and Sb2SeTe2 nanosheet.
Hemin-bound cysteinyl bolaamphiphile self-assembly as a horseradish peroxidase-mimetic catalyst
Authors: Lee Chaemyeong , Lee Sang-Yup
Published: August 2017

A horseradish peroxidase (HRP) mimetic catalyst was constructed by tethering hemin to the cysteinyl bolaamphiphile assembly through thiol–Fe bond. The prepared catalyst showed high catalytic activity comparable to HRP even at the high temperature.
Rapid fabrication of hollow and yolk–shell α-Fe2O3 particles with applications to enhanced photo-Fenton reactions
Authors: Zhang Yueheng , Su Yang , Wang Yingqing , He Jibao , McPherson Gary L. , John Vijay T.
Published: August 2017

α-Fe2O3 microspheres with hollow and yolk–shell (X@Fe2O3) morphologies are fabricated through synthesis in the confined environment of aerosol droplets.
Der geriatrische Patient: Versorgungsformen und deren Finanzierung
Authors: Oheim Kristina , Wittrich Anke
Published: August 2017

Behandlungskonzepte und ihre Finanzierung Für kranke alte Menschen ist ein ­umfassendes interdisziplinäres Behandlungskonzept
erforderlich. Neben der Behandlung akuter und chronischer Erkrankungen kommen hierzu insbesondere auch Maßnahmen der Frührehabilitation bzw.
Rehabilitation. Wie diese verschiedenen Versorgungsstrukturen in unserem Gesundheitssystem integriert sind und finanziert werden, ist Thema
dieses Beitrags.
Study of the interface stability of the metal (Mo, Ni, Pd)/HfO2/AlN/InGaAs MOS devices
Authors: Do Huy Binh , Luc Quang Ho , Ha Minh Thien Huu , Huynh Sa Hoang , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Lin Yueh Chin , Chang Edward Yi
Published: August 2017

The degeneration of the metal/HfO2 interfaces for Mo, Ni, and Pd gate metals was studied in this paper. An unstable PdOx interfacial layer formed at the Pd/HfO2 interface, inducing the oxygen segregation for the Pd/HfO2/InGaAs metal oxide capacitor (MOSCAP). The low dissociation energy for the Pd-O bond was the reason for oxygen segregation. The PdOx layer contains O2− and OH− ions which are mobile during thermal annealing and electrical stress test. The phenomenon was not observed for the (Mo, Ni)/HfO2/InGaAs MOSCAPs. The results provide the guidance for choosing the proper metal electrode for the InGaAs based MOSFET.
Note: Hybrid-π model and parameter extraction method for electrode-electrolyte interface characterization with superbly accurate reactance
Authors: Hong Yan , Goh Wang Ling , Wang Yong
Published: August 2017

This paper presents an equivalent circuit model for the electrode-electrolyte interface and aims at improving the modeling accuracy of the parasitic effects at frequencies up to 300 MHz. Different from the conventional model, the electrode inductances, body loss capacitances, and body loss resistances are all included in the proposed hybrid-π model. In addition, the S-parameters obtained by a vector network analyzer are innovatively used to extract the parameters of the electrode-electrolyte interface model for a frequency range from 10 Hz to 300 MHz. Since reactance is proportional to frequency, the proposed technique can precisely calculate the parasitic effects at higher frequencies. Verified by experiments, the hybrid-π model presents better accuracies when fitted to both the phases and magnitudes of S11 and S21. The superb modeling accuracy of this work is beneficial for biomedical applications that have an electrode-electrolyte interface.
Chlamydia pecorum: successful pathogen of koalas or Australian livestock?
Authors: Jelocnik Martina , Polkinghorne Adam
Published: August 2017

In Australia, the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia pecorum is best known as the notorious koala pathogen that causes debilitating ocular and urogenital tract disease. While globally published data suggests that this species is essentially ubiquitous in livestock, little is known about the epidemiology of livestock C. pecorum infections here in Australia. My research is focused on investigating the genetic diversity and transmission patterns of C. pecorum, and why it causes disease. Using our newly developed C. pecorum-specific molecular epidemiology typing scheme we provided the first epidemiological data on infections in sheep and cattle in Australia, identifying strains associated with a range of diseases in livestock, and uncovering an unexpected level of diversity for this pathogen. Most importantly, we observed that the same strain can infect koala and sheep, indicating on ongoing cross-host transmission and ‘spill-over' risks to wildlife. Further, by dissecting koala, sheep, cattle and pig C. pecorum strains genomes, we have also identified novel virulence-associated factors that could be explored as vaccine candidates for both livestock and koala infections.
High‐intensity interval and moderate‐intensity continuous training elicit similar enjoyment and adherence levels in overweight and obese adults
Authors: Vella Chantal A. , Taylor Katrina , Drummer Devin
Published: August 2017

Background: High‐intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to improve cardiometabolic health during supervised lab‐based studies but adherence, enjoyment, and health benefits of HIIT performed independently are yet to be understood. We compared adherence, enjoyment, and cardiometabolic outcomes after 8 weeks of HIIT or moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT), matched for energy expenditure, in overweight and obese young adults. Methods: 17 adults were randomized to HIIT or MICT. After completing 12 sessions of supervised training over 3 weeks, participants were asked to independently perform HIIT or MICT for 30 min, 4 times/week for 5 weeks. Cardiometabolic outcomes included cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 peak), lipids, and inflammatory markers. Exercise enjoyment was measured by the validated Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. Results: Exercise adherence (93.4 ± 3.1% vs. 93.1 ± 3.7%, respectively) and mean enjoyment across the intervention (100.1 ± 4.3 vs. 100.3 ± 4.4, respectively) were high, with no differences between HIIT and MICT (p > .05). Similarly, enjoyment levels did not change over time in either group (p > .05). After training, HIIT exhibited a greater decrease in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol than MICT (−0.66 mmol L−1 vs. −0.03 mmol L−1, respectively) and a greater increase in VO2 peak than MICT (p < .05, +2.6 mL kg min−1 vs. +0.4 mL kg min−1, respectively). Interleukin‐6 and C‐reactive protein increased in HIIT (+0.5 pg mL−1 and + 31.4 nmol L−1, respectively) and decreased in MICT (−0.6 pg mL−1 and −6.7 nmol L−1, respectively, p < .05). Conclusions: Our novel findings suggest that HIIT is enjoyable and has high unsupervised adherence rates in overweight and obese adults. However, HIIT may be associated with an increase in inflammation with short‐term exercise in this population.
Improving pedestrian facilities in congested urban areas: a case study of Chennai city
Authors: Subramanyam B , Prasanna Kumar R
Published: August 2017

Traffic congestion and lack of public pedestrian space are some problems faced by most urban metropolises. Conventionally walking has been a mode of transportation in Indian cities. The percentage of pedestrians may vary from 16 to 57 depending upon the city. Encounters between vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic are at its rise currently. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in India has resulted in neglecting of pedestrian facilities. Consequently pedestrian are at greater risk for their safety more especially in the commercial zones of large cities. A change in perspective spotlight will create a sense of awareness that the pedestrian traffic is also vital as the vehicular traffic. Soothing the traffic would moderately cut the driving expediency but the pedestrians will get a much safer and peaceful route to their terminuses. Safety and comfort are the two pans of a balance while considering the pedestrian traffic. Considering these aspects, this study deals a study in improving pedestrian facilities by analysing the existing skeleton of the selected locations. The adequacy of facility is checked based on IRC latest guidelines and counteractive measures are postulated.
Characteristics of knowledge content in a curated online evidence library
Authors: Varada Sowmya , Lacson Ronilda , Raja Ali S , Ip Ivan K , Schneider Louise , Osterbur David , Bain Paul , Vetrano Nicole , Cellini Jacqueline , Mita Carol , Coletti Margaret , Whelan Julia , Khorasani Ramin
Published: August 2017

Objective

To describe types of recommendations represented in a curated online evidence library, report on the quality of evidence-based recommendations pertaining to diagnostic imaging exams, and assess underlying knowledge representation.

Materials and Methods

The evidence library is populated with clinical decision rules, professional society guidelines, and locally developed best practice guidelines. Individual recommendations were graded based on a standard methodology and compared using chi-square test. Strength of evidence ranged from grade 1 (systematic review) through grade 5 (recommendations based on expert opinion). Finally, variations in the underlying representation of these recommendations were identified.

Results

The library contains 546 individual imaging-related recommendations. Only 15% (16/106) of recommendations from clinical decision rules were grade 5 vs 83% (526/636) from professional society practice guidelines and local best practice guidelines that cited grade 5 studies (P < .0001). Minor head trauma, pulmonary embolism, and appendicitis were topic areas supported by the highest quality of evidence. Three main variations in underlying representations of recommendations were “single-decision,” “branching,” and “score-based.”

Discussion

Most recommendations were grade 5, largely because studies to test and validate many recommendations were absent. Recommendation types vary in amount and complexity and, accordingly, the structure and syntax of statements they generate. However, they can be represented in single-decision, branching, and score-based representations.

Conclusion

In a curated evidence library with graded imaging-based recommendations, evidence quality varied widely, with decision rules providing the highest-quality recommendations. The library may be helpful in highlighting evidence gaps, comparing recommendations from varied sources on similar clinical topics, and prioritizing imaging recommendations to inform clinical decision support implementation.
Nanoparticles in medicine
Authors: Maysinger Dusica , Kujawa P. , Lovrić Jasmina
Published: August 2017

This article examines the applications of nanoparticles in medicine. Nanomedicine is a promising field that can make available different nanosystems whose novel, usually size-dependent, physical, chemical and/or biological properties are exploited to combat the disease of interest. One kind of particulate systems represents a vast array of either metallic,semiconductor, polymeric, protein or lipid nanoparticles that can be exploited for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. This article first provides an overview of general issues related to physicochemical and biological properties of different nanoparticles. It then considers the current problems associated with the use of nanoparticles in medicine and suggests some solutions. It also discusses the interaction of nanoparticles with cells and factors that determine these interactions and concludes with some examples of new approaches for real-time imaging of experimental animals that could be useful, complementary methods for evaluations of effectiveness (or toxicity) of novel nanomaterials andnanomedicines.
Laser applications in nanotechnology
Authors: Hong M.H.
Published: August 2017

This article discusses a variety of laser applications in nanotechnology. The laser has proven to be one of many mature and reliable manufacturing tools, with applications in modern industries, from surface cleaning to thin-film deposition. Laser nanoengineering has several advantages over electron-beam and focused ion beam processing. For example, it is a low-cost, high-speed process in air, vacuum or chemical environments and also has the capability to fulfill flexible integration control. This article considers laser nanotechnology in the following areas: pulsed laser ablation for nanomaterials synthesis; laser nanoprocessing to make nanobumps for disk media nanotribology and anneal ultrashort PN junctions; surface nanopatterning with near-field, and light-enhancement effects; and large-area parallel laser nanopatterning by laser interference lithography and laser irradiation through a microlens array. Based on these applications, the article argues that the laser will continue to be one of the highly potential nanoengineering means in next-generation manufacturing.