bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The First Report on the Transovarial Transmission of Microsporidian Nosema bombycis in Lepidopteran Crop Pests Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Pei Boyan , Wang Chunxia , Yu Bin , Xia Dan , Li Tian , Zhou Zeyang
Published: July 2021

Microsporidia are ubiquitous fungi-related parasites infecting nearly all vertebrates and invertebrates. Microsporidian Nosema bombycis is a natural pathogen of multiple insects, including the silkworm and many agricultural and forest pests. N. bombycis can transovarially transmit in silkworm and cause huge economic losses to the sericulture. However, it remains unclear whether N. bombycis vertically transmits in the crop pests Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera. Here, we investigated the infection of N. bombycis in S. litura and H. armigera to illuminate its infectivity and transovarial transmission. In result, tissue examination with light microscopy revealed that the fat body, midgut, malpighian tubules, hemolymph, testis, and ovary were all infected in both pest pupae. Immunohistochemical analysis (IHA) of the ovariole showed that a large number of parasites in maturation and proliferation presented in follicle cell, nurse cell, and oocyte, suggesting that N. bombycis can infect and multiply in these cells and probably transovarially transmit to the next generations in both pests. Microscopic examination on the egg infection rate demonstrated that 50% and 38% of the S. litura and H. armigera eggs were congenitally infected, respectively. IHA of both eggs manifested numerous spores and proliferative pathogens in the oocyte, confirming that N. bombycis can invade into the female germ cell from the parent body. After hatching of the infected eggs, we detected the infection in offspring larvae and found large quantities of proliferative pathogens, confirming that N. bombycis can transovarially transmit in S. litura and H. armigera, and probably persists in both pest populations via congenital infection. In summary, our work, for the first time, proved that N. bombycis is able to vertically transmit in S. litura and H. armigera via infecting the oocyte in the parent, suggesting that N. bombycis could be a biological insecticide for controlling the population of crop pests.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Pyrazolo[1,2,4]triazolopyrimidine Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Aliwaini Saeb , Abu Thaher Bassam , Al-Masri Ihab , Shurrab Nabil , El-Kurdi Said , Schollmeyer Dieter , Qeshta Basem , Ghunaim Mariam , Csuk René , Laufer Stefan , Kaiser Lars , Deigner Hans-Peter
Published: July 2021

Three novel pyrazolo-[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolopyrimidine derivatives (1, 2, and 3) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro biological activity. All three compounds exhibited different levels of cytotoxicity against cervical and breast cancer cell lines. However, compound 1 showed the best antiproliferative activity against all tested tumor cell lines, including HCC1937 and HeLa cells, which express high levels of wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Western blot analyses demonstrated that compound 1 inhibited the activation of EGFR, protein kinase B (Akt), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 in breast and cervical cancer cells at concentrations of 7 and 11 µM, respectively. The results from docking experiments with EGFR suggested the binding of compound 1 at the ATP binding site of EGFR. Furthermore, the crystal structure of compound 3 (7-(4-bromophenyl)-9-(pyridin-4-yl)-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine) was determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. Our work represents a promising starting point for the development of a new series of compounds targeting EGFR.
Some Novel Cobalt Diphenylphosphine Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Behavior in the Polymerization of 1,3-Butadiene
Authors: Ricci Giovanni , Leone Giuseppe , Zanchin Giorgia , Palucci Benedetta , Forni Alessandra , Sommazzi Anna , Masi Francesco , Zacchini Stefano , Guelfi Massimo , Pampaloni Guido
Published: July 2021

Some novel cobalt diphenylphosphine complexes were synthesized by reacting cobalt(II) chloride with (2-methoxyethyl)diphenylphosphine, (2-methoxyphenyl)diphenylphosphine, and 2-(1,1-dimethylpropyl)-6-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine. Single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction studies were obtained for the first two complexes, and their crystal structure was determined. The novel compounds were then used in association with methylaluminoxane (MAO) for the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene, and their behavior was compared with that exhibited in the polymerization of the same monomer by the systems CoCl2(PnPrPh2)2/MAO and CoCl2(PPh3)2/MAO. Some significant differences were observed depending on the MAO/Co ratio used, and a plausible interpretation for such a different behavior is proposed.
Probing the Nature of Chemical Bonds by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Giessibl Franz
Published: July 2021

The nature of the chemical bond is important in all natural sciences, ranging from biology to chemistry, physics and materials science. The atomic force microscope (AFM) allows to put a single chemical bond on the test bench, probing its strength and angular dependence. We review experimental AFM data, covering precise studies of van-der-Waals-, covalent-, ionic-, metallic- and hydrogen bonds as well as bonds between artificial and natural atoms. Further, we discuss some of the density functional theory calculations that are related to the experimental studies of the chemical bonds. A description of frequency modulation AFM, the most precise AFM method, discusses some of the experimental challenges in measuring bonding forces. In frequency modulation AFM, forces between the tip of an oscillating cantilever change its frequency. Initially, cantilevers were made mainly from silicon. Most of the high precision measurements of bonding strengths by AFM became possible with a technology transfer from the quartz watch technology to AFM by using quartz-based cantilevers (“qPlus force sensors”), briefly described here.
Curcumin Decreases Hippocampal Neurodegeneration and Nitro-Oxidative Damage to Plasma Proteins and Lipids Caused by Short-Term Exposure to Ozone
Authors: Mendoza-Magaña María Luisa , Espinoza-Gutiérrez Hugo Alejandro , Nery-Flores Sendar Daniel , Ramírez-Mendoza Abraham Alberto , Cortez-Álvarez Cesar Ricardo , Bonnet-Lemus Robert de Mario , Ramírez-Herrera Mario Alberto
Published: July 2021

Neurodegeneration is the consequence of harmful events affecting the nervous system that lead to neuronal death. Toxic substances, including air pollutants, are capable of inducing neurodegeneration. Ozone (O3) is the most oxidative toxic pollutant. O3 reacts with cellular components and forms reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, triggering nitro-oxidative damage during short-term exposure. Curcumin (CUR) is a natural phenolic molecule bearing well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biological activities in diverse experimental models. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of preventive dietary administration of CUR against hippocampal neurodegeneration and nitro-oxidative damage caused by short-term exposure to O3. Eighty Wistar male rats were distributed into four experimental groups, twenty rats each: intact control; CUR dietary supplementation without O3 exposure; exposure to 0.7 ppm of O3; and exposed to O3 with CUR dietary supplementation. Five rats from each group were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, and 8 h of exposure. The CUR dose was 5.6 mg/kg and adjusted according to food consumption. CUR significantly decreased oxidative damage to plasma lipids and proteins, as well as neurodegeneration in CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions. Concluding, CUR proved effective protection in decreasing neurodegeneration in the hippocampus and prevented systemic oxidative damage.
Ruthenacycles and Iridacycles as Transfer Hydrogenation Catalysts
Authors: Ritleng Vincent , de Vries Johannes G.
Published: July 2021

In this review, we describe the synthesis and use in hydrogen transfer reactions of ruthenacycles and iridacycles. The review limits itself to metallacycles where a ligand is bound in bidentate fashion to either ruthenium or iridium via a carbon–metal sigma bond, as well as a dative bond from a heteroatom or an N-heterocyclic carbene. Pincer complexes fall outside the scope. Described are applications in (asymmetric) transfer hydrogenation of aldehydes, ketones, and imines, as well as reductive aminations. Oxidation reactions, i.e., classical Oppenauer oxidation, which is the reverse of transfer hydrogenation, as well as dehydrogenations and oxidations with oxygen, are described. Racemizations of alcohols and secondary amines are also catalyzed by ruthenacycles and iridacycles.
Thermodynamic Characteristics of Phenacetin in Solid State and Saturated Solutions in Several Neat and Binary Solvents
Authors: Przybyłek Maciej , Kowalska Anna , Tymorek Natalia , Dziaman Tomasz , Cysewski Piotr
Published: July 2021

The thermodynamic properties of phenacetin in solid state and in saturated conditions in neat and binary solvents were characterized based on differential scanning calorimetry and spectroscopic solubility measurements. The temperature-related heat capacity values measured for both the solid and melt states were provided and used for precise determination of the values for ideal solubility, fusion thermodynamic functions, and activity coefficients in the studied solutions. Factors affecting the accuracy of these values were discussed in terms of various models of specific heat capacity difference for phenacetin in crystal and super-cooled liquid states. It was concluded that different properties have varying sensitivity in relation to the accuracy of heat capacity values. The values of temperature-related excess solubility in aqueous binary mixtures were interpreted using the Jouyban–Acree solubility equation for aqueous binary mixtures of methanol, DMSO, DMF, 1,4-dioxane, and acetonitrile. All binary solvent systems studied exhibited strong positive non-ideal deviations from an algebraic rule of mixing. Additionally, an interesting co-solvency phenomenon was observed with phenacetin solubility in aqueous mixtures with acetonitrile or 1,4-dioxane. The remaining three solvents acted as strong co-solvents.
Essential Oil of Cannabis sativa L: Comparison of Yield and Chemical Composition of 11 Hemp Genotypes
Authors: Pieracci Ylenia , Ascrizzi Roberta , Terreni Valentina , Pistelli Luisa , Flamini Guido , Bassolino Laura , Fulvio Flavia , Montanari Massimo , Paris Roberta
Published: July 2021

Cannabis sativa L. is an annual species cultivated since antiquity for different purposes. While, in the past, hemp inflorescences were considered crop residues, at present, they are regarded as valuable raw materials with different applications, among which extraction of the essential oil (EO) has gained increasing interest in many fields. The aim of the present study is the evaluation of the yield and the chemical composition of the EO obtained by hydrodistillation from eleven hemp genotypes, cultivated in the same location for two consecutive growing seasons. The composition of the EOs was analyzed by GC–MS, and then subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. Sesquiterpenes represented the main class of compounds in all the EOs, both in their hydrocarbon and oxygenated forms, with relative abundances ranging from 47.1 to 78.5%; the only exception was the Felina 32 sample collected in 2019, in which cannabinoids predominated. Cannabinoids were the second most abundant class of compounds, of which cannabidiol was the main one, with relative abundances between 11.8 and 51.5%. The statistical distribution of the samples, performed on the complete chemical composition of the EOs, evidenced a partition based on the year of cultivation, rather than on the genotype, with the exception of Uso-31. Regarding the extraction yield, a significant variation was evidenced among both the genotypes and the years of cultivation.
The Fruits of Paris polyphylla Inhibit Colorectal Cancer Cell Migration Induced by Fusobacterium nucleatum-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Lin Liang-Tzung , Shi Yeu-Ching , Choong Chen-Yen , Tai Chen-Jei
Published: July 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Gut microbiota are highly associated with CRC, and Fusobacterium nucleatum was found to be enriched in CRC lesions and correlated with CRC carcinogenesis and metastases. Paris polyphylla is a well-known herbal medicine that showed anticancer activity. The present study demonstrates that P. polyphylla inhibited the growth of CRC cells. In addition, treating with active compounds pennogenin 3-O-beta-chacotrioside and polyphyllin VI isolated from P. polyphylla inhibited the growth of F. nucleatum. We also found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from F. nucleatum could promote mitochondrial fusion and cell invasion in CRC cells, whereas active components from P. polyphylla could dampen such an impact. The data suggest that P. polyphylla and its active ingredients could be further explored as potential candidates for developing complementary chemotherapy for the treatment of CRC.
Self-Assembling Peptides and Carbon Nanomaterials Join Forces for Innovative Biomedical Applications
Authors: Rozhin Petr , Charitidis Costas , Marchesan Silvia
Published: July 2021

Self-assembling peptides and carbon nanomaterials have attracted great interest for their respective potential to bring innovation in the biomedical field. Combination of these two types of building blocks is not trivial in light of their very different physico-chemical properties, yet great progress has been made over the years at the interface between these two research areas. This concise review will analyze the latest developments at the forefront of research that combines self-assembling peptides with carbon nanostructures for biological use. Applications span from tissue regeneration, to biosensing and imaging, and bioelectronics.
The Diversity of the Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Protein Import Channels: Emerging Targets for Modulation
Authors: Mazur Monika , Kmita Hanna , Wojtkowska Małgorzata
Published: July 2021

The functioning of mitochondria and their biogenesis are largely based on the proper function of the mitochondrial outer membrane channels, which selectively recognise and import proteins but also transport a wide range of other molecules, including metabolites, inorganic ions and nucleic acids. To date, nine channels have been identified in the mitochondrial outer membrane of which at least half represent the mitochondrial protein import apparatus. When compared to the mitochondrial inner membrane, the presented channels are mostly constitutively open and consequently may participate in transport of different molecules and contribute to relevant changes in the outer membrane permeability based on the channel conductance. In this review, we focus on the channel structure, properties and transported molecules as well as aspects important to their modulation. This information could be used for future studies of the cellular processes mediated by these channels, mitochondrial functioning and therapies for mitochondria-linked diseases.
Gold Nanoparticle DNA Damage by Photon Beam in a Magnetic Field: A Monte Carlo Study
Authors: Jabeen Mehwish , Chow James C. L.
Published: July 2021

Ever since the emergence of magnetic resonance (MR)-guided radiotherapy, it is important to investigate the impact of the magnetic field on the dose enhancement in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), when gold nanoparticles are used as radiosensitizers during radiotherapy. Gold nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy is known to enhance the dose deposition in the DNA, resulting in a double-strand break. In this study, the effects of the magnetic field on the dose enhancement factor (DER) for varying gold nanoparticle sizes, photon beam energies and magnetic field strengths and orientations were investigated using Geant4-DNA Monte Carlo simulations. Using a Monte Carlo model including a single gold nanoparticle with a photon beam source and DNA molecule on the left and right, it is demonstrated that as the gold nanoparticle size increased, the DER increased. However, as the photon beam energy decreased, an increase in the DER was detected. When a magnetic field was added to the simulation model, the DER was found to increase by 2.5–5% as different field strengths (0–2 T) and orientations (x-, y- and z-axis) were used for a 100 nm gold nanoparticle using a 50 keV photon beam. The DNA damage reflected by the DER increased slightly with the presence of the magnetic field. However, variations in the magnetic field strength and orientation did not change the DER significantly.
A Cross-Talk between the Erythrocyte L-Arginine/ADMA/Nitric Oxide Metabolic Pathway and the Endothelial Function in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gajecki Damian , Gawryś Jakub , Wiśniewski Jerzy , Fortuna Paulina , Szahidewicz-Krupska Ewa , Doroszko Adrian
Published: July 2021

(1) Background: Type-2-diabetes-mellitus (DM) is one the most important cardiovascular-risk-factors. Among many molecules regulating vascular tone, nitric oxide appears to be the most pivotal. Although micro- and macrovascular-abnormalities are extensively studied, the alterations in the nitric-oxide-metabolic-pathway require further investigations. Additionally, the role of erythrocytes in the vascular tone regulation has not been extensively explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endothelial-function and the nitric-oxide-metabolic-pathway in erythrocytes and plasma of diabetic individuals. (2) Methods: A total of 80 subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, including 35 patients with DM and 45 healthy individuals. The endothelial-function was evaluated in response to different stimuli. (3) Results: In the DM group, decreased Arginine and citrulline concentrations in the plasma compartment with reduced Arginine/ADMA and ADMA/DMA-ratios were observed. Preserved nitric-oxide-metabolism in erythrocytes with reduced citrulline level and significantly higher NO-bioavailability were noted. Significant endothelial dysfunction in DM individuals was proved in response to the heat-stimulus. (4) Conclusions: DM patients at an early stage of disease show significant differences in the nitric-oxide-metabolic-pathway, which are more pronounced in the plasma compartment. Erythrocytes constitute a buffer with a higher nitric-oxide-bioavailability, less affected by the DM-related deviations. Patients at an early-stage of DM reveal endothelial-dysfunction, which could be diagnosed earlier using the laser-Doppler-flowmetry.
Applications of Ketogenic Diets in Patients with Headache: Clinical Recommendations
Authors: Di Lorenzo Cherubino , Ballerini Giovanna , Barbanti Piero , Bernardini Andrea , D’Arrigo Giacomo , Egeo Gabriella , Frediani Fabio , Garbo Riccardo , Pierangeli Giulia , Prudenzano Maria Pia , Rebaudengo Nicoletta , Semeraro Grazia , Sirianni Giulio , Valente Mariarosaria , Coppola Gianluca , Cervenka Mackenzie C. , Spera Giovanni
Published: July 2021

Headaches are among the most prevalent and disabling neurologic disorders and there are several unmet needs as current pharmacological options are inadequate in treating patients with chronic headache, and a growing interest focuses on nutritional approaches as non-pharmacological treatments. Among these, the largest body of evidence supports the use of the ketogenic diet (KD). Exactly 100 years ago, KD was first used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy, but subsequent applications of this diet also involved other neurological disorders. Evidence of KD effectiveness in migraine emerged in 1928, but in the last several year’s different groups of researchers and clinicians began utilizing this therapeutic option to treat patients with drug-resistant migraine, cluster headache, and/or headache comorbid with metabolic syndrome. Here we describe the existing evidence supporting the potential benefits of KDs in the management of headaches, explore the potential mechanisms of action involved in the efficacy in-depth, and synthesize results of working meetings of an Italian panel of experts on this topic. The aim of the working group was to create a clinical recommendation on indications and optimal clinical practice to treat patients with headaches using KDs. The results we present here are designed to advance the knowledge and application of KDs in the treatment of headaches.
Determinants of HIV-1 Late Presentation in Patients Followed in Europe
Authors: Miranda Mafalda N. S. , Pingarilho Marta , Pimentel Victor , Martins Maria do Rosário O. , Vandamme Anne-Mieke , Bobkova Marina , Böhm Michael , Seguin-Devaux Carole , Paredes Roger , Rubio Rafael , Zazzi Maurizio , Incardona Francesca , Abecasis Ana
Published: July 2021

To control the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) set the 90-90-90 target to be reached by 2020. One major threat to those goals is late presentation, which is defined as an individual presenting a TCD4+ count lower than 350 cells/mm3 or an AIDS-defining event. The present study aims to identify determinants of late presentation in Europe based on the EuResist database with HIV-1 infected patients followed-up between 1981 and 2019. Our study includes clinical and socio-demographic information from 89851 HIV-1 infected patients. Statistical analysis was performed using RStudio and SPSS and a Bayesian network was constructed with the WEKA software to analyze the association between all variables. Among 89,851 HIV-1 infected patients included in the analysis, the median age was 33 (IQR: 27.0–41.0) years and 74.4% were males. Of those, 28,889 patients (50.4%) were late presenters. Older patients (>56), heterosexuals, patients originated from Africa and patients presenting with log VL >4.1 had a higher probability of being late presenters (p < 0.001). Bayesian networks indicated VL, mode of transmission, age and recentness of infection as variables that were directly associated with LP. This study highlights the major determinants associated with late presentation in Europe. This study helps to direct prevention measures for this population.
Preliminary Evidence of Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia conorii Infection in the Sera of Sheep, Dogs and Deer from an Area of Northern Spain
Authors: Lledó Lourdes , Giménez-Pardo Consuelo
Published: July 2021

Limited information is available on the presence of rickettsial infection in animal reservoirs in Spain. Antibodies against Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia conorii were therefore sought in the sera of farm, domestic and wild animals (n = 223 samples) in an area of northern Spain. Indirect immunofluorescence assays showed: (A) 17/120 and 16/120 (14.2% and 13.3%) of serum samples from sheep (farm animals) reacted with R. slovaca and R. conorii antigens, respectively; (B) 10/73 and 10/73 (13.7% and 13.7%) of samples from dogs (domestic animals) did the same; (C) as did 22/30 and 20/30 (73.3% and 66.6%) of samples from deer (wild animals) (overall titre range: 1/40 to 1/1280). The prevalence of both types of infection was significantly greater in the wild animals than either the farm or domestic animals. The largest titres were recorded for R. slovaca in all three groups.
3D Cocultures of Osteoblasts and Staphylococcus aureus on Biomimetic Bone Scaffolds as a Tool to Investigate the Host–Pathogen Interface in Osteomyelitis
Authors: Parente Raffaella , Possetti Valentina , Schiavone Maria Lucia , Campodoni Elisabetta , Menale Ciro , Loppini Mattia , Doni Andrea , Bottazzi Barbara , Mantovani Alberto , Sandri Monica , Tampieri Anna , Sobacchi Cristina , Inforzato Antonio
Published: July 2021

Osteomyelitis (OM) is an infectious disease of the bone primarily caused by the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (SA). This Gram-positive bacterium has evolved a number of strategies to evade the immune response and subvert bone homeostasis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. OM has been modeled in vitro to challenge pathogenetic hypotheses in controlled conditions, thus providing guidance and support to animal experimentation. In this regard, traditional 2D models of OM inherently lack the spatial complexity of bone architecture. Three-dimensional models of the disease overcome this limitation; however, they poorly reproduce composition and texture of the natural bone. Here, we developed a new 3D model of OM based on cocultures of SA and murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells on magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite/collagen I (MgHA/Col) scaffolds that closely recapitulate the bone extracellular matrix. In this model, matrix-dependent effects were observed in proliferation, gene transcription, protein expression, and cell–matrix interactions both of the osteoblastic cell line and of bacterium. Additionally, these had distinct metabolic and gene expression profiles, compared to conventional 2D settings, when grown on MgHA/Col scaffolds in separate monocultures. Our study points to MgHA/Col scaffolds as biocompatible and bioactive matrices and provides a novel and close-to-physiology tool to address the pathogenetic mechanisms of OM at the host–pathogen interface.
Molecular Detection of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Enteric Protozoa Infection in Children and Its Association with Household Water and Sanitation in Manhiça District, Southern Mozambique
Authors: Grau-Pujol Berta , Cuamba Inocencia , Jairoce Chenjerai , Cossa Anelsio , Da Silva Juliana , Sacoor Charfudin , Dobaño Carlota , Nhabomba Augusto , Mejia Rojelio , Muñoz Jose
Published: July 2021

Intestinal parasite infections can have detrimental health consequences in children. In Mozambique, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are controlled through mass drug administration since 2011, but no specific control program exists for enteric protozoa. This study evaluates STH and protozoan infections in children attending healthcare in Manhiça district, Southern Mozambique, and its association with water and sanitation conditions. We conducted a cross-sectional study in children between 2 and 10 years old in two health centers (n = 405). A stool sample and metadata were collected from each child. Samples were analyzed by multi-parallel real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). We fitted logistic regression-adjusted models to assess the association between STH or protozoan infection with household water and sanitation use. Nineteen percent were infected with at least one STH and 77.5% with at least one enteric protozoon. qPCR detected 18.8% of participants with intestinal polyparasitism. Protected or unprotected water well use showed a higher risk for at least one protozoan infection in children (OR: 2.59, CI: 1.01–6.65, p-value = 0.010; OR: 5.21, CI: 1.56–17.46, p-value = 0.010, respectively) compared to household piped water. A high proportion of children had enteric protozoan infections. Well consumable water displayed high risk for that.
Hypomethylating Chemotherapeutic Agents as Therapy for Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Prevention of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Sorrentino Vincent G. , Thota Srijan , Gonzalez Edward A. , Rameshwar Pranela , Chang Victor T. , Etchegaray Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2021

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDSs) affect the elderly and can progress to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Epigenetic alterations including DNA methylation and chromatin modification may contribute to the initiation and progression of these malignancies. DNA hypomethylating agents such as decitabine and azacitidine are used as therapeutic treatments and have shown to promote expression of genes involved in tumor suppression, apoptosis, and immune response. Another anti-cancer drug, the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, is used as a chemotherapeutic treatment for multiple myeloma (MM). Phase III clinical trials of decitabine and azacitidine used alone and in combination with other chemotherapeutics demonstrated their capacity to treat hematological malignancies and prolong the survival of MDS and AML patients. Although phase III clinical trials examining bortezomib’s role in MDS and AML patients are limited, its underlying mechanisms in MM highlight its potential as a chemotherapeutic for such malignancies. Further research is needed to better understand how the epigenetic mechanisms mediated by these chemotherapeutic agents and their targeted gene networks are associated with the development and progression of MDS into AML. This review discusses the mechanisms by which decitabine, azacitidine, and bortezomib alter epigenetic programs and their results from phase III clinical trials.
New Perspectives of Gene Therapy on Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias: From Molecular Targets to Novel Nanovectors
Authors: Borbolla-Jiménez Fabiola V. , Del Prado-Audelo María Luisa , Cisneros Bulmaro , Caballero-Florán Isaac H. , Leyva-Gómez Gerardo , Magaña Jonathan J.
Published: July 2021

Seven of the most frequent spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are caused by a pathological expansion of a cytosine, adenine and guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeat located in exonic regions of unrelated genes, which in turn leads to the synthesis of polyglutamine (polyQ) proteins. PolyQ proteins are prone to aggregate and form intracellular inclusions, which alter diverse cellular pathways, including transcriptional regulation, protein clearance, calcium homeostasis and apoptosis, ultimately leading to neurodegeneration. At present, treatment for SCAs is limited to symptomatic intervention, and there is no therapeutic approach to prevent or reverse disease progression. This review provides a compilation of the experimental advances obtained in cell-based and animal models toward the development of gene therapy strategies against polyQ SCAs, providing a discussion of their potential application in clinical trials. In the second part, we describe the promising potential of nanotechnology developments to treat polyQ SCA diseases. We describe, in detail, how the design of nanoparticle (NP) systems with different physicochemical and functionalization characteristics has been approached, in order to determine their ability to evade the immune system response and to enhance brain delivery of molecular tools. In the final part of this review, the imminent application of NP-based strategies in clinical trials for the treatment of polyQ SCA diseases is discussed.
Nanoencapsulated Doxorubicin Prevents Mucositis Development in Mice
Authors: Pinto Cristiane M. , Horta Laila S. , Soares Amanda P. , Carvalho Bárbara A. , Ferreira Enio , Lages Eduardo B. , Ferreira Lucas A. M. , Faraco André A. G. , Santiago Helton C. , Goulart Gisele A. C.
Published: July 2021

Doxorubicin (DOX), a chemotherapy drug successfully used in the therapy of various types of cancer, is currently associated with the mucositis development, an inflammation that can cause ulcerative lesions in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, abdominal pain and secondary infections. To increase the safety of the chemotherapy, we loaded DOX into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The NLC–DOX was characterized by HPLC, DLS, NTA, Zeta potential, FTIR, DSC, TEM and cryogenic-TEM. The ability of NLC–DOX to control the DOX release was evaluated through in vitro release studies. Moreover, the effect of NLC–DOX on intestinal mucosa was compared to a free DOX solution in C57BL/6 mice. The NLC–DOX showed spherical shape, high drug encapsulation efficiency (84.8 ± 4.6%), high drug loading (55.2 ± 3.4 mg/g) and low average diameter (66.0–78.8 nm). The DSC and FTIR analyses showed high interaction between the NLC components, resulting in controlled drug release. Treatment with NLC–DOX attenuated DOX-induced mucositis in mice, improving shortening on villus height and crypt depth, decreased inflammatory parameters, preserved intestinal permeability and increased expression of tight junctions (ZO-1 and Ocludin). These results indicated that encapsulation of DOX in NLCs is viable and reduces the drug toxicity to mucosal structures.
Exercise and Worsening of Extrapyramidal Symptoms during Treatment with Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics
Authors: Kim David D. , Lang Donna J. , Warburton Darren E. R. , Barr Alasdair M. , White Randall F. , Honer William G. , Procyshyn Ric M.
Published: July 2021

Second-generation antipsychotic medications are used to treat schizophrenia and a range of other psychotic disorders, although adverse effects, including cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities and extrapyramidal symptoms, are often inevitable. Studies have shown that exercise, as an adjunct therapy, can be effective in reducing the core symptoms of schizophrenia as well as ameliorating intrinsic and antipsychotic-induced cardiometabolic abnormalities. However, it is noteworthy that exercise may need to be implemented with caution in some individuals receiving certain antipsychotic treatment regimens. We report here two cases of exercise-associated worsening of extrapyramidal symptoms in two individuals with schizoaffective disorder treated with a long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication over the course of a 12-week exercise program. This worsening of extrapyramidal symptoms can be attributed to an increase in blood flow to the site of injection during exercise, accelerating the rate of absorption and bioavailability of the antipsychotic medication and subsequently increasing dopamine D2 receptor blockade. When monitoring drug therapy for patients receiving long-acting injectable antipsychotic medications, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals need to consider exercise as a contributing factor for the emergence of extrapyramidal symptoms.
Philosophical Aspects of Astrobiology Revisited
Authors: Zimmermann Rainer E.
Published: July 2021

Given the idea that Life as we know it is nothing but a special form of a generically underlying dynamical structure within the physical Universe, we try to introduce a concept of Life that is not only derived from first principles of fundamental physics, but also metaphysically based on philosophical assumptions about the foundations of the world. After clarifying the terminology somewhat, especially with a view to differentiating reality from modality, we give an example for a mathematical representation of what the substance of reality (in the traditional sense of metaphysics) could actually mean today, discussing twistor theory as an example. We then concentrate on the points of structural emergence by discussing the emergence of dynamical systems and of Life as we know it, respectively. Some further consequences as they relate to meaning are discussed in the end.
Hybrid POF/VLC Links Based on a Single LED for Indoor Communications
Authors: Apolo Juan Andrés , Ortega Beatriz , Almenar Vicenç
Published: July 2021

A hybrid fiber/wireless link based on a single visible LED and free of opto-electronic intermediate conversion stages has been demonstrated for indoor communications. This paper shows the main guidelines for proper coupling in fiber/air/detector interfaces. Experimental demonstration has validated the design results with very good agreement between geometrical optics simulation and received optical power measurements. Different signal bandwidths and modulation formats, i.e., QPSK, 16-QAM, and 64-QAM, have been transmitted over 1.5 m polymer optical fiber (POF) and 1.5 m free-space optics (FSO). Throughputs up to 294 Mb/s using a 64-QAM signal have been demonstrated using a commercial LED, which paves the way for massive deployment in industrial applications.
Towards Reduced CNNs for De-Noising Phase Images Corrupted with Speckle Noise
Authors: Tahon Marie , Montresor Silvio , Picart Pascal
Published: July 2021

Digital holography is a very efficient technique for 3D imaging and the characterization of changes at the surfaces of objects. However, during the process of holographic interferometry, the reconstructed phase images suffer from speckle noise. In this paper, de-noising is addressed with phase images corrupted with speckle noise. To do so, DnCNN residual networks with different depths were built and trained with various holographic noisy phase data. The possibility of using a network pre-trained on natural images with Gaussian noise is also investigated. All models are evaluated in terms of phase error with HOLODEEP benchmark data and with three unseen images corresponding to different experimental conditions. The best results are obtained using a network with only four convolutional blocks and trained with a wide range of noisy phase patterns.
Chitosan-Induced Activation of the Antioxidant Defense System Counteracts the Adverse Effects of Salinity in Durum Wheat
Authors: Quitadamo Filippo , De Simone Vanessa , Beleggia Romina , Trono Daniela
Published: July 2021

The present study was carried out with the aim of (i) evaluating the effect of chitosan (CTS) on the growth of durum wheat under salinity and (ii) examining CTS-regulated mechanisms of salinity tolerance associated with the antioxidant defense system. To achieve these goals, durum wheat seedlings were treated with CTS at different molecular weight, low (L-CTS, 50–190 kDa), medium (M-CTS, 190–310 kDa) and high (H-CTS, 310–375 kDa). The results obtained show that exposure to 200 mM NaCl reduced the shoot and the root dried biomass by 38% and 59%, respectively. The growth impairment induced by salinity was strongly correlated with an increase in the superoxide anion production (5-fold), hydrogen peroxide content (2-fold) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content (4-fold). Seedlings responded to the oxidative stress triggered by salinity with an increase in the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) by 67%, 51% and 32%, respectively. A salt-induced increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT) of 89% and 86%, respectively, was also observed. Treatment of salt-stressed seedlings with exogenous CTS significantly promoted seedling growth, with the strongest effects observed for L-CTS and M-CTS, which increased the shoot biomass of stressed seedlings by 32% and 44%, respectively, whereas the root dried biomass increased by 87% and 64%, respectively. L-CTS and M-CTS treatments also decreased the superoxide anion production (57% and 59%, respectively), the hydrogen peroxide content (35% and 38%, respectively) and the MDA content (48% and 56%, respectively) and increased the TPC (23% and 14%, respectively), the TFC (19% and 10%, respectively), the TAA (up to 10% and 7%, respectively) and the CAT activity (29% and 20%, respectively). Overall, our findings indicate that CTS exerts its protective role against the oxidative damages induced by salinity by enhancing the antioxidant defense system. L-CTS and M-CTS were the most effective in alleviating the adverse effect of NaCl, thus demonstrating that the CTS action is strictly related to its molecular weight.
Study on Preparation of Triangular Melt-Spinning Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Fibers and Its Fabric Strengthening and Toughening Epoxy
Authors: Zhou Ting , Wang Meng , Chen Ning
Published: July 2021

Fiber-reinforced epoxy materials have the advantages of light weight, high strength and designability, which are widely used in high-technology fields. In this paper, triangular poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) fibers prepared by melt spinning were used for the first time in reinforcing and toughening epoxy resins. Based on intermolecular complexation and plasticization, the triangular PVA fibers were successfully prepared via melt spinning and hot drawing. The thermal properties, crystallinity, morphology and mechanical properties of the triangular fibers with different draw ratios were characterized by DSC, FTIR, XRD, SEM and tensile testing. The results show that the comprehensive performance of the triangular fibers increased with the increase in the draw ratio. The tensile strength of triangular fibers increased from 0.3 to 4.22 cN/dtex. Then, the triangular PVA fiber and circular PVA fiber-reinforced and toughened epoxy materials were prepared, respectively. The mechanical properties of triangular PVA fiber/epoxy composites were higher than that of circular fiber-reinforced and toughened epoxy materials. Furthermore, the single-fiber pull-out test was used to analyze the interface capability of fibers and epoxy. The pull-out force of the circular fiber was 1.24 N, while that of the triangular fiber was 2.64 N. The specific surface area of the triangular PVA fiber was larger than that of the circular PVA fiber, which better made its contact with epoxy and was not easily pulled out. Experiments prove that triangular PVA fiber is an ideal material for strengthening and toughening epoxy resin.
Electrohydrodynamic Processing of PVP-Doped Kraft Lignin Micro- and Nano-Structures and Application of Electrospun Nanofiber Templates to Produce Oleogels
Authors: Rubio-Valle José F. , Sánchez M. C. , Valencia Concepción , Martín-Alfonso José E. , Franco José M.
Published: July 2021

The present work focuses on the development of lignin micro- and nano-structures obtained by means of electrohydrodynamic techniques aimed to be potentially applicable as thickening or structuring agents in vegetable oils. The micro- and nano-structures used were mainly composed of eucalyptus kraft lignin (EKL), which were doped to some extent with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). EKL/PVP solutions were prepared at different concentrations (10–40 wt.%) and EKL:PVP ratios (95:5–100:0) in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and further physico-chemically and rheologically characterized. Electrosprayed micro-sized particles were obtained from solutions with low EKL/PVP concentrations (10 and 20 wt.%) and/or high EKL:PVP ratios, whereas beaded nanofiber mats were produced by increasing the solution concentration and/or decreasing EKL:PVP ratio, as a consequence of improved extensional viscoelastic properties. EKL/PVP electrospun nanofibers were able to form oleogels by simply dispersing them into castor oil at nanofiber concentrations higher than 15 wt.%. The rheological properties of these oleogels were assessed by means of small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) and viscous flow tests. The values of SAOS functions and viscosity depended on both the nanofiber concentration and the morphology of nanofiber templates and resemble those exhibited by commercial lubricating greases made from traditional metallic soaps and mineral oils.
Biomethane Yield, Physicochemical Structures, and Microbial Community Characteristics of Corn Stover Pretreated by Urea Combined with Mild Temperature Hydrotherm
Authors: Lu Yao , Yuan Hairong , Zuo Xiaoyu , Chang Yanqing , Li Xiujin
Published: July 2021

The corn stover (CS)’s compact structure makes it challenging for microorganisms to use in anaerobic digestion (AD). Therefore, improving CS biodegradability has become a key focus in AD studies. Methods are being targeted at the pretreatment of CS, combining advanced urea with mild temperature hydrotherm pretreatment to study its effect on promoting the AD process of CS. The biomethane yield, physicochemical structure, and microbial community characteristics were investigated. CS samples were assigned into groups differed by a range of pretreatment times (from 24 to 96 h) and set at a temperature of 50 °C with a 2% urea addition. Results revealed that the 72-h group obtained the highest biomethane yield of 205 mL/g VS−1, volatile solid (VS) and total solid (TS) removal rates of 69.3% and 47.7%, which were 36.7%, 25.3% and 27.5% higher than those of untreated one, respectively. After conducting several analyses, results confirmed the pretreatment as a method for altering CS microstructures benefits biomethane production. The most resounding differences between pretreated and untreated groups were observed within a microbial community, an integral factor for improved AD performance. This study serves to confirm that this specific pretreatment is an effective method for enhancing biomethane production in CS.
Fabrication of Nanoscale Oxide Textured Surfaces on Polymers
Authors: Barick Barun K. , Shomrat Neta , Green Uri , Katzman Zohar , Segal-Peretz Tamar
Published: July 2021

Nanoscale textured surfaces play an important role in creating antibacterial surfaces, broadband anti-reflective properties, and super-hydrophobicity in many technological systems. Creating nanoscale oxide textures on polymer substrates for applications such as ophthalmic lenses and flexible electronics imposes additional challenges over conventional nanofabrication processes since polymer substrates are typically temperature-sensitive and chemically reactive. In this study, we investigated and developed nanofabrication methodologies to create highly ordered oxide nanostructures on top of polymer substrates without any lithography process. We developed suitable block copolymer self-assembly, sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS), and reactive ion etching (RIE) for processes on polymer substrates. Importantly, to prevent damage to the temperature-sensitive polymer and polymer/oxide interface, we developed the process to be entirely performed at low temperatures, that is, below 80 °C, using a combination of UV crosslinking, solvent annealing, and modified SIS and RIE processes. In addition, we developed a substrate passivation process to overcome reactivity between the polymer substrate and the SIS precursors as well as a high precision RIE process to enable deep etching into the thermally insulated substrate. These methodologies widen the possibilities of nanofabrication on polymers.
Storing Energy from External Power Supplies Using Phase Change Materials and Various Pipe Configurations
Authors: Aprile Daniel , Al-Banna Samer , Maheswaran Arraventhan , Paquette Joshua , Saghir Mohamad Ziad
Published: July 2021

Phase change materials are commonly used for energy storage. Heat transfer enhancement and heat storage are the two main goals in this paper. A cylindrical pipe covered with phase change material is investigated numerically. Ideally, a high temperature liquid flows through the pipe, resulting in heat transferred to the phase change material. To enhance the heat transfer, various configurations involving the addition of a twisted tape inside of the pipe and the use of helical shape pipes were investigated. A straight pipe with no twisted tape insert was also analyzed and used as a benchmark case. All the configurations had constant properties such as material selection, overall size, pipe diameter and inlet Reynold’s number, so the performance could be compared under similar conditions. All initial configurations were simulated and the heat transfer rate, Nusselt number, friction factor and performance evaluation criterion (PEC) of the designs were determined. It was found that the heat transfer rate and Nusselt number of all the various designs yielded higher results than the reference straight pipe configuration. Additionally, due to the added complexity in the flow caused by the insert, the friction factor of all the configurations was also higher. The helical pipe configuration was the only configuration that had a PEC higher than that of the reference straight pipe. This is because the negative impacts caused by the friction factor outweighed the gains in Nusselt number for the twisted tape designs. It was also hypothesized that lowering the inner diameter of the helical pipe would increase the PEC. Further simulations with modified inner diameters were done to test the hypothesis. The simulations confirmed the hypothesis, as the pipes with inner diameters 0.75 and 0.5 cm led to a 50% and 150% increase in the PEC respectively, when compared to an inner diameter of 1 cm. It was also determined that smaller inner diameters led to lower outlet temperatures meaning a higher percentage of the thermal energy from the fluid was transferred to the phase change material.