bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purine Unit as a Building Block of Artificial Receptors Designed for the Recognition of Carbohydrates
Authors: Kaiser Stefan , Geffert Christoph , Mazik Monika
Published: October 2019

1,3,5‐Substituted 2,4,6‐triethylbenzene derivatives bearing pyridine/pyrimidine and purine units were synthesized and their potential to function as carbohydrate receptors was evaluated. Compounds consisting of 2‐chloro‐9H(7H)‐purin‐6‐yl unit have the ability to act both as carbohydrate‐binding agents and as a basis for further functionalisation through the nucleophilic displacement of the chlorine atom. Microwave‐assisted reactions and/or the application of sealed tubes allowed the preparation of derivatives with a varying substituent pattern on the purine ring. The relatively drastic reaction conditions required for the successful functionalisation reflect the unfavorable influence of the bulky C6‐substituent on the nucleophilic substitution at purine C2. Initial binding studies towards carbohydrates showed that the properties of this type of purine‐bearing compounds can be fine‐tuned by the variation of the C2‐substituent of the purine ring and represents a valuable basis for the identification of new structure‐activity relationships. Such findings are of high importance for further developments in the area of molecular recognition of carbohydrates by artificial receptors.
Metal‐Free Cercosporin‐Photocatalyzed C‐S Coupling for the Selective Synthesis of Aryl Sulfides under Mild Conditions
Authors: Li Jia , Bao Wenhao , Zhang Yan , Rao Yijian
Published: October 2019

Aryl sulfides are important motifs of bioactive molecules, which are generally synthesized by transition metal‐based coupling reactions under harsh conditions. Herein, we developed a new method that visible light along with cercosporin, produced by liquid fermentation and functioned as a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly photocatalyst, prompted the selective synthesis of aryl sulfides through C–S coupling of thiols and diazonium salts under mild conditions. Furthermore, this method can also be performed with a great conversion by the direct use of cercosporin‐containing fermentation supernatant as catalytic system without organic solvent extraction.
Improved Sensing of Capsaicin with TiO2 Nanoparticles Modified Epoxy Graphite Electrode
Authors: Sarma Munmi , del Valle Manel
Published: October 2019

The presented research focuses on the electrochemical determination of capsaicin, a lipophilic alkaloid which originates hotness in chili peppers. An electrochemical sensor based on epoxy‐graphite composite with the modification of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles is developed for the determination of this alkaloid. The measurements were carried out in glycine buffer at pH 2.5 using cyclic voltammetry. Two linear concentration ranges were obtained from 6 to 75 μM (R=0.99) and from 12 to 138 μM, with a detection limit of 5.34 μM and 11.3 μM capsaicin, for 1st and 2nd oxidation peak, respectively. The main advantage of developed sensor is its repeatability and robustness against fouling; the relative standard deviation (RSD) value was 2.53 % (n=10). This voltammetric sensing procedure has successfully been applied to quantify capsaicin in various real samples such as hot chili sauce and pharmaceutical preparations.
Preparation and Characterization of Bhant Leaves‐derived Nitrogen‐doped Carbon and its Use as an Electrocatalyst for Detecting Ketoconazole
Authors: Haque Md. Aminul , Akanda Md. Rajibul , Hossain Delwar , Haque M. Aminul , Buliyaminu Ismail A. , Basha Shaik Inayath , Oyama Munetaka , Aziz Md. Abdul
Published: October 2019

In this study, the electrocatalytic characteristics of nitrogen‐doped carbon (NDC) prepared from Clerodendrum Infortunatum L leaves on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface was evaluated with regards to its ability to detect the electroactive drug ketoconazole (KCZ). The NDC was prepared by carrying out a simple pyrolysis of dry powder of the leaves at 850 °C. The prepared NDC was characterized using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller analysis, and was then used as an electrode material. The performance of the electrochemical KCZ sensor with the NDC‐modified glassy carbon electrode (NDC/GCE) was found to be optimal when using PBS buffer at pH 3 and a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml of NDC in the conjugate with Nafion polymer. Under these conditions, the NDC/GCE displayed a KCZ detection limit of 3 μM and a linear dependence of its response on KCZ concentration over a wide range of KCZ concentrations from 47 μM to 752 μM (R2=0.9742). These results confirmed the potential of NDC as an electrocatalyst.
Centri‐Voltammetric Folic Acid Detection
Authors: Tepeli Büyüksünetci Yudum , Haklı Özgul , Anik Ülkü
Published: October 2019

The need for practical detection of folic acid (FA) has been increased day by day. For this reason in this work, a two steps electroanalytical technique, centri‐voltammetry was utilized for FA detection for the first time. In order to get rid of the slow electrode kinetics of FA oxidation, the working electrode was modified with graphene‐Pt hibrid nanomaterial. Also for increasing the sensitivity, 1‐Chloro‐2‐[2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy) ethoxy]ethane (TEG−Cl) and 1,2‐di{2‐[2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy] ethoxy}‐4‐nitrobenzene (4NC−NO2) was used as a carrier material. After the characterization of graphene‐Pt hybrid nanomaterial, experimental parameters like, 4NC−NO2 amount, adsorption time, centri‐voltammetric parameters like centrifuge time and speed were optimized. After that, analytical characteristics such as linear range, relative standard deviation (R.S.D), limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were found. In this manner, linear range was obtained for FA between 1.0 μM–1000 μM with the equations of
(R2=0.9977). R.S.D value was calculated for 0.83 mM FA (n=3) as 1.86 % while LOD and LOQ values were found as 1.00 μM and 3.34 μM respectively. After the examination of interference effect of substances like ascorbic acid and uric acid, established centri‐voltammetric technique was enforced for FA detection in pharmateutical tablets. As a result, the recovery value was calculated as 96.4 %.
Mathematical modeling of a real‐time isothermal amplification assay for Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Gordon Michael I. , Klemer David P. , Fuller Skylar L. , Chang Jeff H. , Klemer Daniel R. , Putnam Melodie L.
Published: October 2019

A general mathematical model that describes the temporal behavior of a real‐time isothermal process used for nucleic acid amplification is derived. A monotonically‐increasing fluorescence signal s(t) generated and measured during the amplification reaction can be modeled in the form of a logistic function of time that is completely described by three parameters (k, t50, and Smax), which may be readily estimated from experimentally acquired s(t) data. Experimental data obtained from a real‐time loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the infectious pathogen Erwinia amylovora (E. amylovora) are used to illustrate and validate the mathematical model. Implementation of such a modeling approach can allow for the extraction of quantitative information from real‐time LAMP data through parameter estimation techniques; this is demonstrated experimentally using real‐time amplification data acquired using the real‐time E. amylovora assay.
Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Biomass Heat in the UK
Authors: Jeswani Harish Kumar , Whiting Andrew , Azapagic Adisa
Published: October 2019

Heat from biomass is being promoted in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the full life cycle environmental and economic implications of biomass heat are currently unknown and are therefore explored herein. The results indicate that heat from solid biomass can reduce global warming potential as well as depletion of fossil resources and the ozone layer by >90% compared to fossil fuels. However, acidification, eutrophication, and human and eco‐toxicities are much higher than for heat from natural gas. Biomass heat is also 23% more expensive than heat from gas boilers. However, with the subsidies available in the UK, it is 52% cheaper. Using the waste wood and energy crops available in the UK, it can meet 5% of the national heat demand and save 7.3 Mt CO2 eq. year−1 or 1.5% of UK emissions. Increasing cultivation of energy crops can provide 20% of heat demand by 2030 and save 5.1% of national emissions. Therefore, the government should continue to incentivize biomass heat while tightening regulations to prevent an increase in other impacts. However, increasing biomass heat provision will be challenging due to a large number of installations needed (27 000–85 000) and lack of district heating networks in the UK.
Zn‐Doped Porous CoNiP Nanosheet Arrays as Efficient and Stable Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Cai ZhiCheng , Wu AiPing , Yan HaiJing , Tian ChunGui , Guo DeZheng , Fu HongGang
Published: October 2019

The design of electrocatalysts with a favorable interface for mass transfer, adsorption, and activation of reactant is important for water splitting. Herein, the design of porous Zn‐doped CoNiP arrays anchored on Ni foam (P‐Zn‐CoNiP/NF) as effective bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting is reported. The key to construct P‐Zn‐CoNiP is first the introduction of Zn species in NiCoP anchored on Ni foam (NF) followed by its selective etching in dilute HCl to leave pores and form doping in final CoNiP. The pores facilitate the mass of transfer and expose more active sites. The Zn doping can modulate the electronic structure of NiCoP. Benefited from the aforementioned characteristics, the P‐Zn‐CoNiP/NF possesses remarkable activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 1 m KOH, which can produce a current density of 100 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of 177 and 396 mV for HER and OER, respectively, which is superior to most non‐noble metal‐based catalysts. The cell assembled using P‐Zn‐CoNiP/NF as both cathode and anode achieves a current density of 50 mA cm−2 at a voltage of 1.71 V and can be driven by a solar cell (1.51 V), indicating its potential for practical storage of solar energy.
pH‐controlled lavender oil capsulation with ABA‐type block copolymer and usage in paper coating
Authors: Arman Kandirmaz Emine , Birtane Hatice , Beyler Cigil Aslı , Ozcan Arif
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study is to produce a lavender oil capsules with triblock copolymer and to use these capsules for providing scented paper. Thus, polyethylene oxide‐polypropylene glycol‐polyethylene oxide (PEO‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEO) ABA‐type block copolymer was synthesized by means of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and the chemical structure of PEO‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEO was characterized by ATR‐FTIR and 1H‐NMR. Moreover, block ratio of the PEO‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEO was identified with 1H‐NMR. Lavender oil was encapsulated in the polymer by micellization of interactions between hydrophilic‐lipophilic‐hydrophilic polymer and oil. These interactions include lavender oil and lipophilic block interaction and oil‐hydrophilic group repulsion. In addition, hydrophilic groups interacted with water to keep the micelles suspended. The critical micelle concentration and size of the micelles were analysed with SEM. Decomposition of capsules was determined by UV spectroscopy with respect to pH change. Paper coating formulations were prepared with fragrant capsules and coated on paper with laboratory‐type coating machine. The colour and gloss of obtained papers were determined by spectrophotometer and glossmeter. As a result, PEO‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEO polymer can be used to encapsulate lavender oil, and the resulting capsules have functioned without degradation in the paper coating.
The influence of the extraction method on bioactivity of the root of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Ye Xiang , Li Yonglu , Chu Qiang , Yu Lushuang , Chen Wen , Jia Ruoyi , Jiang Yong , Zheng Xiaodong
Published: October 2019

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum is traditionally used as a folk medicine and functional food in China. Its extracts have been confirmed to have many bioactivities. However, the effect of extracting temperature on its bioactivity has not been reported. In this research, the total flavonoids content (TFC), total polyphenol content (TPC), antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities of ethanol extracts and water extracts (extracted at 55, 70, 85, and 100°C) were observed. The results indicated that ethanol extracts showed better antioxidant activity with DPPH EC50 of 504.1 ± 3.8 μg/ml and ABTS EC50 of 851.4 ± 3.9 μg/ml. A better antiproliferative activity on HepG2, PC12, Caco‐2, and Hela cells was observed on ethanol extracts. The results of anti‐inflammatory activities also indicated that all of the extracts can reduce the NO production of LPS‐stimulated macrophage with dose‐independent manner. In summary, the results showed that the antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities of water extracts decreased with the increasing temperature to some extent.
Historical global gridded degree‐days: A high‐spatial resolution database of CDD and HDD
Authors: Mistry Malcolm N.
Published: October 2019

Cooling and heating degree‐days (CDD/HDD) are important metrics used in energy studies as a proxy for determining demand and consumption patterns of residential/commercial buildings and work spaces. Driven by the requirements of energy impact modellers, policymakers and building design experts; a new historical high‐spatial resolution, global gridded dataset of degree‐days constructed using various base (threshold) temperatures (Tb) is presented in this study. Derived using sub‐daily temperature from a quality‐controlled reanalysis data product (Global Land Data Assimilation System—GLDAS), the dataset called ‘DegDays_0p25_1970_2018’ includes monthly and annual (i) CDD; (ii) HDD; and (iii) CDD computed using wet‐bulb temperature (CDDwb) at 0.25° × 0.25° gridded resolution, covering 49 years over the period 1970–2018. The Tb used for assembling DegDays_0p25_1970_2018 include 18, 18.3, 22, 23, 24, 25°C for CDD and CDDwb; and 10, 15, 15.5, 16, 17 and 18°C for HDD, respectively. The data of individual indices are made publicly available in the commonly used scientific Network Common Data Form 4 (NetCDF4) and Georeferenced Tagged Image File (GeoTIFF) formats. DegDays_0p25_1970_2018 fills gaps in existing energy indicators’ datasets by being the only high‐resolution historical global gridded time series based on multiple threshold temperatures, thus offering applications in wide‐ranging climate zones and thermal comfort environments. The richness of DegDays_0p25_1970_2018 lies in its flexibility by allowing users to aggregate the degree‐days not only at varying spatial scales (such as administrative levels, national boundaries, economic organizations e.g. OECD; with or without population weights), but also at varying temporal scales (such as seasons), thereby offering climatologists with a potential to examine global teleconnection patterns more discretely.
Beta‐band oscillations play an essential role in motor–auditory interactions
Authors: Abbasi Omid , Gross Joachim
Published: October 2019

In the human brain, self‐generated auditory stimuli elicit smaller cortical responses compared to externally generated sounds. This sensory attenuation is thought to result from predictions about the sensory consequences of self‐generated actions that rely on motor commands. Previous research has implicated brain oscillations in this process. However, the specific role of these oscillations in motor–auditory interactions during sensory attenuation is still unclear. In this study, we aimed at addressing this question by using magnetoencephalography (MEG). We recorded MEG in 20 healthy participants during listening to passively presented and self‐generated tones. Our results show that the magnitude of sensory attenuation in bilateral auditory areas is significantly correlated with the modulation of beta‐band (15–30 Hz) amplitude in the motor cortex. Moreover, we observed a significant directional coupling (Granger causality) in beta‐band originating from the motor cortex toward bilateral auditory areas. Our findings indicate that beta‐band oscillations play an important role in mediating top–down interactions between motor and auditory cortex and, in our paradigm, suppress cortical responses to predicted sensory input.
Evaluation of resource utilization efficiency in obstetrics and gynecology units in China: A three‐stage data envelopment analysis of the Shanxi province
Authors: Lu Wei , Evans Richard David , Zhang Tao , Ni Ziling , Tao Hongbing
Published: October 2019

In China, health care resources for expectant mothers and children are still not utilized to full efficiency, with health requirements still not being met. The purpose of this study is to critically examine the efficiency of gynecology and obstetrics hospital (OB/GYN) units in Shanxi province of China, with the overarching objective of exploring methods for improving their efficiency. We employ the three‐stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to measure the efficiency of 134 OB/GYN units in Shanxi. The results show that the technical efficiency and scale efficiency scores of the sample units were low (0.48 and 0.54, respectively). The efficiency of the OB/GYN units varies by region, city, and county and by type of unit. We conclude that the main reason for the low efficiency of OB/GYN units in Shanxi province lies in the unreasonable scale. The government should, therefore, allocate health resources more reasonably, improving the efficiency of different regions, cities, and counties, as well as different types of OB/GYN units.
Loneliness and depression among Chinese drug users: Mediating effect of resilience and moderating effect of gender
Authors: Cao Qilong , Liu Liu
Published: October 2019

This study aims to explore potential correlations between gender, loneliness, resilience, and depression simultaneously among Chinese drug users; and especially to investigate the mediating effect of resilience and the moderating effect of gender on the correlation between loneliness and depression. Participants of this study included 513 drug users (399 men and 114 women) who were under treatment in two compulsory drug treatment institutions in one Eastern Chinese city. All participants completed the UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) loneliness scale, the Zung self‐rating depression scale, and the Connor–Davidson resilience scale. A correlation matrix was constructed to analyze correlations between these three characteristics. Path analyses were performed in the PROCESS for SPSS in order to test the mediating effect of resilience on the association between loneliness and depression; while a series of hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted in SPSS 22.0 to test the moderating effect of gender on the association between loneliness and depression. Compared to male drug users, female ones reported higher average scores on loneliness and depression, which indicated that female drug users suffered severer loneliness and depression. Resilience partially mediates the link between loneliness and depression and gender acts as a moderator for the relationship between loneliness and depression.
The benefits of an afterschool music program for low‐income, urban youth: The music haven evaluation project
Authors: Whitson Melissa L. , Robinson Sarafina , Valkenburg Kendra Van , Jackson Mandi
Published: October 2019

Aims

This study was an evaluation of an afterschool music program that serves primarily low‐income, urban children, and adolescents. The evaluation examined academic and nonacademic outcomes through a mixed‐method design.

Methods

Focus group participants included 10 parents/caregivers and 8 youth. Focus groups yielded several themes regarding academic and nonacademic (musical skills, responsibility/discipline, self‐efficacy, empowerment, social competence, and family bonding) benefits of involvement with the program. An annual questionnaire for the program was created based on these themes.

Results

Fifty‐three parents/caregivers completed the questionnaire and rated their children highly on all outcomes. The independent t tests revealed that lower‐income students were rated higher on responsibility/discipline than higher‐income students and that those children who attended the program more than three times per week were rated higher on responsibility/discipline than those who attended less.

Conclusion

Implications of these results, particularly the need for increased access to afterschool music programs for low‐income youth, are discussed.
Long noncoding RNA TPT1‐AS1 downregulates the microRNA‐770‐5p expression to inhibit glioma cell autophagy and promote proliferation through STMN1 upregulation
Authors: Jia Lei , Song Yuwen , Mu Luyan , Li Qingla , Tang Jiabin , Yang Zhao , Meng Wenjuan
Published: October 2019

Through the microarray analysis, long noncoding RNA TPT1‐AS1 (TPT1‐AS1) was identified in the development of glioma. However, the specific effect of TPT1‐AS1 on glioma autophagy in the recent years has not fully been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of our present study is to investigate the function of TPT1‐AS1 on affecting autophagy of glioma cells through regulation of microRNA‐770‐5p (miR‐770‐5p)‐mediated stathmin 1 (STMN1). Initially, the expression of TPT1‐AS1, miR‐770‐5p, and STMN1 were determined in glioma cell lines, followed by the prediction and validation of their interaction. After that, the effects of TPT1‐AS1, miR‐770‐5p, and STMN1 on the in vitro glioma cell proliferation and autophagy were assessed using EdU assay and macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC) and on the in vivo tumor development and autophagy were evaluated using a nude mouse xenograft tumor assay and immunofluorescence assay. In comparison with the normal cells, the glioma cells displayed upregulated expression of TPT1‐AS1 and STMN1, but a downregulated miR‐770‐5p expression. miR‐770‐5p, which directly targeted STMN1, could be downregulated by TPT1‐AS1. Subsequently, in glioma cells, TPT1‐AS1 can function to competitively bind to miR‐770‐5p, thus regulatEing STMN1 expression. Moreover, glioma cell proliferation and autophagy could be mediated through the TPT1‐AS1/miR‐770‐5p/STMN1 axis. From our data we conclude an inhibitory function of TPT1‐AS1 in glioma cell autophagy by downregulating miR‐770‐5p and upregulating STMN1, which may be instrumental for the therapeutic targeting and clinical management of glioma.
Identification of a panel of mitotic spindle‐related genes as a signature predicting survival in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Liwen , He Miao , Zhu Wenjing , Lv Xuemei , Zhao Yanyun , Yan Yuanyuan , Li Xueping , Jiang Longyang , Zhao Lin , Fan Yue , Su Panpan , Gao Mengcong , Ma Heyao , Li Kai , Wei Minjie
Published: October 2019

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most malignant tumor types worldwide. Our objective was to identify a genetic signature that could predict the prognosis of patients with LUAD. We extracted gene data sets from The Cancer Genome Atlas and obtained differentially expressed genes that were highly expressed at every stage. These genes were analyzed using gene set enrichment analysis to obtain four biological processes associated with LUAD. Subsequently, Cox univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to generate four optimized models (G2M checkpoint, E2F targets, mitotic spindle, and glycolysis). We identified a mitotic spindle‐related signature (KIF15, BUB1, CCNB2, CDK1, KIF4A, DLGAP5, ECT2, and ANLN), which could be an independent prognostic indicator, to predict the prognosis of patients with LUAD. This new discovery should offer opportunities to explore the pathogenesis of LUAD and prove clinically useful in predicting LUAD patient prognosis.
The potential role of senescence in limiting fibrosis caused by aging
Authors: Meng Xinghua , Wang Haoran , Song Xiaopeng , Clifton Alancia C. , Xiao Jianhua
Published: October 2019

Fibrosis‐related diseases carry with them a high mortality rate and their morbidity increases with age. Recent findings indicate that induced senescence in myofibroblasts can limit or reduce myocardial fibrosis, cirrhosis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, while also accelerating wound healing. However, more senescent cells are accumulated as organisms age, which exacerbates aging‐related diseases. These two contradictory theories inspired us to summarize papers on the restrictive effect of senescence on fibrosis and to input the key findings into simple software that we developed to assist with data organization and presentation. In this review, we illustrate that senescent cells secrete more matrix metalloproteinases to solubilize excess collagen, while chemokines and cytokines activate immune cells to eliminate senescent cells. In the elderly, it is perhaps more effective to limit fibrosis by inducing myofibroblast senescence and then removing senescent cells that are not cleared via normal mechanisms by antisenescence therapies.
Long noncoding RNA VCAN‐AS1 contributes to the progression of gastric cancer via regulating p53 expression
Authors: Feng Li , Li Jian , Li Fan , Li Huanqin , Bei Songhua , Zhang Xiaohong , Yang Zhen
Published: October 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequent malignancies worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are found to be largely implicated in various cancers, including GC. However, the function of lncRNA VCAN antisense RNA 1 (VCAN‐AS1) in GC remains unclear. Herein, we observed a low level of VCAN‐AS1 in normal gastric tissues through NCBI and UCSC, and that VCAN‐AS1 upregulation in GC tissues was related to poor prognosis by TCGA. Furthermore, VCAN‐AS1 was found markedly enhanced in GC tissues and cell lines, while its upregulation was related with clinical outcomes of GC patients. Besides this, silencing VCAN‐AS1 represses cell proliferation, migration, and invasion but enhances apoptosis. More important, we discovered that VCAN‐AS1 expression was negatively correlated with wild‐type p53 levels in GC tissues and that p53 was negatively modulated by VCAN‐AS1 in GC cells. Furthermore, p53 suppression reversed the repression of VCAN‐AS1 silence on the biological processes of AGS cells. Intriguingly, we identified that both VCAN‐AS1 and TP53 can bind with eIF4A3, one of the core proteins in the exon junction complex. Also, we confirmed that VCAN‐AS1 negatively regulates TP53 expression by competitively binding with eIF4A3. Our findings disclosed that VCAN‐AS1 contributes to GC progression through interacting with eIF4A3 to downregulate TP53 expression, indicating that VCAN‐AS1 is a novel therapeutic strategy for GC treatment.
miR‐181a/b‐5p ameliorates inflammatory response in monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension by targeting endocan
Authors: Zhao Haiyan , Guo Yun , Sun Yue , Zhang Na , Wang Xiaofei
Published: October 2019

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disorder characterized by vascular remodeling, endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, and inflammation. The roles of microRNAs have received much critical attention. Thus, this study was attempted to show the biological function of miR‐181a/b‐5p (miR‐181a/b) in monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced PAH. Here, rats injected with MCT were used as PAH models. The expression of miR‐181a/b and its effect on PAH pathologies were examined using miR‐181a/b overexpression lentivirus. A luciferase reporter analysis was performed to measure the relationships between miR‐181a/b and endocan. Additionally, primary rat pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (rPAECs) treated with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were employed to further validate the regulatory mechanism of miR‐181a/b in vitro. Our results showed that miR‐181a/b expression was reduced in PAH, and its upregulation significantly attenuated the short survival period, right ventricular systolic pressure and mean pulmonary artery pressure increments, right ventricular remodeling, and lung injury. Furthermore, the increase of intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM1) in PAH rats was inhibited by miR‐181a/b overexpression. Similarly, our in vitro results showed that inducing miR‐181a/b suppressed TNF‐α‐stimulated increase of ICAM1 and VCAM1 in rPAECs. Importantly, the increased expression of endocan in PAH model or TNF‐α‐treated rPAECs was restored by miR‐181a/b upregulation. Further analysis validated the direct targeting relationships between miR‐181a/b and endocan. Collectively, this study suggests that miR‐181a/b targets endocan to ameliorate PAH symptoms by inhibiting inflammatory states, shedding new lights on the prevention and treatment of PAH.
LncRNA HOTAIR is a novel endothelial mechanosensitive gene
Authors: da Silva Rodrigo A. , Ferreira Marcel Rodrigues , Gomes Anderson Moreira , Zambuzzi Willian F.
Published: October 2019

To better address whether the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) HOTAIR and HOTTIP are mechanosensitive genes, they were investigated in differentially challenged endothelial cells with respect to a circuit of tensional forces, considering the performance of both arterial and venous endothelial cells. We subjected arterial‐ and venous‐obtained endothelial cells to a circuit of tensional forces within a shear stress model in vitro. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that microRNA (miRNA)‐related processing machinery is significantly required in shear stressed arterial endothelial cell metabolism, which orchestrates miRNA (small noncoding RNA) involvement, and their involvement suggests lncRNA involvement. Of lncRNAs HOTAIR and HOTTIP, only HOTAIR was mechanosensitive considering both arterial and venous endothelial cells, presenting a positive correlation between methylation signature and gene expression. Thereafter, using bioinformatics tools, lncRNA HOTAIR was predicted to modulate miRNA185, miRNA‐21, and miRNA23b downregulation. We compared the values of gene expression with a Pearson's correlation test, and expected correlations were observed for miRNA185 (r = 0.8664), miRNA‐21 (r = 0.8605), and miRNA23b (0.9128). Taken together, these findings clearly show that lncRNA HOTAIR responds to the shear stress and emerges as a novel mechanosensitive gene in endothelial cells. Altogether, this understanding of mechanosensitive transcriptional and posttranscriptional control involving HOTAIR can also lead to new forms of therapeutic intervention for various diseases, as well as new strategies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
FHL1 regulates myoblast differentiation and autophagy through its interaction with LC3
Authors: Han Shunshun , Cui Can , He Haorong , Shen Xiaoxu , Chen Yuqi , Wang Yan , Li Diyan , Zhu Qing , Yin Huadong
Published: October 2019

Four and a half LIM domain protein 1 (FHL1) belongs to the FHL protein family and is predominantly expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscle. FHL1 acts as a scaffold during sarcomere assembly and plays a vital role in muscle growth and development. Autophagy is key to skeletal muscle development and regeneration, with its dysfunction associated with a range of muscular pathologies and disorders. In this study, we constructed FHL1‐silenced or FHL1‐overexpressed myoblasts to investigate its role in autophagy during the differentiation of chicken myoblasts into myotubules. Our data showed that FHL1 contributes to myoblast differentiation as measured through MyoG, MyoD, Myh3, and Mb mRNA expression, MyoG and MyHC protein expression and the morphological characteristics of myoblasts. The results showed that FHL1 silencing inhibited the expression of ATG5 and ATG7, meanwhile, immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation showed that FHL1 and LC3 interacted to regulate the correct formation of autophagosomes. FHL1 inhibition increased cleaved caspase‐3 and PARP abundance and promoted myoblast apoptosis. Furthermore, FHL1 rescued skeletal muscle atrophy through regulating the expression of Atrogin‐1 and MuRF1. Taken together, these data suggested that FHL1 regulates chicken myoblast differentiation through its interaction with LC3.
Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomal microRNA‐208a promotes osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion
Authors: Qin Fa , Tang Haoyu , Zhang Yong , Zhang Zhenhua , Huang Pinge , Zhu Jun
Published: October 2019

A recent study has discovered that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recruited into tumors and MSC‐derived exosomes in a novel mechanism of cell‐to‐cell communication in human cancers. Here, in this study, we explore the impact of the microRNA‐208a (miR‐208a)‐enriched exosomes derived from bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on osteosarcoma cells. Human osteosarcoma cells MG‐63 and Saos‐2 were exposed to BMSCs‐derived exosomes treated with either miR‐208a mimic or inhibitor. The MTT assay, transwell migration assay, and soft agar colony formation assay were used to evaluate the viability, migration, and clonogenicity of osteosarcoma cells. Bioinformatics analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assays validated the targeted relationship between miR‐208a and PDCD4. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of PDCD4 and related proteins in the ERK1/2 pathway in osteosarcoma cells. BMSCs communicated with osteosarcoma cells via exosomes. Ectopic expression of miR‐208a was shown to increase the viability, migration, and clonogenicity of osteosarcoma cells. Analysis of the exosomal content identified miR‐208a as a mediator of the exosomal effects on osteosarcoma cells in part via downregulation of PDCD4 and activating the ERK1/2 pathway. In summary, our study illuminates that BMSC‐derived exosomal miR‐208a enhances the progression of osteosarcoma.
Aspirin promotes tenogenic differentiation of tendon stem cells and facilitates tendinopathy healing through regulating the GDF7/Smad1/5 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yunjiao , He Gang , Tang Hong , Shi Youxing , Zhu Min , Kang Xia , Bian Xuting , Lyu Jingtong , Zhou Mei , Yang Mingyu , Mu Miduo , Chen Wan , Zhou Binghua , Yuan Chengsong , Zhang Jiqiang , Tang Kanglai
Published: October 2019

Tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal system disorder in sports medicine, but regeneration ability of injury tendon is limited. Tendon stem cells (TSCs) have shown the definitive treatment evidence for tendinopathy and tendon injuries due to their tenogenesis capacity. Aspirin, as the representative of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for its anti‐inflammatory and analgestic actions, has been commonly used in treating tendinopathy in clinical, but the effect of aspirin on tenogenesis of TSCs is unclear. We hypothesized that aspirin could promote injury tendon healing through inducing TSCs tenogenesis. The aim of the present study is to make clear the effect of aspirin on TSC tenogenesis and tendon healing in tendinopathy, and thus provide new treatment evidence and strategy of aspirin for clinical practice. First, TSCs were treated with aspirin under tenogenic medium for 3, 7, and 14 days. Sirius Red staining was performed to observe the TSC differentiation. Furthermore, RNA sequencing was utilized to screen out different genes between the induction group and aspirin treatment group. Then, we identified the filtrated molecules and compared their effect on tenogenesis and related signaling pathway. At last, we constructed the tendinopathy model and compared biomechanical changes after aspirin intake. From the results, we found that aspirin promoted tenogenesis of TSCs. RNA sequencing showed that growth differentiation factor 6 (GDF6), GDF7, and GDF11 were upregulated in induction medium with the aspirin group compared with the induction medium group. GDF7 increased tenogenesis and activated Smad1/5 signaling. In addition, aspirin increased the expression of TNC, TNMD, and Scx and biomechanical properties of the injured tendon. In conclusion, aspirin promoted TSC tenogenesis and tendinopathy healing through GDF7/Smad1/5 signaling, and this provided new treatment evidence of aspirin for tendinopathy and tendon injuries.
MKL1 mediates TGF‐β‐induced CTGF transcription to promote renal fibrosis
Authors: Mao Lei , Liu Li , Zhang Tianyi , Wu Xiaoyan , Zhang Tao , Xu Yong
Published: October 2019

Aberrant fibrogenesis impairs the architectural and functional homeostasis of the kidneys. It also predicts poor diagnosis in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC) can trans‐differentiate into myofibroblasts to produce extracellular matrix proteins and contribute to renal fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a cytokine upregulated in RTECs during renal fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of CTGF transcription by megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1). Genetic deletion or pharmaceutical inhibition of MKL1 in mice mitigated renal fibrosis following the unilateral ureteral obstruction procedure. Notably, MKL1 deficiency in mice downregulated CTGF expression in the kidneys. Likewise, MKL1 knockdown or inhibition in RTEs blunted TGF‐β induced CTGF expression. Further, it was discovered that MKL1 bound directly to the CTGF promoter by interacting with SMAD3 to activate CTGF transcription. In addition, MKL1 mediated the interplay between p300 and WDR5 to regulate CTGF transcription. CTGF knockdown dampened TGF‐β induced pro‐fibrogenic response in RTEs. MKL1 activity was reciprocally regulated by CTGF. In conclusion, we propose that targeting the MKL1–CTGF axis may generate novel therapeutic solutions against aberrant renal fibrogenesis.
Effects of the Fluoroquinolones Moxifloxacin and Levofloxacin on the QT Subintervals: Sex Differences in Ventricular Repolarization
Authors: Täubel Jӧrg , Prasad Krishna , Rosano Giuseppe , Ferber Georg , Wibberley Helen , Cole Samuel Thomas , Van Langenhoven Leen , Fernandes Sara , Djumanov Dilshat , Sugiyama Atsushi
Published: October 2019

Women are associated with longer electrocardiographic QT intervals and increased proarrhythmic risks of QT‐prolonging drugs. The purpose of this study was to characterize the differences in cardiac electrophysiology between moxifloxacin and levofloxacin in men and women and to assess the balance of inward and outward currents through the analysis of QT subintervals. Data from 2 TQT studies were used to investigate the impact of moxifloxacin (400 mg) and levofloxacin (1000 and 1500 mg) on QT subintervals using algorithms for measurement of J‐Tpeak and Tpeak‐Tend intervals. Concentration‐effect analyses were performed to establish potential relationships between the ECG effects and the concentrations of the 2 fluoroquinolones. Moxifloxacin was shown to be a more potent prolonger of QT interval corrected by Fredericia (QTcF) and had a pronounced effect on J‐Tpeakc. Levofloxacin had little effect on J‐Tpeakc. For moxifloxacin, the concentration‐effect modeling showed a greater effect for women on QTcF and J‐Tpeakc, whereas for levofloxacin the inverse was true: women had smaller QTcF and J‐Tpeakc effects. The different patterns in repolarization after administration of both drugs suggested a sex difference, which may be related to the combined IKs and IKr inhibitory properties of moxifloxacin versus IKr suppression only of levofloxacin. The equipotent inhibition of IKs and IKr appears to affect women more than men. Sex hormones are known to influence cardiac ion channel expression and differences in QT duration. Differences in IKr and IKs balances, influenced by sex hormones, may explain the results. These results support the impact of sex differences on the cardiac safety assessment of drugs.
Optimization of selective acidolysis pretreatment for the valorization of wheat straw by a combined chemical and enzymatic process
Authors: Guo Jianming , Huang Kaixuan , Zhang Shizhong , Xu Yong
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Advances in industrial biotechnology offer potential opportunities for economic utilization of abundantly available agricultural crop waste such as wheat straw, which is of great interest for advancement in xylo‐oligosaccharides (XOS) and fermentable monosaccharides. In the present study, crude XOS and fermentable monosaccharides were sequentially produced by a combined chemical and enzymatic process from wheat straw.

RESULTS

Maximum yield of XOS was 38.2% and the corresponding yield of glucose was 82.7% despite the wax barrier on the surface of wheat straw, while the acetic acid concentration was decreased from 20% to 5%. Pilot scale run produces 91.6 g XOS, 92.5 g xylose and 316.0 g glucose from 1000 g of wheat straw that means the utilization of 78.9% of xylan and 89.7% glucan constitutes.

CONCLUSION

By removal of 65% xylan from wheat straw, enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose was also improved efficiently although its polymer structure was almost kept inert during acetic acid pretreatment. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of spiroindolo[2,1‐b]quinazolines from Huisgen zwitterions and tryptanthrin‐malononitrile adducts
Authors: Yavari Issa , Solgi Raziyeh , Khajeh‐Khezri Aliyeh , Askarian‐Amiri Mohammad , Halvagar Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2019

Functionalized spiroindolo[2,1‐b]quinazolines are obtained from the reaction between tryptanthrin‐malononitrile adducts and Huisgen zwitterionic intermediates, generated by addition reaction of aromatic N‐heterocycles with acetylenic esters. The reaction is diastereoselective leading to the formation of a single diastereoisomer. The structure of a typical product established by X‐ray crystallography.
Eriodictyol and naringenin inhibit the formation of AGEs: An in vitro and molecular interaction study
Authors: Liu Jianli , Yang Zhijun , Cheng Ye , Wu Qiong , He Yin , Li Qijiu , Cao Xiangyu
Published: October 2019

Maillard reaction occurs between the carbonyl group of reducing sugars and the free amino groups of protein, which eventually results in the formation and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) irreversibly. Excessive production of AGEs is associated with many diseases, such as Alzheimer disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. In this study, the effects of eriodictyol and naringenin on the inhibition of AGEs were studied with bovine serum albumin (BSA)–methylglyoxal (MGO) model by spectroscopic techniques and molecular docking methods. The fluorescence spectroscopy results suggested that eriodictyol and naringenin could inhibit the formation of AGEs. Circular dichroism (CD) studies indicated that eriodictyol and naringenin could stabilize the structure of BSA and inhibit the formation of AGEs. The molecular docking results demonstrated that eriodictyol formed two hydrogen bonds with Lys 350 and Leu 480 and the main forces were hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. However, naringenin interacted with Arg 484 of BSA, and the main force was hydrophobic interaction. It can be concluded that eriodictyol and naringenin can inhibit the formation of AGEs and eriodictyol has stronger inhibitory activity of AGEs than that of naringenin, which is probably due to the additional hydroxyl group in the position C‐3′ of B ring of eriodictyol.
A fast MoM solver for wire‐to‐surface junctions in layered uniaxial media
Authors: Zeng Shubin , Wilton Donald R. , Chen Jiefu
Published: October 2019

Wire‐to‐surface structures in layered uniaxial media are of great importance in practical applications. This paper presents the essential procedures to build a fast method of moments (MoM) solver for modeling wire‐to‐surface structures in layered uniaxial media. These procedures include the modeling of junctions, accelerated evaluation, and efficient interpolation of the layered media Green's function (LMGF), and thin‐wire modeling in layered uniaxial media. Three numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of our approach.
Potential for smart food products in rural Myanmar: use of millets and pigeonpea to fill the nutrition gap
Authors: Anitha Seetha , Htut Thyn Thyn , Tsusaka Takuji W , Jalagam Ashok , Kane‐Potaka Joanna
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The present study examined the potential for ‘Smart Food’ with respect to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goal 2 of ending malnutrition by 2030, using a small‐scale capacity building case study in Oe Be Village, Myingyan district, Mandalay region, Myanmar. Within the study site, refined white rice is the major staple, followed by vegetables and animal source food in inadequate quantities. The protein intake in this particular dry zone community meets only 50% of the daily requirement and even less for those children aged less than 23 months. Therefore, to determine the acceptance and opportunity for legumes and millets which are produced locally, nutritious formulations were introduced for various age groups. In addition, a sensory evaluation of the recipes was conducted to test the acceptance of the nutritious products.

RESULTS

Two weeks of the inclusion of millets and pigeonpea in the diets of children aged 6–23 months had a positive impact on wasting, stunting and underweight (P = 0.002, 0.014 and 0.023, respectively). Moreover, the acceptability of these new food products by the children was found to be high. These results indicate an unexplored opportunity for specific millets rich in iron, zinc and calcium, as well as for pigeonpea rich in protein, if prepared in a culturally acceptable way.

CONCLUSION

The impact and acceptability of this small scale and short‐term intervention indicate the potential for Smart Food products in filling the nutrition gap arising from the traditional food consumption habits in the dry zones of Myanmar. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Surgical anatomy of vascularized submental lymph node flap: Sharing arterial supply of lymph nodes with the skin and topographic relationship with anterior belly of digastric muscle
Authors: Piyaman Parkpoom , Patchanee Krittayot , Oonjitti Thanaphorn , Ratanalekha Rosarin , Yodrabum Nutcha
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

Development of vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) flap has encountered dilemmas; (a) whether to include skin paddle, (b) how to reduce the harvest area while gaining most lymph nodes. To answer, these structures were studied; submental perforator, lymph nodes in neck‐level I and anterior belly of digastric muscle (ABDM).

Methods

Forty VSLN flaps were harvested from 23 cadavers. The lymph nodes and arterial supply were studied macro‐ and microscopically. The nodes were classified by arterial supplies, location along the longitudinal axis and relationship with ABDM.

Results

VSLN flap had 4.4 lymph nodes by average (range 1‐8) predominantly located in the posterior three‐quarter of the flap. Half of the submental perforators were originated deep to ABDM. they circumvent the muscle, supplied much of the nodes in neck sublevel Ia before reaching the skin. While sublevel Ib located the most surgically accessible submental nodes. Most of their arterial supply was branched from submental perforator lateral to ABDM, not directly from the submental artery.

Conclusion

The flap could be reduced to the posterior three‐quarter of the original area. Skin paddle should be included to serve as an indirect lymph node monitor. If Ia lymph nodes are to be included, ABDM should be sacrified.