bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Study on MicroRNA Profile in Tear Fluid to Predict Response to Anti-VEGF Treatments for Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Chan Hwei Wuen , Yang Binxia , Wong Wendy , Blakeley Paul , Seah Ivan , Tan Queenie Shu Woon , Wang Haofei , Bhargava Mayuri , Lin Hazel Anne , Chai Charmaine HC , Mangunkusumo Erlangga Ariadarma , Thet Naing , Yuen Yew Sen , Sethi Raman , Wang Si , Hunziker Walter , Lingam Gopal , Su Xinyi
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is an established treatment for center-involving diabetic macular edema (ci-DME). However, the clinical response is heterogeneous. This study investigated miRNAs as a biomarker to predict treatment response to anti-VEGF in DME. (2) Methods: Tear fluid, aqueous, and blood were collected from patients with treatment-naïve DME for miRNA expression profiling with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Differentially expressed miRNAs between good and poor responders were identified from tear fluid. Bioinformatics analysis with the miEAA tool, miRTarBase Annotations, Gene Ontology categories, KEGG, and miRWalk pathways identified interactions between enriched miRNAs and biological pathways. (3) Results: Of 24 participants, 28 eyes received bevacizumab (15 eyes) or aflibercept (13 eyes). Tear fluid had the most detectable miRNA species (N = 315), followed by serum (N = 309), then aqueous humor (N = 134). MiRNAs that correlated with change in macular thickness were miR-214-3p, miR-320d, and hsa-miR-874-3p in good responders; and miR-98-5p, miR-196b-5p, and miR-454-3p in poor responders. VEGF-related pathways and the angiogenin-PRI complex were enriched in good responders, while transforming growth factor-β and insulin-like growth factor pathways were enriched in poor responders. (4) Conclusions: We reported a panel of novel miRNAs that provide insight into biological pathways in DME. Validation in larger independent cohorts is needed to determine the predictive performance of these miRNA candidate biomarkers.
Repurposing Immunomodulatory Therapies against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Era of Cardiac Vigilance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Campbell Courtney M. , Guha Avirup , Haque Tamanna , Neilan Tomas G. , Addison Daniel
Published: September 2020

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in efforts to identify therapies to ameliorate adverse clinical outcomes. The recognition of the key role for increased inflammation in COVID-19 has led to a proliferation of clinical trials targeting inflammation. The purpose of this review is to characterize the current state of immunotherapy trials in COVID-19, and focuses on associated cardiotoxicities, given the importance of pharmacovigilance. The search terms related to COVID-19 were queried in ClinicalTrials.gov. A total of 1621 trials were identified and screened for interventional trials directed at inflammation. Trials (n = 226) were fully assessed for the use of a repurposed drug, identifying a total of 141 therapeutic trials using a repurposed drug to target inflammation in COVID-19 infection. Building on the results of the Randomized Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy (RECOVERY) trial demonstrating the benefit of low dose dexamethasone in COVID-19, repurposed drugs targeting inflammation are promising. Repurposed drugs directed at inflammation in COVID-19 primarily have been drawn from cancer therapies and immunomodulatory therapies, specifically targeted anti-inflammatory, anti-complement, and anti-rejection agents. The proposed mechanisms for many cytokine-directed and anti-rejection drugs are focused on evidence of efficacy in cytokine release syndromes in humans or animal models. Anti-complement-based therapies have the potential to decrease both inflammation and microvascular thrombosis. Cancer therapies are hypothesized to decrease vascular permeability and inflammation. Few publications to date describe using these drugs in COVID-19. Early COVID-19 intervention trials have re-emphasized the subtle, but important cardiotoxic sequelae of potential therapies on outcomes. The volume of trials targeting the COVID-19 hyper-inflammatory phase continues to grow rapidly with the evaluation of repurposed drugs and late-stage investigational agents. Leveraging known clinical safety profiles and pharmacodynamics allows swift investigation in clinical trials for a novel indication. Physicians should remain vigilant for cardiotoxicity, often not fully appreciated in small trials or in short time frames.
Effects of Households’ Fertilization Knowledge and Technologies on Over-Fertilization: A Case Study of Grape Growers in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Xue Caixia , Zhang Tingting , Yao Shunbo , Guo Yajun
Published: September 2020

Over-fertilization has caused serious environmental problems and high agricultural production costs at the household level in China. This study attempts to analyze the effects of grape growers’ fertilization knowledge and technologies on their over-fertilization behavior. Using survey data collected from 235 grape growers planting a particular grape (the “Hutai No. 8” grape) in Shaanxi, the marginal productivity of the chemical fertilizer (CF) as well as the effect of fertilizing knowledge and technologies on households’ over-fertilization behavior were examined, using the loss control production function and examining a two-part model, respectively. The results show that the average marginal productivity of the CF is 0.46 and that more than 75% of the participants were overusing CFs, with the probability and intensity of over-fertilization being lower when households have richer knowledge on how to determine the accurate fertilization time and match fertilizers with nutrient needs. The identification of nutrient deficiency symptoms has no significant effect on the over-fertilization behavior of households. In addition, the adoption of water and fertilizer integration technology (WFIT) can reduce both the probability and intensity of over-fertilization, while the adoption of the soil testing and formulated fertilization technique (STFFT) helps to reduce only the intensity of over-fertilization by households, but does not have a significant impact on the probability of over-fertilization. Therefore, policies aimed at reducing over-fertilization may focus on increasing households’ fertilization knowledge and adopting advanced technologies on fertilizer management.
Pregnancy Outcomes in Late Onset Pompe Disease
Authors: Goker-Alpan Ozlem , Kasturi Vellore G. , Sohi Maninder K. , Limgala Renuka P. , Austin Stephanie L. , Jennelle Tabitha , Banikazemi Maryam , Kishnani Priya S.
Published: September 2020

There is limited data on pregnancy outcomes in Pompe Disease (PD) resulting from deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase. Late-onset PD is characterized by progressive proximal muscle weakness and decline of respiratory function secondary to the involvement of the respiratory muscles. In a cohort of twenty-five females, the effects of both PD on the course of pregnancy and the effects of pregnancy on PD were investigated. Reproductive history, course of pregnancy, use of Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), PD symptoms, and outcomes of each pregnancy were obtained through a questionnaire. Among 20 subjects that reported one or more pregnancies, one subject conceived while on ERT and continued therapy through two normal pregnancies with worsening of weakness during pregnancy and improvement postpartum. While fertility was not affected, pregnancy may worsen symptoms, or cause initial symptoms to arise. Complications with pregnancy or birth were not higher, except for an increase in the rate of stillbirths (3.8% compared to the national average of 0.2–0.7%). Given small sample size and possible bias of respondents being only women who have been pregnant, further data may be needed to better analyze the effects of pregnancy on PD, and the effects of ERT on pregnancy outcomes.
Comparative Analysis of Thermophysiological Comfort-Related Properties of Elastic Knitted Fabrics for Cycling Sportswear
Authors: Teyeme Yetanawork , Malengier Benny , Tesfaye Tamrat , Vasile Simona , Van Langenhove Lieva
Published: September 2020

This research focused on the investigation of the thermophysiological comfort properties of four selected knitted fabrics of different fiber blend ratios suitable for cycling wear. Comfort-related properties of the fabrics were determined and compared including air permeability, moisture management properties, drying time, thermal conductivity, and water vapor permeability. For those comfort properties of the fabric to be correlated, fabric structural properties, fabric density, fabric weight, and fabric thickness have been considered. Suited fabrics should have good air permeability, thermal conductivity, moisture management properties, and a short drying time. According to the measurement results, the fabric polyamide/elasane (58/42 PA6.6/EL) with good air permeability, thermal conductivity, moisture management properties, and short drying time was more suited for summer cycling clothing. Furthermore, this paper provides a new understanding of considerations that are needed for several end uses involving specific activity levels.
In Memoriam: Professor Jarosław Lewkowski (1966–2019)
Authors: Mlostoń Grzegorz , Romański Jarosław
Published: September 2020

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Pore Structure Characteristics of Foam Composite with Active Carbon
Authors: Lee Jungsoo , Choi Young Cheol
Published: September 2020

Characterization of porous materials is essential for predicting and modeling their adsorption performance, strength, and durability. However, studies on the optimization of the pore structure to efficiently remove pollutants in the atmosphere by physical adsorption of construction materials have been insufficient. This study investigated the pore structure characteristics of foam composites. Porous foam composites were fabricated using foam composite with high porosity, open pores, and palm shell active carbon with micropores. The content was substituted 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by volume of cement. From the measured nitrogen adsorption isotherm, the pore structure of the foam composite was analyzed using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) theory, Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) analysis, and Harkins-jura adsorption isotherms. From the analysis results, it was found that activated carbon increases the specific surface area and micropore volume of the foam composite. The specific surface area and micropore volume of the foam composite containing 15% activated carbon were 106.48 m2/g and 29.80 cm3/g, respectively, which were the highest values obtained in this study. A foam composite with a high micropore volume was found to be effective for the adsorption of air pollutants.
Utilization of Carbon Nanotubes in Manufacturing of 3D Cartilage and Bone Scaffolds
Authors: Szymański Tomasz , Mieloch Adam Aron , Richter Magdalena , Trzeciak Tomasz , Florek Ewa , Rybka Jakub Dalibor , Giersig Michael
Published: September 2020

Cartilage and bone injuries are prevalent ailments, affecting the quality of life of injured patients. Current methods of treatment are often imperfect and pose the risk of complications in the long term. Therefore, tissue engineering is a rapidly developing branch of science, which aims at discovering effective ways of replacing or repairing damaged tissues with the use of scaffolds. However, both cartilage and bone owe their exceptional mechanical properties to their complex ultrastructure, which is very difficult to reproduce artificially. To address this issue, nanotechnology was employed. One of the most promising nanomaterials in this respect is carbon nanotubes, due to their exceptional physico-chemical properties, which are similar to collagens—the main component of the extracellular matrix of these tissues. This review covers the important aspects of 3D scaffold development and sums up the existing research tackling the challenges of scaffold design. Moreover, carbon nanotubes-reinforced bone and cartilage scaffolds manufactured using the 3D bioprinting technique will be discussed as a novel tool that could facilitate the achievement of more biomimetic structures.
High Levels of Physical Activity May Promote a Reduction in Bone Mineral Density in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Raimundo Armando , Charrua Zelinda , Batalha Nuno , Pereira Catarina , Parraca Jose , Tomas-Carus Pablo
Published: September 2020

Background and objectives: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are expected to present lower levels of physical activity, unhealthy changes at the body composition level, and low levels of strength. Firstly, this study aimed to report the sex differences in physical activity, body composition and muscle strength and the relations among these variables. Secondly, we analyze the relationship between physical activity and biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four patients (13 women and 21 men) participated in this study. Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and maximum isokinetic unilateral strength, analytical parameters and physical activity levels were evaluated. Results: The men showed higher values for weight, height, lean body mass, bone mineral content, bone mineral density (BMD) and total body water, while women showed higher values for the percentage of fat mass and hydration of lean body mass (p < 0.05). No differences between the sexes were found in different levels of physical activity; however, males registered significantly higher values for isokinetic strength variables except for knee extensor strength. BMD was positively related to sedentary activity and negatively related to moderate and vigorous activity (r = 0.383 and r = −0.404, respectively). Light physical activity was negatively correlated with albumin (r = −0.393) and total protein (r = −0.410) levels, while moderate/vigorous activity was positively correlated with urea distribution volume (r = 0.446) and creatinine clearance (r = 0.359) and negatively correlated with the triglyceride level (r = −0.455). Conclusions: PD patients with higher levels of physical activity present better results in terms of body composition and biochemical parameters. Additional studies should be conducted to clarify the relation between physical activity level and BMD.
The Risk Prediction of Coronary Artery Lesions through the Novel Hematological Z-Values in 4 Chronological Age Subgroups of Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Cho Hwa Jin , Kim Woo Young , Park Sung Man , Lee Jung Hwa , Shin Hong Ju , Jang Gi Young , Ha Kee Soo
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives: Most cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) occur between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Differences in immunological reaction and CAL (coronary artery lesion) by the age subgroups classified according to the prevalence of KD and those particularly in the earlier life of KD should be investigated. Materials and Methods: The laboratory data of 223 infantile and 681 non-infantile KD cases from 2003 to 2018 at Korea University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with KD were divided into infants and non-infants and further subdivided into four subgroups by age. The age-adjusted Z-values were compared among the subgroups. Febrile controls were identified as patients with fever for >5 days and who showed some of the KD symptoms. Results: IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) resistance at the age of 6 months or less was significantly lower than that at the ages of 7–12 months and 13–60 months (respectively, p < 0.05). The significant risk factors for CAL in total KD patients were age, incomplete KD, post-IVIG fever, IVIG resistance, convalescent Z-eosinophil, and subacute platelet (p < 0.05). The significant risk factors for CAL at the age of 6 months or less were IVIG resistance, acute Z-neutrophil, subacute Z-neutrophil, subacute NLR (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio), and subacute platelet (respectively, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Younger age and incomplete presentation in KD can be independent risk factors for CAL. The immune reactions of KD at a younger age are more tolerated compared with those at older ages during the acute phase. The immune response at the age of 6 months or less showed immune tolerance in terms of incomplete presentation and IVIG responsiveness. The risk factors such as IVIG resistance, subacute platelet, subacute NLR, and acute or subacute Z-neutrophil at the age of 6 months or less can be very useful parameters to predict CAL in young, incomplete KD.
Low Temperature Cu/Ga Solid–Liquid Inter-Diffusion Bonding Used for Interfacial Heat Transfer in High-Power Devices
Authors: Mu Guoqian , Qu Wenqing , Zhu Haiyun , Zhuang Hongshou , Zhang Yanhua
Published: September 2020

Interfacial heat transfer is essential for the development of high-power devices with high heat flux. The metallurgical bonding of Cu substrates is successfully realized by using a self-made interlayer at 10 °C, without any flux, by Cu/Ga solid-liquid inter-diffusion bonding (SLID), which can be used for the joining of heat sinks and power devices. The microstructure and properties of the joints were investigated, and the mechanism of Cu/Ga SLID bonding was discussed. The results show that the average shear strength of the joints is 7.9 MPa, the heat-resistant temperature is 200 °C, and the thermal contact conductance is 83,541 W/(m2·K) with a holding time of 30 h at the bonding temperature of 100 °C. The fracture occurs on one side of the copper wire mesh which is caused by the residual gallium. The microstructure is mainly composed of uniform θ-CuGa2 phase, in addition to a small amount of residual copper, residual gallium and γ3-Cu9Ga4 phase. The interaction product of Cu and Ga is mainly θ-CuGa2 phase, with only a small amount of γ3-Cu9Ga4 phase occurring at the temperature of 100 °C for 20 h. The process of Cu/Ga SLID bonding can be divided into three stages as follows: the pressurization stage, the reaction diffusion stage and the isothermal solidification stage. This technology can meet our requirements of low temperature bonding, high reliability service and interfacial heat transfer enhancement.
The Influence of Process Parameters and Scanning Strategy on Lower Surface Quality of TA15 Parts Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Jiang Junjie , Chen Jianming , Ren Zhihao , Mao Zhongfa , Ma Xiangyu , Zhang David Z.
Published: September 2020

With superior flexible manufacturing capability, selective laser melting (SLM) has attracted more and more attention in the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries. However, the poor quality of the lower surface in overhanging structures is still one of the factors that limits the wide application of SLM. In this work, the influence of process parameters and scanning strategy on the lower surface quality of SLMed TA15 (Ti-6Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V) titanium alloy parts were studied. The results showed that the laser surface energy density (EF) had a significant influence on the quality of the lower surface. Excessive EF led to obvious sinking of the molten pool and a serious slag hanging phenomenon. However, the too low EF easily contributed to the insufficient powder fusion in the lower surface area, which led to the agglomeration of a molten pool during core processing, resulting in slag hanging, pores, and powder spalling that reduced the quality of the lower surface. Moreover, the cross-remelting strategy and non-remelting strategy gained better surface quality at the low EF and high EF, respectively. In addition, it was found that the quality of the lower surface could be quickly and accurately evaluated by the cooling time of the molten pool during the processing of the lower surface. This research can increase the understanding of the forming mechanism of the lower surface and has certain guiding significance for the process optimization of the lower surface.
Single-Cell Mechanophenotyping in Microfluidics to Evaluate Behavior of U87 Glioma Cells
Authors: Sengul Esra , Elitas Meltem
Published: September 2020

Integration of microfabricated, single-cell resolution and traditional, population-level biological assays will be the future of modern techniques in biology that will enroll in the evolution of biology into a precision scientific discipline. In this study, we developed a microfabricated cell culture platform to investigate the indirect influence of macrophages on glioma cell behavior. We quantified proliferation, morphology, motility, migration, and deformation properties of glioma cells at single-cell level and compared these results with population-level data. Our results showed that glioma cells obtained slightly slower proliferation, higher motility, and extremely significant deformation capability when cultured with 50% regular growth medium and 50% macrophage-depleted medium. When the expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin proteins were measured, it was verified that observed mechanophenotypic alterations in glioma cells were not due to epithelium to mesenchymal transition. Our results were consistent with previously reported enormous heterogeneity of U87 glioma cell line. Herein, for the first time, we quantified the change of deformation indexes of U87 glioma cells using microfluidic devices for single-cells analysis.
Hydrophobic Agglomeration of Fine Pyrite Particles Induced by Flotation Reagents
Authors: Cheng Wanli , Deng Zhengbin , Tong Xiong , Lu Tianshen
Published: September 2020

Flotation reagents can change the surface properties of minerals, leading to differences in the interaction between mineral particles and affecting the mutual aggregation or dispersion of particles. In this work, we studied the role of activator copper sulfate, collector butyl xanthate and frother terpineol in adjusting the potential energy of pyrite particles from the perspective of the interfacial interaction. We evaluated the surface characteristics using contact angle analysis and zeta potential measurements under different reagents. A microscope was used to observe aggregation state of particles. The hydrophobic agglomeration kinetics of pyrite was studied through the turbidity meter measurement, and the interaction energy between pyrite particles was calculated using the extended-Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (extended-DLVO) theory. The results showed that the repulsive potential energy is dominant among pyrite particles in aqueous suspensions and that the particles are easy to disperse. Flotation reagents can effectively reduce the repulsive energy between pyrite particles and increase the attraction energy between particles, which is conducive to the hydrophobic agglomeration of fine pyrite. Reagent molecules can greatly reduce the electrostatic repulsion potential energy of the pyrite particles’ interface, increase the hydrophobic attraction potential energy between the particle interfaces, and its size is 2 orders of magnitude larger than the van der Waals attraction potential energy, which is the main reason for induced the agglomeration of fine pyrite and is conducive to the flotation recovery of fine pyrite. Generally, the order in which the reduction of pyrite agglomeration was affected by the additions of flotation reagents was butyl xanthate > terpineol > copper sulfate.
A Strategy to Optimize the Performance of Bio-Derived Carbon Aerogels by a Structuring Additive
Authors: Kubicka Marcelina , Bakierska Monika , Chudzik Krystian , Molenda Marcin
Published: September 2020

In this work, we investigated the influence of gum arabic (GA) as a structuring additive, on the electrochemical behavior of bio-derived carbon aerogels (CAGs). Modified carbonaceous materials were prepared by the gelatinization process of potato starch (PS) with the addition of GA in various quantities, followed by the thermal treatment of the obtained gels in an inert gas atmosphere. The obtained anode materials were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis (EA), galvanostatic charge/discharge tests (GCDT), extensive cycling (LT-GCDT) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) methods. The highest electrochemical performance was achieved for carbon aerogel material, in which 1% w/w GA was added. The results showed that the proper composition of carbon precursor with a structuring promoter improves the rheological properties of starch gel and stabilizes the final aerogel structure affecting CAG functional properties.
Characterization of Commercial Metal Oxide Nanomaterials: Crystalline Phase, Particle Size and Specific Surface Area
Authors: Bushell Michael , Beauchemin Suzanne , Kunc Filip , Gardner David , Ovens Jeffrey , Toll Floyd , Kennedy David , Nguyen Kathy , Vladisavljevic Djordje , Rasmussen Pat E. , Johnston Linda J.
Published: September 2020

Physical chemical characterization of nanomaterials is critical to assessing quality control during production, evaluating the impact of material properties on human health and the environment, and developing regulatory frameworks for their use. We have investigated a set of 29 nanomaterials from four metal oxide families (aluminum, copper, titanium and zinc) with a focus on the measurands that are important for the basic characterization of dry nanomaterials and the determination of the dose metrics for nanotoxicology. These include crystalline phase and crystallite size, measured by powder X-ray diffraction, particle shape and size distributions from transmission electron microscopy, and specific surface area, measured by gas adsorption. The results are compared to the nominal data provided by the manufacturer, where available. While the crystalline phase data are generally reliable, data on minor components that may impact toxicity is often lacking. The crystal and particle size data highlight the issues in obtaining size measurements of materials with broad size distributions and significant levels of aggregation, and indicate that reliance on nominal values provided by the manufacturer is frequently inadequate for toxicological studies aimed at identifying differences between nanoforms. The data will be used for the development of models and strategies for grouping and read-across to support regulatory human health and environmental assessments of metal oxide nanomaterials.
Inhibition of Mg2+ Extrusion Attenuates Glutamate Excitotoxicity in Cultured Rat Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Shindo Yutaka , Yamanaka Ryu , Hotta Kohji , Oka Kotaro
Published: September 2020

Magnesium plays important roles in the nervous system. An increase in the Mg2+ concentration in cerebrospinal fluid enhances neural functions, while Mg2+ deficiency is implicated in neuronal diseases in the central nervous system. We have previously demonstrated that high concentrations of glutamate induce excitotoxicity and elicit a transient increase in the intracellular concentration of Mg2+ due to the release of Mg2+ from mitochondria, followed by a decrease to below steady-state levels. Since Mg2+ deficiency is involved in neuronal diseases, this decrease presumably affects neuronal survival under excitotoxic conditions. However, the mechanism of the Mg2+ decrease and its effect on the excitotoxicity process have not been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that inhibitors of Mg2+ extrusion, quinidine and amiloride, attenuated glutamate excitotoxicity in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. A toxic concentration of glutamate induced both Mg2+ release from mitochondria and Mg2+ extrusion from cytosol, and both quinidine and amiloride suppressed only the extrusion. This resulted in the maintenance of a higher Mg2+ concentration in the cytosol than under steady-state conditions during the ten-minute exposure to glutamate. These inhibitors also attenuated the glutamate-induced depression of cellular energy metabolism. Our data indicate the importance of Mg2+ regulation in neuronal survival under excitotoxicity.
Protein-Rich Flours from Quinoa and Buckwheat Favourably Affect the Growth Parameters, Intestinal Microbial Activity and Plasma Lipid Profile of Rats
Authors: Fotschki Bartosz , Juśkiewicz Jerzy , Jurgoński Adam , Amarowicz Ryszard , Opyd Paulina , Bez Jürgen , Muranyi Isabel , Lykke Petersen Iben , Laparra Llopis Moisés
Published: September 2020

In recent years, dietary products with quinoa and buckwheat have attracted attention mostly due to the high nutritive value of their protein fraction. However, their dietary effect on intestinal microbiota activity and related systemic responses are still poorly understood. Therefore, a 2 week study of twenty-eight growing male Wistar rats was conducted to investigate the effects of quinoa (QU) and buckwheat (BK) protein-rich flours on the growth parameters, intestinal microbial activity, plasma lipid profile, and inflammatory markers. The biological value of protein and body weight gain were considerably increased in the QU and BK groups compared with those in the soy protein isolate group. Moreover, both flours increased the microbial activity of α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, and α-galactosidase and the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the caecum. The studied flours favourably reduced the plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. In rats fed a diet with QU, elevated levels of plasma interleukin 6 and alanine transaminase were observed. The effect of QU on inflammatory markers may be related to the increased expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the liver and to the decreased level of plasma albumin. In conclusion, quinoa and buckwheat protein-rich flours are valuable sources of proteins that favourably affect growth parameters, gut metabolism, and blood lipid profile in rats; however, only the buckwheat flour has no effect on inflammatory processes.
Chrononutrition during Pregnancy: A Review on Maternal Night-Time Eating
Authors: Loy See Ling , Loo Rachael Si Xuan , Godfrey Keith M. , Chong Yap-Seng , Shek Lynette Pei-Chi , Tan Kok Hian , Chong Mary Foong-Fong , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Yap Fabian
Published: September 2020

Evidence from women working night shifts during pregnancy indicates that circadian rhythm disruption has the potential to adversely influence pregnancy outcomes. In the general population, chronodisruption with the potential to affect pregnancy outcomes may also be seen in those with high energy intakes in the evening or at night. However, maternal night eating during pregnancy remains understudied. This narrative review provides an overview of the prevalence, contributing factors, nutritional aspects and health implications of night eating during pregnancy. We derived evidence based on cross-sectional studies and longitudinal cohorts. Overall, night eating is common during pregnancy, with the estimated prevalence in different populations ranging from 15% to 45%. The modern lifestyle and the presence of pregnancy symptoms contribute to night eating during pregnancy, which is likely to coexist and may interact with multiple undesirable lifestyle behaviors. Unfavorable nutritional characteristics associated with night eating have the potential to induce aberrant circadian rhythms in pregnant women, resulting in adverse metabolic and pregnancy outcomes. More research, particularly intervention studies, are needed to provide more definite information on the implications of night eating for mother-offspring health.
Dietary Iron Overload Differentially Modulates Chemically-Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Mori Mutsuki , Izawa Takeshi , Inai Yohei , Fujiwara Sho , Aikawa Ryo , Kuwamura Mitsuru , Yamate Jyoji
Published: September 2020

Hepatic iron overload is well known as an important risk factor for progression of liver diseases; however, it is unknown whether it can alter the susceptibility to drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Here we investigate the pathological roles of iron overload in two single-dose models of chemically-induced liver injury. Rats were fed a high-iron (Fe) or standard diet (Cont) for four weeks and were then administered with allyl alcohol (AA) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Twenty-four hours after administration mild mononuclear cell infiltration was seen in the periportal/portal area (Zone 1) in Cont-AA group, whereas extensive hepatocellular necrosis was seen in Fe-AA group. Centrilobular (Zone 3) hepatocellular necrosis was prominent in Cont-CCl4 group, which was attenuated in Fe-CCl4 group. Hepatic lipid peroxidation and hepatocellular DNA damage increased in Fe-AA group compared with Cont-AA group. Hepatic caspase-3 cleavage increased in Cont-CCl4 group, which was suppressed in Fe-CCl4 group. Our results showed that dietary iron overload exacerbates AA-induced Zone-1 liver injury via enhanced oxidative stress while it attenuates CCl4-induced Zone-3 liver injury, partly via the suppression of apoptosis pathway. This study suggested that susceptibility to drugs or chemical compounds can be differentially altered in iron-overloaded livers.
Silencing of Exosomal miR-181a Reverses Pediatric Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Cell Proliferation
Authors: Haque Shabirul , Vaiselbuh Sarah R.
Published: September 2020

Exosomes are cell-generated nano-vesicles found in most biological fluids. Major components of their cargo are lipids, proteins, RNA, DNA, and non-coding RNAs. The miRNAs carried within exosomes reveal real-time information regarding disease status in leukemia and other cancers, and therefore exosomes have been studied as novel biomarkers for cancer. We investigated the impact of exosomes on cell proliferation in pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia (PALL) and its reversal by silencing of exo-miR-181a. We isolated exosomes from the serum of PALL patients (Exo-PALL) and conditioned medium of leukemic cell lines (Exo-CM). We found that Exo-PALL promotes cell proliferation in leukemic B cell lines by gene regulation. This exosome-induced cell proliferation is a precise event with the up-regulation of proliferative (PCNA, Ki-67) and pro-survival genes (MCL-1, and BCL2) and suppression of pro-apoptotic genes (BAD, BAX). Exo-PALL and Exo-CM both show over expression of miR-181a compared to healthy donor control exosomes (Exo-HD). Specific silencing of exosomal miR-181a using a miR-181a inhibitor confirms that miR-181a inhibitor treatment reverses Exo-PALL/Exo-CM-induced leukemic cell proliferation in vitro. Altogether, this study suggests that exosomal miR-181a inhibition can be a novel target for growth suppression in pediatric lymphatic leukemia.
Ex-Vivo Trans-Corneal and Trans-Scleral Diffusion Studies with Ocular Formulations of Glutathione as an Antioxidant Treatment for Ocular Diseases
Authors: Sebastián-Morelló María , Alambiaga-Caravaca Adrián M. , Calatayud-Pascual María Aracely , Rodilla Vicent , Balaguer-Fernández Cristina , Miranda María , López-Castellano Alicia
Published: September 2020

Exposure to sunlight and contact with atmospheric oxygen makes the eye particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, which can potentially produce cellular damage. In physiological conditions, there are several antioxidant defense mechanisms within the eye. Glutathione (GSH) is the most important antioxidant in the eye; GSH deficit has been linked to several ocular pathologies. The aim of this study was to explore the potential for newly developed formulations allowing controlled delivery of antioxidants such as GSH and vitamin C (Vit C) directly to the eye. We have investigated the stability of antioxidants in aqueous solution and assessed ex-vivo the diffusion of GSH through two ocular membranes, namely cornea and sclera, either in solution or included in a semisolid insert. We have also carried out the hen’s egg-chlorioallantoic membrane test (HET-CAM) to evaluate the ocular irritancy of the different antioxidant solutions. Our results showed that GSH is stable for up to 30 days at 4 °C in darkness and it is not an irritant to the eye. The diffusion studies revealed that the manufactured formulation, a semisolid insert containing GSH, could deliver this tripeptide directly to the eye in a sustained manner.
Encapsulation of Nedaplatin in Novel PEGylated Liposomes Increases Its Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity against A549 and U2OS Human Cancer Cells
Authors: El-Shafie Salma , Fahmy Sherif Ashraf , Ziko Laila , Elzahed Nada , Shoeib Tamer , Kakarougkas Andreas
Published: September 2020

Following the discovery of cisplatin over 50 years ago, platinum-based drugs have been a widely used and effective form of cancer therapy, primarily causing cell death by inducing DNA damage and triggering apoptosis. However, the dose-limiting toxicity of these drugs has led to the development of second and third generation platinum-based drugs that maintain the cytotoxicity of cisplatin but have a more acceptable side-effect profile. In addition to the creation of new analogs, tumor delivery systems such as liposome encapsulated platinum drugs have been developed and are currently in clinical trials. In this study, we have created the first PEGylated liposomal form of nedaplatin using thin film hydration. Nedaplatin, the main focus of this study, has been exclusively used in Japan for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck, esophageal, bladder, ovarian and cervical cancer. Here, we investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of free and liposomal nedaplatin on the human non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549 and human osteosarcoma cell line U2OS. We use a variety of assays including ICP MS and the highly sensitive histone H2AX assay to assess drug internalization and to quantify DNA damage induction. Strikingly, we show that by encapsulating nedaplatin in PEGylated liposomes, the platinum uptake cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of nedaplatin was significantly enhanced in both cancer cell lines. Moreover, the enhanced platinum uptake as well as the cytotoxic/antiproliferative effect of liposomal nedaplatin appears to be selective to cancer cells as it was not observed on two noncancer cell lines. This is the first study to develop PEGylated liposomal nedaplatin and to demonstrate the superior cell delivery potential of this product.
The Influence of Co-Surfactants on Lamellar Liquid Crystal Structures Formed in Creams
Authors: Ahmadi Delaram , Mahmoudi Najet , Heenan Richard K. , Barlow David J. , Lawrence M. Jayne
Published: September 2020

It is well-established that oil-in-water creams can be stabilised through the formation of lamellar liquid crystal structures in the continuous phase, achieved by adding (emulsifier) mixtures comprising surfactant(s) combined (of necessity) with one or more co-surfactants. There is little molecular-level understanding, however, of how the microstructure of a cream is modulated by changes in co-surfactant and of the ramifications of such changes on cream properties. We investigate here the molecular architectures of oil-free, ternary formulations of water and emulsifiers comprising sodium dodecyl sulfate and one or both of the co-surfactants hexadecanol and octadecanol, using microscopy, small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle neutron scattering. We then deploy these techniques to determine how the structures of the systems change when liquid paraffin oil is added to convert them to creams, and establish how the structure, rheology, and stability of the creams is modified by changing the co-surfactant. The ternary systems and their corresponding creams are shown to contain co-surfactant lamellae that are subtly different and exhibit different thermotropic behaviours. The lamellae within the creams and the layers surrounding their oil droplets are shown to vary with co-surfactant chain length. Those containing a single fatty alcohol co-surfactant are found to contain crystallites, and by comparison with the cream containing both alcohols suffer adverse changes in their rheology and stability.
Gene Expression Profiles and Flavonoid Accumulation during Salt Stress in Ginkgo biloba Seedlings
Authors: Xu Ningtao , Liu Sian , Lu Zhaogeng , Pang Siyu , Wang Lu , Wang Li , Li Weixing
Published: September 2020

Ginkgo biloba is an economically valuable tree, as a variety of flavonoid compounds are produced by the leaves of its seedlings. Although soil salinity is a serious threat to agricultural productivity worldwide, the effect of salt stress on G. biloba seedlings remains unclear. In this study, we found that under high NaCl concentrations (200 and 300 mmol/L), seedling growth was inhibited and the water content, chlorophyll, and peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity were significantly decreased in the leaves, whereas the soluble protein and proline levels increased significantly. However, at low NaCl concentrations (50 and 100 mmol/L), the seedlings grew normally because of the regulation of catalase (CAT) and POD enzyme activities. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind G. biloba salt tolerance, we examined the transcriptome of G. biloba seedlings treated with 100 mmol/L NaCl. Twelve differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found to be involved in ion osmotic potential signal transduction and amplification, including two ABA signaling genes, five CDPK/CIPK genes, and five mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling genes. We also found that NAC transcription factors may be involved in the salt stress response; these included positive regulators (Gb_12203, Gb_27819, Gb_37720, and Gb_41540) and negative regulators (Gb_32549, Gb_35048, and Gb_37444). Importantly, treatment with 100 mmol/L NaCl can significantly improve flavonoid and flavonol glycoside biosynthesis. Simultaneously, the expression of flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes, including PAL (Gb_10949, Gb_21115) and FLS (Gb_00285, Gb_14024, and Gb_14029), was significantly upregulated. Based on these results, we reveal that G. biloba seedlings can tolerate low-level soil salinity stress through the regulation of different kinds of genes and transcriptome factors, especially flavonoid biosynthesis, which is improved to respond to environmental stress.
Effect of Daytime and Tree Canopy Height on Sampling of Cacopsylla melanoneura, a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ Vector
Authors: Barthel Dana , Kerschbamer Christine , Panassiti Bernd , Malenovský Igor , Janik Katrin
Published: September 2020

The psyllids Cacopsylla melanoneura and Cacopsylla picta reproduce on apple (Malus × domestica) and transmit the bacterium ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’, the causative agent of apple proliferation. Adult psyllids were collected by the beating-tray method from lower and upper parts of the apple tree canopy in the morning and in the afternoon. There was a trend of catching more emigrant adults of C.melanoneura in the morning and in the lower part of the canopy. For C.melanoneura remigrants, no differences were observed. The findings regarding the distribution of adults were reflected by the number of nymphs collected by wash-down sampling. The density of C.picta was too low for a statistical analysis. The vector monitoring and how it is commonly performed, is suitable for estimating densities of C.melanoneura. Nevertheless, above a certain temperature threshold, prediction of C.melanoneura density might be skewed. No evidence was found that other relatively abundant psyllid species in the orchard, viz. Baeopelma colorata, Cacopsylla breviantennata, Cacopsylla brunneipennis, Cacopsylla pruni and Trioza urticae, were involved in ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ transmission. The results of our study contribute to an advanced understanding of insect vector behavior and thus have a practical impact for an improved field monitoring.
Chitosan Modified Biochar Increases Soybean (Glycine max L.) Resistance to Salt-Stress by Augmenting Root Morphology, Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms and the Expression of Stress-Responsive Genes
Authors: Mehmood Sajid , Ahmed Waqas , Ikram Muhammad , Imtiaz Muhammad , Mahmood Sammina , Tu Shuxin , Chen Diyun
Published: September 2020

Soybean is an important oilseed crop that provides high-quality protein and vegetable oil. Salinity constitutes a negative abiotic factor that reduces soybean plant growth, production, and quality. The adsorption of Na+ by chitosan-modified biochar (CMB) has a significant effect on salinity but the application of CMB is limited in soybean. In the current study, CMB was used for characterization of physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of soybean under salt stress. Comparison of CMB and unmodified (as-is) biochar (BR) demonstrated a significant difference between them shown by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scan electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), elemental analysis and z-potential measurement. Pseudo-first and second-order better suited for the analysis of Na+ adsorption kinetics. The salt-stress reduced the soybean plants growth, root architecture characteristics, biomass yield, nutrients acquisition, chlorophyll contents, soluble protein, and sugar contents, while CMB with salt-stress significantly increased the above parameters. Moreover, CMB also reduced the salinity-induced increase in the Na+, glycine betaine (GB), proline, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plants. The antioxidant activity and gene expression levels triggered by salinity but with the application of CMB significantly further boosted the expression profile of four genes (CAT, APX, POD and SOD) encoding antioxidant enzyme and two salt-tolerant conferring genes (GmSALT3 and CHS). Overall, these findings demonstrate the crucial role of CMB in minimizing the adverse effects of high salinity on soybean growth and efficiency of the mechanisms enabling plant protection from salinity through a shift of the architecture of the root system and enhancing the antioxidant defense systems and stress-responsive genes for achieving sustainable crop production.
Ethnomedicinal Knowledge of Traditional Healers in Roi Et, Thailand
Authors: Junsongduang Auemporn , Kasemwan Wanpen , Lumjoomjung Sukanya , Sabprachai Wichuda , Tanming Wattana , Balslev Henrik
Published: September 2020

Traditional healers in Thailand are a primary source of health care for the Thai people. Highly experienced traditional healers are generally older people and they continue to pass away without recording or passing on their knowledge. Consequently, the cumulative knowledge held by traditional healers regarding the use of medicinal plants is being eroded and could be lost. In this study, we aimed to identify and document the medicinal plants and associated ethnobotanical knowledge held by traditional healers in Roi Et in northeastern Thailand. Data and plant specimens were collected from four traditional healers of the Phu Tai people. They were selected by purposive sampling and questioned using a semi-structured interview. The interviews covered their training, the ailments treated, treatment techniques, method of preparation and in addition, several healing sessions were observed. During field walks, we searched for the medicinal plants with the healers to review and document the availability of medicinal plants at each locality and in different habitats around the villages. Use values (UV) were calculated to estimate the importance of each medicinal plant and informant agreement ratios (IAR) were calculated to understand how widely known the uses were. The four Phu Tai traditional healers knew 162 medicinal plant species in 141 genera and 63 families. The family with the most medicinal plants was Leguminosae with 15 species. The plant part that they used most commonly was the stem, which was used for 82 species (49%). The most common preparation method was decoction, which was done for 124 species (75%). The most important and widely used medicinal plants were Rothmannia wittii, which had the highest use value (UV = 1.7). Most medicinal plants were used for treating tonic (34 species (21%)). Jaundice had the highest informant agreement ratio (IAR = 0.5). The most common life form among the medicinal plants was trees (56 species (34%)). The medicinal plants were mostly collected in community forests (81 species (49%)). Considering the richness of the healer’s pharmacopeia, and the fact that their profession is not being perpetuated, this study points to the urgent need to document the traditional knowledge from the old herbalists before it disappears with the last practitioners from rural communities in Thailand.