bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regenerative and Transplantation Medicine: Cellular Therapy Using Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Takahashi Hiroyuki , Sakata Naoaki , Yoshimatsu Gumpei , Hasegawa Suguru , Kodama Shohta
Published: February 2019

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is caused by the autoimmune targeting of pancreatic β-cells, and, in the advanced stage, severe hypoinsulinemia due to islet destruction. In patients with T1DM, continuous exogenous insulin therapy cannot be avoided. However, an insufficient dose of insulin easily induces extreme hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis, and intensive insulin therapy may cause hypoglycemic symptoms including hypoglycemic shock. While these insulin therapies are efficacious in most patients, some additional therapies are warranted to support the control of blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia in patients who respond poorly despite receiving appropriate treatment. There has been a recent gain in the popularity of cellular therapies using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in various clinical fields, owing to their multipotentiality, capacity for self-renewal, and regenerative and immunomodulatory potential. In particular, adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADMSCs) have become a focus in the clinical setting due to the abundance and easy isolation of these cells. In this review, we outline the possible therapeutic benefits of ADMSC for the treatment of T1DM.
Studies of Effects of Calcination Temperature on the Crystallinity and Optical Properties of Ag-Doped ZnO Nanocomposites
Authors: Molla Md. Ashraful Islam , Furukawa Mai , Tateishi Ikki , Katsumata Hideyuki , Kaneco Satoshi
Published: February 2019

Ag-doped ZnO nanocomposites are successfully synthesized at different calcination temperatures and times through a simple, effective, high-yield and low-cost mechanochemical combustion technique. Effects of calcination temperature on the crystallinity and optical properties of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV−visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD patterns of the synthesized Ag/ZnO exhibit a well-crystalline wurtzite ZnO crystal structure. The grain size of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites is found to be 19 and 46 nm at calcination temperatures of 400 °C and 700 °C, respectively. The maximum absorption in the UV region is obtained for Ag/ZnO nanocomposites synthesized at a calcination temperature of 500 °C for 3 h. The peak position of blue emissions is almost the same for the nanocomposites obtained at 300–700 °C calcination temperatures. The usual band edge emission in the UV is not obtained at 330 nm excitation. Band edge and blue band emissions are observed for the use of low excitation energy at 335–345 nm.
A New, Carbon-Negative Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Admixture (PCC-A) for Low Carbon Portland Cements
Authors: McDonald Lewis , Glasser Fredrik P. , Imbabi Mohammed S.
Published: February 2019

The production of Portland cement accounts for approximately 7% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Carbon CAPture and CONversion (CAPCON) technology under development by the authors allows for new methods to be developed to offset these emissions. Carbon-negative Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC), produced from CO2 emissions, can be used as a means of offsetting the carbon footprint of cement production while potentially providing benefits to cement hydration, workability, durability and strength. In this paper, we present preliminary test results obtained for the mechanical and chemical properties of a new class of PCC blended Portland cements. These initial findings have shown that these cements behave differently from commonly used Portland cement and Portland limestone cement, which have been well documented to improve workability and the rate of hydration. The strength of blended Portland cements incorporating carbon-negative PCC Admixture (PCC-A) has been found to exceed that of the reference baseline—Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The reduction of the cement clinker factor, when using carbon-negative PCC-A, and the observed increase in compressive strength and the associated reduction in member size can reduce the carbon footprint of blended Portland cements by more than 25%.
Residual Magnetic Field Non-Destructive Testing of Gantry Cranes
Authors: Juraszek Janusz
Published: February 2019

Non-destructive tests of gantry cranes by means of the residual magnetic field (RMF) method were carried out for a duration of 7 years. Distributions of the residual magnetic field tangential and the normal components of their gradients were determined. A database of magnetograms was created. The results show that the gradients of tangential components can be used to identify and localize stress concentration zones in gantry crane beams. Special attention was given to the unsymmetrical distribution of the tangential component gradient on the surface of the crane beam No. 5 (which was the most loaded one). The anomaly was the effect of a slight torsional deflection of the beam as it was loaded. Numerical simulations with the finite element method (FEM) were used to explain this phenomenon. The displacement boundary conditions introduced into the simulations were established experimentally. Validation was carried out using the X-ray diffraction method, which confirmed the location of strain concentration zones (SCZs) identified by means of RMF testing.
Biosynthesis of Nutraceutical Fatty Acids by the Oleaginous Marine Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum Utilizing Hydrolysates from Organosolv-Pretreated Birch and Spruce Biomass
Authors: Patel Alok , Matsakas Leonidas , Hrůzová Kateřina , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul
Published: February 2019

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential for human function, however they have to be provided through the diet. As their production from fish oil is environmentally unsustainable, there is demand for new sources of PUFAs. The aim of the present work was to establish the microalgal platform to produce nutraceutical-value PUFAs from forest biomass. To this end, the growth of Phaeodactylum tricornutum on birch and spruce hydrolysates was compared to autotrophic cultivation and glucose synthetic media. Total lipid generated by P. tricornutum grown mixotrophically on glucose, birch, and spruce hydrolysates was 1.21, 1.26, and 1.29 g/L, respectively. The highest eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) production (256 mg/L) and productivity (19.69 mg/L/d) were observed on spruce hydrolysates. These values were considerably higher than those obtained from the cultivation without glucose (79.80 mg/L and 6.14 mg/L/d, respectively) and also from the photoautotrophic cultivation (26.86 mg/L and 2.44 mg/L/d, respectively). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the use of forest biomass as raw material for EPA and docosapentaenoic acid (DHA) production.
Differential Methylation and Acetylation as the Epigenetic Basis of Resveratrol’s Anticancer Activity
Authors: Farhan Mohd , Ullah Mohammad Fahad , Faisal Mohd , Farooqi Ammad Ahmad , Sabitaliyevich Uteuliyev Yerzhan , Biersack Bernhard , Ahmad Aamir
Published: February 2019

Numerous studies support the potent anticancer activity of resveratrol and its regulation of key oncogenic signaling pathways. Additionally, the activation of sirtuin 1, a deacetylase, by resveratrol has been known for many years, making resveratrol perhaps one of the earliest nutraceuticals with associated epigenetic activity. Such epigenetic regulation by resveratrol, and the mechanism thereof, has attracted much attention in the past decade. Focusing on methylation and acetylation, the two classical epigenetic regulations, we showcase the potential of resveratrol as an effective anticancer agent by virtue of its ability to induce differential epigenetic changes. We discuss the de-repression of tumor suppressors such as BRCA-1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and Ras Associated Domain family-1α (RASSF-1α) by methylation, PAX1 by acetylation and the phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) by both methylation and acetylation, in addition to the epigenetic regulation of oncogenic NF-κB and STAT3 signaling by resveratrol. Further, we evaluate the literature supporting the potentiation of HDAC inhibitors and the inhibition of DNMTs by resveratrol in different human cancers. This discussion underlines a robust epigenetic activity of resveratrol that warrants further evaluation, particularly in clinical settings.
Surface Organic Modification of CaCO3-TiO2 Composite Pigment
Authors: Sun Sijia , Ding Hao , Zha Yanpeng , Chen Wanting , Xu Zhuoqun
Published: February 2019

To improve the properties and dispersibility of CaCO3-TiO2 composite pigments (CaCO3-TiO2) in organic matrices, the surface modification of CaCO3-TiO2 was performed with sodium stearate (SS) as an organic modifier by wet ultra-fine grinding in a stirred mill. The pigment properties of modified CaCO3-TiO2 and its dispersibility in organic media were tested and characterized. The binding mechanism between CaCO3-TiO2 and SS was explored by infrared spectrometry (IR) and X-ray photoelectron energy spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the mechanical grinding strength and SS dosage had a significant effect on the activation index and sedimentation rate of CaCO3-TiO2. After surface modification, the surface of CaCO3-TiO2 turned from a hydrophilic surface to a hydrophobic surface and the surface free energy was reduced. In addition, the hiding property and dispersibility of CaCO3-TiO2 in the organic medium were significantly improved. IR and XPS results indicated that the modifier SS was adsorbed on the surface of CaCO3-TiO2 by chemical combination.
From Early Contraction to Post-Folding Fluid Evolution in the Frontal Part of the Bóixols Thrust Sheet (Southern Pyrenees) as Revealed by the Texture and Geochemistry of Calcite Cements
Authors: Nardini Nicholas , Muñoz-López Daniel , Cruset David , Cantarero Irene , Martín-Martín Juan Diego , Benedicto Antonio , Gomez-Rivas Enrique , John Cédric M. , Travé Anna
Published: February 2019

Structural, petrological and geochemical (δ13C, δ18O, clumped isotopes, 87Sr/86Sr and ICP-MS) analyses of fracture-related calcite cements and host rocks are used to establish a fluid-flow evolution model for the frontal part of the Bóixols thrust sheet (Southern Pyrenees). Five fracture events associated with the growth of the thrust-related Bóixols anticline and Coll de Nargó syncline during the Alpine orogeny are distinguished. These fractures were cemented with four generations of calcite cements, revealing that such structures allowed the migration of different marine and meteoric fluids through time. During the early contraction stage, Lower Cretaceous seawater circulated and precipitated calcite cement Cc1, whereas during the main folding stage, the system opened to meteoric waters, which mixed with the connate seawater and precipitated calcite cement Cc2. Afterwards, during the post-folding stages, connate evaporated marine fluids circulated through newly formed NW-SE and NE-SW conjugate fractures and later through strike-slip faults and precipitated calcite cements Cc3 and Cc4. The overall paragenetic sequence reveals the progressive dewatering of Cretaceous marine host sediments during progressive burial, deformation and fold tightening and the input of meteoric waters only during the main folding stage. This study illustrates the changes of fracture systems and the associated fluid-flow regimes during the evolution of fault-associated folds during orogenic growth.
Tetracycline Residues in Bovine Muscle and Liver Samples from Sicily (Southern Italy) by LC-MS/MS Method: A Six-Year Study
Authors: Cammilleri Gaetano , Pulvirenti Andrea , Vella Antonio , Macaluso Andrea , Lo Dico Gianluigi Maria , Giaccone Vita , Giordano Vincenzo , Vinciguerra Massimo , Cicero Nicola , Cicero Antonello , Giangrosso Giuseppe , Vullo Stefano , Ferrantelli Vincenzo
Published: February 2019

We examined a total of 369 bovine liver and muscle samples for the detection of oxytetracycline (OTC), tetracycline (TC), chlortetracycline (CTC), and doxycycline (DOX) residues by implementation and validation of a LC-MS/MS method. The method showed good recovery values between 86% and 92% at three levels of concentrations. The linearity tests revealed r2 > 0.996 for all the tetracyclines examined. Furthermore, the Youden test revealed that the method was robust. Only 14.4% of the samples showed OTC and TC residues in a concentration range of 10.4–40.2 µg kg−1. No CTC and DOX residues were found in all the samples analyzed. Liver samples showed the highest average values (31.5 ± 20.6 and 21.8 ± 18.9 for OTC and TC, respectively). The results showed a low incidence of TCs in all the samples examined, in comparison with other studies reported in the literature. A significant decrease in TC residues frequency was found from 2013 (p < 0.05). This work reports for the first time epidemiological data on the presence of TC residues in liver and muscle samples of cattle farmed in Sicily (Southern Italy). The very low incidence of TC residues indicates a continuous improvement in farming techniques in Southern Italy, which is essential to ensure consumers’ protection.
Bioactivity Determination of a Therapeutic Recombinant Human Keratinocyte Growth Factor by a Validated Cell-based Bioassay
Authors: Yao Wenrong , Guo Ying , Qin Xi , Yu Lei , Shi Xinchang , Liu Lan , Zhou Yong , Hu Jinpan , Rao Chunming , Wang Junzhi
Published: February 2019

The therapeutic recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor 1 (rhKGF-1) was approved by the FDA for oral mucositis resulting from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematological malignancies in 2004. However, no recommended bioassay for rhKGF-1 bioactivity has been recorded in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia. In this study, we developed an rhKGF-1-dependent bioassay for determining rhKGF-1 bioactivity based on HEK293 and HaCat cell lines that stably expressed the luciferase reporter driven by the serum response element (SRE) and human fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR2) IIIb. A good responsiveness to rhKGF-1 and rhKGF-2 shared by target HEK293/HaCat cell lines was demonstrated. Our stringent validation was completely focused on specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness according to the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) Q2 (R1) guidelines, AAPS/FDA Bioanalytical Workshop and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. We confirmed the reliability of the method in determining rhKGF bioactivity. The validated method is highly timesaving, sensitive, and simple, and is especially valuable for providing information for quality control during the manufacture, research, and development of therapeutic rhKGF.
Trends in the Design of New Isobaric Labeling Reagents for Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Bąchor Remigiusz , Waliczek Mateusz , Stefanowicz Piotr , Szewczuk Zbigniew
Published: February 2019

Modern mass spectrometry is one of the most frequently used methods of quantitative proteomics, enabling determination of the amount of peptides in a sample. Although mass spectrometry is not inherently a quantitative method due to differences in the ionization efficiency of various analytes, the application of isotope-coded labeling allows relative quantification of proteins and proteins. Over the past decade, a new method for derivatization of tryptic peptides using isobaric labels has been proposed. The labels consist of reporter and balanced groups. They have the same molecular weights and chemical properties, but differ in the distribution of stable heavy isotopes. These tags are designed in such a way that during high energy collision induced dissociation (CID) by tandem mass spectrometry, the isobaric tag is fragmented in the specific linker region, yielding reporter ions with different masses. The mass shifts among the reporter groups are compensated by the balancing groups so that the overall mass is the same for all forms of the reagent. Samples of peptides are labeled with the isobaric mass tags in parallel and combined for analysis. Quantification of individual peptides is achieved by comparing the intensity of reporter ions in the tandem mass (MS/MS) spectra. Isobaric markers have found a wide range of potential applications in proteomics. However, the currently available isobaric labeling reagents have some drawbacks, such as high cost of production, insufficient selectivity of the derivatization, and relatively limited enhancement of sensitivity of the analysis. Therefore, efforts have been devoted to the development of new isobaric markers with increased usability. The search for new isobaric markers is focused on developing a more selective method of introducing a tag into a peptide molecule, increasing the multiplexicity of markers, lowering the cost of synthesis, and increasing the sensitivity of measurement by using ionization tags containing quaternary ammonium salts. Here, the trends in the design of new isobaric labeling reagents for quantitative proteomics isobaric derivatization strategies in proteomics are reviewed, with a particular emphasis on isobaric ionization tags. The presented review focused on different types of isobaric reagents used in quantitative proteomics, their chemistry, and advantages offer by their application.
Physicochemical and Microstructural Properties of Polymerized Whey Protein Encapsulated 3,3′-Diindolylmethane Nanoparticles
Authors: Khan Abbas , Wang Cuina , Sun Xiaomeng , Killpartrick Adam , Guo Mingruo
Published: February 2019

The fat-soluble antioxidant 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), is a natural phytochemical found in Brassica vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. The stability of this compound is a major challenge for its applications. Polymerized whey protein (PWP)-based DIM nanoparticles were prepared at different mass ratios of protein and DIM by mixing PWP and DIM followed by ultrasound treatment for 4 min. All the nanoparticles were studied for particle size, zeta potential, rheological and microstructural properties, and storage stability. The mean particle size of the PWP-based nanoparticles was significantly increased (p < 0.05) by the addition of DIM at different mass ratios, ranging from 241.33 ± 14.82 to 270.57 ± 15.28 nm. Zeta potential values of all nanoparticles were highly negative (greater than ±30 mV), suggesting a stable solution due its electrostatic repulsive forces. All samples exhibited shear thinning behavior (n < 1), fitted with Sisko model (R2 > 0.997). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)spectra revealed that the secondary structure was changed and the absorption intensity for hydrogen bonding got stronger by further incorporating DIM into PWP. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) images showed spherical and smooth surface shape of the PWP-based nanoparticles. DIM encapsulated by PWP showed enhanced stability at 4, 37 and 55 °C for 15 days evidenced by changes in mean particle size and color (a*-value and b*-value) compared with control (DIM only). In conclusion, the polymerized whey protein based 3,3′-diindolylmethane nanoparticles are stable and the encapsulation may protect the core material from oxidation.
Effect of Steaming Processing on Phenolic Profiles and Cellular Antioxidant Activities of Castanea mollissima
Authors: Zhang Fangyuan , Liu Fengyuan , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood , Chang Xiaoxiao , Guo Xinbo
Published: February 2019

The intention of this study was to investigate the effect of steaming processing on phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities in chestnuts. Steaming processing at different times and temperatures depicted diverse impacts on free and bound fractions. Though, bound phenolics were stable but long time steaming at higher temperatures tended to improve the levels of phenolics, flavonoids as well as antioxidant activities in chestnut kernels, by up to 60.11% of the original value. Seven phenolic compounds including ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, syringate, p-coumaric acid and quercetin were found to change during thermal processes. Significant relationships (p < 0.05) were identified between total phenolics and total antioxidant activities. However, the consistency of chlorogenic acid (p < 0.01) only with cellular antioxidant activity indicated poor bio-accessibility of the phytochemicals in chestnuts. However, this situation could be partly improved by steaming. Steaming could improve the cellular accessibility of free phytochemicals, particularly, increasing the bio-accessibility by 41.96%. This study provided valuable information on dynamic changes of phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of chestnuts under a steaming process, which could offer possible guidance for the chestnut processing industry in the future.
In Vivo and In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Methanol Extracts from Olive Leaves on Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Luo Siyuan , Jiang Xuelian , Jia Liping , Tan Chengyue , Li Min , Yang Qiuyu , Du Yanlin , Ding Chunbang
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activities of extracts from olive leaves (EOL). The main contents of EOL were determined by colorimetric methods. The antioxidant activities were assessed by measuring the scavenging free radicals in vitro. To investigate the antioxidant activity in vivo, we detected the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans, under thermal stress. Subsequently the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, activities of antioxidant enzymes, the expression of HSP-16.2 and the translocation of daf-16 were measured. The results showed that, polyphenols was the main component. EOL could well scavenge DPPH and superoxide anion radicals in vitro. Compared to the control group, the survival rate of C. elegans treated with EOL was extended by 10.43%, under heat stress. The ROS level was reduced, while the expression of hsp-16.2 was increased to protect the organism against the increasing ROS. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) also decreased sharply. The activities of inner antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were potentiated, which might have had a correlation with the DAF-16 transcription factor that was induced-turned into the nuclear. Therefore, EOL showed a strong antioxidant ability in vitro and in vivo. Hence, it could be a potential candidate when it came to medicinal and edible plants.
Nrf2–ARE Signaling Acts as Master Pathway for the Cellular Antioxidant Activity of Fisetin
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Zheng Wan , Feng Xiangling , Yang Fei , Qin Hong , Wu Shusong , Hou De-Xing , Chen Jihua
Published: February 2019

Fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, is reported to have cellular antioxidant activity with an unclear mechanism. In this study, we investigated the effect of fisetin on the nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in HepG2 cells to explore the cellular antioxidant mechanism. Fisetin upregulated the mRNA expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), and induced the protein of HO-1 but had no significant effect on the protein of GCLC, GCLM and NQO1. Moreover, nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 was clearly observed by immunofluorescence analysis and western blotting after fisetin treatment, and an enhanced luciferase activity of antioxidant response element (ARE)-regulated transactivation was obtained by dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. In addition, fisetin upregulated the protein level of Nrf2 and downregulated the protein level of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). However, fisetin had no significant effect on Nrf2 mRNA expression. When protein synthesis was inhibited with cycloheximide (CHX), fisetin prolonged the half-life of Nrf2 from 15 min to 45 min. When blocking Nrf2 degradation with proteasome inhibitor MG132, ubiquitinated proteins were enhanced, and fisetin reduced ubiquitination of Nrf2. Taken together, fisetin translocated Nrf2 into the nucleus and upregulated the expression of downstream HO-1 gene by inhibiting the degradation of Nrf2 at the post-transcriptional level. These data provide the molecular mechanism to understand the cellular antioxidant activity of fisetin.
All Solid-State Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Membrane Potentiometric Sensor Integrated with Nano-Beads Imprinted Polymers for Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Bispyribac Herbicide as Organic Pollutant
Authors: Abdalla Nashwa S. , Youssef Maha A. , Algarni H. , Awwad Nasser S. , Kamel Ayman H.
Published: February 2019

All-solid-state potentiometric sensors were prepared by using polyaniline (PANI) as the solid contact material. A film of PANI (thickness approximately being 0.25 µm) was deposited on a solid substrate (carbon screen printed platform). The PANI layer was subsequently coated with an ion-selective membrane (ISM) containing uniform-sized molecularly imprinted nanoparticles to produce a solid-contact ion-selective electrode (SC/ISE) for bispyribac herbicide (sensor I). In addition, aliquat 336 was also used as an ion exchanger in plasticized PVC membrane (sensor II). The proposed sensors revealed a remarkably improved sensitivity towards bispyribac ions with anionic slopes of −47.8 ± 1.1 (r2 = 0.9995) and −44.4 ± 1.4 (r2 = 0.9997) mV/decade over a linear range 1.0 × 10−2–8.6 × 10−6 M, 1.0 × 10−2–9.0 × 10−6 M and detection limits of 1.33 and 1.81 µg/mL for sensors I and II, respectively.Selectivity of both sensors is significantly high for different common pesticides and inorganic anions. The potential stability of the SC/ISEs was studied using chronopotentiometry. Electrochemical impedance spectrometry was used to understand the charge-transfer mechanisms of the different types of ion-selective electrodes studied. The impedance response of the electrodes was modelled by using equivalent electrical circuits. The sensors were used for a direct measurement of the bispyribac content in commercial herbicide formulations and soil samples collected from agricultural lands planted with rice and sprayed with bispyribac herbicide. The results agree fairly well with data obtained using HPLC method.
Identification of Phytoconstituents in Leea indica (Burm. F.) Merr. Leaves by High Performance Liquid Chromatography Micro Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Singh Deepika , Siew Yin-Yin , Chong Teck-Ian , Yew Hui-Chuing , Ho Samuel Shan-Wei , Lim Claire Sophie En-Shen , Tan Wei-Xun , Neo Soek-Ying , Koh Hwee-Ling
Published: February 2019

Leea indica (Vitaceae) is a Southeast Asian medicinal plant. In this study, an ethyl acetate fraction of L. indica leaves was studied for its phytoconstituents using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-microTOF-Q-MS/MS) analysis. A total of 31 compounds of different classes, including benzoic acid derivatives, phenolics, flavonoids, catechins, dihydrochalcones, coumarins, megastigmanes, and oxylipins were identified using LC-MS/MS. Among them, six compounds including gallic acid, methyl gallate, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, and 4′,6′-dihydroxy-4-methoxydihydrochalcone 2′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside were isolated and identified by NMR analysis. The LC-MS/MS analysis led to the tentative identification of three novel dihydrochalcones namely 4′,6′-dihydroxy-4-methoxydihydrochalcone 2′-O-rutinoside, 4′,6′-dihydroxy-4-methoxydihydrochalcone 2′-O-glucosylpentoside and 4′,6′-dihydroxy-4-methoxydihydrochalcone 2′-O-(3″-O-galloyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside. The structural identification of novel dihydrochalcones was based on the basic skeleton of the isolated dihydrochalcone, 4′,6′-dihydroxy-4-methoxydihydrochalcone 2′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and characteristic LC-MS/MS fragmentation patterns. This is the first comprehensive analysis for the identification of compounds from L. indica using LC-MS. A total 24 compounds including three new dihydrochalcones were identified for the first time from the genus Leea.
Isolation, Characterisation, and Lipase Production of a Cold-Adapted Bacterial Strain Pseudomonas sp. LSK25 Isolated from Signy Island, Antarctica
Authors: Salwoom Leelatulasi , Raja Abd Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha , Salleh Abu Bakar , Mohd. Shariff Fairolniza , Convey Peter , Pearce David , Mohamad Ali Mohd Shukuri
Published: February 2019

In recent years, studies on psychrophilic lipases have been an emerging area of research in the field of enzymology. This study focuses on bacterial strains isolated from anthropogenically-influenced soil samples collected around Signy Island Research Station (South Orkney Islands, maritime Antarctic). Limited information on lipase activities from bacteria isolated from Signy station is currently available. The presence of lipase genes was determined using real time quantification PCR (qPCR) in samples obtained from three different locations on Signy Island. Twenty strains from the location with highest lipase gene detection were screened for lipolytic activities at a temperature of 4 °C, and from this one strain was selected for further examination based on the highest enzymatic activities obtained. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequence data of this strain showed the highest level of sequence similarity (98%) to a Pseudomonas sp. strain also isolated from Antarctica. In order to increase lipase production of this psychrophilic strain, optimisation of different parameters of physical and nutritional factors were investigated. Optimal production was obtained at 10 °C and pH 7.0, at 150 rev/min shaking rate over 36 h incubation.
Echinacoside Isolated from Cistanche tubulosa Putatively Stimulates Growth Hormone Secretion via Activation of the Ghrelin Receptor
Authors: Wu Chieh-Ju , Chien Mei-Yin , Lin Nan-Hei , Lin Yi-Chiao , Chen Wen-Ying , Chen Chao-Hsiang , Tzen Jason T. C.
Published: February 2019

Cistanche species, the ginseng of the desert, has been recorded to possess many biological activities in traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia and has been used as an anti-aging medicine. Three phenylethanoid glycosides—echinacoside, tubuloside A, and acteoside—were detected in the water extract of Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) R. Wight and the major constituent, echinacoside, was further purified. Echinacoside of a concentration higher than 10−6 M displayed significant activity to stimulate growth hormone secretion of rat pituitary cells. Similar to growth hormone-releasing hormone-6, a synthetic analog of ghrelin, the stimulation of growth hormone secretion by echinacoside was inhibited by [D-Arg1, D-Phe5, D-Trp7,9, Leu11]-substance P, an inverse agonist of the ghrelin receptor. Molecular modeling showed that all the three phenylethanoid glycosides adequately interacted with the binding pocket of the ghrelin receptor, and echinacoside displayed a slightly better interaction with the receptor than tubuloside A and acteoside. The results suggest that phenylethanoid glycosides, particularly echinacoside, are active constituents putatively responsible for the anti-aging effects of C. tubulosa and may be considered to develop as non-peptidyl analogues of ghrelin.
Molecular Docking Studies of Coumarins Isolated from Extracts and Essential Oils of Zosima absinthifolia Link as Potential Inhibitors for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Karakaya Songul , Koca Mehmet , Yılmaz Serdar Volkan , Yıldırım Kadir , Pınar Nur Münevver , Demirci Betül , Brestic Marian , Sytar Oksana
Published: February 2019

Coumarins and essential oils are the major components of the Apiaceae family and the Zosima genus. The present study reports anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities of extracts and essential oils from aerial parts, roots, flowers, fruits and coumarins—bergapten (1); imperatorin (2), pimpinellin (3) and umbelliferone (4)—isolated of the roots from Zosima absinthifolia. The investigation by light and scanning electron microscopy of the structures of secretory canals found different chemical compositions in the various types of secretory canals which present in the aerial parts, fruits and flowers. The canals, present in the aerial parts, are characterized by terpene hydrocarbons, while the secretory canals of roots, flowers and fruits include esters. Novel data of a comparative study on essential oils constituents of aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits of Z. absinthfolia has been presented. The roots and fruits extract showed a high content of total phenolics and antioxidant activity. The GC-FID and GC-MS analysis revealed that the main components of the aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits extracts were octanol (8.8%), octyl octanoate (7.6%), octyl acetate (7.3%); trans-pinocarvyl acetate (26.7%), β-pinene (8.9%); octyl acetate (19.9%), trans-p-menth-2-en-1-ol (4.6%); octyl acetate (81.6%), and (Z)-4-octenyl acetate (5.1%). The dichloromethane fraction of fruit and flower essential oil was characterized by the highest phenolics level and antioxidant activity. The dichloromethane fraction of fruit had the best inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase enzyme (82.27 ± 1.97%) which was higher then acetylcholinesterase inhibition (61.09 ± 4.46%) of umbelliferone. This study shows that the flowers and fruit of Z. absinthifolia can be a new potential resource of natural antioxidant and anticholinesterase compounds.
Physicochemical, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Electrospun Poly(ε-caprolactone) Films Containing a Solid Dispersion of Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Extract
Authors: Salević Ana , Prieto Cristina , Cabedo Luis , Nedović Viktor , Lagaron Jose Maria
Published: February 2019

In this study, novel active films made of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) containing a solid dispersion of sage extract (SE) were developed by means of the electrospinning technique and subsequent annealing treatment. Initially, the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of SE was confirmed. Thereafter, the effect of SE incorporation at different loading contents (5%, 10%, and 20%) on the physicochemical and functional properties of the films was evaluated. The films were characterized in terms of morphology, transparency, water contact angle, thermal stability, tensile properties, water vapor, and aroma barrier performances, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Thin, hydrophobic films with good contact transparency were produced by annealing of the ultrathin electrospun fibers. Interestingly, the effect of SE addition on tensile properties and thermal stability of the films was negligible. In general, the water vapor and aroma permeability of the PCL-based films increased by adding SE to the polymer. Nevertheless, a strong 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) free radical scavenging ability, and a strong activity against foodborne pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were achieved by SE incorporation into PCL matrix. Overall, the obtained results suggest great potential of the here-developed PCL-based films containing SE in active food packaging applications with the role of preventing oxidation processes and microbial growth.
In Situ Synthesis of a Stable Fe3O4@Cellulose Nanocomposite for Efficient Catalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Lu Quan , Zhang Yanjuan , Hu Huayu , Wang Wen , Huang Zuqiang , Chen Dong , Yang Mei , Liang Jing
Published: February 2019

To rapidly obtain a stable Fe3O4@cellulose heterogeneous Fenton catalyst, a novel in situ chemical co-precipitation method was developed. Compared with mechanical activation (MA)-pretreated cellulose (MAC), MA + FeCl3 (MAFC)-pretreated cellulose (MAFCC) was more easily dissolved and uniformly distributed in NaOH/urea solvent. MAFCC and MAC solutions were used as precipitators to prepare Fe3O4@MAFCC and Fe3O4@MAC nanocomposites, respectively. MAFCC showed stronger interaction and more uniform combination with Fe3O4 nanoparticles than MAC, implying that MAFC pretreatment enhanced the accessibility, reactivity, and dissolving capacity of cellulose thus, provided reactive sites for the in situ growth of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the regenerated cellulose. Additionally, the catalytic performance of Fe3O4@MAFCC nanocomposite was evaluated by using for catalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB), and Fe3O4@MAC nanocomposite and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were used for comparative studies. Fe3O4@MAFCC nanocomposite exhibited superior catalytic activity for the degradation and mineralization of MB in practical applications. After ten cycles, the structure of Fe3O4@MAFCC nanocomposite was not significantly changed owing to the strong interaction between MAFCC and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. This study provides a green pathway to the fabrication of a stable nanocomposite catalyst with high catalytic performance and reusability for the degradation of organic pollutants.
Curcumae Radix Extract Decreases Mammary Tumor-Derived Lung Metastasis via Suppression of C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 7 Expression
Authors: Kaya Pelin , Lee Sang R. , Lee Young Ho , Kwon Sun Woo , Yang Hyun , Lee Hye Won , Hong Eui-Ju
Published: February 2019

Curcumae radix is the dry root of Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) that can be used either as a spice or traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival benefits and the anti-metastatic activity of curcumae radix extract (CRE) in MCF7 cells and in MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice—a mouse model of breast cancer metastasis. In vitro wound scratch assay revealed that CRE treatment inhibited cell motility and cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. To investigate the effect of CRE in breast cancer metastasis, MMTV-PyMT transgenic female virgin mice were used and randomly divided into two groups. For survival curve analysis, CRE was administered in a dose of 50 mg/kg to 8–20-week-old mice. Interestingly, CRE treatment significantly increased the median and prolonged survival of MMTV-PyMT mice. Furthermore, CRE treatment decreased tumor burden and inhibited cell proliferation in primary breast tumor, and also suppressed mammary tumor-derived lung metastasis. The size of the lung metastases substantially decreased in the CRE-treated group compared with the ones in the control group. Curcumae radix extract showed anti-metastatic activity through regulating the expression of metastasis markers including C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 7, Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 and the proto-oncogenes c-fos and c-jun. We demonstrated that these metastatic regulators were decreased when CCR7 expression was suppressed in MCF7 cells transfected with CCR7 siRNA. The results of this study show that curcumae radix exerts antitumor and anti-metastatic activities, and we suggest that curcumae radix might be a potential supplement for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer metastasis.
Hierarchical Structure and Thermal Property of Starch-Based Nanocomposites with Different Amylose/Amylopectin Ratio
Authors: Zhang Shuyan , Zhu Jie , Liu Yujia , Zou Shui-Yang , Li Lin
Published: February 2019

Starch-based materials with reinforced properties were considered as one of the most promising materials to replace the petro-based packaging products, and actually, the molecular structures of starch usually determined the structures and properties of end-used starchy products. Here, starch-based nanocomposites were fabricated by starch esters derived from native starches with different amylose contents and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT). The fractured surface under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) exhibited wrinkles formed by macromolecular aggregation owing to the interaction competition between the plasticizer and nanofiller with the starch ester. The more intense interaction within amylopectin-rich films promoted the formation of much randomly exfoliation of OMMT observed by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As the amylose content increased, the interaction between the starch ester and the nanofiller was weakened, leading to the dispersion morphology of an ordered arrangement and partly intercalated structures in the dimension of 12.92 to 19.77 nm. Meanwhile, such interaction also affected both the inner ordered structure integrity of starch ester and the layer structure consistency of nanofiller according to X-ray diffraction results. Further, the stronger interaction between amylopectin and the nanofiller endowed higher thermal stability to the amylopectin-rich starch-based nanocomposites. In short, these results are beneficial for the application of starch-based nanocomposites in the food packaging industry by regulating the interaction between starch and nanofillers.
Experiencing Justice from the Inside Out: Theological Considerations about the Church’s Role in Justice, Healing, and Forgiveness
Authors: Sexton Jason S.
Published: February 2019

Recent suggestions have been made that theology may have more to offer on matters related to the subjects of punishment, corrections, and rehabilitation than has often been acknowledged in the scholarly literature. This essay sets out to explore the merits of such claims with regard to how they might assist ongoing efforts to address mass incarceration, including the theological dimensions of punitive justice along with other potentially redemptive realities that theological reflection may illuminate and make more visible. Consideration will be given to the ongoing role that religion plays in the life of the prison before giving consideration to the ontology of the church as a social actor, especially as locally-constituted within the prison—the ecclesia incarcerate, or the prison church. The theological rationale for the basic existence of such an actor is explored along with the effects of such a vision for this kind of transformation the church may experience along with both promises and potential challenges that come with the church having its own ontology, not as a given, but as a creature of grace.
A Study on the Xiuxing of Contemporary Horchin Mongolian Shamanism
Authors: Lun Yumin , Dong Xiaomei
Published: February 2019

Research has been carried out on the procedures for recruiting and training shamans among the Horchin (mainly in Tongliao City, China). This well-known problem is crucial to the development of Horchin shamanism. If a potential shaman wants to complete the transition from an ordinary person to a shaman, they need to repeat religious practices, progress spiritually, learn, and deal well with the role between their daily life and religious life. This process of Xiuxing is full of hardship. However, the issues surrounding the requirements, influencing factors, and evaluation criteria has received little attention. We have been conducting fieldwork in the Horchin area since 2013, have continuously tracked and interviewed more than 100 shamans and prospective shamans, and have obtained much fieldwork data. Through the collation, induction, and comparative study of these materials, we found that Horchin shamans are required to study the knowledge and skills of shamanism, respect their teacher, obey their principles, fulfill the duties and obligations of a shaman, and devote their lives to serving the local community. We also found that Horchin shamans are struggling to adapt their religious practices to the belief systems of the contemporary Chinese world. We also found that it is believed that, in the region, a successful shamanic career presupposes not only knowledge of rituals but also compassionate and principled behavior with respect to the clients and the community.
Assessing the Glacier Boundaries in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China by Multi-Temporal Coherence Estimation with Sentinel-1A InSAR
Authors: Shi Yueling , Liu Guoxiang , Wang Xiaowen , Liu Qiao , Zhang Rui , Jia Hongguo
Published: February 2019

The sensitivity of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) coherence has been applied in delineating the boundaries of alpine glaciers because it is nearly unaffected by cloud coverage and can collect data day and night. However, very limited work with application of SAR data has been performed for the alpine glaciers in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) of China. In this study, we attempted to investigate the change of coherence level in alpine glacier zone and access the glacier boundaries in the QTP using time series of Sentinel-1A SAR images. The DaDongkemadi Glacier (DDG) in the central QTP was selected as the study area with land cover mainly classified into wet snow, ice, river outwash and soil land. We utilized 45 Sentinel-1A C-band SAR images collected during October of 2014 through January of 2018 over the DDG to generate time series of interferometric coherence maps, and to further extract the DDG boundaries. Based on the spatiotemporal analysis of coherence values in the selected sampling areas, we first determined the threshold as 0.7 for distinguishing among different ground targets and then extracted the DDG boundaries through threshold-based segmentation and edge detection. The validation was performed by comparing the DDG boundaries extracted from the coherence maps with those extracted from the Sentinel-2B optical image. The testing results show that the wet snow and ice present a relatively low level of coherence (about 0.5), while the river outwash and the soil land present a higher level of coherence (0.8–1.0). It was found that the coherence maps spanning between June and September (i.e., the glacier ablation period) are the most suitable for identifying the snow- and ice-covered areas. When compared with the boundary detected using optical image, the mean value of Jaccard similarity coefficient for the total areas within the DDG boundaries derived from the coherence maps selected around July, August and September reached up to 0.9010. In contrast, the mean value from the coherence maps selected around December was relatively lower (0.8862). However, the coherence maps around December were the most suitable for distinguishing the ice from the river outwash around the DDG terminus, as the river outwash areas could hardly be differentiated from the ice-covered areas from June through September. The correlation analysis performed by using the meteorological data (i.e., air temperature and precipitation records) suggests that the air temperature and precipitation have a more significant influence on the coherence level of the ice and river outwash than the wet snow and soil land. The proposed method, applied efficiently in this study, shows the potential of multi-temporal coherence estimation from the Sentinel-1A mission to access the boundaries of alpine glaciers on a larger scale in the QTP.
Fast Spectral Clustering for Unsupervised Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Zhao Yang , Yuan Yuan , Wang Qi
Published: February 2019

Hyperspectral image classification is a challenging and significant domain in the field of remote sensing with numerous applications in agriculture, environmental science, mineralogy, and surveillance. In the past years, a growing number of advanced hyperspectral remote sensing image classification techniques based on manifold learning, sparse representation and deep learning have been proposed and reported a good performance in accuracy and efficiency on state-of-the-art public datasets. However, most existing methods still face challenges in dealing with large-scale hyperspectral image datasets due to their high computational complexity. In this work, we propose an improved spectral clustering method for large-scale hyperspectral image classification without any prior information. The proposed algorithm introduces two efficient approximation techniques based on Nyström extension and anchor-based graph to construct the affinity matrix. We also propose an effective solution to solve the eigenvalue decomposition problem by multiplicative update optimization. Experiments on both the synthetic datasets and the hyperspectral image datasets were conducted to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.