bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Endocytosis in the Transdermal Penetration Mechanism of Ketoprofen Nanoparticles
Authors: Nagai Noriaki , Ogata Fumihiko , Ishii Miyu , Fukuoka Yuya , Otake Hiroko , Nakazawa Yosuke , Kawasaki Naohito
Published: July 2018

We previously designed a novel transdermal formulation containing ketoprofen solid nanoparticles (KET-NPs formulation), and showed that the skin penetration from the KET-NPs formulation was higher than that of a transdermal formulation containing ketoprofen microparticles (KET-MPs formulation). However, the precise mechanism for the skin penetration from the KET-NPs formulation was not clear. In this study we investigated whether energy-dependent endocytosis relates to the transdermal delivery from a 1.5% KET-NPs formulation. Transdermal formulations were prepared by a bead mill method using additives including methylcellulose and carbopol 934. The mean particle size of the ketoprofen nanoparticles was 98.3 nm. Four inhibitors of endocytosis dissolved in 0.5% DMSO (54 μM nystatin, a caveolae-mediated endocytosis inhibitor; 40 μM dynasore, a clathrin-mediated endocytosis inhibitor; 2 μM rottlerin, a macropinocytosis inhibitor; 10 μM cytochalasin D, a phagocytosis inhibitor) were used in this study. In the transdermal penetration study using a Franz diffusion cell, skin penetration through rat skin treated with cytochalasin D was similar to the control (DMSO) group. In contrast to the results for cytochalasin D, skin penetration from the KET-NPs formulation was significantly decreased by treatment with nystatin, dynasore or rottlerin with penetrated ketoprofen concentration-time curves (AUC) values 65%, 69% and 73% of control, respectively. Furthermore, multi-treatment with all three inhibitors (nystatin, dynasore and rottlerin) strongly suppressed the skin penetration from the KET-NPs formulation with an AUC value 13.4% that of the control. In conclusion, we found that caveolae-mediated endocytosis, clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis are all related to the skin penetration from the KET-NPs formulation. These findings provide significant information for the design of nanomedicines in transdermal formulations.
Dynamic DNA Methylation in Plant Growth and Development
Authors: Bartels Arthur , Han Qiang , Nair Pooja , Stacey Liam , Gaynier Hannah , Mosley Matthew , Huang Qi Qing , Pearson Jacob K. , Hsieh Tzung-Fu , An Yong-Qiang Charles , Xiao Wenyan
Published: July 2018

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification required for transposable element (TE) silencing, genome stability, and genomic imprinting. Although DNA methylation has been intensively studied, the dynamic nature of methylation among different species has just begun to be understood. Here we summarize the recent progress in research on the wide variation of DNA methylation in different plants, organs, tissues, and cells; dynamic changes of methylation are also reported during plant growth and development as well as changes in response to environmental stresses. Overall DNA methylation is quite diverse among species, and it occurs in CG, CHG, and CHH (H = A, C, or T) contexts of genes and TEs in angiosperms. Moderately expressed genes are most likely methylated in gene bodies. Methylation levels decrease significantly just upstream of the transcription start site and around transcription termination sites; its levels in the promoter are inversely correlated with the expression of some genes in plants. Methylation can be altered by different environmental stimuli such as pathogens and abiotic stresses. It is likely that methylation existed in the common eukaryotic ancestor before fungi, plants and animals diverged during evolution. In summary, DNA methylation patterns in angiosperms are complex, dynamic, and an integral part of genome diversity after millions of years of evolution.
Early Transcriptomic Response to Phosphate Deprivation in Soybean Leaves as Revealed by RNA-Sequencing
Authors: Zeng Houqing , Zhang Xiajun , Zhang Xin , Pi Erxu , Xiao Liang , Zhu Yiyong
Published: July 2018

Low phosphate (Pi) availability is an important limiting factor affecting soybean production. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for low Pi stress response and tolerance remain largely unknown, especially for the early signaling events under low Pi stress. Here, a genome-wide transcriptomic analysis in soybean leaves treated with a short-term Pi-deprivation (24 h) was performed through high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. A total of 533 loci were found to be differentially expressed in response to Pi deprivation, including 36 mis-annotated loci and 32 novel loci. Among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 303 were induced and 230 were repressed by Pi deprivation. To validate the reliability of the RNA-seq data, 18 DEGs were randomly selected and analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), which exhibited similar fold changes with RNA-seq. Enrichment analyses showed that 29 GO (Gene Ontology) terms and 8 KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways were significantly enriched in the up-regulated DEGs and 25 GO terms and 16 KEGG pathways were significantly enriched in the down-regulated DEGs. Some DEGs potentially involved in Pi sensing and signaling were up-regulated by short-term Pi deprivation, including five SPX-containing genes. Some DEGs possibly associated with water and nutrient uptake, hormonal and calcium signaling, protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation and cell wall modification were affected at the early stage of Pi deprivation. The cis-elements of PHO (phosphatase) element, PHO-like element and P responsive element were present more frequently in promoter regions of up-regulated DEGs compared to that of randomly-selected genes in the soybean genome. Our transcriptomic data showed an intricate network containing transporters, transcription factors, kinases and phosphatases, hormone and calcium signaling components is involved in plant responses to early Pi deprivation.
Involvement of Melatonin in the Regulation of the Circadian System in Crayfish
Authors: Mendoza-Vargas Leonor , Guarneros-Bañuelos Elizabeth , Báez-Saldaña Armida , Galicia-Mendoza Fabiola , Flores-Soto Edgar , Fuentes-Pardo Beatriz , Alvarado Ramón , Valdés-Tovar Marcela , Sommer Bettina , Benítez-King Gloria , Solís-Chagoyán Héctor
Published: July 2018

Melatonin (MEL) is an ancient molecule, broadly distributed in nature from unicellular to multicellular species. MEL is an indoleamine that acts on a wide variety of cellular targets regulating different physiological functions. This review is focused on the role played by this molecule in the regulation of the circadian rhythms in crayfish. In these species, information about internal and external time progression might be transmitted by the periodical release of MEL and other endocrine signals acting through the pacemaker. We describe documented and original evidence in support of this hypothesis that also suggests that the rhythmic release of MEL contributes to the reinforcement of the temporal organization of nocturnal or diurnal circadian oscillators. Finally, we discuss how MEL might coordinate functions that converge in the performance of complex behaviors, such as the agonistic responses to establish social dominance status in Procambarus clarkii and the burrowing behavior in the secondary digging crayfish P. acanthophorus.
Bornyl cis-4-Hydroxycinnamate Suppresses Cell Metastasis of Melanoma through FAK/PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK Signaling Pathways and Inhibition of the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Yang Tzu-Yen , Wu Mei-Li , Chang Chi-I , Liu Chih-I , Cheng Te-Chih , Wu Yu-Jen
Published: July 2018

Bornyl cis-4-hydroxycinnamate, a bioactive compound isolated from Piper betle stems, has the potential for use as an anti-cancer agent. This study investigated the effects of bornyl cis-4-hydroxycinnamate on cell migration and invasion in melanoma cells. Cell migration and invasion were compared in A2058 and A375 melanoma cell lines treated with/without bornyl cis-4-hydroxycinnamate (1–6 µM). To examine whether bornyl cis-4-hydroxycinnamate has a potential anti-metastatic effect on melanoma cells, cell migration and invasion assays were performed using a Boyden chamber assay and a transwell chamber in A2058 and A375 cells. Gelatin zymography was employed to determine the enzyme activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Cell lysates were collected for Western blotting analysis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1/2 (TIMP-1/2), as well as key molecules in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/ phosphatidylinositide-3 kinases (PI3K)/Akt/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2) signaling pathways. Our results demonstrated that bornyl cis-4-hydroxycinnamate is a potentially useful agent that inhibits melanoma cell migration and invasion, and altered melanoma cell metastasis by reducing MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression through inhibition of the FAK/PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, and GRB2 signaling pathways. Moreover, bornyl cis-4-hydroxycinnamate inhibited the process of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in A2058 and A375 melanoma cells. These findings suggested that bornyl cis-4-hydroxycinnamate has potential as a chemotherapeutic agent, and warrants further investigation for its use in the management of human melanoma.
Investigation of Interactive Activity of Electro-Acupuncture on Pharmacokinetics of Sildenafil and Their Synergistic Effect on Penile Blood Flow in Rats
Authors: Huang Andy C. , Yeh Kuei-Ying , Cheng Yung-Yi , Dubey Navneet Kumar , Chiu Allen W. , Tsai Tung-Hu
Published: July 2018

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a disorder found in males throughout the world, which negatively affects relationships with partners with advancing age. Hence, in this study, we tested a combined novel treatment of electro-acupuncture (EA) and sildenafil citrate against ED. In addition to EA therapy, the sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, is a widely recognized drug that has achieved considerable success in the treatment of ED. However, the combined effect of both the EA and sildenafil has not yet been investigated. Hence, we aimed to examine the effect of EA on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sildenafil in rat plasma. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) after EA and sildenafil administration (10 mg/Kg). Following this, the pharmacodynamics was studied via blood flow pattern using developing Doppler images of the lower body and penis. The pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that sildenafil significantly increases by administration of low-frequency EA. Further, the pharmacodynamic studies using Doppler imaging revealed an elevated blood flow in rat penis compared with lower body during combined treatment of sildenafil and low-frequency EA. These data indicate a synergistic therapeutic effect of EA and sildenafil for the treatment of ED.
Conjugation with Dihydrolipoic Acid Imparts Caffeic Acid Ester Potent Inhibitory Effect on Dopa Oxidase Activity of Human Tyrosinase
Authors: Micillo Raffaella , Sirés-Campos Julia , García-Borrón José Carlos , Panzella Lucia , Napolitano Alessandra , Olivares Conchi
Published: July 2018

Caffeic acid derivatives represent promising lead compounds in the search for tyrosinase inhibitors to be used in the treatment of skin local hyperpigmentation associated to an overproduction or accumulation of melanin. We recently reported the marked inhibitory activity of a conjugate of caffeic acid with dihydrolipoic acid, 2-S-lipoylcaffeic acid (LCA), on the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopa oxidase (DO) activities of mushroom tyrosinase. In the present study, we evaluated a more lipophilic derivative, 2-S-lipoyl caffeic acid methyl ester (LCAME), as an inhibitor of tyrosinase from human melanoma cells. Preliminary analysis of the effects of LCAME on mushroom tyrosinase indicated more potent inhibitory effects on either enzyme activities (IC50 = 0.05 ± 0.01 μM for DO and 0.83 ± 0.09 μM for TH) compared with LCA and the reference compound kojic acid. The inhibition of DO of human tyrosinase was effective (Ki = 34.7 ± 1.1 μM) as well, while the action on TH was weaker. Lineweaver–Burk analyses indicated a competitive inhibitor mechanism. LCAME was not substrate of tyrosinase and proved nontoxic at concentrations up to 50 μM. No alteration of basal tyrosinase expression was observed after 24 h treatment of human melanoma cells with the inhibitor, but preliminary evidence suggested LCAME might impair the induction of tyrosinase expression in cells stimulated with α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. All these data point to this compound as a valuable candidate for further trials toward its use as a skin depigmenting agent. They also highlight the differential effects of tyrosinase inhibitors on the human and mushroom enzymes.
Antibacterial and Biofilm Modulating Potential of Ferulic Acid-Grafted Chitosan against Human Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Dasagrandhi Chakradhar , Park Seulki , Jung Won-Kyo , Kim Young-Mog
Published: July 2018

The emergence of more virulent forms of human pathogenic bacteria with multi-drug resistance is a serious global issue and requires alternative control strategies. The current study focused on investigating the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of ferulic acid-grafted chitosan (CFA) against Listeria monocytogenes (LM), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), and Staphylococcus aureus (SA). The result showed that CFA at 64 µg/mL concentration exhibits bactericidal action against LM and SA (>4 log reduction) and bacteriostatic action against PA (<2 log colony forming units/mL reduction) within 24 h of incubation. Further studies based on propidium iodide uptake assay, measurement of material released from the cell, and electron microscopic analysis revealed that the bactericidal action of CFA was due to altered membrane integrity and permeability. CFA dose dependently inhibited biofilm formation (52–89% range), metabolic activity (30.8–75.1% range) and eradicated mature biofilms, and reduced viability (71–82% range) of the test bacteria. Also, the swarming motility of LM was differentially affected at sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) concentrations of CFA. In the present study, the ability of CFA to kill and alter the virulence production in human pathogenic bacteria will offer insights into a new scope for the application of these biomaterials in healthcare to effectively treat bacterial infections.
HER2 Heterogeneity Is Associated with Poor Survival in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Hosonaga Mari , Arima Yoshimi , Sampetrean Oltea , Komura Daisuke , Koya Ikuko , Sasaki Takashi , Sato Eiichi , Okano Hideyuki , Kudoh Jun , Ishikawa Shumpei , Saya Hideyuki , Ishikawa Takashi
Published: July 2018

Intratumoral human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) heterogeneity has been reported in 16–36% of HER2-positive breast cancer and its clinical impact is under discussion. We examined the biological effects of HER2-heterogeneity on mouse models and analyzed metastatic brains by RNA sequence analysis. A metastatic mouse model was developed using 231-Luc (triple negative cells) and 2 HER2-positive cell lines, namely, HER2-60 and HER2-90 which showed heterogeneous and monotonous HER2 expressions, respectively. Metastatic lesions developed in 3 weeks in all the mice injected with HER2-60 cells, and in 69% of the mice injected with HER2-90 and 87.5% of the mice injected with 231-Luc. The median survival days of mice injected with 231-Luc, HER2-60, and HER2-90 cells were 29 (n = 24), 24 (n = 22) and 30 (n = 13) days, respectively. RNA sequence analysis showed that CASP-1 and its related genes were significantly downregulated in metastatic brain tumors with HER2-60 cells. The low expression of caspase-1 could be a new prognostic biomarker for early relapse in HER2-positive breast cancer.
Effects of Funneliformis mosseae on Root Metabolites and Rhizosphere Soil Properties to Continuously-Cropped Soybean in the Potted-Experiments
Authors: Cui Jia-Qi , Sun Hai-Bing , Sun Ming-Bo , Liang Rui-Ting , Jie Wei-Guang , Cai Bai-Yan
Published: July 2018

Continuous cropping in soybean is increasingly practiced in Heilongjiang Province, leading to substantial yield reductions and quality degradation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are soil microorganisms that form mutualistic interactions with plant roots and can restore the plant rhizosphere microenvironment. In this study, two soybean lines (HN48 and HN66) were chosen as experimental materials, which were planted in different years of continuous cropping soybean soils and were inoculated or not with Funneliformis mosseae in potted-experiments. Ultimately, analysis of root tissue metabolome and root exudates, soil physicochemical properties, plant biomass, as well as rhizosphere soil properties in different experimental treatments, inoculated or not with F. mosseae, was performed. Experimental results showed that: (a) The disease index of soybean root rot was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group, and there were differences in disease index and the resistance effect of F. mosseae between the two cultivars; (b) compared with the control, the root tissue metabolome and root exudates remained unchanged, but there were changes in the relative amounts in the treatment group, and the abundant metabolites differed by soybean cultivar; (c) soybean biomass was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group, and the effect of F. mosseae on biomass differed with respect to the soybean cultivar; and (d) there were differences in the physiochemical indexes of soybean rhizosphere soil between the treatment and control groups, and the repairing effect of F. mosseae differed between the two cultivars. Therefore, F. mosseae can increase the biomass of continuously cropped soybean, improve the physicochemical properties of the rhizosphere soil, regulate the root metabolite profiles, and alleviate barriers to continuous cropping in potted-experiments of soybean.
Mining the Plasma Cell Transcriptome for Novel Cell Surface Proteins
Authors: Trezise Stephanie , Karnowski Alexander , Fedele Pasquale L. , Mithraprabhu Sridurga , Liao Yang , D’Costa Kathy , Kueh Andrew J. , Hardy Matthew P. , Owczarek Catherine M. , Herold Marco J. , Spencer Andrew , Shi Wei , Willis Simon N. , Nutt Stephen L. , Corcoran Lynn M.
Published: July 2018

Antibody Secreting Cells (ASCs) are a fundamental component of humoral immunity, however, deregulated or excessive antibody production contributes to the pathology of autoimmune diseases, while transformation of ASCs results in the malignancy Multiple Myeloma (MM). Despite substantial recent improvements in treating these conditions, there is as yet no widely used ASC-specific therapeutic approach, highlighting a critical need to identify novel methods of targeting normal and malignant ASCs. Surface molecules specifically expressed by the target cell population represent ideal candidates for a monoclonal antibody-based therapy. By interrogating the ASC gene signature that we previously defined we identified three surface proteins, Plpp5, Clptm1l and Itm2c, which represent potential targets for novel MM treatments. Plpp5, Clptm1l and Itm2c are highly and selectively expressed by mouse and human ASCs as well as MM cells. To investigate the function of these proteins within the humoral immune system we have generated three novel mouse strains, each carrying a loss-of-function mutation in either Plpp5, Clptm1l or Itm2c. Through analysis of these novel strains, we have shown that Plpp5, Clptm1l and Itm2c are dispensable for the development, maturation and differentiation of B-lymphocytes, and for the production of antibodies by ASCs. As adult mice lacking either protein showed no apparent disease phenotypes, it is likely that targeting these molecules on ASCs will have minimal on-target adverse effects.
Molecular Mode of Action of Asteriscus graveolens as an Anticancer Agent
Authors: Tayeh Zainab , Dudai Nativ , Schechter Alona , Chalifa-Caspi Vered , Barak Simon , Ofir Rivka
Published: July 2018

Asteriscus graveolens (A. graveolens) plants contain among other metabolites, sesquiterpene lactone asteriscunolide isomers (AS). The crude extract and its fractions affected the viability of mouse BS-24-1 lymphoma cells (BS-24-1 cells) with an IC50 of 3 μg/mL. The fraction was cytotoxic to cancer cells but not to non-cancerous cells (human induced pluripotent stem cells); its activity was accompanied by a concentration- and time-dependent appearance of apoptosis as determined by DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity. High levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) were rapidly observed (less than 1 min) after addition of the fraction followed by an increase in caspase-3 activity three hours later. Comparison of RNA-seq transcriptome profiles from pre-and post-treatment of BS-24-1 cells with crude extract of A. graveolens yielded a list of 2293 genes whose expression was significantly affected. This gene set included genes encoding proteins involved in cell cycle arrest, protection against ROS, and activation of the tumor suppressor P53 pathway, supporting the biochemical findings on ROS species-dependent apoptosis induced by A. graveolens fraction. Interestingly, several of the pathways and genes affected by A. graveolens extract are expressed following treatment of human cancer cells with chemotherapy drugs. We suggest, that A. graveolens extracts maybe further developed into selective chemotherapy.
General Pathways of Pain Sensation and the Major Neurotransmitters Involved in Pain Regulation
Authors: Yam Mun Fei , Loh Yean Chun , Tan Chu Shan , Khadijah Adam Siti , Abdul Manan Nizar , Basir Rusliza
Published: July 2018

Pain has been considered as a concept of sensation that we feel as a reaction to the stimulus of our surrounding, putting us in harm’s way and acting as a form of defense mechanism that our body has permanently installed into its system. However, pain leads to a huge chunk of finances within the healthcare system with continuous rehabilitation of patients with adverse pain sensations, which might reduce not only their quality of life but also their productivity at work setting back the pace of our economy. It may not look like a huge deal but factor in pain as an issue for majority of us, it becomes an economical burden. Although pain has been researched into and understood by numerous researches, from its definition, mechanism of action to its inhibition in hopes of finding an absolute solution for victims of pain, the pathways of pain sensation, neurotransmitters involved in producing such a sensation are not comprehensively reviewed. Therefore, this review article aims to put in place a thorough understanding of major pain conditions that we experience—nociceptive, inflammatory and physiologically dysfunction, such as neuropathic pain and its modulation and feedback systems. Moreover, the complete mechanism of conduction is compiled within this article, elucidating understandings from various researches and breakthroughs.
A Simple Electrostatic Device for Eliminating Tobacco Sidestream Smoke to Prevent Passive Smoking
Authors: Matsuda Yoshinori , Kakutani Koji , Nonomura Teruo , Takikawa Yoshihiro , Okada Kiyotsugu , Shibao Manabu , Miyama Kazuhiro , Yokoo Shinya , Kusakari Shin-ichi , Toyoda Hideyoshi
Published: July 2018

An electrostatic apparatus was constructed to capture tobacco sidestream smoke. This apparatus consisted of a perforated polypropylene plate with metal spikes and a grounded metal net arrayed in parallel at a defined interval. Spikes were negatively charged to positively polarize the net and an electric field was formed between the opposite charges of the spike tips and the grounded net. Discharge from the spike tips occurred, which depended on the pole distance and the voltage applied to the spikes. At lower voltages (<12.1 kV) that do not cause arc discharge from the tips, a corona discharge occurred with the generation of an ionic wind from the spiked plate to the net. This discharge increased in direct proportion to the applied voltage and relative humidity, while a larger corona discharge generated a stronger ionic wind. The ionic wind involved negative ions and the number of negative ions in the wind increased with increasing applied voltage. The optimal voltage (10 kV) generated sufficient negative ions to ionize smoke particles in the electric field, before the ionized smoke particles were successfully captured by the oppositely charged metal net. Thus, this study provides an experimental basis for the practical application of an electrostatic-based method to prevent the production of tobacco sidestream smoke that leads to passive smoking by non-smokers.
Heat Transfer Enhancement by Detached S-Ribs for Twin-Pass Parallelogram Channel
Authors: Chang Shyy Woei , Cai Wei-Ling , Wu Ruei-Jhe
Published: July 2018

Detached S-ribs are proposed to arrange in the stagger manner along two parallelogram straight channels interconnecting with a 180° smooth-walled sharp bend for heat transfer enhancements. The detailed Nusselt number distributions over the two opposite channel endwalls at Reynolds numbers of 5000, 7500, 10,000, 12,500, 15,000 and 20,000 are measured using the steady-state infrared thermography method. The accompanying Fanning friction factors are evaluated from the measured pressure drops across the entire test channel. Having acquired the averaged heat transfer properties and Fanning friction factors, the thermal performance factors are determined under the criterion of constant pumping power consumptions. With the regional accelerated flows between the detached S-ribs and the channel endwall, the considerable heat transfer elevations from the Dittus–Boelter correlation levels are achieved. The comparative thermal performances between the two similar twin-pass parallelogram channels with detached 90° and S-ribs disclose the higher regional heat transfer rates over the turning region and the larger Fanning frictions factors, leading to the lower thermal performance factors, for present test channel with the detached S-ribs. To assist design applications, two sets of empirical correlations evaluating the regionally averaged Nusselt numbers and Fanning friction factors are devised for present twin-pass parallelogram channel with the detached S-ribs.
Investigation on the Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Nationwide Prescription Database in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Wan-Ting , Chiang Jen-Huai , Li Chia-Jung , Lee Ming-Tsung , Su Cheng-Chiung , Yen Hung-Rong
Published: July 2018

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition, affecting 5–10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It has serious reproductive implications and causes mood disorders and metabolic disorders, such as type-2 diabetes. Because PCOS reflects multiple abnormalities, there is no single drug that can treat all its symptoms. Existing pharmaceutical agents, such as oral contraceptives (OCs), are suggested as a first-line therapy for menstrual irregularities; however, OCs are not appropriate for women pursuing pregnancy. Additionally, insulin-sensitizing agents, which appear to decrease insulin levels and hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS, have been associated with a high incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects. It is a common practice in Chinese society to receive traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of gynecological problems and infertility. Current research demonstrates that several herbs and herbal formulas show beneficial effects in PCOS treatment. In this study, we conducted the first large-scale survey through the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program database to analyze TCM utilization patterns among women with PCOS in Taiwan during 1997–2010. The survey results revealed that 89.22% women with newly diagnosed PCOS had received TCM therapy. Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San and Xiang-Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi) were the most commonly used formula and single herb, respectively, in the database. In addition, we found that the top five commonly prescribed single herbs and herbal formulas have shown promise in treating symptoms associated with PCOS.
Development and Evaluation of Culturally and Linguistically Tailored Mobile App to Promote Breast Cancer Screening
Authors: Lee Hee Yun , Lee Mi Hwa , Gao Zan , Sadak Karim
Published: July 2018

Background: While a significant breast cancer burden exists for Korean American immigrant women, their cancer screening behavior is strikingly poor, and few interventions have focused on this population. To promote breast cancer screening behavior in Korean American immigrant women, a mobile phone multimedia messaging intervention (mMammogram) was developed. Objective: The current study explores the impact of mMammogram on changes to study participants’ screening behavior and proposes suggestions for how the intervention can be improved for wide dissemination and implementation in the Korean American community. Material and Methods: Data were collected through qualitative research methods. Three focus groups were conducted with 14 Korean immigrant women who completed the mMammogram. Findings: Three themes emerged: (1) better understanding of breast cancer and screening through mMammogram (e.g., increased knowledge on breast cancer and screening methods, increased understanding of the importance of regular mammography, and reduced anxiety about mammography); (2) health navigators as a trigger to promote mammography (e.g., providing resources for free or low-cost mammograms and scheduling mammogram appointments); and (3) suggestions for mMammogram (e.g., technical issues and program period). Conclusions: Mobile app intervention that is culturally tailored, along with health navigation services, can be a feasible, effective, and acceptable tool to promote breast cancer screening behaviors in underserved immigrant women. A mobile app can cover a broad range of breast cancer health topics and the health navigator can further help women overcome barriers to screening. A health navigation service is critical in overcoming language, transportation, and health accessibility barriers and triggering a positive change in their health screening behavior, especially for newly arrived immigrant populations.
The Effect of Polycaprolactone Nanofibers on the Dynamic and Impact Behavior of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: Garcia Cristobal , Trendafilova Irina , Zucchelli Andrea
Published: July 2018

In this article, the effect of polycaprolactone nanofibers on the dynamic behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites is investigated. The vibratory behavior of composite beams in their pristine state (without any nano modification) and the same beams modified with polycaprolactone fibers is considered experimentally. The experimental results show that the incorporation of polycaprolactone nanofibers increases the damping; however, it does not significantly affect the natural frequencies. Additionally, the paper analyses the effect of polycaprolactone nanofibers on the impact behavior of glass fiber/epoxy composites. This has already been analyzed experimentally in a previous study. In this work, we developed a finite element model to simulate the impact behavior of such composite laminates. Our results confirm the conclusions done experimentally and prove that composites reinforced with polycaprolactone nanofibers are more resistant to damage and experience less damage when subjected to the same impact as the pristine composites. This study contributes to the knowledge about the dynamic behavior and the impact resistance of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites reinforced with polycaprolactone nanofibers. The findings of this study show that interleaving with polycaprolactone nanofibers can be used to control the vibrations and improve the impact damage resistance of structures made of composite mats as aircrafts or wind turbines.
Trajectory-Assisted Municipal Agent Mobility: A Sensor-Driven Smart Waste Management System
Authors: Omara Ahmed , Gulen Damla , Kantarci Burak , Oktug Sema F.
Published: July 2018

Ubiquity, heterogeneity and dense deployment of sensors have yielded the Internet of Things (IoT) concept, which is an integral component of various smart spaces including smart cities. Applications and services in a smart city ecosystem aim at minimizing the cost and maximizing the quality of living. Among these services, waste management is a unique service that covers both aspects. To this end, in this paper, we propose a WSN-driven system for smart waste management in urban areas. In our proposed framework, the waste bins are equipped with sensors that continuously monitor the waste level and trigger alarms that are wirelessly communicated to a cloud platform to actuate the municipal agents, i.e., waste collection trucks. We formulate an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) model to find the best set of trajectory-truck with the objectives of minimum cost or minimum delay. In order for the trajectory assistance to work in real time, we propose three heuristics, one of which is a greedy one. Through simulations, we show that the ILP formulation can provide a baseline reference to the heuristics, whereas the non-greedy heuristics can significantly outperform the greedy approach regarding cost and delay under moderate waste accumulation scenarios.
5,7-Dihydroxy-3,6-Dimethoxy-3′,4′-Methylendioxyflavone
Authors: Tjahjandarie Tjitjik , Saputri Ratih , Hasanah Ulfatun , Rachmadiarti Fida , Tanjung Mulyadi
Published: July 2018

A new flavonoid derivative, namely 5,7-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethoxy-3′,4′-methylenedioxyflavone (1), was isolated from the leaves of Melicope glabra (Blume) T.G. Hartley. The structure of 1 was elucidated based on their UV, IR, HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectral data.
Preliminary Research on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Alternative Lightweight Aggregates Produced by Alkali-Activation of Waste Powders
Authors: Tataranni Piergiorgio , Besemer Giulia Maria , Bortolotti Villiam , Sangiorgi Cesare
Published: July 2018

There is growing interest in construction field issues related to environmental protection, energy saving and raw materials. Therefore, the interest in recycling waste materials to produce new construction ones is constantly increasing. This study proposes a new methodology to produce lightweight aggregates (LWAs) by alkali-activation of two different waste powders: a digested spent bentonite clay and a basalt powder. Metakaolin, as secondary precursor, was added to the mixtures according to mix-design proportions, to improve the mechanical properties of the final materials, while a specific activators mix of Sodium Silicate and Sodium Hydroxide enabled the alkali-activation. The expansion process, on the other hand, was obtained using Peroxide within the liquid mix. The experimental LWAs were analyzed and tested in compliance with the EN 13055-1 standard. A more in-depth analysis on LWAs’ air voids content and porosity was also carried out by the means of Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The results were compared with those obtained from commercial Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate, which represents one of the most common LWAs in the construction field. According to the presented preliminary results, the use of alkali-activated waste powders seems to be a suitable solution for the production of eco-friendly LWAs by allowing the recycling of waste materials and energy saving for their production.
Smart Injectable Self-Setting Monetite Based Bioceramics for Orthopedic Applications
Authors: Koju Naresh , Sikder Prabaha , Gaihre Bipin , B. Bhaduri Sarit
Published: July 2018

The present study is the first of its kind dealing with the development of a specific bioceramic which qualifies as a potential material in hard-tissue replacements. Specifically, we report the synthesis and evaluation of smart injectable calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC) which we believe will be suitable for various kinds of orthopedic and spinal-fusion applications. The smart nature of this next generation orthopedic implant is attained by incorporating piezoelectric barium titanate (BT) particles into monetite-based (dicalcium phosphate anhydrous, DCPA) CPC composition. The main goal is to take advantage of the piezoelectric properties of BT, as electromechanical effect plays a vital role in fracture healing at the defect site and bone integration with the implant. Furthermore, radiopacity of BT would help in easy detection of the CPC presence at the fracture site during surgery. Results reveal that BT addition favors important properties of bone cement such as good compressive strength, injectability, bioactivity, biocompatibility, and even washout resistance. Most importantly, the self-setting nature of the bone cements are not compromised with BT incorporation. The in vitro results confirm that the developed bone-cement abides by the standard orthopedic requirements making it apt for real-time prosthetic materials.
Influence of Pre-Stress Magnitude on Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of Al-Alloy
Authors: Zhang Chunguo , Song Weizhen , Wang Qitao , Liu Wen
Published: July 2018

From tensile overload to shot peening, there have been many attempts to extend the fatigue properties of metals. A key challenge with the cold work processes is that it is hard to avoid generation of harmful effects (e.g., the increase of surface roughness caused by shot peening). Pre-stress has a positive effect on improving the fatigue property of metals, and it is expected to strength Al-alloy without introducing adverse factors. Four pre-stresses ranged from 120 to 183 MPa were incorporated in four cracked extended-compact tension specimens by application of different load based on the measured stress–strain curve. Fatigue crack growth behavior and fractured characteristic of the pre-stressed specimens were investigated systematically and were compared with those of an as-received specimen. The results show that the pre-stress ranged from 120 to 183 MPa significantly improved the fatigue resistance of Al-alloy by comparison with that of the as-received specimen. With increasing pre-stress, the fatigue life first increases, then decrease, and the specimen with pre-stress of 158 MPa has the longest fatigue life. For the manner of pre-stress, no adverse factor was observed for increasing fatigue property, and the induced pre-stress reduced gradually till to disappear during subsequent fatigue cycling.
A Realistic Approach for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production
Authors: Doukas Elias , Balta Paraskevi , Raptis Dimitrios , Avgouropoulos George , Lianos Panagiotis
Published: July 2018

The production of hydrogen by water splitting has been a very attractive idea for several decades. However, the energy consumption that is necessary for water oxidation is too high for practical applications. On the contrary, the oxidation of organics is a much easier and less energy-demanding process. In addition, it may be used to consume organic wastes with a double environmental benefit: renewable energy production with environmental remediation. The oxidation of organics in a photoelectrochemical cell, which in that case is also referenced as a photocatalytic fuel cell, has the additional advantage of providing an alternative route for solar energy conversion. With this in mind, the present work describes a realistic choice of materials for the Pt-free photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen, by employing ethanol as a model organic fuel. The photoanode was made of a combination of titania with cadmium sulfide as the photosensitizer in order to enhance visible light absorbance. The cathode electrode was a simple carbon paper. Thus, it is shown that substantial hydrogen can be produced without electrocatalysts by simply exploiting carbon electrodes. Even though an ion transfer membrane was used in order to allow for an oxygen-free cathode environment, the electrolyte was the same in both the anode and cathode compartments. An alkaline electrolyte has been used to allow high hydroxyl concentration, thus facilitating organic fuel (photocatalytic) oxidation. Hydrogen production was then obtained by water reduction at the cathode (counter) electrode.
Systematic Engineering for Improved Carbon Economy in the Biosynthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Isoprenoids
Authors: Zou Huibin , Zhang Tongtong , Li Lei , Huang Jingling , Zhang Nan , Shi Mengxun , Hao He , Xian Mo
Published: July 2018

With the rapid development of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, a broad range of biochemicals can be biosynthesized, which include polyhydroxyalkanoates and isoprenoids. However, some of the bio-approaches in chemical synthesis have just started to be applied outside of laboratory settings, and many require considerable efforts to achieve economies of scale. One of the often-seen barriers is the low yield and productivity, which leads to higher unit cost and unit capital investment for the bioconversion process. In general, higher carbon economy (less carbon wastes during conversion process from biomass to objective bio-based chemicals) will result in higher bioconversion yield, which results in less waste being generated during the process. To achieve this goal, diversified strategies have been applied; matured strategies include pathway engineering to block competitive pathways, enzyme engineering to enhance the activities of enzymes, and process optimization to improve biomass/carbon yield. In this review, we analyze the impact of carbon sources from different types of biomass on the yield of bio-based chemicals (especially for polyhydroxyalkanoates and isoprenoids). Moreover, we summarize the traditional strategies for improving carbon economy during the bioconversion process and introduce the updated techniques in building up non-natural carbon pathways, which demonstrate higher carbon economies than their natural counterparts.
Characterization of Cellulase-Treated Fibers and Resulting Cellulose Nanocrystals Generated through Acid Hydrolysis
Authors: Beyene Dawit , Chae Michael , Dai Jing , Danumah Christophe , Tosto Frank , Demesa Abayneh Getachew , Bressler David C.
Published: July 2018

Integrating enzymatic treatment and acid hydrolysis potentially improves the economics of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) production and demonstrates a sustainable cellulosic ethanol co-generation strategy. In this study, the effect of enzymatic treatment on filter paper and wood pulp fibers, and CNCs generated via subsequent acid hydrolysis were assessed. Characterization was performed using a pulp quality monitoring system, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. Enzymatic treatment partially reduced fiber length, but caused swelling, indicating simultaneous fragmentation and layer erosion. Preferential hydrolysis of less ordered cellulose by cellulases slightly improved the crystallinity index of filter paper fiber from 86% to 88%, though no change was observed for wood pulp fibre. All CNC colloids were stable with zeta potential values below −39 mV and hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 205 to 294 nm. Furthermore, the temperature for the peak rate of CNC thermal degradation was generally not affected by enzymatic treatment. These findings demonstrate that CNCs of comparable quality can be produced from an enzymatically-mediated acid hydrolysis biorefining strategy that co-generates fermentable sugars for biofuel production.
Extending the “One Strain Many Compounds” (OSMAC) Principle to Marine Microorganisms
Authors: Romano Stefano , Jackson Stephen A. , Patry Sloane , Dobson Alan D. W.
Published: July 2018

Genomic data often highlights an inconsistency between the number of gene clusters identified using bioinformatic approaches as potentially producing secondary metabolites and the actual number of chemically characterized secondary metabolites produced by any given microorganism. Such gene clusters are generally considered as “silent”, meaning that they are not expressed under laboratory conditions. Triggering expression of these “silent” clusters could result in unlocking the chemical diversity they control, allowing the discovery of novel molecules of both medical and biotechnological interest. Therefore, both genetic and cultivation-based techniques have been developed aimed at stimulating expression of these “silent” genes. The principles behind the cultivation based approaches have been conceptualized in the “one strain many compounds” (OSMAC) framework, which underlines how a single strain can produce different molecules when grown under different environmental conditions. Parameters such as, nutrient content, temperature, and rate of aeration can be easily changed, altering the global physiology of a microbial strain and in turn significantly affecting its secondary metabolism. As a direct extension of such approaches, co-cultivation strategies and the addition of chemical elicitors have also been used as cues to activate “silent” clusters. In this review, we aim to provide a focused and comprehensive overview of these strategies as they pertain to marine microbes. Moreover, we underline how changes in some parameters which have provided important results in terrestrial microbes, but which have rarely been considered in marine microorganisms, may represent additional strategies to awaken “silent” gene clusters in marine microbes. Unfortunately, the empirical nature of the OSMAC approach forces scientists to perform extensive laboratory experiments. Nevertheless, we believe that some computation and experimental based techniques which are used in other disciplines, and which we discuss; could be effectively employed to help streamline the OSMAC based approaches. We believe that natural products discovery in marine microorganisms would be greatly aided through the integration of basic microbiological approaches, computational methods, and technological innovations, thereby helping unearth much of the as yet untapped potential of these microorganisms.
Evolution of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy in Lung Cancer and Birmingham’s (UK) Experience
Authors: Yahya Sundus , Ghafoor Qamar , Stevenson Robert , Watkins Steven , Allos Beshar
Published: July 2018

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) has taken a pivotal role in early lung cancer management particularly in the medically inoperable patients. Retrospective studies have shown this to be well tolerated with comparable results to surgery and no significant increase in toxicity. Paucity of randomized evidence has dictated initiation of several trials to provide good quality evidence to steer future practice. This review summaries salient developments in lung SABR, comparisons to surgery and other platforms and our local experience at University Hospitals Birmingham, UK of lung SABR since its initiation in June 2013.
Concentration Polarization in Ultrafiltration/Nanofiltration for the Recovery of Polyphenols from Winery Wastewaters
Authors: Giacobbo Alexandre , Moura Bernardes Andréa , Filipe Rosa Maria João , De Pinho Maria Norberta
Published: July 2018

Concentration polarization is intrinsically associated with the selective character of membranes and often means flux decline and which causes a subsequent decrease of ultrafiltration and nanofiltration performance. More important is the fact that it acts as a precursor of membrane fouling and creates severe fouling problems in the longer times range. The quantification of its dependence on the operating parameters of cross-flow velocities and transmembrane pressures makes recourse to the film theory to introduce mass-transfer coefficients that generally are calculated by dimensionless correlations of the Sherwood number as a function of the Reynolds and Schmidt numbers. In the present work, the mass-transfer coefficients are obtained through the fitting of experimental results by the pressure variation method. The ultrafiltration/nanofiltration of the winery wastewaters from the racking operation is carried out with the membranes ETNA 01PP (Alfa Laval) and NF 270 (Dow Filmtec) under a wide range of cross-flow velocities and transmembrane pressures up to 15 bar.