bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addition of Berberine to Preservation Solution in an Animal Model of Ex Vivo Liver Transplant Preserves Mitochondrial Function and Bioenergetics from the Damage Induced by Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Martins Rui , Pinto Rolo Anabela , Soeiro Teodoro João , Furtado Emanuel , Caetano Oliveira Rui , Tralhão José , Marques Palmeira Carlos
Published: January 2018

Liver transplantation is a therapeutic regimen to treat patients with non-malignant end-stage liver diseases and malignant tumors of hepatic origin. The ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in liver transplantation is associated with disruption of mitochondrial function in the hepatic parenchyma. Several studies have been conducted in animal models to identify pharmacological therapeutic strategies to minimize the injury induced by the cold/warm I/R in liver transplantation. Most of these studies were conducted in unrealistic conditions without the potential to be translated to clinical usage. Berberine (BBR) is a pharmacological compound with a potential protective effect of the mitochondrial function in the context of I/R. For the future clinical application of these pharmacological strategies, it is essential that a close resemblance exists between the methodology used in the animals models and real life. In this study, we have demonstrated that the addition of BBR to the preservation solution in an I/R setting preserves mitochondrial function and bioenergetics, protecting the liver from the deleterious effects caused by I/R. As such, BBR has the potential to be used as a pharmacological therapeutic strategy.
Seed Endophyte Microbiome of Crotalaria pumila Unpeeled: Identification of Plant-Beneficial Methylobacteria
Authors: Sánchez-López Ariadna , Pintelon Isabel , Stevens Vincent , Imperato Valeria , Timmermans Jean-Pierre , González-Chávez Carmen , Carrillo-González Rogelio , Van Hamme Jonathan , Vangronsveld Jaco , Thijs Sofie
Published: January 2018

Metal contaminated soils are increasing worldwide. Metal-tolerant plants growing on metalliferous soils are fascinating genetic and microbial resources. Seeds can vertically transmit endophytic microorganisms that can assist next generations to cope with environmental stresses, through yet poorly understood mechanisms. The aims of this study were to identify the core seed endophyte microbiome of the pioneer metallophyte Crotalaria pumila throughout three generations, and to better understand the plant colonisation of the seed endophyte Methylobacterium sp. Cp3. Strain Cp3 was detected in C. pumila seeds across three successive generations and showed the most dominant community member. When inoculated in the soil at the time of flowering, strain Cp3 migrated from soil to seeds. Using confocal microscopy, Cp3-mCherry was demonstrated to colonise the root cortex cells and xylem vessels of the stem under metal stress. Moreover, strain Cp3 showed genetic and in planta potential to promote seed germination and seedling development. We revealed, for the first time, that the seed microbiome of a pioneer plant growing in its natural environment, and the colonisation behaviour of an important plant growth promoting systemic seed endophyte. Future characterization of seed microbiota will lead to a better understanding of their functional contribution and the potential use for seed-fortification applications.
Differential Association of Cx37 and Cx40 Genetic Variants in Atrial Fibrillation with and without Underlying Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Carballo Sebastian , Pfenniger Anna , Carballo David , Garin Nicolas , James Richard , Mach François , Shah Dipen , Kwak Brenda
Published: January 2018

Atrial fibrillation (AF) appears in the presence or absence of structural heart disease. The majority of foci causing AF are located near the ostia of pulmonary veins (PVs), where cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells interdigitate. Connexins (Cx) form gap junction channels and participate in action potential propagation. Genetic variants in genes encoding Cx40 and Cx37 affect their expression or function and may contribute to PV arrhythmogenicity. DNA was obtained from 196 patients with drug-resistant, symptomatic AF with and without structural heart disease, who were referred for percutaneous catheter ablation. Eighty-nine controls were matched for age, gender, hypertension, and BMI. Genotyping of the Cx40 −44G > A, Cx40 +71A > G, Cx40 −26A > G, and Cx37 1019C > T polymorphisms was performed. The promoter A Cx40 polymorphisms (−44G > A and +71A > G) showed no association with non-structural or structural AF. Distribution of the Cx40 promoter B polymorphism (−26A > G) was different in structural AF when compared to controls (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference with non-structural AF (p = 0.50). The distribution of the Cx37 1019C > T polymorphism was different in non-structural AF (p = 0.03) but not in structural AF (p = 0.08) when compared to controls. Our study describes for the first time an association of drug-resistant non-structural heart disease AF with the Cx37 1019C > T gene polymorphism. We also confirmed the association of the Cx40 − 26G > A polymorphism in patients with AF and structural disease.
“Vessels in the Storm”: Searching for Prognostic and Predictive Angiogenic Factors in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Angelucci Adriano , Delle Monache Simona , Cortellini Alessio , Di  Padova Monica , Ficorella Corrado
Published: January 2018

High expectations are placed upon anti-angiogenic compounds for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the first malignancy for which such type of treatment has been approved. Indeed, clinical trials have confirmed that targeting the formation of new vessels can improve in many cases clinical outcomes of mCRC patients. However, current anti-angiogenic drugs are far from obtaining the desirable or expected curative results. Many are the factors probably involved in such disappointing results, but particular attention is currently focused on the validation of biomarkers able to improve the direction of treatment protocols. Because clinical studies have clearly demonstrated that serum or tissue concentration of some angiogenic factors is associated with the evolution of the disease of mCRC patients, they are currently explored as potential biomarkers of prognosis and of tumor response to therapy. However, the complex biology underlying CRC -induced angiogenesis is a hurdle in finding rapid solutions. The aim of this review was to explore molecular mechanisms that determine the formation of tumor-associated vessels during CRC progression, and to discuss the potential role of angiogenic factors as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers in CRC.
B Type and Complex A/B Type Epicatechin Trimers Isolated from Litchi pericarp Aqueous Extract Show High Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Gong Yihui , Fang Fang , Zhang Xin , Liu Bin , Luo Honghui , Li Zhen , Zhang Xuelian , Zhang Zhaoqi , Pang Xuequn
Published: January 2018

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit is known for its rich source of phenolics. Litchi pericarp contains high levels of epicatechin that may form oligomers of various lengths. Except for several A or B type epicatechin dimers, other soluble oligomers have rarely been identified in the pericarp. Here, bioassay-guided column fractionation was applied to isolate bioactive phenolics from aqueous pericarp extract. A fraction (S3) was obtained by two rounds of Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and showed higher antioxidant activity and inhibition on the proliferation of human lung cancer cells (A549) than Litchi anthocyanins. S3 was further separated to isolate fractions P1–P4, which all showed higher antioxidant activity than vitamin C. P3 showed 32.9% inhibition on A549 cells at 30 μg/mL, higher than other fractions and cis-Dichlorodiamineplatinum (DDP, 0.5 μg/mL), but not as high as the combination of the four fractions. Using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, one B-type and complex A/B type epicatechin trimers were identified in P3; another B-type and two A/B-type trimers were identified in P4. P1 and P2, containing epicatechin and proanthocyanidin B2, respectively, showed no cell inhibition at 30 μg/mL. It is the first time that the two B type trimers of epicatechins (Litchitannin B1 and B2), have been found in Litchi species. The identified proanthocyanidins were detected in the pericarp of the young fruit, and the levels of the compounds decreased as the fruit developed, correlating to the decreasing patterns of the expression of LcLAR and LcANR, two key genes in the catechin biosynthesis pathway.
Circulating Plasma Levels of miR-20b, miR-29b and miR-155 as Predictors of Bevacizumab Efficacy in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ulivi Paola , Canale Matteo , Passardi Alessandro , Marisi Giorgia , Valgiusti Martina , Frassineti Giovanni , Calistri Daniele , Amadori Dino , Scarpi Emanuela
Published: January 2018

Targeting angiogenesis in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common strategy, for which potential predictive biomarkers have been studied. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs involved in several processes including the angiogenic pathway. They are very stable in biological fluids, which turns them into potential circulating biomarkers. In this study, we considered a case series of patients with metastatic (m) CRC treated with a bevacizumab (B)-based treatment, enrolled in the prospective multicentric Italian Trial in Advanced Colorectal Cancer (ITACa). We then analyzed a panel of circulating miRNAs in relation to the patient outcome. In multivariate analysis, circulating basal levels of hsa-miR-20b-5p, hsa-miR-29b-3p and hsa-miR-155-5p resulted in being significantly associated with progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.027, p = 0.034 and p = 0.039, respectively) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.044, p = 0.024 and p = 0.032, respectively). We also observed that an increase in hsa-miR-155-5p at the first clinical evaluation was significantly associated with shorter PFS (HR 3.03 (95% CI 1.06–9.09), p = 0.040) and OS (HR 3.45 (95% CI 1.18–10.00), p = 0.024), with PFS and OS of 9.5 (95% CI 6.8–18.7) and 15.9 (95% CI 8.4–not reached), respectively, in patients with an increase ≥30% of hsa-miR-155-5p and 22.3 (95% CI 10.2–25.5) and 42.9 (24.8–not reached) months, respectively, in patients without such increase. In conclusion, our results highlight the potential usefulness of circulating basal levels of hsa-miR-20b-5p, hsa-miR-29b-3p and hsa-miR-155-5p in predicting the outcome of patients with mCRC treated with B. In addition, the variation of circulating hsa-miR-155-5p could also be indicative of the patient survival.
Abscisic Acid (ABA ) Promotes the Induction and Maintenance of Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia White Pear Group) Flower Bud Endodormancy
Authors: Li Jianzhao , Xu Ying , Niu Qingfeng , He Lufang , Teng Yuanwen , Bai Songling
Published: January 2018

Dormancy is an adaptive mechanism that allows temperate deciduous plants to survive unfavorable winter conditions. In the present work, we investigated the possible function of abscisic acid (ABA) on the endodormancy process in pear. The ABA content increased during pear flower bud endodormancy establishment and decreased towards endodormancy release. In total, 39 putative genes related to ABA metabolism and signal transductions were identified from pear genome. During the para- to endodormancy transition, PpNCED-2 and PpNCED-3 had high expression levels, while PpCYP707As expression levels were low. However, during endodormancy, the expression of PpCYP707A-3 sharply increased with increasing cold accumulation. At the same time, the ABA content of pear buds declined, and the percentage of bud breaks rapidly increased. On the other hand, the expression levels of PpPYLs, PpPP2Cs, PpSnRK2s, and PpABI4/ABI5s were also changed during the pear flower bud dormancy cycle. Furthermore, exogenous ABA application to para-dormant buds significantly reduced the bud breaks and accelerated the transition to endodormancy. During the whole treatment time, the expression level of PpPP2C-12 decreased to a greater extent in ABA-treated buds than in control. However, the expression levels of PpSnRK2-1, PpSnRK2-4, and PpABI5-1 were higher in ABA-treated buds. Our results indicated that PpCYP707A-3 and PpNCEDs play pivotal roles on the regulation of endodormancy release, while ABA signal transduction pathway also appears to be involved in the process. The present work provided the basic information about the function of ABA-related genes during pear flower bud dormancy process.
Microglia and Aging: The Role of the TREM2–DAP12 and CX3CL1-CX3CR1 Axes
Authors: Mecca Carmen , Giambanco Ileana , Donato Rosario , Arcuri Cataldo
Published: January 2018

Depending on the species, microglial cells represent 5–20% of glial cells in the adult brain. As the innate immune effector of the brain, microglia are involved in several functions: regulation of inflammation, synaptic connectivity, programmed cell death, wiring and circuitry formation, phagocytosis of cell debris, and synaptic pruning and sculpting of postnatal neural circuits. Moreover, microglia contribute to some neurodevelopmental disorders such as Nasu-Hakola disease (NHD), and to aged-associated neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and others. There is evidence that human and rodent microglia may become senescent. This event determines alterations in the microglia activation status, associated with a chronic inflammation phenotype and with the loss of neuroprotective functions that lead to a greater susceptibility to the neurodegenerative diseases of aging. In the central nervous system (CNS), Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2-DNAX activation protein 12 (TREM2-DAP12) is a signaling complex expressed exclusively in microglia. As a microglial surface receptor, TREM2 interacts with DAP12 to initiate signal transduction pathways that promote microglial cell activation, phagocytosis, and microglial cell survival. Defective TREM2-DAP12 functions play a central role in the pathogenesis of several diseases. The CX3CL1 (fractalkine)-CX3CR1 signaling represents the most important communication channel between neurons and microglia. The expression of CX3CL1 in neurons and of its receptor CX3CR1 in microglia determines a specific interaction, playing fundamental roles in the regulation of the maturation and function of these cells. Here, we review the role of the TREM2-DAP12 and CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axes in aged microglia and the involvement of these pathways in physiological CNS aging and in age-associated neurodegenerative diseases.
Overall Survival of Ovarian Cancer Patients Is Determined by Expression of Galectins-8 and -9
Authors: Schulz Heiko , Kuhn Christina , Hofmann Simone , Mayr Doris , Mahner Sven , Jeschke Udo , Schmoeckel Elisa
Published: January 2018

The evaluation of new prognostic factors that can be targeted in ovarian cancer diagnosis and therapy is of the utmost importance. Galectins are a family of carbohydrate binding proteins with various implications in cancer biology. In this study, the presence of galectin (Gal)-8 and -9 was investigated in 156 ovarian cancer samples using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Staining was evaluated using semi-quantitative immunoreactivity (IR) scores and correlated to clinical and pathological data. Different types of galectin expression were compared with respect to disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Gal-8 served as a new positive prognostic factor for the OS and DFS of ovarian cancer patients. Gal-9 expression determined the DFS and OS of ovarian cancer patients in two opposing ways—moderate Gal-9 expression was correlated with a reduced outcome as compared to Gal-9 negative cases, while patients with high Gal-9 expression showed the best outcome.
Affinity Purification and Comparative Biosensor Analysis of Citrulline-Peptide-Specific Antibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Szarka Eszter , Aradi Petra , Huber Krisztina , Pozsgay Judit , Végh Lili , Magyar Anna , Gyulai Gergő , Nagy György , Rojkovich Bernadette , Kiss Éva , Hudecz Ferenc , Sármay Gabriella
Published: January 2018

Background: In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPAs) are responsible for disease onset and progression, however, our knowledge is limited on ligand binding affinities of autoantibodies with different citrulline-peptide specificity. Methods: Citrulline-peptide-specific ACPA IgGs were affinity purified and tested by ELISA. Binding affinities of ACPA IgGs and serum antibodies were compared by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. Bifunctional nanoparticles harboring a multi-epitope citrulline-peptide and a complement-activating peptide were used to induce selective depletion of ACPA-producing B cells. Results: KD values of affinity-purified ACPA IgGs varied between 10−6 and 10−8 M and inversely correlated with disease activity. Based on their cross-reaction with citrulline-peptides, we designed a novel multi-epitope peptide, containing Cit-Gly and Ala-Cit motifs in two–two copies, separated with a short, neutral spacer. This peptide detected antibodies in RA sera with 66% sensitivity and 98% specificity in ELISA and was recognized by 90% of RA sera, while none of the healthy samples in SPR. When coupled to nanoparticles, the multi-epitope peptide specifically targeted and depleted ACPA-producing B cells ex vivo. Conclusions: The unique multi-epitope peptide designed based on ACPA cross-reactivity might be suitable to develop better diagnostics and novel therapies for RA.
Inspired from Ants Colony: Smart Routing Algorithm of Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Bouarafa Saleh , Saadane Rachid , Rahmani Moulay
Published: January 2018

In brief, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are a set of limited power nodes, used for gathering the determined data of an area. Increasing the lifetime is the main challenge to optimize WSNs routing protocols, since the sensors’ energy in most cases is limited. In this respect, this article introduces a novel smart routing algorithm of wireless sensor networks, consisting of stable nodes randomly dispersed, and this approach is inspired from ant colonies. The proposed algorithm takes into consideration the distance between two nodes, the chosen path length and the nodes’ residual energy so as to update the choice probability of the next node among the neighbouring nodes, contrary to several routing algorithms; on the one hand, the nodes are aggregating data of their predecessors and sending to all to their successors; on the other hand, the source is almost always changed in each iteration. Consequently, the energy consumption is balanced between the nodes. Hence, the network lifetime will be increased. Detailed descriptions and a set of simulation using Matlab is provided to measure the network lifetime and the energy consumed by nodes of the proposed approach are presented. The replications’ consequences of simulations prove the success of our future routing algorithm (SRA).
Route and Type of Formulation Administered Influences the Absorption and Disposition of Vitamin B12 Levels in Serum
Authors: Vitetta Luis , Zhou Joyce , Manuel Rachel , Dal Forno Serena , Hall Sean , Rutolo David
Published: January 2018

The administration of biological compounds that optimize health benefits is an ever-evolving therapeutic goal. Pharmaceutical and other adjunctive biological compounds have been administered via many different routes in order to produce a systemic pharmacological effect. The article summarizes the findings from an Australian comparative study in adults administered vitamin B12 through different oral delivery platforms. A total of 16 subjects (9 males, 7 females) voluntarily partook in a comparative clinical study of five different vitamin B12 formulations across a six-month period, completing 474 person-hours of cumulative contribution, that was equivalent to an n = 60 participation. A nanoparticle delivered vitamin B12 through a NanoCelle platform was observed to be significantly (p < 0.05) better absorbed than all other dose equivalent platforms (i.e., tablets, emulsions, or liposomes) from baseline to 1, 3, and 6 h of the study period. The nanoparticle platform delivered vitamin B12 demonstrated an enhanced and significant absorption profile as exemplified by rapid systemic detection (i.e., 1 h from baseline) when administered to the oro-buccal mucosa with no reports of any adverse events of toxicity. The nanoparticle formulation of methylcobalamin (1000 µg/dose in 0.3 mL volume) showed bioequivalence only with a chewable-dissolvable tablet that administered a five times higher dose of methylcobalamin (5000 µg) per tablet. This study has demonstrated that an active metabolite embedded in a functional biomaterial (NanoCelle) may constitute a drug delivery method that can better access the circulatory system.
Negative Binomial Kumaraswamy-G Cure Rate Regression Model
Authors: D’Andrea Amanda , Rocha Ricardo , Tomazella Vera , Louzada Francisco
Published: January 2018

In survival analysis, the presence of elements not susceptible to the event of interest is very common. These elements lead to what is called a fraction cure, cure rate, or even long-term survivors. In this paper, we propose a unified approach using the negative binomial distribution for modeling cure rates under the Kumaraswamy family of distributions. The estimation is made by maximum likelihood. We checked the maximum likelihood asymptotic properties through some simulation setups. Furthermore, we propose an estimation strategy based on the Negative Binomial Kumaraswamy-G generalized linear model. Finally, we illustrate the distributions proposed using a real data set related to health risk.
Responding to Landscape Change: Stakeholder Participation and Social Capital in Five European Landscapes
Authors: Kizos Thanasis , Plieninger Tobias , Iosifides Theodoros , García-Martín María , Girod Geneviève , Karro Krista , Palang Hannes , Printsmann Anu , Shaw Brian , Nagy Julianna , Budniok Marie-Alice
Published: January 2018

The concept of landscape has been increasingly used, in the last decades, in policy and land use planning, both in regard to so-called “special” and to “ordinary” or “everyday” landscapes. This has raised the importance of local and public participation in all issues that refer to landscapes and the definition of the groups that “have a stake” in the landscape. In this paper, we provide insights into how stakeholders perceive the dynamics of local processes of landscape change (and continuity) and which processes of landscape change they perceive as important, in positive and negative ways, from five communities within the European Union. These landscapes involve different landscape issues “at stake”, different national and local planning and decision-making traditions and practices, and varying degrees of engagement. The understanding of these complexities and the unraveling of the insights is done through the concept of social capital and its different forms. We report on three series of workshops that have been organized to discuss landscape issues and approaches or ideas for landscape management. We witnessed interactions between the different stakeholders and gained insights into how social capital affects landscape change. We found that despite differences, similarities emerged concerning the interplay between “expert” and “local” knowledge and between “insideness” and “outsideness”. Social capital plays an important part, as it provides the template for personal and collective evaluation of landscape changes, who should manage these changes and how they should be managed. These findings are important to develop in-depth insights on dynamics and values of cultural landscapes and visions for re-coupling social and ecological components in cultural landscapes and translate them into policy and management options.
Influence of Laser Pulse Number on the Ablation of Cemented Tungsten Carbides (WC-CoNi) with Different Grain Size
Authors: Fang Shiqi , Hsu Chia-Jui , Klein Sven , Llanes Luis , Bähre Dirk , Mücklich Frank
Published: January 2018

The ultra-short pulse laser has attracted attention as an advanced tool for functionalizing surface topography, since it has high accuracy and results in little damage. In a previous study, some innovative patterns were introduced on cemented carbide surfaces, such as dimples, which are commonly used as oil reservoirs for bearings. The accuracy is not only related to the inherent features of the laser, but also to the machining processes. Within this context, this study aims to investigate the influence of machining parameters (i.e., pulse number in this study) on the ablation mechanism and resulting surface integrity. Two cemented carbide grades, possessing similar chemical composition but different grain size (small and large), are machined using a femtosond laser set-up with variant pulse number (1–20). The geometrical properties of the produced structure and surface integrity are statistically investigated using different microscopy techniques. It is found that the dimple depth is approximately proportional to the pulse number for both grades, and the coarse grade leads to a higher rate of depth increase. Damage is found in the form of melting and cracking for the binder and the grains, respectively; but this is more pronounced for large-grain grade in terms of the scale and depth. However, these observations are only found at a very superficial position.
5-Amino-3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazole
Authors: Aitken R. , Slawin Alexandra
Published: January 2018

An improved procedure for isolation of 5-amino-3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazole in pure form on a multi-gram scale without chromatography is reported. Its 1H and 13C-NMR and IR data are presented and previously published erroneous data corrected. The molecular structure is confirmed by X-ray diffraction which shows layers consisting of an elaborate two-dimensional hydrogen bonded network of molecules.
Nitrogen-Containing Functional Groups-Facilitated Acetone Adsorption by ZIF-8-Derived Porous Carbon
Authors: Li Liqing , Ma Xiancheng , Chen Ruofei , Wang Chunhao , Lu Mingming
Published: January 2018

Nitrogen-doped porous carbon (ZC) is prepared by modification with ammonia for increasing the specific surface area and surface polarity after carbonization of zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8). The structure and properties of these ZCs were characterized by Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, N2 sorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Through static adsorption tests of these carbons, the sample obtained at 600 °C was selected as an excellent adsorbent, which exhibited an excellent acetone capacity of 417.2 mg g−1 (25 °C) with a very large surface area and high-level nitrogen doping (13.55%). The microporosity, surface area and N-containing groups of the materials, pyrrolic-N, pyridinic-N, and oxidized-N groups in particular, were found to be the determining factors for acetone adsorption by means of molecular simulation with density functional theory. These findings indicate that N-doped microporous carbon materials are potential promising adsorbents for acetone.
Blood Vessel Formation and Bone Regeneration Potential of the Stromal Vascular Fraction Seeded on a Calcium Phosphate Scaffold in the Human Maxillary Sinus Floor Elevation Model
Authors: Farré-Guasch Elisabet , Bravenboer Nathalie , Helder Marco , Schulten Engelbert , Ten Bruggenkate Christiaan , Klein-Nulend Jenneke
Published: January 2018

Bone substitutes are used as alternatives for autologous bone grafts in patients undergoing maxillary sinus floor elevation (MSFE) for dental implant placement. However, bone substitutes lack osteoinductive and angiogenic potential. Addition of adipose stem cells (ASCs) may stimulate osteogenesis and osteoinduction, as well as angiogenesis. We aimed to evaluate the vascularization in relation to bone formation potential of the ASC-containing stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue, seeded on two types of calcium phosphate carriers, within the human MSFE model, in a phase I study. Autologous SVF was obtained from ten patients and seeded on β-tricalcium phosphate (n = 5) or biphasic calcium phosphate carriers (n = 5), and used for MSFE in a one-step surgical procedure. After six months, biopsies were obtained during dental implant placement, and the quantification of the number of blood vessels was performed using histomorphometric analysis and immunohistochemical stainings for blood vessel markers, i.e., CD34 and alpha-smooth muscle actin. Bone percentages seemed to correlate with blood vessel formation and were higher in study versus control biopsies in the cranial area, in particular in β-tricalcium phosphate-treated patients. This study shows the safety, feasibility, and efficiency of the use of ASCs in the human MSFE, and indicates a pro-angiogenic effect of SVF.
Glass Polarization Induced Drift of a Closed-Loop Micro-Accelerometer
Authors: Zhou Wu , He Jiangbo , Yu Huijun , Peng Bei , He Xiaoping
Published: January 2018

The glass polarization effects were introduced in this paper to study the main cause of turn-on drift phenomenon of closed-loop micro-accelerometers. The glass substrate underneath the sensitive silicon structure underwent a polarizing process when the DC bias voltage was applied. The slow polarizing process induced an additional electrostatic field to continually drag the movable mass block from one position to another so that the sensing capacitance was changed, which led to an output drift of micro-accelerometers. This drift was indirectly tested by experiments and could be sharply reduced by a shielding layer deposited on the glass substrate because the extra electrical filed was prohibited from generating extra electrostatic forces on the movable fingers of the mass block. The experimental results indicate the average magnitude of drift decreased about 73%, from 3.69 to 0.99 mV. The conclusions proposed in this paper showed a meaningful guideline to improve the stability of micro-devices based on silicon-on-glass structures.
Advanced Material Strategies for Next-Generation Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Chang Jinke , He Jiankang , Mao Mao , Zhou Wenxing , Lei Qi , Li Xiao , Li Dichen , Chua Chee-Kai , Zhao Xin
Published: January 2018

Additive manufacturing (AM) has drawn tremendous attention in various fields. In recent years, great efforts have been made to develop novel additive manufacturing processes such as micro-/nano-scale 3D printing, bioprinting, and 4D printing for the fabrication of complex 3D structures with high resolution, living components, and multimaterials. The development of advanced functional materials is important for the implementation of these novel additive manufacturing processes. Here, a state-of-the-art review on advanced material strategies for novel additive manufacturing processes is provided, mainly including conductive materials, biomaterials, and smart materials. The advantages, limitations, and future perspectives of these materials for additive manufacturing are discussed. It is believed that the innovations of material strategies in parallel with the evolution of additive manufacturing processes will provide numerous possibilities for the fabrication of complex smart constructs with multiple functions, which will significantly widen the application fields of next-generation additive manufacturing.
A Rapid Method for the Determination of Fucoxanthin in Diatom
Authors: Wang Li-Juan , Fan Yong , Parsons Ronald , Hu Guang-Rong , Zhang Pei-Yu , Li Fu-Li
Published: January 2018

Fucoxanthin is a natural pigment found in microalgae, especially diatoms and Chrysophyta. Recently, it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-obesityactivity in humans. Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a diatom with high economic potential due to its high content of fucoxanthin and eicosapentaenoic acid. In order to improve fucoxanthin production, physical and chemical mutagenesis could be applied to generate mutants. An accurate and rapid method to assess the fucoxanthin content is a prerequisite for a high-throughput screen of mutants. In this work, the content of fucoxanthin in P. tricornutum was determined using spectrophotometry instead of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This spectrophotometric method is easier and faster than liquid chromatography and the standard error was less than 5% when compared to the HPLC results. Also, this method can be applied to other diatoms, with standard errors of 3–14.6%. It provides a high throughput screening method for microalgae strains producing fucoxanthin.
Twenty-Nine New Limonoids with Skeletal Diversity from the Mangrove Plant, Xylocarpus moluccensis
Authors: Zhang Jianzhi , Li Wanshan , Dai Yiguo , Shen Li , Wu Jun
Published: January 2018

Twenty-nine new limonoids—named xylomolins A1–A7, B1–B2, C1–C2, D–F, G1–G5, H–I, J1–J2, K1–K2, L1–L2, and M–N, were isolated from the seeds of the mangrove plant, Xylocarpus moluccensis. Compounds 1–13 are mexicanolides with one double bond or two conjugated double bonds, while 14 belongs to a small group of mexicanolides with an oxygen bridge between C1 and C8. Compounds 15–19 are khayanolides containing a Δ8,14 double bond, whereas 20 and 21 are rare khayanolides containing a Δ14,15 double bond and Δ8,9, Δ14,15 conjugated double bonds, respectively. Compounds 22 and 23 are unusual limonoids possessing a (Z)-bicyclo[5.2.1]dec-3-en-8-one motif, while 24 and 25 are 30-ketophragmalins with Δ8,9, Δ14,15 conjugated double bonds. Compounds 26 and 27 are phragmalin 8,9,30-ortho esters, whereas 28 and 29 are azadirone and andirobin derivatives, respectively. The structures of these compounds, including absolute configurations of 15–19, 21–23, and 26, were established by HRESIMS, extensive 1D and 2D NMR investigations, and the comparison of experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. The absolute configuration of 1 was unequivocally established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, obtained with Cu Kα radiation. The diverse cyclization patterns of 1–29 reveal the strong flexibility of skeletal plasticity in the limonoid biosynthesis of X. moluccensis. Compound 23 exhibited weak antitumor activity against human triple-negative breast MD-MBA-231 cancer cells with an IC50 value of 37.7 μM. Anti-HIV activities of 1, 3, 8, 10, 11, 14, 20, 23–25, and 27 were tested in vitro. However, no compounds showed potent inhibitory activity.
Auricular Neuromodulation: The Emerging Concept beyond the Stimulation of Vagus and Trigeminal Nerves
Authors: Mercante Beniamina , Deriu Franca , Rangon Claire-Marie
Published: January 2018

Neuromodulation, thanks to intrinsic and extrinsic brain feedback loops, seems to be the best way to exploit brain plasticity for therapeutic purposes. In the past years, there has been tremendous advances in the field of non-pharmacological modulation of brain activity. This review of different neurostimulation techniques will focus on sites and mechanisms of both transcutaneous vagus and trigeminal nerve stimulation. These methods are scientifically validated non-invasive bottom-up brain modulation techniques, easily implemented from the outer ear. In the light of this, auricles could transpire to be the most affordable target for non-invasive manipulation of central nervous system functions.
Dose-Dependent Effects of Green Tea or Maté Extracts on Lipid and Protein Oxidation in Brine-Injected Retail-Packed Pork Chops
Authors: Jongberg Sisse , Tørngren Mari , Skibsted Leif
Published: January 2018

Background: Phenolic plant extracts are added as antioxidants in meat to prevent lipid oxidation, but depending on the concentration applied, may affect proteins either through covalent interactions or by serving as a prooxidant. Methods: Brine-injected pork chops prepared with green tea extract (25–160 ppm gallic acid equivalents (GAE)), or maté extract (25–160 ppm GAE) and stored (5 °C, 7 days) in high-oxygen atmosphere packaging (MAP: 80% O2 and 20% CO2) were analyzed for color changes, lipid oxidation by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and protein oxidation evaluated by thiol loss and protein radical formation by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, and compared to a control without antioxidant. Results: Extract of maté and green tea showed significant and comparable antioxidative effects against formation of TBARS in brine-injected pork chops for all concentrations applied compared to the control. Protein radical formation decreased significantly by addition of 25 ppm maté extract, but increased significantly by addition of 80–160 ppm green tea extract, when monitored as formation of protein radicals. Meanwhile, protein thiol groups disappeared when applying the extracts by reactions assigned to addition reactions of oxidized phenols from the extracts to protein thiols. Conclusion: Maté is accordingly a good source of antioxidants for protection of both lipids and proteins in brine-injected pork chops chill-stored in high-oxygen atmosphere, though the dose must be carefully selected.
The Location of Conjunctivochalasis and Its Clinical Correlation with the Severity of Dry Eye Symptoms
Authors: Dalianis Georgios , Trivli Alexandra , Terzidou Chryssa
Published: January 2018

Background: We aimed to investigate the clinical importance of conjunctivochalasis (CCH) and, further, to implement a new CCH classification system. Methods: 60 eyes of patients with whom, upon clinical examination, CCH was diagnosed were investigated for the presence of symptoms and signs characteristic of dry eye. The eyes were grouped based on two stages of severity, Stage 1 (minimal/mild) and Stage 2 (medium/severe), for each nasal, middle, and temporal position, and on the extent of CCH folds in each site. Results: In 40 (66.6%) out of 60 eyes, symptoms and signs of CCH were manifest: pain in 25 (41.6%), epiphora in 25 (41.6%), and lacrimal punctum obstruction from conjunctival folds in 22 (36.6%) eyes. Depending on the position of CCH, a greater percentage of symptoms appeared in Stage 2 in the nasal position (78.9%), followed by middle (68.7%) and temporal positions (60%). When TBUT values were compared, statistically significant differences were found proportional to grading (p < 0.001) and position (nasal more severe than temporal, p < 0.001), and such differences were also found when TBUT values of all eyes were compared with those of symptomatic eyes (p = 0.01) and with those of symptom-free eyes (p = 0.002). Conclusions: CCH is a rather frequent and commonly unrecognized condition that should always be considered in differential diagnoses of dry eye.
Direct Production of Ferrochrome by Segregation Reduction of Chromite in the Presence of Calcium Chloride
Authors: Yu Dawei , Paktunc Dogan
Published: January 2018

A solid reduction process is described whereby chromite is reduced with the help of calcium chloride to produce ferrochrome alloy powders with high metal recovery. The process involves segregation reduction of chromite using graphite as the reductant and calcium chloride as the segregation catalyst. Experiments were performed in the temperature range of 1200–1400 °C to evaluate the influences of various design parameters using both a thermogravimetric analyzer and an electric tube furnace with continuous off-gas analysis. The reduced products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and were subjected to wet chemical analysis. It was concluded that the addition of calcium chloride not only accelerated the carbothermic reduction of chromite but also promoted the formation and growth of individual ferrochrome alloy particles. The alloy formation within chromite particles was minimized, enabling the effective separation of ferrochrome alloy particles from the unwanted gangue without the need for fine grinding. Majority of the calcium chloride remained in a recoverable form, with a small percentage (<10 wt %) consumed by reacting with the siliceous gangue forming wadalite. Pure ferrochrome alloy powders were successfully produced with high metal recovery using elutriating separation.
Comprehensive Characterisation of a Newly Developed Mg–Dy–Al–Zn–Zr Alloy Structure
Authors: Kunčická Lenka , Kocich Radim
Published: January 2018

This is a report on the structure phases and precipitates in a newly developed Mg–10Dy–3Al–1Zn–0.2Zr alloy. Specimens from the cast alloy were heat treated at temperatures of 480 °C, 520 °C and 560 °C, all for 8 and 16 h, and subsequently quenched. The structures were then analysed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, while the mechanical properties were investigated using microhardness measurements. The results showed the different temperatures, as well as times, influence both the chemical composition and morphology of the precipitated phases. The occurrence of the β-phase changed with increasing temperature and time from grain boundary segregations through fine elongated particles to coarse plate-like precipitates. Polygon-shaped Dy-rich precipitates were observed in all the samples; however, their size decreased and their distribution homogenised with increasing annealing temperature and time. The samples annealed at 520 °C and 560 °C exhibited the presence of lamellar 18R-type long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases. Microhardness measurements were in accordance with results of the microscopic analyses; although the values varied between 60 and 65 HV for all the material states, the most uniform distribution was observed for the 560 °C/8-h sample, which featured the finest precipitates and LPSO phases.
Investigation on the Effect of Tool Pin Profiles on Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Friction Stir Butt and Scarf Welded Aluminium Alloy 6063
Authors: Goel Pankul , Siddiquee Arshad , Khan Noor , Hussain Mohd , Khan Zahid , Abidi Mustufa , Al-Ahmari Abdulrahman
Published: January 2018

In the present study, friction stir welding (FSW) of butt and scarf joints of Al 6063-T6 were investigated. Five different tool pin profiles (cylindrical, tapered cylindrical, square, triangular, and hexagonal) were applied for performing welding. Scarf joint, being a new joint configuration, was used and effect of pin profiles was investigated on this type of joint configuration. The effect of pin profiles on microstructure, micro-hardness, impact and tensile properties of friction stir welded Al 6063-T6 was investigated. Scanning electron and optical microscopy were employed to characterize the different zones of welded joints. A thorough discussion on correlation between mechanical properties and microstructure has been made. In addition, the formation of various defects during the FSW was discussed with the help of fractography of the fractured surfaces.
Fabrication of Nickel Nanosized Powder from LiNiO2 from Spent Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Shin Shun-Myung , Lee Dong-Won , Wang Jei-Pil
Published: January 2018

In this study, a fabrication of nickel nanoparticles from LNO(LiNiO2), which is a cathode active material, was synthesized by the liquid reduction process of NiSO4, obtained through a leaching and purification process. Hydrazine monohydrate (N2H4·H2O) was used as a liquid reducing agent and it was added to NiSO4 at a volume ratio of NiSO4:N2H4·H2O = 10:3 and reacted for 10 min to synthesize the nickel hydrazine complex. Sodium hydroxide was added to the nickel hydrazine complex at the weight ratio of NiSO4:NaOH = 10:1.25–1.5 and the reduction reaction was performed at 80 °C for 15 min to synthesize nickel particles. Synthesized nickel particles were agglomerated and had a mean size of 200 nm to 300 nm. Ultrasonic dispersion, which is a physical dispersion method, was conducted. The nickel had particles of 100 nm or less when dispersed for 2 h at an ultrasonic intensity of 40 kHz. In order to prevent the agglomeration of the dispersed particles again, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), an interfacial stabilizer, was added to stabilize the dispersed particles. It was confirmed that the nanoparticles were stably retained when PVP was added in an amount of 1 to 2 wt % based on the weight of the nickel. The purity of nickel recovered was found to be 99.62 wt %.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Minerals in 2017
Authors:   Minerals Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Minerals maintains high quality standards for its published papers [...]
In Silico and In Vitro Study of the Bromelain-Phytochemical Complex Inhibition of Phospholipase A2 (Pla2)
Authors: Mohamed Tap Fatahiya , Abd Majid Fadzilah , Ismail Hassan , Wong Tet , Shameli Kamyar , Miyake Mikio , Ahmad Khairudin Nurul
Published: January 2018

Phospholipase A2 (Pla2) is an enzyme that induces inflammation, making Pla2 activity an effective approach to reduce inflammation. Therefore, investigating natural compounds for this Pla2 inhibitory activity has important therapeutic potential. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential in bromelain-phytochemical complex inhibitors via a combination of in silico and in vitro methods. Bromelain-amenthoflavone displays antagonistic effects on Pla2. Bromelian-asiaticoside and bromelain-diosgenin displayed synergistic effects at high concentrations of the combined compounds, with inhibition percentages of more than 70% and 90%, respectively, and antagonistic effects at low concentrations. The synergistic effect of the bromelain-asiaticoside and bromelain-diosgenin combinations represents a new application in treating inflammation. These findings not only provide significant quantitative data, but also provide an insight on valuable implications for the combined use of bromelain with asiaticoside and diosgenin in treating inflammation, and may help researchers develop more natural bioactive compounds in daily foods as anti-inflammatory agent.
Immobilization of Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A on Chitosan Particles and Its Applications in Peptide-to-Peptide Ligation and Peptide Cyclization
Authors: Yang Min , Hong Haofei , Liu Shaozhong , Zhao Xinrui , Wu Zhimeng
Published: January 2018

Chitosan macro-particles prepared by the neutralization method were applied to Sortase A (SrtA) immobilization using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. The particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the immobilization process. An average specific activity of 3142 U (mg protein)−1 was obtained under optimized immobilization conditions (chitosan concentration 3%, SrtA concentration 0.5 mg·mL−1, glutaraldehyde concentration 0.5%, crosslinking and immobilization at 20 °C, crosslinking for 3 h, and an immobilization time of 8 h). The transpeptidase activity of immobilized SrtA was proved by a peptide-to-peptide ligation with a conversion yield approximately at 80%, and the immobilized catalyst was successfully reused for five cycles without obvious activity loss. Moreover, the scale-up capability of using immobilized SrtA to catalyze a head-to-tail peptide cyclization was investigated in a batch reaction and the conversion yield was more than 95% when using 20 mg of peptide as a substrate.
Comparison of Binding Affinities of Water-Soluble Calixarenes with the Organophosphorus Nerve Agent Soman (GD) and Commonly-Used Nerve Agent Simulants
Authors: Ede Jayne , Cragg Peter , Sambrook Mark
Published: January 2018

The formation of inclusion complexes of the water-soluble p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes, where n = 4 or 6, with the Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) GD, or Soman, and commonly used dialkyl methylphosphonate simulants has been studied by experimental solution NMR methods and by Molecular Mechanics (MMFF) and semi-empirical (PM6) calculations. Complex formation in non-buffered and buffered solutions is driven by the hydrophobic effect, and complex stoichiometry determined as 1:1 for all host:guest pairs. Low affinity complexes (Kassoc < 100 M−1) are observed for all guests, attributed to poor host–guest complementarity and the role of buffer cation species accounts for the low affinity of the complexes. Comparison of CWA and simulant behavior adds to understanding of CWA–simulant correlations and the challenges of simulant selection.