bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Surfactant and Hydrophobic Nanoparticles on the Crude Oil-Water Interfacial Tension
Authors: Jiang Xu , Liu Ming , Li Xingxun , Wang Li , Liang Shuang , Guo Xuqiang
Published: September 2021

Surfactants and nanoparticles play crucial roles in controlling the oil-water interfacial phenomenon. The natural oil-wet mineral nanoparticles that exist in crude oil could remarkably affect water-oil interfacial characteristics. Most of recent studies focus on the effect of hydrophilic nanoparticles dispersed in water on the oil-water interfacial phenomenon for the nanoparticle enhanced oil recovery. However, studies of the impact of the oil-wet nanoparticles existed in crude oil on interfacial behaviour are rare. In this study, the impacts of Span 80 surfactant and hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles on the crude oil-water interfacial characteristics were studied by measuring the dynamic and equilibrium crude oil-water interfacial tensions. The results show the existence of nanoparticles leading to higher crude oil-water interfacial tensions than those without nanoparticles at low surfactant concentrations below 2000 ppm. At a Span 80 surfactant concentration of 1000 ppm, the increase of interfacial tension caused by nanoparticles is largest, which is around 8.6 mN/m. For high Span 80 surfactant concentrations, the less significant impact of nanoparticles on the crude oil-water interfacial tension is obtained. The effect of nanoparticle concentration on the crude oil-water interfacial tension was also investigated in the existence of surfactant. The data indicates the less significant influence of nanoparticles on the crude oil-water interfacial tension at high nanoparticle concentration in the presence of Span 80 surfactant. This study confirms the influences of nanoparticle-surfactant interaction and competitive surfactant molecule adsorption on the nanoparticles surfaces and the crude oil-water interface.
An Innovative Design of a Solar Double-Chimney Power Plant for Electricity Generation
Authors: Abdelsalam Emad , Kafiah Feras , Almomani Fares , Tawalbeh Muhammad , Kiswani Sanad , Khasawneh Asma , Ibrahim Dana , Alkasrawi Malek
Published: September 2021

The present work involves a new and novel upgrading design to the classical solar chimney power plant (SCPP) structure. The SCPP design was modified by adding a co-centric secondary external chimney to the SCPP structure to enhance energy production. In the new improved design, named the solar double-chimney power plant (SDCPP), the internal chimney, operates like a traditional SCPP to produce electricity during the daytime whereas the secondary external chimney operates as 10 cooling towers (CT) in a series. Each CT is equipped with a turbine and water sprinklers for further energy production. The new design offers the operation of the SCPP during the day and the continuous operation of the CT (day-and-night). A mathematical model that includes the energy and mass balance equations of the system was built using MATLAB. The SDCPP system produced up to 993 MWh of electrical energy, which is 2.6 times higher than the traditional SCPP (377 MWh). The new design configuration achieved a percentage of thermal efficiency (%ηth) of 1.6%, which is 200 times greater than the SCPP. The economic assessment of the new system revealed a 50% reduction in the localized cost of energy (LCOE) compared with traditional SCPP. The key advantage of the new design is related to the use of low-cost material in constructing the secondary chimney to reduce the fixed capital cost and prompt the economic feasibility of the system. Overall, the proposed SDCPP offers a feasible and economic solution to produce electricity and to potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Evaluation of Stress Distribution and Force in External Hexagonal Implant: A 3-D Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Bandela Vinod , Basany Ram , Nagarajappa Anil Kumar , Basha Sakeenabi , Kanaparthi Saraswathi , Ganji Kiran Kumar , Patil Santosh , Gudipaneni Ravi Kumar , Mohammed Ghazi Sghaireen , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To analyze the stress distribution and the direction of force in external hexagonal implant with crown in three different angulations. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 samples of geometric models were used to analyze von Mises stress and direction of force with 0-, 5-, and 10-degree lingual tilt. Von Mises stress and force distribution were evaluated at nodes of hard bone, and finite element analysis was performed using ANSYS 12.1 software. For calculating stress distribution and force, we categorized and labeled the groups as Implant A1, Implant A2, and Implant A3, and Implant B1, Implant B2, and Implant B3 with 0-, 5-, and 10-degree lingual inclinations, respectively. Inter- and intra-group comparisons were performed using ANOVA test. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In all the three models, overall maximum stress was found in implant model A3 on the implant surface (86.61), and minimum was found on model A1 in hard bone (26.21). In all the three models, the direction of force along three planes was maximum in DX (0.01025) and minimum along DZ (0.002) direction with model B1. Conclusion: Maximum von Mises stress and the direction of force in axial direction was found at the maximum with the implant of 10 degrees angulation. Thus, it was evident that tilting of an implant influences the stress concentration and force in external hex implants.
Neurological Impacts of Chronic Methylmercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Adults: Somatosensory, Motor, and Cognitive Abnormalities
Authors: Oliveira Rogério Adas Ayres de , Pinto Bruna Duarte , Rebouças Bruno Hojo , Ciampi de Andrade Daniel , Vasconcellos Ana Claudia Santiago de , Basta Paulo Cesar
Published: September 2021

There has been increasing evidence about mercury (Hg) contamination in traditional populations from the Amazon Basin due to illegal gold mining. The most concerning health impact is neurotoxicity caused by Hg in its organic form: methylmercury (MeHg). However, the severity and extent of the neurotoxic effects resulting from chronic environmental exposure to MeHg are still unclear. We conducted a clinical-epidemiological study to evaluate the neurological impacts of chronic MeHg exposure in Munduruku indigenous people, focusing on somatosensory, motor, and cognitive abnormalities. All participants were subjected to a systemized neurological exam protocol, including Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), verbal fluency test, and Stick Design Test. After the examination, hair samples were collected to determine MeHg levels. Data collection took place between 29 October and 9 November 2019, in three villages (Sawré Muybu, Poxo Muybu, and Sawré Aboy) from Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, Southwest of Pará state. One hundred and ten individuals >12 years old were included, 58 of which were men (52.7%), with an average age of 27.6 years (range from 12 to 72). Participants’ median MeHg level was 7.4 µg/g (average: 8.7; S.D: 4.5; range: 2.0–22.8). In Sawré Aboy village, the median MeHg level was higher (12.5 µg/g) than in the others, showing a significant statistical exposure gradient (Kruskal–Wallis test with p-value < 0.001). Cerebellar ataxia was observed in two participants with MeHg levels of 11.68 and 15.68 µg/g. Individuals with MeHg exposure level ≥10 µg/g presented around two-fold higher chances of cognitive deficits (RP: 2.2; CI 95%: 1.13–4.26) in BCSB, and in the verbal fluency test (RP: 2.0; CI 95%: 1.18–3.35). Furthermore, adolescents of 12 to 19 years presented three-fold higher chances of verbal development deficits, according to the fluency test (RP: 3.2; CI 95%: 1.06–9.42), than individuals of 20 to 24 years. The worsened motor and cognitive functions are suggestive of neurotoxicity due to chronic MeHg exposure. In conclusion, we believe monitoring and follow-up measures are necessary for chronic mercury exposed vulnerable people, and a basic care protocol should be established for contaminated people in the Brazilian Unified Health System.
Women’s Lives Matter—The Critical Need for Women to Prioritize Optimal Physical Activity to Reduce COVID-19 Illness Risk and Severity
Authors: Garcia-Pelagio Karla P. , Hew-Butler Tamara , Fahlman Mariane M. , Roche Joseph A.
Published: September 2021

Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for the health and wellness of individuals and societies. During an infectious disease pandemic, such as the one caused by COVID-19, social distancing, quarantines, and lockdowns are used to reduce community spread of the disease. Unfortunately, such nonpharmacological interventions or physical risk mitigation measures also make it challenging to engage in PA. Reduced PA could then trigger physiological changes that affect both mental and physical health. In this regard, women are more likely to experience physical and psychological distress. PA is a safe and effective nonpharmacological modality that can help prevent and manage several mental and physical health problems when performed correctly. PA might even confer benefits that are directly related to decreasing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in women. In this review, we summarize why optimal PA must be a priority for women during the COVID-19 pandemic. We then discuss chronic COVID-19 illness and its impact on women, which further underscores the need for worldwide preventive health strategies that include PA. Finally, we discuss the importance of vaccination against COVID-19 for women, as part of prioritizing preventive healthcare and an active lifestyle.
The Effect of Nighttime Rental Restrictions on E-Scooter Injuries at a Large Urban Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Anderson Bjorn , Rupp Jonathan D. , Moran Tim P. , Hudak Lauren A. , Wu Daniel T.
Published: September 2021

Safety policy for e-scooters in the United States tends to vary by municipality, and the effects of safety interventions have not been well studied. We reviewed medical records at a large, urban tertiary care and trauma center in Atlanta, Georgia with the goal of identifying trends in e-scooter injury and the effects of Atlanta’s nighttime ban on e-scooter rentals on injuries treated in the emergency department (ED). Records from all ED visits occurring between June 2018 through August 2020 were reviewed. To account for ambiguity in medical records, confidence levels of either “certain” or “possible” were assigned using a set of predefined criteria to categorize patient injuries as being associated with an e-scooter. A total of 380 patients categorized as having certain e-scooter related injuries were identified. The average age of these patients was 31 years old, 65% were male, 41% had head injuries, 20% of injuries were associated with the built environment, and approximately 20% were admitted to the hospital. Approximately 19% of patients with injuries associated with e-scooters noted to be clinically intoxicated or have a serum ethanol level exceeding 80 mg/dL. The implementation of a nighttime rental ban on e-scooter rentals reduced the proportion of patients with e-scooter injuries with times of arrival during the hours of the ban from 32% to 22%, however this effect was not significant (p = 0.16). More research is needed to understand how e-scooter use patterns are affected by the nighttime rental ban.
Operating Room Nurses Want Differentiated Education for Perioperative Competencies—Based on the Clinical Ladder
Authors: Shin Yu Yeon , Kim Sang Suk
Published: September 2021

Operating room (OR) nurses’ perioperative competence is vital in operation and patient care. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to identify perioperative competencies and educational needs for improving competencies according to the clinical ladder. A total of 318 OR nurses in Korean tertiary hospitals were recruited. Data from the self-reported questionnaire of perioperative competencies, measured on a five-point Likert scale, were used. The average score of perioperative competence was 3.78 ± 0.54; among the sub-categories of competencies were collaboration (4.08 ± 0.55), foundational knowledge and skills (3.98 ± 0.56), proficiency (3.87 ± 0.64), empathy (3.77 ± 0.77), professional development (3.65 ± 0.64), and leadership (3.34 ± 0.89). There were significant differences in perioperative competencies according to the clinical ladder as follows: foundational knowledge and skills (p < 0.001), leadership (p < 0.001), collaboration (p = 0.017), proficiency (p < 0.001), and professional development (p < 0.001). The educational needs for foundational knowledge and skills (4.43 ± 0.60) were highest, and educational needs for proficiency (4.26 ± 0.70), collaboration (4.21 ± 0.77), leadership (4.08 ± 0.81), empathy (3.99 ± 0.91), and professional development (3.91 ± 0.76) were noted. The educational needs for improving perioperative competencies by clinical ladder showed a significant difference in leadership (p = 0.026), proficiency (p = 0.045), and professional development (p = 0.002). In order to develop an effective education program for OR nurses, differentiated education designs that reflect perioperative competencies and educational needs per clinical ladder are necessary.
Evaluation of Walking Comfort in Children’s School Travel at Street Scale: A Case Study in Tianjin (China)
Authors: Zuo Jin , Mu Tong , Xiao Tian-Yi , Luo Jian-Cheng
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: school travel is an important part of a child’s daily activities. A comfortable walking environment can encourage children to walk to school. The existing methods of evaluating walking environments are not specific to children’s walks to school. (2) Methods: this study proposes a method of evaluating walking comfort in children traveling to school at street scale. Related indexes were selected that reflect children’s school travel behavior and their needs in street environments based on walking environment audit tools. Factor analysis was then used to calculate the relative weight of each index. (3) Results: the new evaluation method was tested in the neighborhoods around the First Central Primary School in Hedong District, Tianjin, China. The walking comfort for children’s school travel was evaluated in eight indexes: effective street width; street flatness; street cleanliness; interface diversity; buffer; shade coverage; green looking ratio; and sound decibels. Different classes and types of streets were found to have various vulnerabilities. (4) Conclusions: this evaluation method can accurately locate the weak spots in streets to improve the local policymakers’ perception of street environments, which can greatly facilitate the implementation of precise measures to promote children walking to school.
Differences of Gut Microbiota in the Freshwater Blackworm (Lumbriculus variegatus: Oligochaeta) in Two Different Habitat Conditions
Authors: Kim Pil Soo , Lee Yeo-Rang , Kwon Yong-Su , Bae Jin-Woo , Lee Sung-Jae , Park Young-Seuk
Published: September 2021

The distribution of organisms is governed by their habitat condition. We analyzed bacterial communities in the gut of the blackworm Lumbriculus variegatus by pyrosequencing of the extracted intestinal metagenomic DNA. Blackworms were collected from two sampling sites with differences in irradiance and riparian vegetation, where site GP7 was covered by riparian vegetation and site GP8 was exposed to sunlight. We obtained the filtered 6414 reads from three samples of each site. At GP7, 271 OTUs were identified, including 32 OTUs unique to the site, whereas at GP8, 238 OTUs were identified, including 22 unique OTUs. Among them, 18 OTUs were shared between both sites. The phylum Proteobacteria was a major component contributing 67.84% and 64.05% of sequences at sites GP7 and GP8, respectively, while each remaining phylum contributed less than 10% at both sites. The two sites differed in microbial community composition and KEGG-indicated biochemical pathways. Community indices such as species richness and Shannon diversity were higher at site GP7 than at GP8. Meanwhile, the abundance of Cyanobacteria was significantly higher at site GP8, while site GP7 showed a greater proportion of genes for membrane transport and carbohydrate metabolism, reflecting differences in food resources.
A Cooperative Management App for Parents with Myopic Children Wearing Orthokeratology Lenses: Mixed Methods Pilot Study
Authors: Sun Chi-Chin , Liao Gen-Yih , Liao Li-Ling , Chang Li-Chun
Published: September 2021

Orthokeratology (OK) lens wear is an effective modality to inhibit axial elongation in myopic children. Willingness for commitment from both parents and children contributes to the success of OK treatment. We aimed to develop and assess the usability of a mobile application on OK lens wear by quantitatively and qualitatively evaluating parents with myopic children and eye care professionals (ECPs). Moreover, the preliminary outcome was also evaluated in this study. The app was developed and tested using a co-design approach involving key stakeholders. Two prototype tests were conducted during the feasibility and utility assessment. The app features include self-reported compliance documentation, analytics, and personalized and generalized messages for compliance behaviors of OK lenses. After the trial period, the full usage of app functions ranged from 40% to 60% among the enrolled parents. After app implementation, the compliance with follow-up visits substantially improved. Qualitative data show that the high-satisfaction app functions reported by parents were the app’s reminder and axial length recording, although it was recommended that the number of compliance questions should be reduced to minimize the survey completion time. Additionally, who should complete the recording of the axial length data as well as the management and reminder for the follow-up visit remained controversial. This is the first app developed to improve parents of myopic children’s compliance with OK lens wear and to assist ECPs and parents in collaboratively monitoring and managing the use and care of OK lenses among myopic children. This study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the design, development, and validation of such an app.
Air Pollution Impairs Subjective Happiness by Damaging Their Health
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhu Ke , Li Rong-Lin , Song Yang , Zhang Zhi-Jiang
Published: September 2021

Background: The impact of air pollution on residents’ happiness remains unclear and the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We aimed to examine the direct effect of air pollution on residents’ happiness and indirect effect through mediating their health. Methods: Based on the 2017 China Comprehensive Social Survey Data (CGSS), data on happiness were retrieved from 11,997 residents in 28 provinces in China. An ordered-probit model was used to examine the effect of air pollution on residents’ happiness and health, respectively. A stepwise regression was used to derive the direct effect of air pollution on residents’ happiness and indirect effect from health impairment attributable to air pollution. Results: Air pollution was associated with lower levels of health (coef. −0.190, 95% CI −0.212, −0.167, p < 0.001), while health was positively associated with happiness (coef. 0.215, 95% CI 0.196, 0.234, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis methods showed that air pollution impacted residents’ happiness directly and indirectly: the percent of total effect that was mediated through health was 36.97%, and the ratio of indirect to direct effect was 0.5864. Conclusions: Health plays a major mediating role in the relation between air pollution and residents’ happiness. In order to alleviate the impact of air pollution on residents’ happiness, future strategies should focus on health promotion besides reducing air pollutant emission.
Analysis of the Readability of Questionnaires on Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions Adapted to Spanish
Authors: Checa-Moreno Víctor , Díaz-Mohedo Esther , Suárez-Serrano Carmen
Published: September 2021

Questionnaires are tools of interest in the evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunctions, but their success depends on their readability. Evaluating symptoms associated with such dysfunctions through questionnaires validated in Spanish with adequate readability indices will be useful for subsequent therapeutic work with these patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the readability of symptomatology questionnaires on pelvic floor dysfunctions adapted to Spanish. This descriptive study included a total of 19 questionnaires, whose readability was analyzed according to four indices: Fernández-Huerta, Szigriszt-Pazos, Inflesz and readability µ (mu). In total, 50% of the questionnaires for fecal incontinence symptoms were found to have inadequate scores in terms of readability, according to the Inflesz index. If we take the readability mu index as a reference, the number of questionnaires that do not meet the minimum readability limit are as follows: 20% in urinary incontinence, 50% in fecal incontinence, 66.6% in sexual function, 100% in general pelvic floor, 25% in overactive bladder and 100% in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Therefore, it is necessary to review and adapt health questionnaires on pelvic floor dysfunctions to improve their readability and ease of understanding by conducting studies with the people who fill out these questionnaires.
Applications of Up-Flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) and Characteristics of Its Microbial Community: A Review of Bibliometric Trend and Recent Findings
Authors: Collivignarelli Maria Cristina , Abbà Alessandro , Caccamo Francesca Maria , Calatroni Silvia , Torretta Vincenzo , Katsoyiannis Ioannis A. , Carnevale Miino Marco , Rada Elena Cristina
Published: September 2021

The interest in research on up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors is growing. The meta-analysis of bibliometric data highlighted the growing interest in four diverse topics: (i) energy recovery production; (ii) combination with other treatments; (iii) the study of processes for the removal of specific pollutants and, (iv) characterization of microbial community and granular sludge composition. In particular, the papers published in the first 6 months of 2021 on this process were selected and critically reviewed to highlight and discuss the results, the gaps in the literature and possible ideas for future research. Although the state of research on UASB is to be considered advanced, there are still several points that will be developed in future research such as the consolidation of the results obtained on a semi-industrial or real scale, the use of real matrices instead of synthetic ones and a more in-depth study of the effect of substances such as antibiotics on the microbiota and microbiome of UASB granular biomass. To date, few and conflicting data about the environmental footprint of UASB are available and therefore other studies on this topic are strongly suggested.
HDAC6 Negatively Regulates miR-155-5p Expression to Elicit Proliferation by Targeting RHEB in Microvascular Endothelial Cells under Mechanical Unloading
Authors: Xu Liqun , Zhang Lijun , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Gaozhi , Wang Yixuan , Dong Jingjing , Wang Honghui , Hu Zebing , Cao Xinsheng , Zhang Shu , Shi Fei
Published: September 2021

Mechanical unloading contributes to significant cardiovascular deconditioning. Endothelial dysfunction in the sites of microcirculation may be one of the causes of the cardiovascular degeneration induced by unloading, but the detailed mechanism is still unclear. Here, we first demonstrated that mechanical unloading inhibited brain microvascular endothelial cell proliferation and downregulated histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) expression. Furthermore, HDAC6 promoted microvascular endothelial cell proliferation and attenuated the inhibition of proliferation caused by clinorotation unloading. To comprehensively identify microRNAs (miRNAs) that are regulated by HDAC6, we analyzed differential miRNA expression in microvascular endothelial cells after transfection with HDAC6 siRNA and selected miR-155-5p, which was the miRNA with the most significantly increased expression. The ectopic expression of miR-155-5p inhibited microvascular endothelial cell proliferation and directly downregulated Ras homolog enriched in brain (RHEB) expression. Moreover, RHEB expression was downregulated under mechanical unloading and was essential for the miR-155-5p-mediated promotion of microvascular endothelial cell proliferation. Taken together, these results are the first to elucidate the role of HDAC6 in unloading-induced cell growth inhibition through the miR-155-5p/RHEB axis, suggesting that the HDAC6/miR-155-5p/RHEB pathway is a specific target for the preventative treatment of cardiovascular deconditioning.
Rhizosphere Bacteria in Plant Growth Promotion, Biocontrol, and Bioremediation of Contaminated Sites: A Comprehensive Review of Effects and Mechanisms
Authors: Saeed Qudsia , Xiukang Wang , Haider Fasih Ullah , Kučerik Jiří , Mumtaz Muhammad Zahid , Holatko Jiri , Naseem Munaza , Kintl Antonin , Ejaz Mukkaram , Naveed Muhammad , Brtnicky Martin , Mustafa Adnan
Published: September 2021

Agriculture in the 21st century is facing multiple challenges, such as those related to soil fertility, climatic fluctuations, environmental degradation, urbanization, and the increase in food demand for the increasing world population. In the meanwhile, the scientific community is facing key challenges in increasing crop production from the existing land base. In this regard, traditional farming has witnessed enhanced per acre crop yields due to irregular and injudicious use of agrochemicals, including pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, but at a substantial environmental cost. Another major concern in modern agriculture is that crop pests are developing pesticide resistance. Therefore, the future of sustainable crop production requires the use of alternative strategies that can enhance crop yields in an environmentally sound manner. The application of rhizobacteria, specifically, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), as an alternative to chemical pesticides has gained much attention from the scientific community. These rhizobacteria harbor a number of mechanisms through which they promote plant growth, control plant pests, and induce resistance to various abiotic stresses. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms of rhizobacteria involved in plant growth promotion, biocontrol of pests, and bioremediation of contaminated soils. It also focuses on the effects of PGPR inoculation on plant growth survival under environmental stress. Furthermore, the pros and cons of rhizobacterial application along with future directions for the sustainable use of rhizobacteria in agriculture are discussed in depth.
Ulva compressa from Copper-Polluted Sites Exhibits Intracellular Copper Accumulation, Increased Expression of Metallothioneins and Copper-Containing Nanoparticles in Chloroplasts
Authors: Espinoza Daniela , González Alberto , Pizarro Jaime , Segura Rodrigo , Laporte Daniel , Rodríguez-Rojas Fernanda , Sáez Claudio A. , Moenne Alejandra
Published: September 2021

In order to analyze the mechanisms involved in copper accumulation in Ulva compressa, algae were collected at control sites of central and northern Chile, and at two copper-polluted sites of northern Chile. The level of intracellular copper, reduced glutathione (GSH), phytochelatins (PCs), PC2 and PC4, and transcripts encoding metallothioneins (MTs) of U. compressa, UcMT1, UcMT2 and UcMT3, were determined. Algae of control sites contained around 20 μg of copper g−1 of dry tissue (DT) whereas algae of copper-polluted sites contained 260 and 272 μg of copper g−1 of DT. Algae of control sites and copper-polluted sites did not show detectable amounts of GSH, the level of PC2 did not change among sites whereas PC4 was increased in one of the copper-polluted sites. The level of transcripts of UcMT1 and UcMT2 were increased in algae of copper-polluted sites, but the level of UcMT3 did not change. Algae of a control site and a copper-polluted site were visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the existence of copper in electrodense particles was analyzed using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). Algae of copper-polluted sites showed electrodense nanoparticles containing copper in the chloroplasts, whereas algae of control sites did not. Algae of a control site, Cachagua, were cultivated without copper (control) and with 10 μM copper for 5 days and they were analyzed by TEM-EDXS. Algae cultivated with copper showed copper-containing nanoparticles in the chloroplast whereas control algae did not. Thus, U. compressa from copper-polluted sites exhibits intracellular copper accumulation, an increase in the level of PC4 and expression of UcMTs, and the accumulation of copper-containing particles in chloroplasts.
Selection and Validation of Candidate Reference Genes for Gene Expression Analysis by RT-qPCR in Rubus
Authors: Wu Yaqiong , Zhang Chunhong , Yang Haiyan , Lyu Lianfei , Li Weilin , Wu Wenlong
Published: September 2021

Due to the lack of effective and stable reference genes, studies on functional genes in Rubus, a genus of economically important small berry crops, have been greatly limited. To select the best internal reference genes of different types, we selected four representative cultivars of blackberry and raspberry (red raspberry, yellow raspberry, and black raspberry) as the research material and used RT-qPCR technology combined with three internal stability analysis software programs (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper) to analyze 12 candidate reference genes for the stability of their expression. The number of most suitable internal reference genes for different cultivars, tissues, and fruit developmental stages of Rubus was calculated by geNorm software to be two. Based on the results obtained with the three software programs, the most stable genes in the different cultivars were RuEEF1A and Ru18S. Finally, to validate the reliability of selected reference genes, the expression pattern of the RuCYP73A gene was analyzed, and the results highlighted the importance of appropriate reference gene selection. RuEEF1A and Ru18S were screened as reference genes for their relatively stable expression, providing a reference for the further study of key functional genes in blackberry and raspberry and an effective tool for the analysis of differential gene expression.
Synthetic Retinoids as Potential Therapeutics in Prostate Cancer—An Update of the Last Decade of Research: A Review
Authors: Hałubiec Przemysław , Łazarczyk Agnieszka , Szafrański Oskar , Bohn Torsten , Dulińska-Litewka Joanna
Published: September 2021

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common tumor in males. The search for appropriate therapeutic options against advanced PC has been in process for several decades. Especially after cessation of the effectiveness of hormonal therapy (i.e., emergence of castration-resistant PC), PC management options have become scarce and the prognosis is poor. To overcome this stage of disease, an array of natural and synthetic substances underwent investigation. An interesting and promising class of compounds constitutes the derivatives of natural retinoids. Synthesized on the basis of the structure of retinoic acid, they present unique and remarkable properties that warrant their investigation as antitumor drugs. However, there is no up-to-date compilation that consecutively summarizes the current state of knowledge about synthetic retinoids with regard to PC. Therefore, in this review, we present the results of the experimental studies on synthetic retinoids conducted within the last decade. Our primary aim is to highlight the molecular targets of these compounds and to identify their potential promise in the treatment of PC.
Blockade of Glycosphingolipid Synthesis Inhibits Cell Cycle and Spheroid Growth of Colon Cancer Cells In Vitro and Experimental Colon Cancer Incidence In Vivo
Authors: Jennemann Richard , Volz Martina , Bestvater Felix , Schmidt Claudia , Richter Karsten , Kaden Sylvia , Müthing Johannes , Gröne Hermann-Josef , Sandhoff Roger
Published: September 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in humans. At early stages CRC is treated by surgery and at advanced stages combined with chemotherapy. We examined here the potential effect of glucosylceramide synthase (GCS)-inhibition on CRC biology. GCS is the rate-limiting enzyme in the glycosphingolipid (GSL)-biosynthesis pathway and overexpressed in many human tumors. We suppressed GSL-biosynthesis using the GCS inhibitor Genz-123346 (Genz), NB-DNJ (Miglustat) or by genetic targeting of the GCS-encoding gene UDP-glucose-ceramide-glucosyltransferase- (UGCG). GCS-inhibition or GSL-depletion led to a marked arrest of the cell cycle in Lovo cells. UGCG silencing strongly also inhibited tumor spheroid growth in Lovo cells and moderately in HCT116 cells. MS/MS analysis demonstrated markedly elevated levels of sphingomyelin (SM) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) that occurred in a Genz-concentration dependent manner. Ultrastructural analysis of Genz-treated cells indicated multi-lamellar lipid storage in vesicular compartments. In mice, Genz lowered the incidence of experimentally induced colorectal tumors and in particular the growth of colorectal adenomas. These results highlight the potential for GCS-based inhibition in the treatment of CRC.
A Distinctive NAFLD Signature in Adipose Tissue from Women with Severe Obesity
Authors: Osorio-Conles Óscar , Vega-Beyhart Arturo , Ibarzabal Ainitze , Balibrea José María , Graupera Isabel , Rimola Jordi , Vidal Josep , de Hollanda Ana
Published: September 2021

Development and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been linked to obesity and white adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction plays a key role in this relation. We compared the main features of subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral WAT (VAT) tissue dysfunction in 48 obese women without (Ob) and with NAFLD (Ob-NAFLD) undergoing bariatric surgery and matched for age, BMI and T2D status. Fat cell area, adipocyte size distribution, the degree of histological fibrosis and the mRNA expression of adipokines and genes implicated in inflammation, adipogenesis, angiogenesis, metabolism and extracellular matrix remodeling were measured by RT-qPCR in both fat depots. Ob-NAFLD group showed higher TG and lower HDL circulating levels, increased VAT fat cell area and similar WAT fibrosis in comparison with Ob group. A sPLS-DA was performed in order to identify the set of genes that better characterize the presence of NAFLD. Finally, we build a multinomial logistic model including seven genes that explained 100% of the variance in NAFLD and correctly predicted 100% of cases. Our data support the existence of distinctive NAFLD signatures in WAT from women with severe obesity. A better understanding of these pathways may help in future strategies for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
Geranylgeraniol Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in Mouse-Derived MG6 Microglial Cells via NF-κB Signaling Modulation
Authors: Saputra Wahyu Dwi , Shono Hiroki , Ohsaki Yusuke , Sultana Halima , Komai Michio , Shirakawa Hitoshi
Published: September 2021

Persistent inflammatory reactions in microglial cells are strongly associated with neurodegenerative pathogenesis. Additionally, geranylgeraniol (GGOH), a plant-derived isoprenoid, has been found to improve inflammatory conditions in several animal models. It has also been observed that its chemical structure is similar to that of the side chain of menaquinone-4, which is a vitamin K2 sub-type that suppresses inflammation in mouse-derived microglial cells. In this study, we investigated whether GGOH has a similar anti-inflammatory effect in activated microglial cells. Particularly, mouse-derived MG6 cells pre-treated with GGOH were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Thereafter, the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined via qRT-PCR, while protein expression levels, especially the expression of NF-κB signaling cascade-related proteins, were determined via Western blot analysis. The distribution of NF-κB p65 protein was also analyzed via fluorescence microscopy. Thus, it was observed that GGOH dose-dependently suppressed the LPS-induced increase in the mRNA levels of Il-1β, Tnf-α, Il-6, and Cox-2. Furthermore, GGOH inhibited the phosphorylation of TAK1, IKKα/β, and NF-κB p65 proteins as well as NF-κB nuclear translocation induced by LPS while maintaining IκBα expression. We showed that GGOH, similar to menaquinone-4, could alleviate LPS-induced microglial inflammation by targeting the NF-kB signaling pathway.
GPR120 Inhibits RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Formation and Resorption by Attenuating Reactive Oxygen Species Production in RAW264.7 Murine Macrophages
Authors: Sithole Cynthia , Pieterse Carla , Howard Kayla , Kasonga Abe
Published: September 2021

Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells that are responsible for the resorption of bone. Bone degenerative diseases, such as osteoporosis, are characterized by overactive osteoclasts. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) binding to its receptor on osteoclast precursors will trigger osteoclast formation and resorption. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is known to play a crucial role in RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and resorption. G-protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) signalling has been shown to affect osteoclast formation, but the exact mechanisms of action require further investigation. RAW264.7 murine macrophages were seeded into culture plates and exposed to the GPR120 agonist, TUG-891, at varying concentrations (20–100 µM) and RANKL to induce osteoclast formation. TUG-891 was shown to inhibit osteoclast formation and resorption without affecting cell viability in RAW264.7 macrophages. TUG-891 further decreased ROS production when compared to RANKL only cells. Antioxidant proteins, Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 were shown to be upregulated while the ROS inducing protein, Nox1, was downregulated by TUG-891. Gene silencing revealed that TUG-891 exerted its effects specifically through GPR120. This study reveals that GPR120 signalling may inhibit osteoclast formation and resorption through inhibition on ROS production.
The Role of PPAR Alpha in the Modulation of Innate Immunity
Authors: Grabacka Maja , Pierzchalska Małgorzata , Płonka Przemysław M. , Pierzchalski Piotr
Published: September 2021

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α is a potent regulator of systemic and cellular metabolism and energy homeostasis, but it also suppresses various inflammatory reactions. In this review, we focus on its role in the regulation of innate immunity; in particular, we discuss the PPARα interplay with inflammatory transcription factor signaling, pattern-recognition receptor signaling, and the endocannabinoid system. We also present examples of the PPARα-specific immunomodulatory functions during parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections, as well as approach several issues associated with innate immunity processes, such as the production of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, phagocytosis, and the effector functions of macrophages, innate lymphoid cells, and mast cells. The described phenomena encourage the application of endogenous and pharmacological PPARα agonists to alleviate the disorders of immunological background and the development of new solutions that engage PPARα activation or suppression.
The Selectivity of Immunoassays and of Biomimetic Binding Assays with Imprinted Polymers
Authors: Becskereki Gergely , Horvai George , Tóth Blanka
Published: September 2021

Molecularly imprinted polymers have been shown to be useful in competitive biomimetic binding assays. Recent developments in materials science have further enhanced the capabilities of imprinted polymers. Binding assays, biological and biomimetic alike, owe their usefulness to their selectivity. The selectivity of competitive binding assays has been characterized with the cross-reactivity, which is usually expressed as the ratio of the measured IC50 concentration values of the interferent and the analyte, respectively. Yet this cross-reactivity is only a rough estimate of analytical selectivity. The relationship between cross-reactivity and analytical selectivity has apparently not been thoroughly investigated. The present work shows that this relationship depends on the underlying model of the competitive binding assay. For the simple but widely adopted model, where analyte and interferent compete for a single kind of binding site, we provide a simple formula for analytical selectivity. For reasons of an apparent mathematical problem, this formula had not been found before. We also show the relationship between analytical selectivity and cross-reactivity. Selectivity is also shown to depend on the directly measured quantity, e.g., the bound fraction of the tracer. For those cases where the one-site competitive model is not valid, a practical procedure is adopted to estimate the analytical selectivity. This procedure is then used to analyze the example of the competitive two-site binding model, which has been the main model for describing molecularly imprinted polymer behavior. The results of this work provide a solid foundation for assay development.
Extracellular Vesicles Taken up by Astrocytes
Authors: Ogaki Ari , Ikegaya Yuji , Koyama Ryuta
Published: September 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are composed of lipid bilayer membranes and contain various molecules, such as mRNA and microRNA (miRNA), that regulate the functions of the recipient cell. Recent studies have reported the importance of EV-mediated intercellular communication in the brain. The brain contains several types of cells, including neurons and glial cells. Among them, astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells in the mammalian brain and play a wide range of roles, from structural maintenance of the brain to regulation of neurotransmission. Furthermore, since astrocytes can take up EVs, it is possible that EVs originating from inside and outside the brain affect astrocyte function, which in turn affects brain function. However, it has not been fully clarified whether the specific targeting mechanism of EVs to astrocytes as recipient cells exists. In recent years, EVs have attracted attention as a cell-targeted therapeutic approach in various organs, and elucidation of the targeting mechanism of EVs to astrocytes may pave the way for new therapies for brain diseases. In this review, we focus on EVs in the brain that affect astrocyte function and discuss the targeting mechanism of EVs to astrocytes.
Optimization of a Lambda-RED Recombination Method for Rapid Gene Deletion in Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: García-Ríos Estéfani , Gata-de-Benito Julia , López-Siles Mireia , McConnell Michael J. , Pérez-Romero Pilar
Published: September 2021

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) continues to be a major cause of morbidity in transplant patients and newborns. However, the functions of many of the more than 282 genes encoded in the HCMV genome remain unknown. The development of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology contributes to the genetic manipulation of several organisms including HCMV. The maintenance of the HCMV BAC in E. coli cells permits the rapid generation of recombinant viral genomes that can be used to produce viral progeny in cell cultures for the study of gene function. We optimized the Lambda-Red Recombination system to construct HCMV gene deletion mutants rapidly in the complete set of tested genes. This method constitutes a useful tool that allows for the quick generation of a high number of gene deletion mutants, allowing for the analysis of the whole genome to improve our understanding of HCMV gene function. This may also facilitate the development of novel vaccines and therapeutics.
The Same Metabolic Response to FGF21 Administration in Male and Female Obese Mice Is Accompanied by Sex-Specific Changes in Adipose Tissue Gene Expression
Authors: Makarova Elena , Kazantseva Antonina , Dubinina Anastasia , Jakovleva Tatiana , Balybina Natalia , Baranov Konstantin , Bazhan Nadezhda
Published: September 2021

The preference for high-calorie foods depends on sex and contributes to obesity development. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) beneficially affects taste preferences and obesity, but its action has mainly been studied in males. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of FGF21 on food preferences and glucose and lipid metabolism in C57Bl/6J male and female mice with diet-induced obesity. Mice were injected with FGF21 or vehicle for 7 days. Body weight, choice between standard (SD) and high-fat (HFD) diets, blood parameters, and gene expression in white (WAT) and brown (BAT) adipose tissues, liver, muscles, and the hypothalamus were assessed. Compared to males, females had a greater preference for HFD; less WAT; lower levels of cholesterol, glucose, and insulin; and higher expression of Fgf21, Insr, Ppara, Pgc1, Acca and Accb in the liver and Dio2 in BAT. FGF21 administration decreased adiposity; blood levels of cholesterol, glucose, and insulin; hypothalamic Agrp expression, increased SD intake, decreased HFD intake independently of sex, and increased WAT expression of Pparg, Lpl and Lipe only in females. Thus, FGF21 administration beneficially affected mice of both sexes despite obesity-associated sex differences in metabolic characteristics, and it induced female-specific activation of gene expression in WAT.
Mechanisms Involved in the Promoting Activity of Fibroblasts in HTLV-1-Mediated Lymphomagenesis: Insights into the Plasticity of Lymphomatous Cells
Authors: Rigotto Giulia , Montini Barbara , Mattiolo Adriana , Lazzari Nayana , Piano Maria Assunta , Remondini Daniel , Marmiroli Sandra , Bertacchini Jessika , Chieco-Bianchi Luigi , Calabrò Maria Luisa
Published: September 2021

Among the mechanisms leading to progression to Adult T-cell Leukaemia/Lymphoma in Human T-cell Leukaemia Virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected subjects, the contribution of stromal components remains poorly understood. To dissect the role of fibroblasts in HTLV-1-mediated lymphomagenesis, transcriptome studies, cytofluorimetric and qRT-PCR analyses of surface and intracellular markers linked to plasticity and stemness in coculture, and in vivo experiments were performed. A transcriptomic comparison between a more lymphomagenic (C91/III) and the parental (C91/PL) cell line evidenced hyperactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, confirmed by phospho-ELISA and 2-DE and WB analyses. C91/III cells also showed higher expression of mesenchymal and stemness genes. Short-term coculture with human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) induced these features in C91/PL cells, and significantly increased not only the cancer stem cells (CSCs)-supporting CD10+GPR77+ HFF subpopulation, but also the percentage of ALDH1bright C91/PL cells. A non-cytotoxic acetylsalicylic acid treatment decreased HFF-induced ALDH1bright C91/PL cells, downregulated mesenchymal and stemness genes in cocultured cells, and delayed lymphoma growth in immunosuppressed mice, thus hindering the supportive activity of HFF on CSCs. These data suggest that crosstalk with HFF significantly intensifies the aggressiveness and plasticity of C91/PL cells, leading to the enrichment in lymphoma-initiating cells. Additional research is needed to better characterize these preliminary findings.