bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anhydrobiosis in Yeasts: Changes in Mitochondrial Membranes Improve the Resistance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells to Dehydration–Rehydration
Authors: Khroustalyova Galina , Rapoport Alexander
Published: September 2019

Anhydrobiosis is a unique state of live organisms in which their metabolism is temporary reversibly suspended as the result of strong dehydration of their cells. This state is widely used currently during large-capacity production of active dry baker’s yeast. Other strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as other yeast species that could potentially find use in modern biotechnology, are not resistant to dehydration–rehydration treatments. To improve their resistance, the main factors that influence cell survival during such treatment need to be revealed. This study showed the importance of mitochondria for yeast cell survival during transfer into anhydrobiosis, a factor that was strongly underestimated until this study. It was revealed that the external introduction inside yeast cells of 50 μM of lithocholic acid (LCA), an agent that induces changes in glycerophospholipids in mitochondrial membranes, in combination with 1% DMSO, may improve the survival rate of dehydrated cells. The influence of LCA upon yeast cell resistance to dehydration–rehydration was not linked with changes in the state of the cells’ plasma membrane.
Prediction of Muddy Floods Using High-Resolution Radar Precipitation Forecasts and Physically-Based Erosion Modeling in Agricultural Landscapes
Authors: Hänsel Phoebe , Langel Stefan , Schindewolf Marcus , Kaiser Andreas , Buchholz Arno , Böttcher Falk , Schmidt Jürgen
Published: September 2019

The monitoring, modeling, and prediction of storm events and accompanying heavy rain is crucial for intensively used agricultural landscapes and its settlements and transport infrastructure. In Saxony, Germany, repeated and numerous storm events triggered muddy floods from arable fields in May 2016. They caused severe devastation to settlements and transport infrastructure. This interdisciplinary approach investigates three muddy floods, which developed on silty soils of loess origin tending to soil surface sealing. To achieve this, the study focuses on the test of a historical forecast modeling of three muddy floods in ungauged agricultural landscapes. Therefore, this approach firstly illustrates the reconstruction of the muddy floods, which was performed by high-resolution radar precipitation data, physically-based erosion modeling, and the qualitative validation by unmanned aerial vehicle-based orthophotos. Subsequently, historical radar precipitation forecasts served as input data for the physically-based erosion model to test the forecast modeling retrospectively. The model results indicate a possible warning for two of the three muddy floods. This method of a historical forecast modeling of muddy floods seems particularly promising. Naturally, the data series of three muddy floods should be extended to more reliable data and statistical statements. Finally, this approach assesses the feasibility of a real-time muddy flood early warning system in ungauged agricultural landscapes by high-resolution radar precipitation forecasts and physically-based erosion modeling.
Effect of Specific Retinoic Acid Receptor Agonists on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Authors: Kwak Sang Hyun , Nam Gi-Sung , Bae Seong Hoon , Jung Jinsei
Published: September 2019

Noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss in industrial countries. There are many studies about chemical agents to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). However, there is no commercially available drug yet. Retinoic acid is an active metabolite of Vitamin A; it has an anti-apoptic role in NIHL. This study aims to verify the differences among selective agonists of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in NIHL. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), AM80 (selective retinoic acid receptor α agonist), AC261066 (Selective retinoic acid receptor β1 agonist), and CD1530 (Selective retinoic acid λ agonist) were injected to 6–7 weeks old CJ5BL/6 mice before noise (110 dB for 3 h) exposure. In the auditory brainstem response test pre-, post 1, 3, and 7 days after noise exposure, not only ATRA but all kinds of selective RAR agonists showed protective effects in hearing threshold and wave I amplitude. Though there was no significant difference in the level of protective effects between agonists, α agonist showed the most prominent effect in preserving hearing function as well as outer hair cells after noise exposure. In conclusion, selective agonists of RAR demonstrate comparable protective effects against NIHL to retinoic acid. Given that these selective RAR agonists have less side effects than retinoic acid, they may be promising potential drugs against NIHL.
Comparison between the Bouchama and Japanese Association for Acute Medicine Heatstroke Criteria with Regard to the Diagnosis and Prediction of Mortality of Heatstroke Patients: A Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Kondo Yutaka , Hifumi Toru , Shimazaki Junya , Oda Yasutaka , Shiraishi Shin-ichiro , Hayashida Kei , Fukuda Tatsuma , Wakasugi Masahiro , Kanda Jun , Moriya Takashi , Yagi Masaharu , Kawahara Takashi , Tonouchi Michihiko , Yokobori Shoji , Yokota Hiroyuki , Miyake Yasufumi , Shimizu Keiki
Published: September 2019

Background: This study aims to compare the Bouchama heatstroke (B-HS) and Japanese Association for Acute Medicine heatstroke (JAAM-HS) criteria with regard to the diagnosis and prediction of mortality and neurological status of heatstroke patients. Methods: This multicenter observational study recruited eligible patients from the emergency departments of 110 major hospitals in Japan from 1 July to 30 September, 2014. Results: A total of 317 patients (median age, 65 years; interquartile range, 39–80 years) were included and divided into the B-HS, JAAM-HS, and non-HS groups, with each group consisting of 97, 302, and 15 patients, respectively. The JAAM-HS (1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87–1.0) and B-HS (0.29; 95% CI, 0.14–0.49) criteria showed high and low sensitivity to mortality, respectively. Similarly, the JAAM-HS (1.0; 95% CI, 0.93–1.0) and B-HS (0.35; 95% CI, 0.23–0.49) criteria showed high and low sensitivity to poor neurological status, respectively. Meanwhile, the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores demonstrated good accuracy in predicting mortality among heat-related illness (HRI) patients. However, both JAAM-HS and B-HS criteria could not predict in-hospital mortality. The AUC of the SOFA score for mortality was 0.83 (day 3) among the HRI patients. The patients’ neurological status was difficult to predict using the JAAM-HS and B-HS criteria. Concurrently, the total bilirubin level could relatively predict the central nervous system function at discharge. Conclusions: The JAAM-HS criteria showed high sensitivity to mortality and could include all HRI patients who died. The JAAM-HS criterion was considered a useful tool for judgement of admission at ED. Further investigations are necessary to determine the accuracy of both B-HS and JAAM-HS criteria in predicting mortality and neurological status at discharge.
The Impacts of Climatic Factors and Vegetation on Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome Transmission in China: A Study of 109 Counties
Authors: He Junyu , Wang Yong , Mu Di , Xu Zhiwei , Qian Quan , Chen Gongbo , Wen Liang , Yin Wenwu , Li Shanshan , Zhang Wenyi , Guo Yuming
Published: September 2019

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a rodent-borne infectious disease caused by hantaviruses. About 90% of global cases were reported in China. We collected monthly data on counts of HFRS cases, climatic factors (mean temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity), and vegetation (normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)) in 109 Chinese counties from January 2002 to December 2013. First, we used a quasi-Poisson regression with a distributed lag non-linear model to assess the impacts of these four factors on HFRS in 109 counties, separately. Then we conducted a multivariate meta-analysis to pool the results at the national level. The results of our study showed that there were non-linear associations between the four factors and HFRS. Specifically, the highest risks of HFRS occurred at the 45th, 30th, 20th, and 80th percentiles (with mean and standard deviations of 10.58 ± 4.52 °C, 18.81 ± 17.82 mm, 58.61 ± 6.33%, 198.20 ± 22.23 at the 109 counties, respectively) of mean temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and NDVI, respectively. HFRS case estimates were most sensitive to mean temperature amongst the four factors, and the lag patterns of the impacts of these factors on HFRS were heterogeneous. Our findings provide rigorous scientific support to current HFRS monitoring and the development of early warning systems.
A Multi-Center Competing Risks Model and Its Absolute Risk Calculation Approach
Authors: Wang Jintao , Yuan Zhongshang , Liu Yi , Xue Fuzhong
Published: September 2019

In the competing risks frame, the cause-specific hazard model (CSHM) can be used to test the effects of some covariates on one particular cause of failure. Sometimes, however, the observed covariates cannot explain the large proportion of variation in the time-to-event data coming from different areas such as in a multi-center clinical trial or a multi-center cohort study. In this study, a multi-center competing risks model (MCCRM) is proposed to deal with multi-center survival data, then this model is compared with the CSHM by simulation. A center parameter is set in the MCCRM to solve the spatial heterogeneity problem caused by the latent factors, hence eliminating the need to develop different models for each area. Additionally, the effects of the exposure factors in the MCCRM are kept consistent for each individual, regardless of the area they inhabit. Therefore, the coefficient of the MCCRM model can be easily explained using the scenario of each model for each area. Moreover, the calculating approach of the absolute risk is given. Based on a simulation study, we show that the estimate of coefficients of the MCCRM is unbiased and precise, and the area under the curve (AUC) is larger than that of the CSHM when the heterogeneity cannot be ignored. Furthermore, the disparity of the AUC increases progressively as the standard deviation of the center parameter (SDCP) rises. In order to test the calibration, the expected number (E) of strokes is calculated and then compared with the corresponding observed number (O). The result is promising, so the SDCP can be used to select the most appropriate model. When the SDCP is less than 0.1, the performance of the MCCRM and CSHM is analogous, but when the SDCP is equal to or greater than 0.1, the performance of the MCCRM is significantly superior to the CSHM. This suggests that the MCCRM should be selected as the appropriate model.
The Hardness of Drinking Water Negatively while Socio-Economic Deprivation Positively Correlate with the Age-Adjusted Mortality Rates due to Cardiovascular Diseases in Hungarian Wine Regions
Authors: Nagy János , Sipka Sándor , Sipka Sándor , Kocsis Judit , Horváth Zsolt
Published: September 2019

We compared the age-adjusted death rates (AADR) for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among 206,159 inhabitants analyzed between 2000 and 2010 in four wine territories of Hungary: Tokaj (white wines), Eger (mostly red wines), Balaton (mostly white wines), Szekszárd-Villány (mostly red wines) and Hódmezővásárhely (HMV) (not a wine region). The mortality rates were also assessed from the aspects of total hardness of drinking water and index of socio-economic deprivation (ID). We found the highest cardiovascular mortality in the Tokaj region and HMV. On the other hand, lower numbers of CVD were observed in Szekszárd-Villány, Balaton and Eger. These findings on cardiovascular mortality correlated negatively and significantly with the values of total hardness of drinking waters, which were low in Tokaj and HMV. They were higher in Szekszárd-Villány, Balaton and Eger. Additionally, and surprisingly, the mortality of CVD correlated positively and significantly with the ID values despite of the small numeric differences. The hardness of drinking water and the level of socio-economic state seem to have a greater impact on the mortality rate of CVD than the consumption of “red” or “white” dominant types of wines at a region. This study shows data on a population larger than 200,000 persons.
Experimental Investigation on the Relationship Between COD Degradation and Hydrodynamic Conditions in Urban Rivers
Authors: Tang Lei , Pan Xiangdong , Feng Jingjie , Pu Xunchi , Liang Ruifeng , Li Ran , Li Kefeng
Published: September 2019

Due to extensive pollution and the relatively weak flow replacement in urban rivers, determining how to fully utilize the self-purification abilities of water bodies for water quality protection has been a complex and popular topic of research and social concern. Organic pollution is an important type of urban river pollution, and COD (chemical oxygen demand) is one of the key pollution factors. Currently, there is a lack of research on the relationship between COD degradation and the flow characteristics of urban rivers. In this paper, COD degradation experiments were conducted in an annular flume with Jinjiang River water at controlled flow velocities and the COD degradation coefficients under different hydraulic conditions were analyzed. A good correlation was observed between the degradation coefficient and hydraulic conditions. According to dimensional analysis, the relationship between the COD degradation coefficient and hydraulic conditions such as the flow velocity, water depth, Reynolds number (Re), and Froude number (Fr) was established as K COD = 86400 u h F r 0.8415 R e − 1.2719 + 0.258 . The COD degradation coefficients of the Chishui River in Guizhou Province ranged from 0.175–0.373 1/d based on this formula, and the field-measured values varied from 0.234–0.463 1/d. The error in the formula ranged from 5.4–25.3%. This study provides a scientific basis for the prediction of the COD degradation coefficients of urban rivers.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of PM10 from Industrial Point Sources in a Rural Area in Limpopo, South Africa
Authors: Tshehla Cheledi E. , Wright Caradee Y.
Published: September 2019

Air pollution from industrial point sources accounts for a large proportion of air pollution issues affecting many communities around the world. However, emissions from these sources are technically controllable by putting in place abatement technologies with feasible and stringent regulatory conditions in the operation licenses. Pollution from other sources such as soil erosion, forest fires, road dust, and biomass burning, are subject to several unpredictable natural or economic factors. In this study, findings from dispersion modelling and spatial analysis of pollution were presented to evaluate the potential impacts of PM10 concentrations from point sources in the Greater Tubatse Municipality of Limpopo, South Africa. The Air Pollution Model (TAPM) was used to model nested horizontal grids down to 10 km for meteorology and 4 km resolution for air pollution was used for simulation of PM10. An analysis of annual and seasonal variations of PM10 concentrations from point sources was undertaken to demonstrate their impact on the environment and the surrounding communities based on 2016 emissions data. A simple Kriging method was used to generate interpolation surfaces for PM10 concentrations from industrial sources with the purpose of identifying their areas of impact. The results suggest that valley wind channeling is responsible for the distribution of pollutants in a complex terrain. The results revealed that PM10 concentrations were higher closer to the sources during the day and distributed over a wide area during the night.
Exploring Trusted Relations among Virtual Interactions in Social Networks for Detecting Influence Diffusion
Authors: Wagih Heba M. , Mokhtar Hoda M. O. , Ghoniemy Samy S.
Published: September 2019

Recently, social networks have shown huge potential in terms of collaborative web services and the study of peer influence as a result of the massive amount of data, datasets, and interrelations generated. These interrelations cannot guarantee the success of online social networks without ensuring the existence of trust between nodes. Detecting influential nodes improves collaborative filtering (CF) recommendations in which nodes with the highest influential capability are most likely to be the source of recommendations. Although CF-based recommendation systems are the most widely used approach for implementing recommender systems, this approach ignores the mutual trust between users. In this paper, a trust-based algorithm (TBA) is introduced to detect influential spreaders in social networks efficiently. In particular, the proposed TBA estimates the influence that each node has on the other connected nodes as well as on the whole network. Next, a Friend-of-Friend recommendation (FoF-SocialI) algorithm is addressed to detect the influence of social ties in the recommendation process. Finally, experimental results, performed on three large scale location-based social networks, namely, Brightkite, Gowalla, and Weeplaces, to test the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, are presented. The conducted experiments show a remarkable enhancement in predicting and recommending locations in various social networks.
Blood-Derived Products for Tissue Repair/Regeneration
Authors: Andia Isabel , Maffulli Nicola
Published: September 2019

Medical interest in “blood-derived products for tissue repair/regeneration” has old roots, starting with chronic wounds in the 1980s, and boosted by sports medicine at the beginning of the millennium, when elite athletes treated with platelet rich plasma (PRP) resumed competition earlier than expected [...]
Cellular Uptake and Clearance of Oxidatively-modified Apolipoprotein E3 by Cerebral Cortex Endothelial Cells
Authors: Cruz Siobanth , Narayanaswami Vasanthy
Published: September 2019

Apolipoprotein E3 (apoE3) plays a critical role in the metabolism of lipoproteins and lowers plasma lipid levels by serving as a ligand for the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) family of proteins and by promoting macrophage cholesterol efflux. The current study examines the effect of acrolein (an endogenously generated metabolite and an environmental pollutant) modification on the structure and function of apoE3. Acrolein modification was confirmed in Western blots by reactivity with acrolein–lysine-specific antibody and by the presence of oligomeric species due to cross-linking. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed modification of 10 out of 12 lysines in apoE3, with Nε-(3-methylpyridinium)-lysine being the predominant form of modification, and Lys75 being a ‘hot spot’ in terms of susceptibility to oxidation. Circular dichroism spectroscopy showed no major change in overall secondary structure compared to unmodified apoE3. Reconstituted high density lipoprotein (HDL) bearing acrolein modified apoE3 showed loss of binding to soluble LDLr; however, incubation with mouse endothelioma bEnd.3 cells showed that it was internalized. Incubation with excess LDL did not abolish cellular uptake of acrolein modified apoE3, suggesting alternative mechanism(s) not involving LDLr. Incubation with anti-CD36 antibody did not show a decrease in internalization while incubation with anti- lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 (LOX1) showed partial internalization. However, incubation with anti-scavenger receptor class B type I (SRB1) antibody abolished internalization of acrolein modified apoE3. Taken together, our studies suggest that acrolein modification of apoE3 at lysine residues leads to increase in net negative charge, and as a consequence, results in clearance by LOX1 and SRB1 on endothelial cells. Overall, oxidative modification of apoE3 likely impairs its role in regulating plasma cholesterol homeostasis, eventually leading to lipid disorders.
Main Chain Polysulfoxides as Active ‘Stealth’ Polymers with Additional Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Behaviour
Authors: El Mohtadi Farah , d’Arcy Richard , Yang Xiaoye , Turhan Zulfiye Yesim , Alshamsan Aws , Tirelli Nicola
Published: September 2019

We present the evaluation of a sulfoxide-based polymer (poly(propylene sulfoxide), PPSO) as a potential ‘stealth’ macromolecule, and at the same time as a pharmacologically active (anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidant) material. The combination of these two concepts may at first seem peculiar since the gold standard polymer in biomaterials and drug delivery, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), is ‘stealth’ due to its chemical and biological inertness, which makes it hardly biologically active. Polysulfoxides, on the contrary, may couple a substantial inertness towards biomolecules under homeostatic conditions, with the possibility to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated to inflammation. Polysulfoxides, therefore, are rather uniquely, ‘active’ ‘stealth’ polymers. Here, we describe the synthesis of PPSO through controlled oxidation of poly(propylene sulfide) (PPS), which on its turn was obtained via anionic ring-opening polymerization. In vitro, PPSO was characterized by a low toxicity (IC50 ~7 mg/mL at 24 h on human dermal fibroblasts) and a level of complement activation (in human plasma) and macrophage uptake slightly lower than PEG of a similar size. Importantly, and differently from PEG, on LPS-activated macrophages, PPSO showed a strong and dose-dependent ROS (hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorite)-scavenging activity, which resulted in a corresponding reduction of cytokine production.
Intestinal Microbiota: A Novel Target to Improve Anti-Tumor Treatment?
Authors: Villéger Romain , Lopès Amélie , Carrier Guillaume , Veziant Julie , Billard Elisabeth , Barnich Nicolas , Gagnière Johan , Vazeille Emilie , Bonnet Mathilde
Published: September 2019

Recently, preclinical and clinical studies targeting several types of cancer strongly supported the key role of the gut microbiota in the modulation of host response to anti-tumoral therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and even surgery. Intestinal microbiome has been shown to participate in the resistance to a wide range of anticancer treatments by direct interaction with the treatment or by indirectly stimulating host response through immunomodulation. Interestingly, these effects were described on colorectal cancer but also in other types of malignancies. In addition to their role in therapy efficacy, gut microbiota could also impact side effects induced by anticancer treatments. In the first part of this review, we summarized the role of the gut microbiome on the efficacy and side effects of various anticancer treatments and underlying mechanisms. In the second part, we described the new microbiota-targeting strategies, such as probiotics and prebiotics, antibiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation and physical activity, which could be effective adjuvant therapies developed in order to improve anticancer therapeutic efficiency.
Sequence and Structural Analysis of AA9 and AA10 LPMOs: An Insight into the Basis of Substrate Specificity and Regioselectivity
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Qi Xiaohua , Huang Hongxia , Zhu Honghui
Published: September 2019

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are key enzymes in both the natural carbon cycle and the biorefinery industry. Understanding the molecular basis of LPMOs acting on polysaccharide substrates is helpful for improving industrial cellulase cocktails. Here we analyzed the sequences, structures, and substrate binding modes of LPMOs to uncover the factors that influence substrate specificity and regioselectivity. Our results showed that the different compositions of a motif located on L2 affect the electrostatic potentials of substrate binding surfaces, which in turn affect substrate specificities of AA10 LPMOs. A conserved Asn at a distance of 7 Å from the active center Cu might, together with the conserved Ser immediately before the second catalytic His, determine the localization of LPMOs on substrate, and thus contribute to C4-oxidizing regioselectivity. The findings in this work provide an insight into the molecular basis of substrate specificity and regioselectivity of LPMOs.
Effect of Central Injection of Neostigmine on the Bacterial Endotoxin Induced Suppression of GnRH/LH Secretion in Ewes during the Follicular Phase of the Estrous Cycle
Authors: Herman Andrzej , Skipor Janina , Krawczyńska Agata , Bochenek Joanna , Wojtulewicz Karolina , Pawlina Bartosz , Antushevich Hanna , Herman Anna , Tomaszewska-Zaremba Dorota
Published: September 2019

Induced by a bacterial infection, an immune/inflammatory challenge is a potent negative regulator of the reproduction process in females. The reduction of the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokine is considered as an effective strategy in the treatment of inflammatory induced neuroendocrine disorders. Therefore, the effect of direct administration of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor—neostigmine—into the third ventricle of the brain on the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretions under basal and immune stress conditions was evaluated in this study. In the study, 24 adult, 2-years-old Blackhead ewes during the follicular phase of their estrous cycle were used. Immune stress was induced by the intravenous injection of LPS Escherichia coli in a dose of 400 ng/kg. Animals received an intracerebroventricular injection of neostigmine (1 mg/animal) 0.5 h before LPS/saline treatment. It was shown that central administration of neostigmine might prevent the inflammatory-dependent decrease of GnRH/LH secretion in ewes and it had a stimulatory effect on LH release. This central action of neostigmine is connected with its inhibitory action on local pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α synthesis in the hypothalamus, which indicates the importance of this mediator in the inhibition of GnRH secretion during acute inflammation.
PTX3 Modulates Neovascularization and Immune Inflammatory Infiltrate in a Murine Model of Fibrosarcoma
Authors: Annese Tiziana , Ronca Roberto , Tamma Roberto , Giacomini Arianna , Ruggieri Simona , Grillo Elisabetta , Presta Marco , Ribatti Domenico
Published: September 2019

Fibrosarcoma is an aggressive subtype of soft tissue sarcoma categorized in infantile/congenital-type and adult-type. Fibrosarcoma cells and its surrounding immune inflammatory infiltrates overexpress or induce the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) that have a crucial role in tumor progression and angiogenesis. The inflammation-associated long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) was found to reduce FGF-2-mediated angiogenesis, but its role on fibrosarcoma immune inflammatory infiltrate is still unknown. In this study, we have evaluated the PTX3 activity on immune infiltrating mast cells, macrophages and T-lymphocytes by immunohistochemistry on murine MC-TGS17-51 fibrosarcoma cells and on transgenic TgN(Tie2-hPTX3) mouse. In these fibrosarcoma models we found a reduced neovascularization and a significant decrease of inflammatory infiltrate. Indeed, we show that PTX3 reduces the level of complement 3 (C3) deposition reducing fibrosarcoma progression. In conclusion, we hypothesize that targeting fibrosarcoma microenvironment by FGF/FGFR inhibitors may improve treatment outcome.
46,XX DSD due to Androgen Excess in Monogenic Disorders of Steroidogenesis: Genetic, Biochemical, and Clinical Features
Authors: Baronio Federico , Ortolano Rita , Menabò Soara , Cassio Alessandra , Baldazzi Lilia , Di Natale Valeria , Tonti Giacomo , Vestrucci Benedetta , Balsamo Antonio
Published: September 2019

The term ‘differences of sex development’ (DSD) refers to a group of congenital conditions that are associated with atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex. Disorders of steroidogenesis comprise autosomal recessive conditions that affect adrenal and gonadal enzymes and are responsible for some conditions of 46,XX DSD where hyperandrogenism interferes with chromosomal and gonadal sex development. Congenital adrenal hyperplasias (CAHs) are disorders of steroidogenesis that mainly involve the adrenals (21-hydroxylase and 11-hydroxylase deficiencies) and sometimes the gonads (3-beta-hydroxysteroidodehydrogenase and P450-oxidoreductase); in contrast, aromatase deficiency mainly involves the steroidogenetic activity of the gonads. This review describes the main genetic, biochemical, and clinical features that apply to the abovementioned conditions. The activities of the steroidogenetic enzymes are modulated by post-translational modifications and cofactors, particularly electron-donating redox partners. The incidences of the rare forms of CAH vary with ethnicity and geography. The elucidation of the precise roles of these enzymes and cofactors has been significantly facilitated by the identification of the genetic bases of rare disorders of steroidogenesis. Understanding steroidogenesis is important to our comprehension of differences in sexual development and other processes that are related to human reproduction and fertility, particularly those that involve androgen excess as consequence of their impairment.
The Co-Existence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Bronchial Asthma: Revelation of a New Asthma Phenotype?
Authors: Damianaki Angeliki , Vagiakis Emmanouil , Sigala Ioanna , Pataka Athanasia , Rovina Nikoletta , Vlachou Athina , Krietsepi Vasiliki , Zakynthinos Spyros , Katsaounou Paraskevi
Published: September 2019

Bronchial asthma (BA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common respiratory obstructive diseases that may coexist. It would be interesting to study the possible influence of that coexistence on both diseases. Until now, reviews focused mainly on epidemiology. The aim of this study was to review the literature in relation to epidemiology, pathophysiology, consequences, screening of patients, and treatment of the coexistence of OSA and BA. We pooled studies from the PubMed database from 1986 to 2019. OSA prevalence in asthmatics was found to be high, ranging from19% to 60% in non-severe BA, reaching up to 95% in severe asthma. Prevalence was correlated with the duration and severity of BA, and increased dosage of steroids taken orally or by inhalation. This high prevalence of the coexistence of OSA and BA diseases could not be a result of just chance. It seems that this coexistence is based on the pathophysiology of the diseases. In most studies, OSA seems to deteriorate asthma outcomes, and mainly exacerbates them. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) treatment is likely to improve symptoms, the control of the disease, and the quality of life in asthmatics with OSA. However, almost all studies are observational, involving a small number of patients with a short period of follow up. Although treatment guidelines cannot be released, we could recommend periodic screening of asthmatics for OSA for the optimal treatment of both the diseases.
Designing a Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) Network: Toward Water-Sensitive Urban Growth Planning in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Sanjana , Meenar Mahbubur , Alam Ashraful
Published: September 2019

In a warming world, urban environmental stresses are exacerbated by population-increase-induced development of grey infrastructure that usually leaves minimal scope for blue (and green) elements and processes, potentially resulting in mismanagement of stormwater and flooding issues. This paper explores how urban growth planning in the megacity of Dhaka, Bangladesh can be guided by a blue-green infrastructure (BGI) network that combines blue, green, and grey elements together to provide a multifunctional urban form. We take a three-step approach: First, we analyze the existing spatial morphology to understand potential locations of development and challenges, as well as the types of solutions necessary for water management in different typologies of urban densities. Next, we analyze existing and potential blue and green network locations. Finally, we propose the structural framework for a BGI network at both macro and micro scales. The proposed network takes different forms at different scales and locations and offers different types of flood control and stormwater management options. These can provide directions on Dhaka’s future urban consolidation and expansion with a balance of man-made and natural elements and enable environmental, social, spatial, financial, and governance benefits. The paper concludes with some practical implications and challenges for implementing BGI in Dhaka.
Thermoelectric Properties of Tin Telluride Quasi Crystal Grown by Vertical Bridgman Method
Authors: Chen Yue-Xing , Li Fu , Li Delong , Zheng Zhuanghao , Luo Jingting , Fan Ping
Published: September 2019

Tin telluride (SnTe), with the same rock salt structure and similar band structure of PbTe alloys, was developed as a good thermoelectric material. In this work, SnTe quasi crystal was grown by vertical Bridgman method, with texturing degree achieved at 0.98. Two sets of samples, perpendicular and parallel to the growth direction, were cut to investigate thermoelectric properties. As a result, a carrier concentration (pH) of ~9.5 × 1020 cm−3 was obtained, which may have originated from fully generated Sn vacancies during the long term crystal growth. The relatively high Seebeck coefficient of ~30 μVK−1 and ~40 μVK−1 along the two directions was higher than most pristine SnTe reported in the literature, which leads to the room temperature (PF) for SnTe_IP and SnTe_OP achieved at ~14.0 μWcm−1K−2 and ~7.0 μWcm−1K−2, respectively. Finally, the maximum dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) values were around 0.55 at 873 K.
Lignin: A Biopolymer from Forestry Biomass for Biocomposites and 3D Printing
Authors: Tanase-Opedal Mihaela , Espinosa Eduardo , Rodríguez Alejandro , Chinga-Carrasco Gary
Published: September 2019

Biopolymers from forestry biomass are promising for the sustainable development of new biobased materials. As such, lignin and fiber-based biocomposites are plausible renewable alternatives to petrochemical-based products. In this study, we have obtained lignin from Spruce biomass through a soda pulping process. The lignin was used for manufacturing biocomposite filaments containing 20% and 40% lignin and using polylactic acid (PLA) as matrix material. Dogbones for mechanical testing were 3D printed by fused deposition modelling. The lignin and the corresponding biocomposites were characterized in detail, including thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), antioxidant capacity, mechanical properties, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Although lignin led to a reduction of the tensile strength and modulus, the reduction could be counteracted to some extent by adjusting the 3D printing temperature. The results showed that lignin acted as a nucleating agent and thus led to further crystallization of PLA. The radical scavenging activity of the biocomposites increased to roughly 50% antioxidant potential/cm2, for the biocomposite containing 40 wt % lignin. The results demonstrate the potential of lignin as a component in biocomposite materials, which we show are adequate for 3D printing operations.
Development of Photovoltaic Module with Fabricated and Evaluated Novel Backsheet-Based Biocomposite Materials
Authors: Alaaeddin M. H. , Sapuan S. M. , Zuhri M. Y. M. , Zainudin E. S. , M. AL-Oqla Faris
Published: September 2019

Photovoltaic backsheets have considerable impact on the collective performance of solar cells. Material components should withstand certain temperatures and loads while maintaining high thermal stability under various weather conditions. Solar modules must demonstrate increased reliability, adequate performance, safety, and durability throughout the course of their lifetime. This work presents a novel solar module. The module consists of an innovative polyvinylidene fluoride-short sugar palm fiber (PVDF-SSPF) composite backsheet within its structure. It was electrically and thermally evaluated. The current-voltage characteristics (I-V) were obtained using the solar module analyzer, PROVA 210PV. A thermal evaluation was accomplished using a temperature device, SDL200. The thermal test consisted of two different assessments. The first targeted the surface and backsheet of the developed module to correlate their performance from within. The second assessment compared the thermal performance of the fabricated backsheet with the conventional one. Both tests were combined into a heatmap analysis to further understand the thermal performance. Results revealed that the developed module exhibited reasonable electrical efficiency, achieving appropriate and balanced I-V curves. PVDF-SSPF backsheets proved to be thermally stable by displaying less heat absorbance and better temperature shifts. Additional research efforts are highly encouraged to investigate other characteristics. To enhance performance, further analyses are needed such as the damp heat analysis, accelerated aging analysis, and heat dissipation phenomena.
Novel Continuous Fiber Bi-Matrix Composite 3-D Printing Technology
Authors: Adumitroaie Adi , Antonov Fedor , Khaziev Aleksey , Azarov Andrey , Golubev Mikhail , Vasiliev Valery V.
Published: September 2019

A new paradigm in continuous fiber-reinforced polymer fused filament fabrication based on a thermoset-thermoplastic bi-matrix material system is proposed and proved. This totally new 3-D printing concept has the potential to overcome the drawbacks and to combine the advantages of separate thermoset and thermoplastic-based, fused filament fabrication methods and to advance continuous fiber-reinforced polymer 3-D printing toward higher mechanical performances of 3-D printed parts. The novel bi-matrix 3-D printing method and preliminary results related to the 3-D printed composite microstructure and performances are reported.
Structure-Function Elucidation of a New α-Conotoxin, MilIA, from Conus milneedwardsi
Authors: Peigneur Steve , Devi Prabha , Seldeslachts Andrea , Ravichandran Samuthirapandian , Quinton Loïc , Tytgat Jan
Published: September 2019

The a-Conotoxins are peptide toxins that are found in the venom of marine cone snails and they are potent antagonists of various subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Because nAChRs have an important role in regulating transmitter release, cell excitability, and neuronal integration, nAChR dysfunctions have been implicated in a variety of severe pathologies. We describe the isolation and characterization of α-conotoxin MilIA, the first conopeptide from the venom of Conus milneedwardsi. The peptide was characterized by electrophysiological screening against several types of cloned nAChRs that were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. MilIA, which is a member of the α3/5 family, is an antagonist of muscle type nAChRs with a high selectivity for muscle versus neuronal subtype nAChRs. Several analogues were designed and investigated for their activity in order to determine the key epitopes of MilIA. Native MilIA and analogues both showed activity at the fetal muscle type nAChR. Two single mutations (Met9 and Asn10) allowed for MilIA to strongly discriminate between the two types of muscle nAChRs. Moreover, one analogue, MilIA [∆1,M2R, M9G, N10K, H11K], displayed a remarkable enhanced potency when compared to native peptide. The key residues that are responsible for switching between muscle and neuronal nAChRs preference were elucidated. Interestingly, the same analogue showed a preference for α9α10 nAChRs among the neuronal types.
Effects of Crude Fucus distichus Subspecies evanescens Fucoidan Extract on Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells―Implications for Use in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Rohwer Kevin , Neupane Sandesh , Bittkau Kaya Saskia , Pérez Mayra Galarza , Dörschmann Philipp , Roider Johann , Alban Susanne , Klettner Alexa
Published: September 2019

Fucoidan extracts may have beneficial effects in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Over-the-counter fucoidan preparations are generally undefined, crude extracts. In this study, we investigated the effect of a crude fucoidan extract from Fucus distichus subspecies evanescens (Fe) on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Fe extract was investigated for chemical composition and molar mass. It was tested in primary RPE and RPE cell line ARPE19. Oxidative stress was induced with tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cell viability evaluated with MTT assay, VEGF secretion assessed in ELISA. Phagocytosis was evaluated in a fluorescence microscopic assay. Wound healing ability was tested in a scratch assay. Additionally, the inhibition of elastase and complement system by Fe extract was studied. The Fe extract contained about 61.9% fucose and high amounts of uronic acids (26.2%). The sulfate content was not as high as expected (6.9%). It was not toxic and not protective against oxidative stress. However, Fe extract was able to reduce VEGF secretion in ARPE19. Phagocytosis was also reduced. Concerning wound healing, a delay could be observed in higher concentrations. While some beneficial effects could be found, it seems to interfere with RPE function, which may reduce its beneficial effects in AMD treatment.
The Inhibitory Effect of Protamine on Platelets is Attenuated by Heparin without Inducing Thrombocytopenia in Rodents
Authors: Miklosz Joanna , Kalaska Bartlomiej , Kaminski Kamil , Rusak Malgorzata , Szczubialka Krzysztof , Nowakowska Maria , Pawlak Dariusz , Mogielnicki Andrzej
Published: September 2019

Protamine sulfate (PS) is a polycationic protein drug obtained from the sperm of fish, and is used to reverse the anticoagulant effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH). However, the interactions between PS, UFH, and platelets are still not clear. We measured the platelet numbers and collagen-induced aggregation, P-selectin, platelet factor 4, β-thromboglobulin, prostacyclin metabolite, D-dimers, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, anti-factor Xa, fibrinogen, thrombus weight and megakaryocytopoiesis in blood collected from mice and rats in different time points.. All of the groups were treated intravenously with vehicle, UFH, PS, or UFH with PS. We found a short-term antiplatelet activity of PS in mice and rats, and long-term platelet-independent antithrombotic activity in rats with electrically-induced thrombosis. The antiplatelet and antithrombotic potential of PS may contribute to bleeding risk in PS-overdosed patients. The inhibitory effect of PS on the platelets was attenuated by UFH without inducing thrombocytopenia. Treatment with UFH and PS did not affect the formation, number, or activation of platelets, or the thrombosis development in rodents.
Improved LSPR Properties of Ag–Pt and Pt Nanoparticles: A Systematic Study on Various Configurations and Compositions of NPs via the Solid-State Dewetting of Ag–Pt Bilayers
Authors: Pandit Sanchaya , Kunwar Sundar , Pandey Puran , Lee Jihoon
Published: September 2019

The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) has become an important research topic in various fields and can be systematically tuned to obtain the desired device performance through the appropriate structural and elemental modifications. In this research, the improved LSPR properties of Pt NPs and diverse configurations and compositions of Ag–Pt bimetallic alloy NPs were demonstrated on sapphire (0001) via the solid-state dewetting (SSD) of Ag–Pt bilayers. A strong and dynamic LSPR response in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) regions was demonstrated depending on the elemental composition and surface morphology of the NPs, which is discussed along with finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations. In comparison, the Ag–Pt NPs exhibited stronger LSPR excitation, whereas the Pt NPs showed a relatively weaker and broader response. Meanwhile, the Pt NPs fabricated in this study still demonstrated a much-enhanced LSPR response compared to previous studies on the solid-state dewetting of pure Pt films due to improvements in configuration, uniformity, and interparticle gaps. Various surface morphologies of NPs, such as connected nanoclusters, elongated NPs, and isolated spherical NPs, were obtained on the basis of alloying, diffusion, Rayleigh instability, and a surface minimization mechanism, which were different from those of pure Ag and Pt NPs in similar growth conditions. Particularly, one-step annealing of an Ag–Pt bilayer yielded Ag–Pt alloy NPs below 600 °C, which subsequently transformed into pure Pt NPs above 650 °C, in which the high diffusivity and high vapor pressure of Ag atoms significantly facilitated the overall growth process of the NPs.
Use of Sodium Hexametaphosphate and Citric Acid Mixture as Depressant in the Flotation Separation of Scheelite from Calcite
Authors: Zhu Wenlong , Dong Liuyang , Jiao Fen , Qin Wenqing , Wei Qian
Published: September 2019

The floatability of scheelite and calcite in the presence of single depressant (SHMP or H3Cit) and mixed depressant (SHMP/H3Cit) was studied by microflotation experiments and artificial mixed mineral experiments. Solution chemical calculation, zeta potential tests, thermodynamic analysis and XPS analysis were used to explain the relevant depressive mechanism. Mixed depressant (SHMP/H3Cit) exhibited excellent selective depressive effect on calcite. The optimal molar ratio of SHMP to H3Cit was 1:4. The depressant SHMP and H3Cit can be chemically bonded with Ca2+ to form CaHPO4 and Ca3(Cit)2 at pH 8. The CaHPO4 was more easily formed than Ca3(Cit)2 on the mineral surface, which indicated that the depressive effect of SHMP was stronger than H3Cit. The SHMP and H3Cit of the mixed depressant were co-adsorbed on the calcite surface, while the H3Cit of the mixed depressant was weakly adsorbed on the scheelite surface. The mixed depressant can significantly improve the separation efficiency of scheelite from calcite.
Development and Validation of a Virtual Gelatin Model Using Molecular Modeling Computational Tools
Authors: Radosinski Lukasz , Labus Karolina , Zemojtel Piotr , Wojciechowski Jakub W.
Published: September 2019

To successfully design and optimize the application of hydrogel matrices one has to effectively combine computational design tools with experimental methods. In this context, one of the most promising techniques is molecular modeling, which requires however accurate molecular models representing the investigated material. Although this method has been successfully used over the years for predicting the properties of polymers, its application to biopolymers, including gelatin, is limited. In this paper we provide a method for creating an atomistic representation of gelatin based on the modified FASTA codes of natural collagen. We show that the model created in this manner reproduces known experimental values of gelatin properties like density, glass-rubber transition temperature, WAXS profile and isobaric thermal expansion coefficient. We also present that molecular dynamics using the INTERFACE force field provides enough accuracy to track changes of density, fractional free volume and Hansen solubility coefficient over a narrow temperature regime (273–318 K) with 1 K accuracy. Thus we depict that using molecular dynamics one can predict properties of gelatin biopolymer as an efficient matrix for immobilization of various bioactive compounds, including enzymes.