bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urinary Excretion of N1-Methylnicotinamide, as a Biomarker of Niacin Status, and Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Deen Carolien P.J. , van der Veen Anna , van Faassen Martijn , Minović Isidor , Gomes-Neto António W. , Geleijnse Johanna M. , Borgonjen-van den Berg Karin J. , Kema Ido P. , Bakker Stephan J.L.
Published: November 2019

Renal transplant recipients (RTR) commonly suffer from vitamin B6 deficiency and its functional consequences add to an association with poor long-term outcome. It is unknown whether niacin status is affected in RTR and, if so, whether this affects clinical outcomes, as vitamin B6 is a cofactor in nicotinamide biosynthesis. We compared 24-h urinary excretion of N1-methylnicotinamide (N1-MN) as a biomarker of niacin status in RTR with that in healthy controls, in relation to dietary intake of tryptophan and niacin as well as vitamin B6 status, and investigated whether niacin status is associated with the risk of premature all-cause mortality in RTR. In a prospective cohort of 660 stable RTR with a median follow-up of 5.4 (4.7–6.1) years and 275 healthy kidney donors, 24-h urinary excretion of N1-MN was measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry LC-MS/MS. Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaires. Prospective associations of N1-MN excretion with mortality were investigated by Cox regression analyses. Median N1-MN excretion was 22.0 (15.8–31.8) μmol/day in RTR, compared to 41.1 (31.6–57.2) μmol/day in healthy kidney donors (p < 0.001). This difference was independent of dietary intake of tryptophan (1059 ± 271 and 1089 ± 308 mg/day; p = 0.19), niacin (17.9 ± 5.2 and 19.2 ± 6.2 mg/day; p < 0.001), plasma vitamin B6 (29.0 (17.5–49.5), and 42.0 (29.8–60.3) nmol/L; p < 0.001), respectively. N1-MN excretion was inversely associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in RTR (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.45–0.71; p < 0.001), independent of potential confounders. RTR excrete less N1-MN in 24-h urine than healthy controls, and our data suggest that this difference cannot be attributed to lower dietary intake of tryptophan and niacin, nor vitamin B6 status. Importantly, lower 24-h urinary excretion of N1-MN is independently associated with a higher risk of premature all-cause mortality in RTR.
Increased Paracetamol Bioavailability after Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Crossover Pre- vs. Post-Operative Clinical Trial
Authors: Porat Daniel , Markovic Milica , Zur Moran , Fine-Shamir Noa , Azran Carmil , Shaked Gad , Czeiger David , Vaynshtein Julie , Replyanski Ilya , Sebbag Gilbert , Dahan Arik
Published: November 2019

Oral drug bioavailability may be significantly altered after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), the most popular bariatric procedure worldwide. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the post-bariatric analgesic/antipyretic drug of choice. In this work we studied and analyzed the LSG effects on systemic bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of paracetamol after oral administration of solid vs. liquid dosage form. A 4-armed, pharmacokinetic, crossover trial was performed in patients enrolled for LSG. Single paracetamol dose (500 mg), as caplet (n = 7) or syrup (n = 5), was administered before vs. 4–6 months post-LSG. Bioavailability was enhanced after LSG; in the caplet groups, average AUC0–t increased from 9.1 to 18.6 µg·h/mL with AUC0–t difference of 9.5 µg·h/mL (95% CI 4.6–14.5, p = 0.003). Cmax increased from 1.8 (95% CI 1.2–2.5) to 4.2 µg/mL (3.6–4.8) after LSG (p = 0.032). In the syrup groups, AUC0–t increased from 13.4 to 25.6 µg·h/mL, with AUC0–t difference of 12.2 µg·h/mL (95% CI 0.9–23.5, p = 0.049). Cmax changed from 5.4 (95% CI 2.5–8.4) to 7.8 µg/mL (6.1–9.6), and systemic bioavailability was complete (102%) after the surgery. Overall, decreased paracetamol exposure in obesity, with recovery to normal drug levels (caplet) or even higher (syrup) post-LSG, was revealed. In conclusion, attention to paracetamol effectiveness/safety in obesity, and after bariatric surgery, is prudent.
Oxidative Stress in COPD
Authors: Magallón María , Navarro-García María Mercedes , Dasí Francisco
Published: November 2019

Numerous studies over the years have shown that oxidative stress plays a major role in the development of the disease. Oxidative stress involvement in COPD opens up the possibility of using antioxidant therapies in the treatment of the disease. However, so far, these therapies have shown no clinical benefit indicating that more basic research efforts are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms by which oxidative stress leads to the development of COPD.
Nuclear Factor-κB Overexpression is Correlated with Poor Outcomes after Multimodality Bladder-Preserving Therapy in Patients with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Chiang Yun , Wang Chung-Chieh , Tsai Yu-Chieh , Huang Chao-Yuan , Pu Yeong-Shiau , Lin Chia-Chi , Cheng Jason Chia-Hsien
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate prognostic molecular targets for selecting patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer undergoing bladder-preserving therapy. Pretreatment biopsy samples from patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer receiving trimodality bladder-preserving therapy were analyzed for expression levels of p53, p16, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (Her-2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB; p65), E-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), meiotic recombination 11 homolog (MRE11), programmed death-1 ligand (PD-L1), and mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6) by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The correlations between these molecular markers with local progression-free survival (LPFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS) were explored. Biopsy samples from 41 out of 60 patients were evaluated using IHC. Univariate analysis revealed that the high expression of NFκB is associated with significantly worse LPFS, DMFS, and OS, and low expression of p16 is associated with significantly lower LPFS. Upon further multivariate analysis including sex, age, stage, and selected unfavorable factors in the model, NFκB and p16 independently remained significant. The investigational in vitro study demonstrated that irradiation induces up-regulation of NFκB signaling. Irradiated bladder cancer cells showed increased invasion capability and clonogenic survival; inhibition of NFκB signaling by an NFκB inhibitor, SC75741, or RNA interference reversed the observed increases. NFκB expression (p65) is associated with prognostic significance for both LPFS and DMFS in patients treated with bladder-preserving therapy, with consistent impact on cell viability of bladder cancer cells. NFκB may be a putative molecular target to help with outcome stratification.
Mucins and Asthma: Are We Headed to the Revolutionary Road?
Authors: Santus Pierachille , Radovanovic Dejan , Chiumello Davide Alberto
Published: November 2019

Mucus represents the first line of defense of our respiratory tract and mucociliary clearance is essential for maintaining the homeostasis of airway epithelium. The latter mechanisms are altered in asthma and mucus plugging of proximal and distal airways is the main cause of death in cases of fatal asthma. Starting from the influential review performed by Luke R. Bonser and David J. Erle in 2017, we discuss the latest evidence in terms of mucins regulation and potential treatment of mucus hypersecretion and tissue remodeling in severe asthma.
Design of Silk-Elastin-Like Protein Nanoparticle Systems with Mucoadhesive Properties
Authors: Parker Rachael N. , Wu Wenyao A. , McKay Tina B. , Xu Qiaobing , Kaplan David L.
Published: November 2019

Transmucosal drug delivery is a promising avenue to improve therapeutic efficacy through localized therapeutic administration. Drug delivery systems that increase retention in the mucosal layer are needed to improve efficiency of such transmucosal platforms. However, the applicability of such systems is often limited by the range of chemistries and properties that can be achieved. Here we present the design and implementation of silk-elastin-like proteins (SELPs) with mucoadhesive properties. SELP-based micellar-like nanoparticles provide a system to tailor chemical and physical properties through genetic engineering of the SELP sequence, which enables the fabrication of nanoparticles with specific chemical and physical features. Analysis of the adhesion of four different SELP-based nanoparticle systems in an artificial mucus system, as well as in in vitro cellular assays indicates that addition of mucoadhesive chemical features on the SELP systems increases retention of the particles in mucosal environments. The results indicated that SELP-based nanoparticles provide a useful approach to study and develop transmucosal protein drug delivery system with unique mucoadhesive properties. Future studies will serve to further expand the range of achievable properties, as well as the utilization of SELPs to fabricate mucoadhesive materials for in vivo testing.
A Survey on Empirical Findings about Spillovers in Cryptocurrency Markets
Authors: Kyriazis Nikolaos A.
Published: November 2019

This paper provides a systematic survey on return and volatility spillovers of cryptocurrencies based on the empirical results of relevant academic literature. Evidence reveals that Bitcoin is the most influential among digital coins mainly as a transmitter toward digital currencies but also as a receiver of spillovers from virtual currencies and alternative assets. Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple present the most significant interlinkages with Bitcoin. Return spillovers are more pronounced but volatility spillovers often present a bi-directional character. Volatility shock transmission is detected among Bitcoin and national currencies, while economic policy uncertainty is not influential. This survey provides useful guidance in the hotly-debated issue of reform and decentralization of financial systems.
Urban–Rural Construction Land Replacement for More Sustainable Land Use and Regional Development in China: Policies and Practices
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Yurui , Wang Qianyi , Cheong Kee Cheok
Published: November 2019

With the rapid development of urbanization and industrialization, land exploitation in China has caused a decrease of cultivated land, posing a threat to national food security. To achieve the goals of both economic development and cultivated land protection, China launched an urban–rural land replacement measure supported by a new land use policy of “increasing vs. decreasing balance” of construction land between urban and rural areas in 2008. Setting China’s urban and rural land use policies in a historical context and urban–rural sustainable development, this paper discusses four practices in Jiangsu Province, Tianjin Municipality, Shandong Province, and Chongqing Municipality. These practices achieved success in impelling agricultural modernization development, improving rural infrastructure and living circumstances, releasing the potential of rural land resources, and increasing cultivated land and urban construction land in the past decade. However, in some practices, problems, and even some conflicts, exist in the protection of farmers’ rights and interests. These challenges are discussed in the context of implementation. In order to better implement urban–rural construction land replacement and achieve better results, the authors argue that farmers’ rights and interests must always be put first and their wishes should be respected more, a consolidated urban–rural land market and a better land market mechanism should be founded, the supply of public goods and services for villagers should be further improved, and supervision and evaluation mechanisms should be further strengthened.
Theories of Land Reform and Their Impact on Land Reform Success in Southern Africa
Authors: Hull Simon , Babalola Kehinde , Whittal Jennifer
Published: November 2019

Our purpose is to present and test a typology of land reform theories as a means of understanding and interrogating the motives behind land reform and to better equip land administrators and policymakers to enact land reform programs that are appropriate for their contexts. Here, land reform is understood to include the related concepts of land redistribution, land restitution, land tenure reform and land administration reform. The theory typology thus has application for land restitution programs specifically operating in the global South. The continuum of theories is derived from literature and tested through a multiple case study of land reform in Nigeria, Mozambique, and South Africa, drawing from a combination of primary and secondary data. The findings suggest an over-reliance on replacement theories in all three contexts, although the Mozambican experience draws on theories towards the middle of the continuum (the adaptation theories). This is recommended as the most viable approach for the context.
Artificial Neural Network in Fibres Length Prediction for High Precision Control of Cellulose Refining
Authors: Almonti Daniele , Baiocco Gabriele , Tagliaferri Vincenzo , Ucciardello Nadia
Published: November 2019

Paper, a web of interconnected cellulose fibres, is widely used as a base substrate. It has been applied in several applications since it features interesting properties, such as renewability, biodegradability, recyclability, affordability and mechanical flexibility. Furthermore, it offers a broad possibility to modify its surface properties toward specifics additives. The fillers retention and the fibres bonding ability are heavily affected by the cellulose refining process that influences chemical and morphological features of the fibres. Several refining theories were developed in order to determine the best refining conditions. However, it is not trivial to control the cellulose refining as different phenomena occur simultaneously. Therefore, it is intuitively managed by experienced papermakers to improve paper structures and properties. An approach based on the machine learning aimed at estimating the effects of refining on the fibres morphology is proposed in this study. In particular, an artificial neural network (ANN) was implemented and trained with experimental data to predict the fibres length as a function of refining process variables. The prediction of this parameter is crucial to obtain a high-performance process in terms of effectiveness and the optimisation of the final product performance as a function of the process parameter. To achieve these results, data mining of the experimental patterns collected was exploited. It led to the achievement of excellent performance and high accuracy in fibres length prediction.
Microalgal Carotenoids: A Review of Production, Current Markets, Regulations, and Future Direction
Authors: Novoveská Lucie , Ross Michael E. , Stanley Michele S. , Pradelles Rémi , Wasiolek Virginie , Sassi Jean-François
Published: November 2019

Microalgae produce a variety of compounds that are beneficial to human and animal health. Among these compounds are carotenoids, which are microalgal pigments with unique antioxidant and coloring properties. The objective of this review is to evaluate the potential of using microalgae as a commercial feedstock for carotenoid production. While microalgae can produce some of the highest concentrations of carotenoids (especially astaxanthin) in living organisms, there are challenges associated with the mass production of microalgae and downstream processing of carotenoids. This review discusses the synthesis of carotenoids within microalgae, their physiological role, large-scale cultivation of microalgae, up- and down-stream processing, commercial applications, natural versus synthetic carotenoids, and opportunities and challenges facing the carotenoid markets. We emphasize legal aspects and regulatory challenges associated with the commercial production of microalgae-based carotenoids for food/feed, nutraceutical and cosmetic industry in Europe, the USA, the People’s Republic of China, and Japan. This review provides tools and a broad overview of the regulatory processes of carotenoid production from microalgae and other novel feedstocks.
Mechanical, Thermal, and Acoustic Properties of Aluminum Foams Impregnated with Epoxy/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Pinto Susana C. , Marques Paula A.A.P. , Vesenjak Matej , Vicente Romeu , Godinho Luís , Krstulović-Opara Lovre , Duarte Isabel
Published: November 2019

Hybrid structures with epoxy embedded in open-cell aluminum foam were developed by combining open-cell aluminum foam specimens with unreinforced and reinforced epoxy resin using graphene oxide. These new hybrid structures were fabricated by infiltrating an open-cell aluminum foam specimen with pure epoxy or mixtures of epoxy and graphene oxide, completely filling the pores. The effects of graphene oxide on the mechanical, thermal, and acoustic performance of epoxy/graphene oxide-based nanocomposites are reported. Mechanical compression analysis was conducted through quasi-static uniaxial compression tests at two loading rates (0.1 mm/s and 1 mm/s). Results show that the thermal stability and the sound absorption coefficient of the hybrid structures were improved by the incorporation of the graphene oxide within the epoxy matrix. However, the incorporation of the graphene oxide into the epoxy matrix can create voids inside the epoxy resin, leading to a decrease of the compressive strength of the hybrid structures, thus no significant increase in the energy absorption capability was observed.
Stress Relaxation Aging Behavior and Constitutive Modelling of AA7150-T7751 under Different Temperatures, Initial Stress Levels and Pre-Strains
Authors: Cai Yixian , Zhan Lihua , Xu Yongqian , Liu Chunhui , Wang Jianguang , Zhao Xing , Xu Lingzhi , Tong Canyu , Jin Gengquan , Wang Qing , Hu Lan , Huang Minghui
Published: November 2019

Age forming is an advanced manufacture technology for forming large aluminum panels. Temperature, initial stress level and pre-strains have a great effect on the formability and performance. The stress relaxation aging behavior of AA7150-T7751 under different temperatures, initial stress levels and pre-strains was studied through stress relaxation tests, tensile tests and TEM observations. The results show that the formability can be improved with the increase of temperature, initial stress levels and pre-strains. Deformation mechanisms during stress relaxation of the material were analyzed on the basis of creep stress exponent and apparent activation energy. The aging precipitates of the studied alloy were not sensitive to the age forming conditions, but drastically coarsened at over aging temperature, which decreased the mechanical properties. In addition, the relationship between stress relaxation behavior and aging strengthening is discussed. Based on the dislocation theory and the modified Arrhenius equation, a stress relaxation constitutive equation considering the initial mobile dislocation density and temperature dependent activation energy was established. This model can predict very well the stress relaxation behavior under various temperature, stress level and pre-strain conditions, with an average error of 2%.
Large-Scale Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Homogeneous Nucleation of Pure Aluminium
Authors: Papanikolaou Michail , Salonitis Konstantinos , Jolly Mark , Frank Michael
Published: November 2019

Despite the continuous and remarkable development of experimental techniques for the investigation of microstructures and the growth of nuclei during the solidification of metals, there are still unknown territories around this topic. The solidification in nanoscale can be effectively investigated by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations which can provide a deep insight into the mechanisms of the formation of nuclei and the induced crystal structures. In this study, MD simulations were performed to investigate the solidification of pure Aluminium and the effects of the cooling rate on the final properties of the solidified material. A large number of Aluminium atoms were used in order to investigate the grain growth over time and the formation of stacking faults during solidification. The number of face-centred cubic (FCC), hexagonal close-packed (HCP) and body-centred cubic (BCC) was recorded during the evolution of the process to illustrate the nanoscale mechanisms initiating solidification. The current investigation also focuses on the exothermic nature of the solidification process which has been effectively captured by means of MD simulations using 3 dimensional representations of the kinetic energy across the simulation domain.
Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation on Virus and Virus-Like Particle Applications
Authors: Eskelin Katri , Poranen Minna M. , Oksanen Hanna M.
Published: November 2019

Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) separates sample components based on their sizes in the absence of a stationary phase. It is well suited for high molecular weight samples such as virus-sized particles. The AF4 experiment can potentially separate molecules within a broad size range (~103−109 Da; particle diameter from 2 nm to 0.5−1 μm). When coupled to light scattering detectors, it enables rapid assays on the size, size distribution, degradation, and aggregation of the studied particle populations. Thus, it can be used to study the quality of purified viruses and virus-like particles. In addition to being an advanced analytical characterization technique, AF4 can be used in a semi-preparative mode. Here, we summarize and provide examples on the steps that need optimization for obtaining good separation with the focus on virus-sized particles.
Sexually Transmitted Infections and Behavioral Determinants of Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Allahabad District (India) Based on Data from the ChlamIndia Study
Authors: Thomas Pierre P. M. , Yadav Jay , Kant Rajiv , Ambrosino Elena , Srivastava Smita , Batra Gurpreet , Dayal Arvind , Masih Nidhi , Pandey Akash , Saha Saurav , Heijmans Roel , Lal Jonathan A. , Morré Servaas A.
Published: November 2019

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (CT and NG, respectively) are linked to an important sexual and reproductive health (SRH) burden worldwide. Behavior is an important predictor for SRH, as it dictates the risk for STIs. Assessing the behavior of a population helps to assess its risk profile. Methods: Study participants were recruited at a gynecology outpatient department (OPD) in the Allahabad district in Uttar Pradesh India, and a questionnaire was used to assess demographics, SRH, and obstetric history. Patients provided three samples (urine, vaginal swab, and whole blood). These samples were used to identify CT and NG using PCR/NAAT and CT IgG ELISA. Results: A total of 296 women were included for testing; mean age was 29 years. No positive cases of CT and NG were observed using PCR/NAAT. A 7% (22/296) positivity rate for CT was observed using IgG ELISA. No positive association was found between serology and symptoms (vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, dysuria, and dyspareunia) or adverse pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage and stillbirth). Positive relations with CT could be observed with consumption of alcohol, illiteracy, and tenesmus (p-value 0.02–0.03). Discussion: STI prevalence in this study was low, but a high burden of SRH morbidity was observed, with a high symptomatic load. High rates of miscarriage (31%) and stillbirth (8%) were also observed among study subjects. No associations could be found between these ailments and CT infection. These rates are high even for low- and middle-income country standards. Conclusion: This study puts forward high rates of SRH morbidity, and instances of adverse reproductive health outcomes are highlighted in this study, although no associations with CT infection could be found. This warrants more investigation into the causes leading to these complaints in the Indian scenario and potential biases to NAAT testing, such as consumption of over-the-counter antimicrobials.
Characteristics of a Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli ST695 Harboring the Chromosomally-Encoded mcr-1 Gene
Authors: Peng Zhong , Hu Zizhe , Li Zugang , Li Xiaosong , Jia Chaoying , Zhang Xiaoxue , Wu Bin , Chen Huanchun , Wang Xiangru
Published: November 2019

Enterobacteriaceae having chromosomally-encoded mcr-1 is rarely reported. In this study, we recovered a chromosomal mcr-1 carrying Escherichia coli, designated HeN100, from the feces of a diarrheal pig in China. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that HeN100 was resistant to three aminoglycosides, twelve β-lactams including three carbapenems, one phenicol, two tetracyclines, two fluoroquinolones, nitrofurantoin, and colistin tested. Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing revealed that the complete genomes of the multidrug resistant (MDR) HeN100 consisted of a single circular chromosome and five circular plasmids. Bioinformatical analysis determined HeN100 as ST695 and it contained many acquired resistance genes responsible for its MDR phenotypes, including colistin resistance mcr-1 and the carbapenem resistance blaNDM-1, and most of these genes were located on plasmids. However, the mcr-1 was found on the chromosome, and it was located between an IS30-like element ISApl1 and a PAP2-like encoding gene. These three genes consisted of an “ISApl1-mcr-1-orf” segment and inserted in high AT-rich regions. Finally, we found the blaNDM-1 was carried on an IncFII type conjugative plasmid. The conjugation frequency of this plasmid was 7.61  ± 2.11  ×  10−5 per recipient, and its conjugation conferred resistance to carbapenems and other β-lactams, as well as aminoglycosides. The spread of this mcr-1/blaNDM-1-carrying E. coli ST695 represents a great concern of public health.
Analysis of the Indole Diterpene Gene Cluster for Biosynthesis of the Epoxy-Janthitrems in Epichloë Endophytes
Authors: Ludlow Emma J. , Vassiliadis Simone , Ekanayake Piyumi N. , Hettiarachchige Inoka K. , Reddy Priyanka , Sawbridge Tim I. , Rochfort Simone J. , Spangenberg German C. , Guthridge Kathryn M.
Published: November 2019

Epoxy-janthitrems are a class of indole diterpenes with structural similarity to lolitrem B. Two taxa of asexual Epichloë endophytes have been reported to produce epoxy-janthitrems, LpTG-3 (Lolium perenne Taxonomic Group 3; e.g., NEA12) and LpTG-4 (e.g., E1). Epichloë epoxy-janthitrems are not well understood, the biosynthetic pathway and associated gene complement have not been described and while the literature suggests they are associated with superior protection against pasture insect pests and are tremorgenic in grazing mammals, these properties have not been confirmed using isolated and purified compounds. Whole genome sequence analysis was used to identify candidate genes for epoxy-janthitrem biosynthesis that are unique to epoxy-janthitrem producing strains of Epichloë. A gene, jtmD, was identified with homology to aromatic prenyl transferases involved in synthesis of indole diterpenes. The location of the epoxy-janthitrem biosynthesis gene cluster (JTM locus) was determined in the assembled nuclear genomes of NEA12 and E1. The JTM locus contains cluster 1 and cluster 2 of the lolitrem B biosynthesis gene cluster (LTM locus), as well as four genes jtmD, jtmO, jtm01, and jtm02 that are unique to Epichloë spp. that produce epoxy-janthitrems. Expression of each of the genes identified was confirmed using transcriptome analysis of perennial ryegrass-NEA12 and perennial ryegrass-E1 symbiota. Sequence analysis confirmed the genes are functionally similar to those involved in biosynthesis of related indole diterpene compounds. RNAi silencing of jtmD and in planta assessment in host-endophyte associations confirms the role of jtmD in epoxy-janthitrem production. Using LCMS/MS technologies, a biosynthetic pathway for the production of epoxy-janthitrems I–IV in Epichloë endophytes is proposed.
Gut Bacteria and their Metabolites: Which One Is the Defendant for Colorectal Cancer?
Authors: Tarashi Samira , Siadat Seyed Davar , Ahmadi Badi Sara , Zali Mohammadreza , Biassoni Roberto , Ponzoni Mirco , Moshiri Arfa
Published: November 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a worldwide health concern which requires efficient therapeutic strategies. The mechanisms underlying CRC remain an essential subject of investigations in the cancer biology field. The evaluation of human microbiota can be critical in this regard, since the disruption of the normal community of gut bacteria is an important issue in the development of CRC. However, several studies have already evaluated the different aspects of the association between microbiota and CRC. The current study aimed at reviewing and summarizing most of the studies on the modifications of gut bacteria detected in stool and tissue samples of CRC cases. In addition, the importance of metabolites derived from gut bacteria, their relationship with the microbiota, and epigenetic modifications have been evaluated.
Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles for Trace Colorimetric Sensing of Enzyme Disrupter Fungicide Vinclozolin
Authors: Hussain Masood , Nafady Ayman , Sirajuddin  , Avcı Ahmet , Pehlivan Erol , Nisar Jan , Sherazi Syed , Balouch Aamna , Shah Muhammad , Almaghrabi Omar , Ul-Haq Muhammad
Published: November 2019

We report a novel, simple, efficient, and green protocol for biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in aqueous solution using clove (Syzygium aromaticum) extract as a reducing and protecting agent. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy was employed to monitor the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band of clove extract-derived AgNPs prepared under various conditions. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis provided information about the surface interaction of the clove extract with the AgNPs. Ultrahigh-resolution transmission electron microscopy (UHRTEM) results confirmed the formation of spherical, uniformly distributed clove extract-capped AgNPs with sizes in the range of 2–20 nm (average size: 14.4 ± 2 nm). Powder X-ray diffractometry analysis (PXRD) illustrated the formation of pure crystalline AgNPs. These AgNPs were tested as a colorimetric sensor to detect trace amounts of vinclozolin (VIN) by UV-Vis spectroscopy for the first time. The AgNP-based sensor demonstrated very sensitive and selective colorimetric detection of VIN, in the range of 2–16 µM (R2 = 0.997). The developed sensor was green, simple, sensitive, selective, economical, and novel, and could detect trace amounts of VIN with limit of detection (LOD) = 21 nM. Importantly, the sensor was successfully employed for the determination of VIN in real water samples collected from various areas in Turkey.
Nanometer Ammonium Perchlorate and Ammonium Nitrate Prepared with 2D Network Structure via Rapid Freezing Technology
Authors: Wang Yi , Song Xiaolan , Li Fengsheng
Published: November 2019

Nanometer (nano) ammonium perchlorate (AP) and ammonium nitrate (AN) were prepared with 2D network structures by the ultra-low temperature spray method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TG-IR) were employed to probe the micron structure, crystal phase, and thermal decomposition of nano AP and nano AN. SEM images revealed that the sizes of nano AP and AN were in the nanometer scale (<100 nm) in one dimension. XRD patterns showed that the crystal phases of nano AP and AN were in accordance with those of raw AP and raw AN, respectively. DSC traces indicated that the thermal decomposition process of AP depended on its particle size, while the thermolysis of AN was independent of the particle size of AN. TG-IR analyses illustrated that the decomposition products of nano AP were NO2, N2O, HCl and H2O, with a small amount of NOCl, and the main decomposition products of nano AN were N2O and H2O, with a small amount of NH3. The results of mechanical sensitivity tests indicated that nano AP was more sensitive than raw AP and both nano AN and raw AN were very insensitive to impact and friction stimuli.
A Metabolomic Approach for the In Vivo Study of Gold Nanospheres and Nanostars after a Single-Dose Intravenous Administration to Wistar Rats
Authors: Enea Maria , Araújo Ana Margarida , Peixoto de Almeida Miguel , Soares Maria Elisa , Gonçalves-Monteiro Salomé , Guedes de Pinho Paula , Pereira Eulália , Bastos Maria de Lourdes , Carmo Helena
Published: November 2019

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are promising nanoplatforms for drug therapy, diagnostic and imaging. However, biological comparison studies for different types of AuNPs fail in consistency due to the lack of sensitive methods to detect subtle differences in the expression of toxicity. Therefore, innovative and sensitive approaches such as metabolomics are much needed to discriminate toxicity, specially at low doses. The current work aims to compare the in vivo toxicological effects of gold nanospheres versus gold nanostars (of similar ~40 nm diameter and coated with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid) 24 h after an intravenous administration of a single dose (1.33 × 1011 AuNPs/kg) to Wistar rats. The biodistribution of both types of AuNPs was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. The metabolic effects of the AuNPs on their main target organ, the liver, were analyzed using a GC-MS-based metabolomic approach. Conventional toxicological endpoints, including the levels of ATP and reduced and oxidized glutathione, were also investigated. The results show that AuNPs preferentially accumulate in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the spleen and lungs. In other organs (kidney, heart, brain), Au content was below the limit of quantification. Reduced glutathione levels increased for both nanospheres and nanostars in the liver, but ATP levels were unaltered. Multivariate analysis showed a good discrimination between the two types of AuNPs (sphere- versus star-shaped nanoparticles) and compared to control group. The metabolic pathways involved in the discrimination were associated with the metabolism of fatty acids, pyrimidine and purine, arachidonic acid, biotin, glycine and synthesis of amino acids. In conclusion, the biodistribution, toxicological, and metabolic profiles of gold nanospheres and gold nanostars were described. Metabolomics proved to be a very useful tool for the comparative study of different types of AuNPs and raised awareness about the pathways associated to their distinct biological effects.
Recent Advances and Future Prospects in Spark Plasma Sintered Alumina Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: Saheb Nouari , Hayat Umer , Hassan Syed Fida
Published: November 2019

Although ceramics have many advantages when compared to metals in specific applications, they could be more widely applied if their low properties (fracture toughness, strength, and electrical and thermal conductivities) are improved. Reinforcing ceramics by two nano-phases that have different morphologies and/or properties, called the hybrid microstructure design, has been implemented to develop hybrid ceramic nanocomposites with tailored nanostructures, improved mechanical properties, and enhanced functionalities. The use of the novel spark plasma sintering (SPS) process allowed for the sintering of hybrid ceramic nanocomposite materials to maintain high relative density while also preserving the small grain size of the matrix. As a result, hybrid nanocomposite materials that have better mechanical and functional properties than those of either conventional composites or nanocomposites were produced. The development of hybrid ceramic nanocomposites is in its early stage and it is expected to continue attracting the interest of the scientific community. In the present paper, the progress made in the development of alumina hybrid nanocomposites, using spark plasma sintering, and their properties are reviewed. In addition, the current challenges and potential applications are highlighted. Finally, future prospects for developing alumina hybrid nanocomposites that have better performance are set.
Effects of Divacancy and Extended Line Defects on the Thermal Transport Properties of Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Luo Min , Li Bo-Lin , Li Dengfeng
Published: November 2019

The effects of divacancy, including isolated defects and extended line defects (ELD), on the thermal transport properties of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are investigated using the Nonequilibrium Green’s function method. Different divacancy defects can effectively tune the thermal transport of GNRs and the thermal conductance is significantly reduced. The phonon scattering of a single divacancy is mostly at high frequencies while the phonon scattering at low frequencies is also strong for randomly distributed multiple divacancies. The collective effect of impurity scattering and boundary scattering is discussed, which makes the defect scattering vary with the boundary condition. The effect on thermal transport properties of a divacancy is also shown to be closely related to the cross section of the defect, the internal structure and the bonding strength inside the defect. Both low frequency and high frequency phonons are scattered by 48, d5d7 and t5t7 ELD. However, the 585 ELD has almost no influence on phonon scattering at low frequency region, resulting in the thermal conductance of GNRs with 585 ELD being 50% higher than that of randomly distributed 585 defects. All these results are valuable for the design and manufacture of graphene nanodevices.
The ‘Voice’ of Key Stakeholders in a School Food and Drink Intervention in Two Secondary Schools in NE England: Findings from a Feasibility Study
Authors: McSweeney Lorraine , Bradley Jen , Adamson Ashley J. , Spence Suzanne
Published: November 2019

Background: Overweight/obesity affects one-third of UK 11–15-year olds. Individually focussed interventions alone have limited effectiveness. Food choice architecture approaches increase the visibility and convenience of foods to facilitate the choice of ‘healthier’ foods and reduce ‘unhealthy’ foods. This qualitative component of a School Food Architecture (SFA) study aimed to determine the perceptions of pupils and staff in relation to school food provision and their perceptions of the intervention. Methods: Pupil focus groups and staff one-to-one interviews. Topic guides were developed from literature and in consultation with a Young Person’s Advisory Group. Thematic analysis was applied. Results: Focus group (n = 4) themes included: dining hall practices, determinants of choice, and aspects of health. Interview themes (n = 8) included: catering practices, health awareness, education, and knowledge of intervention. Pupils liked to purchase hand-held, quick to purchase foods potentially limiting the access to fruits and vegetables. Pupils were aware of ‘healthier’ food choices but would choose other options if available. Conclusions: Schools provide a daily school meal for large numbers of pupils, with time and dining environment constraints. Pupils consume 35–40% of their daily energy intake at school, therefore interventions enabling healthier eating in school are essential, including making healthier choices readily available and accessible.
Candidate Gene and Genome-Wide Association Studies for Circulating Leptin Levels Reveal Population and Sex-Specific Associations in High Cardiovascular Risk Mediterranean Subjects
Authors: Ortega-Azorín Carolina , Coltell Oscar , Asensio Eva M. , Sorlí Jose V. , González José I. , Portolés Olga , Saiz Carmen , Estruch Ramon , Ramírez-Sabio Judith B , Pérez-Fidalgo Alejandro , Ordovas Jose M , Corella Dolores
Published: November 2019

Leptin is a hormone crucial in the regulation of food intake and body-weight maintenance. However, the genes and gene variants that influence its plasma levels are still not well known. Results of studies investigating polymorphisms in candidate genes have been inconsistent, and, in addition, very few genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been undertaken. Our aim was to investigate the genes and gene variants most associated with plasma leptin concentrations in a high-cardiovascular-risk Mediterranean population. We measured plasma leptin in 1011 men and women, and analyzed the genetic factors associated using three approaches: (1) Analyzing the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reported in a GWAS meta-analysis in other populations (including an SNP in/near each of these LEP, SLC32A1, GCKR, CCNL, COBLL1, and FTO genes); (2) Investigating additional SNPs in/near those genes, also including the RLEP gene; and (3) Undertaking a GWAS to discover new genes. We did not find any statistically significant associations between the previously published SNPs and plasma leptin (Ln) in the whole population adjusting for sex and age. However, on undertaking an extensive screening of other gene variants in those genes to capture a more complete set of SNPs, we found more associations. Outstanding among the findings was the heterogeneity per sex. We detected several statistically significant interaction terms with sex for these SNPs in the candidate genes. The gene most associated with plasma leptin levels was the FTO gene in men (specifically the rs1075440 SNP) and the LEPR in women (specifically the rs12145690 SNP). In the GWAS on the whole population, we found several new associations at the p < 1 × 10−5 level, among them with the rs245908-CHN2 SNP (p = 1.6 × 10−6). We also detected a SNP*sex interaction at the GWAS significance level (p < 5 × 10−8), involving the SLIT3 gene, a gene regulated by estrogens. In conclusion, our study shows that the SNPs selected as relevant for plasma leptin levels in other populations, are not good markers for this Mediterranean population, so supporting those studies claiming a bias when generalizing GWAS results to different populations. These population-specific differences may include not only genetic characteristics, but also age, health status, and the influence of other environmental variables. In addition, we have detected several sex-specific effects. These results suggest that genomic analyses, involving leptin, should be estimated by sex and consider population-specificity for more precise estimations.
A GntR Family Transcription Factor (VPA1701) for Swarming Motility and Colonization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Gu Dan , Meng Hongmei , Li Yang , Ge Haojie , Jiao Xinan
Published: November 2019

Motility is important for virulence, biofilm formation, and the environmental adaptation of many bacteria. Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) contains two flagellar systems that are responsible for motility, and are tightly regulated by transcription regulators and sigma factors. In this study, we identified a novel transcription factor, VPA1701, which regulates the swarming motility of V. parahaemolyticus. The VPA1701 deletion mutant (ΔVPA1701) eliminated the swarming motility on the surface of BHI agar plates and reduced colonization in infant rabbits. RNA-seq assays, confirmed by qRT-PCR, indicated that VPA1701 regulated the expression of lateral flagellar cluster genes. Further analyses revealed that VPA1701 directly binds to the promoter region of the flgBCDEFGHIJKL cluster to regulate the expression of lateral flagellar genes. CalR was originally identified as a repressor for the swarming motility of V. parahaemolyticus, and it was inhibited by calcium. In this study, we found that VPA1701 could inhibit the expression of the calR gene to increase the swarming motility of V. parahaemolyticus. Calcium downregulated the expression of calR, indicating that calcium could increase swarming motility of ΔVPA1701 by inhibiting calR. Thus, this study illustrates how the transcription factor VPA1701 regulates the expression of lateral flagellar genes and calR to control the swarming motility of V. parahaemolyticus.
A Direct Compression Matrix Made from Xanthan Gum and Low Molecular Weight Chitosan Designed to Improve Compressibility in Controlled Release Tablets
Authors: Abu Fara Deeb , Dadou Suha M. , Rashid Iyad , Al-Obeidi Riman , Antonijevic Milan D. , Chowdhry Babur Z. , Badwan Adnan
Published: November 2019

The subject of our research is the optimization of direct compression (DC), controlled release drug matrices comprising chitosan/xanthan gum. The foregoing is considered from two main perspectives; the use of low molecular weight chitosan (LCS) with xanthan gum (XG) and the determination of important attributes for direct compression of the mixtures of the two polymers. Powder flow, deformation behaviour, and work of compression parameters were used to characterize powder and tableting properties. Compression pressure and LCS content within the matrix were investigated for their influence on the crushing strength of the tablets produced. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to determine the optimum parameters required for DC of the matrices investigated. Results confirm the positive contribution of LCS in enhancing powder compressibility and crushing strength of the resultant compacts. Compactibility of the XG/LCS mixtures was found to be more sensitive to applied compression pressure than LCS content. LCS can be added at concentrations as low as 15% w/w to achieve hard compacts, as indicated by the RSM results. The introduction of the plasticity factor, using LCS, to the fragmenting material XG was the main reason for the high volume reduction and reduced porosity of the polymer mixture. Combinations of XG with other commonly utilized polymers in controlled release studies such as glucosamine, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Na alginate (ALG), guar gum, lactose and high molecular weight (HMW) chitosan were also used; all the foregoing polymers failed to reduce the matrix porosity beyond a certain compression pressure. Application of the LCS/XG mixture, at its optimum composition, for the controlled release of two model drugs (metoprolol succinate and dyphylline) was examined. The XG/LCS matrix at 15% w/w LCS content was found to control the release of metoprolol succinate and dyphylline. The former preparation confirmed the strong influence of compression pressure on changing the drug release profile. The latter preparation showed the ability of XG/LCS to extend the drug release at a fixed rate for 12 h of dissolution time after which the release became slightly slower.
Glyphosate: Its Environmental Persistence and Impact on Crop Health and Nutrition
Authors: Kanissery Ramdas , Gairhe Biwek , Kadyampakeni Davie , Batuman Ozgur , Alferez Fernando
Published: November 2019

Glyphosate-based herbicide products are the most widely used broad-spectrum herbicides in the world for postemergent weed control. There are ever-increasing concerns that glyphosate, if not used judiciously, may cause adverse nontarget impacts in agroecosystems. The purpose of this brief review is to present and discuss the state of knowledge with respect to its persistence in the environment, possible effects on crop health, and impacts on crop nutrition.