bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erinacine C Activates Transcription from a Consensus ETS DNA Binding Site in Astrocytic Cells in Addition to NGF Induction
Authors: Rascher Monique , Wittstein Kathrin , Winter Barbara , Rupcic Zeljka , Wolf-Asseburg Alexandra , Stadler Marc , Köster Reinhard W.
Published: October 2020

Medicinal mushrooms of the genus Hericium are known to produce secondary metabolites with homeostatic properties for the central nervous system. We and others have recently demonstrated that among these metabolites cyathane diterpenoids and in particular erinacine C possess potent neurotrophin inducing properties in astrocytic cells. Yet, the signaling events downstream of erinacine C induced neurotrophin acitivity in neural-like adrenal phaeochromocytoma cells (PC12) cells have remained elusive. Similar, signaling events activated by erinacine C in astrocytic cells are unknown. Using a combination of genetic and pharmacological inhibitors we show that erinacine C induced neurotrophic activity mediates PC12 cell differentiation via the TrkA receptor and likely its associated PLCγ-, PI3K-, and MAPK/ERK pathways. Furthermore, a small library of transcriptional activation reporters revealed that erinacine C induces transcriptional activation mediated by DNA consensus binding sites of selected conserved transcription factor families. Among these, transcription is activated from an ETS consensus in a concentration dependent manner. Interestingly, induced ETS-consensus transcription occurs in parallel and independent of neurotrophin induction. This finding helps to explain the many pleiotropic functions of cyathane diterpenoids. Moreover, our studies provide genetic access to cyathane diterpenoid functions in astrocytic cells and help to mechanistically understand the action of cyathanes in glial cells.
Metabolic Functions of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Hepatocytes—Potential Applications for Diabetes and NAFLD
Authors: Kimura Takefumi , Pydi Sai P. , Pham Jonathan , Tanaka Naoki
Published: October 2020

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell surface receptors that mediate the function of extracellular ligands. Understanding how GPCRs work at the molecular level has important therapeutic implications, as 30–40% of the drugs currently in clinical use mediate therapeutic effects by acting on GPCRs. Like many other cell types, liver function is regulated by GPCRs. More than 50 different GPCRs are predicted to be expressed in the mouse liver. However, knowledge of how GPCRs regulate liver metabolism is limited. A better understanding of the metabolic role of GPCRs in hepatocytes, the dominant constituent cells of the liver, could lead to the development of novel drugs that are clinically useful for the treatment of various metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this review, we describe the functions of multiple GPCRs expressed in hepatocytes and their role in metabolic processes.
Fetal Undernutrition Induces Resistance Artery Remodeling and Stiffness in Male and Female Rats Independent of Hypertension
Authors: Gutiérrez-Arzapalo Perla Y. , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Pilar , Ramiro-Cortijo David , Gil-Ortega Marta , Somoza Beatriz , de Pablo Ángel Luis López , González Maria del Carmen , Arribas Silvia M.
Published: October 2020

Fetal undernutrition programs hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, and resistance artery remodeling may be a contributing factor. We aimed to assess if fetal undernutrition induces resistance artery remodeling and the relationship with hypertension. Sprague–Dawley dams were fed ad libitum (Control) or with 50% of control intake between days 11 and 21 of gestation (maternal undernutrition, MUN). In six-month-old male and female offspring we assessed blood pressure (anesthetized and tail-cuff); mesenteric resistance artery (MRA) structure and mechanics (pressure myography), cellular and internal elastic lamina (IEL) organization (confocal microscopy) and plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity (zymography). Systolic blood pressure (SBP, tail-cuff) and plasma MMP activity were assessed in 18-month-old rats. At the age of six months MUN males exhibited significantly higher blood pressure (anesthetized or tail-cuff) and plasma MMP-9 activity, while MUN females did not exhibit significant differences, compared to sex-matched controls. MRA from 6-month-old MUN males and females showed a smaller diameter, reduced adventitial, smooth muscle cell density and IEL fenestra area, and a leftward shift of stress-strain curves. At the age of eighteen months SBP and MMP-9 activity were higher in both MUN males and females, compared to sex-matched controls. These data suggest that fetal undernutrition induces MRA inward eutrophic remodeling and stiffness in both sexes, independent of blood pressure level. Resistance artery structural and mechanical alterations can participate in the development of hypertension in aged females and may contribute to adverse cardiovascular events associated with low birth weight in both sexes.
Fabrication and Characterization of Simple Structure Fluidic-Based Memristor for Immunosensing of NS1 Protein Application
Authors: Mohamad Hadis Nor Shahanim , Manaf Asrulnizam Abd , Rahman Mohamad Faizal Abd , Ngalim Siti Hawa , Hock Tang Thean , Citartan Marimuthu , Ismail Aziah , Herman Sukreen Hana
Published: October 2020

Non-structural protein 1 (NS1 protein) is becoming a commonplace biomarker for the diagnostic of early detection of dengue. In this study, we sought to use a label-free approach of detecting NS1 protein by harnessing fluidic-based memristor sensor. The sensor was fabricated using sol-gel spin coating technique, by which TiO2 thin film is coated on the surface of Indium tin oxide (ITO) and a glass substrate. The sensor was then functionalized with glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTS), acting as antibody for NS1. The addition of the target NS1 formed an antibody-antigen complex which altered the physical and electrical properties in sensing region. Sensing of the sensor is incumbent upon the measurement of Off-On resistance ratio. Imaging with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) evinced the successful immobilization of the antibody and the subsequent capture of the NS1 protein by the immobilized antibody. The detection limit actualized by the developed sensor was 52 nM and the diameter of 2 mm gives the most optimal measurement. The developed sensor demonstrated an immense potential towards the development of label-free diagnostic of early dengue infection.
Performance of the Steel Fibre Reinforced Rigid Concrete Pavement in Fatigue
Authors: Lau Chee , Chegenizadeh Amin , Htut Trevor , Nikraz Hamid
Published: October 2020

Four-point bending fatigue experimental work was conducted on specimens that were cut from slabs to examine the fatigue life of concrete pavements. The variables considered were the volume fraction of fibres added in plain or steel bar reinforced concrete. It was found that the strain-based approach to fatigue testing on scaled-down concrete pavements is suitable to investigate the fatigue performance of scaled-down thin rigid pavements. The addition of fibres at 0.5% volume fraction in concrete improved the fatigue life by at least 135% and reduced the energy dissipated per cycle by 74%. As the volume fraction of fibres increased, it was found that the fatigue life of rigid pavements improved; total energy dissipation also increased but the energy dissipated per cycle was reduced in concrete pavements. This is due to the crack bridging effect of fibres that reduces the microcracking of concrete. The energy dissipation per cycle from fracture energy does not remain constant for rigid pavements under fatigue testing as it was found that the type of reinforcements influences the quantity of energy dissipated. Finally, hybrid reinforced pavements with both steel bars and fibres yielded the best performance in fatigue, with the highest number of fatigue cycles and lowest energy dissipated per cycle.
Direct Transfer of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles between Macrophages and Cancer Cells
Authors: Franco Stefan , Noureddine Achraf , Guo Jimin , Keth Jane , Paffett Michael L. , Brinker C. Jeffrey , Serda Rita E.
Published: October 2020

Macrophages line the walls of microvasculature, extending processes into the blood flow to capture foreign invaders, including nano-scale materials. Using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as a model nano-scale system, we show the interplay between macrophages and MSNs from initial uptake to intercellular trafficking to neighboring cells along microtubules. The nature of cytoplasmic bridges between cells and their role in the cell-to-cell transfer of nano-scale materials is examined, as is the ability of macrophages to function as carriers of nanomaterials to cancer cells. Both direct administration of nanoparticles and adoptive transfer of nanoparticle-loaded splenocytes in mice resulted in abundant localization of nanomaterials within macrophages 24 h post-injection, predominately in the liver. While heterotypic, trans-species nanomaterial transfer from murine macrophages to human HeLa cervical cancer cells or A549 lung cancer cells was robust, transfer to syngeneic 4T1 breast cancer cells was not detected in vitro or in vivo. Cellular connections and nanomaterial transfer in vivo were rich among immune cells, facilitating coordinated immune responses.
Preoperative Serum Calcitonin and Its Correlation with Extent of Lymph Node Metastasis in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Park Hyunju , Park Jun , Choi Min Sun , Kim Jinyoung , Kim Hosu , Shin Jung Hee , Kim Jung-Han , Kim Jee Soo , Kim Sun Wook , Chung Jae Hoon , Kim Tae Hyuk
Published: October 2020

The optimal initial surgical extent for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) remains controversial. Previous studies on serum calcitonin are limited to reporting the calcitonin threshold according to anatomical disease burden. Here, we evaluated whether preoperative calcitonin levels can be used to predict optimal surgical extent. We retrospectively reviewed the 170 patients with MTC at a tertiary Korean hospital from 1994 to 2019. We extracted data on preoperative calcitonin level, primary tumor size and the number and location of lymph node metastases (LNMs). To evaluate disease extent, we divided the patients into five groups: no LNM, central LNM, ipsilateral lateral LNM, contralateral lateral LNM, and distant metastasis. We calculated the positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs) for multiple categories of preoperative calcitonin levels. Preoperative calcitonin level positively correlated with primary tumor size (rho = 0.744, p < 0.001) and LNM number (rho = 0.537, p < 0.001). Preoperative calcitonin thresholds of 20, 200, and 500 pg/mL were associated with the presence of ipsilateral lateral LNM, contralateral lateral LNM, and distant metastasis, respectively. The negative LRs were 0.1 at a preoperative calcitonin cut-off of 100 pg/mL in the central LNM, 0.18 at a cut-off of 300 pg/mL in the ipsilateral lateral LNM, and 0 at a cut-off of 300 pg/mL in the contralateral lateral LNM. The preoperative calcitonin level correlates with disease extent and has diagnostic value for predicting LNM extent. Our results suggest that the preoperative calcitonin level can be used to determine optimal initial surgical extent.
Cytoreductive Nephrectomy and Overall Survival of Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Targeted Therapy—Data from the National Renis Registry
Authors: Poprach Alexandr , Holanek Milos , Chloupkova Renata , Lakomy Radek , Stanik Michal , Fiala Ondrej , Melichar Bohuslav , Kopeckova Katerina , Zemanova Milada , Kiss Igor , Penka Igor , Bohosova Julia , Buchler Tomas
Published: October 2020

The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in treatment of locally advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the era of targeted therapies (TT) is still not clearly defined. The study population consisted of 730 patients with synchronous mRCC. The RenIS (Renal carcinoma Information System) registry was used as the data source. The CN/TT cohort included patients having CN within 3 months from the mRCC diagnosis and subsequently being treated with TT, while the TT cohort included patients receiving TT upfront. Median progression-free survival from the first intervention was 6.7 months in the TT arm and 9.3 months in the CN/TT patients (p < 0.001). Median overall survival was 14.2 and 27.2 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Liver metastasis, high-grade tumor, absence of CN, non-clear cell histology, and MSKCC (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) poor prognosis status were associated with adverse treatment outcomes. According to the results of this retrospective study, patients who underwent CN and subsequently were treated with TT had better outcomes compared to patients treated with upfront TT. The results of the study support the use of CN in the treatment algorithm for mRCC.
The Tumor Microenvironment in Neuroblastoma: New Players, New Mechanisms of Interaction and New Perspectives
Authors: Blavier Laurence , Yang Ren-Ming , DeClerck Yves A.
Published: October 2020

The contribution of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to cancer progression has been well recognized in recent decades. As cancer therapeutic strategies are increasingly precise and include immunotherapies, knowledge of the nature and function of the TME in a tumor becomes essential. Our understanding of the TME in neuroblastoma (NB), the second most common solid tumor in children, has significantly progressed from an initial focus on its Schwannian component to a better awareness of its complex nature, which includes not only immune but also non-immune cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the contribution of which to inflammation and interaction with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is now recognized. Recent studies on the TME landscape of NB tumors also suggest significant differences between MYCN-amplified (MYCN-A) and non-amplified (MYCN-NA) tumors, in their content in stromal and inflammatory cells and their immunosuppressive activity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by cells in the TME and microRNAs (miRs) present in their cargo could play important roles in the communication between NB cells and the TME. This review article discusses these new aspects of the TME in NB and the impact that information on the TME landscape in NB will have in the design of precise, biomarker-integrated clinical trials.
Aberrantly Expressed RECQL4 Helicase Supports Proliferation and Drug Resistance of Human Glioma Cells and Glioma Stem Cells
Authors: Król Sylwia K. , Kaczmarczyk Agnieszka , Wojnicki Kamil , Wojtas Bartosz , Gielniewski Bartłomiej , Grajkowska Wieslawa , Kotulska Katarzyna , Szczylik Cezary , Czepko Ryszard , Banach Mariusz , Kaspera Wojciech , Szopa Wojciech , Marchel Andrzej , Czernicki Tomasz , Kaminska Bozena
Published: October 2020

Anti-tumour therapies eliminate proliferating tumour cells by induction of DNA damage, but genomic aberrations or transcriptional deregulation may limit responses to therapy. Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumour, which recurs inevitably due to chemo- and radio-resistance. Human RecQ helicases participate in DNA repair, responses to DNA damage and replication stress. We explored if a helicase RECQL4 contributes to gliomagenesis and responses to chemotherapy. We found upregulated RECQL4 expression in GBMs associated with poor survival of GBM patients. Increased levels of nuclear and cytosolic RECQL4 proteins were detected in GBMs on tissue arrays and in six glioma cell lines. RECQL4 was detected both in cytoplasm and mitochondria by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. RECQL4 depletion in glioma cells with siRNAs and CRISPR/Cas9 did not affect basal cell viability, slightly impaired DNA replication, but induced profound transcriptomic changes and increased chemosensitivity of glioma cells. Sphere cultures originated from RECQL4-depleted cells had reduced sphere forming capacity, stronger responded to temozolomide upregulating cell cycle inhibitors and pro-apoptotic proteins. RECQL4 deficiency affected mitochondrial network and reduced mitochondrial membrane polarization in LN18 glioblastoma cells. We demonstrate that targeting RECQL4 overexpressed in glioblastoma could be a new strategy to sensitize glioma cells to chemotherapeutics.
Nrf2 in Neoplastic and Non-Neoplastic Liver Diseases
Authors: Orrù Claudia , Giordano Silvia , Columbano Amedeo
Published: October 2020

Activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, the most important cell defense signal, triggered to neutralize the harmful effects of electrophilic and oxidative stress, plays a crucial role in cell survival. Therefore, its ability to attenuate acute and chronic liver damage, where oxidative stress represents the key player, is not surprising. On the other hand, while Nrf2 promotes proliferation in cancer cells, its role in non-neoplastic hepatocytes is a matter of debate. Another topic of uncertainty concerns the nature of the mechanisms of Nrf2 activation in hepatocarcinogenesis. Indeed, it remains unclear what is the main mechanism behind the sustained activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in hepatocarcinogenesis. This raises doubts about the best strategies to therapeutically target this pathway. In this review, we will analyze and discuss our present knowledge concerning the role of Nrf2 in hepatic physiology and pathology, including hepatocellular carcinoma. In particular, we will critically examine and discuss some findings originating from animal models that raise questions that still need to be adequately answered.
A Novel Orthotopic Patient-Derived Xenograft Model of Radiation-Induced Glioma Following Medulloblastoma
Authors: Whitehouse Jacqueline P. , Howlett Meegan , Hii Hilary , Mayoh Chelsea , Wong Marie , Barahona Paulette , Ajuyah Pamela , White Christine L. , Buntine Molly K. , Dyke Jason M. , Lee Sharon , Valvi Santosh , Stanley Jason , Andradas Clara , Carline Brooke , Kuchibhotla Mani , Ekert Paul G. , Cowley Mark J. , Gottardo Nicholas G. , Endersby Raelene
Published: October 2020

Radiation-induced glioma (RIG) is a highly aggressive brain cancer arising as a consequence of radiation therapy. We report a case of RIG that arose in the brain stem following treatment for paediatric medulloblastoma, and the development and characterisation of a matched orthotopic patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model (TK-RIG915). Patient and PDX tumours were analysed using DNA methylation profiling, whole genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing. While initially thought to be a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) based on disease location, results from methylation profiling and WGS were not consistent with this diagnosis. Furthermore, clustering analyses based on RNA expression suggested the tumours were distinct from primary DIPG. Additional gene expression analysis demonstrated concordance with a published RIG expression profile. Multiple genetic alterations that enhance PI3K/AKT and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signalling were discovered in TK-RIG915 including an activating mutation in PIK3CA, upregulation of PDGFRA and AKT2, inactivating mutations in NF1, and a gain-of-function mutation in PTPN11. Additionally, deletion of CDKN2A/B, increased IDH1 expression, and decreased ARID1A expression were observed. Detection of phosphorylated S6, 4EBP1 and ERK via immunohistochemistry confirmed PI3K pathway and ERK activation. Here, we report one of the first PDX models for RIG, which recapitulates the patient disease and is molecularly distinct from primary brain stem glioma. Genetic interrogation of this model has enabled the identification of potential therapeutic vulnerabilities in this currently incurable disease.
Manipulation of Glucose Availability to Boost Cancer Immunotherapies
Authors: Marchesi Federica , Vignali Debora , Manini Beatrice , Rigamonti Alessandra , Monti Paolo
Published: October 2020

The orchestration of T cell responses is intimately linked to the execution of metabolic processes, both in homeostasis and disease. In cancer tissues, metabolic alterations that characterize malignant transformation profoundly affect the composition of the immune microenvironment and the accomplishment of an effective anti-tumor response. The growing understanding of the metabolic regulation of immune cell function has shed light on the possibility to manipulate metabolic pathways as a strategy to improve T cell function in cancer. Among others, glucose metabolism through the glycolytic pathway is central in shaping T cell responses and emerges as an ideal target to improve cancer immunotherapy. However, metabolic manipulation requires a deep level of control over side-effects and development of biomarkers of response. Here, we summarize the metabolic control of T cell function and focus on the implications of metabolic manipulation for the design of immunotherapeutic strategies. Integrating our understanding of T cell function and metabolism will hopefully foster the forthcoming development of more effective immunotherapeutic strategies.
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Epigenetic Regulation and Therapeutic Intervention in Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Yeuan Ting , Tan Yi Jer , Falasca Marco , Oon Chern Ein
Published: October 2020

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous population of cells in the solid tumour microenvironment. These cells are positively linked to breast cancer progression. Breast CAFs can be categorised into distinct subtypes according to their roles in breast carcinogenesis. Epigenetic modifications change gene expression patterns as a consequence of altered chromatin configuration and DNA accessibility to transcriptional machinery, without affecting the primary structure of DNA. Epigenetic dysregulation in breast CAFs may enhance breast cancer cell survival and ultimately lead to therapeutic resistance. A growing body of evidence has described epigenetic modulators that target histones, DNA, and miRNA as a promising approach to treat cancer. This review aims to summarise the current findings on the mechanisms involved in the epigenetic regulation in breast CAFs and discusses the potential therapeutic strategies via targeting these factors.
The Confounders of Cancer Immunotherapy: Roles of Lifestyle, Metabolic Disorders and Sociological Factors
Authors: Deshpande Ravindra Pramod , Sharma Sambad , Watabe Kounosuke
Published: October 2020

Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy (CPI) is an effective treatment option for many types of cancers. Irrespective of its wide clinical implications, the overall efficacy remains unpredictable and even poor in certain pathologies such as breast cancer. Thus, it is imperative to understand the role of factors affecting its responsiveness. In this review, we provide an overview on the involvement of sociological factors, lifestyles and metabolic disorders in modulating the CPI response in patients from multiple malignancies. Lifestyle habits including exercise, and diet promoted therapeutic responsiveness while alcohol consumption mitigated the CPI effect by decreasing mutational burden and hampering antigen presentation by dendritic cells. Metabolic disorder such as obesity was recognized to enhance the PD-1 expression while diabetes and hypertension were consequences of CPI therapy rather than causes. Among the sociologic factors, sex and race positively influenced the CPI effectiveness on account of increased effector T cell activity and increased PD-1 expression while ageing impaired CPI responsiveness by decreasing functional T cell and increased toxicity. The combined effect of these factors was observed for obesity and gender, in which obese males had the most significant effect of CPI. Therefore these variables should be carefully considered before treating patients with CPI for optimal treatment outcome.
Targeting Vesicular LGALS3BP by an Antibody-Drug Conjugate as Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Neuroblastoma
Authors: Capone Emily , Lamolinara Alessia , Pastorino Fabio , Gentile Roberta , Ponziani Sara , Di Vittorio Giulia , D’Agostino Daniela , Bibbò Sandra , Rossi Cosmo , Piccolo Enza , Iacobelli Valentina , Lattanzio Rossano , Panella Valeria , Sallese Michele , De Laurenzi Vincenzo , Giansanti Francesco , Sala Arturo , Iezzi Manuela , Ponzoni Mirco , Ippoliti Rodolfo , Iacobelli Stefano , Sala Gianluca
Published: October 2020

Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumor in infants and children, which accounts for approximately 15% of all cancer-related deaths in the pediatric population. New therapeutic modalities are urgently needed. Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC)s-based therapy has been proposed as potential strategy to treat this pediatric malignancy. LGALS3BP is a highly glycosylated protein involved in tumor growth and progression. Studies have shown that LGALS3BP is enriched in extracellular vesicles (EV)s derived by most neuroblastoma cells, where it plays a critical role in preparing a favorable tumor microenvironment (TME) through direct cross talk between cancer and stroma cells. Here, we describe the development of a non-internalizing LGALS3BP ADC, named 1959-sss/DM3, which selectively targets LGALS3BP expressing neuroblastoma. 1959-sss/DM3 mediated potent therapeutic activity in different types of neuroblastoma models. Notably, we found that treatments were well tolerated at efficacious doses that were fully curative. These results offer preclinical proof-of-concept for an ADC targeting exosomal LGALS3BP approach for neuroblastomas.
Catalytic Technologies for Solving Environmental Problems in the Production of Fuels and Motor Transport in Kazakhstan
Authors: Massenova Alma , Kalykberdiyev Maxat , Sass Alexandr , Kenzin Nail , Ussenov Abzal , Baiken Amankeldi , Rakhmetova Kenzhegul
Published: October 2020

This research is devoted to solving an environmental problem, cleaning of the Kazakhstan air basin, through treatment of auto-transport toxic exhaust by improving the hydrocarbon composition of motor fuels and neutralizing exhaust gas toxic components. The catalytic hydrodearomatization of gasoline fractions (from the reforming stage) of the Atyrau and Pavlodar Refineries and the neutralization of exhaust gas toxic components from an internal combustion engine (ICE) were studied. Two hydrotreated gasoline fractions were tested during ICE operation. The research shows that 100% benzene conversion is observed over Rh-Pt(9:1)/γ-Al2O3 catalysts; that is, benzene is completely removed from both fractions, and the aromatics content decreases from 56.24–58.12% to 21.29–21.89%, within the values of the Euro-5,6 standard. Catalytic treatment of fuels reduces fuel consumption of the ICE engine by 2–3% compared to the initial gasoline fractions, the CO content in the exhaust gases decreases by 6.6–16.2%, and the hydrocarbon content decreases by 7.8–24.7%. In order to neutralize the ICE exhaust gas toxic components, the catalyst 10% Co + 0.5% Pt/Al2O3 was used, with which the CO conversion reaches 100% and the hydrocarbon conversion 94.2% and 91.5% for both gasoline fractions. The catalysts were characterized by electron microscopy (EM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), thermoprogrammed desorption (TPD) and thermoprogrammed reduction (TPR) methods. It was shown by the TPD and EM methods that at the addition of Pt to the Rh-catalyst, the formation of mixed bimetallic Rh-Pt-agglomerates occurs, and hydrogen appears in the TPD spectrum, adsorbed in the form of a new single peak uncharacteristic for the Rh-catalyst. This leads to high activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation of benzene and aromatic compounds in the gasoline fractions. The XRD and TPR results show the formation of CoAl2O4 spinels, on which inactive oxygen is formed for the oxidation of CO and hydrocarbons. Modification of the catalyst by Pt and Mg prevents spinel formation, thereby increasing the activity of the catalysts.
Evolution of Pauson-Khand Reaction: Strategic Applications in Total Syntheses of Architecturally Complex Natural Products (2016–2020)
Authors: Chen Sijia , Jiang Chongguo , Zheng Nan , Yang Zhen , Shi Lili
Published: October 2020

Metal-mediated cyclizations are important transformations in a natural product total synthesis. The Pauson-Khand reaction, particularly powerful for establishing cyclopentenone-containing structures, is distinguished as one of the most attractive annulation processes routinely employed in synthesis campaigns. This review covers Co, Rh, and Pd catalyzed Pauson-Khand reaction and summarizes its strategic applications in total syntheses of structurally complex natural products in the last five years. Additionally, the hetero-Pauson-Khand reaction in the synthesis of heterocycles will also be discussed. Focusing on the panorama of organic synthesis, this review highlights the strategically developed Pauson-Khand reaction in fulfilling total synthetic tasks and its synthetic attractiveness is aimed to be illustrated.
Kinetics and Nanoparticle Catalytic Enhancement of Biogas Production from Wastewater Using a Magnetized Biochemical Methane Potential (MBMP) System
Authors: Kweinor Tetteh Emmanuel , Rathilal Sudesh
Published: October 2020

This study presents magnetized nanoparticles (NPs) as a catalyst to accelerate anaerobic digestion (AD) potential for clean and ecofriendly energy (biogas) from wastewater settings. The effects of iron oxides (Ms) and aluminum sulphate (Alum) were investigated using two chronological experiments: (i) the Jar test technique to generate residue slurry as organic fertilizer potential and (ii) a magnetized biochemical methane potential (MBMP) system for biogas production at mesophilic conditions for 21 days. X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy were carried out to establish the Ms Crystallite and active functional groups respectively. Scanning electronic microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and elemental analysis were used to track and confirm NPs inclusion after the post-AD process. Coagulation at 50 mg/L and magnetic exposure time of 30 min showed above 85% treatability performance by Ms as compared to 70% for Alum. Owing to the slow kinetics of the AD process, additional NPs content in the digesters coupled with an external magnetic field improved their performance. Cumulative biogas yields of 1460 mL/d > 610 mL/d > 505 mL/d for Ms > Control > Alum respectively representing 80% > 61% > 52% of CH4 were attained. The modified Gompertz model shows that the presence of NPs shortens the lag phase of the control system with kinetics rate constants of 0.285 1/d (control) to 0.127 1/d (Ms) < 0.195 1/d (Alum).
A New Benchmark to Determine What Healthy Western Skin Looks Like in Terms of Biodiversity Using Standardised Methodology
Authors: Wallen-Russell Christopher , Wallen-Russell Sam
Published: October 2020

A significant loss of microbial biodiversity on the skin has been linked to an increased prevalence of skin problems in the western world. The primary objective of this study was to obtain a benchmark value for the microbial diversity found on healthy western skin, using the Chao1 index. This benchmark was used to update our 2017 skin health measuring mechanism in line with standardised methodology. It used 50 human participants from Graz in Austria and at a read depth of 6600 sequences, we found the average Chao1 diversity to be ~180, with upper and lower quartiles of ~208 and ~150, respectively. Previous work with a larger sample size was unsatisfactory to use as a benchmark because different diversity indices and evaluation methodologies were used. The Medical University of Graz used the most recent version of the Chao1 index to obtain diversity results. Because of this study, we can transfer other benchmarks of skin microbiome diversity to the methodology used in this work from our 2017 study, such as “unhealthy western skin” and “caveman/perfect skin”. This could aid with the diagnostic assessment of susceptibility to cutaneous conditions or diseases and treatment. We also investigated the effect of sex and age, which are two known skin microbiome affecting factors. Although no statistical significance is seen for sex- and age-related changes in diversity, there appear to be changes related to both. Our preliminary results (10 in each of the five age groups) show adults aged 28–37 have the highest average diversity, and adults aged 48–57 have the lowest average diversity. In future work, this could be improved by obtaining benchmark diversity values from a larger sample size for any age, sex, body site, and area of residence, to which subjects can be compared. These improvements could help to investigate the ultimate question regarding which environmental factors in the western world are the main cause of the huge rise in skin problems. This could lead to future restrictions of certain synthetic chemicals or products found to be particularly harmful to the skin.
Sustainable and Flipped STEM Education: Formative Assessment Online Interface for Observing Pre-Service Teachers’ Performance and Motivation
Authors: Jeong Jin Su , González-Gómez David , Yllana Prieto Félix
Published: October 2020

Sustainable science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education involves lifelong education in various domains. Active learning strategies are receiving increased attention as an important tool, and particularly online-based formative assessment interfaces, although challenges to their use remain in sustainable and flipped STEM education. In this research, we observed pre-service teachers’ (PSTs’) performance and motivation in a university STEM course that was planned as a randomized examination of 71 students during a 2017/2018 course with an online interface for sustainable and flipped formative assessment. In terms of PSTs’ standardized performance and the motivation effect survey, we gathered and examined the data to observe pre- and post-test results on adaptive assignments. Additionally, feedback from/to instructors and their log records were recorded by the proposed interface. The results demonstrate the PSTs’ positive performance and motivation, and the feedback and log records reiterate its positive influence with 98.6% participation in the sustainable and flipped online formative assessment interface. Consequently, the foremost drawbacks and challenges that current and traditional STEM education are facing are meaningfully reflected by the results obtained. Thus, the platform allows PSTs to be more involved in experimental contexts and validates learning performance, and the motivations effect survey provides a sustainable and active learning methodology for their future profession.
Disruptive Behavior Programs on Primary School Students: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martín Retuerto Diego , Ros Martínez de Lahidalga Iker , Ibañez Lasurtegui Irantzu
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to review the existing international literature on research and programs for the reduction of disruptive behavior in primary school students. For this purpose, according to PRISMA-ScR, a mixed systematic review was performed in six databases in order to obtain wide and extensive information related to the subject under study. The studies obtained were analyzed through a table which emphasized the data related to: Author(s), year, educational stage, location, objectives, instruments, and results. As for the selection of studies, the UNESCO Thesaurus and the ERIC Thesaurus terminology was used. In addition to specifying the search for studies performed between 2004 and 2020 (both inclusive), articles written in Spanish and English were selected. Furthermore, in a final phase among the articles analyzed, those that were not or did not contain intervention programs were discarded. Therefore, a total of thirty-five articles out of more than twenty thousand were analyzed in depth. The results showed that a majority of programs were implemented in the primary education stage, as well as a predominance of the use of instruments, such as questionnaires and observation charts. In addition, it is important to underline that 77.14% of the programs analyzed were effective, hence, they met the proposed objectives. In summary, although the number of intervention programs for the reduction of disruptive behavior that can be found in the international scientific literature is growing, there is still a long way to go in order to create a large network that can serve as a foundation for interventions in primary education students.
Salient Object Detection Combining a Self-Attention Module and a Feature Pyramid Network
Authors: Ren Guangyu , Dai Tianhong , Barmpoutis Panagiotis , Stathaki Tania
Published: October 2020

Salient object detection has achieved great improvements by using the Fully Convolutional Networks (FCNs). However, the FCN-based U-shape architecture may cause dilution problems in the high-level semantic information during the up-sample operations in the top-down pathway. Thus, it can weaken the ability of salient object localization and produce degraded boundaries. To this end, in order to overcome this limitation, we propose a novel pyramid self-attention module (PSAM) and the adoption of an independent feature-complementing strategy. In PSAM, self-attention layers are equipped after multi-scale pyramid features to capture richer high-level features and bring larger receptive fields to the model. In addition, a channel-wise attention module is also employed to reduce the redundant features of the FPN and provide refined results. Experimental analysis demonstrates that the proposed PSAM effectively contributes to the whole model so that it outperforms state-of-the-art results over five challenging datasets. Finally, quantitative results show that PSAM generates accurate predictions and integral salient maps, which can provide further help to other computer vision tasks, such as object detection and semantic segmentation.
Characterization of Customized Encapsulant Polyvinyl Butyral Used in the Solar Industry and Its Impact on the Environment
Authors: Khouri Samer , Behun Marcel , Knapcikova Lucia , Behunova Annamaria , Sofranko Marian , Rosova Andrea
Published: October 2020

Taking climate and geopolitical issues into account, we must shift our thinking towards “eco” and focus on renewable energy. The accessible solar energy represents 400 times the amount of consumption, while its potential represents 10,000 times the amount of demand. The paper aims to analyze recycled, customized polyvinyl butyral (PVB) with high purity (more than 98%) concerning its physicochemical and mechanical properties and its possible applicability in the photovoltaic industry as an encapsulating material. The detailed investigation on polyvinyl butyral starting from characterizations, homogenization, and moulding process to tensile tests and used exposure testing in laboratory apparatus are performed. Samples of recycled polyvinyl butyral were exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation of the value 0.76 W.m–2.nm–1 at 340 nm, water spray, drying at 50 °C and condensation for 320 h when the radiation was turned off. The results obtained were more controlled in a laboratory environment than those found in external, uncontrolled environments. These conditions subsequently accelerate any degradation of polyvinyl butyral as a material and subsequent degradation of the final product.
Adaptive Overhead Transmission Lines Auto-Reclosing Based on Hilbert–Huang Transform
Authors: Baayeh Arman Ghaderi , Bayati Navid
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a reliable and fast index to detect the instant of arc extinction for adaptive single-pole automatic reclosing (ASPAR). The proposed method is a simple technique for ASPAR on shunt compensated transmission lines using the Hilbert–Huang Transform (HHT). The HHT method is a combination of the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and the Hilbert transform (HT). The first intrinsic mode function (IMF1) decomposed by EMD, which contains high frequencies of the faulty phase voltage, was used to calculate the proposed index. HT calculates the first IMF spectrum in the time-frequency domain. The presented index is the sum of all frequency contents below 55 Hz, which remains very low until the fault clearance. The proposed method uses a global threshold level and therefore no adjustment is needed for different transmission systems. This method is effective for various system configurations including different fault locations, line loading, and various shunt reactor configurations, designs, compensation rates, and placement. The performance of the method was verified using 324 test cases simulated in electromagnetic transient program (EMTP) related to a 345 kV transmission line. For all the test cases, the algorithm successfully operated with an average reclosing time delay of 32 ms.
The Impact of Chitosan on the Chemical Composition of Wines Fermented with Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Scansani Stefano , Rauhut Doris , Brezina Silvia , Semmler Heike , Benito Santiago
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the influence of the antimicrobial agent chitosan on a selected Schizosaccharomyces pombe strain during the alcoholic fermentation of ultra-pasteurized grape juice with a high concentration of malic acid. It also studies a selected Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain as a control. The study examines several parameters relating to wine quality, including volatile and non-volatile compounds. The principal aim of the study is to test the influence of chitosan on the final chemical composition of the wine during alcoholic fermentation, and to compare the two studied fermentative yeasts between them. The results show that chitosan influences the final concentration of acetic acid, ethanol, glycerol, acetaldehyde, pyruvic acid, α-ketoglutarate, higher alcohols, acetate esters, ethyl esters, and fatty acids, depending on the yeast species.
Metal Chelates of Petunidin Derivatives Exhibit Enhanced Color and Stability
Authors: Tang Peipei , Giusti M. Monica
Published: October 2020

Anthocyanins with catechol (cyanidin) or pyrogallol (delphinidin) moieties on the B-ring are known to chelate metals, resulting in bluing effects, mainly at pH ≤ 6. Metal interaction with petunidin, an O-methylated anthocyanidin, has not been well documented. In this study, we investigated metal chelation of petunidin derivatives in a wide pH range and its effects on color and stability. Purple potato and black goji extracts containing >80% acylated petunidin derivatives (25 μM) were combined with Al3+ or Fe3+ at 0 μM to 1500 μM in buffers of pH 3–10. Small metal ion concentrations triggered bathochromic shifts (up to ~80nm) at an alkaline pH, resulting in vivid blue hues (hab 200°–310°). Fe3+ caused a larger bathochromic shift than Al3+, producing green colors at pH 8-9. Generally, metal ions increased the color stability and half-life of petunidin derivatives in a dose-dependent manner, particularly at pH 8. Petunidin derivative metal chelates produced a wide range of colors with enhanced stability.
Sorghum–Insect Composites for Healthier Cookies: Nutritional, Functional, and Technological Evaluation
Authors: Awobusuyi Temitope D. , Siwela Muthulisi , Pillay Kirthee
Published: October 2020

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a major health concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Relying on unexploited and regionally available rich sources of proteins such as insects and sorghum might contribute towards addressing PEM among at-risk populations. Insects are high in nutrients, especially protein, and are abundant in SSA. Sorghum is adapted to the tropical areas of SSA and as such it is an appropriate source of energy compared with temperate cereals like wheat. It is necessary to assess whether cookies fortified with sorghum and termite would be suitable for use in addressing PEM in SSA. Whole grain sorghum meal and termite meal were mixed at a 3:1 ratio (w/w sorghum:termite) to form a sorghum–termite meal blend. Composite cookies were prepared where the sorghum–termite blend partially substituted wheat flour at 20%, 40%, and 60% (sorghum–termite blend:wheat flour (w/w). The functional and nutritional qualities of the cookies were assessed. Compared with the control (100% wheat flour), the cookies fortified with sorghum and termite had about double the quantity of protein, minerals, and amino acids. However, with increased substitution level of the sorghum–termite blend, the spread factor of the cookies decreased. There is a potential to incorporate sorghum and termite in cookies for increased intake of several nutrients by communities that are vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies, especially PEM.
The Role of Individual Knowledge in Functional Olive Oil Preferences: Does Self-Coherence Lead to Different Health Attributes Perception?
Authors: Di Vita Giuseppe , Strano Alfio , Maesano Giulia , La Via Giovanni , D’Amico Mario
Published: October 2020

This study examined whether health cues influence the choices of olive oil consumers with different degrees of knowledge about the nutritional properties of olive oil. To this end, a direct survey on the consumption of healthy extra-virgin olive oil was implemented by examining the stated preferences of a sample of consumers. Two econometric analyses were carried out to identify the drivers of the consumption of olive oil with high polyphenol content. The logistic model was chosen as the most suitable method to answer the research questions. The results revealed a general consensus among consumers regarding the beneficial properties of olive oil consumption. Moreover, the findings show that different degrees of individual knowledge act as distinctive drivers in influencing the health perception of olive oil consumers. Finally, this study verified that, even for healthy foods, consumers’ choices are strongly dependent on their own self-coherence. As a consequence, consumers’ knowledge or beliefs that orientate their attitudes are influenced by different motivations and attributes.
Effects of Gender and Geographical Origin on the Chemical Composition and Antiradical Activity of Baccharis myriocephala and Baccharis trimera
Authors: Struiving Suzana , Hacke Ana Carolina Mendes , Simionatto Edésio Luiz , Scharf Dilamara Riva , Klimaczewski Cláudia Vargas , Besten Michele Aparecida , Heiden Gustavo , Boligon Aline Augusti , Rocha João Batista Teixeira , Vellosa José Carlos Rebuglio , Nunes Domingos Sávio , Granato Daniel , Pereira Romaiana Picada
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to characterize and compare essential oils and ethyl acetate fractions obtained in basic and acidic conditions from both male and female Baccharis species (Baccharis myriocephala and Baccharis trimera) from two different Brazilian regions. Samples were characterized according to their chemical compositions and antiradical activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Principal component analysis (PCA) provided a clear separation regarding the chemical composition of essential oils from the samples obtained from different regions by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with flame-ionization detection (GC-MS-FID). PCA also revealed that gender and region of plant collections did not influence the chemical composition and antiradical activity of ethyl acetate fractions, which was corroborated with hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) data. High performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) identified significant quantities of flavonoids and phenolic acids in the fractions obtained in basic and acidic fractions, respectively. The obtained results clearly demonstrated that the geographical region of plant collection influenced the chemical composition of essential oils from the studied Baccharis species. Moreover, the obtained fractions were constituted by several antiradical compounds, which reinforced the usage of these species in folk medicine.