bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melanogenic Properties and Expression Profiles of Melanogenic Paracrine Molecules in Riehl’s Melanosis
Authors: Woo Yu , Park Hyo , Jeong Seo-Won , Park Hyun
Published: March 2020

Riehl’s melanosis is a hyperpigmentary disorder that occurs predominantly on the face and neck. To date, the pathogenesis of Riehl’s melanosis with regards to the melanogenic properties and paracrine melanogenic molecules has not well been studied. This study was aimed to provide a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of Riehl’s melanosis by identifying the relevant paracrine melanogenic molecules in Riehl’s melanosis. Skin biopsies were performed on lesional and normal-appearing perilesional skin of 12 patients with Riehl’s melanosis and 12 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Histopathological and immunohistochemical staining for paracrine melanogenic molecules was analyzed. The major histopathological findings of Riehl’s melanosis were basal hyperpigmentation, melanocyte proliferation, interface change, dermal pigmentary incontinence, vascular proliferation, and dermal inflammation. Dermal expression intensities of stem cell factor (SCF) and c-kit were increased in the lesional skin of Riehl’s melanosis. In addition, increased expression of epidermal and dermal ET-1 was also observed in the lesional skin of Riehl’s melanosis. Increased tissue expressions of SCF, c-kit, and ET-1 in Riehl’s melanosis support the role of these paracrine melanogenic molecules in the pathogenesis of Riehl’s melanosis. The findings from this study might present useful information on the pathogenetic mechanism of Riehl’s melanosis.
Abnormal Lysosomal Positioning and Small Extracellular Vesicle Secretion in Arterial Stiffening and Calcification of Mice Lacking Mucolipin 1 Gene
Authors: Bhat Owais M. , Yuan Xinxu , Camus Sarah , Salloum Fadi N. , Li Pin-Lan
Published: March 2020

Recent studies have shown that arterial medial calcification is mediated by abnormal release of exosomes/small extracellular vesicles from vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and that small extracellular vesicle (sEV) secretion from cells is associated with lysosome activity. The present study was designed to investigate whether lysosomal expression of mucolipin-1, a product of the mouse Mcoln1 gene, contributes to lysosomal positioning and sEV secretion, thereby leading to arterial medial calcification (AMC) and stiffening. In Mcoln1−/− mice, we found that a high dose of vitamin D (Vit D; 500,000 IU/kg/day) resulted in increased AMC compared to their wild-type littermates, which was accompanied by significant downregulation of SM22-α and upregulation of RUNX2 and osteopontin in the arterial media, indicating a phenotypic switch to osteogenic. It was also shown that significantly decreased co-localization of lysosome marker (Lamp-1) with lysosome coupling marker (Rab 7 and ALG-2) in the aortic wall of Mcoln1−/− mice as compared to their wild-type littermates. Besides, Mcoln1−/− mice showed significant increase in the expression of exosome/ sEV markers, CD63, and annexin-II (AnX2) in the arterial medial wall, accompanied by significantly reduced co-localization of lysosome marker (Lamp-1) with multivesicular body (MVB) marker (VPS16), suggesting a reduction of the lysosome-MVB interactions. In the plasma of Mcoln1−/− mice, the number of sEVs significantly increased as compared to the wild-type littermates. Functionally, pulse wave velocity (PWV), an arterial stiffening indicator, was found significantly increased in Mcoln1−/− mice, and Vit D treatment further enhanced such stiffening. All these data indicate that the Mcoln1 gene deletion in mice leads to abnormal lysosome positioning and increased sEV secretion, which may contribute to the arterial stiffness during the development of AMC.
GABAergic Input Affects Intracellular Calcium Levels in Developing Granule Cells of Adult Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Lattanzi Davide , Di Palma Michael , Cuppini Riccardo , Ambrogini Patrizia
Published: March 2020

In the dentate gyrus (DG) of the mammalian hippocampus, granule neurons are generated from neural stem cells (NSCs) throughout the life span and are integrated into the hippocampal network. Adult DG neurogenesis is regulated by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors that control NSC proliferation, maintenance, and differentiation into mature neurons. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), released by local interneurons, regulates the development of neurons born in adulthood by activating extrasynaptic and synaptic GABAA receptors. In the present work, patch-clamp and calcium imaging techniques were used to record very immature granule cells of adult rat dentate gyrus for investigating the actual role of GABAA receptor activation in intracellular calcium level regulation at an early stage of maturation. Our findings highlight a novel molecular and electrophysiological mechanism, involving calcium-activated potassium channels (BK) and T-type voltage-dependent calcium channels, through which GABA fine-tunes intracellular calcium homeostasis in rat adult-born granule neurons early during their maturation. This mechanism might be instrumental in promoting newborn cell survival.
Regulation of Small GTPase Rab20 by Ikaros in B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Payne Jonathon L , Song Chunhua , Ding Yali , Dhanyamraju Pavan Kumar , Bamme Yevgeniya , Schramm Joseph W , Desai Dhimant , Sharma Arati , Gowda Chandrika , Dovat Sinisa
Published: March 2020

Ikaros is a DNA-binding protein that regulates gene expression and functions as a tumor suppressor in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The full cohort of Ikaros target genes have yet to be identified. Here, we demonstrate that Ikaros directly regulates expression of the small GTPase, Rab20. Using ChIP-seq and qChIP we assessed Ikaros binding and the epigenetic signature at the RAB20 promoter. Expression of Ikaros, CK2, and RAB20 was determined by qRT-PCR. Overexpression of Ikaros was achieved by retroviral transduction, whereas shRNA was used to knockdown Ikaros and CK2. Regulation of transcription from the RAB20 promoter was analyzed by luciferase reporter assay. The results showed that Ikaros binds the RAB20 promoter in B-ALL. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that Ikaros represses RAB20 transcription via chromatin remodeling. Phosphorylation by CK2 kinase reduces Ikaros’ affinity toward the RAB20 promoter and abolishes its ability to repress RAB20 transcription. Dephosphorylation by PP1 phosphatase enhances both Ikaros’ DNA-binding affinity toward the RAB20 promoter and RAB20 repression. In conclusion, the results demonstrated opposing effects of CK2 and PP1 on expression of Rab20 via control of Ikaros’ activity as a transcriptional regulator. A novel regulatory signaling network in B-cell leukemia that involves CK2, PP1, Ikaros, and Rab20 is identified.
Melatonin Modulates Dendrite Maturation and Complexity in the Dorsal- and Ventral- Dentate Gyrus Concomitantly with Its Antidepressant-Like Effect in Male Balb/C Mice
Authors: Ramírez-Rodríguez Gerardo Bernabé , Palacios-Cabriales Diana Montserrat , Ortiz-López Leonardo , Estrada-Camarena Erika Montserrat , Vega-Rivera Nelly Maritza
Published: March 2020

Adult neurogenesis occurs in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. New neurons help to counteract the effects of stress and several interventions including antidepressant drugs, environmental modifications and internal factors act pro-neurogenic with consequences in the dorsal and ventral DG. Melatonin, the main product synthesized by the pineal gland, induces antidepressant-like effects and modulates several events of the neurogenic process. However, the information related to the capability of melatonin to modulate dendrite maturation and complexity in the dorsal and ventral regions of the DG and their correlation with its antidepressant-like effect is absent. Thus, in this study, we analyzed the impact of melatonin (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg) administered daily for fourteen days on the number, dendrite complexity and distribution of doublecortin (DCX)-cells in the dorsal-ventral regions of the DG in male Balb/C mice. Doublecortin is a microtubule-associated protein that is expressed during the course of dendritic maturation of newborn neurons. Also, we analyzed the impact of melatonin on despair-like behavior in the forced swim test. We first found a significant increase in the number and higher dendrite complexity, mainly with the doses of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg of melatonin (81%, 122%, 78%). These cells showed more complex dendritic trees in the ventral- and the dorsal- DG. Concomitantly, the doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg of melatonin decreased depressant-like behavior (76%, 82%). Finally, the data corroborate the antidepressant-like effect of melatonin and the increasing number of doublecortin-associated cells. Besides, the data indicate that melatonin favors the number and dendrite complexity of DCX-cells in the dorsal- and ventral- region of the DG, which may explain part of the antidepressant-like effect of melatonin.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Long Intergenic Non-Coding RNAs Contributed to Intramuscular Fat Content Differences between Yorkshire and Wei Pigs
Authors: Li Qianqian , Huang Ziying , Zhao Wenjuan , Li Mengxun , Li Changchun
Published: March 2020

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is closely related to various meat traits, such as tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. The IMF content varies considerably among pig breeds with different genetic backgrounds. Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) have been widely identified in many species and found to be an important class of regulators that can participate in multiple biological processes. However, the mechanism behind lincRNAs regulation of pig IMF content remains unknown and requires further study. In our study, we identified a total of 156 lincRNAs in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Wei (fat-type) and Yorkshire (lean-type) pigs using previously published data. These identified lincRNAs have shorter transcript length, longer exon length, lower exon number, and lower expression level as compared with protein-coding transcripts. We predicted potential target genes (PTGs) that are potentially regulated by lincRNAs in cis or trans regulation. Gene ontology and pathway analyses indicated that many potential lincRNAs target genes are involved in IMF-related processes or pathways, such as fatty acid catabolic process and adipocytokine signaling pathway. In addition, we analyzed quantitative trait locus (QTL) sites that differentially expressed lincRNAs (DE lincRNAs) between Wei and Yorkshire pigs co-localized. The QTL sites where DE lincRNAs co-localize are mostly related to IMF content. Furthermore, we constructed a co-expressed network between DE lincRNAs and their differentially expressed PTGs (DEPTGs). On the basis of their expression levels, we suggest that many DE lincRNAs can affect IMF development by positively or negatively regulating their PTGs. This study identified and analyzed some lincRNAs- and PTGs-related IMF development of the two pig breeds and provided new insight into research on the roles of lincRNAs in the two types of breeds.
MicroRNA-24-3p Targets Notch and Other Vascular Morphogens to Regulate Post-ischemic Microvascular Responses in Limb Muscles
Authors: Marchetti Micol , Meloni Marco , Anwar Maryam , Al-Haj-Zen Ayman , Sala-Newby Graciela , Slater Sadie , Ford Kerrie , Caporali Andrea , Emanueli Costanza
Published: March 2020

MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate complex processes, including angiogenesis, by targeting multiple mRNAs. miR-24-3p-3p directly represses eNOS, GATA2, and PAK4 in endothelial cells (ECs), thus inhibiting angiogenesis during development and in the infarcted heart. miR-24-3p is widely expressed in cardiovascular cells, suggesting that it could additionally regulate angiogenesis by acting on vascular mural cells. Here, we have investigated: (1) new miR-24-3p targets; (2) the expression and the function of miR-24-3p in human vascular ECs; (3) the impact of miR-24-3p inhibition in the angiogenesis reparative response to limb ischemia in mice. Using bioinformatics target prediction platforms and 3′-UTR luciferase assays, we newly identified Notch1 and its Delta-like ligand 1 (Dll1) to be directly targeted by miR-24-3p. miR-24-3p was expressed in human ECs and pericytes cultured under normal conditions. Exposure to hypoxia increased miR-24-3p in ECs but not in pericytes. Transfection with a miR-24-3p precursor (pre-miR-24-3p) increased miR-24-3p expression in ECs, reducing the cell survival, proliferation, and angiogenic capacity. Opposite effects were caused by miR-24-3p inhibition. The anti-angiogenic action of miR-24-3p overexpression could be prevented by simultaneous adenovirus (Ad)-mediated delivery of constitutively active Notch intracellular domain (NICD) into cultured ECs. We next demonstrated that reduced Notch signalling contributes to the anti-angiogenic effect of miR-24-3p in vitro. In a mouse unilateral limb ischemia model, local miR-24-3p inhibition (by adenovirus-mediated miR-24-3p decoy delivery) restored endothelial Notch signalling and increased capillary density. However, the new vessels appeared disorganised and twisted, worsening post-ischemic blood perfusion recovery. To better understand the underpinning mechanisms, we widened the search for miR-24-3p target genes, identifying several contributors to vascular morphogenesis, such as several members of the Wingless (Wnt) signalling pathway, β-catenin signalling components, and VE-cadherin, which synergise to regulate angiogenesis, pericytes recruitment to neoformed capillaries, maturation, and stabilization of newly formed vessels. Among those, we next focussed on β-catenin to demonstrate that miR-24-3p inhibition reduces β-catenin expression in hypoxic ECs, which is accompanied by reduced adhesion of pericytes to ECs. In summary, miR-24-3p differentially targets several angiogenesis modulators and contributes to autonomous and non-autonomous EC crosstalk. In ischemic limbs, miR-24-3p inhibition increases the production of dysfunctional microvessels, impairing perfusion. Caution should be observed in therapeutic targeting of miR-24-3p.
Glucose Exerts an Anti-Melanogenic Effect by Indirect Inactivation of Tyrosinase in Melanocytes and a Human Skin Equivalent
Authors: Lee Sung Hoon , Bae Il-Hong , Lee Eun-Soo , Kim Hyoung-June , Lee Jongsung , Lee Chang Seok
Published: March 2020

Sugars are ubiquitous in organisms and well-known cosmetic ingredients for moisturizing skin with minimal side-effects. Glucose, a simple sugar used as an energy source by living cells, is often used in skin care products. Several reports have demonstrated that sugar and sugar-related compounds have anti-melanogenic effects on melanocytes. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which glucose inhibits melanin synthesis is unknown, even though glucose is used as a whitening as well as moisturizing ingredient in cosmetics. Herein, we found that glucose significantly reduced the melanin content of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)-stimulated B16 cells and darkly pigmented normal human melanocytes with no signs of cytotoxicity. Furthermore, topical treatment of glucose clearly demonstrated its whitening efficacy through photography, Fontana-Masson (F&M) staining, and multi-photon microscopy in a pigmented 3D human skin model, MelanoDerm. However, glucose did not alter the gene expression or protein levels of major melanogenic proteins in melanocytes. While glucose potently decreased intracellular tyrosinase activity in melanocytes, it did not reduce mushroom tyrosinase activity in a cell-free experimental system. However, glucose was metabolized into lactic acid, which can powerfully suppress tyrosinase activity. Thus, we concluded that glucose indirectly inhibits tyrosinase activity through conversion into lactic acid, explaining its anti-melanogenic effects in melanocytes.
Does More Expert Adjustment Associate with Less Accurate Professional Forecasts?
Authors: Franses Philip Hans , Welz Max
Published: March 2020

Professional forecasters can rely on an econometric model to create their forecasts. It is usually unknown to what extent they adjust an econometric model-based forecast. In this paper we show, while making just two simple assumptions, that it is possible to estimate the persistence and variance of the deviation of their forecasts from forecasts from an econometric model. A key feature of the data that facilitates our estimates is that we have forecast updates for the same forecast target. An illustration to consensus forecasters who give forecasts for GDP growth, inflation and unemployment for a range of countries and years suggests that the more a forecaster deviates from a prediction from an econometric model, the less accurate are the forecasts.
How to Proceed with Asymptomatic Modular Dual Taper Hip Stems in the Case of Acetabular Revision
Authors: Grupp Thomas M. , Baxmann Marc , Jansson Volkmar , Windhagen Henning , Heller Karl-Dieter , Morlock Michael M. , Knaebel Hanns-Peter
Published: March 2020

How to proceed with a clinically asymptomatic modular Metha® Ti alloy stem with dual taper CoCr neck adapter in case of acetabular revision? To systematically answer this question the status of research and appropriate diagnostic methods in context to clinically symptomatic and asymptomatic dual taper stem-neck couplings has been evaluated based on a systematic literature review. A retrieval analysis of thirteen Metha® modular dual taper CoCr/Ti alloy hip stems has been performed and a rational decision making model as basis for a clinical recommendation was developed. From our observations we propose that in cases of acetabular revision, that for patients with a serum cobalt level of > 4 µg/L and a Co/Cr ratio > 3.6, the revision of the modular dual taper stem may be considered. Prior to acetabular revision surgery a systematic diagnostic evaluation should be executed, using specific tests such as serum metal (Co, Cr) ion analysis, plain antero-posterior and lateral radiographs and cross-sectional imaging modalities (Metal Artefact Reduction Sequence Magnetic Resonance Imaging). For an asymptomatic Metha® dual taper Ti alloy/CoCr stem-neck coupling at the stage of acetabular revision careful clinical decision making according to the proposed model should be followed and overreliance on any single examination should be avoided, considering the complete individual differential diagnosis and patient situation.
Diffusion Bonding of 1420 Al–Li Alloy Assisted by Pure Aluminum Foil as Interlayer
Authors: Wu Fan , Chen Wei , Zhao Bing , Hou Hongliang , Zhou Wenlong , Li Zhiqiang
Published: March 2020

The Al–Li alloy is becoming popular for aerospace application owing to their low density, high specific strength, good corrosion resistance, etc. The diffusion bonding/superplastic forming (DB/SPF) structure of titanium alloy has been widely used in the aerospace industry. In order to broaden the application of Al–Li alloy, it is necessary to develop its diffusion bonding and superplastic forming (DB/SPF) technology. In the present study, diffusion bonding of 1420 Al–Li alloy assisted by pure aluminum foil was conducted on Gleeble-3500 thermal simulation system under different bonding parameters, the results show that the bonding temperatures have direct influence on the interface microstructure and bond strength of joints. Meanwhile, when the pure aluminum interlayer was introduced into the diffusion bonding process, the alloying element diffusion across the bond can improve the interface integrity and the mechanical properties. The joint formation mechanism with interlayer was investigated in detail, the development and application of this method was explored.
PVC-Based Copper Electric Wires under Various Fire Conditions: Toxicity of Fire Effluents
Authors: Kaczorek-Chrobak Katarzyna , Fangrat Jadwiga
Published: March 2020

Ventilation-controlled fires tend to be the worst for toxicity, because they produce large amounts of fire effluent containing high yields of toxic products. In order to examine the dependence of the amount of chosen few main combustion gases under ventilation-controlled conditions, a PVC-insulated copper electric wire with unknown composition (PVC filled with chalk) was studied by mean of a steady state tube furnace. For the tested wire, lower values of CO2 yields at different ventilation conditions were obtained than for the reference pure polymer unplasticized PVC and additionally tested pure LDPE, the yields were higher three times in the case of PVC and two times in the case of LDPE than those received for wire at the same ventilation conditions, which pointed out decreasing contribution of hyperventilation effect to human during cable fire. In contrast, higher values of toxic CO yields, four times higher, were obtained for the PVC-insulated electric wire rather than for the pure polymers. The maximum value of CO yield (0.57 g/g) was determined in the case of 5 L/min of primary airflow and decreased with increasing ventilation. The measured yields of hydrocarbons were similar to the reference values except for the equivalence ratio ϕ = 0.27, where hydrocarbon yield was equal to 0.45 g/g. The HCl yield of fire effluents from the PVC-insulated wire was shown to be independent of ventilation conditions. The corrosive reaction between copper and the HCl species and the flame-retardant mechanisms of the additives, caused the lower values of HCl in the fire effluent of the PVC-insulated copper wire than for pure polymer.
Structure and Properties of High-Strength Ti Grade 4 Prepared by Severe Plastic Deformation and Subsequent Heat Treatment
Authors: Michalcová Alena , Vojtěch Dalibor , Vavřík Jaroslav , Bartha Kristína , Beran Přemysl , Drahokoupil Jan , Džugan Jan , Palán Jan , Čížek Jakub , Lejček Pavel
Published: March 2020

Severe plastic deformation represented by three passes in Conform SPD and subsequent rotary swaging was applied on Ti grade 4. This process caused extreme strengthening of material, accompanied by reduction of ductility. Mechanical properties of such material were then tuned by a suitable heat treatment. Measurements of in situ electrical resistance, in situ XRD and hardness indicated the appropriate temperature to be 450 °C for the heat treatment required to obtain desired mechanical properties. The optimal duration of annealing was stated to be 3 h. As was verified by neutron diffraction, SEM and TEM microstructure observation, the material underwent recrystallization during this heat treatment. That was documented by changes of the grain shape and evaluation of crystallite size, as well as of the reduction of internal stresses. In annealed state, the yield stress and ultimate tensile stress decreased form 1205 to 871 MPa and 1224 to 950 MPa, respectively, while the ductility increased from 7.8% to 25.1%. This study also shows that mechanical properties of Ti grade 4 processed by continual industrially applicable process (Conform SPD) are comparable with those obtained by ECAP.
Polyethylene Composites with Segregated Carbon Nanotubes Network: Low Frequency Plasmons and High Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Efficiency
Authors: Vovchenko Ludmila , Matzui Ludmila , Oliynyk Viktor , Milovanov Yurii , Mamunya Yevgen , Volynets Nadezhda , Plyushch Artyom , Kuzhir Polina
Published: March 2020

Polyethylene (PE) based composites with segregated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) network was successfully prepared by hot compressing of a mechanical mixture of PE and CNT powders. Through comparison with a composite comprising randomly distributed carbon nanotubes of the same concentration, we prove that namely the segregated CNT network is responsible for the excellent electrical properties, i.e., 10−1 S/m at 0.5–1% and 10 S/m at 6–12% of CNT. The investigation of the complex impedance in the frequency range 1 kHz–2 MHz shows that the sign of real part of the dielectric permittivity ε r ′ changes from positive to negative in electrically percolated composites indicating metal-like behavior of CNT segregated network. The obtained negative permittivity and AC conductivity behavior versus frequency for high CNT content (3–12%) are described by the Drude model. At the same time, in contrast to reflective metals, high electromagnetic shielding efficiency of fabricated PE composites in the frequency range 40–60 GHz, i.e., close to 100% at 1 mm thick sample, was due to absorption coursed by multiple reflection on every PE-CNT segregated network interface followed by electromagnetic radiation absorbed in each isolated PE granule surrounded by conductive CNT shells.
Lightweight Concrete—From Basics to Innovations
Authors: Thienel Karl-Christian , Haller Timo , Beuntner Nancy
Published: March 2020

Lightweight concrete has a history of more than two-thousand years and its technical development is still proceeding. This review starts with a retrospective that gives an idea of the wide range of applications covered by lightweight concrete during the last century. Although lightweight concrete is well known and has proven its technical potential in a wide range of applications over the past decades, there are still hesitations and uncertainties in practice. For that reason, lightweight aggregate properties and the various types of lightweight concrete are discussed in detail with a special focus on current standards. The review is based on a background of 25 years of practical and theoretical experience in this field. One of the main challenges in designing lightweight concrete is to adapt most of design, production and execution rules since they often deviate from normal weight concrete. Therefore, aspects are highlighted that often are the cause of misunderstandings, such as nomenclature or the informational value of certain tests. Frequently occurring problems regarding the mix design and production of lightweight concrete are addressed and the unintended consequences are described. A critical view is provided on some information given in existing European concrete standards regarding the mechanical properties of structural lightweight concrete. Finally, the latest stage of development of very light lightweight concretes is presented. Infra-lightweight concrete is introduced as an innovative approach for further extending the range of applications of lightweight concrete by providing background knowledge and experiences from case records.
Atomic Simulation of Nanoindentation on the Regular Wrinkled Graphene Sheet
Authors: Wang Ruonan , Pang Haosheng , Li Minglin , Lai Lianfeng
Published: March 2020

Surface landscapes have vague impact on the mechanical properties of graphene. In this paper, single-layered graphene sheets (SLGS) with regular wrinkles were first constructed by applying shear deformation using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and then indented to extract their mechanical properties. The influence of the boundary condition of SLGS were considered. The wrinkle features and wrinkle formation processes of SLGS were found to be significantly related to the boundary conditions as well as the applied shear displacement and velocity. The wrinkling amplitude and degree of wrinkling increased with the increase in the applied shear displacements, and the trends of wrinkling wavelengths changed with the different boundary conditions. With the fixed boundary condition, the degree of graphene wrinkling was only affected when the velocity was greater than a certain value. The effect of wrinkles on the mechanical characterization of SLGS by atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation was finally investigated. The regular surface wrinkling of SLGS was found to weaken the Young’s modulus of graphene. The Young’s modulus of graphene deteriorates with the increase in the degree of regular wrinkling.
Chlorapatite Derived from Fish Scales
Authors: Cavalcante Luyara de Almeida , Ribeiro Laís Sibaldo , Takeno Mitsuo Lopes , Aum Pedro Tupa Pandava , Aum Yanne Katiussy Pereira Gurgel , Andrade Jean Carlos Silva
Published: March 2020

The present work demonstrates the production of chlorapatite (ClAp) through thermal decomposition of chemically treated fish scales, originating from an Amazon fish species (Arapaima gigas). The scales were treated with hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution for deproteinization. Afterwards, the solution was neutralized by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment to obtain an apatite-rich slurry. The heat treatment was carried out at different temperatures including 600 °C, 800 °C, and 1000 °C. The powders obtained were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD analysis and FTIR spectra confirmed the incorporation of chlorine into the apatite structure. The FTIR results showed absorption bands relative to the OH–, PO43− functional groups which are a characteristic of chlorapatite. Moreover, the intensity of the OH–Cl elongation could be observed. Chlorapatite Ca5(PO4)3Cl, NaCl, and NaCaPO4 phases were identified, achieving up to 87.4 wt% for ClAp. The SEM observations show that with increasing temperature, the ClAp obtained consists of slightly larger, more crystalline grains. Furthermore, the grains ranged in size, between 1-5 μm and ClAp1000 sample recorded crystallinity of 84.27%. ClAp and NaCaPO4 can be used in electronics as phosphor materials due to their luminescence and biomedical applications.
Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Demodex Densities in Patients under Immunosuppressive Treatments
Authors: Keles Hacer , Pancar Yuksel Esra , Aydin Fatma , Senturk Nilgun
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives: Demodex species are common obligatory parasites and normally present in low number in human beings. Immunosuppression was suggested to be associated with increased density of Demodex mites. Systemic glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and azathioprine are commonly used immunosuppressive agents. We aim to determine the pre- and post-treatment Demodex densities in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy and compare with those of healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: Demodex density was investigated at the beginning, first, and third months of the immunosuppressive therapy in 45 patients who received methotrexate, cyclosporine, systemic steroid, or azathioprine treatments and in 45 healthy subjects at the same time as the patients. Five standardized skin surface biopsies were taken from cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin of the patients and control group. The presence of five or more parasites in 1 cm2 area was considered as positive. Results: Demodex test was negative at the beginning of the treatment in all patients. Demodex test was positive in one patient in the first and third months of treatment and in three patients only in the third month of treatment. In the control group, Demodex test was determined as positive in just one healthy individual at the beginning, first and third months of the study. When the patient and control groups were evaluated in terms of Demodex number, there was a statistically significant difference in Demodex density in patients treated with immunosuppressive treatment in the first and third months when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Immunosuppressive treatment might increase the number of Demodex mites and demodicidosis should be kept in mind in patients on immunosuppressive treatment.
The Associations of Dietary Iron, Zinc and Magnesium with Metabolic Syndrome in China’s Mega Cities
Authors: Zhu Zhenni , He Yuna , Wu Fan , Zhao Liyun , Wu Chunfeng , Lu Ye , Zang Jiajie , Wang Zhengyuan , Sun Jing , Huang Jian , Guo Changyi , Ding Gangqiang
Published: March 2020

Background: Iron, zinc and magnesium perform differently in body metabolism but exist in similar food. This study was to evaluate the associations of dietary iron, zinc and magnesium with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: A sample of a total of 5323 participants from four of China’s mega cities was included in the current study. Both a 3-day 24-h dietary recall and household condiment weighing were applied to assess dietary intake, respectively. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations of dietary iron, zinc and magnesium with MetS. Results: After adjusting for age, sex, region, years of education, physical activity level, intended physical exercises, smoking status, alcohol use, daily energy intake and mutual adjustment for dietary iron, zinc and magnesium, significant positive trends were found across quartiles of total dietary iron and the risk of MetS, as well as for magnesium and MetS (p value for trends = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively); dietary zinc was inversely associated with MetS risk (p value for trend < 0.01). Magnesium from grains and potato was positively associated with MetS (p value for trend < 0.01). Conclusions: Dietary iron and magnesium were positively associated with the risk of MetS, while zinc was inversely associated with the risk of MetS, in China’s mega cities. The positive association of magnesium with MetS could be a result confounding by other factors correlated with magnesium in grains and potato, which warrants further study.
Short-Term Effects of Dark Chocolate on Retinal and Choriocapillaris Perfusion in Young, Healthy Subjects Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Scuderi Gianluca , Ciancimino Chiara , D’Apolito Fabian , Maurizi Enrici Maurizio , Guglielmelli Fabio , Scuderi Luca , Abdolrahimzadeh Solmaz
Published: March 2020

(1) Aim: Contrasting results have been published on the effect of dark chocolate on visual function. The aim of this study was to evaluate retinal and choriocapillaris perfusion, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), and visual function in healthy subjects following dark chocolate ingestion. (2) Methods: This prospective randomized study was carried out on 18 healthy young subjects at the St. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza, University of Rome. Visual acuity assessment and a complete ophthalmologic examination were carried out at baseline. In session one, each subject was randomized to eat either a 100 g dark chocolate bar or a 100 g white chocolate bar. In session two, the opposite chocolate was given to each participant. OCT-A and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were performed before the chocolate was eaten and repeated 1, 2, and 3 h after that. Retinal vessel density and choriocapillaris flow area were assessed. (3) Results: 18 patients with a mean (SD) age of 26.3 (1.5) years were included. No significant differences between dark or white chocolate were found when evaluating foveal density (%), whole density (%), choriocapillaris flow area, and BCVA. (4) Conclusions: Dark chocolate did not result in significant changes in retinal perfusion and choriocapillaris flow area. However, given the results of other studies showing the positive effects of flavonoids on visual function, further studies are warranted using pure chocolate without other components such as caffeine that can potentially affect results. Furthermore, we cannot rule out the possible benefits of higher doses of flavonoids in dietary supplementation over a more extended period and in a larger patient population.
Influence of Pomace Matrix and Cyclodextrin Encapsulation on Olive Pomace Polyphenols’ Bioaccessibility and Intestinal Permeability
Authors: Radić Kristina , Jurišić Dukovski Bisera , Vitali Čepo Dubravka
Published: March 2020

Olive pomace is a rich source of biologically active compounds, mainly polyphenols. Recently, an efficient and sustainable cyclodextrin (CD)-enhanced extraction was developed. It enabled a relatively simple formulation of high-quality olive pomace extracts (OPEs) that can be used as alternative sources of olive-derived polyphenols in the nutrition and pharma industries. However, biological effects and nutraceutical potential of OPEs are primarily limited by generally low oral bioavailability of major polyphenols (hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives) that can be significantly influenced by OPE matrix and the presence of CDs in formulation. The major goal of this research was to investigate the impact of complex matrix and different types of CDs on gastrointestinal stability and intestinal permeability of major OPE polyphenols, and provide additional data about mechanisms of absorption and antioxidant activity in gut lumen. Obtained results showed high bioaccessibility but relatively low permeability of OPE polyphenols, which was negatively affected by OPE matrix. CDs improved antioxidant efficiency of tested OPEs and tyrosol gastrointestinal stability. Effects of CDs on permeability and the metabolism of particular OPE polyphenols were CD- and polyphenol-specific.
Anti-Stress, Glial- and Neuro-Differentiation Potential of Resveratrol: Characterization by Cellular, Biochemical and Imaging Assays
Authors: Afzal Sajal , Garg Sukant , Adiga Divya , Ishida Yoshiyuki , Terao Keiji , Kaul Sunil C. , Wadhwa Renu
Published: March 2020

Environmental stress, exhaustive industrialization and the use of chemicals in our daily lives contribute to increasing incidence of cancer and other pathologies. Although the cancer treatment has revolutionized in last 2–3 decades, shortcomings such as (i) extremely high cost of treatment, (ii) poor availability of drugs, (iii) severe side effects and (iv) emergence of drug resistance have prioritized the need of developing alternate natural, economic and welfare (NEW) therapeutics reagents. Identification and characterization of such anti-stress NEW drugs that not only limit the growth of cancer cells but also reprogram them to perform their specific functions are highly desired. We recruited rat glioma- and human neuroblastoma-based assays to explore such activities of resveratrol, a naturally occurring stilbenoid. We demonstrate that nontoxic doses of resveratrol protect cells against a variety of stresses that are largely involved in age-related brain pathologies. These included oxidative, DNA damage, metal toxicity, heat, hypoxia, and protein aggregation stresses. Furthermore, it caused differentiation of cells to functional astrocytes and neurons as characterized by the upregulation of their specific protein markers. These findings endorse multiple bioactivities of resveratrol and encourage them to be tested for their benefits in animal models and humans.
Almonds (Prunus Dulcis Mill. D. A. Webb): A Source of Nutrients and Health-Promoting Compounds
Authors: Barreca Davide , Nabavi Seyed Mohammad , Sureda Antoni , Rasekhian Mahsa , Raciti Roberto , Silva Ana Sanches , Annunziata Giuseppe , Arnone Angela , Tenore Gian Carlo , Süntar İpek , Mandalari Giuseppina
Published: March 2020

Almonds (Prunus dulcis Miller D. A. Webb (the almond or sweet almond)), from the Rosaceae family, have long been known as a source of essential nutrients; nowadays, they are in demand as a healthy food with increasing popularity for the general population and producers. Studies on the composition and characterization of almond macro- and micronutrients have shown that the nut has many nutritious ingredients such as fatty acids, lipids, amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, as well as secondary metabolites. However, several factors affect the nutritional quality of almonds, including genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, investigations evaluating the effects of different factors on the quality of almonds were also included. In epidemiological studies, the consumption of almonds has been associated with several therapeutically and protective health benefits. Clinical studies have verified the modulatory effects on serum glucose, lipid and uric acid levels, the regulatory role on body weight, and protective effects against diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, recent researchers have also confirmed the prebiotic potential of almonds. The present review was carried out to emphasize the importance of almonds as a healthy food and source of beneficial constituents for human health, and to assess the factors affecting the quality of the almond kernel. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and SciFinder were used to investigate previously published articles on almonds in terms of components and bioactivity potentials with a particular focus on clinical trials.
Citrus Peel Extract Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced NAFLD via Activation of AMPK Signaling
Authors: Lee Geum-Hwa , Peng Cheng , Park Seon-Ah , Hoang The-Hiep , Lee Hwa-Young , Kim Junghyun , Kang Seong-Il , Lee Chi-Heon , Lee Joo-Sang , Chae Han-Jung
Published: March 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent in the elderly population, and has symptoms ranging from liver steatosis to advanced fibrosis. Citrus peel extracts (CPEs) contain compounds that potentially improve dyslipidemia; however, the mechanism of action and effects on hepatic steatosis regulation remains unclear. Current study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of CPEs extracted through hot-air drying (CPEW) and freeze-drying (CPEF) and the underlying mechanism in a rat model of high-fat diet-induced NAFLD. The high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats showed significant increase in total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lipid peroxidation compared to the normal chow-diet (NCD) group rats; but CPEW and CPEF limited this effect. CPEW and CPEF supplementation reduced both hepatocyte steatosis and fat accumulation involving the regulatory effect of mTORC1. Collectively, CPEW and CPEF protected deterioration of liver steatosis with AMPK activation and regulating ROS accumulation associated with interstitial disorders, which are also associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) redox. Thus, the application of CPEW and CPEF may lead to the development of novel therapeutic or preventive agents against NAFLD.
The Symptom-Checklist-K-9 (SCL-K-9) Discriminates between Overweight/Obese Patients with and without Significant Binge Eating Pathology: Psychometric Properties of an Italian Version
Authors: Imperatori Claudio , Bianciardi Emanuela , Niolu Cinzia , Fabbricatore Mariantonietta , Gentileschi Paolo , Di Lorenzo Giorgio , Siracusano Alberto , Innamorati Marco
Published: March 2020

A general personality and psychopathology evaluation is considered to be crucial part of the multidisciplinary assessment for weight-related problems. The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) is commonly used to assess general psychopathology in both overweight and obese patients seeking weight-loss treatment. The main purpose of the present research was to investigate the psychometric properties of the brief form of the SCL-90-R (i.e., the SCL-K-9) in a clinical sample (N = 397) of patients seeking weight-loss treatment (i.e., bariatric surgery and a nutritional weight-loss program). The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported a one-factor solution of the SCL-K-9, with all nine items loading significantly on the common latent factor (lambdas ≥ 0.587). The ordinal α (= 0.91), the inter-item mean indices of correlation (rii = 0.53), and the convergent validity were also satisfactory. A receiver operating characteristic curves procedure showed that both SCL-90-R and SCL-K-9 were able to classify patients with and without significant binge eating pathology according to the Binge Eating Scale (BES) total score. Overall, our results suggest that the SCL-K-9 has adequate psychometric properties and can be applied as a short screening tool to assess general psychopathology in overweight/obese individuals seeking weight-loss treatment and at follow-up interviews when time restraints preclude the use of the full-length form.
Mechanism of Anti-Cancer Activity of Curcumin on Androgen-Dependent and Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Abd. Wahab Nurul Azwa , H. Lajis Nordin , Abas Faridah , Othman Iekhsan , Naidu Rakesh
Published: March 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a heterogeneous disease and ranked as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males worldwide. The global burden of PCa keeps rising regardless of the emerging cutting-edge technologies for treatment and drug designation. There are a number of treatment options which are effectively treating localised and androgen-dependent PCa (ADPC) through hormonal and surgery treatments. However, over time, these cancerous cells progress to androgen-independent PCa (AIPC) which continuously grow despite hormone depletion. At this particular stage, androgen depletion therapy (ADT) is no longer effective as these cancerous cells are rendered hormone-insensitive and capable of growing in the absence of androgen. AIPC is a lethal type of disease which leads to poor prognosis and is a major contributor to PCa death rates. A natural product-derived compound, curcumin has been identified as a pleiotropic compound which capable of influencing and modulating a diverse range of molecular targets and signalling pathways in order to exhibit its medicinal properties. Due to such multi-targeted behaviour, its benefits are paramount in combating a wide range of diseases including inflammation and cancer disease. Curcumin exhibits anti-cancer properties by suppressing cancer cells growth and survival, inflammation, invasion, cell proliferation as well as possesses the ability to induce apoptosis in malignant cells. In this review, we investigate the mechanism of curcumin by modulating multiple signalling pathways such as androgen receptor (AR) signalling, activating protein-1 (AP-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases/the serine/threonine kinase (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), wingless (Wnt)/ß-catenin signalling, and molecular targets including nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and cyclin D1 which are implicated in the development and progression of both types of PCa, ADPC and AIPC. In addition, the role of microRNAs and clinical trials on the anti-cancer effects of curcumin in PCa patients were also reviewed.
The DsTau Experiment: A Study for Tau-Neutrino Production
Authors: Miloi Mădălina Mihaela ,   [DsTau Collaboration]
Published: March 2020

For clarifying the validity of the Lepton Universality hypothesis, one of the fundamental statements of the Standard Model, the interaction cross section for all three flavors of leptons have to be known with high precision. In neutrino sector, for electron and muon neutrinos, the interaction cross section is known fairly well, but for tau neutrino only poor estimations exist. In particular, the most direct measurement by the DONuT experiment was performed with rather poor accuracy due to low statistics and an uncertainty of the tau neutrino flux. The DsTau experiment proposes to study tau-neutrino production process and thus to improve significantly the accuracy of calculations of tau neutrino flux for neutrino accelerator experiments. To study reactions providing most of tau neutrinos, the experiment uses a setup based on high resolution nuclear emulsions, capable to register short lived particle decays created in proton-nucleus interactions. The present report is an overview of the DsTau experiment together with some of the preliminary results from the pilot run.