bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top-Down Proteomic Identification of Shiga Toxin 1 and 2 from Pathogenic Escherichia coli Using MALDI-TOF-TOF Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fagerquist Clifton K. , Zaragoza William J. , Carter Michelle Q.
Published: October 2019

Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a burden on agriculture and a threat to public health. Rapid methods are needed to identify STEC strains and characterize the Shiga toxin (Stx) they produce. We analyzed three STEC strains for Stx expression, using antibiotic induction, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF-TOF) mass spectrometry, and top-down proteomic analysis. E. coli O157:H- strain 493/89 is a clinical isolate linked to an outbreak of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in Germany in the late 1980s. E. coli O145:H28 strains RM12367-C1 and RM14496-C1 were isolated from an agricultural region in California. The stx operon of the two environmental strains were determined by whole genome sequencing (WGS). STEC strain 493/89 expressed Shiga toxin 2a (Stx2a) as identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) of its B-subunit that allowed identification of the type and subtype of the toxin. RM12367-C1 also expressed Stx2a as identified by its B-subunit. RM14496-C1 expressed Shiga toxin 1a (Stx1a) as identified from its B-subunit. The B-subunits of Stx1 and Stx2 both have an intramolecular disulfide bond. MS/MS was obtained on both the disulfide-bond-intact and disulfide-bond-reduced B-subunit, with the latter being used for top-down proteomic identification. Top-down proteomic analysis was consistent with WGS.
Nucleophilic Arylation of Halopurines Facilitated by Brønsted Acid in Fluoroalcohol
Authors: Takenaga Naoko , Shoji Toshitaka , Menjo Takayuki , Hirai Akiko , Ueda Shohei , Kikushima Kotaro , Hanasaki Tomonori , Dohi Toshifumi
Published: October 2019

Various aryl-substituted purine derivatives were synthesized through the direct arylation of halopurines with aromatic compounds, facilitated by the combination of triflic acid and fluoroalcohol. This metal-free method is complementary to conventional coupling reactions using metal catalysts and reagents for the syntheses of aryl-substituted purine analogues.
Exploring the Phytochemical Landscape of the Early-Diverging Flowering Plant Amborella trichopoda Baill.
Authors: Wu Sheng , Wilson Alexander E. , Chang Lijing , Tian Li
Published: October 2019

Although the evolutionary significance of the early-diverging flowering plant Amborella (Amborella trichopoda Baill.) is widely recognized, its metabolic landscape, particularly specialized metabolites, is currently underexplored. In this work, we analyzed the metabolomes of Amborella tissues using liquid chromatography high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HR-ESI-MS). By matching the mass spectra of Amborella metabolites with those of authentic phytochemical standards in the publicly accessible libraries, 63, 39, and 21 compounds were tentatively identified in leaves, stems, and roots, respectively. Free amino acids, organic acids, simple sugars, cofactors, as well as abundant glycosylated and/or methylated phenolic specialized metabolites were observed in Amborella leaves. Diverse metabolites were also detected in stems and roots, including those that were not identified in leaves. To understand the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites with glycosyl and methyl modifications, families of small molecule UDP-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs) and O-methyltransferases (OMTs) were identified in the Amborella genome and the InterPro database based on conserved functional domains. Of the 17 phylogenetic groups of plant UGTs (A–Q) defined to date, Amborella UGTs are absent from groups B, N, and P, but they are highly abundant in group L. Among the 25 Amborella OMTs, 7 cluster with caffeoyl-coenzyme A (CCoA) OMTs involved in lignin and phenolic metabolism, whereas 18 form a clade with plant OMTs that methylate hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, or alkaloids. Overall, this first report of metabolomes and candidate metabolic genes in Amborella provides a starting point to a better understanding of specialized metabolites and biosynthetic enzymes in this basal lineage of flowering plants.
Novel Thiazolidin-4-ones as Potential Non-Nucleoside Inhibitors of HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Petrou Anthi , Eleftheriou Phaedra , Geronikaki Athina , Akrivou Melpomeni G. , Vizirianakis Ioannis
Published: October 2019

Background: HIV is the causative agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), an infectious disease with increasing incidence worldwide. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) play an important role in the treatment of AIDS. Although, many compounds are already being used as anti-HIV drugs, research for the development of new inhibitors continues as the virus develops resistant strains. Methods: The best features of available NNRTIs were taken into account for the design of novel inhibitors. PASS (Prediction of activity spectra for substances) prediction program and molecular docking studies for the selection of designed compounds were used for the synthesis. Compounds were synthesized using conventional and microwave irradiation methods and HIV RT inhibitory action was evaluated by colorimetric photometric immunoassay. Results: The evaluation of HIV-1 RT inhibitory activity revealed that seven compounds have significantly lower ΙC50 values than nevirapine (0.3 μΜ). It was observed that the activity of compounds depends not only on the nature of substituent and it position in benzothiazole ring but also on the nature and position of substituents in benzene ring. Conclusion: Twenty four of the tested compounds exhibited inhibitory action lower than 4 μΜ. Seven of them showed better activity than nevirapine, while three of the compounds exhibited IC50 values lower than 5 nM. Two compounds 9 and 10 exhibited very good inhibitory activity with IC50 1 nM.
β-Amino- and Alkoxy-Substituted Disilanides
Authors: Balatoni Istvan , Hlina Johann , Zitz Rainer , Pöcheim Alexander , Baumgartner Judith , Marschner Christoph
Published: October 2019

Our recent study on formal halide adducts of disilenes led to the investigation of the synthesis and properties of β-fluoro- and chlorodisilanides. The reaction of the functionalized neopentasilanes (Me3Si)3SiSiPh2NEt2 and (Me3Si)3SiSiMe2OMe with KOtBu in the presence of 18-crown-6 provided access to structurally related β-alkoxy- and amino-substituted disilanides. The obtained Et2NPh2Si(Me3Si)2SiK·18-crown-6 was converted to a magnesium silanide and further on to Et2NPh2Si(Me3Si)2Si-substituted ziroconocene and hafnocene chlorides. In addition, an example of a silanide containing both Et2NPh2Si and FPh2Si groups was prepared with moderate selectivity. Also, the analogous germanide Et2NPh2Si(Me3Si)2GeK·18-crown-6 could be obtained.
Influence of Potato Crisps Processing Parameters on Acrylamide Formation and Bioaccesibility
Authors: Martinez Emmanuel , Rodriguez Jose A. , Mondragon Alicia C. , Lorenzo Jose Manuel , Santos Eva M.
Published: October 2019

A fractional factorial design was used to evaluate the effects of temperature, frying time, blanching treatment and the thickness of potato slices on acrylamide content in crisps. The design was used on freshly harvested and four-month stored potatoes. The critical factors found were temperature and frying time, and the interaction between blanching treatment and slice thickness. Once frying conditions were selected, an acrylamide content of 725 and 1030 mg kg−1 was found for non-stored and 4-month stored tubers, with adequate textural parameters in both cases. The difference in concentration is related to storage conditions, which must be controlled in order to control acrylamide levels. Bioaccesibility studies demonstrated that acrylamide concentration remained at 70%, and reductions took place mainly at the intestinal phase, as a result of reaction with nucleophilic compounds.
Photocuring of Epoxidized Cardanol for Biobased Composites with Microfibrillated Cellulose
Authors: Dalle Vacche Sara , Vitale Alessandra , Bongiovanni Roberta
Published: October 2019

Cardanol is a natural alkylphenolic compound derived from Cashew NutShell Liquid (CNSL), a non-food annually renewable raw material extracted from cashew nutshells. In the quest for sustainable materials, the curing of biobased monomers and prepolymers with environmentally friendly processes attracts increasing interest. Photopolymerization is considered to be a green technology owing to low energy requirements, room temperature operation with high reaction rates, and absence of solvents. In this work, we study the photocuring of a commercially available epoxidized cardanol, and explore its use in combination with microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) for the fabrication of fully biobased composites. Wet MFC mats were prepared by filtration, and then impregnated with the resin. The impregnated mats were then irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light. Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the photocuring of the epoxidized cardanol, and of the composites. The thermomechanical properties of the composites were assessed by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. We confirmed that fully cured composites could be obtained, although a high photoinitiator concentration was needed, possibly due to a side reaction of the photoinitiator with MFC.
CX3CL1–CX3CR1 Axis: A New Player in Coeliac Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Fernández-Prieto Marta , Fernández-Aceñero María Jesús , López-Palacios Natalia , Bodas Andrés , Farrais Sergio , Cuevas David , Pascual Virginia , Cerón-Nieto M. Ángeles , Horta-Herrera Saúl , Espino-Paisán Laura , Salazar Isabel , Núñez Concepción
Published: October 2019

Background: The CX3CL1–CX3CR1 axis has been related to numerous diseases. The aim of our study was to investigate its involvement in coeliac disease (CD) pathogenesis, particularly in the early phase of the disease. Methods: We collected peripheral blood from CD patients and controls, enrolled in a 3-day gluten challenge, to study soluble CX3CL1, I-TAC and MIG by Luminex, CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 gene expression by qPCR, and CX3CR1 protein expression in monocytes and CD8+, CD4+ and γδ+ T cells, by flow cytometry. We also analysed the expression of the CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 mRNA and protein in the duodenal biopsies of CD patients with active and treated disease, and in non-CD control individuals, by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: After the gluten challenge, increased levels of CX3CL1, I-TAC and MIG proteins were observed in the peripheral blood of CD patients, with no changes in CX3CL1 mRNA, or CX3CR1 mRNA and protein. Regarding duodenal tissue, CX3CL1 was absent or barely present in the superficial and basal epithelium of CD patients, contrasting with the moderate to high levels present in controls. Conclusions: CX3CL1 seems to be involved in the appearance and progression of CD, and it appears to be a potential diagnostic biomarker. Its use as an alternative therapeutic target in CD deserves further research.
Obesity in the Liver Transplant Setting
Authors: Moctezuma-Velazquez Carlos , Márquez-Guillén Ernesto , Torre Aldo
Published: October 2019

The obesity epidemic has resulted in an increased prevalence of obesity in liver transplant (LT) candidates and in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) becoming the fastest growing indication for LT. LT teams will be dealing with obesity in the coming years, and it is necessary for them to recognize some key aspects surrounding the LT in obese patients. Obesity by itself should not be considered a contraindication for LT, but it should make LT teams pay special attention to cardiovascular risk assessment, in order to properly select candidates for LT. Obese patients may be at increased risk of perioperative respiratory and infectious complications, and it is necessary to establish preventive strategies. Data on patient and graft survival after LT are controversial and scarce, especially for long-term outcomes, but morbid obesity may adversely affect these outcomes, particularly in NAFLD. The backbone of obesity treatment should be diet and exercise, whilst being careful not to precipitate or worsen frailty and sarcopenia. Bariatric surgery is an alternative for treatment of obesity, and the ideal timing regarding LT is still unknown. Sleeve gastrectomy is probably the procedure that has the best evidence in LT because it offers a good balance between safety and efficacy.
Combined Supplementation with Glycine and Tryptophan Reduces Purine-Induced Serum Uric Acid Elevation by Accelerating Urinary Uric Acid Excretion: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
Authors: Oshima Shunji , Shiiya Sachie , Nakamura Yasunori
Published: October 2019

The authors previously confirmed the serum uric acid-lowering effects of the combination of glycine and tryptophan in subjects with mild hyperuricemia. This study examined whether combined supplementation with glycine and tryptophan suppressed the elevation in serum uric acid levels caused by purine ingestion and accelerated urinary uric acid excretion in subjects with lower urate excretion using a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial design. Healthy Japanese adult males with lower urate excretion ingested water containing purines in addition to dextrin (placebo), tryptophan, glycine, or a glycine and tryptophan mixture. The combined supplementation with glycine and tryptophan significantly reduced the elevated serum uric acid levels after purine ingestion. Glycine alone and in combination with tryptophan significantly increased urinary uric acid excretion and urate clearance compared with the effects of the placebo. Urinary pH increased by the ingestion of the mixture. These results suggested that the improved water solubility of uric acid due to increased urinary pH contributed to the increase of urinary uric acid excretion.
Impact of Vitamin D Deficit on the Rat Gut Microbiome
Authors: Robles-Vera Iñaki , Callejo María , Ramos Ricardo , Duarte Juan , Perez-Vizcaino Francisco
Published: October 2019

Inadequate immunologic, metabolic and cardiovascular homeostasis has been related to either an alteration of the gut microbiota or to vitamin D deficiency. We analyzed whether vitamin D deficiency alters rat gut microbiota. Male Wistar rats were fed a standard or a vitamin D-free diet for seven weeks. The microbiome composition was determined in fecal samples by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The vitamin D-free diet produced mild changes on α- diversity but no effect on β-diversity in the global microbiome. Markers of gut dysbiosis like Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio or the short chain fatty acid producing bacterial genera were not significantly affected by vitamin D deficiency. Notably, there was an increase in the relative abundance of the Enterobacteriaceae, with significant rises in its associated genera Escherichia, Candidatus blochmannia and Enterobacter in vitamin D deficient rats. Prevotella and Actinomyces were also increased and Odoribacteraceae and its genus Butyricimonas were decreased in rats with vitamin D-free diet. In conclusion, vitamin D deficit does not induce gut dysbiosis but produces some specific changes in bacterial taxa, which may play a pathophysiological role in the immunologic dysregulation associated with this hypovitaminosis.
From the Table to the Tumor: The Role of Mediterranean and Western Dietary Patterns in Shifting Microbial-Mediated Signaling to Impact Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Newman Tiffany M. , Vitolins Mara Z. , Cook Katherine L.
Published: October 2019

Diet is a modifiable component of lifestyle that could influence breast cancer development. The Mediterranean dietary pattern is considered one of the healthiest of all dietary patterns. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet protects against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Reported consumption of a Mediterranean diet pattern was associated with lower breast cancer risk for women with all subtypes of breast cancer, and a Western diet pattern was associated with greater risk. In this review, we contrast the available epidemiological breast cancer data, comparing the impact of consuming a Mediterranean diet to the Western diet. Furthermore, we will review the preclinical data highlighting the anticancer molecular mechanism of Mediterranean diet consumption in both cancer prevention and therapeutic outcomes. Diet composition is a major constituent shaping the gut microbiome. Distinct patterns of gut microbiota composition are associated with the habitual consumption of animal fats, high-fiber diets, and vegetable-based diets. We will review the impact of Mediterranean diet on the gut microbiome and inflammation. Outside of the gut, we recently demonstrated that Mediterranean diet consumption led to distinct microbiota shifts in the mammary gland tissue, suggesting possible anticancer effects by diet on breast-specific microbiome. Taken together, these data support the anti-breast-cancer impact of Mediterranean diet consumption.
Untreated PKU Patients without Intellectual Disability: What Do They Teach Us?
Authors: van Vliet Danique , van Wegberg Annemiek M.J. , Ahring Kirsten , Bik-Multanowski Miroslaw , Casas Kari , Didycz Bozena , Djordjevic Maja , Hertecant Jozef L. , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Mathisen Per , Nardecchia Francesca , Powell Kimberly K. , Rutsch Frank , Stojiljkovic Maja , Trefz Fritz K. , Usurelu Natalia , Wilson Callum , van Karnebeek Clara D. , Hanley William B. , van Spronsen Francjan J.
Published: October 2019

Phenylketonuria (PKU) management is aimed at preventing neurocognitive and psychosocial dysfunction by keeping plasma phenylalanine concentrations within the recommended target range. It can be questioned, however, whether universal plasma phenylalanine target levels would result in optimal neurocognitive outcomes for all patients, as similar plasma phenylalanine concentrations do not seem to have the same consequences to the brain for each PKU individual. To better understand the inter-individual differences in brain vulnerability to high plasma phenylalanine concentrations, we aimed to identify untreated and/or late-diagnosed PKU patients with near-normal outcome, despite high plasma phenylalanine concentrations, who are still alive. In total, we identified 16 such cases. While intellectual functioning in these patients was relatively unaffected, they often did present other neurological, psychological, and behavioral problems. Thereby, these “unusual” PKU patients show that the classical symptomatology of untreated or late-treated PKU may have to be rewritten. Moreover, these cases show that a lack of intellectual dysfunction despite high plasma phenylalanine concentrations does not necessarily imply that these high phenylalanine concentrations have not been toxic to the brain. Also, these cases may suggest that different mechanisms are involved in PKU pathophysiology, of which the relative importance seems to differ between patients and possibly also with increasing age. Further research should aim to better distinguish PKU patients with respect to their cerebral effects to high plasma phenylalanine concentrations.
Effect of High-Fat Diets on Oxidative Stress, Cellular Inflammatory Response and Cognitive Function
Authors: Tan Bee Ling , Norhaizan Mohd Esa
Published: October 2019

Cognitive dysfunction is linked to chronic low-grade inflammatory stress that contributes to cell-mediated immunity in creating an oxidative environment. Food is a vitally important energy source; it affects brain function and provides direct energy. Several studies have indicated that high-fat consumption causes overproduction of circulating free fatty acids and systemic inflammation. Immune cells, free fatty acids, and circulating cytokines reach the hypothalamus and initiate local inflammation through processes such as microglial proliferation. Therefore, the role of high-fat diet (HFD) in promoting oxidative stress and neurodegeneration is worthy of further discussion. Of particular interest in this article, we highlight the associations and molecular mechanisms of HFD in the modulation of inflammation and cognitive deficits. Taken together, a better understanding of the role of oxidative stress in cognitive impairment following HFD consumption would provide a useful approach for the prevention of cognitive dysfunction.
Antioxidant and Leishmanicidal Evaluation of Pulicaria Inuloides Root Extracts: A Bioguided Fractionation
Authors: Fadel Hamza , Sifaoui Ines , López-Arencibia Atteneri , Reyes-Batlle María , Jiménez Ignacio A. , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Ghedadba Nabil , Benayache Samir , Piñero José E. , Bazzocchi Isabel L.
Published: October 2019

Leishmaniasis remains a major world health problem, and in particular, Algeria ranks second for the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Pulicaria inuloides is a well-known Arabian Peninsula medicinal plant. In the present study, the chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts from the roots of Pulicaria inuloides were analyzed for antioxidant activity and its correlation with the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The highest antioxidant activity using a DPPH assay was showed by the ethyl acetate extract (IC50 4.08 µg/mL), which also had the highest total phenolic content (307.12 µgAGE). Furthermore, P. inuloides root extracts were evaluated against Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania donovani. The results highlighted the chloroform extract as the most active one against both tested Leishmania strains. A bioguided fractionation of the chloroform extract led to the isolation of (8R:8S)-(75:25 er)-10-isobutyryloxy-8,9-epoxy-thymol isobutyrate as the main bioactive component, showing a potent leishmanicidal activity on L. amazonensis promatigote and amastigote stages (IC50 5.03 and 2.87 µM, respectively) and a good selectivity index on murine macrophages (CC50 19.37 µM). This study provides the first report of the antioxidant and leishmanicidal activities of P. inuloides root extracts and the results point to this species as a source of potential bioactive agents.
Detection of Neospora Caninum DNA in Wild Birds from Italy
Authors: Nardoni Simona , Poli Alessandro , Varvaro Ilaria , Rocchigiani Guido , Ceccherelli Renato , Mancianti Francesca
Published: October 2019

The role of avian species in the Neospora caninum life cycle has not been completely elucidated, and epidemiological data from Europe are scant. The aim of the present report was to evaluate the presence of N. caninum DNA in the tissues of 302 birds belonging to different avian species, along with IFAT titers. Forty-two out of the 302 birds (13.9%) showed low serological titers (1/50 and 1/100) against N. caninum. These data, positive for 31 animals (10.3%), were corroborated by PCR. Twenty-two hearts and eighteen brains scored positive, while nine subjects resulted had parasite DNA both in their hearts and brains. Serological data showed significantly higher results in waterfowl in respect to non-waterfowl avian species. This finding indicates a higher exposure of water birds to the parasite. These avian species, in fact, which feed directly from soil and/or water, are prone to ingest oocysts excreted by final canid hosts. The present study adds information to the state of art of N. caninum epidemiology in Italy, even if more investigations using bio-assays are needed to allow for a serological/parasitological follow-up to evaluate the real impact of the avian species in maintaining the parasite in main reservoirs.
Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Diversity of Salmonella along the Pig Production Chain in Southern Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Bersot Luciano , Quintana Cavicchioli Valéria , Viana Cibeli , Konrad Burin Raquel Cristina , Camargo Anderson Carlos , de Almeida Nogueira Pinto José Paes , Nero Luís Augusto , Destro Maria Teresa
Published: October 2019

Control of Salmonella spp. in food production chains is very important to ensure safe foods and minimize the risks of foodborne disease occurrence. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and main contamination sources of Salmonella spp. in a pig production chain in southern Brazil. Six lots of piglets produced at different farms were tracked until their slaughter, and samples were subjected to Salmonella spp. detection. The obtained isolates were serotyped, subjected to antimicrobial resistance testing, and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Salmonella spp. was detected in 160 (10.2%) samples, and not detected in pig carcasses after final washing or chilling. Among the 210 Salmonella spp. isolates, S. Typhimurium was the most prevalent (n = 101) and resistant to at least one antimicrobial. High resistance rates were detected against tetracycline (83.8%), chloramphenicol (54.3%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (33.3%). The isolates that were non-susceptible to three or more classes of antimicrobials (n = 60) were considered multidrug-resistant (MDR), and isolates resistant to up to six of the tested antimicrobials were found. PFGE allowed the identification of genetic diversity and demonstrated that farm environment and feed supply may be sources for the dissemination of Salmonella spp. along the production chain. The results revealed the sources of Salmonella contamination in the pig production chain and highlighted the risks of antimicrobial resistance spread.
Study of Iron Piperazine-Based Chelators as Potential Siderophore Mimetics
Authors: Loupias Pauline , Dechamps-Olivier Isabelle , Dupont Laurent , Vanlemmens Pierre , Mullié Catherine , Taudon Nicolas , Bouchut Anne , Dassonville-Klimpt Alexandra , Sonnet Pascal
Published: October 2019

Gram-negative bacteria’s resistance such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the Burkholderia group to conventional antibiotics leads to therapeutic failure. Use of siderophores as Trojan horses to internalize antibacterial agents or toxic metals within bacteria is a promising strategy to overcome resistance phenomenon. To combat the Pseudomonas sp, we have synthesized and studied two piperazine-based siderophore mimetics carrying either catecholate moieties (1) or hydroxypyridinone groups (2) as iron chelators. These siderophore-like molecules were prepared in no more than four steps with good global yields. The physicochemical study has highlighted a strong iron affinity since their pFe values were higher than 20. 1 possesses even a pFe value superior than those of pyoverdine, the P. aeruginosa endogenous siderophore, suggesting its potential ability to compete with it. At physiological pH, 1 forms mainly a 2:3 complex with iron, whereas two species are observed for 2. Unfortunately, the corresponding Ga(III)-1 and 2 complexes showed no antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa DSM 1117 strain. The evaluation of their siderophore-like activity showed that 1 and 2 could be internalized by the bacteria.
Scalp Micro-Pigmentation via Transcutaneous Implantation of Flexible Tissue Interlocking Biodegradable Microneedles
Authors: Lahiji Shayan Fakhraei , Um Daniel Junmin , Kim Youseong , Jang Jeesu , Yang Huisuk , Jung Hyungil
Published: October 2019

Alopecia, characterized by hair follicle blockage and hair loss, disrupts the normal cycle of hair growth. Although not a life-threatening condition, a growing body of evidence suggests that the psychological state of individuals experiencing alopecia can be highly influenced. Despite considerable research on hair loss treatment, interest in micro-pigmentation has increased in recent decades. Micropigmentation is an effective method to camouflage the visual contrast between the scalp and hair strands. However, the localization, intensity and dimension of microdots depend highly upon the physician performing the implantation. Incorrectly localized microdots within the skin may lead to patchy or faded micropigmentation. To overcome the limitations of conventional micro-pigmentation, we aimed to develop micro-pigment-encapsulated biodegradable microneedles (PBMs), capable of accurately implanting pigments below the epithelial-dermal junction of the scalp in a minimally invasive manner. A tissue interlocking microneedle technique was utilized to fabricate double-layered PBMs over a biodegradable flexible sheet, which could be washed off post-implantation. We confirmed that the intensity, dimension and insertion depth of 1,000 μm-long PBMs was maintained on pig cadaver skin over time. This study suggested that the developed PBMs would serve as an attractive platform for scalp micro-pigmentation in the future.
Principal Criteria for Evaluating the Quality, Safety and Efficacy of hMSC-Based Products in Clinical Practice: Current Approaches and Challenges
Authors: Guadix Juan Antonio , López-Beas Javier , Clares Beatriz , Soriano-Ruiz José Luis , Zugaza José Luis , Gálvez-Martín Patricia
Published: October 2019

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) play an important role as new therapeutic alternatives in advanced therapies and regenerative medicine thanks to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties, and ability to migrate to the exact area of injury. These properties have made hMSCs one of the more promising cellular active substances at present, particularly in terms of the development of new and innovative hMSC-based products. Currently, numerous clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the therapeutic activity of hMSC-based products on specific targets. Given the rapidly growing number of hMSC clinical trials in recent years and the complexity of these products due to their cellular component characteristics and medicinal product status, there is a greater need to define more stringent, specific, and harmonized requirements to characterize the quality of the hMSCs and enhance the analysis of their safety and efficacy in final products to be administered to patients. These requirements should be implemented throughout the manufacturing process to guarantee the function and integrity of hMSCs and to ensure that the hMSC-based final product consistently meets its specifications across batches. This paper describes the principal phases involved in the design of the manufacturing process and updates the specific technical requirements needed to address the appropriate clinical use of hMSC-based products. The challenges and limitations to evaluating the safety, efficacy, and quality of hMSCs have been also reviewed and discussed.
Molecular Effects of Xylella fastidiosa and Drought Combined Stress in Olive Trees
Authors: De Pascali Mariarosaria , Vergine Marzia , Sabella Erika , Aprile Alessio , Nutricati Eliana , Nicolì Francesca , Buja Ilaria , Negro Carmine , Miceli Antonio , Rampino Patrizia , De Bellis Luigi , Luvisi Andrea
Published: October 2019

Due to global climate change, complex combinations of stresses are expected to occur, among which the interaction between pathogens and drought stress may have a significant effect on growth and yield. In this study, the Xylella fastidiosa (Xf)-resistant cultivar Leccino and the susceptible one Cellina di Nardò were subjected to (a) individual drought stress, (b) Xf infection and (c) combination of both stress conditions. Here we report the physiological response to stresses in water content in leaves and the modulation in the expression level of seven genes responsive to plant water status and pathogen infection. In Xf-resistant plants, higher expression levels are reported for genes belonging to ROS-scavenging systems and for genes involved in pathogen stress (pathogenesis-related, PR, and leucine-rich repeat genes, LRR-RLK). However, PR and LRR-RLK were not further induced by water deficit. Interestingly, the genes related to drought response (aquaporin, PIP2.1, dehydration responsive element binding, DREB, and dehydrin, DHN), which induction was higher in Cellina di Nardò compared to Leccino during drought stress, was poorly induced in Xf-susceptible plants when Xf occur. Conversely, DHN was induced by Xf presence in Leccino. These results were consistent with observations on water content. Indeed, response was similar in Leccino regardless kind of stress or combination, whereas a strong reduction was observed in Xf-susceptible plants infected by Xf or in presence of combined stresses. Thus, the reported findings indicate that resistance of Leccino to Xf could be linked to its lower resistance to water stress, probably leading to the activation of alternative defense pathways that support the plant in Xf response.
Developing Chloroplast Genomic Resources from 25 Avena Species for the Characterization of Oat Wild Relative Germplasm
Authors: Fu Yong-Bi , Li Pingchuan , Biligetu Bill
Published: October 2019

Chloroplast (cp) genomics will play an important role in the characterization of crop wild relative germplasm conserved in worldwide gene banks, thanks to the advances in genome sequencing. We applied a multiplexed shotgun sequencing procedure to sequence the cp genomes of 25 Avena species with variable ploidy levels. Bioinformatics analysis of the acquired sequences generated 25 de novo genome assemblies ranging from 135,557 to 136,006 bp. The gene annotations revealed 130 genes and their duplications, along with four to six pseudogenes, for each genome. Little differences in genome structure and gene arrangement were observed across the 25 species. Polymorphism analyses identified 1313 polymorphic sites and revealed an average of 277 microsatellites per genome. Greater nucleotide diversity was observed in the short single-copy region. Genome-wide scanning of selection signals suggested that six cp genes were under positive selection on some amino acids. These research outputs allow for a better understanding of oat cp genomes and evolution, and they form an essential set of cp genomic resources for the studies of oat evolutionary biology and for oat wild relative germplasm characterization.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Colonization Promotes Changes in the Volatile Compounds and Enzymatic Activity of Lipoxygenase and Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase in Piper nigrum L. ‘Bragantina’
Authors: da Trindade Rafaela , Almeida Laís , Xavier Luciana , Lins Alba Lúcia , Andrade Eloisa Helena , Maia José Guilherme , Mello Andréa , Setzer William N. , Ramos Alessandra , da Silva Joyce Kelly
Published: October 2019

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been used to promote numerous benefits to plants. In this study, we evaluated the symbiosis between AMF species (Rhizophagus clarus, Claroideoglomus etunicatum) and Piper nigrum L. ‘Bragantina’. Volatile compounds, lipoxygenase (LOX) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activities, and total phenolic content were monitored from 1 to 60 days post-inoculation (dpi). Hyphae, arbuscles, and vesicles were observed during the root colonization. In the leaves, AMF induced an increase of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (54.0%–79.0%) and a decrease of oxygenated sesquiterpenes (41.3%–14.5%) at 7 dpi and 60 dpi (41.8%–21.5%), respectively. Cubenol, the main volatile compound of leaves, showed a significant decrease at 7 dpi (21.5%–0.28%) and 45 dpi (20.4%–18.42%). β-caryophyllene, the major volatile compound of the roots, displayed a significant reduction at 45 dpi (30.0%–20.0%). LOX increased in the roots at 21, 30, and 60 dpi. PAL was higher in leaves during all periods, except at 60 dpi, and increased at 21 and 45 dpi in the roots. The total phenolic content showed a significant increase only in the roots at 30 dpi. The results suggested that AMF provided changes in the secondary metabolism of P. nigrum, inducing its resistance.
Whey: The Soil Bio-Community Enhancer That Selectively Controls Root-Knot Nematodes
Authors: Ntalli Nikoletta , Tsiafouli Maria A. , Tzani Kaliopi , Mavridi Olga , Oplos Chrisostomos , Menkissoglu-Spiroudi Urania , Monokrousos Nikolaos
Published: October 2019

To date, it is mandatory for ecofriendly pest-management tools to be used in agriculture. Whey is a dairy-processing waste, a plant and soil chemical and fungicidal basic substance. The beneficial effect of whey on soil microorganisms, enzymatic activities, and free-living nematodes—combined with its toxic activity on the plant parasites—forms root knot nematodes. In this study, this finding is reported for the first time. A drip-irrigating tomato plant combined with whey in water at 3.125% (v/w) and 6.25% (v/w) dose dependently promoted Gram+ and Gram− bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi biomass. Respectively, whey treatment and duration augmented the bacterial feeding nematodes along with the soil enzymatic activities, e.g., alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase, and urease. The counterpart for these soil organisms’ and enzymes’ functionality is the decomposition of organic matter, nutrient mineralization and cycling. Additionally, whey applied at 6.25% (v/w) every 10 days in a field experiment exhibited an efficacy of 70% on root knot nematodes. It is calculated that the EC50/3d value paralyzes in vitro Meloidogyne javanica, which was 3.2% (v/v). Conclusively, the soil application of whey could be a sustainable and ecofriendly method to combat the root knot nematodes and additionally to enhance soil biotic components.
Outstanding Characteristics of Thai Non-GM Bred Waxy Cassava Starches Compared with Normal Cassava Starch, Waxy Cereal Starches and Stabilized Cassava Starches
Authors: Toae Roselawatee , Sriroth Klanarong , Rojanaridpiched Chareinsuk , Vichukit Vichan , Chotineeranat Sunee , Wansuksri Rungtiva , Chatakanonda Pathama , Piyachomkwan Kuakoon
Published: October 2019

Waxy cassava roots of nine varieties successfully developed in Thailand by a non-genetic modification (non-GM), conventional breeding method were used for extracting starches and their starch physico-chemical properties were evaluated and compared with normal cassava starches, commercial waxy starches (i.e., waxy maize starch and waxy rice starch) and commercial stabilized starches (i.e., acetylated starch and hydroxypropylated starch). All waxy cassava varieties provided starches without amylose while normal cassava starches contained 18%–20% amylose contents. As determined by a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) at 5% (dry basis), waxy cassava starches had the highest peak viscosity and the lowest setback viscosity. Cooked paste of waxy cassava starches had the greatest clarity and stability among all starches during storage at 4 ℃ for 7 days as evidenced by its high light transmittance (%T) at 650 nm. No syneresis was detected in waxy cassava starch gels after subjecting to four freeze-thaw cycles (4 weeks) indicating high potential use of waxy cassava starches, free from chemicals, to replace stabilized starches as thickening and texturing agents in food products.
Seedling Emergence from Seed Banks in Ludwigia hexapetala-Invaded Wetlands: Implications for Restoration
Authors: Grewell Brenda J. , Gillard Morgane B. , Futrell Caryn J. , Castillo Jesús M.
Published: October 2019

Soil seed banks play a critical role in the maintenance of wetland plant communities and contribute to revegetation following disturbances. Analysis of the seed bank can therefore inform restoration planning and management. Emergence from seed banks may vary in response to hydrologic conditions and sediment disturbances. To assess the community-level impact of exotic Ludwigia hexapetala on soil seed banks, we compared differences in species composition of standing vegetation among invaded and non-invaded wetlands and the degree of similarity between vegetation and soil seed banks in northern California. To determine potential seed bank recruitment of L. hexapetala and associated plant species, we conducted a seedling emergence assay in response to inundation regime (drawdown vs. flooded) and sediment depth (surface vs. buried). Plant species richness, evenness, and Shannon’s H’ diversity were substantially lower in standing vegetation at L. hexapetala invaded sites as compared to non-invaded sites. Over 12 months, 69 plant taxa germinated from the seed banks, including L. hexapetala and several other exotic taxa. Seedling density varied among sites, being the highest (10,500 seedlings m−2) in surface sediments from non-invaded sites subjected to drawdown treatments. These results signal the need for invasive plant management strategies to deplete undesirable seed banks for restoration success.
Influence of Incorporated Polydimethylsiloxane on Properties of PA66 Fiber and Its Fabric Performance
Authors: Peng Wei , Qian Ying , Zhou Tong , Yang Shenglin , Jin Junhong , Li Guang
Published: October 2019

Poly(hexamethyllene adipamide), PA66 fiber has played an important role in varied industrial applications, and its corresponding product would become more competitive if some extra value was added to PA66 fiber. In this article, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used as an additive to prepare PA66/PDMS blend fibers through melt blend spinning carried out by a screw extruder spinning machine. When the amount of incorporated PDMS was 0.5–3 wt %, the blend melt demonstrated good spinning ability, and the PA66/PDMS blend fibers exhibited excellent mechanical property and reduced hot shrinkage. Moreover, the crystallization and melting behavior of PA66 in the blend fibers turned out to be not affected by the existence of PDMS. In addition, the contact angle of water on the blend fiber surface became larger, while the value of friction coefficient on the surface of fibers got lower with increasing PDMS content in the blend fibers. After evaluating the fabric woven by PA66/PDMS blend fibers using the KES-F KES-FB-2 fabric measuring system, it was found that as PDMS content increased, the flexural rigidity and bending hysteresis would be lower, yet elasticity rate of compression work would be higher, which explained how the fabric composed of the blend fiber performed better in terms of softness and elasticity.
An Investigation of the Techno-Economic and Environmental Aspects of Process Heat Source Change in a Refinery
Authors: Variny Miroslav , Jediná Dominika , Kizek Ján , Illés Peter , Lukáč Ladislav , Janošovský Ján , Lesný Marián
Published: October 2019

This study of process heat source change in industrial conditions has been developed to aid engineers and energy managers with working towards sustainable production. It allows for an objective assessment from energetic, environmental, and economic points of view, thereby filling the gap in the systematic approach to this problem. This novel site-wide approach substantially broadens the traditional approach, which is based mostly on “cheaper” and “cleaner” process heat sources’ application and only takes into account local changes, while neglecting the synergic effect on the whole facility’s operations. The mathematical model employed assesses the performance change of all the affected refinery parts. The four proposed aromatic splitting process layouts, serving as a case study, indicate feasible heat and condensate conservation possibilities. Although the estimated investment needed for the most viable layout is over €4.5 million, its implementation could generate benefits of €0.5–1.5 million/year, depending on the fuel and energy prices as well as on the carbon dioxide emissions cost. Its economics is most sensitive to the steam to refinery fuel gas cost ratio, as a 10% change alters the resulting benefit by more than €0.5 million. The pollutant emissions generated in the external power production process contribute significantly to the total emissions balance.
The Church in a Pluralistic World: The Public Vision of Ressourcement
Authors: Flynn Gabriel
Published: October 2019

The dual concern of this article is to present the vision of the church articulated by the renowned generation of Catholic ressourcement thinkers in the mid-twentieth century, and to demonstrate its continued fecundity in the pluralist, multi-cultural context of contemporary western society. It seeks to contribute primarily to ecclesiology, while also providing historical and social commentary with respectful suggestions for its relevance to present-day ecclesiology. The article provides an interpretative framework for understanding ressourcement with reference to its philosophical foundations and the vision of its founders. Its aims are, first, to articulate the role of ressourcement in the modern context and, secondly, to document the genesis and emergence of that movement’s perception of the church’s mandate in the world, based on an essential return to the sources of Christianity. The paper presents the public vision of ressourcement ecclesiology in two parts, drawing principally, though not exclusively, on the work of the two leading intellectual orders of the Catholic Church at the time of its formulation, namely, the Dominicans and the Jesuits of France. In this paper, I limit myself to the French-speaking Jesuits and Dominicans and do not refer to Rahner, Semmelroth, Schillebeeckx or Schoonenberg.
Deep Multi-Scale Recurrent Network for Synthetic Aperture Radar Images Despeckling
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Shi Jun , Yang Xiaqing , Wang Chen , Kumar Durga , Wei Shunjun , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: October 2019

For the existence of speckles, many standard optical image processing methods, such as classification, segmentation, and registration, are restricted to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. In this work, an end-to-end deep multi-scale recurrent network (MSR-net) for SAR image despeckling is proposed. The multi-scale recurrent and weights sharing strategies are introduced to increase network capacity without multiplying the number of weights parameters. A convolutional long short-term memory (convLSTM) unit is embedded to capture useful information and helps with despeckling across scales. Meanwhile, the sub-pixel unit is utilized to improve the network efficiency. Besides, two criteria, edge feature keep ratio (EFKR) and feature point keep ratio (FPKR), are proposed to evaluate the performance of despeckling capacity for SAR, which can assess the retention ability of the despeckling algorithm to edge and feature information more effectively. Experimental results show that our proposed network can remove speckle noise while preserving the edge and texture information of images with low computational costs, especially in the low signal noise ratio scenarios. The peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) of MSR-net can outperform traditional despeckling methods SAR-BM3D (Block-Matching and 3D filtering) by more than 2 dB for the simulated image. Furthermore, the adaptability of optical image processing methods to real SAR images can be enhanced after despeckling.