bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiRAR—miRNA Activity Reporter for Living Cells
Authors: Turk Matthew A. , Chung Christina Z. , Manni Emad , Zukowski Stephanie A. , Engineer Anish , Badakhshi Yasaman , Bi Yumin , Heinemann Ilka U.
Published: June 2018

microRNA (miRNA) activity and regulation are of increasing interest as new therapeutic targets. Traditional approaches to assess miRNA levels in cells rely on RNA sequencing or quantitative PCR. While useful, these approaches are based on RNA extraction and cannot be applied in real-time to observe miRNA activity with single-cell resolution. We developed a green fluorescence protein (GFP)-based reporter system that allows for a direct, real-time readout of changes in miRNA activity in live cells. The miRNA activity reporter (MiRAR) consists of GFP fused to a 3′ untranslated region containing specific miRNA binding sites, resulting in miRNA activity-dependent GFP expression. Using qPCR, we verified the inverse relationship of GFP fluorescence and miRNA levels. We demonstrated that this novel optogenetic reporter system quantifies cellular levels of the tumor suppressor miRNA let-7 in real-time in single Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells. Our data shows that the MiRAR can be applied to detect changes in miRNA levels upon disruption of miRNA degradation pathways. We further show that the reporter could be adapted to monitor another disease-relevant miRNA, miR-122. With trivial modifications, this approach could be applied across the miRNome for quantification of many specific miRNA in cell cultures, tissues, or transgenic animal models.
From Chromosomes to Genome: Insights into the Evolutionary Relationships and Biogeography of Old World Knifefishes (Notopteridae; Osteoglossiformes)
Authors: Barby Felipe Faix , Ráb Petr , Lavoué Sébastien , Ezaz Tariq , Bertollo Luiz Antônio Carlos , Kilian Andrzej , Maruyama Sandra Regina , Aguiar de Oliveira Ezequiel , Artoni Roberto Ferreira , Santos Mateus Henrique , Ilesanmi Jegede Oladele , Hatanaka Terumi , Tanomtong Alongklod , Liehr Thomas , Cioffi Marcelo de Bello
Published: June 2018

In addition to its wide geographical distribution, osteoglossiform fishes represent one of the most ancient freshwater teleost lineages; making it an important group for systematic and evolutionary studies. These fishes had a Gondwanan origin and their past distribution may have contributed to the diversity present in this group. However, cytogenetic and genomic data are still scarce, making it difficult to track evolutionary trajectories within this order. In addition, their wide distribution, with groups endemic to different continents, hinders an integrative study that allows a globalized view of its evolutionary process. Here, we performed a detailed chromosomal analysis in Notopteridae fishes, using conventional and advanced molecular cytogenetic methods. Moreover, the genetic distances of examined species were assessed by genotyping using diversity arrays technology sequencing (DArTseq). These data provided a clear picture of the genetic diversity between African and Asian Notopteridae species, and were highly consistent with the chromosomal, geographical, and historical data, enlightening their evolutionary diversification. Here, we discuss the impact of continental drift and split of Pangea on their recent diversity, as well as the contribution to biogeographical models that explain their distribution, highlighting the role of the Indian subcontinent in the evolutionary process within the family.
The Type 3 Deiodinase: Epigenetic Control of Brain Thyroid Hormone Action and Neurological Function
Authors: Hernandez Arturo , Stohn J. Patrizia
Published: June 2018

Thyroid hormones (THs) influence multiple processes in the developing and adult central nervous system, and their local availability needs to be maintained at levels that are tailored to the requirements of their biological targets. The local complement of TH transporters, deiodinase enzymes, and receptors is critical to ensure specific levels of TH action in neural cells. The type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase (DIO3) inactivates THs and is highly present in the developing and adult brain, where it limits their availability and action. DIO3 deficiency in mice results in a host of neurodevelopmental and behavioral abnormalities, demonstrating the deleterious effects of TH excess, and revealing the critical role of DIO3 in the regulation of TH action in the brain. The fact the Dio3 is an imprinted gene and that its allelic expression pattern varies across brain regions and during development introduces an additional level of control to deliver specific levels of hormone action in the central nervous system (CNS). The sensitive epigenetic nature of the mechanisms controlling the genomic imprinting of Dio3 renders brain TH action particularly susceptible to disruption due to exogenous treatments and environmental exposures, with potential implications for the etiology of human neurodevelopmental disorders.
5-Azacitidine Induces Cell Death in a Tissue Culture of Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Betekhtin Alexander , Milewska-Hendel Anna , Chajec Lukasz , Rojek Magdalena , Nowak Katarzyna , Kwasniewska Jolanta , Wolny Elzbieta , Kurczynska Ewa , Hasterok Robert
Published: June 2018

Morphological and histological observations revealed that, at a concentration of 50 µM, 5-azacitidine (5-azaC) totally inhibited the induction of embryogenic masses (EM), while the cultivation of explants (zygotic embryos; ZEs) in the presence of 5 µM of 5-azaC led to the formation of a callus with EM in 10% of the cases. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyzes revealed the presence of the morphological and ultrastructural features that are typical for the vacuolar type of cell death in the callus cells that were treated. A TUNEL assay confirmed the presence of DNA double-strand breaks for the callus cells that had been treated with both 5 and 50 µM 5-azaC concentrations. Analysis of the gene expression of selected cell death markers demonstrated a reduced expression of metacaspase, protein executer 1 (EX1), and thioredoxin (TRX) in the callus cells that had been treated compared to the control culture. The strongest increase in the gene activity was characteristic for glutathione S-transferase (GST). Our studies also included an analysis of the distribution of some arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) and extensin epitopes, which can be used as markers of cells that are undergoing death in a Brachypodium distachyon tissue culture.
Co-Expression Network Analysis of AMPK and Autophagy Gene Products during Adipocyte Differentiation
Authors: Ahmed Mahmoud , Hwang Jin Seok , Lai Trang Huyen , Zada Sahib , Nguyen Huynh Quoc , Pham Trang Min , Yun Miyong , Kim Deok Ryong
Published: June 2018

Autophagy is involved in the development and differentiation of many cell types. It is essential for the pre-adipocytes to respond to the differentiation stimuli and may contribute to reorganizing the intracellulum to adapt the morphological and metabolic demands. Although AMPK, an energy sensor, has been associated with autophagy in several cellular processes, how it connects to autophagy during the adipocyte differentiation remains to be investigated. Here, we studied the interaction between AMPK and autophagy gene products at the mRNA level during adipocyte differentiation using public-access datasets. We used the weighted-gene co-expression analysis to detect and validate multiple interconnected modules of co-expressed genes in a dataset of MDI-induced 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. These modules were found to be highly correlated with the differentiation course of the adipocytes. Several novel interactions between AMPK and autophagy gene products were identified. Together, it is possible that AMPK-autophagy interaction is temporally and locally modulated in response to the differentiation stimuli.
Differential Expression and Pathway Analysis in Drug-Resistant Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Lines Using RNASeq Analysis
Authors: Shaheen Safa , Fawaz Febin , Shah Shaheen , Büsselberg Dietrich
Published: June 2018

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is among the most notorious types of breast cancer, the treatment of which does not give consistent results due to the absence of the three receptors (estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) as well as high amount of molecular variability. Drug resistance also contributes to treatment unresponsiveness. We studied differentially expressed genes, their biological roles, as well as pathways from RNA-Seq datasets of two different TNBC drug-resistant cell lines of Basal B subtype SUM159 and MDA-MB-231 treated with drugs JQ1 and Dexamethasone, respectively, to elucidate the mechanism of drug resistance. RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq) data analysis was done using edgeR which is an efficient program for determining the most significant Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology (GO) terms, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. iPathway analysis was further used to obtain validated results using analysis that takes into consideration type, function, and interactions of genes in the pathway. The significant similarities and differences throw light into the molecular heterogeneity of TNBC, giving clues into the aspects that can be focused to overcome drug resistance. From this study, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway appeared to be a key factor in TNBC drug resistance.
Development of a Population-Based Newborn Screening Method for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Thompson J. Robert , Greenberg Cheryl R. , Dick Andrew , Jilkina Olga , Kwan Luvinia , Rubin Tamar S. , Zelinski Teresa , Schroeder Marlis L. , Van Caeseele Paul
Published: June 2018

The incidence of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) in Manitoba, (1/15,000), is at least three to four times higher than the national average and that reported from other jurisdictions. It is overrepresented in two population groups: Mennonites (ZAP70 founder mutation) and First Nations of Northern Cree ancestry (IKBKB founder mutation). We have previously demonstrated that in these two populations the most widely utilized T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) assay is an ineffective newborn screening test to detect SCID as these patients have normal numbers of mature T-cells. We have developed a semi-automated, closed tube, high resolution DNA melting procedure to simultaneously genotype both of these mutations from the same newborn blood spot DNA extract used for the TREC assay. Parallel analysis of all newborn screening specimens utilizing both TREC analysis and the high-resolution DNA procedure should provide as complete ascertainment as possible of SCID in the Manitoba population.
Polylactic Acid Reinforced with Mixed Cellulose and Chitin Nanofibers—Effect of Mixture Ratio on the Mechanical Properties of Composites
Authors: Nakagaito Antonio Norio , Kanzawa Sohtaro , Takagi Hitoshi
Published: June 2018

The development of all-bio-based composites is one of the relevant aspects of pursuing a carbon-neutral economy. This study aims to explore the possibility to reinforce polylactic acid by the combination of cellulose and chitin nanofibers instead of a single reinforcement phase. Polylactic acid colloidal suspension, cellulose and chitin nanofiber suspensions were mixed using only water as mixing medium and subsequently dewatered to form paper-like sheets. Sheets were hot pressed to melt the polylactic acid and form nanocomposites. The combination of cellulose and chitin nanofiber composites delivered higher tensile properties than its counterparts reinforced with cellulose or chitin nanofibers alone. Cellulose and chitin appear to complement each other from the aspect of the formation of a rigid cellulose nanofiber percolated network, and chitin acting as a compatibilizer between hydrophobic polylactic acid and hydrophilic cellulose.
Efficacy of Age-Specific High-Intensity Stretch-Shortening Contractions in Reversing Dynapenia, Sarcopenia, and Loss of Skeletal Muscle Quality
Authors: Baker Brent A.
Published: June 2018

During the aging process, skeletal muscle performance and physiology undergoes alterations leading to decrements in functional capacity, health-span, and independence. Background: The utility and implementation of age-specific exercise is a paramount research agenda focusing on ameliorating the loss of both skeletal muscle performance and physiology; yet, to date, no consensus exists as to the most appropriate mechanical loading protocol design or overall exercise prescription that best meets this need. Thus, the purpose of this review is to highlight the most optimal type of exercise presently available and provide the most current, evidence-based findings for its efficacy. The hypothesis that high-intensity, stretch-shortening contractions (SSCs)—a form of “resistance-type exercise” training—present as the preferred exercise mode for serving as an intervention-based modality to attenuate dynapenia, sarcopenia, and decreased muscle quality with aging, even restoring the overall youthful phenotype, will be demonstrated. Conclusions: Appreciating the fundamental evidence supporting the use of high-intensity SSCs in positively impacting aging skeletal muscle’s responsivity and their use as a specific and sensitive countermeasure is crucial. Moreover, from an applied perspective, SSCs may improve skeletal muscle quality and rejuvenate health-span and, ultimately, lead to augmented functional capacity, independence, and quality of life concomitant with decreased morbidity.
Pastoral Resilience among the Maasai Pastoralists of Laikipia County, Kenya
Authors: Ameso Edwin Ambani , Bukachi Salome Atieno , Olungah Charles Owuor , Haller Tobias , Wandibba Simiyu , Nangendo Steve
Published: June 2018

This paper addresses pastoral resilience by drawing out the coping strategies and mechanisms utilized by the Maasai Pastoralists through a food system approach, based on the study findings of an anthropological study of pastoralism as a food system in Laikipia County, Rift Valley, Kenya. The co-existence and interactions of pastoralism as a food system with other types of food systems in Laikipia, such as large-scale horticulture, justified the selection of the study site. This paper is guided by the specific objectives aimed at establishing actors and their roles, and describing the institutional settings and changes that sustain the continued practice of pastoralism. Using a new institutionalism approach, the paper focuses not only on the actors and their roles but also on how internal and external forces regulate access and use of common pool resources (CPRs) resulting in food sustainability within the food system amidst climatic challenges and cyclic humanitarian crises. We argue that this has an impact on the food system that continually defines and redefines the actors’ roles and institutional settings and changes (formal and informal rules, regulations, values and norms) that in turn affirm the value of pastoral economies and benefits accrued to a wide range of actors beyond the community and leading to pastoral resilience. Data collected through in-depth interviews amongst pastoral households identified actors and their roles in pastoralism in the household with a total of 50 households being conveniently sampled. Key informant interviews with key stakeholders in the food system described the institutional settings and changes and also identified actors and their roles in pastoralism. Three focus group discussions based on age and gender, established the actors and their roles and described institutional settings and changes to supplement data collected from interviews and unstructured observations aimed at giving a better description of the actors and their roles and also point to observable institutional settings and changes within and outside the community group ranches. The findings reveal that actors in the household, state, non-state, and service providers have developed varied coping strategies and mechanisms that sustain pastoralism. The study also identified institutional settings and changes that promote pastoral resilience, notably, private land ownership patterns, co-management of livestock markets, commercialization of herding, decentralization of livestock services, holistic management of pasture and the water-shed management plans. As a result, increased scholarship and advocacy in regards to the concept of co-management of livestock markets, are recommended as a means of understanding the pastoral resilience that the food system exhibits.
Noninvasive Mechanochemical Imaging in Unconstrained Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sugi Takuma , Igarashi Ryuji , Nishimura Masaki
Published: June 2018

Physical forces are transduced into chemical reactions, thereby ultimately making a large impact on the whole-animal level phenotypes such as homeostasis, development and behavior. To understand mechano-chemical transduction, mechanical input should be quantitatively delivered with controllable vibration properties–frequency, amplitude and duration, and its chemical output should be noninvasively quantified in an unconstrained animal. However, such an experimental system has not been established so far. Here, we develop a noninvasive and unconstrained mechanochemical imaging microscopy. This microscopy enables us to evoke nano-scale nonlocalized vibrations with controllable vibration properties using a piezoelectric acoustic transducer system and quantify calcium response of a freely moving C. elegans at a single cell resolution. Using this microscopy, we clearly detected the calcium response of a single interneuron during C. elegans escape response to nano-scale vibration. Thus, this microscopy will facilitate understanding of in vivo mechanochemical physiology in the future.
Pore Structure Characterization of Sodium Hydroxide Activated Slag Using Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry, Nitrogen Adsorption, and Image Analysis
Authors: Zuo Yibing , Ye Guang
Published: June 2018

The pore structure of alkali-activated slag has a significant influence on its performance. However, the literature shows insufficient studies regarding the suitability of different techniques for characterizing the pore structure and the influences of Na2O and curing age on pore structure development. In pursuit of a better understanding, the pore structure of sodium hydroxide activated slag paste was characterized by multiple techniques, e.g., mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), nitrogen (N2) adsorption, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image analysis. The sodium hydroxide activated slag pastes were prepared with three different contents of Na2O (Na2O/slag = 4, 6, and 8%) and cured for different times up to 360 days. The microstructure observation reveals that outer C–(N–)A–S–H and inner C–(N–)A–S–H grow successively around the reacting slag grains, along with crystalline reaction products which are formed in the empty coarse pore space. The increase of Na2O content and curing age lead to a finer pore structure. The MIP measurements show that the total porosity drops about 70% within the first day, and that one peak at most, corresponding to gel pores, was identified in the differential curves of all the investigated samples from 1 to 360 days. On the contrary, only one peak, corresponding to capillary pores, was identified by SEM-image analysis. The differential curves derived from N2 adsorption generally reveal two peaks, and the trend that the pore diameters of those two peaks vary with curing age depends on the content of Na2O. Compared to Portland cement, sodium hydroxide activated slag has a higher pore space filling capacity (χ, Vproducts/Vslag-reacted), while the capacity decreases with increasing Na2O content and curing age.
Influence of Microstructure and Shot Peening Treatment on Corrosion Resistance of AISI F55-UNS S32760 Super Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Ciuffini Andrea Francesco , Barella Silvia , Peral Martínez Luis Borja , Mapelli Carlo , Fernández Pariente Inés
Published: June 2018

Shot peening is a surface process commonly used in the aeronautic and automotive industries to improve fatigue resistance. Shot peening is proven to be beneficial in the fatigue behavior of components, but rarely has its influence on wear and pitting corrosion resistance been evaluated. In this work, shot peening was performed on AISI F55-UNS S32760 super-duplex stainless steel samples previously submitted to various thermal treatments, to obtain different initial microstructures and properties. Samples have been characterized in terms of microstructure morphology, local chemical composition, microhardness of each constituent phase, and energy dissipation modes. The enhanced properties provided by shot peening has been evaluated through residual stress depth profiles and Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) using X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface hardness, surface roughness, and corrosion resistance through salt spray fog tests. The 1400 °C solution thermal treatment was identified as the optimum initial condition, which maximizes the advantages of the shot peening treatment, even pitting corrosion resistance. These results are related to the uniformity of austenite and ferrite in terms of microstructure morphology, micromechanical properties, and alloying elements distribution.
Dietary patterns and their association with lifestyle factors in Lithuanian adult population
Authors: Kriaučionienė Vilma , Petkevičienė Janina , Klumbienė Jūratė
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the association between dietary patterns and others lifestyle factors. In 1998–2004, four cross-sectional surveys were carried out within the FINBALT HEALTH MONITOR project. For every survey, a random sample of 3000 Lithuanians, aged 20–64 years, was taken from the National Population Register. The response rates varied from 61.7% to 74.4%. The study material was collected by mailed questionnaires. The 20 food groups were included into food frequency questionnaire. Factor analysis was employed in order to reduce the number of food items. Four main factors were identified: “Light food,” “Sweets,” “Heavy food,” and “Cereals.” They accounted for 46% of total variance in food intake in men and women. The associations between dietary patterns and lifestyle factors were examined by applying logistic regression analysis. Nonsmokers, physical active people, wine drinkers, and men consuming beer were more likely to follow the “Light food” pattern (consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits, chicken, and fish). People having positive values of the “Cereals” pattern smoked and drank alcohol less often and were more physical active than those with negative values of the factor. “Heavy food” factor was associated with daily smoking and drinking of strong alcohol in men and drinking of beer in women. The consumers of strong alcohol and people less physically active in leisure time were more likely to follow “Sweets” pattern. Conclusions. Nutrition habits were related to lifestyle factors. Men and women who followed the “Cereals” pattern have the healthiest lifestyle.
Annealing-Induced High Ordering and Coercivity in Novel L10 CoPt-Based Nanocomposite Magnets
Authors: Crisan Alina Daniela , Vasiliu Florin , Mercioniu Ionel , Bartha Cristina , Enculescu Monica , Crisan Ovidiu
Published: June 2018

A novel class of quaternary intermetallic alloys based on CoPt is investigated in view of their interesting magnetic properties induced by the presence of hard magnetic L10 phase. A Co48Pt28Ag6B18 alloy has been prepared by rapid solidification from the melt and subjected to various isothermal annealing procedures. The structure and magnetism of both as-cast and annealed samples as well as the phase evolution with temperature are investigated by means of thermal analysis, X-ray, and selected area electron diffraction, scanning and high-resolution electron microscopy, and magnetic measurements. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that both the as-cast alloy and the sample annealed at 400 °C (673 K) have a nanocrystalline structure where fcc CoPt phase predominates. Annealing at 473 °C promotes the formation of L10 phase triggered by the disorder-order phase transformation as documented in the differential scanning calorimetry results. The sample annealed at 670 °C (943 K) shows full formation of L10 CoPt as revealed by XRD. Magnetic measurements showed coercivity values ten times increased compared to the as-cast state. This confirms the full formation of L10 CoPt in the annealed samples. Moreover, detailed atomic resolution HREM images and SAED patterns show the occurrence of the rarely seen (003) superlattice peaks, which translated into a high ordering of the L10 CoPt superlattice. Such results spur more interest in finding novel classes of nanocomposite magnets based on L10 phase.
Rapid Detection and Trapping of Extracellular Vesicles by Electrokinetic Concentration for Liquid Biopsy on Chip
Authors: Cheung Lucia S. , Sahloul Sarah , Orozaliev Ajymurat , Song Yong-Ak
Published: June 2018

Exosomes have gained immense importance since their proteomic and genetic contents could potentially be used for disease diagnostics, monitoring of cancer progression, metastasis, and drug efficacy. However, establishing the clinical utility of exosomes has been restricted due to small sizes and high sample loss from extensive sample preparation. Sample loss is particularly critical for body fluids limited in volume and difficult to access, e.g., cerebrospinal fluid. We present a microfluidic technique that locally enhances the concentration of extracellular vesicles extracted from MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines by using an ion concentration polarization (ICP)-based electrokinetic concentrator. Our design incorporates a trapping mechanism near the conductive polymer membrane; therefore, we can preconcentrate and capture extracellular vesicles simultaneously. Compared with standard fluorescence detection, our method increased the limit of detection (LOD) of extracellular vesicles by two orders of magnitude in 30 min. Our concentrator increased the extracellular vesicle concentration for 5.0 × 107 particles/1 mL (LOD), 5.0 × 108 particles/1 mL, and 5.0 × 109 particles/1 mL by ~100-fold each within 30 min using 45 V. This study demonstrates an alternative platform to simultaneously preconcentrate and capture extracellular vesicles that can be incorporated as part of a liquid biopsy-on-a-chip system for the detection of exosomal biomarkers and analysis of their contents for early cancer diagnosis.
Rigid-Flex PCB Technology with Embedded Fluidic Cavities and Its Application in Electromagnetic Energy Harvesters
Authors: Chiu Yi , Hong Hao-Chiao
Published: June 2018

A technology platform based on commercial printed circuit boards (PCB) technology is developed and presented. It integrates rigid flame retardant (FR)-4 boards, flexible polyimide (PI) structures, and embedded cavities for micro- and meso-scale applications. The cavities or channels can be filled with fluids for microfluidic and lab-on-chip systems. In this study, an electromagnetic energy harvester with enhanced output was designed and implemented in the platform. To enhance harvester output, the embedded cavities were filled with ferrofluid (FF) to improve the overall magnetic circuit design and electromechanical coupling of the device. The fabricated PCB-based harvester had a dimension of 20 mm × 20 mm × 4 mm. Vibration tests of the harvesters were conducted with different magnet sizes and different FF. Test results showed up to a 70% enhancement of output voltage and a 195% enhancement of output power when the cavities were filled with oil-based FF as compared with harvesters without FF. When the cavities were filled with water-based FF, the enhancement of voltage and power increased to 25% and 50%, respectively. The maximum output power delivered to a matched load at a 196-Hz resonance frequency and 1 grms vibration was estimated to be 2.3 µW, corresponding to an area power density of 0.58 µW/cm2 and a volume power density of 1.4 µW/cm3, respectively.
Mitochondria-Targeting Small Molecules Effectively Prevent Cardiotoxicity Induced by Doxorubicin
Authors: Shi Wei , Deng Hongkuan , Zhang Jianyong , Zhang Ying , Zhang Xiufang , Cui Guozhen
Published: June 2018

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used for the treatment of numerous cancers. However, the clinical use of Dox is limited by its unwanted cardiotoxicity. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. To mitigate Dox-related cardiotoxicity, considerable successful examples of a variety of small molecules that target mitochondria to modulate Dox-induced cardiotoxicity have appeared in recent years. Here, we review the related literatures and discuss the evidence showing that mitochondria-targeting small molecules are promising cardioprotective agents against Dox-induced cardiac events.
The Effect of Exercise Intensity on Gastric Emptying Rate, Appetite and Gut Derived Hormone Responses after Consuming a Standardised Semi-Solid Meal in Healthy Males
Authors: Mattin Lewis R. , Yau Adora M. W. , McIver Victoria , James Lewis J. , Evans Gethin H.
Published: June 2018

This study investigated the acute circulating gut hormone, appetite and gastric emptying rate responses to a semi-solid meal following exercise at different intensities. Twelve men completed three trials in a randomised-crossover design, consisting of continuous cycling at 70% V˙O2Peak (HIGH), 40% V˙O2Peak (LOW) or rest (CONTROL). Baseline samples were collected after an overnight fast before undertaking the 60 min exercise or rest period, followed by 30 min rest before consumption of a standardised semi-solid meal (~242 kcal). During the 2 h postprandial period, gastric emptying rate of the meal was examined using the 13C-breath test method, appetite was measured using visual analogue scales, and serum concentrations of acylated ghrelin, pancreatic polypeptide, peptide YY, glucagon-like peptide-1, insulin, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids were assessed. Subjective appetite response was not different between trials (p > 0.05). Half emptying time of the meal was 89 ± 13, 82 ± 8 and 94 ± 31 min on CONTROL, LOW and HIGH, respectively (p = 0.247). In healthy un-trained adult males, responses to exercise at intensities of 70% and 40% V˙O2Peak did not differ to a non-exercise control for measurements of subsequent gastric emptying, circulating gut hormone response or appetite. These results suggest that exercise intensity has little effect on post-exercise appetite response to a semi-solid meal.
Interaction between an ADCY3 Genetic Variant and Two Weight-Lowering Diets Affecting Body Fatness and Body Composition Outcomes Depending on Macronutrient Distribution: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Goni Leticia , Riezu-Boj Jose Ignacio , Milagro Fermín I. , Corrales Fernando J. , Ortiz Lourdes , Cuervo Marta , Martínez J. Alfredo
Published: June 2018

The adenylate cyclase 3 (ADCY3) gene is involved in the regulation of several metabolic processes including the development and function of adipose tissue. The effects of the ADCY3 rs10182181 genetic variant on changes in body composition depending on the macronutrient distribution intake after 16 weeks of the dietary intervention were tested. The ADCY3 genetic variant was genotyped in 147 overweight or obese subjects, who were randomly assigned to one of the two diets varying in macronutrient content: a moderately-high-protein diet and a low-fat diet. Anthropometric and body composition measurements (DEXA scan) were recorded. Significant interactions between the ADCY3 genotype and dietary intervention on changes in weight, waist circumference, and body composition were found after adjustment for covariates. Thus, in the moderately-high-protein diet group, the G allele was associated with a lower decrease of fat mass, trunk and android fat, and a greater decrease in lean mass. Conversely, in the low-fat diet group carrying the G allele was associated with a greater decrease in trunk, android, gynoid, and visceral fat. Subjects carrying the G allele of the rs10182181 polymorphism may benefit more in terms of weight loss and improvement of body composition measurements when undertaking a hypocaloric low-fat diet as compared to a moderately-high-protein diet.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for the Selective Extraction of Bisphenol A and Progesterone from Aqueous Media
Authors: Cáceres César , Bravo Catalina , Rivas Bernabé , Moczko Ewa , Sáez Pedro , García Yadiris , Pereira Eduardo
Published: June 2018

This paper describes the development of a novel sorbent for selective extraction of endocrine disruptors (EDs) from aqueous media. The main goal was to obtain sufficient molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for selective detection, preconcentration, and extraction of EDs such as bisphenol A (BPA) and progesterone (PG). Series of MIPs and their analogues, non-molecularly imprinted polymers (NIPs), were synthesised following a non-covalent imprinting strategy based on radical polymerisation. Sets of synthesis were performed in order to optimise variables of the polymerisation including solvent, cross-linker, and template ratio. The retention capacity of MIPs was determined using HPLC in the range of 33.3% to 96.6% and 32.5% to 96% for BPA and PG, respectively. The adsorption mechanism was studied by isothermal and kinetic assays. The kinetic analysis showed a high retention capacity within 15 min of contact. The polymer yield was obtained in the range of 30% to 100%. Additionally, there was no significant cross-reactivity observed upon testing MIPs with structural analogues and other endocrine disruptors instead of target molecules. The results also revealed the high importance of different concentrations of cross-linker and solvent during the polymerisation. Firstly, the pre-organisation of complementary functional groups, which were present in the polymerisation mixture, and secondly, selective cavity formation for target molecules.
Analysis of the Models of Motion of Aqueous Solutions of Polymers on the Basis of Their Exact Solutions
Authors: Frolovskaya Oxana A. , Pukhnachev Vladislav V.
Published: June 2018

The qualitative properties of solutions of a hereditary model of motion of aqueous solutions of polymers, its modification in the limiting case of short relaxation times, and a similar second grade fluid model are studied. Unsteady shear flows are considered. In the first case, their properties are similar to those of motion of a usual viscous fluid. Other models can include weak discontinuities, which are retained in the course of fluid motion. Exact solutions are found by using the group analysis of the examined systems of equations. These solutions describe the fluid motion in a gap between coaxial rotating cylinders, the stagnation point flow, and the motion in a half-space induced by plane rotation (analog of the Karman vortex). The problem of motion of an aqueous solution of a polymer in a cylindrical tube under the action of a streamwise pressure gradient is considered. In this case, a flow with straight-line trajectories is possible (analog of the Hagen-Poiseuille flow). In contrast to the latter, however, the pressure in the flow considered here depends on all three spatial variables.
Will God Make Me Rich? An Investigation into the Relationship between Membership in Charismatic Churches, Wealth, and Women’s Empowerment in Ghana
Authors: Gundersen Sara
Published: June 2018

In recent decades, there has been an explosion in the growth of Pentecostal churches in Ghana, many of which preach that belief in God will translate into material wealth for both men and women. While some have argued that women in these churches are likely to be more empowered due to female leadership and focus on the individual, others have argued that this may not translate to the typical congregant’s experience. After all, members of the Pentecostal church subscribe to the belief that wives should “submit to their husbands” (Biblia n.d.). In this study, I used the 2014 Demographic Health Survey to directly test whether women who identify as Pentecostal/Charismatic/Evangelical have a higher level of empowerment as measured by autonomy in decision making. I found that they exhibit significantly less decision-making power than other Christian women in making big household purchases and on their own healthcare. This exists both before and after controlling for wealth. Thus, the notion that Pentecostal women are more empowered than other Christians appears to be misguided.
Deformation Monitoring for Chinese Traditional Timber Buildings Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
Authors: Li Ni-Lei , Jiang Shao-Fei , Wu Ming-Hao , Shen Sheng , Zhang Ying
Published: June 2018

The Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensing technique is suitable for a wide variety of measurements, including temperature, pressure, acceleration, liquid level, etc., and has been applied to many bridges and buildings in the past two decades. The fact that the FBG technique can only monitor and measure strain data for most cases when it is used for deformation measurements impedes application of the FBG sensing technique in civil infrastructures. This paper proposes FBG sensing-based deformation monitoring methods that are applicable to monitoring beam deflection, column inclination angle and mortise-tenon joint dislocation for Chinese traditional timber structures. On the basis of improved conjugated beam theory and geometrical trigonometric function relationship, the relationships between the FBG sensing strain values and the deflection of beam, inclination angle of column, as well as the amount of dislocation of mortise-tenon joint are deducted for Chinese traditional buildings. A series of experiments were conducted to verify the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed deformation monitoring methods. The results show that a good agreement is obtained between the values given by the methods proposed in this paper and other methods. This implies that the proposed deformation monitoring methods are applicable and effective in the health monitoring of Chinese traditional timber structures.
Evaluating the Performance of De Novo Assembly Methods for Venom-Gland Transcriptomics
Authors: Holding Matthew L. , Margres Mark J. , Mason Andrew J. , Parkinson Christopher L. , Rokyta Darin R.
Published: June 2018

Venom-gland transcriptomics is a key tool in the study of the evolution, ecology, function, and pharmacology of animal venoms. In particular, gene-expression variation and coding sequences gained through transcriptomics provide key information for explaining functional venom variation over both ecological and evolutionary timescales. The accuracy and usefulness of inferences made through transcriptomics, however, is limited by the accuracy of the transcriptome assembly, which is a bioinformatic problem with several possible solutions. Several methods have been employed to assemble venom-gland transcriptomes, with the Trinity assembler being the most commonly applied among them. Although previous evidence of variation in performance among assembly software exists, particularly regarding recovery of difficult-to-assemble multigene families such as snake venom metalloproteinases, much work to date still employs a single assembly method. We evaluated the performance of several commonly used de novo assembly methods for the recovery of both nontoxin transcripts and complete, high-quality venom-gene transcripts across eleven snake and four scorpion transcriptomes. We varied k-mer sizes used by some assemblers to evaluate the impact of k-mer length on transcript recovery. We showed that the recovery of nontoxin transcripts and toxin transcripts is best accomplished through different assembly software, with SDT at smaller k-mer lengths and Trinity being best for nontoxin recovery and a combination of SeqMan NGen and a seed-and-extend approach implemented in Extender as the best means of recovering a complete set of toxin transcripts. In particular, Extender was the only means tested capable of assembling multiple isoforms of the diverse snake venom metalloproteinase family, while traditional approaches such as Trinity recovered at most one metalloproteinase transcript. Our work demonstrated that traditional metrics of assembly performance are not predictive of performance in the recovery of complete and high quality toxin genes. Instead, effective venom-gland transcriptomic studies should combine and quality-filter the results of several assemblers with varying algorithmic strategies.
Tb II-I, a Fraction Isolated from Tityus bahiensis Scorpion Venom, Alters Cytokines’: Level and Induces Seizures When Intrahippocampally Injected in Rats
Authors: Beraldo Neto Emidio , Mariano Douglas O. C. , Freitas Lucas A. , Dorce Ana L. C. , Martins Adriana N. , Pimenta Daniel C. , Portaro Fernanda C. V. , Cajado-Carvalho Daniela , Dorce Valquiria A. C. , Nencioni Ana L. A.
Published: June 2018

Scorpion venoms are composed of several substances with different pharmacological activities. Neurotoxins exert their effects by targeting ion channels resulting in toxic effects to mammals, insects and crustaceans. Tb II-I, a fraction isolated from Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom, was investigated for its ability to induce neurological and immune-inflammatory effects. Two putative β-sodium channel toxins were identified in this fraction, Tb2 II and Tb 4, the latter having been completely sequenced by mass spectrometry. Male Wistar rats, stereotaxically implanted with intrahippocampal cannulas and electrodes, were injected with Tb II-I (2 µg/2 µL) via the intrahippocampal route. The behavior, electrographic activity and cellular integrity of the animals were analyzed and the intracerebral level of cytokines determined. Tb II-I injection induced seizures and damage in the hippocampus. These alterations were correlated with the changes in the level of the cytokines tumoral necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Therefore, the binding of Tb II-I to its target in the central nervous system may induce inflammation resulting in neuropathological and behavioral alterations.
Schistosome Vaccines for Domestic Animals
Authors: You Hong , Cai Pengfei , Tebeje Biniam Mathewos , Li Yuesheng , McManus Donald P.
Published: June 2018

Schistosomiasis is recognized as a tropical disease of considerable public health importance, but domestic livestock infections due to Schistosoma japonicum, S. bovis, S. mattheei and S. curassoni are often overlooked causes of significant animal morbidity and mortality in Asia and Africa. In addition, whereas schistosomiasis japonica is recognized as an important zoonosis in China and the Philippines, reports of viable schistosome hybrids between animal livestock species and S. haematobium point to an underappreciated zoonotic component of transmission in Africa as well. Anti-schistosome vaccines for animal use have long been advocated as part of the solution to schistosomiasis control, benefitting humans and animals and improving the local economy, features aligning with the One Health concept synergizing human and animal health. We review the history of animal vaccines for schistosomiasis from the early days of irradiated larvae and then consider the recombinant DNA technology revolution and its impact in developing schistosome vaccines that followed. We evaluate the major candidates tested in livestock, including the glutathione S-transferases, paramyosin and triose-phosphate isomerase, and summarize some of the future challenges that need to be overcome to design and deliver effective anti-schistosome vaccines that will complement current control options to achieve and sustain future elimination goals.
Phage Genetic Engineering Using CRISPR–Cas Systems
Authors: Hatoum-Aslan Asma
Published: June 2018

Since their discovery over a decade ago, the class of prokaryotic immune systems known as CRISPR–Cas have afforded a suite of genetic tools that have revolutionized research in model organisms spanning all domains of life. CRISPR-mediated tools have also emerged for the natural targets of CRISPR–Cas immunity, the viruses that specifically infect bacteria, or phages. Despite their status as the most abundant biological entities on the planet, the majority of phage genes have unassigned functions. This reality underscores the need for robust genetic tools to study them. Recent reports have demonstrated that CRISPR–Cas systems, specifically the three major types (I, II, and III), can be harnessed to genetically engineer phages that infect diverse hosts. Here, the mechanisms of each of these systems, specific strategies used, and phage editing efficacies will be reviewed. Due to the relatively wide distribution of CRISPR–Cas systems across bacteria and archaea, it is anticipated that these immune systems will provide generally applicable tools that will advance the mechanistic understanding of prokaryotic viruses and accelerate the development of novel technologies based on these ubiquitous organisms.
Harnessing T Follicular Helper Cell Responses for HIV Vaccine Development
Authors: Niessl Julia , Kaufmann Daniel E.
Published: June 2018

Passive administration of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) capable of recognizing a broad range of viral strains to non-human primates has led to protection from infection with chimeric SIV/HIV virus (SHIV). This data suggests that generating protective antibody responses could be an effective strategy for an HIV vaccine. However, classic vaccine approaches have failed so far to induce such protective antibodies in HIV vaccine trials. HIV-specific bNAbs identified in natural infection show high levels of somatic hypermutations, demonstrating that they underwent extensive affinity maturation. It is likely that to gain ability to recognize diverse viral strains, vaccine-induced humoral responses will also require complex, iterative maturation. T follicular helper cells (Tfh) are a specialized CD4+ T cell subset that provides help to B cells in the germinal center for the generation of high-affinity and long-lasting humoral responses. It is therefore probable that the quality and quantity of Tfh responses upon vaccination will impact development of bNAbs. Here, we review studies that advanced our understanding of Tfh differentiation, function and regulation. We discuss correlates of Tfh responses and bNAb development in natural HIV infection. Finally, we highlight recent strategies to optimize Tfh responses upon vaccination and their impact on prophylactic HIV vaccine research.
Stochastic Stability of a Class of MEMS-Based Vibratory Gyroscopes under Input Rate Fluctuations
Authors: Bognash Mohamed , Asokanthan Samuel
Published: June 2018

The influence of stochastic fluctuations in the input angular rate of a class of single axis mass-spring microelectromechanical (MEM) gyroscopes on the system stability is investigated. A white noise fluctuation is introduced in the coupled 2-DOF model that represents the system dynamics for the purposes of stability prediction. Numerical simulations are performed employing the resulting set of stochastic differential equations (SDEs) that govern the system dynamics. The SDEs are discretized using the higher-order Milstein scheme for numerical computations. Simulations via the Euler scheme, as well as the measure of the largest Lyapunov exponent are employed for validation purposes due to a lack of similar analytical solutions or experimental data. Responses have been predicted under different noise fluctuation magnitudes and different input angular rates for stability investigations. A parametric study is performed to estimate the noise intensity stability threshold for a range of quality factor values at different input angular rates. The predicted results show a nonlinear dependence of the threshold on the quality factors for different input rates. Under typical gyroscope operating conditions, a realistic frequency mismatch appears to have insignificant influence on system stability. It is envisaged that the present quantitative predictions will aid improvements in performance, reliability, and the design process for this class of devices.