bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative Stress and Reproductive Function in the Aging Male
Authors: Nguyen-Powanda Paulina , Robaire Bernard
Published: September 2020

With the delay of parenthood becoming more common, the age at which men father children is on the rise. While the effects of advanced maternal age have been well documented, only recently have studies started to focus on the impact of advanced paternal age (APA) in the context of male reproduction. As men age, the antioxidant defense system gradually becomes less efficient and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulate in spermatozoa; this can impair their functional and structural integrity. In this review, we present an overview of how oxidative stress is implicated in male reproductive aging by providing a summary of the sources and roles of ROS, the theories of aging, and the current animal and human studies that demonstrate the impacts of APA on the male germ line, the health of progeny and fertility, and how treatment with antioxidants may reverse these effects.
Cnidarian Immunity and the Repertoire of Defense Mechanisms in Anthozoans
Authors: Parisi Maria Giovanna , Parrinello Daniela , Stabili Loredana , Cammarata Matteo
Published: September 2020

Anthozoa is the most specious class of the phylum Cnidaria that is phylogenetically basal within the Metazoa. It is an interesting group for studying the evolution of mutualisms and immunity, for despite their morphological simplicity, Anthozoans are unexpectedly immunologically complex, with large genomes and gene families similar to those of the Bilateria. Evidence indicates that the Anthozoan innate immune system is not only involved in the disruption of harmful microorganisms, but is also crucial in structuring tissue-associated microbial communities that are essential components of the cnidarian holobiont and useful to the animal’s health for several functions including metabolism, immune defense, development, and behavior. Here, we report on the current state of the art of Anthozoan immunity. Like other invertebrates, Anthozoans possess immune mechanisms based on self/non-self-recognition. Although lacking adaptive immunity, they use a diverse repertoire of immune receptor signaling pathways (PRRs) to recognize a broad array of conserved microorganism-associated molecular patterns (MAMP). The intracellular signaling cascades lead to gene transcription up to endpoints of release of molecules that kill the pathogens, defend the self by maintaining homeostasis, and modulate the wound repair process. The cells play a fundamental role in immunity, as they display phagocytic activities and secrete mucus, which acts as a physicochemical barrier preventing or slowing down the proliferation of potential invaders. Finally, we describe the current state of knowledge of some immune effectors in Anthozoan species, including the potential role of toxins and the inflammatory response in the Mediterranean Anthozoan Anemonia viridis following injection of various foreign particles differing in type and dimensions, including pathogenetic bacteria.
Short-Term Effects of Early Menopause on Adiposity, Fatty Acids Profile and Insulin Sensitivity of a Swine Model of Female Obesity
Authors: Heras-Molina Ana , Pesantez-Pacheco José Luis , Vazquez-Gomez Marta , Garcia-Contreras Consolacion , Astiz Susana , Isabel Beatriz , Gonzalez-Bulnes Antonio
Published: September 2020

Menopause strongly increases incidence and consequences of obesity and non-communicable diseases in women, with recent research suggesting a very early onset of changes in lipid accumulation, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. However, there is a lack of adequate preclinical models for its study. The present trial evaluated the usefulness of an alternative method to surgical ovariectomy, the administration of two doses of a GnRH analogue-protein conjugate (Vacsincel®), for inducing ovarian inactivity in sows used as preclinical models of obesity and menopause. All the sows treated with the compound developed ovarian stoppage after the second dose and, when exposed to obesogenic diets during the following three months, showed changes in the patterns of fat deposition, in the fatty acids profiles at the different tissues and in the plasma concentrations of fructosamine, urea, β-hydroxibutirate, and haptoglobin when compared to obese fed with the same diet but maintaining ovarian activity. Altogether, these results indicate that menopause early augments the deleterious effects induced by overfeeding and obesity on metabolic traits, paving the way for future research on physiopathology of these conditions and possible therapeutic targets using the swine model.
Antifungal Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Vernonia amygdalina Extract against Botrytis cinerea Causing Gray Mold Disease on Tomato Fruits
Authors: Yusoff Siti Fairuz , Haron Farah Farhanah , Tengku Muda Mohamed Mahmud , Asib Norhayu , Sakimin Siti Zaharah , Abu Kassim Faizah , Ismail Siti Izera
Published: September 2020

Gray mold disease caused by Botrytis cinerea is a damaging postharvest disease in tomato plants, and it is known to be a limiting factor in tomato production. This study aimed to evaluate antifungal activities of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extracts against B. cinerea and to screen the phytochemical compound in the crude extract that had the highest antifungal activity. In this study, crude extracts of hexane, dichloromethane, methanol, and water extracts with concentration levels at 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg/mL were shown to significantly affect the inhibition of B. cinerea. Among the crude extracts, dichloromethane extract was shown to be the most potent in terms of antifungal activities. The SEM observation proved that the treatment altered the fungal morphology, which leads to fungal growth inhibition. For the in vivo bioassay, the fruits treated with dichloromethane extract at 400 and 500 mg/mL showed the lowest disease incidence with mild severity of infection. There were 23 chemical compounds identified in V. amygdalina dichloromethane extract using GCMS analysis. The top five major compounds were dominated by squalene (16.92%), phytol (15.05%), triacontane (11.31%), heptacosane (7.14%), and neophytadiene (6.28%). Some of these significant compounds possess high antifungal activities. This study proved that V. amygdalina from dichloromethane extract could be useful for inhibiting gray mold disease on tomato fruit and has potential as a natural antifungal agent.
Vitamin K in Vertebrates’ Reproduction: Further Puzzling Pieces of Evidence from Teleost Fish Species
Authors: Beato Silvia , Toledo-Solís Francisco Javier , Fernández Ignacio
Published: September 2020

Vitamin K (VK) is a fat-soluble vitamin that vertebrates have to acquire from the diet, since they are not able to de novo synthesize it. VK has been historically known to be required for the control of blood coagulation, and more recently, bone development and homeostasis. Our understanding of the VK metabolism and the VK-related molecular pathways has been also increased, and the two main VK-related pathways—the pregnane X receptor (PXR) transactivation and the co-factor role on the γ-glutamyl carboxylation of the VK dependent proteins—have been thoroughly investigated during the last decades. Although several studies evidenced how VK may have a broader VK biological function than previously thought, including the reproduction, little is known about the specific molecular pathways. In vertebrates, sex differentiation and gametogenesis are tightly regulated processes through a highly complex molecular, cellular and tissue crosstalk. Here, VK metabolism and related pathways, as well as how gametogenesis might be impacted by VK nutritional status, will be reviewed. Critical knowledge gaps and future perspectives on how the different VK-related pathways come into play on vertebrate’s reproduction will be identified and proposed. The present review will pave the research progress to warrant a successful reproductive status through VK nutritional interventions as well as towards the establishment of reliable biomarkers for determining proper nutritional VK status in vertebrates.
Transient Unfolding and Long-Range Interactions in Viral BCL2 M11 Enable Binding to the BECN1 BH3 Domain
Authors: Ramanathan Arvind , Parvatikar Akash , Chennubhotla Srinivas C. , Mei Yang , Sinha Sangita C.
Published: September 2020

Viral BCL2 proteins (vBCL2s) help to sustain chronic infection of host proteins to inhibit apoptosis and autophagy. However, details of conformational changes in vBCL2s that enable binding to BH3Ds remain unknown. Using all-atom, multiple microsecond-long molecular dynamic simulations (totaling 17 μs) of the murine γ-herpesvirus 68 vBCL2 (M11), and statistical inference techniques, we show that regions of M11 transiently unfold and refold upon binding of the BH3D. Further, we show that this partial unfolding/refolding within M11 is mediated by a network of hydrophobic interactions, which includes residues that are 10 Å away from the BH3D binding cleft. We experimentally validate the role of these hydrophobic interactions by quantifying the impact of mutating these residues on binding to the Beclin1/BECN1 BH3D, demonstrating that these mutations adversely affect both protein stability and binding. To our knowledge, this is the first study detailing the binding-associated conformational changes and presence of long-range interactions within vBCL2s.
Algae Polyphenolic Compounds and Modern Antibacterial Strategies: Current Achievements and Immediate Prospects
Authors: Besednova Natalya N. , Andryukov Boris G. , Zaporozhets Tatyana S. , Kryzhanovsky Sergey P. , Kuznetsova Tatyana A. , Fedyanina Ludmila N. , Makarenkova Ilona D. , Zvyagintseva Tatyana N.
Published: September 2020

The increasing drug resistance of pathogenic microorganisms raises concern worldwide and necessitates the search for new natural compounds with antibacterial properties. Marine algae are considered a natural and attractive biotechnological source of novel antibiotics. The high antimicrobial activity of their polyphenolic compounds is a promising basis for designing innovative pharmaceuticals. They can become both a serious alternative to traditional antimicrobial agents and an effective supplement to antibiotic therapy. The present review summarizes the results of numerous studies on polyphenols from algae and the range of biological activities that determine their biomedical significance. The main focus is put on a group of the polyphenolic metabolites referred to as phlorotannins and, particularly, on their structural diversity and mechanisms of antimicrobial effects. Brown algae are an almost inexhaustible resource with a high biotechnological potential for obtaining these polyfunctional compounds. An opinion is expressed that the effectiveness of the antibacterial activity of phlorotannins depends on the methods of their extraction aimed at preserving the phenolic structure. The use of modern analytical tools opens up a broad range of opportunities for studying the metabolic pathways of phlorotannins and identifying their structural and functional relationships. The high antimicrobial activity of phlorotannins against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria provides a promising framework for creating novel drugs to be used in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.
Type 1 Diabetes Induces Hearing Loss: Functional and Histological Findings in An Akita Mouse Model
Authors: Lee Yun Yeong , Kim Yeon Ju , Gil Eun Sol , Kim Hantai , Jang Jeong Hun , Choung Yun-Hoon
Published: September 2020

The relationship between type 1 diabetes and hearing loss is not well known, although based on many pathological studies, type 2 diabetes induced hearing loss is associated with microcirculation problems in the inner ear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between type 1 diabetes and hearing loss through hearing function and immunohistochemical analyses using type 1 diabetic Akita or wild-type (WT) mice. The Akita mice had a significant increase in hearing thresholds, blood glucose, and insulin tolerance compared to WT mice. Histological analysis showed that the loss of cells and damage to mitochondria in the spiral ganglion neurons of Akita mice were significantly increased compared to WT. Also, the stria vascularis showed decreased thickness, loss of intermediate cells, and disturbance in blood capillary shape in the Akita mice. Moreover, a reduction in type I, II, and IV fibrocytes and Na+/K+-ATPase α1 expression in spiral ligament was also observed. Cleaved caspase-3 expression was highly expressed in spiral ganglion neurons. In conclusion, hearing loss in type 1 diabetes is caused not only by ion imbalance and blood flow disorders of cochlear endolymph, but through the degenerative nervous system via apoptosis-mediated cell death.
Identification of Toxicity Parameters Associated with Combustion Produced Soot Surface Chemistry and Particle Structure by in Vitro Assays
Authors: Al Housseiny Heba , Singh Madhu , Emile Shaneeka , Nicoleau Marvin , Wal Randy L. Vander , Silveyra Patricia
Published: September 2020

Air pollution has become the world’s single biggest environmental health risk of the past decade, causing millions of yearly deaths worldwide. One of the dominant air pollutants is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is a product of combustion. Exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with decreased lung function, impaired immunity, and exacerbations of lung disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that many of the adverse health effects of PM2.5 exposure are associated with lung inflammation and oxidative stress. While the physical structure and surface chemistry of PM2.5 are surrogate measures of particle oxidative potential, little is known about their contributions to negative health effects. In this study, we used functionalized carbon black particles as surrogates for atmospherically aged combustion-formed soot to assess the effects of PM2.5 surface chemistry in lung cells. We exposed the BEAS-2B lung epithelial cell line to different soot at a range of concentrations and assessed cell viability, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Our results indicate that exposure to soot with varying particle surface composition results in differential cell viability rates, the expression of pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress genes, and protein carbonylation. We conclude that particle surface chemistry, specifically oxygen content, in soot modulates lung cell inflammatory and oxidative stress responses.
Regulation of JAM2 Expression in the Lungs of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice and Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Alveolar Organoids
Authors: Rasaei Roya , Kim Eunbi , Kim Ji-Young , Na Sunghun , Kim Jung-Hyun , Heo Jinbeom , Shin Dong-Myung , Choi Sun Shim , Hong Seok-Ho
Published: September 2020

Hyperglycemia is a causative factor in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases, known to induce fibrosis and inflammation in the lung. However, little attention has been paid to genes related to hyperglycemic-induced lung alterations and stem cell applications for therapeutic use. In this study, our microarray data revealed significantly increased levels of junctional adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2) in the high glucose (HG)-induced transcriptional profile in human perivascular cells (hPVCs). The elevated level of JAM2 in HG-treated hPVCs was transcriptionally and epigenetically reversible when HG treatment was removed. We further investigated the expression of JAM2 using in vivo and in vitro hyperglycemic models. Our results showed significant upregulation of JAM2 in the lungs of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, which was greatly suppressed by the administration of conditioned medium obtained from human mesenchymal stem cell cultures. Furthermore, JAM2 was found to be significantly upregulated in human pluripotent stem cell-derived multicellular alveolar organoids by exposure to HG. Our results suggest that JAM2 may play an important role in STZ-induced lung alterations and could be a potential indicator for predicting the therapeutic effects of stem cells and drugs in diabetic lung complications.
Silver-Based SERS Pico-Molar Adenine Sensor
Authors: Tzeng Yonhua , Lin Bo-Yi
Published: September 2020

Adenine is an important molecule for biomedical and agricultural research and applications. The detection of low concentration adenine molecules is thus desirable. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a promising label-free detection and fingerprinting technique for molecules of significance. A novel SERS sensor made of clusters of silver nanostructures deposited on copper bumps in valleys of an etched silicon substrate was previously reported to exhibit a low and reproducible detection limit for a 10−11 M neutral adenine aqueous solution. Reflection of laser illumination from the silicon surface surrounding a valley provides additional directions of laser excitation to adenine molecules adsorbing on a silver surface for the generation of enhanced SERS signal strength leading to a low detection limit. This paper further reports a concentration dependent shift of the ring-breathing mode SERS adenine peak towards 760 cm−1 with decreasing concentration and its pH-dependent SERS signal strength. For applications, where the pH value can vary, reproducible detection of 10−12 M adenine in a pH 9 aqueous solution is feasible, making the novel SERS structure a desirable pico-molar adenine sensor.
Response to Placebo in Fragile X Syndrome Clinical Trials: An Initial Analysis
Authors: Luu Skylar , Province Haley , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Hagerman Randi , Hessl David , Vaidya Dhananjay , Lozano Reymundo , Rosselot Hilary , Erickson Craig , Kaufmann Walter E. , Budimirovic Dejan B.
Published: September 2020

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Individuals with FXS often present with a wide range of cognitive deficits and problem behaviors. Educational, behavioral and pharmacological interventions are used to manage these and other complex issues affecting individuals with FXS. Despite the success of preclinical models and early-phase drug clinical studies in FXS, large-scale randomized-controlled trials have failed to meet primary endpoints. Currently, no targeted or disease-modifying treatments for FXS have received regulatory approval. Here, we examined the placebo response in FXS clinical trials conducted between 2006 and 2018. Specifically, we performed a meta-analysis of placebo-treated groups in eight double-blind, randomized controlled trials. Placebo groups demonstrated significant improvements on caregiver-rated efficacy endpoints, which were greater in adolescents and adults than in children. Among the latter measures, the Visual Analog Scale scores displayed the greatest improvements, whereas the positive effects on the Vineland-II Adaptive Behavior Composite and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community/fragile X version were statistically significant in both children and adolescents/adults. Although the Clinical Global Impression scale Improvement appears to have exhibited a substantial placebo effect in multiple clinical trials in FXS, limited data availability for meta-analysis, prevented us from drawing conclusions. No placebo-related improvements were observed in performance-rated measures. These findings raise substantial concerns about placebo effects in outcome measures commonly used in the randomized-controlled trials in FXS and suggest several potential improvements in the study design and implementation of such trials. Considering the small number of trials available for this study, larger and more detailed follow up meta-analyses are needed. Meanwhile, efforts to improve the measurement properties of endpoints and rater training in drug trials in FXS should be prioritized.
Interleukin-15 after Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) Enhances T Cell Response against Syngeneic Mouse Tumors
Authors: Maruoka Yasuhiro , Furusawa Aki , Okada Ryuhei , Inagaki Fuyuki , Wakiyama Hiroaki , Kato Takuya , Nagaya Tadanobu , Choyke Peter L. , Kobayashi Hisataka
Published: September 2020

Near infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a newly developed and highly selective cancer treatment that employs a monoclonal antibody (mAb) conjugated to a photo-absorber dye, IRDye700DX, which is activated by 690 nm light. Cancer cell-targeted NIR-PIT induces rapid necrotic/immunogenic cell death (ICD) that induces antitumor host immunity including re-priming and proliferation of T cells. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a cytokine that activates natural killer (NK)-, B- and T-cells while having minimal effect on regulatory T cells (Tregs) that lack the IL-15 receptor. Here, we hypothesized that IL-15 administration with cancer cell-targeted NIR-PIT could further inhibit tumor growth by increasing antitumor host immunity. Three syngeneic mouse tumor models, MC38-luc, LL/2, and MOC1, underwent combined CD44-targeted NIR-PIT and short-term IL-15 administration with appropriate controls. Comparing with the single-agent therapy, the combination therapy of IL-15 after NIR-PIT inhibited tumor growth, prolonged survival, and increased tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells more efficiently in tumor-bearing mice. IL-15 appears to enhance the therapeutic effect of cancer-targeted NIR-PIT.
L-Arginine/Nitric Oxide Pathway Is Altered in Colorectal Cancer and Can Be Modulated by Novel Derivatives from Oxicam Class of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Krzystek-Korpacka Małgorzata , Szczęśniak-Sięga Berenika , Szczuka Izabela , Fortuna Paulina , Zawadzki Marek , Kubiak Agnieszka , Mierzchała-Pasierb Magdalena , Fleszar Mariusz G. , Lewandowski Łukasz , Serek Paweł , Jamrozik Natalia , Neubauer Katarzyna , Wiśniewski Jerzy , Kempiński Radosław , Witkiewicz Wojciech , Bednarz-Misa Iwona
Published: September 2020

L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway metabolites are altered in colorectal cancer (CRC). We evaluated underlying changes in pathway enzymes in 55 paired tumor/tumor-adjacent samples and 20 normal mucosa using quantitative-PCR and assessed the impact of classic and novel oxicam analogues on enzyme expression and intracellular metabolite concentration (LC-MS/MS) in Caco-2, HCT116, and HT-29 cells. Compared to normal mucosa, ARG1, PRMT1, and PRMT5 were overexpressed in both tumor and tumor-adjacent tissue and DDAH2 solely in tumor-adjacent tissue. Tumor-adjacent tissue had higher expression of ARG1, DDAH1, and DDAH2 and lower NOS2 than patients-matched tumors. The ARG1 expression in tumors increased along with tumor grade and reflected lymph node involvement. Novel oxicam analogues with arylpiperazine moiety at the thiazine ring were more effective in downregulating DDAHs and PRMTs and upregulating ARG2 than piroxicam and meloxicam. An analogue distinguished by propylene linker between thiazine’s and piperazine’s nitrogen atoms and containing two fluorine substituents was the strongest inhibitor of DDAHs and PRMTs expression, while an analogue containing propylene linker but no fluorine substituents was the strongest inhibitor of ARG2 expression. Metabolic reprogramming in CRC includes overexpression of DDAHs and PRMTs in addition to ARG1 and NOS2 and is not restricted to tumor tissue but can be modulated by novel oxicam analogues.
Pathophysiology and Imaging Findings of Bile Duct Necrosis: A Rare but Serious Complication of Transarterial Therapy for Liver Tumors
Authors: Kobayashi Satoshi , Kozaka Kazuto , Gabata Toshifumi , Matsui Osamu , Koda Wataru , Okuda Miho , Okumura Kenichiro , Sugiura Takumi , Ogi Takahiro
Published: September 2020

Bile duct necrosis (BDN) with biloma formation is a type of ischemic bile duct injury that is one of the serious complications associated with transarterial therapies, such as transcatheter chemoembolization therapy (TACE), and radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for metastatic liver cancer from colorectal carcinoma. In terms of the occurrence of BDN and subsequent biloma formation, ischemic injury to the peribiliary vascular plexus (PBP), the supporting vessel of bile duct epithelium, is thought to be intimately associated. In this paper, we first describe the anatomy, blood supply, and function of the intrahepatic bile duct, and then illustrate the pathophysiology of BDN, and finally present the imaging findings of BDN. Under the process of BDN formation, ischemia of the PBP induces the disruption of the bile duct epithelial protection mechanism that causes coagulation and fibrinoid necrosis of the surrounding tissue by the detergent action of exuded bile acids, and eventually a biloma forms. Once BDN occurs, persistent tissue damage to the surrounding bile duct is induced by imbibed bile acids, and portal vein thrombosis may also be observed. On pre-contrast and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), BDN shows similar findings to intrahepatic bile duct dilatation, and, therefore, it is sometimes misdiagnosed. Differentiation of imaging findings on CT and ultrasound (US)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging/MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is important for correct diagnosis of BDN.
Nucleic Acids in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Kim Taewan
Published: September 2020

Cancer research has been focused on the coding genes occupying 1–2% of the human genome [...]
Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO by NH3 Using a Combination of Non-Thermal Plasma and Mn-Cu/ZSM5 Catalyst
Authors: Zhu Tao , Zhang Xing , Niu Wenfeng , Liu Yatao , Yuan Bo , Li Zhenguo , Liu Haibing
Published: September 2020

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) could generate non-thermal plasma (NTP) with the advantage of fast reactivity and high energy under atmosphere pressure and low-temperature. The presented work investigated the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitric oxide (NO) using a combination of NTP and an Mn-Cu/ZSM5 catalyst with ammonia (NH3) as a reductant. The experimental results illustrate that the plasma-assisted SCR process enhances the low-temperature catalytic performance of the Mn-Cu/ZSM5 catalyst significantly, and it exhibits an obvious improvement in the NO removal efficiency. The reaction temperature is maintained at 200 °C in order to simulate the exhaust temperature of diesel engine, and the 10% Mn-8% Cu/ZSM5 catalyst shows the highest NO removal performance with about 93.89% at an energy density of 500 J L−1 and the selectivity to N2 is almost 99%. The voltage, frequency and energy density have a positive correlation to NO removal efficiency, which is positively correlated with the power of NTP system. In contrast, the O2 concentration has a negative correlation to the NO removal, and the NO removal efficiency cannot be improved when the NO removal process reaches reaction equilibrium in the NTP system.
High Performance and Sustainable Copper-Modified Hydroxyapatite Catalysts for Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Furfural
Authors: Putrakumar Balla , Seelam Prem Kumar , Srinivasarao Ginjupalli , Rajan Karthikeyan , Rajesh Rajendiran , Rao K. Ramachandra , Liang Tongxiang
Published: September 2020

Designing and developing non-noble metal-based heterogeneous catalysts have a substantial importance in biomass conversion. Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) reaction is a significant pathway for eco-friendly catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of biomass derived furfural into furfuryl alcohol. In this work, a series of copper-supported hydroxyapatite (HAp) catalysts with different copper loadings (2–20 wt.%) were prepared by a facile impregnation method and tested in the reduction of furfural to furfuryl alcohol using 2-propanol as a hydrogen donor. The structural and chemical properties of the synthesised catalysts were analysed by using various techniques (XRD, N2 sorption, SEM, TEM, UV-DRS, ICP, FTIR, TPR, TPD-CO2 and N2O titration). The effect of copper loading was found to be significant on the total performance of the catalysts. The results demonstrate that 5CuHAp catalyst possess highly dispersed copper particles and high basicity compared to all other catalysts. Overall, 5CuHAp exhibited highest conversion (96%) and selectivity (100%) at 140 °C at 4 h time on stream. The optimised reaction conditions were also determined to gain the high activity.
A Novel CdS Quantum Dots Decorated 3D Bi2O2CO3 Hierarchical Nanoflower with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Ji Zhilin , Wang Hongwei , She Xilin
Published: September 2020

Heterojunction engineering has shown great potential in the field of photocatalysis to deal with environmental pollutants. The design and synthesis of heterojunction photocatalysts with high efficiency and stability still face great challenges. In this work, a novel CdS quantum dots (QDs) decorated 3D Bi2O2CO3 hierarchical nanoflower heterojunction photocatalyst (Bi2O2CO3/CdS QDs) was synthesized to investigate the photocatalytic Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation performance. CdS QDs were evenly distributed on the surface of the Bi2O2CO3 nanoflower. Bi2O2CO3/CdS QDs showed significantly enhanced photocatalytic RhB degradation performance compared with pristine Bi2O2CO3 and CdS QDs. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was attributed to the synergistic effect of hierarchical structure and heterojunction, which greatly increased the active sites of the reaction and the photogenerated carriers transfer.
Application of Activated Carbon to Obtain Biodiesel from Vegetable Oils
Authors: Narowska Beata Edyta , Kułażyński Marek , Łukaszewicz Marcin
Published: September 2020

The methanolysis of refined vegetable oils (rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, corn oil and olive oil) using a heterogeneous carbonaceous catalyst was studied. Activated carbon (AC) was prepared from beech tree wood and used as the support for KOH and a lipase catalyst. The reactions were carried out for 1–4 h at 60 °C with a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 6:1 and 0.5–1.5 wt.% KOH/AC. In contrast, the biotransformation of vegetable oils was carried out for 24 h at 40 °C with an alcohol-to-oil molar ratio of 4:1 and 5 wt.% lipase/AC. The highest methanolysis yield (99%) for the fatty acid methyl esters was obtained for lipase/AC. These data show that activated carbon is a promising supporter for KOH as well as for lipase in the transesterification reaction of vegetable oils with methanol. The use of both catalysts in the transesterification reaction may improve biodiesel production. The lipase/AC enables the reduction in methanol excess and eliminates waste formation, whereas the saponification of triglycerides is scanty when KOH/AC is used.
Synthesis of Graphene-Based Biopolymer TiO2 Electrodes Using Pyrolytic Direct Deposition Method and its Catalytic Performance
Authors: Kaur Parminder , Frindy Sana , Park Yuri , Sillanpää Mika , Imteaz Monzur A.
Published: September 2020

The traditional methods used to synthesize graphene layers over semiconductors are chemical-based methods. In the present investigation, a novel photoelectroactive electrode was synthesized using a chitosan biopolymer without the usage of chemicals. A chitosan-biopolymer layer over the surface of TiO2 was generated by electrodeposition. Furthermore, the pyrolysis method was used for the conversion of a biopolymer into graphene layers. The catalytic activity of the fabricated electrodes was investigated by the photo-electro-Fenton (PEF) process to oxidize chloramphenicol and nadolol pharmaceutical drugs in wastewater, remove metals (scandium, neodymium, and arsenic) and degrade real municipal wastewater. The PEF operational parameters (pH, voltage, reaction time, and Fenton catalytic dose) were optimized for the overall degradation of chloramphenicol and nadolol pharmaceutical drugs in wastewater. It was observed that at the optimum process operational parameters it took 40 min to degrade chloramphenicol and nadolol pharmaceutical drugs in wastewater. It was proved that biopolymer-based photoelectroactive novel electrodes render good catalytic activity. Furthermore, the reusability study of fabricated electrodes showed excellent storage and self-healing properties.
Fibrotic Changes and Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Promoted by VEGFR2 Antagonism Alter the Therapeutic Effects of VEGFA Pathway Blockage in a Mouse Model of Choroidal Neovascularization
Authors: Rossato Franco Aparecido , Su Yu , Mackey Ashley , Ng Yin Shan Eric
Published: September 2020

Many patients with wet age-related macular degeneration do not respond well to anti- vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) therapy for choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and the efficacy of anti-VEGFA decreases over time. We investigated the hypothesis that fibrotic changes, in particular via endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), play a role in CNV and alter the therapeutic effects of VEGFA pathway blockage. Induction of EndoMT of primary human retinal endothelial cells led to a significantly reduced response to VEGFA at the level of gene expression, cellular proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Suppression of EndoMT restored cell responsiveness to VEGFA. In a mouse model of spontaneous CNV, fibrotic changes and EndoMT persisted as the CNV lesions became more established over time. VEGFA receptor-2 (VEGFR2) antagonism further induced fibrosis and EndoMT in the CNV. The combination of VEGFR2 antagonism and fibrosis/EndoMT inhibition was more effective than either individual treatment in reducing CNV. Our data indicate that fibrosis and EndoMT are involved in the progression of CNV, are exacerbated by VEGFR2 inhibition, and could provide an explanation for the reduced efficacy of anti-VEGFA treatment over time.
Annexin A2 Egress during Calcium-Regulated Exocytosis in Neuroendocrine Cells
Authors: Gabel Marion , Royer Cathy , Thahouly Tamou , Calco Valérie , Gasman Stéphane , Bader Marie-France , Vitale Nicolas , Chasserot-Golaz Sylvette
Published: September 2020

Annexin A2 (AnxA2) is a calcium- and lipid-binding protein involved in neuroendocrine secretion where it participates in the formation and/or stabilization of lipid micro-domains required for structural and spatial organization of the exocytotic machinery. We have recently described that phosphorylation of AnxA2 on Tyr23 is critical for exocytosis. Considering that Tyr23 phosphorylation is known to promote AnxA2 externalization to the outer face of the plasma membrane in different cell types, we examined whether this phenomenon occurred in neurosecretory chromaffin cells. Using immunolabeling and biochemical approaches, we observed that nicotine stimulation triggered the egress of AnxA2 to the external leaflets of the plasma membrane in the vicinity of exocytotic sites. AnxA2 was found co-localized with tissue plasminogen activator, previously described on the surface of chromaffin cells following secretory granule release. We propose that AnxA2 might be a cell surface tissue plasminogen activator receptor for chromaffin cells, thus playing a role in autocrine or paracrine regulation of exocytosis.
Formation of βTC3 and MIN6 Pseudoislets Changes the Expression Pattern of Gpr40, Gpr55, and Gpr119 Receptors and Improves Lysophosphatidylcholines-Potentiated Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion
Authors: Drzazga Anna , Cichońska Eliza , Koziołkiewicz Maria , Gendaszewska-Darmach Edyta
Published: September 2020

The impaired spatial arrangement and connections between cells creating islets of Langerhans as well as altered expression of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) often lead to dysfunction of insulin-secreting pancreatic β cells and can significantly contribute to the development of diabetes. Differences in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) are noticeable not only in diabetic individuals but also in model pancreatic β cells, e.g., βTC3 and MIN6 β cell lines with impaired and normal insulin secretion, respectively. Now, we compare the ability of GPCR agonists (lysophosphatidylcholines bearing fatty acid chains of different lengths) to potentiate GSIS in βTC3 and MIN6 β cell models, cultured as adherent monolayers and in a form of pseudoislets (PIs) with pancreatic MS1 endothelial cells. Our aim was also to investigate differences in expression of the GPCRs responsive to LPCs in these experimental systems. Aggregation of β cells into islet-like structures greatly enhanced the expression of Gpr40, Gpr55, and Gpr119 receptors. In contrast, the co-culture of βTC3 cells with endothelial cells converted the GPCR expression pattern closer to the pattern observed in MIN6 cells. Additionally, the efficiencies of various LPC species in βTC3-MS1 PIs also shifted toward the MIN6 cell model.
Targeted Activation of T Cells with IL-2-Coupled Nanoparticles
Authors: Raker Verena K. , Becker Christian , Landfester Katharina , Steinbrink Kerstin
Published: September 2020

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a T cell growth factor particularly required in regulatory T cell maintenance and memory T cell responses. High-dose IL-2 treatment was the first FDA-approved immunotherapy for cancer, while low-dose IL-2 administration has shown promise in allograft rejection and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, its pleiotropic nature and the existence of IL-2 receptors with different binding affinity limit its therapeutic application. For an improved clinical applicability of the cytokine, a targeted receptor assignment must, therefore, be achieved. Nanoparticles allow controlling the location and dose of immunomodulating compounds and to specifically address specific receptors through targeted drug binding. In this review article we discuss the IL-2 biology and current clinical application with regard to nanoparticle-based IL-2-mediated manipulation of T cell responses in autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and cancer.
Deletion or Inhibition of NOD1 Favors Plaque Stability and Attenuates Atherothrombosis in Advanced Atherogenesis
Authors: González-Ramos Silvia , Fernández-García Victoria , Recalde Miriam , Rodríguez Cristina , Martínez-González José , Andrés Vicente , Martín-Sanz Paloma , Boscá Lisardo
Published: September 2020

Atherothrombosis, the main cause of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), is characterized by the rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque followed by the formation of thrombi. Fatal plaque rupture sites show large necrotic cores combined with high levels of inflammation and thin layers of collagen. Plaque necrosis due to the death of macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) remains critical in the process. To determine the contribution of the innate immunity receptor NOD1 to the stability of atherosclerotic plaque, Apoe−/− and Apoe−/− Nod1−/− atherosclerosis prone mice were placed on a high-fat diet for 16 weeks to assess post-mortem advanced atherosclerosis in the aortic sinus. The proliferation and apoptosis activity were analyzed, as well as the foam cell formation capacity in these lesions and in primary cultures of macrophages and vascular SMCs obtained from both groups of mice. Our results reinforce the preeminent role for NOD1 in human atherosclerosis. Advanced plaque analysis in the Apoe−/− atherosclerosis model suggests that NOD1 deficiency may decrease the risk of atherothrombosis by decreasing leukocyte infiltration and reducing macrophage apoptosis. Furthermore, Nod1−/− SMCs exhibit higher proliferation rates and decreased apoptotic activity, contributing to thicker fibrous caps with reduced content of pro-thrombotic collagen. These findings demonstrate a direct link between NOD1 and plaque vulnerability through effects on both macrophages and SMCs, suggesting promising insights for early detection of biomarkers for treating patients before ACS occurs.
Osteoblast-Osteoclast Communication and Bone Homeostasis
Authors: Kim Jung-Min , Lin Chujiao , Stavre Zheni , Greenblatt Matthew B. , Shim Jae-Hyuck
Published: September 2020

Bone remodeling is tightly regulated by a cross-talk between bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts communicate with each other to regulate cellular behavior, survival and differentiation through direct cell-to-cell contact or through secretory proteins. A direct interaction between osteoblasts and osteoclasts allows bidirectional transduction of activation signals through EFNB2-EPHB4, FASL-FAS or SEMA3A-NRP1, regulating differentiation and survival of osteoblasts or osteoclasts. Alternatively, osteoblasts produce a range of different secretory molecules, including M-CSF, RANKL/OPG, WNT5A, and WNT16, that promote or suppress osteoclast differentiation and development. Osteoclasts also influence osteoblast formation and differentiation through secretion of soluble factors, including S1P, SEMA4D, CTHRC1 and C3. Here we review the current knowledge regarding membrane bound- and soluble factors governing cross-talk between osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
Oligodendrocyte Physiology and Pathology Function
Authors: Kipp Markus
Published: September 2020

The adult vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) mainly consists of neurons, astrocytes, microglia cells and oligodendrocytes [...]
On-Aluminum and Barrier Anodic Oxide: Meeting the Challenges of Chemical Dissolution Rate in Various Acids and Solutions
Authors: Poznyak Alexander , Pligovka Andrei , Turavets Ulyana , Norek Małgorzata
Published: September 2020

The chemical dissolution—in 0.1 M solutions of phosphoric, malonic, citric, sulfosalicylic, and tartaric acids and 0.6 M solutions of sulfuric, oxalic, malonic, phosphoric, tartaric, and citric acids—of aluminum (Al) and its barrier anodic oxide, with thicknesses of 240 and 350 nm, produced during the anodization of Al deposited on a sitall substrate and Al foil, respectively, in a 1% citric acid aqueous solution, was investigated. Signs of chemical dissolution for 0.1 M phosphoric acid solution and 0.6 M concentrations of all the listed solutions were found. It was shown that the dissolution rate and the nature of its change depend on the acid nature, the state of the sample surface, and the classification of the electrolytes according to their degrees of aggressiveness with respect to aluminum.
Tunable Non-Volatile Memory by Conductive Ferroelectric Domain Walls in Lithium Niobate Thin Films
Authors: Kämpfe Thomas , Wang Bo , Haußmann Alexander , Chen Long-Qing , Eng Lukas M.
Published: September 2020

Ferroelectric domain wall conductance is a rapidly growing field. Thin-film lithium niobate, as in lithium niobate on insulators (LNOI), appears to be an ideal template, which is tuned by the inclination of the domain wall. Thus, the precise tuning of domain wall inclination with the applied voltage can be used in non-volatile memories, which store more than binary information. In this study, we present the realization of this concept for non-volatile memories. We obtain remarkably stable set voltages by the ferroelectric nature of the device as well as a very large increase in the conduction, by at least five orders of magnitude at room temperature. Furthermore, the device conductance can be reproducibly tuned over at least two orders of magnitude. The observed domain wall (DW) conductance tunability by the applied voltage can be correlated with phase-field simulated DW inclination evolution upon poling. Furthermore, evidence for polaron-based conduction is given.
Mineralogical Crystallography
Authors: Gurzhiy Vladislav V.
Published: September 2020

Crystallography remains, for mineralogy, one of the main sources of information on natural crystalline substances [...]
Plasma Exosomal Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Correlated with the Postural Instability and Gait Disturbance–Related Motor Symptoms in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chung Chen Chih , Huang Pai Hao , Chan Lung , Chen Jia-Hung , Chien Li-Nien , Hong Chien Tai
Published: September 2020

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an essential neurotrophin, responsible for neuronal development, function, and survival. Assessments of peripheral blood BDNF in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) previously yielded inconsistent results. Plasma exosomes can carry BDNF, so this study investigated the role of plasma exosomal BDNF level as a biomarker of PD. A total of 114 patients with mild to moderate PD and 42 non-PD controls were recruited, and their clinical presentations were evaluated. Plasma exosomes were isolated with exoEasy Maxi Kits, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess plasma exosomal BDNF levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19.0, and findings were considered significant at p < 0.05. The analysis revealed no significant differences in plasma exosomal BDNF levels between patients with PD and controls. Patients with PD with low plasma exosomal BDNF levels (in the lowest quartile) exhibited a significant association with daily activity dysfunction but not with cognition/mood or overall motor symptoms as assessed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Investigation of UPDRS part III subitems revealed that low plasma exosomal BDNF level was significantly associated with increased motor severity of postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD)-associated symptoms (rising from a chair, gait, and postural stability) after adjustment for age and sex. In conclusion, although plasma exosomal BDNF level could not distinguish patients with PD from controls, the association with PIGD symptoms in patients with PD may indicate its potential role as a biomarker. Follow-up studies should investigate the association between plasma exosomal BDNF levels and changes in clinical symptoms.
Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Levels are Associated with Lower Thalamic Perfusion in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Jakimovski Dejan , Bergsland Niels , Dwyer Michael G. , Ramasamy Deepa P. , Ramanathan Murali , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Zivadinov Robert
Published: September 2020

Both perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) measures and serum neurofilament light (sNfL) chain levels have been independently associated with disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This study aimed to determine whether these measures are correlated to each other or independently describe different MS processes. For this purpose, 3T MRI dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)–PWI and single-molecule assay (Simoa)-based sNfL methods were utilized when investigating 86 MS patients. The perfusion measures of mean transit time (MTT), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were derived for the normal-appearing whole brain (NAWB), the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), the gray matter (GM), the deep GM (DGM), and the thalamus. The normalized CBV and CBF (nCBV and nCBV) were calculated by dividing by the corresponding NAWM measure. Age- and sex-adjusted linear regression models were used to determine associations between the DSC–PWI and sNfL results. False discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. A greater age and thalamic MTT were independently associated with higher sNfL levels (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011) and explained 36.9% of sNfL level variance. NAWM MTT association with sNfL levels did not survive the FDR correction. In similar models, a lower thalamic nCBF and nCBV were both associated with greater sNfL levels (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022), explaining 37.8% and 44.7% of the variance, respectively. In conclusion, higher sNfL levels were associated with lower thalamic perfusion.
Control of Pumps of Water Supply Network under Hydraulic and Energy Optimisation Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Studziński Jan , Ziółkowski Andrzej
Published: September 2020

This article presents several algorithms for controlling water supply system pumps. The aim of having control is the hydraulic optimisation of the network, i.e., ensuring the desired pressure in its recipient nodes, and minimising energy costs of network operation. These two tasks belong to the key issues related to the management and operation of water supply networks, apart from the reduction in water losses caused by network failures and ensuring proper water quality. The presented algorithms have been implemented in an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) system developed at the Systems Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IBS PAN) and implemented in the waterworks GPW S.A. in Katowice/Poland.