bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PM2.5 Prediction with a Novel Multi-Step-Ahead Forecasting Model Based on Dynamic Wind Field Distance
Authors: Yang Mei , Fan Hong , Zhao Kang
Published: November 2019

Particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 μ m (PM2.5) has damaged public health globally for a decade. Accurate forecasts of PM2.5 concentration can provide early warnings to prevent the public from hazard exposure. However, existing methods have not considered the available spatiotemporal data sufficiently due to their architecture or inadequate input, and most neglected wind impact on spatiotemporal correlation when selecting related sites. To fill this gap, we proposed a long short-term memory-convolutional neural network based on dynamic wind field distance (LSTM-CNN-DWFD) to predict PM2.5 concentration of a specific site for the next 24 h. A KNN method based on dynamic wind field distance was developed and applied to select highly related sites considering wind impact. A local stateful LSTM model was employed to capture temporal correlations in historical air quality and meteorological data for each related site. Then, these temporal features were integrated as a spatiotemporal matrix, and input into CNN for extracting spatiotemporal correlation features. Weather forecasts were also integrated into the model to promote accuracy. Hourly PM2.5 data from 36 monitoring sites in Beijing, China collected from 1 May 2014 to 30 April 2015 were used as experimental dataset. Six-fold rolling origin method was employed to conduct experiments on each site, and the results of 216 experiments validated the performance of the proposed LSTM-CNN-DWFD model. The mean R 2 values of the next 1–6 h prediction were 0.85, 0.81, 0.76, 0.70, 0.64, and 0.59, respectively, showing a decrease trend, indicating that the prediction accuracy decreases as the prediction time increases. Comparisons of LSTM-CNN-DWFD results to results from six other methods show that it delivered higher accuracy PM2.5 predictions, with the mean RMSE (MAE) of 1–6, 7–12, and 13–24 h prediction were 43.90 (29.17), 57.89 (42.16), and 63.14 (47.64), respectively. The results also demonstrate that the sites selected based on dynamic wind field distance are more related to the central site than that based on geographical distance, also contributing to prediction accuracy.
Alleviating Effect of α-Lipoic Acid and Magnesium on Cadmium-Induced Inflammatory Processes, Oxidative Stress and Bone Metabolism Disorders in Wistar Rats
Authors: Markiewicz-Górka Iwona , Pawlas Krystyna , Jaremków Aleksandra , Januszewska Lidia , Pawłowski Paweł , Pawlas Natalia
Published: November 2019

Cadmium exposure contributes to internal organ dysfunction and the development of chronic diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the alleviating effect of α-lipoic acid and/or magnesium on cadmium-induced oxidative stress and disorders in bone metabolism, kidney and liver function, and hematological and biochemical parameters changes. Male rats were exposed to cadmium (30 mg Cd/kg of feed) for three months. Some animals exposed to Cd were supplemented with magnesium (150 mg Mg/kg of feed) and/or with α-lipoic acid (100 mg/kg body weight, four times a week). Cd intake inhibited body weight gain and lowered hemoglobin concentration, whereas it increased the activities of liver enzymes, as well as the level of oxidative stress, CTX-1 (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, bone resorption marker), and CRP (C-reactive protein, marker of inflammation); it decreased vitamin D3, GSH (reduced glutathione), and the serum urea nitrogen/creatinine index. Mg and/or α-lipoic acid supplementation increased the antioxidant potential, and partially normalized the studied biochemical parameters. The obtained results show that both magnesium and α-lipoic acid decrease oxidative stress and the level of inflammatory marker, as well as normalize bone metabolism and liver and kidney function. Combined intake of α-lipoic acid and magnesium results in reinforcement of the protective effect; especially, it increases antioxidant defense.
Patterns of Change in Employment Status and Their Association with Self-Rated Health, Perceived Daily Stress, and Sleep among Young Adults in South Korea
Authors: Lee Eun-Sun , Park Subin
Published: November 2019

We identified distinct trajectories of temporal changes in employment status and investigated their association with self-rated health, perceived stress, and sleep. Data pertaining to 1228 respondents (age: 17–31 years) were extracted from the Korea Youth Panel (YP2007) survey (3rd–9th wave) datasets. Participants were either paid employees (permanent or precarious) or currently unemployed but seeking a job at baseline. Latent class growth analyses were employed to extract different classes based on the annual change in employment status (permanent/precarious/unemployed). Logistic regression analyses were performed using extracted classes as predictor variables and health-related variables at the final time-point as outcome variables. Five trajectories of employment status change were identified: stability sustained; gradually deteriorated; swiftly alleviated; gradually alleviated; instability sustained. Compared with the stability sustained group, the gradually deteriorated and gradually alleviated groups showed higher odds of perceived stress. The gradually deteriorated, instability sustained, and gradually alleviated groups showed significantly higher odds of shorter sleep than the stabilized group. We highlight the adverse health effects of prolonged unstable employment and the need for interventions to mitigate these effects.
Concept of Health and Sickness of the Spanish Gypsy Population: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Ramos-Morcillo Antonio Jesús , Leal-Costa César , Hueso-Montoro César , del-Pino-Casado Rafael , Ruzafa-Martínez María
Published: November 2019

The Roma community (RC) has poor health indicators, and providing them with adequate healthcare requires understanding their culture and cultural differences. Our objective was to understand the concept of the health and sickness of the RC in Spain, and for this, a qualitative study was conducted. A content analysis utilizing an inductive approach was used to analyze the data. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were performed, and four main categories were obtained after the analysis of the data: perception of the state of health, the value of health, what was observed, and causal attribution. The inter-relations between the categories shows that the RC have a dichotomous worldview split between non-sickness (health) and sickness mediated by causal attribution. Their worldview is polarized into two values: not sick/sick. When not sick, optimism is prioritized along with happiness, and these two emotions are highly valued, as they also play a physical and social function. When a person becomes noticeably sick, this is understood as being in a negative and severe state, and when there are visible physical implications, then the need to act is made clear. When faced with the need to act, the behavior of the RC is mediated by causal attributions, influenced by nature and religion, timing, concealment by not mentioning the disease, and the origin of the healthcare information. For the organization of an adequate health response for the RC, it is necessary for healthcare systems to be able to merge culture and health care.
Potential Ecological Risk and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Industrial Affected Soils by Coal Mining and Metallurgy in Ostrava, Czech Republic
Authors: Doležalová Weissmannová Helena , Mihočová Silvie , Chovanec Petr , Pavlovský Jiří
Published: November 2019

The heavy metal pollution of soils has become serious environmental problem, mainly in localities with high industrialization and rapid growth. The purpose of this detailed research was to determine the actual status of heavy metal pollution of soils and an assessment of heavy metal pollution in a highly industrialized city, Ostrava, with a history of long-term impacts from the metallurgy industry and mining. The ecological risks to the area was subsequently also assessed. The heavy metals Cd, Hg, Cu, Mn, Pb, V, Zn, Cr and Fe were determined in top-soils (0–20 cm) using atomic absorption spectrometry (F AAS, GF AAS) from three areas with different anthropogenic loads. The obtained data expressed as mean metal concentrations were very varied among the sampled soils and values of all analyzed metal concentrations were higher than its background levels. To identify the ecological risk and assessment of soil pollution, various pollution indices were calculated, such as single pollution indices (Igeo, CF, EF, PI) and total complex indices (IPI, PLI, PINemerow, Cdeg, mCdeg, Er and PERI). The identification of pollution sources was assessed using Pearson’s correlation analysis and multivariate methods (HCA, PCA/FA). The obtained results confirmed three major groups of metals (Fe–Cr, Pb–Cu and Mn–V). A human health risk was identified in the case of Pb, Cd and Cr, and the HI value of V for children also exceeded 1.
Neuroplasticity in Cholinergic Projections from the Basal Forebrain to the Basolateral Nucleus of the Amygdala in the Kainic Acid Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Rosal Lustosa Ítalo , Soares Joana I. , Biagini Giuseppe , Lukoyanov Nikolai V.
Published: November 2019

The amygdala is a cerebral region whose function is compromised in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Patients with TLE present cognitive and emotional dysfunctions, of which impairments in recognizing facial expressions have been clearly attributed to amygdala damage. However, damage to the amygdala has been scarcely addressed, with the majority of studies focusing on the hippocampus. The aim of this study was to evaluate epilepsy-related plasticity of cholinergic projections to the basolateral nucleus (BL) of the amygdala. Adult rats received kainic acid (KA) injections and developed status epilepticus. Weeks later, they showed spontaneous recurrent seizures documented by behavioral observations. Changes in cholinergic innervation of the BL were investigated by using an antibody against the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). In KA-treated rats, it was found that (i) the BL shrunk to 25% of its original size (p < 0.01 vs. controls, Student’s t-test), (ii) the density of vesicular acetylcholine transporter-immunoreactive (VAChT-IR) varicosities was unchanged, (iii) the volumes of VAChT-IR cell bodies projecting to the BL from the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca, ventral pallidum, and subcommissural part of the substantia innominata were significantly increased (p < 0.05, Bonferroni correction). These results illustrate significant changes in the basal forebrain cholinergic cells projecting to the BL in the presence of spontaneous recurrent seizures.
Extracellular Vesicles—Connecting Kingdoms
Authors: Woith Eric , Fuhrmann Gregor , Melzig Matthias F.
Published: November 2019

It is known that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are shed from cells of almost every type of cell or organism, showing their ubiquity in all empires of life. EVs are defined as naturally released particles from cells, delimited by a lipid bilayer, and cannot replicate. These nano- to micrometer scaled spheres shuttle a set of bioactive molecules. EVs are of great interest as vehicles for drug targeting and in fundamental biological research, but in vitro culture of animal cells usually achieves only small yields. The exploration of other biological kingdoms promises comprehensive knowledge on EVs broadening the opportunities for basic understanding and therapeutic use. Thus, plants might be sustainable biofactories producing nontoxic and highly specific nanovectors, whereas bacterial and fungal EVs are promising vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases. Importantly, EVs from different eukaryotic and prokaryotic kingdoms are involved in many processes including host-pathogen interactions, spreading of resistances, and plant diseases. More extensive knowledge of inter-species and interkingdom regulation could provide advantages for preventing and treating pests and pathogens. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of EVs derived from eukaryota and prokaryota and we discuss how better understanding of their intercommunication role provides opportunities for both fundamental and applied biology.
Tricellulin Effect on Paracellular Water Transport
Authors: Ayala-Torres Carlos , Krug Susanne M. , Schulzke Jörg D. , Rosenthal Rita , Fromm Michael
Published: November 2019

In epithelia, large amounts of water pass by transcellular and paracellular pathways, driven by the osmotic gradient built up by the movement of solutes. The transcellular pathway has been molecularly characterized by the discovery of aquaporin membrane channels. Unlike this, the existence of a paracellular pathway for water through the tight junctions (TJ) was discussed controversially for many years until two molecular components of paracellular water transport, claudin-2 and claudin-15, were identified. A main protein of the tricellular TJ (tTJ), tricellulin, was shown to be downregulated in ulcerative colitis leading to increased permeability to macromolecules. Whether or not tricellulin also regulates water transport is unknown yet. To this end, an epithelial cell line featuring properties of a tight epithelium, Madin-Darby canine kidney cells clone 7 (MDCK C7), was stably transfected with small hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting tricellulin, a protein of the tTJ essential for the barrier against passage of solutes up to 10 kDa. Water flux was induced by osmotic gradients using mannitol or 4 and 40 kDa-dextran. Water flux in tricellulin knockdown (KD) cells was higher compared to that of vector controls, indicating a direct role of tricellulin in regulating water permeability in a tight epithelial cell line. We conclude that tricellulin increases water permeability at reduced expression.
Optimization of ZnAl/Chitosan Supra-Nano Hybrid Preparation as Efficient Antibacterial Material
Authors: Gohi Bi Foua Claude Alain , Zeng Hong-Yan , Xu Sheng , Zou Kai-Min , Liu Binyao , Huang Xiu Li , Cao Xiao-Ju
Published: November 2019

The menace of antimicrobial resistance continues to increase and hence the need to discover new antibiotics, especially alternative and effective sources such as hybrid organic-inorganic, organic-organic materials, and other combinations. In this study, an antimicrobial hybrid supra-nano material was prepared by the bi-titration synthesis method of chitosan (CS) and ZnAl layered double hydroxide. Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), thermogravimetric and differential thermal gravimetric (TGA/DTG), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses indicated that the ZnAl/CS hybrid exhibited low crystallinity with high thermal stability. The results of ZnAl/CS characterization showed the characteristic properties of the individual components ZnAl and CS, indicating a successful preparation of the ZnAl/CS hybrid. The antibacterial tests revealed that the ZnAl/CS hybrid possessed an enhanced antimicrobial effect against both Escherichia coli (E. coli, MTCC 739) and Penicilliumcyclopium (P. cyclopium, AS 3.4513). Under the central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology (RSM) tool, the parameters of the hybrid synthesis reaction were optimized and the result obtained was as follows: reaction pH was 11.3, reagent Zn/Al ratio was 3.27, and chitosan concentration was 1.07 g/L. After optimization, it was found that the antibacterial activity of ZnAl/CS was strengthened against E. coli as evidenced by a widening of the inhibition zone of about 41.6%. The antibacterial activity of ZnAl/CS was mainly due to the reactivation of the antibacterial activity of CS associated with the release of Zn2+ and Al3+ metal ions in addition to ZnO, Al2O3, and ZnAl2O4 compounds resulting from the method of preparation.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knock-Out of KrasG12D Mutated Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Lentsch Eva , Li Lifei , Pfeffer Susanne , Ekici Arif B. , Taher Leila , Pilarsky Christian , Grützmann Robert
Published: November 2019

In 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases, genetic alteration of the proto-oncogene Kras has occurred, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of cancerous cells. Targeting Kras has proven to be difficult and the battle against pancreatic cancer is ongoing. A promising approach to combat cancer was the discovery of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system, which can be used to genetically modify cells. To assess the potential of a CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) method to eliminate Kras mutations in cells, we aimed to knock-out the c.35G>A (p.G12D) Kras mutation. Therefore, three cell lines with a heterozygous Kras mutation (the human cell lines SUIT-2 and Panc-1 and the cell line TB32047 from a KPC mouse model) were used. After transfection, puromycin selection and single-cell cloning, proteins from two negative controls and five to seven clones were isolated to verify the knock-out and to analyze changes in key signal transduction proteins. Western blots showed a specific knock-out in the KrasG12D protein, but wildtype Kras was expressed by all of the cells. Signal transduction analysis (for Erk, Akt, Stat3, AMPKα, and c-myc) revealed expression levels similar to the wildtype. The results described herein indicate that knocking-out the KrasG12D mutation by CRISPR/Cas9 is possible. Additionally, under regular growth conditions, the knock-out clones resembled wildtype cells.
GABA-Alleviated Oxidative Injury Induced by Salinity, Osmotic Stress and their Combination by Regulating Cellular and Molecular Signals in Rice
Authors: Sheteiwy Mohamed S. , Shao Hongbo , Qi Weicong , Hamoud Yousef Alhaj , Shaghaleh Hiba , Khan Nasr Ullah , Yang Ruiping , Tang Boping
Published: November 2019

This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of priming with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at 0.5 mM on rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed germination under osmotic stress (OS) induced by polyethylene glycol (30 g/L PEG 6000); and salinity stress (S, 150 mM NaCl) and their combination (OS+S). Priming with GABA significantly alleviated the detrimental effects of OS, S and OS+S on seed germination and seedling growth. The photosynthetic system and water relation parameters were improved by GABA under stress. Priming treatment significantly increased the GABA content, sugars, protein, starch and glutathione reductase. GABA priming significantly reduced Na+ concentrations, proline, free radical and malonaldehyde and also significantly increased K+ concentration under the stress condition. Additionally, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, phenolic metabolism-related enzymes, detoxification-related enzymes and their transcription levels were improved by GABA priming under stress. In the GABA primed-plants, salinity stress alone resulted in an obvious increase in the expression level of Calcineurin B-like Protein-interacting protein Kinases (CIPKs) genes such as OsCIPK01, OsCIPK03, OsCIPK08 and OsCIPK15, and osmotic stress alone resulted in obvious increase in the expression of OsCIPK02, OsCIPK07 and OsCIPK09; and OS+S resulted in a significant up-regulation of OsCIPK12 and OsCIPK17. The results showed that salinity, osmotic stresses and their combination induced changes in cell ultra-morphology and cell cycle progression resulting in prolonged cell cycle development duration and inhibitory effects on rice seedlings growth. Hence, our findings suggested that the high tolerance to OS+S is closely associated with the capability of GABA priming to control the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level by inducing antioxidant enzymes, secondary metabolism and their transcription level. This knowledge provides new evidence for better understanding molecular mechanisms of GABA-regulating salinity and osmotic-combined stress tolerance during rice seed germination and development.
Effects of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Its Analogues on the Physiological Behaviors and Hormone Content of Tetrahymena pyriformis
Authors: Lajkó Eszter , Pállinger Éva , Kovács Zsombor , Szabó Ildikó , Kőhidai László
Published: November 2019

The unicellular Tetrahymena distinguishes structure-related vertebrate hormones by its chemosensory reactions. In the present work, the selectivity of hormone receptors was evaluated by analyzing the effects of various gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs (GnRH-I, GnRH-III) as well as truncated (Ac-SHDWKPG-NH2) and dimer derivatives ([GnRH-III(C)]2 and [GnRH-III(CGFLG)]2) of GnRH-III on (i) locomotory behaviors, (ii) cell proliferation, and (iii) intracellular hormone contents of Tetrahymena pyriformis. The migration, intracellular hormone content, and proliferation of Tetrahymena were investigated by microscope-assisted tracking analysis, flow cytometry, and a CASY TT cell counter, respectively. Depending on the length of linker sequence between the two GnRH-III monomers, the GnRH-III dimers had the opposite effect on Tetrahymena migration. [GnRH-III(CGFLG)]2 dimer had a slow, serpentine-like movement, while [GnRH-III(C)]2 dimer had a rather linear swimming pattern. All GnRH-III derivatives significantly induced cell growth after 6 h incubation. Endogenous histamine content was uniformly enhanced by Ac-SHDWKPG-NH2 and GnRH-III dimers, while some differences between the hormonal activities of GnRHs were manifested in their effects on intracellular levels of serotonin and endorphin. The GnRH peptides could directly affect Tetrahymena migration and proliferation in a structure-dependent manner, and they could indirectly regulate these reactions by paracrine/autocrine mechanisms. Present results support the theory that recognition ability and selectivity of mammalian hormone receptors can be deduced from a phylogenetically ancient level like the unicellular Tetrahymena.
Characterizing the Role of TaWRKY13 in Salt Tolerance
Authors: Zhou Shuo , Zheng Wei-Jun , Liu Bao-Hua , Zheng Jia-Cheng , Dong Fu-Shuang , Liu Zhi-Fang , Wen Zhi-Yu , Yang Fan , Wang Hai-Bo , Xu Zhao-Shi , Zhao He , Liu Yong-Wei
Published: November 2019

The WRKY transcription factor superfamily is known to participate in plant growth and stress response. However, the role of this family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is largely unknown. Here, a salt-induced gene TaWRKY13 was identified in an RNA-Seq data set from salt-treated wheat. The results of RT-qPCR analysis showed that TaWRKY13 was significantly induced in NaCl-treated wheat and reached an expression level of about 22-fold of the untreated wheat. Then, a further functional identification was performed in both Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa L. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that TaWRKY13 is a nuclear-localized protein. Moreover, various stress-related regulatory elements were predicted in the promoter. Expression pattern analysis revealed that TaWRKY13 can also be induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG), exogenous abscisic acid (ABA), and cold stress. After NaCl treatment, overexpressed Arabidopsis lines of TaWRKY13 have a longer root and a larger root surface area than the control (Columbia-0). Furthermore, TaWRKY13 overexpression rice lines exhibited salt tolerance compared with the control, as evidenced by increased proline (Pro) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents under salt treatment. The roots of overexpression lines were also more developed. These results demonstrate that TaWRKY13 plays a positive role in salt stress.
Special Issue: The Actin-Myosin Interaction in Muscle: Background and Overview
Authors: Squire John
Published: November 2019

Muscular contraction is a fundamental phenomenon in all animals; without it life as we know it would be impossible. The basic mechanism in muscle, including heart muscle, involves the interaction of the protein filaments myosin and actin. Motility in all cells is also partly based on similar interactions of actin filaments with non-muscle myosins. Early studies of muscle contraction have informed later studies of these cellular actin-myosin systems. In muscles, projections on the myosin filaments, the so-called myosin heads or cross-bridges, interact with the nearby actin filaments and, in a mechanism powered by ATP-hydrolysis, they move the actin filaments past them in a kind of cyclic rowing action to produce the macroscopic muscular movements of which we are all aware. In this special issue the papers and reviews address different aspects of the actin-myosin interaction in muscle as studied by a plethora of complementary techniques. The present overview provides a brief and elementary introduction to muscle structure and function and the techniques used to study it. It goes on to give more detailed descriptions of what is known about muscle components and the cross-bridge cycle using structural biology techniques, particularly protein crystallography, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It then has a quick look at muscle mechanics and it summarises what can be learnt about how muscle works based on the other studies covered in the different papers in the special issue. A picture emerges of the main molecular steps involved in the force-producing process; steps that are also likely to be seen in non-muscle myosin interactions with cellular actin filaments. Finally, the remarkable advances made in studying the effects of mutations in the contractile assembly in causing specific muscle diseases, particularly those in heart muscle, are outlined and discussed.
The Hypervariable Region of K-Ras4B Governs Molecular Recognition and Function
Authors: Abdelkarim Hazem , Banerjee Avik , Grudzien Patrick , Leschinsky Nicholas , Abushaer Mahmoud , Gaponenko Vadim
Published: November 2019

The flexible C-terminal hypervariable region distinguishes K-Ras4B, an important proto-oncogenic GTPase, from other Ras GTPases. This unique lysine-rich portion of the protein harbors sites for post-translational modification, including cysteine prenylation, carboxymethylation, phosphorylation, and likely many others. The functions of the hypervariable region are diverse, ranging from anchoring K-Ras4B at the plasma membrane to sampling potentially auto-inhibitory binding sites in its GTPase domain and participating in isoform-specific protein–protein interactions and signaling. Despite much research, there are still many questions about the hypervariable region of K-Ras4B. For example, mechanistic details of its interaction with plasma membrane lipids and with the GTPase domain require further clarification. The roles of the hypervariable region in K-Ras4B-specific protein–protein interactions and signaling are incompletely defined. It is also unclear why post-translational modifications frequently found in protein polylysine domains, such as acetylation, glycation, and carbamoylation, have not been observed in K-Ras4B. Expanding knowledge of the hypervariable region will likely drive the development of novel highly-efficient and selective inhibitors of K-Ras4B that are urgently needed by cancer patients.
Hsp40 Protein DNAJB6 Interacts with Viral NS3 and Inhibits the Replication of the Japanese Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Cao Yu-Qin , Yuan Lei , Zhao Qin , Yuan Jian-Lin , Miao Chang , Chang Yung-Fu , Wen Xin-Tian , Wu Rui , Huang Xiao-Bo , Wen Yi-Ping , Yan Qi-Gui , Huang Yong , Han Xin-Feng , Ma Xiao-Ping , Cao San-Jie
Published: November 2019

The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus prevalent in east and southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, and northern Australia. Since viruses are obligatory intracellular pathogens, the dynamic processes of viral entry, replication, and assembly are dependent on numerous host-pathogen interactions. Efforts to identify JEV-interacting host factors are ongoing because their identification and characterization remain incomplete. Three enzymatic activities of flavivirus non-structural protein 3 (NS3), including serine protease, RNA helicase, and triphosphatase, play major roles in the flaviviruses lifecycle. To identify cellular factors that interact with NS3, we screened a human brain cDNA library using a yeast two-hybrid assay, and identified eight proteins that putatively interact with NS3: COPS5, FBLN5, PPP2CB, CRBN, DNAJB6, UBE2N, ZNF350, and GPR137B. We demonstrated that the DnaJ heat shock protein family (Hsp40) member B6 (DNAJB6) colocalizes and interacts with NS3, and has a negative regulatory function in JEV replication. We also show that loss of DNAJB6 function results in significantly increased viral replication, but does not affect viral binding or internalization. Moreover, the time-course of DNAJB6 disruption during JEV infection varies in a viral load-dependent manner, suggesting that JEV targets this host chaperone protein for viral benefit. Deciphering the modes of NS3-interacting host proteins functions in virion production will shed light on JEV pathogenic mechanisms and may also reveal new avenues for antiviral therapeutics.
The Constipation-Relieving Property of d-Tagatose by Modulating the Composition of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Liang Yu-Xuan , Wen Peng , Wang Yu , OuYang Dong-Mei , Wang Da , Chen Yu-Zhong , Song Ya , Deng Jie , Sun Yuan-Ming , Wang Hong
Published: November 2019

d-tagatose, a monosaccharide as well as a dietary supplement, has been reported as having a wide range of applicability in the food industry, however, the prebiotic activity, anticonstipation effects, and related mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, using the loperamide-induced constipation Kunming mice as the animal model, the effects of d-tagatose for the prevention of constipation were evaluated by gastrointestinal transit experiment and defecation experiment. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism was clarified by evaluating the change of the biochemical indicators and analyzing 16S rRNA amplicon of gut microbiota among the different mice groups. The results showed that the gastrointestinal transit rate, fecal number, and weight in six hours were significantly enhanced after the administration of d-tagatose. In addition, d-tagatose significantly increased the serum levels of acetylcholine (Ach) and substance P (SP), whereas the serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) were significantly decreased. Moreover, the 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that the changes in the gut microbiota caused by constipation were restored by d-tagatose treatment. In conclusion, this study indicated that the administration of d-tagatose as a dietary supplement can effectively prevent and relieve constipation in Kunming mice, and it is a promising prebiotic candidate with constipation-relieving properties.
PpAKR1A, a Novel Aldo-Keto Reductase from Physcomitrella Patens, Plays a Positive Role in Salt Stress
Authors: Chen Lu , Bao Fang , Tang Shuxuan , Zuo Enhui , Lv Qiang , Zhang Dongyang , Hu Yong , Wang Xiaoqin , He Yikun
Published: November 2019

The moss Physcomitrella patens is tolerant of highly saline environments. In plants, salinity stress may induce the production of toxic reactive carbonyl species (RCS) and oxidative damage. Aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) are a large group of NADP-dependent oxidoreductases involved in RCS detoxification. However, many members in this superfamily remain uncharacterized. In this study, we cloned and characterised a putative AKR1 from P. patens, named PpAKR1A. Notably, the transcription level of PpAKR1A was induced by salt and methylglyoxal (MG) stress, and the recombinant PpAKR1A protein catalysed the reduction of toxic aldehydes. PpAKR1A knockout mutants of P. patens (ppakr1a) were sensitive to NaCl and MG treatment, as indicated by much lower concentrations of chlorophyll and much higher concentrations of MG and H2O2 than those in WT plants. Meanwhile, ppakr1a plants exhibited decreases in the MG-reducing activity and reactive oxygen species-scavenging ability in response to salt stress, possibly due to decreases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD). Our results indicate that PpAKR1A is an aldo-keto reductase that detoxifies MG and thus plays an important role in salt stress tolerance in P. patens.
Clinical Relevance of Immunobiology in Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
Authors: Yun Hyun Don , Varma Ankur , Hussain Mohammad J. , Nathan Sunita , Brunstein Claudio
Published: November 2019

Umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) has been an important donor source for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, especially for patients who lack suitable matched donors. UCBT provides unique practical advantages, such as lower risks of graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), permissive HLA mismatch, and ease of procurement. However, there are clinical challenges in UCBT, including high infection rates and treatment-related mortality in selected patient groups. These clinical advantages and challenges are tightly linked with cell-type specific immune reconstitution (IR). Here, we will review IR, focusing on T and NK cells, and the impact of IR on clinical outcomes. Better understanding of the immune biology in UCBT will allow us to further advance this field with improved clinical practice.
Updates on the Taxonomy of Mucorales with an Emphasis on Clinically Important Taxa
Authors: Walther Grit , Wagner Lysett , Kurzai Oliver
Published: November 2019

Fungi of the order Mucorales colonize all kinds of wet, organic materials and represent a permanent part of the human environment. They are economically important as fermenting agents of soybean products and producers of enzymes, but also as plant parasites and spoilage organisms. Several taxa cause life-threatening infections, predominantly in patients with impaired immunity. The order Mucorales has now been assigned to the phylum Mucoromycota and is comprised of 261 species in 55 genera. Of these accepted species, 38 have been reported to cause infections in humans, as a clinical entity known as mucormycosis. Due to molecular phylogenetic studies, the taxonomy of the order has changed widely during the last years. Characteristics such as homothallism, the shape of the suspensors, or the formation of sporangiola are shown to be not taxonomically relevant. Several genera including Absidia, Backusella, Circinella, Mucor, and Rhizomucor have been amended and their revisions are summarized in this review. Medically important species that have been affected by recent changes include Lichtheimia corymbifera, Mucor circinelloides, and Rhizopus microsporus. The species concept of Rhizopus arrhizus (syn. R. oryzae) is still a matter of debate. Currently, species identification of the Mucorales is best performed by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Ecologically, the Mucorales represent a diverse group but for the majority of taxa, the ecological role and the geographic distribution remain unknown. Understanding the biology of these opportunistic fungal pathogens is a prerequisite for the prevention of infections, and, consequently, studies on the ecology of the Mucorales are urgently needed.
Preparation, Mechanical Properties, and High-Temperature Wear Resistance of Ti–Al–B alloy
Authors: Cui Gongjun , Liu Yanping , Gao Guijun , Liu Huiqiang , Li Sai , Kou Ziming
Published: November 2019

Ti–Al matrix alloy reinforced with a high content of boron was fabricated by using a high-temperature alloying method and powder metallurgy technique (P/M). The preparation method of Ti–Al–B alloying powder was put forward. Phases, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the alloys were investigated. Wear and friction performance were studied by using a ball-on-disc tribotester sliding against a Si3N4 ceramic ball from 23 °C (room temperature) to 900 °C. The Ti–Al–B alloy had a higher specific strength than that of the Ti–Al alloy. The boron element obviously enhanced the wear resistance and mechanical properties of the alloys because of the formation of borides (TiB2 and AlB2) in matrices and the stable oxide film on the wear tracks. Friction coefficients of alloys were independent of the boron element. The wear mechanisms of the alloys transferred from fatigue wear to oxidative wear with the increase in temperature.
Definite Integral of Arctangent and Polylogarithmic Functions Expressed as a Series
Authors: Reynolds Robert , Stauffer Allan
Published: November 2019

We present a method using contour integration to evaluate the definite integral of arctangent reciprocal logarithmic integrals in terms of infinite sums. In a similar manner, we evaluate the definite integral involving the polylogarithmic function L i k ( y ) in terms of special functions. In various cases, these generalizations give the value of known mathematical constants such as Catalan’s constant G, Aprey’s constant ζ ( 3 ) , the Glaisher–Kinkelin constant A, l o g ( 2 ) , and π .
Singularities of Non-Developable Surfaces in Three-Dimensional Euclidean Space
Authors: Huang Jie , Pei Donghe
Published: November 2019

We study the singularity on principal normal and binormal surfaces generated by smooth curves with singular points in the Euclidean 3-space. We discover the existence of singular points on such binormal surfaces and study these singularities by the method of singularity theory. By using structure functions, we can characterize the ruled surface generated by special curves.
Validity of Prediction Equations of Maximal Heart Rate in Physically Active Female Adolescents and the Role of Maturation
Authors: Papadopoulou Sophia D. , Papadopoulou Sousana K. , Alipasali Foteini , Hatzimanouil Dimitris , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat , Nikolaidis Pantelis T.
Published: November 2019

Background and objectives: Maximal heart rate (HRmax) is an important training and testing tool, especially in the context of evaluating intensity in exercise prescription; however, few studies have examined the validity of prediction equations of HRmax in physically active female adolescents and the role of maturation level. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the differences between measured and predicted HRmax in a sample of physically active female adolescents. Materials and Methods: Seventy-one selected volleyball players (age 13.3 ± 0.7 years, body mass 62.0 ± 7.2 kg, height 1.72 ± 0.06 m) performed a 20 m shuttle run endurance test, and the actual HRmax was compared with Tanaka HRmax (‘208 − 0.7 × age’) and Fox HRmax (‘220 − age’). Results: A large main effect of assessment method on HRmax was found (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.486) with Fox overestimating actual HRmax by 6.8 bpm (95% confidence intervals, CI; 4.2, 9.3) and Tanaka underestimating actual HRmax by −2.6 bpm (95% CI; −5.1, −0.1). The more matured participants had similar actual HRmax (mean difference −2.4 bpm; 95% CI; −6.5, 1.7; p = 0.242, d = −0.28), difference Fox − actual HRmax (1.5 bpm; 95% CI; −2.6, 5.6, p = 0.466, d = 0.17), and difference Tanaka − actual HRmax (1.7 bpm; 95% CI; −2.4, 5.8; p = 0.414, d = 0.19) to the less matured participants. Conclusions: These findings suggest that age-based prediction equations of HRmax developed in adult populations should be applied with caution in physically active female adolescents, and Tanaka should be preferred instead of the Fox equation.
Role of Dysregulated Ion Channels in Sensory Neurons in Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus
Authors: Momose Akishi , Yabe Micihihiro , Chiba Shigetoshi , Kumakawa Kenjirou , Shiraiwa Yasuo , Mizukami Hiroki
Published: November 2019

Background: We investigated ion channels at the skin, including peripheral nerve endings, which serve as output machines and molecular integrators of many pruritic inputs mainly received by multiple G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Methods: Based on the level of chronic kidney disease–associated pruritus (CKD-aP), subjects were divided into two groups: non-CKD-aP (no or slight pruritus; n = 12) and CKD-aP (mild, moderate, or severe pruritus; n = 11). Skin samples were obtained from the forearm or elbow during operations on arteriovenous fistulas. We measured ion channels expressed at the skin, including peripheral nerve endings by RT-PCR: Nav1.8, Kv1.4, Cav2.2, Cav3.2, BKCa, Anoctamin1, TRPV1, TRPA1, and ASIC. Results: Expression of Cav3.2, BKCa, and anoctamin1 was significantly elevated in patients with CKD-aP. On the other hand, expression of TRPV1 was significantly reduced in these patients. We observed no significant difference in the levels of Cav2.2 or ASIC between subjects with and without CKD-aP. TRPA1, Nav1.8, and Kv1.4 were not expressed. Conclusions: It was concluded that this greater difference in the expression of ion channels in the skin tissue including, specially cutaneous peripheral nerve endings in CKD patients with CKD-aP may increase generator potential related to itching.
Fast and Parallel Detection of Four Ebola Virus Species on a Microfluidic-Chip-Based Portable Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification System
Authors: Lin Xue , Jin Xiangyu , Xu Bin , Wang Ruliang , Fu Rongxin , Su Ya , Jiang Kai , Yang Han , Lu Ying , Guo Yong , Huang Guoliang
Published: November 2019

Considering the lack of official vaccines and medicines for Ebola virus infection, reliable diagnostic methods are necessary for the control of the outbreak and the spread of the disease. We developed a microfluidic-chip-based portable system for fast and parallel detection of four Ebola virus species. The system is based on reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) and consists of four specific LAMP primers, a disc microfluidic chip, and a portable real-time fluorescence detector. It could specifically and parallelly distinguish four species of the Ebola virus after only one sampling, including the Zaire Ebola virus, the Sudan Ebola virus, the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, and the Tai Forest Ebola virus, without cross-contamination. The limit of detection was as small as 10 copies per reaction, while the total consumption of sample and reagent was 0.94 μL per reaction. The final results could be obtained in 50 min after one addition of sample and reagent mixture. This approach provides simplicity, high sensitivity, and multi-target parallel detection at a low cost, which could enable convenient and effective on-site detections of the Ebola virus in the outdoors, remote areas, and modern hospitals.
Automated Analysis of Platelet Aggregation on Cultured Endothelium in a Microfluidic Chip Perfused with Human Whole Blood
Authors: Albers Hugo , Passier Robert , van den Berg Albert , van der Meer Andries
Published: November 2019

Organ-on-a-chip models with incorporated vasculature are becoming more popular to study platelet biology. A large variety of image analysis techniques are currently used to determine platelet coverage, ranging from manually setting thresholds to scoring platelet aggregates. In this communication, an automated methodology is introduced, which corrects misalignment of a microfluidic channel, automatically defines regions of interest and utilizes a triangle threshold to determine platelet coverages and platelet aggregate size distributions. A comparison between the automated methodology and manual identification of platelet aggregates shows a high accuracy of the triangle methodology. Furthermore, the image analysis methodology can determine platelet coverages and platelet size distributions in microfluidic channels lined with either untreated or activated endothelium used for whole blood perfusion, proving the robustness of the method.
The Influence of Piezoelectric Transducer Stimulating Sites on the Performance of Implantable Middle Ear Hearing Devices: A Numerical Analysis
Authors: Liu Houguang , Zhao Yu , Yang Jianhua , Rao Zhushi
Published: November 2019

To overcome the inherent deficiencies of hearing aids, implantable middle ear hearing devices (IMEHDs) have emerged as a new treatment for hearing loss. However, clinical results show that the IMEHD performance varies with its transducer’s stimulating site. To numerically analyze the influence of the piezoelectric transducer’s stimulating sites on its hearing compensation performance, we constructed a human ear finite element model and confirmed its validity. Based on this finite element model, the displacement stimulation, which simulates the piezoelectric transducer’s stimulation, was applied to the umbo, the incus long process, the incus body, the stapes, and the round window membrane, respectively. Then, the stimulating site’s effect of the piezoelectric transducer was analyzed by comparing the corresponding displacements of the basilar membrane. Besides, the stimulating site’s sensitivity to the direction of excitation was also studied. The result of the finite element analysis shows that stimulating the incus body is least efficient for the piezoelectric transducer. Meanwhile, stimulating the round window membrane or the stapes generates a higher basilar membrane displacement than stimulating the eardrum or the incus long process. However, the performance of these two ideal sites’ stimulation is sensitive to the changes in the excitation’s direction. Thus, the round window membrane and the stapes is the ideal stimulating sites for the piezoelectric transducer regarding the driving efficiency. The direction of the excitation should be guaranteed for these ideal sites.
Is an “Epigenetic Diet” for Migraines Justified? The Case of Folate and DNA Methylation
Authors: Fila Michal , Chojnacki Cezary , Chojnacki Jan , Blasiak Janusz
Published: November 2019

Migraines are a common disease with limited treatment options and some dietary factors are recognized to trigger headaches. Although migraine pathogenesis is not completely known, aberrant DNA methylation has been reported to be associated with its occurrence. Folate, an essential micronutrient involved in one-carbon metabolism and DNA methylation, was shown to have beneficial effects on migraines. Moreover, the variability of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, important in both folate metabolism and migraine pathogenesis, modulates the beneficial effects of folate for migraines. Therefore, migraine could be targeted by a folate-rich, DNA methylation-directed diet, but there are no data showing that beneficial effects of folate consumption result from its epigenetic action. Furthermore, contrary to epigenetic drugs, epigenetic diets contain many compounds, some yet unidentified, with poorly known or completely unknown potential to interfere with the epigenetic action of the main dietary components. The application of epigenetic diets for migraines and other diseases requires its personalization to the epigenetic profile of a patient, which is largely unknown. Results obtained so far do not warrant the recommendation of any epigenetic diet as effective in migraine prevention and therapy. Further studies including a folate-rich diet fortified with valproic acid, another modifier of epigenetic profile effective in migraine prophylaxis, may help to clarify this issue.