bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Capillary Leak Syndrome as an Adverse Effect of Drugs in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jeong Gwang Hun , Lee Keum Hwa , Lee I Re , Oh Ji Hyun , Kim Dong Wook , Shin Jae Won , Kronbichler Andreas , Eisenhut Michael , van der Vliet Hans J. , Abdel-Rahman Omar , Stubbs Brendon , Solmi Marco , Veronese Nicola , Dragioti Elena , Koyanagi Ai , Radua Joaquim , Shin Jae Il
Published: January 2019

Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is a rare disease with profound vascular leakage, which can be associated with a high mortality. There have been several reports on CLS as an adverse effect of anti-cancer agents and therapy, but the incidence of CLS according to the kinds of anti-cancer drugs has not been systemically evaluated. Thus, the aim of our study was to comprehensively meta-analyze the incidence of CLS by different types of cancer treatment or after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). We searched the literatures (inception to July 2018) and among 4612 articles, 62 clinical trials (studies) were eligible. We extracted the number of patients with CLS, total cancer patients, name of therapeutic agent and dose, and type of cancer. We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the summary effects with 95% confidence interval and between-study heterogeneity. The reported incidence of CLS was categorized by causative drugs and BMT. The largest number of studies reported on CLS incidence during interleukin-2 (IL-2) treatment (n = 18), which yielded a pooled incidence of 34.7% by overall estimation and 43.9% by meta-analysis. The second largest number of studies reported on anti-cluster of differentiation (anti-CD) agents (n = 13) (incidence of 33.9% by overall estimation and 35.6% by meta-analysis) or undergoing BMT (n = 7 (21.1% by overall estimation and 21.7% by meta-analysis). Also, anti-cancer agents, including IL-2 + imatinib mesylate (three studies) and anti-CD22 monoclinal antibodies (mAb) (four studies), showed a dose-dependent increase in the incidence of CLS. Our study is the first to provide an informative overview on the incidence rate of reported CLS patients as an adverse event of anti-cancer treatment. This meta-analysis can lead to a better understanding of CLS and assist physicians in identifying the presence of CLS early in the disease course to improve the outcome and optimize management.
Does Resveratrol Play a Role in Decreasing the Inflammation Associated with Contrast Induced Nephropathy in Rat Model?
Authors: Chen Yi-Hsin , Fu Yun-Ching , Wu Ming-Ju
Published: January 2019

Contrast is widely used in invasive image examinations such as computed tomography (CT) and angiography; however, the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is high. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of resveratrol in a rat model of CIN. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: the control group (0.9% saline infusion only); resveratrol group (RSV, resveratrol, 30 mg/kg); contrast media group (CIN); and resveratrol + contrast media group (RCIN, resveratrol 30 mg/kg 60 min before CIN). CIN was induced via an intravenous injection of a single dose of indomethacin (10 mg/kg), one dose of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 mg/kg), and a single dose of contrast medium iopromide (2 g/kg). Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were higher in the CIN group compared to the other groups. Histopathological tubule injury scores were also higher in the CIN group compared to the other groups (p < 0.01). NLPR3 in kidney tissue were higher in the CIN group compared to the other groups; however, these results were improved by resveratrol in the RCIN group compared with the CIN group. The expressions of IL-1β and the percentage of apoptotic cells were higher in the CIN group than in the control and RSV groups, but they were lower in the RCIN group than in the CIN group. The expression of cleaved caspase-3 was higher in the CIN group than in the control and RSV groups, but lower in the RCIN group than in the CIN group. Resveratrol treatment attenuated both injury processes and apoptosis and inhibited the inflammasome pathway in this rat CIN model.
Predictive Factors of Efficacy Maintenance after Testosterone Treatment Cessation
Authors: Park Min Gu , Yeo Jeong Kyun , Park Sun Gu , Na Woong , Moon Du Geon
Published: January 2019

There is no conclusive evidence as to whether patients with testosterone deficiency (TD) who benefit from testosterone treatment (TRT) must continue the treatment for the rest of their lives. In some patients, the effect of TRT does not maintained after stopping TRT and, some patients show no significant TD symptoms, with normal testosterone levels after TRT cessation. Therefore, we investigated the predictive factors of response maintenance after TRT cessation. A total of 151 men with TD who responded to TRT were followed up for six months after TRT discontinuation. Ninety-two patients (Group I) failed to show response maintenance; 59 patients (Group II) had a maintained response. The groups did not differ in baseline characteristics or the type of TRT (oral, gel, short/long-acting injectables). However, TRT duration was significantly longer (10.7 vs. 5.2 months), and peak total testosterone (TT) level was significantly higher (713.7 vs. 546.1 ng/dL), in Group II than in Group I. More patients regularly exercised in Group II than in Group I (45.8% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that exercise (B = 2.325, odds ratio = 10.231, p < 0.001) and TRT duration (B = 0.153, Exp(B) = 1.166, p < 0.001) were independent predictive factors of response maintenance. In men with TD who respond to TRT, longer treatment periods can improve the response durability after TRT cessation, regardless of the type of TRT. Additionally, regular exercise can increase the probability of maintaining the response after TRT cessation.
High Level Current Modeling for Shaping Electromagnetic Emissions in Micropipeline Circuits
Authors: Germain Sophie , Engels Sylvain , Fesquet Laurent
Published: January 2019

In order to fit circuit electromagnetic emissions within a spectral mask, a design flow based on high level current modeling for micropipeline circuits is proposed. The model produces a quick and rough estimation of the circuit current, thanks to a Timed Petri Net determining the activation instants of the different micropipeline stages and an asymmetric Laplace distribution modeling the current peaks of the activated stages. The design flow exploits this current estimation for shaping the electromagnetic emissions by setting the controller delays of the micropipeline circuits. The delay adjustment is performed by a genetic algorithm, which iterates until the electromagnetic emissions match the targeted spectral mask. In order to evaluate the technique, an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) circuit has been designed. We first observed that the obtained current curve fits well with a gate simulation. Then, after shaping the electromagnetic emissions, the simulation shows that the spectrum fits within the spectral mask.
Dynamical Task Switching in Cellular Computers
Authors: Goñi-Moreno Angel , de la Cruz Fernando , Rodríguez-Patón Alfonso , Amos Martyn
Published: January 2019

We present a scheme for implementing a version of task switching in engineered bacteria, based on the manipulation of plasmid copy numbers. Our method allows for the embedding of multiple computations in a cellular population, whilst minimising resource usage inefficiency. We describe the results of computational simulations of our model, and discuss the potential for future work in this area.
Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Potential, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link Fruiting Body
Authors: Quy Tran Ngoc , Xuan Tran Dang
Published: January 2019

Background: Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal mushroom and has been extensively used as a folk medicine in East Asia. In this study, the separation of constituents involved in xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of C. militaris was conducted. Methods: The aqueous residue of this fungus was extracted by methanol and then subsequently fractionated by hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and water. The ethyl acetate extract possessed the highest XO inhibitory and antioxidant activities was separated to different fractions by column chromatography. Each fraction was then subjected to anti-hyperuricemia, antioxidant and antibacterial assays. Results: The results showed that the CM8 fraction exhibited the strongest XO inhibitory activity (the lowest IC50: 62.82 μg/mL), followed by the CM10 (IC50: 68.04 μg/mL) and the CM7 (IC50: 86.78 μg/mL). The level of XO inhibition was proportional to antioxidant activity. In antibacterial assay, the CM9 and CM11 fractions showed effective antibacterial activity (MIC values: 15–25 mg/mL and 10–25 mg/mL, respectively). Results from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses indicated that cordycepin was the major constituent in the CM8 and CM10 fractions. Conclusions: This study revealed that C. militaris was beneficial for treatment hyperuricemia although in vivo trials on compounds purified from this medicinal fungus are needed.
Profile Map of Weld Beads and Its Formation Mechanism in Gas Metal Arc Welding
Authors: Zhang Zhanhui , Xue Jiaxiang
Published: January 2019

In order to investigate the profile map of weld beads and its formation mechanism in gas metal arc welding (GMAW), bead-on-plate welding was carried out with different average currents, and the dimensions of a weld bead were measured. The results show that the profile of weld beads can be divided into three stages according to the volume relationship between the melted filler metal and the weld pool. During the stages, the top surface of the reinforcement consisting of the central plane and the side plane mainly goes through inversed-U, W, V, and U shapes, which are mainly attributed to the change of flow pattern. Moreover, the role played by the bottom wall in determining the flow pattern and the resultant bead profile has been investigated as well. The experiment results show that with the bottom wall changing from the solid to the totally melted state, the role of redirecting, redistributing and bearing the molten metal played by the bottom wall gradually disappears. As a result, the side reinforcement is no longer covered by the liquid flowing backward. The top reinforcement is thoroughly collapsed when the width of the bottom reinforcement exceeds that of the top one by 1.1 mm.
A Short Review on Fracture Mechanisms of Mechanical Components Operated under Industrial Process Conditions: Fractographic Analysis and Selected Prevention Strategies
Authors: Pantazopoulos George A.
Published: January 2019

An insight of the dominant fracture mechanisms occurring in mechanical metallic components during industrial service conditions is offered through this short overview. Emphasis is given on the phenomenological aspects of fracture and their relationships with the emergent fracture mode(s) with respect to the prevailed operating parameters and loading conditions. This presentation is basically fulfilled by embracing and reviewing industrial case histories addressed from a technical expert viewpoint. The referenced case histories reflected mainly the author’s team expertise in failure analysis investigation. As a secondary perspective of the current study, selected failure investigation and prevention methodological approaches are briefly summarized and discussed, aiming to provide a holistic overview of the specific frameworks and systems in place, which could assist the organization of risk minimization and quality enhancement.
Measurement and Evaluation of Calorimetric Descriptors for the Suitability for Evolutionary High-Throughput Material Development
Authors: Toenjes Anastasiya , Sonnenberg Heike , Plump Christina , Drechsler Rolf , von Hehl Axel
Published: January 2019

A novel method for evolutionary material development by using high-throughput processing is established. For the purpose of this high-throughput approach, spherical micro samples are used, which have to be characterized, up-scaled to macro level and valued. For the evaluation of the microstructural state of the micro samples and the associated micro-properties, fast characterization methods based on physical testing methods such as calorimetry and universal microhardness measurements are developed. Those measurements result in so-called descriptors. The increase in throughput during calorimetric characterization using differential scanning calorimetry is achieved by accelerating the heating rate. Consequently, descriptors are basically measured in a non-equilibrium state. The maximum heating rate is limited by the possibility to infer the microstructural state from the calorimetric results. The substantial quality of the measured descriptors for micro samples has to be quantified and analyzed depending on the heating rate. In this work, the first results of the measurements of calorimetric descriptors with increased heating rates for 100Cr6 will be presented and discussed. The results of low and high heating rates will be compared and analyzed using additional microhardness measurements. Furthermore, the validation of the method regarding the suitability for the evolutionary material development includes up-scaling to macro level and therefore different sample masses will be investigated using micro and macro samples during calorimetry.
Impact of Short-Range Clustering on the Multistage Work-Hardening Behavior in Cu–Ni Alloys
Authors: Han Dong , He Jin-Xian , Guan Xian-Jun , Zhang Yan-Jie , Li Xiao-Wu
Published: January 2019

The work-hardening behavior of Cu–Ni alloys with high stacking-fault energies (SFEs) is experimentally investigated under uniaxial compression. It is found that, with the increase of Ni content (or short-range clustering, SRC), the flow stress of Cu–Ni alloys is significantly increased, which is mainly attributed to an enhanced contribution of work-hardening. An unexpected multistage (including Stages A, B, and C) work-hardening process was found in this alloy, and such a work-hardening behavior is essentially related to the existence of SRC structures in alloys. Specifically, during deformation in Stage B (within the strain range of 0.04–0.07), the forming tendency to planar-slip dislocation structures becomes enhanced with an increase of SRC content (namely, increase of Ni content), leading to the occurrence of work-hardening rate recovery in the Cu–20at.% Ni alloy. In short, increasing SRC in the Cu–Ni alloy can trigger an unexpected multistage work-hardening process, and thus improve its work-hardening capacity.
Green Preparation of Nanoporous Pyrrhotite by Thermal Treatment of Pyrite as an Effective Hg(Ⅱ) Adsorbent: Performance and Mechanism
Authors: Lu Ping , Chen Tianhu , Liu Haibo , Li Ping , Peng Shuchuan , Yang Yan
Published: January 2019

The removal of Hg(II) from aqueous solutions by pyrrhotite derived from the thermal activation of natural pyrite was explored by batch experiments. The adsorption isotherms demonstrated that the sorption of Hg(II) by modified pyrite (MPy) can be fitted well by the Langmuir model. The removal capacity of Hg(II) on MPy derived from the Langmuir model was determined to 166.67 mg/g. The adsorption process of Hg(II) on MPy was well fitted by a pseudo-second-order model. The sorption of Hg(II) on MPy was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The removal of Hg(II) by MPy was mainly attributed to a chemical reaction resulting in cinnabar formation and the electrostatic attraction between the negative charges in MPy and positive charges of Hg(II). The results of our work suggest that the thermal activation of natural pyrite is greatly important for the effective utilization of ore resources for the removal of Hg(II).
Olivine–Spinel Diffusivity Patterns in Chromitites and Dunites from the Finero Phlogopite-Peridotite (Ivrea-Verbano Zone, Southern Alps): Implications for the Thermal History of the Massif
Authors: Bussolesi Micol , Grieco Giovanni , Tzamos Evangelos
Published: January 2019

The study of Mg–Fe2+ subsolidus exchange between olivine and spinel is a powerful tool to unravel the thermal history of ultramafic rocks. We have implemented such a study using olivine–spinel diffusivity patterns in fresh mineralogical samples from the Finero mafic-ultramafic Complex in the Ivrea-Verbano zone of Northern Italy. Our analytical suite includes chromitites and dunites of the Phlogopite-Peridotite Unit from the core of the Complex. Primary and re-equilibrated olivine and spinel compositions were derived from diffusivity curves calculated by fitting data via an exponential function. Resulting XMg (Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) values were then used for geothermometry. Samples are found to demonstrate a maximum temperature of 849 °C and a minimum temperature of 656 °C; these temperatures coincide with the limits of elemental exchange in this mineralogic system. We were unable to identify primary olivine/spinel compositions related to the original formation of the dunite–chromitite suite during Early Permian metasomatic activity. Temperature of 849 °C is ascribed to the Late Triassic re-heating event dated at 208 ± 2 Ma. Continuous cooling followed this event at rates of 10−4 and 10−2 °C/yr until cessation of elemental exchange activity at ~656 °C. A rapid cooling rate is associated with the uplift and subsequent decrease of geothermal gradient during the early stages of the opening of the Piemont ocean basin.
Platinum-Group Minerals of Pt-Placer Deposits Associated with the Svetloborsky Ural-Alaskan Type Massif, Middle Urals, Russia
Authors: Stepanov Sergey Yu. , Palamarchuk Roman S. , Kozlov Aleksandr V. , Khanin Dmitry A. , Varlamov Dmitry A. , Kiseleva Daria V.
Published: January 2019

The alteration of platinum group minerals (PGM) of eluval, proximal, and distal placers associated with the Ural-Alaskan type clinopyroxenite-dunite massifs were studied. The Isovsko-Turinskaya placer system is unique regarding its size, and was chosen as research object as it is PGM-bearing for more than 70 km from its lode source, the Ural-Alaskan type Svetloborsky massif, Middle Urals. Lode chromite-platinum ore zones located in the Southern part of the dunite “core” of the Svetloborsky massif are considered as the PGM lode source. For the studies, PGM concentrates were prepared from the heavy concentrates which were sampled at different distances from the lode source. Eluvial placers are situated directly above the ore zones, and the PGM transport distance does not exceed 10 m. Travyanistyi proximal placer is considered as an example of alluvial ravine placer with the PGM transport distance from 0.5 to 2.5 km. The Glubokinskoe distal placer located in the vicinity of the Is settlement are chosen as the object with the longest PGM transport distance (30–35 km from the lode source). Pt-Fe alloys, and in particular, isoferroplatinum prevail in the lode ores and placers with different PGM transport distance. In some cases, isoferroplatinum is substituted by tetraferroplatinum and tulameenite in the grain marginal parts. Os-Ir-(Ru) alloys, erlichmanite, laurite, kashinite, bowieite, and Ir-Rh thiospinels are found as inclusions in Pt-Fe minerals. As a result of the study, it was found that the greatest contribution to the formation of the placer objects is made by the erosion of chromite-platinum mineralized zones in dunites. At a distance of more than 10 km, the degree of PGM mechanical attrition becomes significant, and the morphological features, characteristic of lode platinum, are practically not preserved. One of the signs of the significant PGM transport distance in the placers is the absence of rims composed of the tetraferroplatinum group minerals around primary Pt-Fez alloys. The sie of the nuggets decreases with the increasing transport distance. The composition of isoferroplatinum from the placers and lode chromite-platinum ore zones are geochemically similar.
Hydrodynamic and Flotation Kinetic Analysis of a Large Scale Mechanical Agitated Flotation Cell with the Typical Impeller and the Arc Impeller
Authors: Shen Zhengchang , Zhang Ming , Fan Xuesai , Shi Shuaixing , Han Dengfeng
Published: January 2019

The processing of low grade mineral ores using large scale flotation cells is obviously more advantageous than smaller-scale processing. Large-scale flotation cells have become increasingly important for effective volume scale-up. In this study, the latest and largest flotation cell in China, with an effective volume of 680 m3, is considered. Hydrodynamics and flotation kinetics analyses are conducted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. It is demonstrated that the flotation cell with a typical impeller produces suitable hydrodynamics for mineral particles based on analysis of the flow pattern, gas dispersion and solid suspension. The performance of the large-scale flotation cell is studied using hydrodynamic performance parameters. The variation of the performance parameters, such as the power number (Np), the Froude number (Fr), the air flow number (Na), and so on, with the flotation cell volumes, followed trends similar to that of previous cells of a different size, which were proven to be effective for engineering applications. To decrease the detachment of mineral particles, a new type of impeller, for which the impeller plate is a hyperbolic curve, viz. an arc impeller, was developed. Compared with the typical impeller, the arc impeller expands and lifts the low circulating flow, thereby shortening the transportation distance of the mineral particles. The data indicates that kinetic eddy dissipation plays a key role in determining the collision kernel and collision probability profile. The newly designed arc impeller leads to a higher collision probability than the typical impeller, resulting in better flotation performance. This research should aid in the optimization of the structure of the 680 m3 flotation cell.
Anaerobic Bioreduction of Jarosites and Biofilm Formation by a Natural Microbial Consortium
Authors: Castro Laura , Blázquez M. Luisa , González Felisa , Muñoz Jesús A. , Ballester Antonio
Published: January 2019

Jarosite occurs naturally in acid sulphate soils and is a common feature of streams impacted by acid mine drainage (AMD). Biological reduction of iron-sulphate minerals, such as jarosite, has the potential to contribute to the natural attenuation of acid mine drainage sites. The reduction of different jarosites (including minerals containing precious and toxic metals) by a natural bacterial/microbial consortium was examined in this study. Jarosites was used as a sole terminal electron acceptor via the reductive dissolution of Fe(III) minerals. The production of Fe(II) and the presence of sulphate-reducing bacteria in the consortium lead to the precipitation of metal sulphides immobilizing toxic heavy metals. Microbial attachment and biofilm formation of minerals have a great impact on the production and transformation of minerals and can influence the mobility of metals. After the adaptation to different jarosites, a unique specie was found: Desulfosporosinus orientis. Desulfosporosinus species are sulphate-reducing bacteria and can be found in sulphate-rich heavy metal-polluted environments, such as acid mine/rock drainage sites, being responsible for the sulphides formation. D. orientis is an obligate anaerobic microorganism and is able to reduce Fe(III) D. orientis is an obligate anaerobic microorganism and is able to reduce Fe(III). Confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescent lectin-binding analyses (FLBA) were used to study the arrangement and composition of the exopolysaccharides/glycoconjugates in biofilms indicating the presence of mannose, glucose, and N-acetylglucosamine residues. This study provides insights to understand the processes leading to the mobility or retention of metals in mine waste and industrial landfill environments.
Mineralogy of Cobalt-Rich Ferromanganese Crusts from the Perth Abyssal Plain (E Indian Ocean)
Authors: Maciąg Łukasz , Zawadzki Dominik , Kozub-Budzyń Gabriela A. , Piestrzyński Adam , Kotliński Ryszard A. , Wróbel Rafał J.
Published: January 2019

Mineralogy of phosphatized and zeolitized hydrogenous cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts from Dirck Hartog Ridge (DHR), the Perth Abyssal Plain (PAP), formed on an altered basaltic substrate, is described. Detail studies of crusts were conducted using optical transmitted light microscopy, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA). The major Fe-Mn mineral phases that form DHR crusts are low-crystalline vernadite, asbolane and a feroxyhyte-ferrihydrite mixture. Accessory minerals are Ca-hydroxyapatite, zeolites (Na-phillipsite, chabazite, heulandite-clinoptilolite), glauconite and several clay minerals (Fe-smectite, nontronite, celadonite) are identified in the basalt-crust border zone. The highest Ni, Cu and Co contents are observed in asbolane and Mn-(Fe) vernadite. There is significant enrichment of Ti in feroxyhyte−ferrihydrite and vernadite. The highest rare earth element (REE) content is measured in the phosphate minerals, less in phyllosilicates and Na-phillipsite. The geochemical composition of minerals in the DHR crusts supports the formation of crusts by initial alteration, phosphatization and zeolitization of the substrate basalts followed by oscillatory Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides precipitation of hydrogenous vernadite (oxic conditions) and diagenous asbolane (suboxic conditions).
Absorption of Sulfur Dioxide by Tetraglyme–Sodium Salt Ionic Liquid
Authors: Xu Qiang , Jiang Wei , Xiao Jianbai , Wei Xionghui
Published: January 2019

A series of tetraglyme–sodium salt ionic liquids have been prepared and found to be promising solvents to absorb SO2. The experiments here show that [Na–tetraglyme][SCN] ionic liquid has excellent thermal stability and a 30% increase in SO2 absorption capacity compared to other sodium salt ionic liquids and the previously studied lithium salt ionic liquids in terms of molar absorption capacity. The interaction between SO2 and the ionic liquid was concluded to be physical absorption by IR and NMR.
Structurally Simple Phenanthridine Analogues Based on Nitidine and Their Antitumor Activities
Authors: Qin Shu-Qin , Li Lian-Chun , Song Jing-Ru , Li Hai-Yun , Li Dian-Peng
Published: January 2019

A series of novel structurally simple analogues based on nitidine was designed and synthesized in search of potent anticancer agents. The antitumor activity against human cancer cell lines (HepG2, A549, NCI-H460, and CNE1) was performed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in vitro. The results showed that some of them had good anticancer activities, especially derivatives with a [(dimethylamino)ethyl]amino side chain in the C-6 position. Planar conjugated compounds 15a, 15b, and 15c, with IC50 values of 1.20 μM, 1.87 μM, and 1.19 μM against CNE1 cells, respectively, were more active than nitidine chloride. Compound 15b and compound 15c with IC50 values of 1.19 μM and 1.37 μM against HepG2 cells and A549 cells demonstrated superior activities to nitidine. Besides, compound 5e which had a phenanthridinone core displayed extraordinary cytotoxicity against all test cells, particularly against CNE1 cells with the IC50 value of 1.13 μM.
5-Arylideneimidazolones with Amine at Position 3 as Potential Antibiotic Adjuvants against Multidrug Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Kaczor Aneta , Witek Karolina , Podlewska Sabina , Czekajewska Joanna , Lubelska Annamaria , Żesławska Ewa , Nitek Wojciech , Latacz Gniewomir , Alibert Sandrine , Pagès Jean-Marie , Karczewska Elżbieta , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna , Handzlik Jadwiga
Published: January 2019

Searching for new chemosensitizers of bacterial multidrug resistance (MDR), chemical modifications of (Z)-5-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-3H-imidazol-4(5H)-one (6) were performed. New compounds (7–17), with fused aromatic rings at position 5, were designed and synthesized. Crystallographic X-ray analysis proved that the final compounds (7–17) were substituted with tertiary amine-propyl moiety at position 3 and primary amine group at 2 due to intramolecular Dimroth rearrangement. New compounds were evaluated on their antibiotic adjuvant properties in either Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. Efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) properties towards the AcrAB-TolC pump in Enterobacter aerogenes (EA289) were investigated in the real-time efflux (RTE) assay. Docking and molecular dynamics were applied to estimate an interaction of compounds 6–17 with penicillin binding protein (PBP2a). In vitro ADME-Tox properties were evaluated for compound 9. Most of the tested compounds reduced significantly (4-32-fold) oxacillin MIC in highly resistant MRSA HEMSA 5 strain. The anthracene-morpholine derivative (16) was the most potent (32-fold reduction). The tested compounds displayed significant EPI properties during RTE assay (37–97%). The naphthyl-methylpiperazine derivative 9 showed the most potent “dual action” of both oxacillin adjuvant (MRSA) and EPI (E. aerogenes). Molecular modeling results suggested the allosteric mechanism of action of the imidazolones, which improved binding of oxacillin in the PBP2a active site in MRSA.
Determination of Sulfonamides in Feeds by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography after Fluorescamine Precolumn Derivatization
Authors: Patyra Ewelina , Przeniosło-Siwczyńska Monika , Kwiatek Krzysztof
Published: January 2019

A new multi-residue method for the analysis of sulfonamides (sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine, sulfaguanidine and sulfamethoxazole) in non-target feeds using high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) and precolumnderivatization was developed and validated. Sulfonamides (SAs) were extracted from feed with an ethyl acetate/methanol/acetonitrile mixture. Clean-up was performed on a Strata-SCX cartridge. The HPLC separation was performed on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB C18 column with a gradient mobile phase system of acetic acid, methanol, and acetonitrile. The method was validated according to EU requirements (Commission Decision 2002/657/EC). Linearity, decision limit, detection capability, detection and quantification limits, recovery, precision, and selectivity were determined, and adequate results were obtained. Using the HPLC-FLD method, recoveries were satisfactory (79.3–114.0%), with repeatability and reproducibility in the range of 2.7–9.1% to 5.9–14.9%, respectively. Decision limit (CCα) and detection capability (CCβ) were 197.7–274.6 and 263.2–337.9 µg/kg, respectively, and limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 34.5–79.5 and 41.3–89.9 µg/kg, respectively, depending on the analyte. Results showed that this analytical procedure is simple, rapid, sensitive, and suitable for the routine control of feeds.
Identification of the Pol Gene as a Species-Specific Diagnostic Marker for Qualitative and Quantitative PCR Detection of Tricholoma matsutake
Authors: Shan Luying , Wang Dazhou , Li Yinjiao , Zheng Shi , Xu Wentao , Shang Ying
Published: January 2019

Tricholoma matsutake is a rare, precious, and wild edible fungus that could not be cultivated artificially until now. This situation has given way to the introduction of fake T. matsutake commodities to the mushroom market. Among the methods used to detect food adulteration, amplification of species-specific diagnostic marker is particularly important and accurate. In this study, the Pol gene is reported as a species-specific diagnostic marker to identify three T. matsutake varieties and 10 other types of edible mushrooms through qualitative and quantitative PCR. The PCR results did not reveal variations in the amplified region, and the detection limits of qualitative and quantitative PCR were found to be 8 ng and 32 pg, respectively. Southern blot showed that the Pol gene exists as a single copy in the T. matsutake genome. The method that produced the purest DNA of T. matsutake in this study was also determined, and the high-concentration salt precipitation method was confirmed to be the most suitable among the methods tested. The assay proposed in this work is applicable not only to the detection of raw materials but also to the examination of processed products containing T. matsutake.
Betanin, a Natural Food Additive: Stability, Bioavailability, Antioxidant and Preservative Ability Assessments
Authors: Vieira Teixeira da Silva Davi , dos Santos Baião Diego , de Oliveira Silva Fabrício , Alves Genilton , Perrone Daniel , Mere Del Aguila Eduardo , M. Flosi Paschoalin Vania
Published: January 2019

Betanin is the only betalain approved for use in food and pharmaceutical products as a natural red colorant. However, the antioxidant power and health-promoting properties of this pigment have been disregarded, perhaps due to the difficulty in obtaining a stable chemical compound, which impairs its absorption and metabolism evaluation. Herein, betanin was purified by semi-preparative HPLC-LC/MS and identified by LC-ESI(+)-MS/MS as the pseudomolecular ion m/z 551.16. Betanin showed significant stability up to −30 °C and mild stability at chilling temperature. The stability and antioxidant ability of this compound were assessed during a human digestion simulation and ex vivo colon fermentation. Half of the betanin amount was recovered in the small intestine digestive fluid and no traces were found after colon fermentation. Betanin high antioxidant ability was retained even after simulated small intestine digestion. Betanin, besides displaying an inherent colorant capacity, was equally effective as a natural antioxidant displaying peroxy-radical scavenger ability in pork meat. Betanin should be considered a multi-functional molecule able to confer an attractive color to frozen or refrigerated foods, but with the capacity to avoid lipid oxidation, thereby preserving food quality. Long-term supplementation by beetroot, a rich source of betanin, should be stimulated to protect organisms against oxidative stress.
Understanding the Molecular Mechanism of the Rearrangement of Internal Nitronic Ester into Nitronorbornene in Light of the MEDT Study
Authors: Kącka-Zych Agnieszka
Published: January 2019

The characterization of the structure of nitronic esters and their rearrangement into nitronorbornene reactions has been analyzed within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) computational level. Quantum-chemical calculations indicate that this rearrangement takes place according to a one-step mechanism. The sequential bonding changes received from the Bonding Evolution Theory (BET) analysis of the rearrangement of internal nitronic ester to nitronorbornene allowed us to distinguish seven different phases. This fact clearly contradicts the formerly-proposed concerted pericyclic mechanism.
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences of Kaempferia Galanga and Kaempferia Elegans: Molecular Structures and Comparative Analysis
Authors: Li Dong-Mei , Zhao Chao-Yi , Liu Xiao-Fei
Published: January 2019

Kaempferia galanga and Kaempferia elegans, which belong to the genus Kaempferia family Zingiberaceae, are used as valuable herbal medicine and ornamental plants, respectively. The chloroplast genomes have been used for molecular markers, species identification and phylogenetic studies. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome sequences of K. galanga and K. elegans are reported. Results show that the complete chloroplast genome of K. galanga is 163,811 bp long, having a quadripartite structure with large single copy (LSC) of 88,405 bp and a small single copy (SSC) of 15,812 bp separated by inverted repeats (IRs) of 29,797 bp. Similarly, the complete chloroplast genome of K. elegans is 163,555 bp long, having a quadripartite structure in which IRs of 29,773 bp length separates 88,020 bp of LSC and 15,989 bp of SSC. A total of 111 genes in K. galanga and 113 genes in K. elegans comprised 79 protein-coding genes and 4 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, as well as 28 and 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes in K. galanga and K. elegans, respectively. The gene order, GC content and orientation of the two Kaempferia chloroplast genomes exhibited high similarity. The location and distribution of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and long repeat sequences were determined. Eight highly variable regions between the two Kaempferia species were identified and 643 mutation events, including 536 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 107 insertion/deletions (indels), were accurately located. Sequence divergences of the whole chloroplast genomes were calculated among related Zingiberaceae species. The phylogenetic analysis based on SNPs among eleven species strongly supported that K. galanga and K. elegans formed a cluster within Zingiberaceae. This study identified the unique characteristics of the entire K. galanga and K. elegans chloroplast genomes that contribute to our understanding of the chloroplast DNA evolution within Zingiberaceae species. It provides valuable information for phylogenetic analysis and species identification within genus Kaempferia.
Misprediction of Structural Disorder in Halophiles
Authors: Pancsa Rita , Kovacs Denes , Tompa Peter
Published: January 2019

Whereas the concept of intrinsic disorder derives from biophysical observations of the lack of structure of proteins or protein regions under native conditions, many of our respective concepts rest on proteome-scale bioinformatics predictions. It is established that most predictors work reliably on proteins commonly encountered, but it is often neglected that we know very little about their performance on proteins of microorganisms that thrive in environments of extreme temperature, pH, or salt concentration, which may cause adaptive sequence composition bias. To address this issue, we predicted structural disorder for the complete proteomes of different extremophile groups by popular prediction methods and compared them to those of the reference mesophilic group. While significant deviations from mesophiles could be explained by a lack or gain of disordered regions in hyperthermophiles and radiotolerants, respectively, we found systematic overprediction in the case of halophiles. Additionally, examples were collected from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) to demonstrate misprediction and to help understand the underlying biophysical principles, i.e., halophilic proteins maintain a highly acidic and hydrophilic surface to avoid aggregation in high salt conditions. Although sparseness of data on disordered proteins from extremophiles precludes the development of dedicated general predictors, we do formulate recommendations for how to address their disorder with current bioinformatics tools.
A Comparative Study of Particle Size Distribution of Graphene Nanosheets Synthesized by an Ultrasound-Assisted Method
Authors: Amaro-Gahete Juan , Benítez Almudena , Otero Rocío , Esquivel Dolores , Jiménez-Sanchidrián César , Morales Julián , Caballero Álvaro , Romero-Salguero Francisco J.
Published: January 2019

Graphene-based materials are highly interesting in virtue of their excellent chemical, physical and mechanical properties that make them extremely useful as privileged materials in different industrial applications. Sonochemical methods allow the production of low-defect graphene materials, which are preferred for certain uses. Graphene nanosheets (GNS) have been prepared by exfoliation of a commercial micrographite (MG) using an ultrasound probe. Both materials were characterized by common techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electronic Microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). All of them revealed the formation of exfoliated graphene nanosheets with similar surface characteristics to the pristine graphite but with a decreased crystallite size and number of layers. An exhaustive study of the particle size distribution was carried out by different analytical techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4). The results provided by these techniques have been compared. NTA and AF4 gave higher resolution than DLS. AF4 has shown to be a precise analytical technique for the separation of GNS of different sizes.
Hybrid Graphene-Silicon Based Polarization-Insensitive Electro-Absorption Modulator with High-Modulation Efficiency and Ultra-Broad Bandwidth
Authors: Xu Yin , Li Feng , Kang Zhe , Huang Dongmei , Zhang Xianting , Tam Hwa-Yaw , Wai P. K. A.
Published: January 2019

Polarization-insensitive modulation, i.e., overcoming the limit of conventional modulators operating under only a single-polarization state, is desirable for high-capacity on-chip optical interconnects. Here, we propose a hybrid graphene-silicon-based polarization-insensitive electro-absorption modulator (EAM) with high-modulation efficiency and ultra-broad bandwidth. The hybrid graphene-silicon waveguide is formed by leveraging multi-deposited and multi-transferred methods to enable light interaction with graphene layers in its intense field distribution region instead of the commonly used weak cladding region, thus resulting in enhanced light–graphene interaction. By optimizing the dimensions of all hybrid graphene-silicon waveguide layers, polarization-insensitive modulation is achieved with a modulation efficiency (ME) of ~1.11 dB/µm for both polarizations (ME discrepancy < 0.006 dB/µm), which outperforms that of previous reports. Based on this excellent modulation performance, we designed a hybrid graphene-silicon-based EAM with a length of only 20 µm. The modulation depth (MD) and insertion loss obtained were higher than 22 dB and lower than 0.23 dB at 1.55 µm, respectively, for both polarizations. Meanwhile, its allowable bandwidth can exceed 300 nm by keeping MD more than 20 dB and MD discrepancy less than 2 dB, simultaneously, and its electrical properties were also analyzed. Therefore, the proposed device can be applied in on-chip optical interconnects.
Enhancing PD-1 Gene Silence in T Lymphocytes by Comparing the Delivery Performance of Two Inorganic Nanoparticle Platforms
Authors: Wu Yanheng , Gu Wenyi , Li Li , Chen Chen , Xu Zhi Ping
Published: January 2019

Suitable carriers are crucial to RNAi applications for cancer genotherapy and T-cell immunotherapy. In this research, we selected two extensively-investigated biocompatible inorganic nanoparticle carriers, i.e., layered double hydroxide (LDH) and lipid-coated calcium phosphate (LCP) and then compared their efficacy for siRNA delivery in T cells, in order to understand which carrier is more efficient in delivering functional programmed cell death protein 1 siRNA (PD-1 siRNA) to suspended T lymphocytes. Both LDH and LCP nanoparticles quickly delivered gene segment to mouse T cell lines (EL4), while the LCP nanoparticles exhibited more cellular uptake and higher PD-1 gene silence efficiency. We further demonstrated that LCP nanoparticles successfully reduced the expression of PD-1 in human ex vivo tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Thus, LCP nanoparticles can be used as a better nano-carrier for gene therapy in lymphocytes, especially in regards to TIL-related cancer immunotherapy.
Visible-broadband Localized Vector Vortex Beam Generator with a Multi-structure-composited Meta-surface
Authors: Yang Zhuo , Kuang Dengfeng
Published: January 2019

We demonstrate a vortex beam generator meta-surface that consists of silver structures and graphene layers. The miniature material is just a few microns in size and the working part is only a few hundred nanometers thick. With the incidence of the linearly polarized beam, the meta-surface generates high-localized vector vortex beam with a high proportion of the longitudinal component. Being compared with the constituent part of the meta-surface, the multi-structure-combined meta-surface increases the localization by 250% and the longitudinal component proportion by 200%. Moreover, the above artificial material can generate vortex beams in broadband within the visible light range. These novel optical properties have the potential to improve the precision and sensitivity of nanoparticle manipulation. The study serves as a foundation in optical miniaturization and integration, nanoparticle manipulation, high-efficiency optical and quantum communication, and light-driven micro-tools.
Imaging of Chemical Reactions Using a Terahertz Chemical Microscope
Authors: Kiwa Toshihiko , Kamiya Tatsuki , Morimoto Taiga , Fujiwara Kentaro , Maeno Yuki , Akiwa Yuki , Iida Masahiro , Kuroda Taihei , Sakai Kenji , Nose Hidetoshi , Kobayashi Masaki , Tsukada Keiji
Published: January 2019

This study develops a terahertz (THz) chemical microscope (TCM) that visualizes the distribution of chemical reaction on a silicon-based sensing chip. This chip, called the sensing plate, was fabricated by depositing Si thin films on a sapphire substrate and thermally oxidizing the Si film surface. The Si thin film of the sensing plate was irradiated from the substrate side by a femtosecond laser, generating THz pulses that were radiated into free space through the surface field effect of the Si thin film. The surface field responds to chemical reactions on the surface of the sensing plate, changing the amplitude of the THz pulses. This paper first demonstrates the principle and experimental setup of the TCM and performs the imaging and measurement of chemical reactions, including the reactions of bio-related materials.
A Systematic Approach to Evaluating and Benchmarking Robotic Hands—The FFP Index
Authors: Vazhapilli Sureshbabu Anand , Metta Giorgio , Parmiggiani Alberto
Published: January 2019

The evaluation of robotic hands is a subjectively biased, complex process. The fields pertaining to robotic hands are human-centric in nature, making human hands a good standard for benchmark comparisons of robotic hands. To achieve this, we propose a new evaluation index, where we evaluate robotic hands on three fronts: their form, features and performance. An evaluation on how anthropomorphic robotic hands are in basic mobility, and appearance constitutes the “Form”, while features that can be read, changed and actuated for effective control of robotic hands constitutes the “Features”. We derived these key features from an extensive analysis of robotic hands in literature. Finally, the robotic hands carry out a series of tasks that evaluate their “Performance”. An individual score for each category is drawn and we carry out a three-pronged analysis. We also propose an additional feature in the form of price to provide context when analysing multiple hands.
Retention Behaviour of Alkylated and Non-Alkylated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Different Types of Stationary Phases in Gas Chromatography
Authors: Skoczyńska Ewa , de Boer Jacob
Published: January 2019

The gas chromatographic retention behaviour of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylated PAHs on a new ionic liquid stationary phase, 1,12-di(tripropylphosphonium) dodecane bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (SLB®-ILPAH) intended for the separation of PAH mixtures, was compared with the elution pattern on more traditional stationary phases: a non-polar phenyl arylene (DB-5ms) and a semi-polar 50% phenyl dimethyl siloxane (SLB PAHms) column. All columns were tested by injections of working solutions containing 20 parental PAHs from molecular weight of 128 to 278 g/mol and 48 alkylated PAHs from molecular weight of 142 to 280 g/mol on a one dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system. The SLB PAHms column allowed separation of most isomers. The SLB®-ILPAH column showed a rather different retention pattern compared to the other two columns and, therefore, provided a potential for use in comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC×GC). The ionic liquid column and the 50% phenyl column showed good thermal stability with a low bleed profile, even lower than that of the phenyl arylene “low bleed” column.