bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macromolecular Systems for Vaccine Delivery
Authors: MUŽÍKOVÁ G. , LAGA R.
Published: February 2020

Vaccines have helped considerably in eliminating some life-threatening infectious diseases in past two hundred years. Recently, human medicine has focused on vaccination against some of the world’s most common infectious diseases (AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, etc.), and vaccination is also gaining popularity in the treatment of cancer or autoimmune diseases. The major limitation of current vaccines lies in their poor ability to generate a sufficient level of protective antibodies and T cell responses against diseases such as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and cancers. Among the promising vaccination systems that could improve the potency of weakly immunogenic vaccines belong macromolecular carriers (water soluble polymers, polymer particels, micelles, gels etc.) conjugated with antigens and immunistumulatory molecules. The size, architecture, and the composition of the high molecular-weight carrier can significantly improve the vaccine efficiency. This review includes the most recently developed (bio)polymer-based vaccines reported in the literature.
Fibrin Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications
Authors: RIEDELOVÁ-REICHELTOVÁ Z. , BRYNDA E. , RIEDEL T.
Published: February 2020

Fibrin is a versatile biopolymer that has been extensively used in tissue engineering. In this paper fibrin nanostructures prepared using a technique based on the catalytic effect of fibrin-bound thrombin are presented. This technique enables surface-attached thin fibrin networks to form with precisely regulated morphology without the development of fibrin gel in bulk solution. Moreover, the influence of changing the polymerization time, along with the antithrombin III and heparin concentrations on the morphology of fibrin nanostructures was explored. The binding of bioactive molecules (fibronectin, laminin, collagen, VEGF, bFGF, and heparin) to fibrin nanostructures was confirmed. These nanostructures can be used for the surface modification of artificial biomaterials designed for different biomedical applications (e.g. artificial vessels, stents, heart valves, bone and cartilage constructs, skin grafts, etc.) in order to promote the therapeutic outcome.
Más allá de los Paraísos Fiscales. La ética contable como factor determinante en la construcción de confianza
Authors: Ospina Marulanda Tatiana
Published: February 2020

El artículo analiza cómo las políticas estatales, influidas por intereses privados, refuerzan y expanden la desigualdad social y dan lugar a una ética contable que no cuestiona las acciones y se orienta a satisfacer intereses corporativos. Se evidencia cómo los estados son absorbidos por organizaciones que persiguen beneficios a corto plazo y por el control totalitario de la economía. Se examina el tema de las filtraciones relacionadas con organizaciones offshore y paraísos fiscales, develando el deterioro ético del profesional contable. Finalmente, se concluye que el contador público debe ser garante de confianza pública y que sus acciones tienen repercusiones sociales.
Estrategias de innovación en la gerencia del sector MiPyME de Santa Marta, Colombia
Authors: Donawa Torres Zoraima Aurelia , Morales Martínez Eugenia Cristina
Published: February 2020

El objetivo de la investigación fue la identificación de estrategias gerenciales del sector de las MiPyME de Santa Marta, Colombia. Se estudiaron bases teóricas de los autores Ohmae, Robert, David y Martínez. La metodología se basó en el paradigma de investigación positivista. Para la recolección de datos se elaboró un cuestionario, validado por expertos y aplicado a una población de 40 empleados, el cual arrojó como resultado la aplicación de estrategias de innovación ofensiva, defensiva, imitativa, dependiente, tradicional y oportunista o de nicho. Se concluye que el comportamiento gerencial refleja la preocupación por obtener un liderazgo técnico, no se asumen riesgos para la innovación, se busca ganar ventaja de errores de los demás, no comprar tecnología existente, vender sus productos sin cambiarlos, mejora de procesos operativos e identificar oportunidades en el mercado, demostrando total apoyo a la competencia regional.
Role of memory in forming national identity. “The land of bitter tenderness” by Volodymyr Lys
Authors: Новацький Альберт
Published: February 2020

Role of memory in forming national identity. “The land of bitter tenderness” by Volodymyr Lys

The paper offers an attempt to look at the “The Land of Bitter Tenderness” by contemporary Ukrainian writer Volodymyr Lys in the context of the search for individual and national identity, national memory, as well as the history of the 20th century Ukraine. In the analyzed work, the writer uses the image of a child, which, in the researcher’s opinion, is a quite rare phenomenon in Ukrainian literature. The is technique was used by the writer in order to capture the reader’s attention and make him penetrate the text of the novel deeper. The us, the author informs the reader that the main idea of the work is extremely important because the average person is accustomed to paying more attention to children. On occasion, the writer points out that manipulating a child’s memory was the easiest way for the Bolsheviks in their criminal social experiment. The writer emphasizes that the effects of ‘brainwashing’ may be prevented, but it is impossible to cure the trauma left by this process in the soul of a person. Analyzing the mentioned novel, the author of the paper refers to the works in the fields of literary studies, pedagogy, sociology, and psychology, written by Philip Aries, Rudolf Schaffer, Ellen Kay, Pierre Nora, Katarzyna Segiet, and others.  The Ukrainian writer, describing the fate of three women (grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter), presented against the backdrop of the tumultuous Ukrainian history of the last century, is trying to restore the lost memory, both individual and collective, in order to secure the process of building Ukrainian national identity. The writer draws attention to the fact that during almost all the 20th century not only the Ukrainian nation but also Ukrainian history has been the subject of constant Bolshevik manipulation and fraud. He emphasizes that the prerequisite for building a unified Ukrainian identity is the attempt to restore individual and collective memory in Ukrainians, including the memory of history.
Emodin Scavenging of Superoxide Radical Includes π–π Interaction. X-Ray Crystal Structure, Hydrodynamic Voltammetry and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Rossi Miriam , Wen Kelly , Caruso Francesco , Belli Stuart
Published: February 2020

The naturally occurring anthraquinone emodin is found in many plants that have been part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Recent pharmacological studies suggest that emodin might be a valuable therapeutic option for the treatment of various diseases. We describe the antioxidant effects of emodin on the superoxide radical. Our techniques include X-ray crystallography, density functional theory (DFT), and a recently developed cyclovoltammetry improvement, the rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) method. X-ray results show offset π–π stacking of emodin units in the crystal, and this type of interaction is supported by the DFT, which indicates one superoxide interacting via π–π stacking with the quinone moiety, by transferring one electron to the ring, and inducing some quinone aromatization. The second superoxide seems to form a stable complex after interacting with the H(hydroxyl) in position 3 of emodin. We show that one molecule of emodin sequesters two molecules of superoxide: one forming a complex with H(hydroxyl) in position 3, and the other due to π–π oxidation of superoxide and emodin ring reduction. We conclude that emodin is a very strong antioxidant. Color variation in the voltaic cell was observed during the RRDE study. This was analyzed and explained using a mini-grid gold electrode for UV-Vis spectroscopy in the voltaic cell.
Inter-Rater Reliability, Concurrent Validity and Sensitivity of Current Methods to Assess Trunk Function in Boccia Players with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Roldan Alba , Barbado David , Vera-Garcia Francisco J. , Sarabia José M. , Reina Raul
Published: February 2020

Trunk function is a core factor to allocate Boccia players with cerebral palsy in BC1 and BC2 sport classes, according to the Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed). However, the appropriateness of the current test to assess trunk function has never been studied to determine its reliability, validity and sensitivity to discriminate between different levels of impairment. Thirty-six players (BC1 = 13 and BC2 = 23) took part in this study. Trunk control was assessed through the BISFed trunk function scale (TFS) and a posturographic test battery consisting of two static and three dynamic tasks. The inter-rater reliability for the BISFed TFS was set at 94.44% of agreement. Moderate-to-high correlations were obtained between posturographic tasks (0.39 < r < 0.96; p < 0.05–0.01), while the BISFed TFS only correlated with two of the dynamic tasks and the overall dynamic score (−0.38 < r < −0.51; p < 0.05). The BISFed TFS was not able to discriminate between sport classes, whereas the static posturographic task did so (p = 0.004). Even though the current BISFed TFS presented good inter-rater reliability, it does not seem to have enough sensitivity to discriminate between BC1 and BC2. Although the static posturographic tasks were able to discriminate between sports classes, it seems necessary to develop new field tests assessing participants’ trunk stabilization abilities.
Role of Akt Activation in PARP Inhibitor Resistance in Cancer
Authors: Gallyas Ferenc , Sumegi Balazs , Szabo Csaba
Published: February 2020

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have recently been introduced in the therapy of several types of cancers not responding to conventional treatments. However, de novo and acquired PARP inhibitor resistance is a significant limiting factor in the clinical therapy, and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Activity of the cytoprotective phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway is often increased in human cancer that could result from mutation, expressional change, or amplification of upstream growth-related factor signaling elements or elements of the Akt pathway itself. However, PARP-inhibitor-induced activation of the cytoprotective PI3K-Akt pathway is overlooked, although it likely contributes to the development of PARP inhibitor resistance. Here, we briefly summarize the biological role of the PI3K-Akt pathway. Next, we overview the significance of the PARP-Akt interplay in shock, inflammation, cardiac and cerebral reperfusion, and cancer. We also discuss a recently discovered molecular mechanism that explains how PARP inhibition induces Akt activation and may account for apoptosis resistance and mitochondrial protection in oxidative stress and in cancer.
Noise Sensitivities for an Atom Shuttled by a Moving Optical Lattice via Shortcuts to Adiabaticity
Authors: Lu Xiao-Jing , Ruschhaupt Andreas , Martínez-Garaot Sofía , Muga Juan Gonzalo
Published: February 2020

We find the noise sensitivities (i.e., the quadratic terms of the energy with respect to the perturbation of the noise) of a particle shuttled by an optical lattice that moves according to a shortcut-to-adiabaticity transport protocol. Noises affecting different optical lattice parameters, trap depth, position, and lattice periodicity, are considered. We find generic expressions of the sensitivities for arbitrary noise spectra but focus on the white-noise limit as a basic reference, and on Ornstein–Uhlenbeck noise to account for the effect of non-zero correlation times.
Distribution of Node Characteristics in Evolving Tripartite Network
Authors: Beranek Ladislav , Remes Radim
Published: February 2020

Many real-world networks have a natural tripartite structure. Investigating the structure and the behavior of actors in these networks is useful to gain a deeper understanding of their behavior and dynamics. In our paper, we describe an evolving tripartite network using a network model with preferential growth mechanisms and different rules for changing the strength of nodes and the weights of edges. We analyze the characteristics of the strength distribution and behavior of selected nodes and selected actors in this tripartite network. The distributions of these analyzed characteristics follow the power-law under different modeled conditions. Performed simulations have confirmed all these results. Despite its simplicity, the model expresses well the basic properties of the modeled network. It can provide further insights into the behavior of systems with more complex behaviors, such as the multi-actor e-commerce system that we have used as a real basis for the validation of our model.
A High-Efficiency and Wide-Input Range RF Energy Harvester Using Multiple Rectenna and Adaptive Matching
Authors: Abbasizadeh Hamed , Hejazi Arash , Samadpoor Rikan Behnam , Kim Sang Yun , Bae Jongseok , Lee Jong Min , Moon Jong Ho , Park Jong Jin , Pu Young Gun , Hwang Keum Cheol , Yang Youngoo , Kim Dong In , Lee Kang-Yoon
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a Radio Frequency (RF) energy harvester (EH) system for Internet of Things (IoT)-related applications is presented. The proposed EH architecture operates at 5.2 GHz band and utilizes multiple rectenna. This approach enhances the efficiency of the whole system over a wide dynamic RF input range. In the presented circuit, configuration of the rectenna is controlled by Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with respect to the input power level of the received RF input signal. In addition, an automatic adaptive matching based on the configuration of the rectenna, level of the received signal, and load current adjusts the matching network. The rectenna is realized through the Radio Frequency-Direct Current (RF-DC) converter composed of two Schottky diodes and generates the output DC voltage. Finally, a buck-boost converter provides the flattened and fixed voltage for the IoT and wearable devices. The 5.2 GHz band reconfigurable system demonstrates 67% high efficiency and 6.1 V output DC voltage where the power level of RF input is +20 dBm. The main application of the proposed structure is for charging wearable smart devices such as a smart watch and bracelet.
Assessment of Geothermal Fields in the South Pannonian Basin System Using a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Tool
Authors: Bilić Tena , Raos Sara , Ilak Perica , Rajšl Ivan , Pašičko Robert
Published: February 2020

This paper analyses potential geothermal sites in North-East Croatia which is part of the Pannonian Basin System where a substantial geothermal potential was discovered during hydrocarbon exploration using the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Tool specially developed for the purposes of the Horizon 2020 project: Multidisciplinary and multi-context demonstration of EGS exploration and Exploitation Techniques and potentials (H2020 MEET). Most of these sites use available geothermal energy potential for commercial purposes, mainly for balneology and more recently for agriculture and electricity generation. The case study involves five different geothermal locations chosen according to their geothermal potential, the current state of production and possible future development, including one oil field that is at the very end of its production life. Three potential final users’ types; agriculture demand, electricity generation demand and district heating have been evaluated for each of the five chosen geothermal sites. The conducted analysis should be of great benefit for further analyses which will be carried out using the aforementioned Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Tool. The performed study showed high consistency of obtained results and actual usage of five geothermal fields.
Sliding Mode Control of Active Trailing-Edge Flap Based on Adaptive Reaching Law and Minimum Parameter Learning of Neural Networks
Authors: Liu Tingrui , Gong Ailing , Song Changle , Wang Yuehua
Published: February 2020

Theoretical modeling and the sliding mode control (SMC) of an active trailing-edge flap of a wind turbine blade based on the adaptive reaching law are investigated. The blade is a single-celled thin-walled composite structure using circumferentially asymmetric stiffness (CAS) design, exhibiting displacements of flap-wise/twist coupling. A reduced structural model originated from the variation method is used to model the structure of the blade, the structural damping of which is computed. The trailing-edge flap is a rigid structure that is embedded in and hinged to the blade host structure, and it is driven by two pairs of pneumatic cylinders moving in reverse. Flutter suppression for the large-amplitude vibration of the blade tip is investigated based on an active trailing-edge flap structure and SMC algorithm using the adaptive reaching law. The controlled responses of flap-wise/twist displacements and control inputs (the angles of the trailing-edge flap) are illustrated, with obvious simulation effects demonstrated. An experimental platform for driving the pneumatic cylinders verifies the effectiveness of the control algorithm using the adaptive reaching law and the effectiveness of the selected pneumatic transmission scheme controlled by another adaptive SMC based on the minimum parameter learning of neural networks.
Energy Poverty and Protection of Vulnerable Consumers. Overview of the EU Funding Programs FP7 and H2020 and Future Trends in Horizon Europe
Authors: Longo Danila , Olivieri Giulia , Roversi Rossella , Turci Giulia , Turillazzi Beatrice
Published: February 2020

Energy poverty—involving a combination of factors, such as low household incomes, high energy prices, and low levels of residential energy efficiency—is identified as a complex and increasing issue affecting people’s physical health, well-being, and social inclusion. Even though a shared identification of energy poverty is not yet agreed, this phenomenon has been recognized as an EU priority. Several EU legislative documents address the topic, trying to outline its boundaries and provide a framework for mitigative actions. At the same time, different research and demonstration projects have been funded to experiment and evaluate innovative approaches, strategies, and solutions and to promote good practices at national, regional, and local levels. This review paper presents some results of the “ZOOM” project (“Energy zoning for urban systems. Models and relations for the built environment”, funded by University of Bologna in the framework of Alma Idea 2017–ongoing), proposing a critical overview of the EU projects directly or indirectly connected to energy poverty—funded under the 7th Framework Program (FP7) and under Horizon 2020 Program (H2020). The aim of such a review is to highlight the main objectives, trends, and related topics of ongoing and concluded projects addressing energy poverty, in order to identify gaps and open issues and to understand the possible orientation and placement of this subject in the future EU research and innovation framework project, Horizon Europe.
On the Implementation of the Nearly Zero Energy Building Concept for Jointly Acting Renewables Self-Consumers in Mediterranean Climate Conditions
Authors: Kotarela Faidra , Kyritsis Anastasios , Papanikolaou Nick
Published: February 2020

Cost-effective energy saving in the building sector is a high priority in Europe; The European Union has set ambitious targets for buildings’ energy performance in order to convert old energy-intensive ones into nearly zero energy buildings (nZEBs). This study focuses on the implementation of a collective self-consumption nZEB concept in Mediterranean climate conditions, considering a typical multi-family building (or apartment block) in the urban environment. The aggregated use of PVs, geothermal and energy storage systems allow the self-production and self-consumption of energy, in a way that the independence from fossil fuels and the reliability of the electricity grid are enhanced. The proposed nZEB implementation scheme will be analyzed from techno-economical perspective, presenting detailed calculations regarding the components dimensioning and costs-giving emphasis on life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) indexes—as well as the energy transactions between the building and the electricity grid. The main outcomes of this work are that the proposed nZEB implementation is a sustainable solution for the Mediterranean area, whereas the incorporation of electrical energy storage units—though beneficial for the reliability of the grid—calls for the implementation of positive policies regarding the reduction of their payback period.
An Image Processing-Based Method to Assess the Monthly Energetic Complementarity of Solar and Wind Energy in Colombia
Authors: Peña Gallardo Rafael , Ospino Castro Adalberto , Medina Ríos Aurelio
Published: February 2020

Solar and wind energy systems, without storage, cannot satisfy variable load demands, but their combined use can help to solve the problem of the balance between generation and consumption. Energetic complementarity studies are useful to evaluate the viability of the use of two or more renewable energy sources with high variability in a specific interval of time in a determined region. In this paper, the monthly energetic complementarity study of solar and wind resources of Colombia is carried out. A novel approach to conduct the study is proposed. A dataset with the average monthly solar radiation and wind speed values is obtained from high-resolution images of renewable resources maps, using image processing algorithms. Then, the dataset is used to calculate the energetic complementarity of the sources employing the negative of the Pearson correlation coefficient. The obtained values are transformed to energetic complementarity maps, previously eliminating the protected areas. The obtained results show that there is a good energetic complementarity in the north and northeastern regions of the country throughout the year. The results indicate that projects related to the joint use of solar and wind generation systems could be developed in these regions.
Subjective Homophily and the Fixtures Problem
Authors: Duggan Joseph E.
Published: February 2020

The Stable Fixtures problem (Irving and Scott (2007)) is a generalized matching model that nests the well-known Stable Roommates, Stable Marriage, and College Admissions problems as special cases. This paper extends a result of the Stable Roommates problem to demonstrate that a class of homophilic preferences with an appealing psychological interpretation is sufficient to ensure that starting from an arbitrary matching, a decentralized process of allowing the sequential matching of randomly chosen blocking pairs will converge to a pairwise-stable matching with probability one. Strategic implications of this class of preferences are examined and further possible generalizations and directions for future research are discussed.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Molecular Adaptation of Three Major Secondary Metabolic Pathways to Multiple Macronutrient Starvation in Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Su Hui , Zhang Xueying , He Yuqing , Li Linying , Wang Yuefei , Hong Gaojie , Xu Ping
Published: February 2020

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is a widely consumed beverage. Lack of macronutrients is a major cause of tea yield and quality losses. Though the effects of macronutrient starvation on tea metabolism have been studied, little is known about their molecular mechanisms. Hence, we investigated changes in the gene expression of tea plants under nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potassium (K) deficient conditions by RNA-sequencing. A total of 9103 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified. Function enrichment analysis showed that many biological processes and pathways were common to N, P, and K starvation. In particular, cis-element analysis of promoter of genes uncovered that members of the WRKY, MYB, bHLH, NF-Y, NAC, Trihelix, and GATA families were more likely to regulate genes involved in catechins, l-theanine, and caffeine biosynthetic pathways. Our results provide a comprehensive insight into the mechanisms of responses to N, P, and K starvation, and a global basis for the improvement of tea quality and molecular breeding.
An Indoor Gardening Planting Table Game Design to Improve the Cognitive Performance of the Elderly with Mild and Moderate Dementia
Authors: Tseng Winger Sei-Wo , Ma Yung-Chuan , Wong Wing-Kwong , Yeh Yi-Te , Wang Wei-I , Cheng Shih-Hung
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to improve the overall cognitive function of patients with dementia in Yunlin County, Taiwan, by designing an indoor gardening flower combination game suitable for home and maintenance institutions. This paper uses qualitative research (participatory interviews, case studies, and contextual observation methods in the demand exploration phase) and quantitative research (experimental methods and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Barthel Index questionnaires in the product verification phase). This study adopted a four-stage service design: demand exploration, demand definition, design implementation, and product verification. In the stage of demand exploration, 14 elderly people with mild or moderate dementia were interviewed, and two cases were selected for two in-depth observations of horticultural treatment activities. Common obstacles and potential demand points were listed after integration: (1) The safety of elderly patients with dementia can be improved by employing horticultural treatment activities transferred from outdoors to indoors; (2) the objects and facilities used in horticultural activities should be improved to reduce the attention burden of elderly patients with dementia; (3) the elements of reminiscence or familiarity of the mentally handicapped elderly should be increased; (4) the process of gardening and planting can be used by two or four people to improve social and language skills. According to this study, an indoor gardening planting table game was developed. This game includes a group of flower combination prompt cards (including five flower groups: camellia, cherry blossom, chrysanthemum, kapok, and lotus), a group of color and number prompt rings, and a flower base, which provides planting of up to 25 flowers and is matched with the number prompt color rings; then, the combined flowers are planted into the base. In the final experience experiment, 7 participants with free movement of the upper limbs and mild or moderate dementia were selected by the MMSE and Barthel Index to participate in a 5-week experiment. After using a combination of progressive low-level, medium-level, and high-level flower combination tasks, the results showed that the overall performance of the elderly patients with mild or moderate dementia in the MMSE test was improved by the indoor gardening planting table game. However, the treatment effect-size presented a low effect magnitude.
Retrotransposons Manipulating Mammalian Skeletal Development in Chondrocytes
Authors: Kubota Satoshi , Ishikawa Takanori , Kawata Kazumi , Hattori Takako , Nishida Takashi
Published: February 2020

Retrotransposons are genetic elements that copy and paste themselves in the host genome through transcription, reverse-transcription, and integration processes. Along with their proliferation in the genome, retrotransposons inevitably modify host genes around the integration sites, and occasionally create novel genes. Even now, a number of retrotransposons are still actively editing our genomes. As such, their profound role in the evolution of mammalian genomes is obvious; thus, their contribution to mammalian skeletal evolution and development is also unquestionable. In mammals, most of the skeletal parts are formed and grown through a process entitled endochondral ossification, in which chondrocytes play central roles. In this review, current knowledge on the evolutional, physiological, and pathological roles of retrotransposons in mammalian chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage development is summarized. The possible biological impact of these mobile genetic elements in the future is also discussed.
Effects of SCCO2, Gamma Irradiation, and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Treatments on the Initial Properties of Tendon Allografts
Authors: Sun Yikan , Lovric Vedran , Wang Tian , Oliver Rema A. , Walsh William R.
Published: February 2020

Sterile and decellularized allograft tendons are viable biomaterials used in reconstructive surgeries for dense connective tissue injuries. Established allograft processing techniques including gamma irradiation and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) can affect tissue integrity. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) represents a novel alternative that has the potential to decellularize and sterilize tendons with minimized exposure to denaturants, shortened treatment time, lack of toxic residues, and superior tissue penetration, and thus efficacy. This study attempted to develop a single-step hybrid decellularization and sterilization protocol for tendons that involved SCCO2 treatment with various chemical additives. The processed tendons were evaluated with mechanical testing, histology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Uniaxial mechanical testing showed that tendons treated with SCCO2 and additive NovaKillTM Gen2 and 0.1% SDS had significantly higher (p < 0.05) ultimate tensile stress (UTS) and Young’s modulus compared to gamma-irradiated and standard-SDS-treated tendons. This was corroborated by the ultrastructural intactness of SCCO2-treated tendons as examined by SEM and FTIR spectroscopy, which was not preserved in gamma-irradiated and standard SDS-treated tendons. However, complete decellularization was not achieved by the experimented SCCO2-SDS protocols used in this study. The present study therefore serves as a concrete starting point for development of an SCCO2-based combined sterilization and decellularization protocol for allograft tendons, where additive choice is to be optimized.
Deleterious Effect of NMDA Plus Kainate on the Inner Retinal Cells and Ganglion Cell Projection of the Mouse
Authors: Calvo Estrella , Milla-Navarro Santiago , Ortuño-Lizarán Isabel , Gómez-Vicente Violeta , Cuenca Nicolás , De la Villa Pedro , Germain Francisco
Published: February 2020

Combined administration of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) and kainic acid (KA) on the inner retina was studied as a model of excitotoxicity. The right eye of C57BL6J mice was injected with 1 µL of PBS containing NMDA 30 mM and KA 10 mM. Only PBS was injected in the left eye. One week after intraocular injection, electroretinogram recordings and immunohistochemistry were performed on both eyes. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) projections were studied by fluorescent-cholerotoxin anterograde labeling. A clear decrease of the retinal “b” wave amplitude, both in scotopic and photopic conditions, was observed in the eyes injected with NMDA/KA. No significant effect on the “a” wave amplitude was observed, indicating the preservation of photoreceptors. Immunocytochemical labeling showed no effects on the outer nuclear layer, but a significant thinning on the inner retinal layers, thus indicating that NMDA and KA induce a deleterious effect on bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells. Anterograde tracing of the visual pathway after NMDA and KA injection showed the absence of RGC projections to the contralateral superior colliculus and lateral geniculate nucleus. We conclude that glutamate receptor agonists, NMDA and KA, induce a deleterious effect of the inner retina when injected together into the vitreous chamber.
Corylifol A from Psoralea corylifolia L. Enhances Myogenesis and Alleviates Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Han Yeongeun , Lee Hyejin , Li Hua , Ryu Jae-Ha
Published: February 2020

Inflammatory conditions caused by cancer, chronic diseases or aging can lead to skeletal muscle atrophy. We identified myogenic compounds from Psoralea corylifolia (PC), a medicinal plant that has been used for the treatment of inflammatory and skin diseases. C2C12 mouse skeletal myoblasts were differentiated in the presence of eight compounds isolated from PC to evaluate their myogenic potential. Among them, corylifol A showed the strongest transactivation of MyoD and increased expression of myogenic markers, such as MyoD, myogenin and myosin heavy chain (MHC). Corylifol A increased the number of multinucleated and MHC-expressing myotubes. We also found that the p38 MAPK signaling pathway is essential for the myogenic action of corylifol A. Atrophic condition was induced by treatment with dexamethasone. Corylifol A protected against dexamethasone-induced myotube loss by increasing the proportion of multinucleated MHC-expressing myotubes compared with dexamethasone-damaged myotubes. Corylifol A reduced the expression of muscle-specific ubiquitin-E3 ligases (MAFbx and MuRF1) and myostatin, while activating Akt. These dual effects of corylifol A, inhibition of catabolic and activation of anabolic pathways, protect myotubes against dexamethasone damage. In summary, corylifol A isolated from P. corylifolia alleviates muscle atrophic condition through activating myoblast differentiation and suppressing muscle degradation in atrophic conditions.
Antioxidant Blueberry Anthocyanins Induce Vasodilation via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway in High-Glucose-Induced Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Huang Wuyang , Hutabarat Ruth Paulina , Chai Zhi , Zheng Tiesong , Zhang Weimin , Li Dajing
Published: February 2020

Blueberries are rich in antioxidant anthocyanins. The hypotensive effects of blueberry anthocyanins in endothelial cells was investigated here. Pretreatment with blueberry anthocyanin extract, malvidin, malvidin-3-glucoside, and malvidin-3-galactoside significantly ameliorated high-glucose-induced damage by enhancing endogenous antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and NADPH oxidase isoform 4 (NOX4) expression, and increasing the cell vitalities. They also effectively induced a vasodilatory effect by increasing the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) and its promoters endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) levels as well as by decreasing the vasoconstrictor angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), xanthine oxidase-1 (XO-1), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. The activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway and the breakdown of protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) pathway were involved in the bioactivities. The results indicated blueberry anthocyanins protected endothelial function against high-glucose (HG) injury via antioxidant and vasodilatory mechanisms, which could be promising molecules as a hypotensive nutraceutical for diabetes patients.
Biomarkers of Liver Injury during Transplantation in an Era of Machine Perfusion
Authors: Bhogal Ricky H. , Mirza Darius F. , Afford Simon C. , Mergental Hynek
Published: February 2020

Liver ischaemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is an intrinsic part of the transplantation process and damages the parenchymal cells of the liver including hepatocytes, endothelial cells and cholangiocytes. Many biomarkers of IRI have been described over the past two decades that have attempted to quantify the extent of IRI involving different hepatic cellular compartments, with the aim to allow clinicians to predict the suitability of donor livers for transplantation. The advent of machine perfusion has added an additional layer of complexity to this field and has forced researchers to re-evaluate the utility of IRI biomarkers in different machine preservation techniques. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of liver IRI biomarkers and discuss them in the context of machine perfusion.
Allium sativum, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Salvia officinalis Essential Oils: A Spiced Shield against Blowflies
Authors: Bedini Stefano , Guarino Salvatore , Echeverria Maria Cristina , Flamini Guido , Ascrizzi Roberta , Loni Augusto , Conti Barbara
Published: February 2020

Blowflies are known vectors of many foodborne pathogens and unintentional human ingestion of maggots by meat consumption may lead to intestinal myiasis. In fact, the control of insect pests is an important aspect of industrial and home-made food processing and blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae), which are among the most important pests involved in the damage of meat products. Most spices, largely used in food preparations and industry, contain essential oils that are toxic and repellent against insects and exert antimicrobial activity. In this study, we assessed the electro-antennographic responses, the oviposition deterrence, the toxicity, and the repellence of the essential oils (EOs) of Allium sativum L., Salvia officinalis L., and Rosmarinus officinalis L. against the blowfly Calliphora vomitoria L. We tested the EOs antibacterial and antifungal properties and the efficacy of an A. sativum EO-charged mist sprayed in the tunnel entryway of a meat processing room to form an olfactive barrier against the entrance of flies. The results showed that the EOs are perceived by female blowfly’ antennae and exert an evident repellent activity against them completely deterring the oviposition for up to 24 h starting from the concentration of 2.5 μL cm−2 EO. The EOs also exhibited toxic activity by both topical application (LD50 from 0.44 to 1.97 μL insect−1) and fumigation (LC50 from 1.76 to 31.52 μL L−1) against adults of C. vomitoria and were able to exert a clear antimicrobial activity toward pathogens. Lastly, the EO-charged mist was able to reduce by about 40% the presence of Calliphoridae in the meat processing room of a dry-ham factory.
First Record of the Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema litorale (Filipjev) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Its Symbiotic Bacterium from Turkey, and Its Efficacy Capability
Authors: Özdemir Esengül , Bayram Şerife , Susurluk İ. Alper
Published: February 2020

The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema litorale was isolated from Çamkoru Nature Park located in Ankara, Turkey, in September 2018. Steinernema litorale was recovered in 1 of 67 soil samples from a natural forest area; the soil was characterised as sandy loam. The isolated nematode S. litorale was identified based on morphological and molecular parameters. The symbiotic bacterium of S. litorale was determined as Xenorhabdus bovienii. Steinernema litorale was found for the first time in Turkey and the Middle East. The virulence of the isolate was tested on Galleria mellonella larvae. Different concentrations of the nematode (10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 infective juveniles (IJs/larvae) were used. While the LC50 values at 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h were 153.419, 51.005, and 15.439 IJs, respectively, and the LT50 values at 75 IJs and 100 IJs showed that this isolate is capable to control insect larvae within 50.083 and 36.266 h, respectively.
Decolonising Conservation Policy: How Colonial Land and Conservation Ideologies Persist and Perpetuate Indigenous Injustices at the Expense of the Environment
Authors: Domínguez Lara , Luoma Colin
Published: February 2020

The livelihoods of indigenous peoples, custodians of the world’s forests since time immemorial, were eroded as colonial powers claimed de jure control over their ancestral lands. The continuation of European land regimes in Africa and Asia meant that the withdrawal of colonial powers did not bring about a return to customary land tenure. Further, the growth in environmentalism has been interpreted by some as entailing conservation ahead of people. While this may be justifiable in view of devastating anthropocentric breaching of planetary boundaries, continued support for “fortress” style conservation inflicts real harm on indigenous communities and overlooks sustainable solutions to deepening climate crises. In reflecting on this issue from the perspective of colonial land tenure systems, this article highlights how ideas—the importance of individualised land ownership, cultivation, and fortress conservation—are intellectually flawed. Prevailing conservation policies, made possible by global non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and statutory donors, continue to harm indigenous peoples and their traditional territories. Drawing from the authors’ experience representing the Batwa (DRC), the Ogiek and Endorois (Kenya) and Adivasis (India) in international litigation, this paper examines the human and environmental costs associated with modern conservation approaches through this colonial lens. This article concludes by reflecting on approaches that respect environmental and human rights.
Whole Genome Sequence of Dermacoccus abyssi MT1.1 Isolated from the Challenger Deep of the Mariana Trench Reveals Phenazine Biosynthesis Locus and Environmental Adaptation Factors
Authors: Abdel-Mageed Wael M. , Juhasz Bertalan , Lehri Burhan , Alqahtani Ali S. , Nouioui Imen , Pech-Puch Dawrin , Tabudravu Jioji N. , Goodfellow Michael , Rodríguez Jaime , Jaspars Marcel , Karlyshev Andrey V.
Published: February 2020

Dermacoccus abyssi strain MT1.1T is a piezotolerant actinobacterium that was isolated from Mariana Trench sediment collected at a depth of 10898 m. The organism was found to produce ten dermacozines (A‒J) that belonged to a new phenazine family and which displayed various biological activities such as radical scavenging and cytotoxicity. Here, we report on the isolation and identification of a new dermacozine compound, dermacozine M, the chemical structure of which was determined using 1D and 2D-NMR, and high resolution MS. A whole genome sequence of the strain contained six secondary metabolite-biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), including one responsible for the biosynthesis of a family of phenazine compounds. A pathway leading to the biosynthesis of dermacozines is proposed. Bioinformatic analyses of key stress-related genes provide an insight into how the organism adapted to the environmental conditions that prevail in the deep-sea.
Design, Synthesis, and Antimicrobial Activities of 1,2,3-Triazole Glycoside Clickamers
Authors: El Malah Tamer , Nour Hany F. , Satti Amira A. E. , Hemdan Bahaa A. , El-Sayed Wael A.
Published: February 2020

Bacterial resistance remains a significant threat and a leading cause of death worldwide, despite massive attempts to control infections. In an effort to develop biologically active antibacterial and antifungal agents, six novel aryl-substituted-1,2,3-triazoles linked to carbohydrate units were synthesized through the Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition CuAAC of substituted-arylazides with a selection of alkyne-functionalized sugars. The chemical structures of the new derivatives were verified using different spectroscopic techniques. The novel clicked 1,2,3-triazoles were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the obtained results were compared with the activity of the reference antibiotic “Ampicillin”. Likewise, in vitro antifungal activity of the new 1,2,3-triazoles was investigated against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger using “Nystatin” as a reference drug. The results of the biological evaluation pointed out that Staphylococcus aureus was more susceptible to all of the tested compounds than other examined microbes. In addition, some tested compounds exhibited promising antifungal activity.
Listeria Monocytogenes Biofilm Removal Using Different Commercial Cleaning Agents
Authors: Fagerlund Annette , Heir Even , Møretrø Trond , Langsrud Solveig
Published: February 2020

Effective cleaning and disinfection (C&D) is pivotal for the control of Listeria monocytogenes in food processing environments. Bacteria in biofilms are protected from biocidal action, and effective strategies for the prevention and removal of biofilms are needed. In this study, different C&D biofilm control strategies on pre-formed L. monocytogenes biofilms on a conveyor belt material were evaluated and compared to the effect of a conventional chlorinated, alkaline cleaner (agent A). Bacterial reductions up to 1.8 log were obtained in biofilms exposed to daily C&D cycles with normal user concentrations of alkaline, acidic, or enzymatic cleaning agents, followed by disinfection using peracetic acid. No significant differences in bactericidal effects between the treatments were observed. Seven-day-old biofilms were more tolerant to C&D than four-day-old biofilms. Attempts to optimize biofilm eradication protocols for four alkaline, two acidic, and one enzymatic cleaning agent, in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations, were evaluated. Increased concentrations, the number of subsequent treatments, the exposure times, and the temperatures of the C&D agents provided between 4.0 and >5.5 log reductions in colony forming units (CFU) for seven-day-old L. monocytogenes biofilms. Enhanced protocols of conventional and enzymatic C&D protocols have the potential for improved biofilm control, although further optimizations and evaluations are needed.
Biological Activity Profiles of Multitarget Ligands from X-ray Structures
Authors: Feldmann Christian , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: February 2020

In pharmaceutical research, compounds with multitarget activity receive increasing attention. Such promiscuous chemical entities are prime candidates for polypharmacology, but also prone to causing undesired side effects. In addition, understanding the molecular basis and magnitude of multitarget activity is a stimulating topic for exploratory research. Computationally, compound promiscuity can be estimated through large-scale analysis of activity data. To these ends, it is critically important to take data confidence criteria and data consistency across different sources into consideration. Especially the consistency aspect has thus far only been little investigated. Therefore, we have systematically determined activity annotations and profiles of known multitarget ligands (MTLs) on the basis of activity data from different sources. All MTLs used were confirmed by X-ray crystallography of complexes with multiple targets. One of the key questions underlying our analysis has been how MTLs act in biological screens. The results of our analysis revealed significant variations of MTL activity profiles originating from different data sources. Such variations must be carefully considered in promiscuity analysis. Our study raises awareness of these issues and provides guidance for large-scale activity data analysis.
Bioorthogonal Labeling Reveals Different Expression of Glycans in Mouse Hippocampal Neuron Cultures during Their Development
Authors: Soares da Costa Diana , Sousa João C. , Dá Mesquita Sandro , Petkova-Yankova Nevena I. , Marques Fernanda , Reis Rui L. , Sousa Nuno , Pashkuleva Iva
Published: February 2020

The expression of different glycans at the cell surface dictates cell interactions with their environment and other cells, being crucial for the cell fate. The development of the central nervous system is associated with tremendous changes in the cell glycome that is tightly regulated. Herein, we have employed bioorthogonal Cu-free click chemistry to image temporal distribution of different glycans in live mouse hippocampal neurons during their maturation in vitro. We show development-dependent glycan patterns with increased fucose and decreased mannose expression at the end of the maturation process. We also demonstrate that this approach is biocompatible and does not affect glycan transport although it relies on an administration of modified glycans. The applicability of this strategy to tissue sections unlocks new opportunities to study the glycan dynamics under more complex physiological conditions.